The Cosmos

## Equiis Galaxy

There are five planets that rotate around the Sun within the Equiis Galaxy: Teabrios, Ashborn, Finaqua, Nosmora, and Cantrics. Some speculate the planets are connected to other planar creatures such as deities, demons, and fey. There have been some signs that coincide with the release of such creatures onto Ashborn that point to such, as well as the moons that vanish on certain planets, which seem to possibly act as a sort of lock, if they are tied to the realms.

Various races match up similar constellations and various stories occur from the humans and elves, dependent on culture. Naturally, the elves claim they discovered all constellations above others. Aviehn are also take claim on the meaning of the stars as a whole and have different interpretations of the constellations, even going so far as to ignore certain ones in the sky. Certain constellations brighten more during the full phase of each of the three moons on Ashborn, giving some to believe certain individuals may have stronger personality traits if birthed during those times. These are referred to by a constellation’s name and moon.

## The Sun

As expected, the Sun has only recently been looked at within a telescopic lens and often during sunrise or set. The sun is suspected to be possibly made of fire, though it is only truly apparent that it has a bright glow, capable of warming the planet of Ashborn. Given the general nature of the Sun being based as the center of the universe, it is suspected that the Gods must dwell here. Most religions that follow a god or the sun movement claim some form of afterlife or deity residence with the sun.

## The Planets

### Teabrios

An orange solid planet with molten eruptions that has scattered rock within its orbit. The floating pieces of rock are suspected to have been a whole moon up until a few centuries into the Veil having closed. Some say this is tied with the death of the  first fabled stone sentinel of times past. Teabrios is said to have the right conditions to be mineral-rich and running amuck with wild magic from some events that had been spectated via telescope.

### Ashborn

Ashborn is the only currently known habitable planet, being the second closest planet to the Sun, with three moons in its orbit. The planet was thus named by fabled creation in the ashes of reformation during a war amongst deities. There is much speculation and religious tenet that debate who it was, though Solonarium or some variation of the god is mentioned and has slowly been integrated into multiple religious doctrines by various names.

Ashborn is made up of a single connected known continent. Rumor has it that there were once more pieces to the world, but they have been hidden or fallen away due to cataclysmic events.

Two of the moons remain fully intact while the third appears to have a large crack running through it with a few larger craters that show signs of further deterioration. This third moon is known as the Cambion Moon, the deteriorating side shadowed in more darkness to give it a deep gray coloring than the brighter half. The Cambion moon is often referenced by those who worship the Twin Souls and also referenced as the Khalis moon. The other two were named ‘Alo’ and ‘Ros’ after famous White Thorn astronomers Felaialo and Qiegagoros. Ros is known for its slightly blue ring at its height in the sky, while Alo is known for the orange hue to it. In Tengu culture, Alo is known as the Mother. Ros is often seen as a false moon and an invader, given its lesser frequency of orbit.

### Finaqua

Finaqua is also known as the Planet of the Gods’ Tears. An icy blue smallish planet that sits just outside the Ros moon and suspected to be the cause of its infrequent orbit around Ashborn. This can be seen as a dull blue star in the sky and is speculated to be a very cold and cursed planet. It does seem to collect debris that floats by, growing slowly larger in certain spots. Little else is known about this place, but some speculate that the ice itself is a product of Nil and within the encapsulated ice lay the rest of the demon realms. This is just a rumor at present.

### Nosmora

Nosmora is a verdant Green Gas Giant. Strong telescopes can make out a smaller moon that seems to be made of greenish ice. The gas giant is often the subject of explosive ripples that give off strange light in the night sky. It has been on a few occasions that the smaller icy moon seems to be shrinking. Astronomers hypothesize that the gas explosions are slowly chipping away at the moon and that exceptional ripples of color across the night sky every so often are the result of the impact between the two. This is suspected to house the Otherlands.

### Cantrics

The dark planet. Furthest and seeming to be a massive gray ball. Unsure if the planet is shrouded in mist. Little else is known with current astronomical advances.

## The following constellations are at peak under the **Cambion/Khalis** Moon:

### Blade

Sometimes interpreted as the knife, the handle of this holds the North star in the center of the pommel, made of seven stars. Five in a line with two on either side of the North star. The vast amount of stories for this constellation come from Jazira and their dance of swords. There is a duality seen here between fighters and those that live on the sharper side of the knife. Often this cluster of stars is said to harbor great dealers of suffering and the cut of death. There is a certain cunning associated with the blade and an air of mystery as to which side of the blade one might find themselves on.

* Tengu interpretation for the Blade is strictly applied to raiders or warriors: those blessed by the Blade Stars are seen as the strongest amongst others and tends to specifically only be applied to males.

### Chalice

The chalice sits deep in the southeast of the sky, made up of nine stars. Those under the Chalice moon are seen as lucky and plentiful. It is not uncommon for gamblers who find themselves in the thick of luck to speak of the chalice being plentiful during their winning. Many investors and merchants find themselves utilizing some variation of a goblet within their mercantile emblems and sigils. Those of the chalice moon are often fortunate and do well with coin, including saving and investing in other businesses. Those under the chalice may have no skill associated with them outside of their ability with honeyed tongue and negotiation, they also have a good eye to spot and invest in the exceptionally skilled.

* The Chalice is not associated with any particular Aviehn, nor is it applied to aspects of personality. This is merely a time when the Mother and Father are said to speak to the Tengu about a time for plenty and indulgence. Festivals may be held when the Chalice Stars shine brightest.

### Beast

The Beast is a long chain of ten stars resembling some sort of animal on all fours. Various beastkin interpret it differently, as do shifters. Those under the Beast moon are said to be wild and unpredictable. This is said that those who follow the Beast King are closer to his favor under this moon and a great honor amongst beastkin across the world. For a human, it is not a favorable situation. It is often said those with deep dark and violent streaks are born under a beast moon in what is considered “civil” company. The beast constellation is always brightest under a full moon and it is said those born under the beast moon are hyper-sensitive to superstitious moon theories about lunar madness.

* Tengu mystics reserve this symbol for most slaves that achieve little rank. They equate the Beast Stars as those assigned to do mindless labor, a beast of burden.

### Eye

The Oyari were the first to discover the eye with its seven stars. This was said to be an unpleasant experience as shortly after, a crazed Marked Oyari was said to puncture the neck with the constellation points of other Amazons that were hunted. Nicknamed the ‘Evil Eye’ and drawn along that of the ruins of the Mochitlacatl, those born under the Eye moon are said to be forebearers of bad omens. They are often shunned by those who shun any with Marked capabilities, though there are darker circles that revel in those born under the Eye moon. There is a strong sense of independence and often a more solitary life preferred by those of the Eye.

* Tengu Overseers are seen as those born under the Eye Stars - ever watchful over the slaves that serve the Aviehn. This constellation is about patience, vigilance, and control.

### Wings

Made up of eight stars, the wings were originally described by those completing certain rituals in Saurian societies. A great transformed Saurian is said to have seen the vision of the curl of wings in the sky when he had discovered the correct ritual to reach his ancient brethren, the fabled dragons. Few outside of the Saurians recognize this constellation, most astronomers charting it with the stars of the Crown. As such, those born under the Wing moon also tend to share the characters of the Crown: natural born leaders apt to forge their own path to reach their goals. Those born under the wing moon strive to constantly rise above their status and as such… in recent years with more distinct lines of poverty falling between the sovereign and the common, more humans have begun to view the wings as something entirely different. Many view those born under the new Wing moon to be a symbol of hope for the masses.

* Tengu heavily denied that Saurians ever had anything to do with wings. They claim this constellation as their own and highly representative of the Aviehn as settled in the sky. Many mystics claim the wings as their heritage.

## The following constellations are at peak under the **Alo** Moon:

### Crown

The main variation of this story comes out of the White Thorns, who have speculated as far as to say that each of the seven objects are as cosmic as the fate weighted with each. This is a set of eight stars in a circle just east of the North Star. These stars are sought after when beseeching some god about a new leader or a fresh political system. Those born under the Crown moon are said to be leaders and decisive. They tend to be more headstrong and apt to give direction rather than receive it.

* The Nest is what the tengu call this circle of eight stars - this is representative of female Tengu who attend the household and often share the characteristics of ‘The Crown’ with their decisive nature and direction of a household.

### Hammer

A set of eight stars to the SE of the North Star, the handle being made of three stars with a rectangle of stars at the top of the handle, made up of five additional stars… this was first mapped by the elves. The hammer is a symbol of strength and perseverance. Many warriors and hard laborers beseech the hammer, sword and chisel. Those born under the Hammer moon are said to be sturdy of mind and body. They persevere often in the face of adversity, often knocking down obstacles in their path, rather than adapting to change. They shape the world to their needs.

* The architect often falls under this sign in Tengu culture, given the penchant for hard work. Scouts claim these stars shine brightest for them as well, given all that they must do to climb in rank. The Hammer is representative of determination and hard work.

### Quill

Far to the western sky, lay three bright stars and two clusters of bright tiny stars that make up the quill. Another of the constellations claimed to have been founded by those of White Thorn, the quill is the figurehead for scribes and historians alike. Most could be described as observant and patient. Those who hold the quill make good listeners, though rarely seek out adventure themselves outside of books and writing. Chroniclers is a common nickname for those born under a quill moon.

* Feather Stars are a remembrance for the dead that pass and that which is held dear. The period when these stars shine brightest are often a time where Avienh may spend a day with those close to them to be reminded of all that they have when it could just be a single feather left.

### Tree

While the Caledonii shaman looked up to the stars, they identified four of the constellations that spread swiftly from their realm in relation to their close following of the Cycle. The first was the tree, a northern arch of six stars with four more that come down in two columns from the center. Those under the tree tend to have extensive branching relationships with many. They are seen as pillars of their communities and great nurturers of their tribes. Those under the tree provide much for their community and while they may not always be the leaders, they often take the role of healer or advisor.

* The Stars of Nature are for the Menders of the Tengu and are very similar to that of the Caledonii interpretation.

### Flame

The second the Caledonii identified in the stars was the flame, made up of eight stars in a three pronged flame shape. Those of the flame live passionately, whether in love or anger. Bravery and stubbornness tend to be traits of the flame, who make swift decisions in life based on feeling, as well as renewals. Religious leaders often find themselves born under the Flame moon.

* The Flame constellation is one of passion and desire, being something that shines through often along the Alo moon. The Tengu take these particular times for mating or indulging in favored slaves or lovers.

### Gust

The Gust is a billowing ‘S’ of stars that spans along the southwestern sky, made of about twelve close-knit stars. This is the third of the Caledonii claimed founding in the stars. Those of the gust tend to be mischievous and playful. Many a trickster, hustler, or jester find themselves under this moon. Those of the gust are said to have trouble with boundaries as well, often overly persistent to sometimes fatal means. Many of Carnival and Orudei fall under this symbol with their wandering feet. The Orudei in particular often look to the moon and find when the Gust shines brightest, they take this as a sign to pick up camp and continue a nomad journey.

* The Breeze Stars are representative of the life in the sky that the Aviehn have. Nearly all young Tengu males take these nights under the Breeze stars to prove themselves, believing that they are a good omen for anyone still wandering to find their place in life.

### Compass

The great adventurers and sailors of Salvador take heart in the Compass, which centers directly around the Northstar. This constellation is made of nine stars and is trusted to always guide the great majority of sailors back to its shores. This constellation is said to have been the flag of one of the greatest freebooters in Salvadorian history, said to have run a vast drug cartel and first having used it to identify what sort of blackmarket shipments might be aboard. However it originated, it was adopted by much of the country to be a guiding force and to have those focused on finding what lay in every direction of the known world. Mapmakers, explorers, and sailors alike often find others of the Compass to be adventurous, fearless, and impetuous.

* The Tengu believe many of the same traits come from the Compass, as the Salvadorians. However, they tend to focus heavily on their cartographers during these moons for update maps of land and sky.

## The following constellations are at peak under the Ros Moon:

### Splash

Those who go with the flow, like that of a current or the ever crashing wave upon the short identify with this five starred constellation claimed to have been founded by the Caledonii. This particular constellation is said to have been birthed during some astronomical event where a splay of stars had burst in the sky without explanation. Perhaps the death or birth of some far off sky spirits was the speculation of the shaman who witnessed such an event. It is spoken often that those under this sign are calm and collected and able to adapt well to situations. Rarely are they leaders, but they often make loyal followers.

* The Splash is particularly gruesome in Tengu belief, being an omen of death or tragedy to come. Many Aviehn are a bit more wary and paranoid during nights of the Splash stars.

### Harp

This sign is often seen as one of great and terrible balance. Those born under the Scales moon tend to be fair and often good at mediating those around them. They seek out the most just compromise to most situations, though this can often cause their decision-making to be very slow and leads to a cautious attitude. The scales are a horizontal five stars with three hanging stars from them in the deep south sky. Sometimes this White-Thorn claimed constellation is difficult to make out, perhaps reflective of how difficult it can be to find true balance.

### Chisel

Made of seven stars, three in a vertical row with branching two star connections, this is found directly north of the North star. It is said that the workers of the world often look up for guidance and there is no other constellation that is further North than this one. The chisel is representative of laborers and workers, the craftsmen of the world. These individuals are known to be hard workers and skilled learners. They adapt well and are said to be quick learners, but do not often take the lead on items. Few born under the chisel moon are inventors, but many are innovators.

Essay on The Known Galaxy and Stars of Ashborn; Vasquez, Alberto, 3020 AE.

Alberto was gracious enough to donate this to the Lexicon Archives. He currently has returned to his family in Salvador after a long and unexpected tenure amongst the Tengu.

## Lore Contribution

* **Credit for Lore Contribution:** Solacious