The descendants of the legendary golden realm, who chose to find new homes among the mountains and forests after abandoning their ancient civilization. The only thing they never forsook was their faith in the "Moon Goddess."
The Frostmoon Scions, also known as Moonchildren,[1] are a tribe indigenous to Nod-Krai composed of followers of the Frost Moon.[2] They worship the Moon Maiden Kuutar, the current Goddess of the Frost Moon who succeeded the late Huurrekuutar.[3][4]
Overview[]
The Frostmoon Scions are the descendants of the golden realm of Hyperborea. During the Hyperborean era, they had ancient and secret rites that relied on kuuvahki.[5] The apostle of Hyperborea, Seutervoinen, taught them various subjects, including how to create Mekhaneikos constructs — devices that could utilize Light Realm Energy. They learned to use and predict lunar tides to power their magic[6][7] and established hymns known as "Runo" as its foundation. Those first incantations are now lost to time, but remain capable of stirring change.[8] Some of the hymns and Runo used in the ancient Hyperborean rites are found in Hymns of the Far North. The book's contents suggest that the Scions revered not only the Frost Moon but also the Heavenly Principles, the Four Shades, Nibelung, Koitar, Seutervoinen, and Saarelainen, as each of them gets a dedicated prayer song and they made sacrifices to honor them.
After the Celestial Nail destroyed Hyperborea, Huurrekuutar guided the survivors to Hiisi Island in Nod-Krai before dying.[9] They found refuge at a pillar created by Xiuhcoatl,[10][11] which came to be known as the Sanctum of the Oathbearer. There, they continued to practice their ancient rites,[10] even though their goddess had died and they received no answer to their prayers.[12] A prophecy emerged in the time that followed, saying that the Moon Goddess would one day return[13] through the Sacred Heir born to the Frostmoon Scions.[14]
Most Mekhaneikos devices were lost after the fall of Hyperborea; the SAMPO's structure survived but its control mechanism was destroyed and impossible to remake with the Scions' technology, while they successfully recreated the Arrow of Terpikeraunas. The SAMPO was sealed away to prevent further wear and tear,[15] but it became a religious symbols in the generations that followed, until it became known as the Sampo Mill, a device that would create endless wealth and foodstuff and bring about Elysium.[14]
Sacred Bloodline[]
The Frostmoon Scions consider the ancient Hyperborean bloodline to be sacred and pure.[14] Members of this blood line possess the following traits:
- Silver blood
- Kuuvahki sensitivity
- Antler crowns, said to be gifted to the Hyperboreans by the Frost Moon at the end of her life[16]
- The ability to communicate with all living things[17]
Maintaining the purity of this bloodline has been a concern for the Frostmoon Scions since the fall of Hyperborea. The Sacred Heir Project, as it was known, was a long-term plan to maintain the Frostmoon Scions' bloodline purity to one day bear the prophesied Sacred Heir who would revive Hyperborea. The Hyperborean era Seed of Life Project was used as a basis for the Sacred Heir Project, but it used Tekhneikos processes to perform genetic modification on both humans and Snowland Fae, which became impossible after Hyperborea fell. As a result, the Sacred Heir Project used eugenics and strict control of family trees to achieve a similar result.[15]
The Sacred Heir Project was meant to be phased out starting in the seventh generation to avoid inbreeding depression.[15] However, successive Frostmoon Scion Priestesses began placing greater emphasis on bearing the Sacred Heir, thereby elevating the importance of bloodline purity.[14]
Two Frostmoon Scions of unusual bloodline purity are currently known: Reed Miller's Mother, and Lauma in the present day. Reed Miller's Mother was a product of the Sacred Heir Project, and was chosen to bear the Sacred Heir 500 years ago, but the project was abandoned after her death;[18] Lauma was born with unusually high sensitivity said to only happen once per century.[19] Additionally, Reed Miller was born when his mother eloped with a Snezhnayan soldier;[20] however, he is not considered the Sacred Heir by the Frostmoon Scions,[11][18] and it is unclear whether he had any of the sacred bloodline's traits.
History[]
Around 500 Years Ago[]
Lovia, the last Archpriestess of the Frostmoon Scions, lived around 500 years ago. She was especially eager for the Sacred Heir to be received, as the power of kuuvahki was dwindling away and the ancient rites were beginning to lose their power.[5] During her tenure, a Maiden with exceptionally pure sacred blood was prophesied to bear the long-awaited Sacred Heir. However, she fell in love with a Snezhnayan officer and eloped with him, eventually giving birth to Reed Miller.[20] Lovia asked Rotwang, the Belyi Tsar's closest confidant and a Khaenri'ahn exile, to find her and return her to the Frostmoon Scions. The officer was killed in the ensuing struggle, and Reed Miller's mother took her own life as well.[5][18]
Having anticipated this outcome, Lovia found twin girls, Alia and Aila, from a lesser branch of the bloodline and raised them in isolation, intending for one of them to bear the Sacred Heir instead. While their bloodline was not nearly as pure as the Maiden's, Lovia concocted a plan to raise their purity by having them murder other Frostmoon Scions and drink their blood.[18][21] This went on for some number of years until Alia left Hiisi Island;[22] while the circumstances are unclear, Aila mentions that Alia was "abducted" by the Maiden's son,[11] who was presumably born out of her affair with the Snezhnayan officer. From then on, however, Aila became the sole focus of Lovia's obsessions,[22] which bred resentment in her.[23]
Around the time Reed Miller's mother committed suicide, Lovia had also written to Rotwang about searching for the whereabouts of the Sampo Mill, believing its blessings would create an Elysium of enduring prosperity for the people of Nod-Krai.[24] It is unclear whether they ever found it.
At some point, Solovei came to Hiisi Island. Aila had already foreseen that he would become the hero of Elysium, and became his benefactor. Alia also became his "closest companion" with the intent of putting a stop to Rotwang's schemes. However, Solovei and Lovia greatly disliked each other; Solovei called her a "witch" after her death,[10] while Lovia called him a "treacherous murderer" to Aila and urged her to kill him. Having been advised by Solovei that Lovia was lying to her, and resentful of all the murders she committed for the Sacred Heir Project, Aila took Solovei's side and killed Lovia instead.[23]
Around this time, Rotwang attempted to open a gate to the Abyss. While Alia ultimately thwarted his plans, it came at the cost of her life.[25] Solovei returned to the Court of the First Edict to discuss his next move with Alia, who was preparing to take over leadership of the Frostmoon Scions. Their conversation was partially recorded by Aila for the sake of the Traveler, whom she believed would one day come to Nod-Krai and kill Rotwang for good. She then sealed the Court of the First Edict with evidence of Lovia's misdeeds and information about the Sacred Heir Project inside, hoping to end the Scions' obsession with Hyperborea and prevent the rise of another Lovia.[10]
As the new leader of the Frostmoon Scions, Aila abolished the Archpriestess position and became the first Moonchanter, intending on reforming their faith.[12] She also abolished the ancient Hyperborean rites[5] and changed many of the hymns recorded in Hymns of the Far North. Following these changes, the Frostmoon Scions began upholding benevolence and faith, while avoiding conflict with outsiders at all costs.[26] Lovia was removed from the historical record, and only followers of the rank of Priestess or higher are allowed to know her name.[5]
At the Pillar of Embla, Solovei and Aila used the Arrow of Terpikeraunas to dispel the Abyssal calamity.[5] Afterwards, she gifted the Arrow to Solovei, who used it to establish the Lightkeepers,[25] which is now based in Piramida.
Birth of Kuutar[]
Aila foresaw and witnessed the birth of Kuutar[11] and offered her the first drop of silver blood using Moonweaver's Dawn.[5] Consequently, the Frostmoon Scions began to worship Kuutar as the successor of the Frost Moon[27] and created the Statues of the New Moon in her likeness throughout Nod-Krai.[28]
Kuutar soon realized that the Frostmoon Scions cared more about having their desires granted than about her as a person. Upon realizing she could no longer answer their prayers, she left and subsequently joined the Fatui, adopting the name "The Damselette" Columbina.
Present Day[]
Some time ago, Lauma realized that the sky of Teyvat is fake and that the Frostmoon Scions were worshipping the wrong moon. She could sense that the remnants of the real Frost Moon lie beyond the False Sky.[29]
A few months ago, after the Fatui pulled down the remnants of the Eternal Moon, Columbina noticed that they, too, only wanted her power. She left them and returned to Hiisi Island. There, she met Lauma, who apologized on her ancestors' behalf and hid Columbina in Silvermoon Hall so she could rest and regain her strength.[29] Since then, the Frostmoon Scions have been under constant threat from the Fatui, who want to claim the Ancient Moon Remnants on Hiisi Island and force them to reveal Columbina's location.[30]
During the events of In the Shadows of Night, Lauma tells her followers the truth after much consideration, allowing many to face the truth of their faith while some of them ended up leaving the Frostmoon Scions for good.
Members[]
The Frostmoon Scions are led by the Moonchanter (formerly Archpriestess). The other followers can hold the ranks of: Priestess (more responsibilities), Acolyte, and Adherent (regular followers). Adherents train to become Acolytes and must pass an exam on hymns and blessings.[31] However, males from the tribe cannot become Acolytes or Priests.[32]
Current[]
- Lauma (Moonchanter)
- Ehrnrooth (Priestess)
- Sarakka (Priestess)
- Rahetar (Priestess)
- Verna (Acolyte)[33]
- Zirnytsia (Acolyte)
- Eveliina (Acolyte)
- Krodo (Adherent)
- Ossian (Adherent)
- Reetta (Adherent)
- Lyylikki (Adherent)
- Kukkia (Adherent)
- Aatso
- Helmi
- Ina
- Kaarina
- Kari
- Kasha
- Kapy
- Kunegunda
- Lauha
- Maciej
- Pekkani
- Vanamo
Former[]
Historical[]
500 Years Ago
- Aila (first Moonchanter)
- Alia
- Reed Miller's Mother
- Lovia (last Archpriestess)
13th Generation After the Fall of Hyperborea
- Saredne (Archpriestess)[14]
Shortly After the Fall of Hyperborea
- Ariapeithea of Massagetae (Senior Executive Mekhaneikos Priestess)[15]
- Spargapiris of Haxathrausa (Acting Archpriestess)[15]
Hyperborean Era
Trivia[]
- The Frostmoon Scions appear to abstain from eating meat and meat-related products, instead enjoying nature's bounty such as fresh spring water, fruits and vegetables.[2]
- Because Frostmoon Scions see kuuvahki as the Moon Goddess' blessing, they consider it a sacred power and consider using them for personal gain — including the use of kuuvahki devices — as blasphemous.[34][35] Verna is attempting to change their views on kuuvahki devices.
- According to popular legends about Reed Miller's life, as seen in The Legends of Reed Miller, Thief Extraordinaire, a fae governor stole the Sampo Mill from the Frostmoon Scions and Reed Miller stole it back, while also "stealing" the heart of a Frostmoon Scion maiden and the governor's daughter. Parts of the tale are corroborated in the item description for Aureate Radiance of the Far-North Scions, but it is currently unclear how accurate these descriptions are.[Note 2]
Gallery[]
_Quest_Still_1.png "The Artist By the Moon's Side (I) Quest Still 1.png (7.94 MB)")
_Quest_Still_2.png "The Artist By the Moon's Side (I) Quest Still 2.png (8.49 MB)")
Other Languages[]
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Frostmoon Scions | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 霜月之子 Shuāngyuè zhī Zǐ | Frostmoon Children |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 霜月之子 Shuāngyuè zhī Zǐ | |
| Japanese | 霜月の子 Sougetsu no Ko | Frostmoon Children |
| Korean | 서리달 아이 Seoridal Ai | Frostmoon Children |
| Spanish | Descendientes Lunaescarcha | Frostmoon Descendants |
| French | Descendants de givrelune | Frostmoon Descendants |
| Russian | Дети Морозной Луны Deti Moroznoy Luny | Frost Moon Children |
| Thai | ลูกหลานจันทราน้ำค้างแข็ง Luk-lan Chanthra Nam-khang-khaeng | Frost Moon Children |
| Vietnamese | Dòng Dõi Sương Nguyệt | Frostmoon Descendants |
| German | Nachkommen des gefrorenen Mondes | Scions of the Frozen Moon |
| Indonesian | Bani Bulan Embun | Dew Moon Children |
| Portuguese | Filhos da Lua Gelada | Children of the Frozen Moon |
| Turkish | Donuk Ayın Çocukları | Children of the Frozen Moon |
| Italian | Discendenti della Luna gelata | Descendants of the Frozen Moon |
Change History[]
Notes[]
- ↑ In the English version of Ancient Volume, Vinda is referred to as a "priest" instead of a "priestess." This appears to be an oversight, given the localization's consistency in translating the Chinese term 祭司 "priest" as "priestess" in texts related to the Frostmoon Scions.
- ↑ Weapon Ascension Material descriptions have varying levels of accuracy to the actual historical events. Mask of the One-Horned and Golden Goblet of the Pristine Sea stand out as examples where the item descriptions were deliberately inaccurate to the true version of events. While the true version of events for Mask of the One-Horned was revealed in the higher-level material, the inaccuracy of Golden Goblet's description was not revealed until six versions after the item's release.
References[]
- ↑ Artifact, Long Night's Oath: Lightkeeper's Pledge
Thus were the Moonchildren, hidden in their mountain forests, scattered, sisters driven by fate down divergent paths. - ↑ 2.0 2.1 HoYoLab: The Mirrored Moon Fractures in the Water
- ↑ Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act II - Elegy of Dust and Lamplight, Part 2: The Dark Side of Memory
- ↑ Book: Hymns of the Far North, Vol. 3
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 NPC Dialogue: Verna
- ↑ Lauma's Character Story: Moon Wheel
- ↑ Forgery Domain Entrance Description: Lost Mooncourt
- ↑ Lauma's Elemental Skill: Runo: Dawnless Rest of Karsikko
- ↑ Artifact, Silken Moon's Serenade: Crystal Tear of the Wanderer
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 World Quest, Polkka Beneath the Moon's Oracle: Echoes of an Unfinished Past
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Interactable, Sanctum of the Oathbearer: Aila's Notes
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Weapon: Nightweaver's Looking Glass
- ↑ Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act I - A Dance of Snowy Tides and Hoarfrost Groves, Part 1: Where the Moon Rises
Lauma: [...] successive generations of Frostmoon Scions have always passed down a prophecy — that one day, the Moon Goddess would return. - ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Interactable, Sanctum of the Oathbearer: Ancient Volume, Page 2
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Interactable, Sanctum of the Oathbearer: Ancient Volume, Page 3
- ↑ Artifact, Silken Moon's Serenade: Holy Crown of the Believer
- ↑ Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act I - A Dance of Snowy Tides and Hoarfrost Groves, Part 1: Where the Moon Rises
Lauma: I was indeed. The Frostmoon Scions' bloodline is unique — for throughout our history, there have been many among us who could communicate with all living things. - ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Artifact, Silken Moon's Serenade: Frost Devotee's Delirium
- ↑ Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act I - A Dance of Snowy Tides and Hoarfrost Groves, Part 2: Reunion Beneath the Moonlight
Lauma: They say it's an extraordinarily rare condition... once in a century, if that. I am unusually sensitive to the moonlight, as well as to the kuuvahki's ebb and flow. As a child, I could barely sleep because of it. - ↑ 20.0 20.1 Weapon Ascension Material: Aureate Radiance of the Far-North Scions
- ↑ Artifact, Silken Moon's Serenade: Joyous Glory of the Pure
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Artifact, Silken Moon's Serenade: Pristine Plume of the Blessed
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Weapon: Moonweaver's Dawn
- ↑ Interactable, Sanctum of the Oathbearer: Letter for Lovia
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Interactable, Sanctum of the Oathbearer: Letter for Aila
- ↑ Event: "Song of the Welkin Moon" - Nod-Krai Concept Overview
- ↑ NPC Dialogue: Lyylikki
- ↑ Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act I - A Dance of Snowy Tides and Hoarfrost Groves, Part 1: Where the Moon Rises
Lauma: These statues were made by the Frostmoon Scions who settled here hundreds of years ago, crafted from the very finest Lunasoul Stone. - ↑ 29.0 29.1 Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act I - A Dance of Snowy Tides and Hoarfrost Groves, Part 2: Reunion Beneath the Moonlight
- ↑ Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act I - A Dance of Snowy Tides and Hoarfrost Groves, Part 1: Where the Moon Rises
- ↑ NPC Dialogue: Reetta
- ↑ Archon Quest, Song of the Welkin Moon, Act V - A Nocturne of the Far North, Part 2: Ripples That Will Never Reach
- ↑ NPC Dialogue: Mirsky, Dialogue Set #2
- ↑ Event Clink Clank Clash Quest: Clamor, Part 2: Boong Boong Bwoooom! A Grand Plot!
Asikko: In their doctrine, kuuvahki is a sacred power. They'd consider it blasphemy to treat it as anything but. - ↑ Interactable: Messily-Scribbled Notes (I)
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