Divara

Divara is the sole religion of Altierra. It was created by Aldonza de Bracamonte soon after the Spanish settlers arrived in Altierra, replacing Christianity. It is observed by almost all of the population and considered high important.

Note: Divara is the belief system of gods and chants; the institution that practises and enforces it is Illarion.

Etymology

The name is a fusion of divina (meaning "divine") and vara (rod or staff, symbolising authority). This name directly implies divine authority and the sacred power held by the Priestesses.

The Pantheon

The pantheon of deities in Divara consists of five gods and goddesses, echoing the five ranks of Priestesses and Handmaidens.

Alturión – the creator

Symbol of Alturión

Alturión is the principle god. He is male and created the universe, but does not involve himself in human affairs. Consequently he receives little worship or prayer.

Symbol: A flame.

Etymology: Alto (high) and creación (creation).

Worship: Rarely directly worshipped. Temples are grand but often empty, more like monuments or observatories.

Festival: La Noche del Origen, a quiet, candle-lit vigil honouring the birth of the world.

Lunara – the mother goddess

Symbol of Lunara

Lunara is feminine and is the next highest ranking. She governs human destiny, worshipped as the matron of the world’s people. She represents spiritual power. She is the goddess of the Priestesses.

Symbol: A crescent moon.

Etymology: “Luna” (moon).

Worship: Daily prayers at dusk. Her temples are ornate, with moonstone and silver.

Festivals:

La Luminaria: A week of night-time feasts and dancing under lanterns.

Velación de la Reina: A yearly vigil where people fast through the night, asking for blessings.

Velessa – the handmaiden

Symbol of Velessa

Velessa is the handmaiden to Lunara. She carries Lunara’s messages, represents devotion, gentleness and quiet power. She is the goddess of the Handmaidens.

Symbol: A candle.

Etymology: Vela (candle or veil) and “gracia” (grace).

Worship: Whispered prayers and offerings of petals, folded paper, or sealed notes. Her shrines are often tucked into corners of larger temples.

Festival: La Caminata de la Rosa — a silent procession at dawn, laying flowers for the forgotten and unspoken.

Solvár – the protector

Symbol of Solvár

Solvár is the protector of the gods. He represents physical strength, honour and courage. He is the god of the Guardia.

Symbol: The sun (a circle with three lines through it).

Etymology: Sol (sun) and valiente (brave).

Festivals:

El Día del Juramento: A public day for oaths of allegiance and honour duels.

Solalto: A midsummer festival with ritual combats and sunlit parades.

Ruvén – the servant

Symbol of Ruvén

Ruvén is the servant to Solvár. He is known for sacrifice and obedience. He is the god to the ordinary population and (unofficially) the Slaves.

Symbol: Two interlocking rings.

Derivation: Rubio (fair-haired) or rugar (to struggle).

Festival: La Marcha de Silencio — people walk barefoot before dawn, in silence, to honour his sacrifices.

The Calcendi

Simple Calcendi

The symbol of Divara is the Calcendi – combining cáliz (chalice) with encendido (lit/kindled/aflame), this name directly evokes the image of the chalice that is actively burning with the divine flame. It represents Alturión creating the universe via a fire in the empty bowl that existed before.

The symbol began as a chalice with flames inside, drawn from the original practice of literally burning a substance inside a chalice. It then simplified so that the present symbol is only barely recognisable as such.

Some depictions of the Calcendi are very elaborate but the Priestesses prefer the simpler versions.

Oaths

When people are swearing or promising, they do so “by Solvár” as he represents honour. Breaking this oath is considered one of the worst things an Altierran can do.

General exclamations include

• “By the Priestess”
• “By the flame” (the flame of Alturión)

Priestesses are more likely to use:

• "In the name of Lunara"
• "Through Lunara"

History

When the Spanish settlers first entered Altierra, they brought their Roman-Catholic Christianity with them. The existing English settlers were Protestants. When Aldonza de Bracamonte became leader, she created Divara to differentiate the Spanish from the English, understanding that people will be more loyal and aggresive when fighting for a religion.

Her forceful personality, virtually a cult leader, enabled her to convert the Spanish to the new belief.