Illarion

Illarion is the name of the religious order that the Priestesses belong to. Divara is the religion itself. Illarion enforces belief and are also the political rulers of Altierra.

Etymology

From iluminar (to illuminate, from Latin illuminare). Illarion could be seen as “those of the illumination,” i.e. bringers of sacred light. The suffix “ión” is a very common Spanish suffix from Latin -io / -ionis, forming abstract nouns (religión, oración, salvación).

Variants / everyday forms:

Respectful or Semi-formal

• Illaras – the most natural shortening, soft and easy on the tongue. “An Illara came to bless the harvest.”
• Illarinas – diminutive but still respectful, could be used for novices or younger priestesses.
• Illarianas – more poetic, used in songs or ceremony.

Neutral or Colloquial

• Larias – contraction of the middle syllable, what common folk might say in the market.
• Illanas – smoother, easier form; feels natural in peasant speech.
• Irias – very pared down, almost nickname-like.

Reverential / Elevated

• Las Luminas – “The Luminous Ones”, poetic reverence that links back to illumination.
• Las Santas Illaras – “The Holy Illaras”, a formal title.
• Las Voces – “The Voices”, if the people think of them as speaking for Divara.

Disrespectful (used by dissenters or rebels)

• Illas – curt and dismissive.
• Las Lloras – play on llorar (to cry), mocking them as “the weepers”.
• Las Velas – literally “candles”, poking fun at their association with light and ritual.

So you might have: The formal chronicles always say Illarion. Common folk say Illaras or Illanas. Rebels or enemies spit Illas.

The Four Casta

The religious order consists of four casta or castes: