In the world of Alvara, the Church of Lumina is the most powerful religious organization—an ancient order that worships the Goddess of Light, Lumina, who is said to be the source of all healing magic.
Though the world respects mages and warriors, it is the Church that defines the moral compass of the land. Their influence stretches from royal courts to the most rural villages, and their teachings shape how society views healers—both with reverence and, at times, fear.
Church Hierarchy and Ranks:
1. The Divine Pontiff/ Pope (Only One)
-The supreme leader of the Church of Lumina. Said to directly commune with the goddess herself.
-Lives in the Holy Capital, Luminaris.
-Can issue decrees that reshape laws in kingdoms allied with the Church.
-Has immense magical power and is rarely seen in public.
2. The High Cardinals (7 in total)
Advisors to the Pontiff, each cardinal governs a major region.
Control large cathedral cities.
Each has their own branch of elite guards and magic scholars.
Some are rumored to be more political than pious.
3. Archbishops
Oversee multiple temples and churches across smaller cities and towns.
Often act as judges in spiritual and magical disputes.
Have access to high-level divine spells.
Highly respected, but also feared for their authority.
4. Bishops
Manage individual cathedrals and major temples.
Responsible for training healers and priests.
May lead small crusades or investigations.
Known to sometimes compete for influence and funding.
5. Priests / Priestesses
The most common rank among clergy.
Offer blessings, conduct rituals, and teach the teachings of Lumina.
Many priests are healers who work with townsfolk or travelers.
Some are assigned to noble families as spiritual advisors.
6. Acolytes / Initiates
Trainees who live under a vow of obedience and chastity until their ordination.
Learn basic divine magic and scripture.
Most healers begin as acolytes before branching out into guilds or military service.
Special Orders within the Church:
The Order of Saint Aelwyn:
An elite group of battle-healers trained to both fight and cure. Their duty is to protect sacred relics and temples.
Inquisitors of Purity:
Secretive and feared. They purge "fake healers," heretics, or those who abuse healing magic. If a healer is suspected of hoarding power or charging excessive prices, the Inquisitors might appear.
The Church's View on Healers
The Church publicly preaches that healing is a sacred gift meant to serve the weak, not exploit them. However, only healers certified by the Church are officially protected under religious law.
Healers outside the church (like Cassian) are considered "Free Healers", and while some see them as kind souls, others see them as unlicensed heretics or unregulated rogues.
This creates tension: Adventurers want cheap healing, but church healers cost a fortune. Meanwhile, the church fears healers like Cassian who might undermine their monopoly on faith-based power.
Cassian's Fate in This System
"If the Church ever finds out about me, I'm either getting dragged into a cathedral for a lifetime of 'service' or burned at the stake for healing without a license…"
— Cassian's inner thoughts after healing his 100th patient..