Heliana

Understood by theologists as an aspect of the same god as Aeli, Heliana is known as the goddess of the sun, light, and healing. Because of political and cultural differences, the church of Aeli and the church of Heliana are often found at odds against one another despite the fact that they ostensibly worship the same deity.   Heliana is most commonly worshipped in Mercavene and also has major sects in Osir.    

Description

Heliana is most often depicted as a young woman with golden hair and flaming wings. She is usually shown wearing golden armor and brandishing a morningstar mace.  

Church

Unlike the church of Aeli, the Heliana's clergy are organized into a fairly strict hierarchy.  

Clerical Hierarchy

The head of the church is known as the Sunmother. The position is a lifetime appointment and is the de-facto representative of the church. Below the Sunmother are the Archbishops, the precise number of which is variable, but generally there are about 8, each presiding over a large region. Each region is further separated into smaller dioceses that are overseen by Bishops. Each diocese is then further subdivided into individual parishes that are each administered by a priest or priestess.  

The Sunmother

The head of Heliana's church, the Sunmother has ultimate authority over individuals' positions within the church and is considered the final authority on the church's political views. She resides in the Everlight Basilica in Cermaes, which is also considered the headquarters for the church.   All clergy appointments are made by the Sunmother. For smaller positions, such as priests and priestesses, this is more of a symbolic proceedure. For higher positions, such as Bishops and Archbishops, the Sunmother will personally bless and bestow the individual with their new office.   After the death or resignation of a sitting Sunmother, the Archbishops gather at Everlight Basilica for a ritual vigil and to elect a new Sunmother from their ranks.  

Monastic Orders

There are a couple of monastic orders dedicated to the worship of Heliana located in Mercavene. Within le Forêt du Fer is the Ferrite Monastery, and atop le Monts Pâle is the Candida Abbey. Members of both orders dedicate their lives to contemplation of Heliana's domains, and are well known as exceptional healers.  

Military Orders

The first order of paladins dedicated to Heliana was established in 1374 as the Cesarican empire expanded over the Dragon's Spine mountain range and towards Mercavene. The Order of the Dawnknights was established as a force to safeguard the holy relics of Heliana that were threatened by the empire's continual expansion.