Alophia (Goddess)

Element: Lightning
Domains: Wisdom, Philosophy, Knowledge, War Strategy and Tactics
Cleric Domain: Knowledge Domain
Material: Paper is most beloved of Alophia in the south, for it is upon paper Her teachings are most often passed on. Avosa Tevosa replaces this offering with a traditional pouring of (alcoholic) spirits onto the ground or altar. Of course in Carinthia where the Gray Lady is depicted more martially, steel is the preferred metal--the Holy Book in the Carinthia Church is said to have been inscribed upon sheets of thin steel, no doubt a legend inflated over the years.

Summary

Alophia is an elven goddess of Wisdom, Philosophy, and Strategy--particularly those of war. Often depicted as a stern and observant woman, tall and broad of shoulder, She sees with clarity into the hearts of mortals. Her associations with War and Wisdom make her popular amongst both scholars and warriors alike, particularly the officers that decide and implement tactics in combat. Her wit and spear both are said to strike as quickly and mercilessly as the Lightning She counts as part of Her heraldry, and indeed those possessing sudden insight are often said to have been stricken by the Gray Lady's blessing in the same way lightning might strike the rod.

Cultural Reception

The northlands of Carinthia devote the focus of their worship on the Gray Lady through the Church--even to the exclusion of the other Gods and Goddesses of Aspiria. Their interpretation takes on a more martial bent than the southern worship tends to, and their prayers and invocations are filtered through the Seven Saints of Alophia. Few raised outside of Carinthia's insular culture even know of these Saints, but their legend is essential for the frozen elves of the north.
In Aqualonde She is given fair worship of course but as an equal among greats and with a gentler mien than northern reaches. Emphasis is placed more on Her wit and wisdom rather than the Spear of course. The Druids who keep the lands and relations with the elements spend their worship not just on Demeria's shrines but practice Alophia's will as well, for they keep histories and traditions rare outside of Shurevaire's
The pirate lords of Avosa Tevosa would not say they neglect the worship of the Gray Lady; who would be so foolish as to offend any of the Divine? When one accounts for the priorities of the Sailing City one might mistake the lack of libraries for dismissal of Her domain. In truth the climate is too humid, too hot for ready storage of books; Her domain is passed through oral tradition, particularly by the bards that bring news and stories from their travels to the ports.
Tarwa'kem of course welcomes Her wisdom and guidance, and their cultural emphasis on cleverness means that She will always find tithes in Her shrines. The great land of merchants does not venerate knowledge for knowledge's sake however, only what can be used to garner an advantage in their neverending climb for greatness.

In Art

Artistic depictions of Alophia often portray a stern elven woman gray of eye and broad of shoulder. She carries a spear of graceful length and a heavy book bound in metal, metaphorical symbols long since synechdochal for Her influences ('By the Book' or 'At Spear's length' being saying popularized by Her worshippers).
It is an especially northern touch to have Alophia dressed for war, and while the fervency of Her worship is most concentrated in Carinthia, southern practice finds a gentler view of the Goddess. Wearing robes of gray and carrying a map and staff Her worshippers emphasize more the aspects of Her wisdom and cleverness than the more martial influences.

Wisdom's Spear: An Homage to Alophia's Piercing Clarity by Emilie Bellefeulle

"In the depths of knowledge and the brilliance of thought, Alophia's divine light illuminates the minds of the wise and guides the seekers of truth."