Chereads / DIWATA / Glossary

Glossary

The Heavenly Courts:

Arawni (ah-rao-nee)

This is the Sun Court of the god Apolaki. The court is feared for its strong, formidable and well-equipped soldiers, and military prowess. Its entry gates are based in the Philippines, on the foothills of Mount Makiling in Laguna. Known for its structure, Arawni leads a disciplined societal life: hierarchy is well-respected, traditions are honored, and words of the Sun God are final.

Buwan (boo-wan)

This is the Moon Court of the god Mayari. Pacifists by nature, its Elders are highly regarded for their wisdom and historical knowledge. Buwan's entry gates are based in Japan, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, near Mount Fuji. Impartial to any side or agenda, it has been five centuries since Buwan has explicitly supported a cause.

Luhantubi (loo-han-too-bee)

This is the Evergreen Court of Abina. Its naval fleet are masters of both earth and water elements, fully in control of both land and sea creatures. The gates to Luhantubi are based in underwater, in Spirit Lake, right alongside Mount St. Helens in Washington State. The Evergreen Court is known for its happy-go-lucky lifestyle, often regarded as the most relaxed and optimistic of the Heavenly Courts.

Kasman (kahs-man)

This is the Death Court of Sitan. The court is ruled by Sitan, but overseen by his four agents: Erina, the source of maladies, the court's guardian of souls, Kulu the god of night, and Annika the shapeshifter. There are seven gates to Kasman, one in every continent, however its location changes intermittently. Those with a cursed after-life or divinely sentenced are sent on a one-way passage in the shadow depths of hell.

 

The Heavenly Gods:

Apolaki (ah-poh-lah-kee)

Apol, in short, is the God of Sun and War. He rules over Arawni and is tasked with maintaining the cosmic order. 

Mayari (mah-yah-ree)

Mayari is Apol's sister and is the Moon Goddess. In addition to overseeing her home court, Buwan, she also aids humans in the mortal realm as an advisor to some governmental bodies.

Abina (ah-bee-nah)

Though known as the Goddess of Wind and Rain, Abina in fact controls earth elements as well. She rules over Luhantubi and, as she is regarded the kindest of the Heavenly Gods, spends most of her time answering the prayers of mortal worshippers.

Sitan (see-tan)

Sitan holds the title of God of Souls and Death, ruling over Kasman. Though rude and intrusive in nature, he is not as malevolent as widely portrayed. His power over death is immense, the contrary of his brother, Bathala. 

Bathala (bat-ha-lah)

Brother to Sitan, Bathala is the Cardinal of Life and presides over all the living gods, goddesses, mortals, and immortals. Though he has been known to meddle with affairs of mortals, he vastly leaves the Heavenly Courts to themselves, whatever conflict may arise.