Altrarie

Overview

Worship of Altra

The goddess of, among other things, mercy, healing, and motherhood, Altra is often turned to when injured or facing physical risk. Her primary priesthood, the Theurgists of Altra, are the main providers of medical attention within major cities in Anhara. Every major city features an altrarie, however they are often constructed in wealthier districts. While the poor are still treated by the Theurgists, it is purposefully made difficulty by the city's wealthier classes.

Uses

The goddess of motherhood and the family, Altra is said to have a particular affinity for treating children, especially orphans. All theurgists are taught midwifery, and often travel to those unable to make it to an altrarie within the city. Beyond childcare, the healers treat dangerous illnesses, however they do not handle the mundane colds or aches of everyday life. Those ailments generally fall to local herbalists. That goes for surgeries as well, which are handled by professional doctors.
The duty of a Theurgist is instead focused on helping those with no alternative forms of healing. The very poor, those with chronic illnesses, mothers, and especially to ease the passage of those inevitably dying. Wounded knights are particularly fond of theurgists, as they specialize in wounds given in battle, and altrarie are often full of the injured sons of noble houses.
Besides numerous aspects of healing, Altra is also the goddess of mercy. Those who are facing death by a personal vendetta, common in a hyperpolitical nation like Anhara, often seek sanctuary in altarie, as do those facing execution. Atrarie are traditionally held as inviable sanctuaries, though respect for this norm is dependent upon those pursuing the would-be victim. 

Characteristics

Altraries are large buildings, but highly segmented. There is always a wing for the four major duties of the Theurgist. One for childbirth, another for the dying, a third for those injured in combat, and the final for long-term patients. These are situated around a large central chamber, where patients wait and general healing is done upon large altars. 
Attached to many altrarie is an orphanage. While not one of the core tenets of the Theurgists, Altra's care for children led to it becoming a logical duty of her priesthood. This is where many of the future Theurgists are recruited, thus making orphanages one of the duties about which the Theurgists are most passionate. 
Above each altrarie is a tower, occasionally with their own small Bellows, but always with room for giving sanctuary to those who seek it.

Type

Temple / Church

Owning Organization

Theurgists of Altra