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Valaya, Ancestor Goddess of Home and Healing
Valaya Ancestor Head
Wife and sister of both Grungni and Grimnir, Valaya is the goddess of the hearth, healing, and brewing; the founder of many Dwarfholds (including Karaz-a-Karak and Karak Eight Peaks) and the protector of the Dwarf race.
She is also credited with establishing the Dwarf culture and inventing their runic script. When Grungni prophesied the coming of Chaos, Valaya devised a special rune to protect the Dwarfs and their underground shelters from the hostile magic inherent in the warp matter.
Valaya is depicted as the archetypal Dwarf woman with long, braided hair reaching down to her
feet. She is normally shown wearing chain mail over a purple gown, and carrying a rune-axe named Kradskonti (“Peacegiver”).
Symbols
A shield with the runic representation of “Ancestor Queen” (Gromthi Rinn) is the symbol most often associated with the cult of Valaya. Other symbols include a sheaf of hops and a stylised hearth. Valaya’s priests wear purple robes trimmed in gold, and a round medallion of gold or silver inlaid with an amethyst about their neck. The cult runes of Valaya are usually inscribed upon the
gemstone.
Strictures
All of Valaya’s priesthood must abide by the following strictures:
1. Always provide aid to a wounded or ailing Dwarf.
2. Always assist a Dwarf-friend in need.
3. Always attend to the needs of the young.
4. Always protect fellow Dwarfs from harm, especially at the hands of a Dwarf enemy.
5. Never allow Dwarf ale to fall in the hands of enemies, unless to do so saves Dwarf lives.
6. Never knowingly sell or otherwise distribute spoiled ale.
Holy Sites
All Dwarfholds have temples to Valaya, usually located close to the Queen’s chambers. The largest temple is located in Karaz-a-Karak. Statues of the Ancestor Goddess flank an altar where offerings are made. The statue on the left shows Valaya’s peaceful aspect: un-armoured, with a healthy infant in one arm and a tankard of ale in the free hand. The other statue shows her as protector of her children: clad in a mail coat and helmet with a shield held before her and her axe raised. Frescoes on the walls depict scenes from Dwarf life.
Shrines to Valaya are located in domiciles and breweries in every Dwarf settlement. These are maintained by residents, rather than any clergy.
Holy Days
The major holy days of Valaya occur on the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. These days roughly correspond to the planting and harvesting of crops essential to ale production.
She is also credited with establishing the Dwarf culture and inventing their runic script. When Grungni prophesied the coming of Chaos, Valaya devised a special rune to protect the Dwarfs and their underground shelters from the hostile magic inherent in the warp matter.
Valaya is depicted as the archetypal Dwarf woman with long, braided hair reaching down to her
feet. She is normally shown wearing chain mail over a purple gown, and carrying a rune-axe named Kradskonti (“Peacegiver”).
Symbols
A shield with the runic representation of “Ancestor Queen” (Gromthi Rinn) is the symbol most often associated with the cult of Valaya. Other symbols include a sheaf of hops and a stylised hearth. Valaya’s priests wear purple robes trimmed in gold, and a round medallion of gold or silver inlaid with an amethyst about their neck. The cult runes of Valaya are usually inscribed upon the
gemstone.
Strictures
All of Valaya’s priesthood must abide by the following strictures:
1. Always provide aid to a wounded or ailing Dwarf.
2. Always assist a Dwarf-friend in need.
3. Always attend to the needs of the young.
4. Always protect fellow Dwarfs from harm, especially at the hands of a Dwarf enemy.
5. Never allow Dwarf ale to fall in the hands of enemies, unless to do so saves Dwarf lives.
6. Never knowingly sell or otherwise distribute spoiled ale.
Holy Sites
All Dwarfholds have temples to Valaya, usually located close to the Queen’s chambers. The largest temple is located in Karaz-a-Karak. Statues of the Ancestor Goddess flank an altar where offerings are made. The statue on the left shows Valaya’s peaceful aspect: un-armoured, with a healthy infant in one arm and a tankard of ale in the free hand. The other statue shows her as protector of her children: clad in a mail coat and helmet with a shield held before her and her axe raised. Frescoes on the walls depict scenes from Dwarf life.
Shrines to Valaya are located in domiciles and breweries in every Dwarf settlement. These are maintained by residents, rather than any clergy.
Holy Days
The major holy days of Valaya occur on the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. These days roughly correspond to the planting and harvesting of crops essential to ale production.