Piatra, Mother Of Stone

"Piatra’s heart is the mountain, her breath the deep caves, her voice the rumble of the earth. To know her is to know the foundation of the world."

— Dunrik Orefast, Founder of The Council of Stonemasons

Piatra, revered as The Mother Of Stone, is a majestic and powerful goddess of stone, earth, and creation in Domen Aria. She is revered as the creator of the dwarven race, their divine architect and protector. She embodies the essence of stone and earth, mirroring the enduring and resilient spirit of both the mountains and the dwarves she crafted from their heart.
Legend says that Piatra sculpted the first dwarves from the deepest granite, infusing them with her divine essence. This act not only gave birth to the dwarves but also bound them eternally to the stone from which they came, making them natural miners and stonecrafters.
Craftsmen, miners, and builders worship Piatra, seeking her guidance in their endeavors and her blessings for strength and stability. Piatra’s followers honor her through magnificent stone temples carved into the hearts of mountains and celebrate her virtues in festivals that emphasize craftsmanship, community, and the sacred bond between the planet and its denizens. Her divine symbols, including the mountain peak, hammer and chisel, and interlocking stones, reflect her fundamental aspects of permanence, creation, and interconnected support.
Widely known for her unyielding nature and her deep connection to the subterranean realms, Piatra’s teachings not only inspire her worshippers in their daily crafts but also instill in them a profound respect for the natural world, promoting practices that ensure the sustainability of the earth’s resources. As the Mother Of Stone, Piatra’s presence is as constant as the stone underfoot, her influence woven deeply into the fabric of dwarven society and culture.

Realm

Piatra, resides in a divine realm known as The Stony Sanctum. This realm is a vast, interconnected series of caverns, grottoes, and endless mountain ranges, all sculpted from various types of stone and minerals. It mirrors the deepest and most majestic aspects of the subterranean world of Domen Aria, yet transcends it with its divine nature.
The Stony Sanctum is characterized by its everlasting stability and order. The mountains here are taller and more formidable than any in the mortal realm, with peaks that seem to scrape the very heavens. The caverns are adorned with natural crystal formations that emit a soft, ethereal glow, illuminating the realm in a spectrum of sparkling colors.
In this divine domain, Piatra holds court over her creations and the spirits of stone. She shapes the landscapes with her Hammer of Creation, constantly crafting and maintaining the balance between growth and erosion, which symbolizes the eternal cycle of building and decay found in nature. The realm is also home to elemental beings of earth and stone, who serve Piatra and act as her agents in both her divine realm and the mortal world.
The Stony Sanctum is not isolated, it connects to other divine realms and even to the mortal world through mystical and seismic events, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and the discovery of rare and powerful minerals. These events are considered signs of Piatra's will and influence extending into Domen Aria, guiding and impacting the lives of her followers and the natural world.

Divine Domains

As the Mother Of Stone, Piatra holds sway over a variety of domains that reflect her nature and the aspects of the world she governs. Here are the major and minor domains under her influence.
Major Domains:
Stone and Earth: Piatra is the supreme deity of stone and earth, governing all aspects of the subterranean and mineral realms. Her influence is seen in the formations of mountains, the stability of the land, and the myriad varieties of stone and minerals that make up the world.
Resilience: Reflecting the enduring nature of stone, Piatra embodies the qualities of endurance, perseverance, and steadfastness. She grants her followers the strength to withstand adversity, making her a patron for those who face significant challenges, whether physical, mental, or spiritual.
Creation and Crafting: Piatra is revered as a goddess of creation, particularly in the context of stonecraft and metalwork. Artisans, sculptors, and builders look to her for inspiration and blessing in their crafts, making her a central figure in any work that involves shaping the physical world.
Minor Domains:
Mountains: While the broader aspect of stone and earth falls under her major domain, Piatra also specifically governs mountains, protecting these landscapes and influencing their formations and the life forms that inhabit them.
Mineral Wealth: Piatra controls the distribution and abundance of minerals and precious stones. Her blessings can lead to the discovery of rich veins of ore or the unearthing of rare gems, which are often interpreted by her followers as signs of her favor.
Architectural Integrity: A lesser known aspect of her divine influence includes the stability and safety of structures. Engineers and architects seek her guidance to ensure their buildings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound, particularly in regions prone to earthquakes or other geological disturbances.
Seismic Activity: Piatra has a subtle but important influence over seismic activities, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These events are often seen as expressions of her displeasure or adjustments in her domain, reminding her followers of her power and the need to respect the earth.
Protection of Buried Things: This minor domain includes the safeguarding of things placed within the planet, such as buried treasure, hidden artifacts, and even the deceased. This aspect makes her a guardian of secrets and histories kept safe within the stone.

Religious Artifacts:

The Hammer Of Creation: Crafted by Piatra herself at the dawning of the world, before time was recorded. This legendary hammer is said to be the tool with which Piatra sculpted the mountains and valleys of Domen Aria. It is a massive hammer made of a single piece of diamond-hard stone, with veins of various ores running through it, symbolizing the unity of all elements within the earth. The Hammer of Creation is capable of causing or calming seismic activities and is a symbol of ultimate craftsmanship and creation.
The Stonewarden’s Shield: Forged by the dwarven blacksmith, Thormak Lifeshield. Crafted from the deepest bedrock, infused with ores mined during a blessed celestial event, this shield offers unmatched protection. It is rumored to be unbreakable, able to absorb the impact of any blow and protect its bearer from harm. The shield’s surface is intricately carved with depictions of Piatra’s great deeds and her divine visage.
The Necklace Of Pebbled Path: Crafted by the dwarven priestess and jeweler, Alva Gemfinder. This necklace is made from a series of perfectly round stones, each imbued with a fragment of Piatra’s essence. It guides the wearer through the safest paths underground, making it invaluable for miners and explorers. The stones glow softly when danger is near, providing both light and warning in the deep places of the earth.
The Gavel Of The Bedrock Court: Created by The Order of the Enduring Mountain. It is used by the highest judges in the dwarven courts, this ceremonial gavel is carved from an ancient, petrified wood core, surrounded by a layer of the hardest granite. It symbolizes the enduring justice and unyielding fairness that Piatra instills in her followers, and it is said to have the power to bring truth to light, making it impossible for a liar to speak falsehoods in its presence.
The Circlet Of The Mountain's Crown: Fashioned by the famed sculptress, Halda Stonecarver. This circlet is worn by the high priest or priestess of Piatra’s temples. It is crafted from silver and set with a large, central sapphire surrounded by smaller stones representing the mineral wealth of the mountains. The circlet enhances the wearer's ability to communicate with and influence earth elementals and grants visions of the earth’s past and future formations.
The Vestments Of The Stony Veil: produced by The Granite Circle. These ceremonial robes are woven from threads of gold and silver, interlaced with finely powdered diamond dust. The vestments are believed to provide divine protection and enhance the wearer's connection to the earth, allowing them to feel the subtle shifts and whispers within the stone. They are typically worn during high rituals and when communing directly with Piatra or seeking her guidance in matters of great importance.
The Chisel Of Eternal Carving: Crafted by master carver and cleric of Piatra, Bronn Rockshaper. This chisel is said to never dull and can carve any known material with ease. Rockshaper claimed it was gifted to him in a vision by Piatra, to aid in his quest to spread the teachings of stonework and craftsmanship across Domen Aria. The chisel is capable of enchanting the items it helps create, imbuing them with properties such as resilience against wear and enchantments that make structures more resistant to natural disasters.
The Boots Of The Bedrock Walker: Fashioned by The Brotherhood of the Bedrock. Crafted from the hide of a mountain beast and soles made from compacted bedrock, these boots allow the wearer to walk on any stone surface as if it were flat ground, regardless of its orientation. They are highly prized by miners and mountain scouts, providing stability and safety in the most treacherous terrain. Additionally, the boots grant the wearer the ability to withstand extreme pressures, such as those found deep underground.
The Bracelet Of Binding Earth: Constructed by Petra Meldstone of The Granite Circle. This bracelet is made from a series of interlocking stone segments, each carved from a different type of mineral and imbued with earth magic. It grants the wearer control over stone and earth, able to manipulate them with thought alone. The bracelet is particularly powerful in areas rich in mineral deposits, and it can be used to create barriers, weapons, and sculptures with ease.
The Scepter Of Subterranean Command: Created by High Priestess Alva Gemfinder. The scepter is a symbol of authority and divine connection within the deepest temples of Piatra. It is crafted from a rare, naturally occurring alloy of gold and iron, symbolizing the melding of celestial influence and earthly presence. The scepter has the power to summon and command earth elementals and can cause tremors strong enough to alter landscapes or open new passages through solid rock.

"Only in the silence of the stone can the whispers of Piatra be heard, guiding the chisel to free the form within."

— Maran Milkstone, spiritual leader of the Sculptors of the Eternal Form

Holy Books & Codes

The Granitic Codex: Inscribed by the first Council of Stonemasons. This foundational text outlines the principles of stonecraft as a divine art, linking the physical act of stone masonry with spiritual enlightenment. The codex includes detailed diagrams of sacred geometries, instructions for temple construction, and rituals for blessing new mines and quarries. It serves as a manual for Piatra’s followers, emphasizing the sanctity of the earth and the responsibility to use its resources wisely.
Readers of the codex, with a deep understanding and true devotion, may find their skills in masonry and stone carving greatly enhanced, allowing them to work stone as easily as clay, and possibly even imbue their creations with minor protective enchantments, reflecting Piatra's domain over creation and craftsmanship.
The Granitic Codex is preserved within The Grand Archive, a secure vault deep within the largest temple of Piatra in the Sharbon mountain city of Klesar Par. The Council of Stonemasons officially owns and maintains The Granitic Codex, ensuring it is accessible to master craftsmen and guild leaders for reference and ritual use.
The Lithic Verses: Written by Durma Deepcall. The verses are a collection of prayers, hymns, and meditations focusing on the enduring qualities of stone and the virtues of patience and resilience. Each verse is designed to help the reader or reciter find strength in the stability of stone, drawing parallels between geological formations and personal growth. The book is often used in daily worship and personal reflection among Piatra’s devotees.
Regular recitation of the verses may fortify the reciter's mental resilience, granting them a stoic calmness and resistance to mental or emotional manipulation. In times of great stress or danger, the words may also provide a subtle shield against physical harm, embodying the enduring nature of stone.
Copies of The Lithic Verses are found in many temples and homes across Domen Aria. The original manuscript is kept in The Sanctuary of Echoes, a Sharbon cave temple of Molitev Rel, where sound resonates perfectly, believed to enhance the meditative recitation of the verses. The Order of the Enduring Mountain is the custodian of the original manuscript, while many dwarven families own personal copies.
The Miner’s Vow: Penned by Bronn Rockshaper. This text is both a philosophical treatise and a moral guide for miners and craftsmen. It discusses the ethical implications of mining and the spiritual significance of extracting stone and minerals from the earth. The Vow includes pledges to practice sustainable mining, respect the sanctity of the underground, and protect the earth from undue harm, reflecting Piatra’s teachings about balance and reverence for nature.
Those who swear upon The Miner’s Vow and adhere strictly to its principles may be able to sense the optimal places to mine without causing ecological damage, essentially receiving Piatra's blessing to extract mineral wealth while maintaining the balance of nature. This may manifest as a sixth sense about the earth's patterns and weak points.
The main copy of The Miner’s Vow is located in The Hall of Oaths, in the Acero city of Palu Par, a place where new miners and stone workers swear their initial oaths before beginning their careers. The Brotherhood of the Bedrock has stewardship over The Miner’s Vow, overseeing its use during oath ceremonies and ensuring its teachings are upheld in mining communities.
The Chronicles of the Deep Earth: Written by Tarnis Caveclimb, an explorer and follower of Piatra, this book details the discoveries of various caverns, geological formations, and rare minerals beneath Domen Aria. It serves as both a scientific journal and a collection of spiritual revelations encountered in the depths of the earth. The chronicles are revered for their insights into the mysteries of Piatra’s domain and the divine encounters within the stony depths.
Studying this book may enhance the geological and navigational instincts of its readers, making them exceptional at discovering new mineral deposits, underground water sources, or hidden natural caverns. It might also protect them from common underground hazards, such as collapses or toxic gases.
The primary copy of The Chronicles of the Deep Earth is kept within The Deep Library, a repository of geological and exploration knowledge located in the underground Aurum citadel of Badac Del. The Veinwalkers control access to this book, granting permission primarily to those who demonstrate a sincere commitment to exploring and understanding the secrets of the earth.
The Edicts of the Mountain: Ordained by The Conclave of the High Stonemasters. These are a series of laws and guidelines issued by the highest religious authorities of Piatra’s temples. These edicts govern the conduct of her followers, the management of her temples, and the interactions between different sects and communities within her worship. The Edicts of the Mountain stress the importance of communal effort, ethical leadership, and the protection of the stoneworker’s craft as a sacred duty.
Leaders and enforcers of these edicts may find their authority and charisma enhanced, particularly in matters involving disputes or governance within Piatra’s communities. This may also extend to an increased ability to mediate conflicts and foster unity among diverse groups.
The Edicts of the Mountain are located in the Aurum city of Kanun Pall, displayed prominently in The Council Chamber of the High Stonemasters, where important decisions and judicial matters are deliberated. The Conclave of the High Stonemasters, which includes high-ranking priests and community leaders, owns and governs the use of The Edicts of the Mountain.

Tenets of Faith

The followers of Piatra, adhere to a set of tenets that reflect her divine aspects of strength, creation, and the enduring nature of the planet. These tenets guide their actions, beliefs, and the societal structures they build. Here are the fundamental tenets of faith for Piatra’s followers.
Honor the Planet: Followers are expected to show reverence for the physical world, particularly stone and earth, which are seen as sacred manifestations of Piatra’s power. This includes responsible mining, sustainable building practices, and a general respect for natural formations.
Uphold Resilience: As stone endures through ages, so must the followers of Piatra. This tenet emphasizes perseverance in the face of adversity, encouraging believers to emulate the unyielding nature of mountains when confronted with personal or communal challenges.
Celebrate Craftsmanship: Artisanship, particularly in stonecraft and metalwork, is held in high esteem. Followers believe in the sanctity of making things by hand, seeing this as a form of worship and a way to connect with the divine essence of Piatra. Skilled craftsmanship is not only a career but a spiritual calling.
Foster Community: Just as individual stones support one another in an arch or bridge, so too must individuals within a community support each other. Cooperation and mutual support are key, with each member playing a role in the stability and prosperity of their society.
Seek Wisdom in the Depths: The underground, a domain closest to Piatra’s heart, is believed to hold deep wisdom. Exploring caves, delving into mines, and studying geology are all seen as paths to enlightenment. Followers are encouraged to seek out the secrets held by the planet, as these are considered gifts from Piatra.
Protect the Hidden: As the planet conceals its riches beneath layers of rock and soil, followers should protect secrets and knowledge that are meant to be kept hidden. This includes safeguarding sacred sites, concealing ancient wisdom from those who would misuse it, and respecting the privacy and secrets of others.
Maintain Balance: In all things, balance must be maintained between taking from the planet and giving back to it. This is seen in practices such as replanting in areas disturbed by mining, using materials judiciously, and engaging in rituals that bless the land after extracting its resources.

Holidays

The followers of Piatra, celebrate several significant holidays that reflect her domains and teachings. These festivals not only honor her as their deity but also reinforce the communal bonds among her worshippers and their connection to the earth. Here are some key holidays celebrated in her honor:
The Festival Of Stone’s Renewal: Occurring at the start of the spring thaw, this festival marks the end of winter and the softening of the earth, making it easier for mining and building. It celebrates new beginnings and the renewal of the earth, which mirrors the cycle of life and creation that Piatra embodies. Followers gather to share food and drink, exchange stones or minerals as gifts, and participate in communal crafting projects.
The Day of Deep Reflection: Taking place on the longest night of the year. This holiday is a time for introspection and meditation, reflecting the deep, quiet places under the earth that Piatra governs. It is a solemn occasion where followers retreat into caves or underground chambers to meditate on their personal and communal growth over the past year. It's a time for setting intentions for the coming year, often involving personal vows or commitments to better embody the tenets of Piatra.
The Great Carve: Celebrated at mid-autumn, during the harvest season. The Great Carve is a celebration of craftsmanship and artistry, where stone carvers, sculptors, and artisans display their skills and compete in contests of craftsmanship. The event is both a competition and a market, with magnificent works of stone and metalwork for sale. It serves as an important economic and social event, strengthening trade and relations among the communities of Piatra’s followers.
The Hammering Song: Occurs once every five years, coinciding with a particular alignment of stars believed to be auspicious for stone working. This rare and highly anticipated festival involves a series of rituals and celebrations that last for an entire week. The main event is a continuous, rhythmic hammering on anvils and stone, creating a "song" that is believed to resonate through the earth and reach Piatra’s ears. It's a time of joyous noise and vibrant celebration, thought to bring Piatra's blessings of strength and endurance to the community.
The Rite Of The Solid Earth: This holiday takes place during the fall equinox. It focuses on the stability and protection offered by the earth. It involves the blessing of homes, public buildings, and new constructions. Engineers, architects, and builders play significant roles in this festival, performing rituals to ensure that the structures are safe and sound for the year to come. It’s a communal acknowledgment of Piatra’s protection and a plea for her continued favor.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Known Goals
Preservation Of The Planet’s Integrity: Piatra promotes sustainable mining and construction practices among her followers. She encourages the use of rituals that bless the grounds before and after extraction or building, ensuring that her realms remain unspoiled and that natural resources are not depleted.
Promotion Of Skilled Craftsmanship: By imparting divine inspiration and skill to artisans, sculptors, and builders, Piatra seeks to elevate the quality and spiritual significance of their work. This not only enhances the cultural wealth of Domen Aria but also serves as a form of worship, with creations that honor her essence.
Fostering Of Resilience And Endurance: Through her teachings and the challenges she places before her followers, Piatra aims to strengthen their spirit and resilience. Trials, whether natural or crafted by her divine influence, are meant to test and fortify her followers, mirroring the enduring nature of stone.
Secret Goals
Reclamation Of Lost Artifacts And Relics: Piatra aims to gather ancient artifacts and relics that were created in her name and others that hold her essence. These items, scattered across the world due to historical conflicts and explorations, contain portions of her power. Recovering them would not only enhance her strength but also prevent their misuse by unworthy hands.
Cultivation Of A Divine Stone Army: Piatra is secretly planning to amass an army of stone constructs and earth elementals. These beings would remain dormant until needed to defend Domen. This army is slowly being created through the blessings of particularly devout craftsmen, who unknowingly infuse their sculptures with divine essence.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Piatra, Mother Of Stone, is seen as a formidable and imposing figure, reflecting the enduring nature of stone and earth. She is often depicted with a robust and muscular build, symbolic of strength and stability. Her skin resembles the rough texture of granite, imbued with flecks of shimmering minerals that catch the light, casting an almost divine glow around her.
Her hands, broad and powerful, are those of a master sculptor, capable of delicate artistic work as well as wielding her mighty Hammer of Creation to shape mountains. Her stature is not just physically imposing but also inspires awe and reverence, standing as a solid, unbreakable pillar among the dwarven deities.
Piatra's hair is likened to cooled lava flows, sometimes braided or styled in a way that resembles the flowing forms of subterranean mineral veins, further emphasizing her connection to the earth and its hidden treasures. Her eyes, deep and resonant, mirror the caverns of the deepest mines, sparkling with the wisdom of ages and the serene power of the earth itself.
Overall, Piatra's physical condition is a majestic embodiment of the rugged landscapes from which she draws her power, serving as an everlasting symbol of the strength and resilience inherent in the world of stone and earth.

Mental characteristics

Morality & Philosophy

Piatra's morality and philosophy are deeply rooted in the principles of resilience, perseverance, and integrity. She teaches her followers that, much like the stone from which they were born, they must be steadfast and unyielding in the face of adversity. Piatra values hard work and diligence, believing that a well-crafted life, like a well-crafted stone, is a reflection of one's commitment to excellence.
Her philosophy also emphasizes the importance of community and solidarity among dwarves. She advocates for unity and cooperation, as individual stones must join together to form strong and stable structures. Piatra's teachings encourage her followers to support one another, building a community as enduring as the mountains.
Furthermore, Piatra holds a deep reverence for the natural world, particularly the subterranean environments that dwarves call home. She teaches her followers to respect the planet, advising them to take from it only what they need and to always consider the long term impact of their mining and stonecrafting.
Overall, Piatra's ethos is one of enduring through challenges, valuing hard work, fostering community, and respecting the natural foundations of the world.

Pantheon:

Piatra is most closely affiliated with the dwarven pantheon known as the Clan of Five. These deities consist of Piatra, Mother Of Stone, Vakman, God Of Crafters And Craftsmanship, Aurum, God Of Trade And Commerce, Munitio Arx, God Of Fortifications, Strongholds, And Castles, and Brygget, Goddess Of Brewing.

Divine Classification

Goddess - Natural Deities

Alignment

Lawful Good

Circumstances of Birth

As a Natural Goddess deity, Piatra was also born of the Divine Essence that coalesced as the Prime Material Plane was being created.

Birthplace

The Divine Essence

Current Residence

The realm of the Stony Sanctum.

Gender

Female

Eyes

Dark eyes, like deep caverns reflecting the light of precious ores.

Hair

Short grey wavy hair, similar to cooled lava flows.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Grey granite, imbued with flecks of shimmering minerals that catch the light, casting a divine glow around her.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The divine symbols and sigils of Piatra each carry deep significance and represent different aspects of her influence and domain. These symbols are used in religious iconography, ceremonial attire, architectural elements, and personal adornments, each reinforcing the teachings and influence of Piatra in the everyday lives of her followers. They serve not only as objects of worship but also as guiding principles for those who live by Piatra's virtues. Here are some of the primary symbols:
The Mountain Peak: This symbol represents the majesty and unyielding nature of the mountains, echoing Piatra's role as the patroness of stone and earth. The mountain peak is a reminder of her strength and permanence, and it is often used to signify stability and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Hammer and Chisel: As tools used in stonecraft, the hammer and chisel are symbols of creation and craftsmanship. They represent Piatra’s influence over the arts of sculpting and building, reflecting her connection to artisans, builders, and creators. This symbol is particularly revered among craftsmen and is often displayed in workshops and guild halls.
The Interlocking Stones: This symbol consists of several stones fitting perfectly together, representing unity and the interconnectedness of the community under Piatra's protection. It symbolizes the importance of each individual’s role in the greater structure of society and is a common motif in dwarven architecture and stonework.
The Encircled Gem: A precious stone encircled by a band of metal or rock, this symbol signifies the hidden treasures of the earth, both literal minerals and the metaphorical hidden potentials within oneself. It is often used in jewelry and amulets, believed to bring luck in mining and personal growth.
The Cracked Earth: Symbolizing seismic power and the ever-changing nature of the earth, the cracked earth is a sigil of transformation and adaptability. It reminds the followers of Piatra that change is constant and that they must be as adaptable as the earth itself, which can alter its form through the force of nature.

"To touch the ground is to touch the divine, for Piatra’s essence weaves through every grain of sand and every shard of stone."

— Tarnis Caveclimb, Leader of The Veinwalkers

Churches and Worshipful Orders

The Council of Stonemasons: This is the primary religious organization dedicated to Piatra. It consists of dwarf artisans, builders, and miners who honor her through their craftsmanship and dedication to stone. The guild maintains grand temples carved into the heart of mountains, where rituals involve sculpting stone idols and partaking in communal construction projects to strengthen their bonds and skills.
The Order Of The Enduring Mountain: A monastic order that follows Piatra’s teachings about resilience and perseverance. Members live in austere, stone-built monasteries in remote mountain ranges, practicing meditation and physical endurance to emulate Piatra’s unyielding nature. They are often sought out for wisdom and arbitration in disputes among dwarven clans.
Sculptors Of The Eternal Form: This group of artists and sculptors sees Piatra as the divine muse of stonecraft. They focus on creating statues and reliefs that not only serve religious purposes but also act as magical conduits, believing that their creations can channel Piatra’s blessings into the world. Their workshops are often adjacent to temples and are filled with breathtaking works of art dedicated to various aspects of Piatra’s domain.
The Brotherhood Of The Bedrock: Primarily composed of miners and geological scholars, this organization delves into the practical and mystical properties of the earth. They study rock formations, mineral compositions, and the sacred geometries of the underground, which they believe are direct reflections of Piatra’s divine structure. Their research often aids in safer mining techniques that honor the sanctity of the planet while still extracting its resources.

Cults and Esoteric Societies

The Granite Circle: A secretive cult that believes Piatra’s divine essence can be harnessed through the consumption of certain rare minerals found only in the deepest mines. They practice ritualistic ingestion of these minerals, which they believe brings them closer to achieving oneness with the stone.
The Veinwalkers: An esoteric society that explores deep caverns and forbidden tunnels in search of spiritual enlightenment. They view Piatra not only as a creator but as a guardian of deep, ancient secrets held within the planet. Their explorations are both a form of worship and a quest for ancient knowledge.
The Understone Network: A secretive group that believes the true form of worship involves living and working solely underground. They build hidden shrines and living quarters deep beneath the surface, shunning the aboveground world entirely. They are extreme isolationists, thinking that true communion with Piatra can only occur in the depths where light does not penetrate.
The Cult of the Shattered Shard: This radical faction believes that Piatra’s essence was scattered into countless mineral shards across the world. They seek these shards, believing that reassembling them will grant them control over the earth itself. Their methods are often destructive, involving blasting new tunnels and caverns without regard for the consequences, which puts them at odds with more conservation-minded followers of Piatra.

Oppositional Groups

The Molten Brethren: This group reveres a deity of fire and magma, and they see Piatra’s cool, solid form as antithetical to their fiery passions. They oppose The Stonemason’s Guild and other followers of Piatra in regions where geological resources are contested, advocating for the uncontrolled use of volcanic power over the structured crafting of stone.
The League of the Verdant Canopy: This organization worships deities of the forest and the surface, promoting growth, renewal, and the protection of surface ecosystems. They often oppose the followers of Piatra in their mining endeavors, arguing that the excavation activities disrupt natural habitats and the balance of the surface world. Their conflict is typically centered around the environmental impacts of extensive mining.
The Windwalkers Guild: This group venerates the deities of The Four Winds. They believe that the mining activities and underground focus of Piatra's followers disrupt the natural air currents and contribute to stagnant air and ill winds. They advocate for open spaces and minimal interference with mountainous landscapes to preserve the purity of the winds. The Windwalkers often engage in rituals to cleanse the air and restore balance, directly opposing extensive mining operations.
The Order Of The Flowing Depths: Followers of water gods, this group sees the manipulation of earth and stone as a disturbance to water sources. They argue that mining blocks or redirects subterranean water flows, causing droughts or floods in surface lands. Their sacred duty is to ensure that waterways remain untouched and free-flowing, often putting them at odds with Piatra's devotees over water rights and land use.
The Fireclad: This faction is composed of fire elementals and their worshippers who see the earth as a barrier to the free expression of fire. They seek to melt stone and create more magma flows, believing this represents the true, primal state of the world, a direct contradiction to Piatra’s ethos of stability and permanence in stone. Their fiery crusades sometimes lead to volcanic eruptions or the creation of new lava tubes, threatening both the natural environment and the settlements of Piatra’s followers.
The Cult Of The Barren World: Believers in death and decay, they see the immortality and unchanging nature of stone as an affront to the natural cycle of life and death. They use necromantic rituals to corrupt and crumble stone, aiming to demonstrate the inevitability of decay even to the seemingly eternal stone creations of Piatra. Their actions often lead to the weakening of structural integrity in mines and stone buildings, creating hazardous conditions for those within.

"Piatra teaches us that strength lies not in resisting change, but in shaping it, as a sculptor shapes the stone."

— Bronn Rockshaper, Author of The Miner's Vow

Rumors:

Piatra's Tear: A sentimental rumor involves a legendary gem known as Piatra's Tear. It is believed that this gem was created from a single tear shed by Piatra during a cataclysmic battle between the deities, capturing her sorrow for the devastation inflicted upon the earth. The gem is said to possess healing properties, particularly effective against ailments caused by earth or stone. The Tear is sought after by healers and adventurers alike, but its whereabouts remain a mystery shrouded in layers of lore.
The Living Stone Rumor: There's a tale that deep within the heart of the oldest mountain in Domen Aria, Piatra’s spirit resides within a massive, luminous gemstone, known as the Heart of Piatra. This gem is said to pulse with a soft, rhythmic light, mimicking the beat of a heart. It is rumored that Piatra can see through this gem and connect to the material world more directly, influencing the tides of fate for those who seek her favor or earn her ire.
The Forbidden Quarry: A rumor persists about a hidden quarry that was once a sacred site for Piatra's followers but was sealed away when something ancient and powerful was awakened there. The story goes that miners dug too greedily and too deep, uncovering a sealed cavern that held either a cursed artifact or a slumbering elemental giant. Since then, the quarry's location has been lost, and it is said that Piatra herself forbids its rediscovery, fearing what might be unleashed.
The Sculptor Who Became Stone: There is a story about a sculptor who was so beloved by Piatra for his skill and devotion that she offered him an eternal life as a statue. It’s whispered that this sculptor, unwilling to part from his mortal life but tempted by the promise of immortality, accepted the offer and was transformed into a living statue. He is rumored to still stand in an ancient temple, fully aware and able to observe the world around him, but unable to move or age.
The Earth Shakes at Her Displeasure: Many believe that earthquakes are not just natural occurrences but expressions of Piatra’s displeasure. Whenever a significant betrayal, injustice, or violation of her tenets occurs, especially those related to misuse of the earth’s resources, it is said that Piatra shakes the ground to remind her followers of their duties and responsibilities.
The Stone Oracle: There are whispers of a mysterious figure known as the Stone Oracle, a prophet who can communicate directly with Piatra through the stones. This Oracle supposedly resides in a secluded cave system, where the walls themselves are believed to whisper secrets of the future. Many seekers venture into the depths of the earth hoping to find the Oracle and receive guidance directly from Piatra’s divine aspect.
The Everlasting Forge: Legend has it that there exists an ancient forge, lit by a flame that never extinguishes, hidden within the deepest mountain sanctified by Piatra. It is rumored that any weapon or tool crafted in this forge will carry with it a piece of Piatra’s essence, granting it unbreakable strength and the ability to carve through any material. Only the most devout and worthy are said to find their way to the Everlasting Forge, guided by signs and omens laid forth by Piatra herself.
The Stone Choir: Some say that on certain nights, when the moon is just right and the air is thick with mist, one can hear The Stone Choir in the mountains. This choir, made up of the spirits of stone masons and sculptors who dedicated their lives to Piatra, sings haunting melodies that strengthen the stone and earth around them. The music is said to protect the land from erosion and natural disasters, a divine safeguard against the ravages of time and weather.
Piatra’s Lost Love: A more romantic rumor suggests that Piatra once had a consort, a deity of the winds or the skies, whose love for her could not overcome their elemental differences. Their tragic love is said to be the reason why mountains reach for the sky, representing Piatra's eternal yearning for her lost love. Some believe that their rare reunions bring about volcanic eruptions, where fire, the heart, meets stone, the body, symbolizing their undying passion.

"Let us lay our foundations on the bedrock of Piatra’s wisdom, for a house built on stone will stand the tests of time and turmoil."

— Geode Deephome, Head of The Brotherhood Of The Bedrock