Masali Sember
Master of the Unseen
Dagger in the Dark
Do not fret, it is the nature of things to go awry. What matters is not whether things go according to plan, but how one reacts when they do not. The Master of the Unseen expects nothing more - and nothing less - than adaptability and ingenuity.There are many who live outside the Rhyliss Empire who find it odd the pantheon includes (and even openly venerates) a "god of thieves". To whittle down the existence of Masali Sember to this one single aspect requires ignoring many other facets of Their being, and a misunderstanding of what 'trickery' means. The most common epithet attributed to Sember would be 'Master of the Unseen', seen by outsiders with sinister overtones. However, this title has been given with a broader scope in mind: Sember does not have a full and unyielding grasp on events, nor do They have a hand in visiting ruin on mortals. Rather, it is Their nature to 'ride' such chaotic turns and strive to make the best of a bad situation. Thus the teachings passed down through devout followers emphasize the importance of self-sufficiency over a communal bond.
The second epithet, "Dagger in the Dark", is much more adversarial and rose to prominence a few generations after the Empire was founded. Due to the appeal of Sember's message of relying on one's own cunning and skills, renegades and outlaws were said to choose Them over others in the Twelve. In truth, it was one particular band known as the "Nightblades" which showed such devotion. Even with the Legion being tasked with hunting the members down, the group became feared by common folk in the western reaches of the Empire. The infamy for being murderers and criminals entwined with their open worship of Sember, and so tainted the reputation of those following the Master of the Unseen.
Divine Domains
Arcana. Masali Sember's greatest concentration of power is association with arcane magic, especially those expressions of it which handle illusions and deception. Most wielders of arcane magic with religious fervor are split between the Master of the Unseen and the Eternal Scribe, but there's not a notable rivalry between the followers. This might be due to there not being much overlap between the two groups' favorite magics.
Trickery. The epithet of 'Dagger in the Dark' embodies one other aspect well-known about Sember, that of a trickster who strikes with little warning. Where Kalande's followers admire trickery and deception as a means to guide and protect others, Sember's teachings describe it as a means to break free of one's station in life. Those who follow this particular aspect of Sember often can be trusted to look out for themselves ahead of outsiders. Those who mix trickery with violence often find Sember's gifts are more than adequate aid for such endeavors.
Freedom. The last facet of Sember is what tends to attract more followers than the other two: the lure of freedom from 'the shackles life set on you at birth'. The Master of the Unseen can allow someone to alter their destiny by degrees, with subtle methods to redirect matters in their favor. In truth, most of this promise can be met not through divine will, but through connections to other followers who are willing to make an exchange of deeds for mutual benefit. Of course, with those involved being followers of the same deity, it could be said a deity was indeed instrumental in the matter.
Trickery. The epithet of 'Dagger in the Dark' embodies one other aspect well-known about Sember, that of a trickster who strikes with little warning. Where Kalande's followers admire trickery and deception as a means to guide and protect others, Sember's teachings describe it as a means to break free of one's station in life. Those who follow this particular aspect of Sember often can be trusted to look out for themselves ahead of outsiders. Those who mix trickery with violence often find Sember's gifts are more than adequate aid for such endeavors.
Freedom. The last facet of Sember is what tends to attract more followers than the other two: the lure of freedom from 'the shackles life set on you at birth'. The Master of the Unseen can allow someone to alter their destiny by degrees, with subtle methods to redirect matters in their favor. In truth, most of this promise can be met not through divine will, but through connections to other followers who are willing to make an exchange of deeds for mutual benefit. Of course, with those involved being followers of the same deity, it could be said a deity was indeed instrumental in the matter.
Holy Books & Codes
While worship of Masali Sember might not be outlawed, Their followers have found it easier to avoid being conspicuous about their faith. To that end, most holy scriptures are actually magically enchanted to appear as other books of varied titles and subjects. Through the use of counter-enchanted crystal lenses, the original text can be read easily enough. This is often done through eyeglasses, though some who are not afraid of reprisals keep a glass pane of similar size to the encoded books to simply affix in a position over the pages to make it convenient. Since the writing has been hidden, there is no formalized name for the manuscript. The handful of public temples inside the Empire instead reference a thick tome titled "The Open Palm Witnessed", which is actually a series of parables concerning the danger of complacency and trust in the Twelve to actively solve problems for mortals. The writings avoid giving a name to the individual depicted within, but irreverent folk have popularized the name "Dolon" (or in the case of a feminine name, "Dalana") for ease of discussion.
Thieves and outlaws who do follow Sember tend to keep to a code of conduct, resulting in a loose brotherhood of sorts. Unlike most other organizations which have ideals, the exact contents of the "code" are up for debate and often are described with the derisive term "no honor among thieves". Followers of the Dagger will not actively harm each other, though they are not above cheating the other. After all, one of the central beliefs held among followers of Sember is the need to have the ability to choose of one's own fate.
Thieves and outlaws who do follow Sember tend to keep to a code of conduct, resulting in a loose brotherhood of sorts. Unlike most other organizations which have ideals, the exact contents of the "code" are up for debate and often are described with the derisive term "no honor among thieves". Followers of the Dagger will not actively harm each other, though they are not above cheating the other. After all, one of the central beliefs held among followers of Sember is the need to have the ability to choose of one's own fate.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
There is only one symbol many know of which is associated with Sember, that of a dagger standing vertically on its point inside a circle. When artists apply color to the image, they usually depict the dagger in white or silver while the circle's interior is a dark color. This symbol is the one used by institutions which publicly admit to their connection to the Master of the Unseen, though the Order of Hands employs their own symbols for their heraldry. Since public shrines and temples are rare, many would-be-scholars study them as if these are the only representation of Sember's religion. This often suits the faithful just fine, as it is in their nature to keep things hidden from outsiders.
In truth, there are easily a dozen symbols utilized to represent Masali Sember shared among the varied sects. Among those symbols are two which are most commonly shared, recognized as many of the sects as 'valid'. One of these is a stylized key crossed with a rod, embodying the focus on arcane magic and secrecy. There are dozens of variants on this symbol, all of which connected to local gatherings who follow the Master's words. A notable variant alters the symbol to use a winged staff instead, with the group using it having a focus on assisting the poor or needy.
The second symbol which is less common, but still found in a large number of these sects, is of a cape or cloak being blown as if in a wind. As with the previous symbol, there are many variants which are used, and some of these are thought to possess meanings for the faithful. A coded message which is carried within the differing details of each symbol's execution. There has been no conclusive evidence to suggest this, however, and Sember's followers are not keen to have a secret code laid out in the open for others to understand.
The procedure of making offerings to Sember are also peculiar given the duality of worship across Erisdaire, and are dependent on which of Their aspects are being approached. Those who make offerings to the Master of the Unseen do so in the form of long flat tokens carved from jet, wrapped in parchment (on which a wish or prayer is written), and left at a shrine to be collected by an acolyte. Those who choose to present offerings to the Dagger in the Dark by contrast leave blades of sharp obsidian wrapped in shadesilk at one of the hidden temples across the Empire. In the very rare cases where the deity is being approached outside of either aspect, the offering takes the form of a pouch of black leather containing a polished jet pebble, a sliver of obsidian, and two coins made of copper stamped with a dagger on one side and a key on the other. No records exist which explain the symbolism originally involved with these offerings, only the notes on how these were the "proper" objects to offer up.
In truth, there are easily a dozen symbols utilized to represent Masali Sember shared among the varied sects. Among those symbols are two which are most commonly shared, recognized as many of the sects as 'valid'. One of these is a stylized key crossed with a rod, embodying the focus on arcane magic and secrecy. There are dozens of variants on this symbol, all of which connected to local gatherings who follow the Master's words. A notable variant alters the symbol to use a winged staff instead, with the group using it having a focus on assisting the poor or needy.
The second symbol which is less common, but still found in a large number of these sects, is of a cape or cloak being blown as if in a wind. As with the previous symbol, there are many variants which are used, and some of these are thought to possess meanings for the faithful. A coded message which is carried within the differing details of each symbol's execution. There has been no conclusive evidence to suggest this, however, and Sember's followers are not keen to have a secret code laid out in the open for others to understand.
The procedure of making offerings to Sember are also peculiar given the duality of worship across Erisdaire, and are dependent on which of Their aspects are being approached. Those who make offerings to the Master of the Unseen do so in the form of long flat tokens carved from jet, wrapped in parchment (on which a wish or prayer is written), and left at a shrine to be collected by an acolyte. Those who choose to present offerings to the Dagger in the Dark by contrast leave blades of sharp obsidian wrapped in shadesilk at one of the hidden temples across the Empire. In the very rare cases where the deity is being approached outside of either aspect, the offering takes the form of a pouch of black leather containing a polished jet pebble, a sliver of obsidian, and two coins made of copper stamped with a dagger on one side and a key on the other. No records exist which explain the symbolism originally involved with these offerings, only the notes on how these were the "proper" objects to offer up.
Tenets of Faith
"If you're up to tricks, do not get caught."
Much like any deity who claims the Domain of Trickery, Sember holds an ideal where deception in and of itself is not to be discouraged. Their teachings reflect an ideal where trickery, deception, and mischief is something natural which should be encouraged. However, there is a distinct difference between acts which are meant to harm and those meant only to humble or subvert what otherwise would be harmful. Most importantly, as noted in the citation of these teachings, is to have such trickery pass without being blamed for it.
"If you cannot trade it, or hold it, it is not important."
In contrast to much of the other members of the Twelve, Sember discourages substantial devotion to ideals or concepts instead of objects. The teachings suggest things which do not have a physical form should be considered with a limited amount of reverence. While a cynic might suggest this refers to concepts and societal constructs, it also applies to promises which aren't offered in a binding format. The latter is, in fact, what adherents of Sember emphasize more often.
"There is no point to having more of anything than you can use in your lifetime."
This particular lesson is almost certainly related to the Domain of Trickery, but it also defines Sember more tightly than other deities within the same Domain. Those who follow Masali Sember are more attuned to an ideal of targeting individuals who hoard resources for trickery and deception. Despite not sharing any Domains with Uhrol Solas, the Keeper of All Graves, this is a particular opinion often found shared between followers of both deities.
Much like any deity who claims the Domain of Trickery, Sember holds an ideal where deception in and of itself is not to be discouraged. Their teachings reflect an ideal where trickery, deception, and mischief is something natural which should be encouraged. However, there is a distinct difference between acts which are meant to harm and those meant only to humble or subvert what otherwise would be harmful. Most importantly, as noted in the citation of these teachings, is to have such trickery pass without being blamed for it.
"If you cannot trade it, or hold it, it is not important."
In contrast to much of the other members of the Twelve, Sember discourages substantial devotion to ideals or concepts instead of objects. The teachings suggest things which do not have a physical form should be considered with a limited amount of reverence. While a cynic might suggest this refers to concepts and societal constructs, it also applies to promises which aren't offered in a binding format. The latter is, in fact, what adherents of Sember emphasize more often.
"There is no point to having more of anything than you can use in your lifetime."
This particular lesson is almost certainly related to the Domain of Trickery, but it also defines Sember more tightly than other deities within the same Domain. Those who follow Masali Sember are more attuned to an ideal of targeting individuals who hoard resources for trickery and deception. Despite not sharing any Domains with Uhrol Solas, the Keeper of All Graves, this is a particular opinion often found shared between followers of both deities.
Physical Description
Identifying Characteristics
Masali Sember has only one recorded manifested form in the physical realm, according to collected records about the Twelve. Infuriatingly, the accounts of this form are rife with vague details and is of limited use for a good reference. The few physical details which do not change between witnesses are simple, and likewise not helpful. Sember's physical manifestation is often a human of average height and a slender build, lacking notable musculature or scars. Given the philosophies of the Master of the Unseen, it is of no surprise Their chosen manifestations are not widely known or identifiable.
With a low number of public temples or well-known shrines with icons, there is only the statue present in the House of the Twelve to consider. It depicts an apparent young man with a key in one hand and a dagger in the other, wearing simple clothing with no fancy ornamentations. The head lacks features such as eyes and a mouth, yet retains the rough shape of ears and a nose to keep the readily identifiable human appearance.
With a low number of public temples or well-known shrines with icons, there is only the statue present in the House of the Twelve to consider. It depicts an apparent young man with a key in one hand and a dagger in the other, wearing simple clothing with no fancy ornamentations. The head lacks features such as eyes and a mouth, yet retains the rough shape of ears and a nose to keep the readily identifiable human appearance.
Divine Classification
God of Rhyliss
Children
Comments