Iconography & Honorific
Mazzu was the sea Goddess [The Blessed Pearl, Her Majesty], is symbolized by a nautical helm from which flow the 7 leylines dividing the 6 seas. The 5 spokes of the helm are said to represent the first Gnomish Council. Also said to represent the unity of the Gnomish People, from which flows the greatest magical energies in Espen. Those who follow Mazzu are known as
Irradeascents. As taken from Opus of the Mist: "
Mazzu moved across the void, stretching out into a new world. Its depths, the crushing weight of her magnificent spirit. Its waves pressed as Irradeascent shades of blue separated the sea from the sky." The militant arm of the faith is known as the
Shimmering Hand, and are among the most fervent followers of the dogmatic text. Having sacrificed both of their hands to Mazzu and commensurately rewarded in arcana, their spellcasting is to be respected and feared.
Images related to the Irradeascent faith, nautical in nature are usually known as the "flowing forms."Their legends are mostly born of stories and shanties passed down by generations of sailors. Despite the gnomes building the first library in Espen, their traditions have largely been oral traditions.
- Trident of the Mists
- Anchor of the Faith
- Symbol of the Rising Tide
- Mazzu's Hands
- Seastone
- Salt
Creation Mythos
Mazzu, gracious and graceful moved through the waters and from the deep she selected 5 tributes. These 5 tributes would become gnomes of immense arcane power. Most often worshiped by Gnomes, sailors and Sea Elves many out of fear of her destructive powers. To those who sought her favor Mazzu was known as a benevolent and reliable as the tides. To those who did not she was known as a particularly mercurial and vindictive. In her mercy she lifted Spritzlewerks from the Sea, bestowing it upon her chosen few.
Tenets
- Majestic is the Sea - The sea is considered a sacred body, flowing and unknowable much like the arcana of th is world that springs forth like an overflowing well. The majestic nature of the sea leaves many hypnotized by its rhythms and confused by its capriciousness. Gnomes too feel called to be equally majestic, awe inspiring in their brilliance, but mutable by their nature.
- Mercurial are Her Tides - The shifting manner of Espen with its three celestial bodies has led to tides that are unpredictable and volitale. Such is the nature of Mazzu. As many who worship her are equally known for their passionate displays one moment only to be taken by something novel for which they hold equal desire the next.
- Mighty is Her Wrath - The connection the Gnomes have with the forces of Arcana and Wild Magix in Espen is legendary. Though there are few records of it, Many believe that Gnomish Wild Magix were used to empower the sword known as Tidesbane, a pearlhandled sword whose blade is said to be a black as the deepest depths of the sea. When spurnned, Mazzu is said to be temperamental and capricious. Deals made with Mazzu were believed to be significantly harder to break as is written in the Opus of the Mist "The Blacktide, The Siren's Wail, and the Wrath of Mazzu. With all three come death, but only with Mazzu is one guarenteed suffering."
Hierarchy
- Counselor-In-Chief - the highest ranking position the Gnomish religion and culture. Largely a ceremonial position at its inception the codification of Gnomish Law in the Drowned Scripts gave the positions ultimate authority and the tie-breaking vote in decisions involving the Gnome Council. The position remains one of the most powerful among any culture or religion in Espen
- Gnome Council - Created to represent the interests of the Gnomish People, the council is made of devout followers of Mazzu. Each member on the council has served as a hand of Mazzu for a minimum of 20 years before their commission as a Councilmember. The council acts as final authorities in matters of intercity conflict, declarations of war, and military action.
- Hand of Mazzu - From small villages to the largest Gnomish cities if there is a strong gnomish presence, then there is more than likely a Hand of Mazzu. These are among the more devout members of the faith, each sacraficing their lives for the glorification of Mazzu. Part of their sacrafice is known as the Sacrament of the Waves. An individual, after professing the faith stands before an Irradeascent altar, with a ritualistic sword they cleave their left hand from their body before placing their left arm on the altar. If their faith is pure the water coalesces in the form of a hand replacing what they had lost.
- Honor Guard - Serving mostly as town's guard, the honor guard is mostly made up of professed Irradeascents who are in training to become a Hand of Mazzu, though occasionally members of the honor guard are those convicted of crimes against the Gnomish Council.
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