Opus of the Mists

History:

Though its author is unknown, the faith and dedication shown in this opus is said to rival that of Espen's greatest writers. Written as a series of short stories and parables that guide Gnomes on how to live and interact with other races the Opus of the Mists is widely lauded as the seminal work in the Irradecent faith.
For the most devout, known as Mistists, the Opus is strictly enforced as their lives align perfectly with its teaching, and though the Gnomish Council is widely considered a non-religious appointment Mistists frequently are widely regarded as the popular choices within Gnomish Culture.
Though the Opus has caused consternation with the Tabaxi and Goblins as its teachings are less than welcoming to those races respectively. The Opus considers Tabaxi's appropriate stations as beasts of burden and the Gobins savages at best. For this reason, even though Mistist are always considered for positions on the Council they rarely attain the rank.

Excerpt: Prayer of the Mists

As a vessel adrift in the vast expanse of the ocean, I am enveloped by an impenetrable haze,

Obscuring every wrong path and clouding my ill-fated thoughts. My soul is uplifted from a heavy melancholy, for I know that without your guidance, I am destined to wander aimlessly through this foggy abyss. Day and night, I wait in anticipation, my heart yearning for a glimpse of your divine light to guide me forward.

O Majestic, Mazzu, hear my fervent plea,

O Mercurial, Mazzu, illuminate the way for this lost and wayward traveler, lest I be condemned to forever wander in this fog without you.

O Mighty, Mazzu, calm the seas that you people may pass safely from this place.

Relevance:

Though its words are passionate, and its imagery moving; the Opus of the Mists is not for casual believers, its text requires those who believe to live lives in total service of Mazzu and what it refers to as 'The Highest Calling' though it is never clearly stated what that calling is or should be. Some believe is a mandate to achieve a knowledge of arcana that is unrivaled, others believe it to be a mandate of achievement and exploration. Its mercurial nature means that perhaps the answer is unknowable, or rather only knowable to a select few.

Type

Imagery, Religious

Medium

Metal

Authoring Date

Unknown

Location

Mistbound Temple