Artifice and Succor

Parables of Daeglor

"Artifice and Succor" is an anthology of parables and historical stories dedicated to Daeglor, the Flamehearted Artisan. This text guides worshippers in understanding Daeglor's divine relationship with mortals and advises them on how to gain his favor through deeds, craftsmanship, and respect for creations.

Purpose

Purpose

"Artifice and Succor" serves as a foundational text dedicated to Daeglor, the Flamehearted Artisan. Its primary purpose is to elucidate the deity’s teachings, provide insight into the origin of common idioms and expressions associated with Daeglor, and offer practical guidance for prayers and craftsmanship.

Creation

The document was prompted by the need to consolidate and preserve the divine wisdom of Daeglor, especially given his widespread, albeit often unrecognized, influence on artisans and common folk alike. Compiled by Gulthar the Blacksmith, who received divine inspiration, it aims to bring a deeper understanding of Daeglor's role and provide practical lessons.

Goals

1. Cultural Insight: To explain the origins of idioms and expressions related to Daeglor, integrating the deity’s influence into everyday language and culture.
2. Practical Guidance: To offer prayers and rituals that are purported to have a greater effect, helping artisans invoke Daeglor's favor more effectively.
3. Moral and Practical Lessons: To present parables with lessons that apply to both craftsmanship and broader life principles, promoting mastery, respect for creations, and ethical behavior in work and life.

Significance

This scroll is not just a religious text but a cultural artifact that bridges the gap between everyday life and divine influence, reinforcing Daeglor's omnipresence in the world of Rolara.

Document Structure

Clauses

"Artifice and Succor" is divided into five distinct sections, each meticulously inscribed onto thin metal sheets with wax edges. The text is stamped into the metal, ensuring durability and reverence.

Section I: Collected Stories of Daeglor

• Content: This section contains various stories about Daeglor, detailing his deeds and interactions with mortals. The stories highlight his passionate and protective nature, his appreciation for craftsmanship, and his disdain for those who misuse creations.
• Final Story: Concludes with the tale of a simple farmer who becomes Daeglor's chosen prophet, emphasizing the accessibility of divine favor through dedication and respect.

Section II: Prophecies and Wisdom for Artisans

• Content: A series of prophecies attributed to Daeglor, each accompanied by practical wisdom for artisans. These prophecies offer guidance on future innovations and the ethical use of magical and mundane craftsmanship.

Section III: Idioms and Their Histories

• Content: This section explains various idioms and expressions associated with Daeglor, detailing their origins and meanings. It provides cultural context and enhances the understanding of commonly used phrases in Rolara.

Section IV: Invocations and Their Effects

• Content: A collection of invocations that artisans can use to seek Daeglor's favor. Each invocation is detailed with the specific circumstances for its use and the expected effects, ranging from protection during dangerous crafts to blessings for successful creations.

Section V: Parables of Craftsmanship and Life

• Content: This final section features parables about blacksmiths and artisans, each imparting moral and practical lessons. The stories are designed to be applicable both to the craft and to broader aspects of life, promoting values of unity, respect, and continuous improvement.

"Artifice and Succor" serves as a comprehensive guide, blending divine teachings with practical advice, and remains a cornerstone of cultural and spiritual life in Rolara.

Caveats

"Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan..." — Gulthar the Blacksmith

Gulthar the Blacksmith, in his compilation of "Artifice and Succor," interspersed critical advice and caveats throughout the text, providing practical and spiritual guidance while acknowledging Daeglor's more challenging aspects. These caveats appear as suggestions and warnings, each one traditionally starting with "Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan..."

Caveats and Their Implications

Humility and Respect:

• Advice: "Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan; his protection favors the respectful and diligent."
• Implication: Arrogance or disrespect towards Daeglor or his creations can lead to withdrawal of divine favor and protection.

Ethical Use of Creations:

• Advice: "Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan; misuse of his gifts invites calamity."
• Implication: Misusing or disrespecting crafted items can incur Daeglor's wrath, resulting in accidents or loss of craftsmanship abilities.

Proper Invocation:

• Advice: "Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan; invoke his name with purpose and reverence."
• Implication: Careless or frivolous invocations can diminish the effectiveness of prayers and rituals, reducing divine assistance.

Collaboration and Unity:

• Advice: "Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan; strive for unity in creation, for divided efforts yield only ruin."
• Implication: Infighting and greed can lead to failure and destruction, as seen in the dwarven history Gulthar warned against.

Duration and Limits of Blessings:

• Advice: "Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan; know that his blessings are finite and must be renewed through continued dedication."
• Implication: Divine blessings have a limited duration and require ongoing effort and respect to maintain.

Gulthar’s caveats are essential for understanding the parameters and consequences associated with invoking Daeglor's favor. They underscore the importance of humility, respect, and ethical behavior, providing a framework for artisans and craftsmen to follow in their spiritual and practical pursuits.

Historical Details

Background

"Artifice and Succor" was compiled by Gulthar the Blacksmith, a renowned Dwarf who sought to unify the dwarf kingdoms against infighting and greed. He urged a focus on collective creation and artistic expression. The document, created before the Last War in 1371, serves as a poignant reminder of Gulthar's warnings and a call for unity and craftsmanship. Historically, it marks the near-extinction of dwarves on Rolara, offering a powerful message to surviving species about the perils of division and the virtues of collaboration. Politically, it stands as a testament against the destructive nature of greed and conflict, advocating for harmony and shared purpose.

History

In the years leading up to 1371, the Dwarf kingdoms were plagued by internal strife and competition for resources. This period, known as the Era of Fractured Anvils, saw once-great alliances crumble as clans turned against each other. Gulthar the Blacksmith emerged as a voice of reason, advocating for unity and collaboration through shared craftsmanship. He believed that by focusing on creating together, the dwarves could restore their former glory and avert disaster.

The Last War

Despite Gulthar's efforts, the Last War broke out, leading to unprecedented destruction. The war saw the fall of many dwarf strongholds and the purported extinction of the dwarven race on Rolara. In the aftermath, "Artifice and Succor" became a symbol of what was lost and a guide for surviving species. The scroll not only honors Daeglor but also preserves Gulthar's message: the paramount importance of unity, creation, and artistic expression.

Political Implications

The document carries significant political weight, serving as a timeless warning against the perils of greed and infighting. It advocates for cooperation and mutual respect, principles that have influenced the policies and cultures of various post-war societies. In the Tatharian Empire, where Daeglor's worship is prevalent, "Artifice and Succor" is revered as both a spiritual and historical guide, shaping the empire's approach to governance and societal values.

Cultural Legacy

"Artifice and Succor" transcends its role as a religious text, embedding itself into the cultural fabric of Rolara. Artisans, blacksmiths, and artificers view it as a source of inspiration and a blueprint for excellence in their crafts. The parables and practical lessons within the scroll continue to be relevant, providing wisdom and guidance for everyday life and work. Through this document, Gulthar's legacy endures, reminding all who read it of the enduring power of creation and unity.

Public Reaction

The release of "Artifice and Succor" elicited a profound and multifaceted reaction from the people of Rolara. Initially, there was a sense of intrigue and reverence, particularly among artisans, blacksmiths, and artificers, who found in the text a deep connection to their crafts and a source of divine guidance. The practical lessons and cultural insights resonated strongly, fostering a renewed appreciation for Daeglor and Gulthar’s wisdom.
Among the general populace, reactions ranged from excitement to contemplation. Many were thrilled by the practical applications and the validation of common idioms and expressions tied to Daeglor. The document's emphasis on unity and creation struck a poignant chord in a society still healing from the scars of the Last War. Communities began to embrace the teachings, seeing them as a path to prevent future conflicts and promote collective growth.
However, not all reactions were positive. Some factions, particularly those benefiting from the existing status quo of division and competition, viewed the text with skepticism or outright hostility. They saw the call for unity and cooperation as a threat to their power and influence. Despite this, the overall public sentiment leaned towards admiration and respect for the messages contained within "Artifice and Succor," ensuring its place as a revered and influential document in Rolara's cultural and spiritual landscape.

Table of Contents

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Artifice and Succor

Excerpt from "Artifice and Succor"

The Parable of the Forgiving Hammer

In the depths of a mountain forge, a blacksmith named Eldrin was renowned for his skill and dedication. He created a magnificent hammer, blessed by Daeglor, becoming the centerpiece of his craft. Yet, Eldrin grew prideful, dismissing those who sought his guidance and disrespecting their creations.
One evening, a Traveler visited the forge and sought Eldrin's wisdom. Eldrin dismissed him arrogantly. Revealing himself as Daeglor in disguise, the Deity took back the blessing, and Eldrin's hammer shattered. Stricken with remorse, Eldrin humbled himself, seeking forgiveness through tireless work and respect for every creation.
Over Time, Daeglor noticed Eldrin's sincere change of heart and restored the blessing. The hammer was reforged, stronger than ever, and Eldrin became a revered teacher, known for his humility and kindness.
"Be humble, and do not admonish the Flamehearted Artisan; for arrogance shatters even the strongest of tools, but humility forges them anew."

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Type

Text, Religious

Medium

Metal

Location

Tatharia Capitolina

Authors

• Gulthar