Waterhearth

A waterhearth is a prominent feature of many Icalaran homes, inns, keeps, etc., serving either a strictly practical non-religious purpose (the occupants' fresh water source for cooking, bathing, etc) or a more Sehndist purpose (anointment, focus of worship, etc).
Their shape varies depending on available space, hearth type (well or vessel), desired purpose and aesthetic. It can be as simple as a trough or basic well, or it can be elaborate with a series of steps, engravings, shelves/nooks/etc; however, most hearths have a tight-fitting lid or shutter to protect its surface, even if it remains off most of the time. More Sehndist-geared waterhearths typically include a small altar portion for the placement of candles, etc.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

In essence a waterhearth is either a well-type or a vessel-type. Well-types connect to their own private water source and theoretically do not require refilling from another water source the majority of the time, and encompass medium-sized waterhearths to the very largest. Vessel-types do not have their own independent water source and require refilling, and range from very small waterhearths to medium-sized ones.
Depending on the owner's wealth and access to another water source, or the building's size, a vessel-type waterhearth may have a capacity ranging from a gallon to several hundred gallons. An object of similar construction used for similar purposes (often purely religious, as with an anointment font) with a far smaller capacity can still technically be classed as a vessel-type waterhearth. Regardless of capacity or type, the household's water supply may still be supplemented with a communal well or other source.

Manufacturing process

Although not strictly necessary, waterhearth crafters are a voluntary profession within Sehndism. Larger waterhearths, especially those that actively connect to their own private water source, require professional construction.

History

Sehndism's formerly heavy and extensive influence on Icalaran culture as well as Icalar's precarious water cycle led to the near-default inclusion of waterhearths in any significant building where people may gather or live. Although Sehndism's influence has waned somewhat, the practical advantages remain.

Significance

At its core, a waterhearth is as symbolic of Icalarans' need for and reverence of water as a regular hearth symbolizes the importance of a fire. The primary purpose of a waterhearth is to safely store fresh water; for Sehndists, there is also an element of protecting and revering the water, lending the hearth elements of an altar as well.

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic

Rarity

Common

Raw materials & Components

Non-water-soluble stone, occasionally with wood or metal decorations or hardware.