Flatting Square

The 'flatting' nomenclature refers to the smithing practice of flatting, wherein the surface of a workpiece is pounded flat through the application of blunt force. This can be done by pounding a flat object, such as flat stock, onto the surface with a hammer, but sometimes smiths will instead use a hammer that already has a broad, flat striking surface built into it. These 'flatting hammers' are often employed by moderators at flatting squares as noisemakers to refocus attention when the discussion drifts away from the subject or crosses the boundary from meaningful debate into emotional rants or fighting. The imagery of hammering imperfections flat into a harmonious surface is regarded among the faithful as a powerful metaphor for the quest for spiritual truth and unity in faith; those who stand proud in their stances may ultimately be humbled, while those who are ignored or tread upon may ultimately be vindicated.   Important religious texts, especially Universal Artifice and the Hymns of the World-Forger, are always present in quantity at flatting squares as both references and, where translations and editions are concerned, subjects of contention in their own rights. Valespeak changes over time and some of these texts predate the formalization of the language after the end of the Classical Verdial period. Forgemasters may also present their own ancillary texts, such as research treatises, as required to support their positions in debate, though there is also a strong current within the faith towards a more formalized set of acceptable religious canon.

A flatting square requires one or more moderators to serve as impartial enforcers of procedural order. These moderators voluntarily cede the right to make statements in defense of their own stances on matters discussed at the flatting square for the duration of the proceedings; they may have strong opinions, but, for the sake of easing tensions, they set them aside. A neutral scribe is also appointed to take the minutes of the flatting square, record the discussion, and recount points of discussion should this be required by other participants.   Those participating as debaters at the flatting square are sometimes referred to as 'litigants.' The litigants are derived from both clergy members and recognized scholars of the faith, though this requirement is tenuous at times due to the decentralized nature of the religion. Laypersons and non-affiliated members of the public my attend, but are not permitted to speak or ask questions until after the debates are concluded. It has been found that the public nature of these debates helps to remind the litigants to observe decorum and restrain their emotions, but it also cannot be denied that watching very opinionated scholars devolve into shouting matches over topical issues is great entertainment and, for a certain subset of the population, is an effective inducement to get involved in the faith in hopes of eventually getting to participate.

Flatting squares are organized among the community of Forgemasters whenever the circumstances of the world raise questions that aren't cleanly addressed within the existing doctrine of the faith. Attendees may gather at an appropriately named flatting square - a wide, paved square in a public place, such as a park, where all attendees can sit on pads and rugs on firm ground while the litigants speak - or any other suitable space, such as a conference room or cleared workshop floor. Some faith communities establish annual meetings to address matters that may have arisen over the course of the year without rising to the level where such an impromptu flatting square is required, and these regular meetings often serve as a framework for cycles of manuintimation undertaken by members of those communities.   Though adjacent in their beliefs, Knappists do not find the 'forging flat' imagery inherent in the practice of flatting squares as compelling as their doctrinaire Forgist counterparts do; for Knappists, the spirit is more often though of as 'knapped' or 'whittled down' in the manner of an obsidian tool core, not forged and molded like a piece of metal. For this reason, Knappists reach consensus on matters of doctrine through other practices.