Korak

Creation, Forge

The most common prayer to Korak is said daily by nearly all his worshipers upon waking, and is simply called the Morning Prayer.     Another common prayer is said by an apprentice when binding himself to a master:     Masters take oaths to fairly teach and compensate apprentices until they're ready to become a journeyman, or until they cannot meet the required standards of the trade despite the master's earnest efforts to teach them.

The symbols of Korak are his hammer and the anvil. They can be shown together, or an adherent might use just one of them. When a symbol must be made simply or quickly, such as when it must be stamped on a sword's pommel, an outline of the hammer is sufficient.

"It is the fool who believes himself above work. It is the greater fool who works to no purpose."

— from the sermons of the Most Excellent and Venerable Master, Wise Brother Grathor Twicecut, Supreme Maker and Master Wright of the Guildhalls of Korak

  The guildhalls of Korak preach creative and useful work above all else. They say the Grand Wright despises the lazy. Each order in the church has its own interpretation of Korak's teachings, but all three agree: He loves those who live by the sweat of their brows, and loaths those who sit back and let others work for them.   The guildhalls also hold, however, one must not build for no purpose, or simply for the pleasure of building, as it is easy to manipulate one into doing evil with the thing created. Thus, one must always consider who will use his creation—who will carry the sharp sword, or live in the impregnable tower. Those who make and build must be ever vigilant that their creations do not fall into evil hands. Thus, many worshipers of Korak liberate holy sites, cleans evil-tainted ancient cities, and restore lost homes. There are also those of the church who protect the great works of past artisans to ensure they never fall into evil hands.   In day-to-day life, the worshipers of Korak follow these simple laws:  

• Never be hesitant to dirty your hands in labor, no matter how high you rise, no matter how noble you are acclaimed to be. Every day, work.
 
• Do not hoard beauty. If you hold the magnificent work of artisans, let others behold it when it is safe to show it. (There is no sense among the worshipers of Korak that it is wrong to hide valuables while traveling, but misers who hoard great works of the hand so that only they can see them are thought to be wicked.)
 
• Always endeavor to aid goodhearted people with your labor whenever it is useful.
 
• Demand that your brother be paid fairly for his labor. Pay those who study with you a fair wage, even your apprentices.
 
• Do not hold any into service against their will—either past their time of contract, or as slaves—for to take a man's labor is grave as taking his life.
 
• Protect beautiful works of the hand. They must be guarded against all those who would steal or spoil them.

  The doctrines of the three orders add to the core beliefs of the Koraketh. The order of makers believes all those with skill are called upon to do great things, and should aid those seeking to do greatness. They are the "order of heroes", and are called such with reverence by the other orders. They make items for champions, and artifacts of the greatest beauty.   The order of builders believes the most lasting labors are those who aid ordinary people. They celebrate the achievements of the common person, and aid simple artisans in their labors, shoeing horses, building gates, sewing sails, and completing other works that keep society functioning. They are the "order of the commons," and are called such with reverence, by the other orders.   The order of masons believes all people, common and heroic, are emboldened and enriched by great monuments. The Masons seek to build towering monoliths, magnificent temples, and glorious palaces so that the lives of mortals might be filled with wonder and reverence. They are the "order of kings," and are respectfully called such, by the other orders.

Most Koraketh holy days land when communities set aside to celebrate the work of laborers. Guildhalls organize such labor festivals, and sponsor the revels.   The high holiday of the Great Festival, occurs once every ten years. The event always involves a grand competition, in which artisans from all traditions show off their wares and display their skill. Since the Grand Festival attracts skilled artisans from all across the land, the head of the three orders choose the location two years in advance, to allow artisans time to plan and embark upon their journeys.

The greatest building of the sphere, Korak's accomplishments with metals, stone, and wood rival even the creations of the Nameless One. He makes perfect things—weapons, homes, halls, even furniture—and is tireless in his efforts.   Although he hails from the lawful side of the gods' family, Korak slumbered for many years with the chaotic blood of his aunt Zheenkeef coursing through his veins. He exhibits traits from both sides of the family, and has no patience for the petty struggles of his parents and their siblings. He often stays out of such conflicts, or calls for peace. It is perhaps this very neutrality that makes him such a popular god among mortals.   From time to time, Korak visits his half-sister Maal, in the Kingdom of the Dead, and reforges a few souls who have demonstrated potential despite living through many flawed incarnations. He places them in his great crucible and with his mighty hammer, bangs out their worst flaws. In doing so, he makes great heroes and renowned leaders. One who walks an especially extraordinary path in life, a great hero or a noble leader, is often said to have been "forged in the King's Crucible."   Most of the time, however, Korak dwells in Heaven with his family, the Lords of Good, making them wondrous things of the richest materials. On his throne in the City of Gods, he watches over those who work with their hands, delighting in their efforts to make great and useful things.