Chitas, the Architect

Appearance

Chitas is depicted as a strong and sturdy formicoid, taller and more robust than any other. Her body is made from pure black stone, polished to a gleam but still impenetrable to any weapon. Her eyes are clear, polished diamonds, cut into hundreds of sparkling facets. Her mandibles are of solid gold, ready and willing to give and receive in equal measure. Some depictions of Chitas feature wings, crafted from pristine panes of strong glass and held together by sturdy metal frames. However, this majesty is tempered by Chitas's garb: a simple craftsman's apron. Despite her power, Chitas is merely a single being, just like anyone else in her kingdom, and she must do what she can to strengthen her society. Her hammer, a masterwork rivaling that of the greatest smiths, reflects this resolve.

Symbols

Chitas's primary symbol is simple: that of her hammer. It symbolizes her role as a builder and creator, as well as the industry to which she encourages her people to aspire. Chitas’s hammer can be very easily replicated in many forms, but most holy symbols are carved of black stone. It is common to see the hammer carved into the walls of a Cavanan tunnel, or above the door of a formicoid residence. The hammer is also featured prominently on leisure tokens, representing the hard work that earned the token’s holder the right to relax.

Commandments

• Contribute all that you can to your society, else you would see it crumble around you.
• Trust in your neighbors, and know that they will trust in you.
• Never falter in your pursuits. Finish that which you have begun.

Myth

Chitas formed the formicoids from the strongest and hardest stone. Seeing them scatter and weaken themselves, she brought them together as a community, whispering secrets through the earth itself, teaching them to craft, to build, to create. Through her teachings, the formicoids became masters of the earth, strong and steadfast, but in turn generous and noble.

Holy Days and Religious Practices

The Form of Chitas: Creation and craft itself is seen as an act to honor Chitas, but most formicoids take a more direct approach by creating statues of her. Large statues are placed in her temples, smaller statues in shrines. Formicoids often build their own Form, and pass it down from master to apprentice for generations. Maintaining an existing statue and creating a brand new one are held in equal measure. The Forms can be made from any material; stone is preferred by purists, but wood, metal, and even unorthodox materials such as cloth see use.

Days of the Crafts: Once every month, a specific craftsmanship skill is celebrated and honored by formicoids. The greatest practitioners of these crafts are invited to come to the capital city and display their finest work. As a preparation for the festivities, craftsmen must repair or replace all tools used in the craft to perform their tasks properly.