Title: The Forge Master
Domains: Artisanship, Metalwork
Creators: Almariel and Feron
Pantheon: Alorama
Description
Olvar, the God of Craftsmanship, is revered as the embodiment of artisanship, creativity, and mastery over metal and stone. Created from the union of Almariel, Lady of Light’s wisdom and Feron, Aevari of the Earth’s strength, Olvar represents the harmonious blend of artistry and raw power. She is known as The Forge Master, guiding artisans, blacksmiths, builders, and crafters across Eldara to create works that reflect the perfect balance of function and beauty. Olvar’s influence is said to lie in every finely forged blade, every intricately carved statue, and every stone laid with purpose and care.
Olvar is depicted as a sturdy figure with hands of polished bronze and eyes that gleam like molten metal, signifying her command over the forge. She is often shown wearing a cloak of metal scales that shimmer in hues of copper and gold, representing the transformative potential of raw materials. In her hands, she holds a hammer and chisel, symbols of her creative power.
Followers
Olvar’s devoted followers, comprising blacksmiths, sculptors, artisans, Dwarfs, and builders who find inspiration in her mastery. They form guilds and workshops that often serve as places of worship, where her guidance is sought in both prayer and practice. These guilds also serve as educational centers, passing down the skills and traditions of craftsmanship to new generations, ensuring that the art of creation continues to thrive.
Her followers believe that craftsmanship is not just labor but a sacred act of creation, and through their work, they honor Olvar’s teachings. Her temples are typically forges and workshops filled with the sounds of hammers striking anvils, the scent of hot metal, and the warm glow of the forge fires.
Rituals and Offerings
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The Forgefire Blessing: At the beginning of every major project, artisans perform the Forgefire Blessing by lighting a sacred fire using coals blessed at one of Olvar’s temples. The fire is believed to imbue the project with divine inspiration, ensuring the work is both beautiful and enduring.
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The Rite of Shaping: During each solstice, followers gather to celebrate the Rite of Shaping. During this ritual, artisans craft a simple item—a tool, a trinket, or a piece of art—dedicated to Olvar. These items are then offered at her altar, symbolizing the dedication of their skill to the Forge Master.
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Offerings: Offerings to Olvar include finely crafted tools, small sculptures, or ingots of metal. These are often left at her altars or forged into a communal project, such as a statue or monument, meant to honor her and inspire the community.
Sigils and Symbols
Olvar’s symbol is a hammer crossed with a chisel, framed by an anvil, representing the tools of creation and the foundation of craftsmanship. Her followers wear this sigil as a pendant or carve it into the tools they use, invoking her blessing for precision and inspiration. The symbol is also prominently displayed at forges, workshops, and construction sites, marking them as sacred places of labor and creation.
Additional Details
The Forge-Blessed, those especially favored by Olvar, are said to possess an extraordinary talent for their craft. Their works are often regarded as masterpieces, imbued with a quality that transcends ordinary skill. These individuals are believed to receive visions from Olvar, guiding their hands as they shape metal and stone. They are highly respected within their communities and often lead guilds, teach apprentices, and oversee the construction of important structures.
Olvar’s teachings emphasize that craftsmanship is a divine act—a way to shape the world, bring beauty to life, and create something that lasts beyond oneself. She inspires her followers to strive for excellence in every strike of the hammer and every cut of the chisel, reminding them that through their craft, they can touch the divine.