The Hammers of the Faith are a loosely affiliated collection of revelationist cults of Hasamel. Followed almost exclusively by guilds of blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, and other types of artisans in the Western Coast, the cults believe that labor brings forth direct communion with their god and his servants, especially that which results in magnificent works.
Edicts and anathema
- Edicts
- Same as Hasamel
- Anathema
- Same as Hasamel
History
The exact origin of the Hammers of the Faith is unclear, though it is generally thought to have grown out of a spate of stories around Y9870* in which the god is said to have spoken directly to multiple skilled craftspeople as they labored. Such claims were not unique or new by any means, but these were of such remarkable frequently and consistency that the new religious movement quickly grew.
Beliefs
The core, fundamental belief of the sect is that their god Hasamel shows himself and bestows great knowledge to those who prove their dedication through their trade. In the words of a common prayer within the cults, the production of works brings forth the divine. The most devout of master artisans work feverishly and ceaselessly, dedicating their lives to creating artifacts in Hasamel's name in the hopes that the god will directly intercede in their lives, through which he will gift them wisdom of how to design items fit for the god himself, reveal hidden truths of his faith, or even grant them a place by his side upon the artisan's death.
Hammer cults are all inextricably associated with local guilds. They recognize no central leader of the faith, but instead defer to their guild masters for religious guidance as well. Just as the guilds tightly protect their knowledge, training, prices, and the right to perform their trade, so too do they guard the faith. Most guilds following the sect tend to go farther than just controlling their vocations, becoming somewhat communal in nature - it is not uncommon for members of the most dedicated guilds to live and work in common areas and share possessions.
Followers
Nearly all followers of the Hammers of the Faith live within the Western Coast. The cities of Vectra, Gullport, and Sarhess have particularly large numbers of members of the sect, but so too do Almos and Lyare, if to somewhat lesser degrees. More recently the cults have begun to spread to the dwarves of Barat Tor as well.