Cormaq Thunderhand, the Father of Invention
The Divine Engineer Cormaq Thunderhand
"Innovation is the lifeblood of any society. Without innovation, invention, creativity, and curiosity, all is lost. For that is how we are meant to move forward. Ever steady must be the momentum and march of progress."
A defining quote, oft attributed to have been from Cormaq Thunderhand himself, when he was but of the mortal coil in during the Sundering and the Reclaimantion Wars.
Religion DCs/Information
General DC: 17
So long as someone makes or exceeds DC:17 on a Religion roll, they would know some basic information as laid out here, perhaps knowing the names of the two major parts of the faith of the Seekers of Progress, the Devil Dogs (Templars/Paladins) and the Order Librarium (Priests/Clerics).
Specific DC: 20 (Religious Lore, or History Lore, though that check should be a bit harder.)
You know a fair bit more in regards to this diety if you can make, and do manage to succeed, this check. You know the faith's governing tenets, you would know of his tie to Guilder's Day, you would know well the story of his death, but also bits of truly deep lore. Such as the idea that some texts have implied that Cormaq was in fact not wholly biological, that he had augmented himself and was in fact, at least partially, an automaton. These references are obscure, and few enough to not be a mainstay in the faith, but not so few that they can be ignored or discounted entirely. You would also know that though it is agreed upon where he died, there seems not any clarity about what might have happened to his body, as is the way with most of the Ascended. Furthermore however, the how of his death seems to lack clarity, either being killed slaying a corrupted Tane, one of the last presumably, or, the more accepted version, that he was slain vanquishing Insatia, the Great Devourer back to the Void.
Divine Domains
Cormaq Thunderhand's influences are tied to science, innovation and society's forward progress. In a Pathfinder 2e sense for example, he would best be tied to/overlap with; Ambition, Creation, Destruction, Knowledge, Metal, and Truth. Whereas in a DnD 5e sense, he would best be tied to Creation, Destruction, Knowledge, and Light.
Artifacts
Cormaq has a notable variety of artifacts attributed to him, though most were not wielded by him. In fact, though objects such as Hound's Fang, as a prime example, are attributed to the other dieties, as well they should be, for that is whom wielded them, many of those objects are generally believed to have been crafted by Cormaq Thunderhand himself.
Holy Books & Codes
The faith of Cormaq Thunderhand is the faith of scientists and inventors, and as such, it might come as no surprise that their 'holy texts' take form less as psalms and passages that one might expect of a typical religious codex, and more the form of very logical and structured manuals not unlike scientific studies and educative works. This faith is second perhaps only to Deat-Kra, the Divine Judge, in the sheer volume of books and codexes of a religious bent available, along with the variety herein. Overlooking all that however, is the governing code, the broad tenets of sorts that guide any followers or institutions, in principle at least, tied to Cormaq Thunderhand. Known as Torvi Elis Vanit or more simply translated, as the Engineer's Ethical Codex, the four governing principles are as follows;
These simple principles are perhaps the first thing any new acolyte or recruit will be taught and drilled on to understand. They are the foundational basis, the footing, the base upon which the Divine Engineer's faith is built and practiced.
- We are of a higher purpose, you seek knowledge, advancement and progress for the good of all, not riches
- Death is an acceptable price to pay to save or protect knowledge from being lost.
- Educate, not belittle. We are the Light of advancement, our job is to illuminate the path.
- Fear is the enemy of advancement, yet caution is its ally. You must control your fears, they cannot control you.
These simple principles are perhaps the first thing any new acolyte or recruit will be taught and drilled on to understand. They are the foundational basis, the footing, the base upon which the Divine Engineer's faith is built and practiced.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
As is common of religions, the Seekers of Progress do have a few different religious symbols and sigils. The most well known though are the First Firearm, commonly a pendant worn by the faithful, as well as the Cannon of Progress, the symbol and heraldry like sigil worn by the Devil Dogs. Other recognized symbols or iconography that certain chapters or subsets within the faith may wear or utilize include both mundane objects and more complex things, such as;
- A magnifying glass overtop of part of a blueprint or schematic
- An Automaton core or Magnicore Engine
- A complex gear assembly, such as those found within a pocket watch, for example.
Holidays
His influence is everywhere, all around us. Every ringing strike of a smith hammer, every hiss of a welding torch, every tap of a stonemason's chisel, every stroke of an engineer's inkpen, and more. Innovation, invention, creation and destruction, the fundamental paths of science and development. Of study and innovation. Every such motion and tool a prayer all their own his name!"
A lively sermon given one Guilder's Day in Rydan by Malirey Enval the II, a gnomish high priest.
The 21st of Mazi every year there is the celebration of the day known as Guilder's Day. This day is of rest and celebration to honor the skilled innovators and craftsfolk whom drive civilization forward and are instrumental in the march of Progress. The holiday is of great importance to the faith of Cormaq Thunderhand, so much so that in match with the governments in many places, the church will help provide such workers with a stipend, the equivalent of a day's wages, so that they may enjoy the day off without feeling guilty or losing any income. Such businesses are all closed, no one such high skill worker is to engage in labor on such a day. These celebrations will oft include treatments such as the offering of free meal and drink at local eateries if one has their guilder's license to present to the serving staff of the establishment. Along with such personal perks for these workers, for the rest of society in general it is oft a game of street festivities, games, entertainment, and even good natured contest events some will take part in.
In larger cities and places with facilities such as Engineering Universities or their ilk, there may even be Inventor Open Houses held on such facilities. These events are generally a great deal of fun, where anyone from any walk of life can set up and show off any gadget or odd little trinket or tool they've made or prototyped out. In these larger festivities, and when such events are held, while it is meant to be fun and relaxing, it is also not unheard of for someone to end up selling off an idea or invention for a tidy amount of coin. This is because many business folk do take in these fairs and festivals with an eye on the prize, not afraid to pay a premium to get what they percieve as a potential edge in the market space.
Personality Characteristics
Representation & Legacy
Cormaq Thunderhand is the diety most commonly worshipped in Waston and the primary deity of the gnomish peoples. He is the god of invention and technology on Valerick. Oft depicted as a middle aged or even elderly gnomish inventer, complete with the heavy tool apron, head gear and protective glove upon his right hand. His left hand is oft depicted as a mechanical prosthetic of sorts, with silver or brass fittings, and iron plating, with a symbol done in vibrant orange colors etched in the palm. The palm is sometimes shown set with a glowing piece of Topaz, and some believe that the name 'Thunderhand' might refer to this prosethic, whilst others think portraying this as a prosthetic may in fact be incorrect, and it is likely just a gauntlet.
However most lore and stories, and even scriptures, make many references to this special hand and its unique power, referring to the idea that he could wield some sort of thunderous force, his left hand even referred to as a 'crafting tool of power and percision. When he is depicted in artwork, he is oft also shown to be wearing a jeweler's loop or some sort of googles or other eyewear associated with detail work or protective wear for trade work.
When he is depicted armed, it is generally with a weapon who's design was once a revolutionary advancement, but is now little more than a museum piece, a clockwork rifle, known as the first rifle. This strange hybrid between a firearm and a crossbow utilizes both a propulsion system based on a spring under great tension with a clockwork release, and a small amount of smokepowder to fling a projectile at speeds that, in its time, would have been unheard of. However though it was the gateway invention, a storied invention of Thunderhand's lore, supposedly his youth, he would not keep using it or stop there and is oft considered the true father of firearms. His designs ultimately, their archaelogical remnants, would guide the designs of this modern era that have brought Valerick into this burgeoning age of technology.
Cormaq Thunderhand is much more commonly depicted unarmed however, in his full glory as an inventor, generally amongst tools, projects or in the process of crafting some object or another.
However most lore and stories, and even scriptures, make many references to this special hand and its unique power, referring to the idea that he could wield some sort of thunderous force, his left hand even referred to as a 'crafting tool of power and percision. When he is depicted in artwork, he is oft also shown to be wearing a jeweler's loop or some sort of googles or other eyewear associated with detail work or protective wear for trade work.
When he is depicted armed, it is generally with a weapon who's design was once a revolutionary advancement, but is now little more than a museum piece, a clockwork rifle, known as the first rifle. This strange hybrid between a firearm and a crossbow utilizes both a propulsion system based on a spring under great tension with a clockwork release, and a small amount of smokepowder to fling a projectile at speeds that, in its time, would have been unheard of. However though it was the gateway invention, a storied invention of Thunderhand's lore, supposedly his youth, he would not keep using it or stop there and is oft considered the true father of firearms. His designs ultimately, their archaelogical remnants, would guide the designs of this modern era that have brought Valerick into this burgeoning age of technology.
Cormaq Thunderhand is much more commonly depicted unarmed however, in his full glory as an inventor, generally amongst tools, projects or in the process of crafting some object or another.
Divine Classification
Diety
Current Location
Species
Realm
Church/Cult
Age
Unknown
Date of Birth
Unknown
Date of Death
21st of Mazi, 2118 SuD
Circumstances of Birth
Unknown
Circumstances of Death
Died alongside Deat-Kra as the pair fought and vanquished Insatia, the Great Devourer, which broke the hordes of Gulagor, vanquishing its legions back unto the Void.
Birthplace
Rydan, Waston
Place of Death
The Siege of Tiate, during the Reclaimation of Susma
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Gender
Male
Eyes
Oft depicted with smokey almost coal colored eyes
Hair
Often depicted short, not unlike a military cut, and of a tone that resembles unpolished steel or iron.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Generally depicted of a coppery-bronze complexion with a notable penchant to having grease, oil and other such dirt and stains about his face and forearms
Height
3'4" (1m)
Weight
55lbs (24.9 kgs)
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Comments