The Twin Keepers are two of the gods worshipped among
The Hundred Gods of
Gaulir. They are a pair consisting of the goddess Ruby and the god Sapphire. In Gauliric literature, they are commonly referred to by their respective by their respective epithets, which when translated mean 'Seeress of Tales' and 'Sage of Records' respectively.
They are among a small number of the Hundred Gods who were anthropomorphised and granted human forms within Gauliric tradition, as well as among the minority of gods given either a male or female gendering. Both of these parts of their characterisation were revised during the
Grannrormrlen under the regulation forbidding the depiction of the Hundred Gods as either human or gendered, but they returned to being depicted as humanoid after the empire's collapse.
Appearances
The two gods are commonly depicted as
Tveirfotr; as all of the humanized Hundred Gods were. Both are notable for being particularly short in drawings of them; although it is uncertain whether this is meant to be indicative of their height, or simply a stylistic quirk of early Gauliric art. Their names are thought to derive from their appearances: Both are depicted as being bright blue and bright red respectively, and are described in myths as having 'bodies made of ruby and sapphire.' An alternate portrayal from a later period of Gauliric history sees them described as having bodies made of marble and hair woven from gemstones, with their names then deriving from the colours of their hair instead.
Domains
The domains of the twin keepers are closely linked to each other, as are the two deities themselves, and they represent an unusual pairing within the otherwise-normally-unrelated Hundred Gods. Both of their domains revolve around knowledge and the preservation of information; but each governs over a separate method of doing so.
Sapphire
Sapphire's title of Sage of Records refers to their role as the god of history. They are the deity in charge of the recording and preservation of knowledge, and are closely associated with books, scrolls, and the written word. Before the Grannr era, the individuals in charge of recording the history of the various kingdoms and polities in Landamar were all members of the priesthood of Sapphire; and their duties equally involved performing rituals to appease the god. They are also associated with the virtues of literary knowledge and intelligence, and are a patron of historians and scholars.
Ruby
Ruby's title of the Seeress of Tales derives from their purported ability to know of every noteworthy story and legend in the world's history. They are primarily associated with the passing-down and maintaining of the many myths and legends pertaining to the Hundred Gods, as well as all other epics of the past which occurred before the time of records. They are thought to represent the significance of recounting stories orally, and were the chief god in charge of preservation of cultural tales before the invention of the written word. They are also associated with the virtues of wisdom and understanding.
'Knowledge'
The two deities were considered to be interlinked with one-another; with each representing one side of the wider Gauliric concept of 'knowledge.' Although they are worshipped separately, it is common in rituals dedicated to them for worshippers to alternate between offering up prayers or sacrifices to one and then the other.
This derives from the Gauliric idea of 'knowledge' as a concept that is divided into two halves: The first consists of learned information, and encompasses that which may be used to practical benefit within one's life as well as that which is correct. This is the type of knowledge that is required by people such as farmers, craftsmen, and other types of artisans; as well as scholars and healers and sorcerors of the variety who learn from books. The second half consists of wisdom, and is defined as the ability to use the learned information that one possesses in a positive manner. Unlike the first half of knowledge, it is not strictly required for any job or profession; but its absence is devastating no matter one's occupation. An abundance of wisdom is believed to enable a person to make judgements that are both shrewd and just; and ensures that they will make the right decision when faced with dilemmas.
In Rulers
It was believed that a fusion of wisdom and knowledge was the chief quality desired of a ruler in Gauliric times. A monarch was thought to need knowledge in order to be informed about events going on in his state, as well as to understand matters like strategy and economics. All of this knowledge was useless without wisdom, however; for it was that which allowed the sovereign to make good decisions. A ruler with knowledge but no wisdom would struggle in politics and in understanding his subjects, and would often be overthrown. A ruler with wisdom but no knowledge was popular with the people and just of character, but inept at statesmanship.
Worship
The two gods were commonly worshipped in temples or shrines built in close proximity to those of their sibling deity. In the case of Sapphire, the keeper was primarily worshipped in temples constructed from marble and furnished with elaborate domed roofs. Shrines to Ruby, on the contrary, were rarely so complicated; instead consisting of any nearby locations - usually raised mounds, hills, or in some cases towers - from which the stars were readily visible.
Little is known of the rituals conducted in either's name, but it is understood what the purpose of each was: The cult of Sapphire were responsible for the creation and maintenance of maps detailing both the local area and wider geographic regions; with many of the Grannr's most prominent cartographers being members. The cult of Ruby, on the other hand, focused on the production of artworks that served to illustrate the events depicted in various myths and folktales; most commonly in the form of illuminated manuscripts or other drawings. Their other duties included serving as specialised diplomats trained in the art of making first contact with foreign cultures; who were tasked with coming to understand the beliefs and values of these new peoples in order to foster good relations with them.
