The Four Clays

[Random_White_Guy]

The Four Clays
Gausim al-Marain

When the earth mixes with Mother B'aara's waters, the outcome is the substance known as clay. It allows for the creation of wonders large and small, but as she created life the Civilized are able to see their walls raised higher. Their homes built. Their empire grow. The quality of this clay though, when sprinkled with the purest waters of the Mother's tears, lends to the differed outcome. She weeps so as there are unhoused, as there are those suffering so, as Refugees come.

Earthenware, a more porous and and able to be chiseled by simple knife it allows for the construction of simple abodes and contain water, grain, and more. It is the first steps towards a civilized life when a settlement is able to raise Earthenware.

Terracotta, a less porous but red hued clay, is not without impurity but it holds its form fairer. It lends well to the creation of irrigation, of growth of farm and flower, and the keeping of contents under pressure. So too, when struck just right - it shall emit such a sonorous tune provided the stonework is not fractured. The first steps of culture atop mere civilized life producing a greater push towards the Mother's hopes for all her children.

Stoneware is refined. It is a firm, well tended Clay sculpted by an Artisan. It allows the construction of great structures and durable homes to stand the test of time, but it must be refined and chiseled and carved as all stonework does. With due time and effort though it may move beyond the shortcomings of Terracotta to make truly water-tight, far less impure, and sturdy materials. Perfect for the construction of Walls, Wells, and more. A time when men and women may set aside sword and spear and begin to discovery not only the baseworks of civilization or the inklings of culture but a true and earnest step.

Porcelain is immaculate. The delicate carvings, the careful finish, the artisinal touches. It is refined beyond measure and it sits so valued, so precious, and so perfect. It is a Master's touch that forges such a thing and coveted by any and all. The housing of Water for not only necessity but for decorative purposes showing such wealth that one may give it charitably to any who have need. It is the last stage of a Culture's progression towards a truly Civilized lifelihood when Porcelain is introduced.

It is in the honor of the Mother's workings that the Four B'aaran Shrines of Ephia's Well are so made. Carefully carved with intention and purpose. Consecrated by Acolyte of the Blessed Temple under the duties of Mother Al-Fayyid, to bring her honor and respect among The Great Temple of Baz'eel. The iconography as well lends to the Progression of the Refugee, as they come from the harsh desert and progress to become a fully found and self-actualized Citizen. So long as they have made their way to each of the Four Shrines.

The Earthware Shrine - The B'aaran Almhouse of The Tablet, where many Refugee first find way.
The Terracotta Shrine - The Upper Floor of the Krak de Rose, where waters flow near the arena staining the Clay red, where Refugee may learn of how to survive this harsh desert.
The Stoneware Shrine - Hasheema's Hope, where the communal lessons of charity, of care, and of family begin to take root.
The Porcelain Shrine - The Palm Heights, where the refinement of Clay moves beyond art to miraculous, and where the Refugee becomes a truly contributing Voiced Citizen.

A miraculous thing it shall be when the Four Shrines are attended in unison, that the Blessed Temple of B'aara may operate in full capacity, and we of the Great Temple may honor such with celebration and blessings upon Ephia's Well.

One day.