Muqanna

The Khanites follow the teachings of the eight God Thieves, who during the chaos that ended the Third Age breached the Dust Ramparts that enclosed Navaroa and stole divine knowledge from the Tooth of Asur, most sacred relic of the Basai. The first to ascend was Muqanna, the Veiled One, and her seven companions followed her, achieving lesser but still incredible powers. The Eight are called the Akyar, ‘The Unseen,’ for though they vanished from mortal sight, they still move about disguised. To prove her newfound divinity, Muqanna shaped sand into a magnificent city and then carried it into the sky. This is Nasibin, the Bronze City, also called the City of Winds, for it floats hundreds of meters above the ground, and can travel wherever Muqanna wills. Though the Veiled One is the greatest of the Eight, and the highest prophet of the Muqannites, who derive their name from her, the other seven God Thieves are also important and highly honored. The Muqannites do not deny other gods or even shrink from worshipping them, but the orthodox aver that only by following the ‘invisible road’ to Muqanna’s Rose Garden will one achieve true enlightenment and self-mastery. All idols and spirits are but distractions to the true seeker. Many faithful swear ‘by Muqanna and the Seven Prophets!’ or ‘Seven Thieves,’ as the mood takes them. For the thieving nature of the Akyar is not dishonorable. Rather, it is proof of their supreme wit and cunning, as well as their generosity in sharing what they stole with all who wished to partake in wisdom. To steal from a man is wicked, but to steal from a god is divine. Six of the Akyar would go on to found Sanjaks, the mage clans that would all but rule Khanaan if not for the sultan and his court. 
Besides Muqanna, the Seven are as follows: 
Italzim, He-who-Approaches. Once a renowned sorcerer much in demand for his learning, Italzim was often called on by the powerful to answer their questions, which he did with ease. Muqanna heard of Italzim’s wisdom and sought him out, asking if there were any questions he could not answer. The sage replied that given enough time, he could solve any conundrum. Muqanna whispered a question to him, and Italzim was stupefied, pulling at his beard in agitation. He confessed that he could not begin to answer Muqanna, and she smiled, and asked if he desired to find the solution for himself. He agreed, and was the first to join the God Thieves. Almost as wise as Muqanna, Italzim was the second to seize power from Heaven. Generous with his knowledge, he shared many of his secrets with the most enlightened pilgrims who climbed the Bridge of Smoke to the Bronze City to learn. He has since departed his lecture hall, though many believe he still travels the lands, dispensing guidance for the perplexed. 
Saqqud, the Waterboy. An Ashir slave who was sold to the master of a caravanserai, Saqqud labored as a simple water-carrier through his childhood and into adolescence. When Muqanna stopped at the caravanserai he served at, the Ashir slave’s irrepressible charm, wit and tenacity intrigued Muqanna. She asked the boy what he would do with freedom, and he replied that he would continue to carry water, as no creature could live without it. Muqanna purchased Saqqud’s freedom, and asked him to join the God Thieves. He did so with a smile. A handsome and fun-loving youth, Saqqud is guide to those who seek to discover life’s wonders through simple joys. Many commoners revere the Waterboy and make frequent requests to him. Saqqud is said to answer by assuming some unexpected form, though there is always a twinkle in his eye, and a grin on his face. 
Zenneb, the Poetess. A daughter of a great sultan, whose brother imprisoned her in a rock-cut palace to prevent her challenging his claim to the throne, Zenneb poured out her longing in poetry of incredible beauty. She had servants distribute her work across Khanaan, and the exquisite verse drew the attentions of Muqanna. She approached the Poetess, and offered to free her from her prison so long as she was ready to give up all certainties. Zenneb agreed, and so she joined the God Thieves. She guides those who seek truth in beauty and art. 
Jeroa, the Fisher. A fisherman from Mozollan who travelled all along the coasts of Khanaan and beyond, and who told wild tales of his exploits, recounting the many marvels and wonders he’d seen on his travels. Many came to listen to Jeroa speak, and many took to the waves in search of their own adventures. Muqanna was curious to hear the stories for herself, and attended one of Jeroa’s recitals. His tales were vivid and incredibly stirring, and after the performance, she approached Jeroa and asked if the stories were real. For the first time in his life, Jeroa told the truth, and admitted the stories were his own invention. Muqanna was amused, and asked if Jeroa wished to see wonders for himself. He agreed, and joined the Seven Thieves. Jeroa inspires travelers, those who seek out wonders on land or sea, if only so they have good stories to tell when they return home. 
Sicharq, the Wrestler. A Torag of impressive strength who travelled Khanaan performing athletic feats. He boasted that he could defeat anyone, and though numerous men responded to his challenge, he overcame them again and again, winning much acclaim. At one such display of strength, performed for a revered sheikh, Muqanna joined the audience and watched as Sicharq dispatched challenger after challenger. He called to the crowd, asking for new opponents. Muqanna stepped forth, and many laughed, thinking she was joking. Sicharq dismissed Muqanna, but she insisted that the Torag could not move her, let alone defeat her. Sicharq humored her, barely trying to push Muqanna over, but when he felt how solid she was, he began to earnestly try to throw her down. Despite all his strength and struggle, he could not make Muqanna budge. After Sicharq admitted defeat, Muqanna asked if the Torag wished to become immovable as well. He said yes, and so joined the God Thieves. Sicharq invigorates those who seek to find truth by constantly challenging their limits, all the while remaining unmoved by life’s vicissitudes.   
Khosro, The Madman. A crazed old man who was often the source of consternation and anger. He had been banished from many communities, and Muqanna encountered him while he was surrounded by a mob. Khosro, in one of his ‘pranks,’ had bundled all his clothes onto his head in a great turban, and walked, sashaying and naked, into the women’s bathhouse. He had been chased from the town, and the mob wished to stone him. Muqanna intervened, and offered to take Khosro under her protection. The mob dispersed, and Muqanna asked Khosro if he wished for people to finally understand what he was showing them. The old man just grinned and walked towards the setting sun. Khosro is the holy fool who reveals the wisdom in madness and inspires acts of incomprehensible revelation. 
The Awaited One. The most mysterious of Muqanna’s companions, the Awaited One has no name, for she has hidden that. When the God Thieves followed Muqanna in taking the secrets of Heaven for themselves, the Awaited refrained, and instead turned away, promising to follow at a later time. Muqanna blessed her, and the Awaited One faded from view. She is the secret and mystery that ignites seekers of truth, all those who quest for knowledge search for the Awaited One, even if they do not know her true name or appearance. She is the flickering specter, the veiled dancer, the shadow stretching behind Muqanna and into eternity.
Category:Religion
Category:Gods