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Difference between revisions of "Glyphward"
Jezrien is not the Stormfather! Also typo.
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A '''glyphward''' is a prayer, written in the form of [[glyphs]], that is used in Vorinism. Glyphwards can be as short in length as a single glyph,{{book ref|twok|69}} or as long as several glyphs strung together.{{book ref|twok|62}} They do take some skill to draw well and neatly, so a person who can draw glyphwards calligraphically well is considered to have an impressive ability.{{book ref|twok|5}} After a glyphward is created, whether through drawing or sewing it into cloth,{{book ref|twok|62}} it is burned to send the soul of the prayer to the [[Almighty]]. If the prayer fails to be answered, it is simply treated as his will.{{book ref|twok|25}} In addition to sending prayers to the Almighty, glyphwards often appeal to one of the [[Herald]]s, such as [[Jezrien|Jezerezeh]]'Elin, or to the [[Stormfather]].{{book ref|twok|62}} Glyphs were also drawn on surfaces with [[burn ink]], and then set on fire to burn a glyph onto something.{{book ref|twok|69}}
The prayers sent by glyphwards vary quite a bit. Some are burned before an action, such as a duel, for a blessing such as luck or success.{{book ref|twok|49}} Others are burned in a prayer of thanksgiving for some perceived blessing.{{book ref|twok|8}} Some glyphwards are commissioned to absolve sins, such as visiting the [[Nightwatcher]].{{book ref|twok|61}} When a person dies or is in danger, his or her wife or daughters will create glyphwards to pray for that person.{{book ref|twok|69}} Glyphwards are also believed to be able to turn away evil.{{book ref|twok|25}}
When fire or flammable materials are not available, one may sketch a glyphward anyway, in hope that the Almighty will understand the supplicant's situation and accept the prayer. In place of burning the glyphward, the petitioner will bow her head reverently for ten heartbeats.{{book ref|wor|11}} Less formal prayers may also be simply traced with a finger to ward off evil.{{book ref|wor|3}}
Women are the only ones to typically make glyphwards,{{book ref|twok|28}} although both men and women make use of them. In addition to being homemade, glyphwards are often purchased from [[luckmerch|luckmerches]] or apothecaries,{{book ref|twok|25}} the latter of which will often decorate their shops
More scientifically minded or more logical Rosharans deplore glyphwards as mere nonsense and superstition.{{book ref|twok|5}}{{book ref|twok|17}} Some wonder why, if the Almighty is omniscient, he needs to have a prayer burned to him before he can aid someone.{{book ref|twok|43}}
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