The story of Ibis, god of knowledge, learning, and magic, is one of secrecy and guarded wisdom. His followers, often scholars, sages, doctors, and diviners, are devoted to the belief that knowledge is a treasure to be earned, not freely given. This mindset places them in direct opposition to the open teaching practices of institutions like Iron Knot University, whose philosophy runs counter to everything the priests of Ibis hold dear.
Ibis, Keeper of the Three Great Books:
Worshippers of Ibis claim that their god is omniscient, recording all knowledge within three mythical tomes. These books are said to be stored within the depths of a great crypt, accessible only to those who have proven their dedication through years of study and hard work. The contents of these books are rumored to contain the secrets of the cosmos, ancient magic, and hidden truths that could reshape the world if ever revealed. Yet, Ibis himself is far from covetous of this knowledge. His reluctance to share comes from a belief in earned wisdom, not withholding it for selfish gain. Unlike the greedy Temple of Set or the generous Temple of Ishtar, Ibis only rewards those who dedicate themselves to lifelong learning.
Opposition and Strife:
The Temple of Set, rival to Ibis and his followers, holds great contempt for the stinginess of the god's knowledge. Set, a god of darkness and destruction, encourages his followers to covet and seize power, which includes knowledge. The two faiths have been at war for centuries, a battle of light and shadow, wisdom and manipulation.
Kalaman, Wizard-High Priest of Ibis
At the heart of Ibis’ dwindling faith stands Kalaman, the wizard-high priest. Now an elderly man, Kalaman has outlived many of his peers, thanks to his position as an avatar of Ibis, granting him an unnaturally extended lifespan. Once a powerful force in the conflict between Ibis and Set, Kalaman is now largely withdrawn from direct conflict, as age and the endless war have worn him down. He is an enigmatic figure, one of Sahar’s closest allies to the Sultan, and his magical prowess rivals that of Ambergris the wizard.
Despite numerous assassination attempts orchestrated by Set's agents, Kalaman remains unshaken, his magic and powerful will allowing him to deflect even the most terrifying of attacks. His quiet retreat from the battlefield may seem like a weakness, but those who know Kalaman understand that he works behind the scenes, still spinning webs of intrigue, amassing knowledge, and preparing for the inevitable next clash with the followers of Set.
Ibis in the World:
Though Ibis rarely sends avatars into the world, his influence manifests in dreams and visions, or as a sudden burst of inspiration for those who seek him out. He only intervenes when his own interests are at stake—particularly in battles of knowledge and magic, or to oppose his ancient rival, Set. His followers often claim that the world’s greatest scholars and magicians owe their success to the subtle influence of Ibis.
Allies of Ibis, such as the priests of Mitra, occasionally band together to counter the evil wrought by the Cult of Set. Though the temple of Ibis is impoverished, those loyal to his cause remain steadfast, certain that through hidden knowledge and patience, they will outlast their enemies.
Ibis Feather
The temple sells the Ibis Feather for 1,000 gold pieces, allowing the sending of messages and receiving a reply, over any distance—to anyone known by the sender.
Among the temple’s most esteemed residents is Vop Verstappen, a sage renowned throughout Seregon for his vast knowledge of history, magic, and the arcane. He spends much of his time in the temple’s library, poring over ancient texts and advising both priests and visiting scholars. His wisdom is sought by many, but he is known to be as inscrutable as the god he serves, revealing knowledge only to those who have earned it through diligent study.
The temple is also frequented by wizards from The Arcane Watchers, who come to consult with the priests or to access the vast repository of knowledge held within the temple’s walls. These wizards are often seen in deep conversation with the priests, exchanging insights on magical theory and practice. The Arcane Watchers respect the temple’s dedication to knowledge and often collaborate with the priests on matters of mutual interest.
The Temple of Ibis stands as a beacon of learning in Seregon, a place where the pursuit of knowledge is revered above all else, and where the mysteries of the universe are patiently unraveled by those willing to dedicate their lives to the search for truth.
Notable Group: The Luminary Scribes