I wanted some graphical symbols to represent my icons in Gods and Icons. You could say they are icon icons, but that way lies madness. I'll call them symbols. Doug Scott, who worked with us on The Sun Below: City on the Edge and The Sun Below: Sleeping Lady is working on the symbols. Here's a few examples of his work in progress:
Thrice Wise Mercurius is the master of arcane magic, whose symbol is a stylized armillary sphere. Thrice Wise Mercurius is constantly searching for new magic and portents. He is a master alchemist and astrologer. When he supplies magic items, they are ornate, and covered in magical sigils. When he supplies information, it often comes in the form of a divination.
“The stars predict trouble ahead. To avoid it, look for the hidden entrance behind the stone fist.”
Hierophant Nephthys (HY-ro-fant NEF-tis) presides over the church of the Bright Gods, the official pantheon of the Espairian Empire. The church is bigger than just the empire, since the gods don’t stop at the border. She oversees a vast church bureaucracy. Temples must be built and maintained. The clergy needs to be trained and focused. The people depend on their church.
Emperor Roland the Unbreakable is a hard working emperor who sits at the top of the imperial apparatus of the Espairian Empire. His honor guard flies griffons into battle. He helps stamp out hell breaches into his lands. He funds the church and promotes trade.
On the other hand, he’s not much of a free thinker, and he’s got his eye on a number of lands outside the empire. He’d rather they joined the empire peacefully, but whatever it takes.
Gods and Icons is all coming together. It's exciting!