Book of Fundamentals

The Keepers of the Four Corners boast that their canon, Fundamentals, is the most light-hearted, practical and accessible of all holy books. The four chapters are printed on different types of paper, each with separate watermarks and borders. A rather wordy introduction, greater in length than the four chapters combined, precedes the four colored sections. By contrast, the introduction bears no special coloration or watermark. The binding is typically leather or wood.

The four chapters (called “Elements”) explain the four elements, why each is important to life and why they are holy. The introduction contains the rest of the general information on the faith. It defines the functions, dress and rituals of the clergy and contains anecdotes about saints and famous clerics, often in humorous or embarrassing situations. It also lists violations and punishments for the crime in question (drowning for piracy, burning for arson, etc.).

Once clerics choose a particular cult, they receive another canon that deals specifically with their chosen path. Obviously there are four of these. They are not available outside the clergy and clerics of any cult will kill to get such a book back. These books are far more solemn than Fundamentals.

Fundamentals is prevalent in rural settings, often found for sale in unusual places, such as the local tanner’s or fletcher’s shop. Somewhat rarer in cities, the book is more often passed around among friends than bought and sold. It sells for 35 gp.