Iconoclasm is the destruction of divine or holy items - such as STATUES erected in a deity's honour, bearing their likeness, or ICONS holy to a certain god or goddess.
The iconoclast will gain favour for his/her patron, will do some harm to the god whose holy image is attacked, and will deprive the opposing Order and indeed the world at large of any benefit from the iconic holy item.
It is a dangerous business, a fine line to tread, being an iconoclast for there is ever the risk of angering a deity if the action is deemed to cross that fatal rubicon of open disrespect; and as all mortals discover - usually young in their Avalon life - incurring the wrath of a god is a deadly serious affair. Iconoclasm cannot be undertaken by pacifists or those with duellist status.
Syntax: SMASH ICON.
Lay the icon of the deity you wish to destroy on the ground and wielding a suitable weapon (like the warhammer) or an icon of another god or goddess (symbolism is as powerful as metal ore after all), you will set about the business of smashing the holy relic with as much vigour as you can muster. Iconoclasm is a faster process when undertaken in groups.
Syntax: SMASH STATUE.
Most likely you will find divine statues dotted around the land, often centered around holy locations of a particular deity. These STATUES will bear an obvious likeness to a certain divinity and you may wish to turn iconoclast against them. To do so you will need to wield a holy ICON (or certain other suitable weapons) and, in the presence of the statue, attempt to SMASH it.
It is no easy task - often one better undertaken with companions - for the divine statues have been empowered with festival blessing (see HELP FESTIVALS) and will resist any attempt to destroy them. If, however, you are successful you will ensure glory and danger in equal measure.
It is advisable not to intrude on those locations designated the temples 'proper' of a deity whose Order you consider your enemy, or whose persona you wish to assault. Temples are often sanctuaries and this protection tends to extend to statues erected within them - inner temple defilement is a dangerous game. Survey a location: if it is described as a temple or openly listed some holy edifice and there are three or more markings, expect the worst if the God or Goddess perceives your iconcoclasm. Statues outside of specific holy locations, however, are considered fair targets and must be defended by mortal steel and magic.
