Recommend A Holy Symbol For A God Of Knowledge

[SiderisAnon]

In my current game, the PCs are in service to Jican, god of knowledge. I had originally had his holy symbol be a silver quill. The players were all less than enthusiastic about this choice. Since it's tattooed on the forehead in this setting, I can understand they want something they can like.

So, does anyone have any suggestions for a good holy symbol/icon for such a deity?

Jican, God of Knowledge, The Wise One, The Learned, Father Advisor
God of knowledge, order, law, cities.

 

[frankthedm]

A Key and a Gate.

 

[Scribble]

I think since it's on the forehead, this would be a perfect time to use an eye?

The third eye has been a common symbol of understanding, knowledge, and enlightenment.

 

[Byronic]

A Sword is often a symbol for reason and it has obvious symbolism for law and order. And manhood but that's another topic.

 

[SiderisAnon]

I think since it's on the forehead, this would be a perfect time to use an eye?

It's a good symbolism, but the problem with that one is that the custom in the world is for every priest to be tattooed on the forehead, no matter the god. There's already an eyeball symbol god.

I probably should have mentioned in the OP about every priesthood doing this.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

To add to frankthedm's excellent suggestion...

1) An exclamation point- representing the "Eureka!" moment of discovery.

2) A candle- representing the metaphorical illumination of the mind and world- the equivalent of the lightbulb in some ways. (The candle has been used in this way IRL.)

3) A book or scroll.

3.1) A book or scroll over a broken sword. ("Knowledge is mightier than force.")

4) A stylized image of the god's library.

5) An equation that would be known to people of that tech level... F=ma, or A2 + B2 = C2 (I don't know how to do superscripts here) perhaps? 22/7?

6) A simple geometric shape of importance- an isoceles triangle, a circle.

6.1) The 5 perfect solids...we call them gaming dice.

7) The Eye in the Pyramid!

 

[Sir Brennen]

A stylized ibis or owl, like an egyptian hieroglyphic.

 

[Scribble]

It's a good symbolism, but the problem with that one is that the custom in the world is for every priest to be tattooed on the forehead, no matter the god. There's already an eyeball symbol god.

I probably should have mentioned in the OP about every priesthood doing this.

Well I guess the eye is already ganked, so that's out then.

How about a Fibonaci Spiral?

 

[heirodule]

A finger and thumb in the shape of an "L"

 

[Drkfathr1]

How about a feather?

Oh wait...nevermind.

Shame the eye is already taken, that would have been perfect.

I think the book/scroll idea is good, so too is the stylized ibis.

Maybe a stylized Owl? A torch?