Flushmasons
Flushmasons: The Brotherhood of the Pipe and the Wrench
Imagine a world where the ancient order of the Freemasons—those secretive, well-dressed gentlemen with mysterious handshakes and hidden symbols—wasn’t about stone masonry or secret societies. No, in this alternate reality, the most respected men (and women, of course, we’re progressive here) wear overalls and wield plunger handles with an almost sacred reverence. Welcome to the world of Flushmasons, the brotherhood of pipes, wrenches, and, of course, impeccable drainage systems.
The Origins of the Flushmasons
Legend has it that the Flushmasons were born from the union of two unlikely forces—the Freemasons, with their penchant for intricate stonework, and the humble plumber, who has long been the unsung hero of civilization. According to Flushmasonic lore, the founding members decided that it was not enough to build cathedrals and monuments; they must also ensure that all those cathedrals had impeccable plumbing.
The original Flushmasons crafted their first true work of art: the Golden Plunger—a tool so mighty it was said to not only unclog the most stubborn of pipes but also cleanse the soul of anyone who wielded it. Early Flushmasons believed that plumbing was the true key to the universe, ensuring the flow of water was not only essential for life but also symbolic of life's inevitable flow.
Core Beliefs and Symbols
As any true member will tell you, plumbing is a spiritual practice. While the Freemasons have their square and compass, the Flushmasons wield the plunger and pipe wrench, tools that symbolize the brotherhood's commitment to clearing obstacles (both literal and metaphorical) and keeping things flowing smoothly.
Some of their key beliefs include:
- The Flushmaster in the Sky: While Freemasons may worship a mysterious, undefined "Great Architect," the Flushmasons revere the Flushmaster in the Sky, a divine entity that ensures all pipes remain clear and drains never clog. It is said that the Flushmaster rewards those who show true dedication to the craft, showering them with the mystical power of perfect water pressure.
- The Sacred Drain: Every Flushmason is taught to meditate upon the "Sacred Drain," where all things—be they bad memories, stubborn clogs, or even personal failures—are flushed away. The deeper the drain, the more enlightened the mason.
- The Ritual of the Unclogging: New members must perform the "Unclogging Ritual," where they must clear a pipe that has been deliberately filled with the heaviest imaginable blockage—a mixture of hair, soap scum, and the occasional lost earring. Successfully completing the ritual proves one’s worth as a true Flushmason and opens the door to further initiations, like learning the lost art of pipe bending.
The Hierarchy and Ranks
Much like their stone-crafting cousins, the Flushmasons have their own complex hierarchy. Every brother or sister begins as a "Puddle Dweller", learning the basics of pipe fitting and plumbing etiquette. After passing various trials (which often include fixing a leaking toilet in the middle of the night), they ascend to the rank of "Drain Knight", where they are entrusted with the sacred Golden Plunger and the responsibility of teaching others.
As with any true secret society, there are whispers of a "Grand Flushmaster", the head of the Flushmasons, whose true identity is known only to a select few. It is said that the Grand Flushmaster resides in a secret underground lair beneath a major plumbing supply store, where they are said to have discovered the mythical Platinum Pipe, a conduit said to channel the purest, most uncontaminated water in existence.
The Flushmasonic Lodge and Its Sacred Tools
The Flushmasonic Lodge is not your average meeting hall. Located under manholes or behind plumbing supply stores, these secretive places are filled with sacred artifacts such as the Legendary Pipe Wrench, said to have been crafted by the ancient Flushmason, Wrenchius the Wise. It is believed that whoever can wield this wrench in perfect harmony with the Sacred Drain will be granted infinite wisdom about all things plumbing and an endless supply of copper pipe.
The Flushmasons also maintain a sacred collection of ancient toilet blueprints, thought to be the designs of the original toilet created by the legendary plumber John Crapper himself. These blueprints are said to contain the secret to the perfect flush, one that will never fail—no matter how many burritos you've eaten the night before.
Flushmasons and Their Influence on Society
While the general public may know little about the Flushmasons, their influence cannot be denied. From the creation of the modern-day toilet to the introduction of the high-efficiency shower head, Flushmasons have been shaping the plumbing world for centuries. Their contributions, though often hidden beneath the surface, ensure that the world never runs out of clean water (or a place to put it after a good meal).
In fact, many believe that Flushmasons were directly responsible for the introduction of the "Plunger of Power", which was granted to the public during an ancient council meeting as a gesture of goodwill, ensuring that no clogged toilet would ever again ruin a perfectly good evening.
The Future of the Flushmasons
Flushmasons continue to expand their ranks, welcoming those who seek not only to unclog drains but also to achieve a deeper understanding of the flow of life. With modern plumbing innovations like smart toilets and self-cleaning drains, the Flushmasons have adapted to the changing world, blending their ancient practices with cutting-edge technology.
As the world faces new challenges—clogged systems, outdated pipelines, and water shortages—the Flushmasons will continue to stand as a bastion of cleanliness and fluidity, ensuring that the great flow of the universe remains uninterrupted.
So, if you ever find yourself staring into the void of a clogged sink or an overflowing toilet, remember: there's a brotherhood of dedicated plumbers watching over you, ensuring that the pipes of life remain clear. Join the Flushmasons today, and remember the sacred words of the ancient Flushmasters: "In the pipe we trust."
And always remember: Flush once, flush twice, and never forget to plumb with honor.