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It's all wrong, but it's all right

"The Five Flames burn inside each of us. They burn also inside the people of the Empire, for all that they might deny it. There are some that suggest they burn even within the spirits of the orcs of the north, although there are many among my peers who might decry such a thing as blasphemy or heresy."

Boorra turned slowly as he spoke, arms outstretched, the light of the setting sun dancing through the windows onto his simple white robes. On his last line, he inclined his head towards Namuuna of the Poppies, his main rival. She inclined her head back to him.

"Without the five flames, we would be as the beasts of the field. Placid, unaware of ourselves. It is their light and fire that lets us see the world and our place within it, and recognise our family. Some call them virtues, and so they are, but they were flames first and that is a truer word for what they do for us. Feed the flames, and as they become stronger so your spirit becomes stronger. Smother them, and your spirit becomes darkened, smaller, twisted."

"When we die - and we all die - the flames guard our spirits from the creatures of the Howling Waste. They protect us from those who let their flames flicker and go out when they were alive, who are desperate to steal the warmth from those of us who nurtured the fires within. They light our way home, back to the bosom of our family to be born again. This is why we must never let our flame be extinguished, must let our every word and deed grant strength to that within us, so that those who have died can find their way back to us."

He stopped then, timing his final words for the moment the sun dipped below the horizon. This holy place had been built in such a way that the sun setting at the Equinox would burn through the Arch of Justice, illuminating everything within with gorgeous golden light for a few moments before the darkness came. He faced the gate, feeling the warmth of the Summer sun on his wizened face.

"Five Flames for the Faraden spirit," he said, his voice echoing. "Five flames. Honour and dignity in our hearts. Devotion to our dreams and our bonds. Abundance for ourselves and for our people. Valour guiding our hands to know what is true. And justice, the righteous flame of protection that guides us to respect those around us - provided they offer in turn the respect that we are due."

There was a ripple of murmurs from the crowd. There was no doubt this last was a pointed commentary on the political situation. It was made all the more telling by the fact that - coincidentally no doubt - by facing the Arch of Justice Boorra had his back to the Liege of Five Winds. He held his position for a moment longer, arms raised, allowing the profound sense of self flow through him, of the weight of words spoken in this place, of the foundations he sought to lay for the future.

The five braziers set around the circumference of the temple erupted into flame, columns of fire roaring toward the ceiling, coloured by the powders his acolytes had deployed at his instructions. Five pillars, the foundation of Faraden, a traditional end to this seasonal sermon - and perhaps a timely reminder to each High Lord, High Lady, and High Liege that one could not have one without the others, or the four without the fifth.
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The Five Flames are just one of the religious beliefs causing friction with neighbouring nations.

Overview

The merchants of Faraden and the militarist Iron Confederacy lie to the west and south of the Empire respectively - or to the west and south of the Brass Coast to be more precise. Relations with the two nations have been tumultuous in the past but in the last year or two it seems like there has been a slow sanding-off of harsh edges. A feeling that lasting detente may be possible, although what it might cost is another matter entirely...

Of course no diplomatic situation is entirely roses and sunshine. The Faraden are worried about what they see as a renewed hostility to their people by the Synod, even though the specific judgement that raised their concerns has since been repealed. The Iron Confederacy are equally impacted by the proscriptions of the Synod, although their conquest of not one but two island chains that were previously Freeborn territory is more of a pressing matter where many Imperial citizens in the south are concerned.

Both the Ambassador to Faraden and the Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy will receive an additional briefing prepared by the civil service relating to the appropriate nation. These briefings will be published following the summit.

Faraden

Faraden

  • Faraden is at peace with the Empire
  • They have begun the process of reducing Asavean influence over their nation
  • A peace treaty has been signed with the Jotun
  • The Liege of Five Winds favours the Empire, but their position has been made more precarious
  • The Ambassador to Faraden has some additional information in their civil service briefing

To the west of the Empire lies the nation of Faraden. A nation whose lifeblood is trade, it traditionally dealt with the Empire through Reinos via the Lasambrian Hills. Imperial efforts have now created a new maritime trade route through the Sea of Snow. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable but have been enjoying an upward trend for the last few years. This improvement is due in large part to the pro-Imperial attitudes of Tchinua Ganbatar, the Liege of Five Winds.

The Empire is not the only nation interested in Faraden. In recent months, the Liege has begun reducing the influence of the Asavean Plenum in their nation following revelations relating to the execution of an Nemorian involved with the illegal Cinders organisation. During the Summer Solstice they signed a new peace treaty with the Jotun that apparently secures their borders against the barbarians. They are also known to have a complex relationship with the Iron Confederacy, one of their primary trading partners, although the depth of that association is not public knowledge.

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Mina i Yashum i Riqueza, Ambassador to Faraden

Unfortunately a recent development with the Synod has sparked a resurgence in conflict between the priests of Faraden and those of the Empire. The Faraden religion is based around "five flames" which are roughly equivalent to four of the Imperial virtues (Loyalty, Pride, Prosperity, and Courage) and unfortunately the false virtue of Justice. 388YE has seen a push toward orthodoxy by the Synod. Inevitably, this has caused friction with those whose faith is deemed blasphemous and heretical.

While certain matters relating to international diplomacy are common knowledge, only the broad strokes are covered here. The civil service have put together a short briefing for the Ambassador containing more detailed assessment of this and other situations. The briefing will be available to the Ambassador at the Autumn Equinox, and it will be made publicly available to interested citizens after the summit.

Faith and Law

  • The Faraden are deeply concerned about the potential for renewed Synod hostility to their faith
  • The position of the Liege of Five Winds looks more precarious

As discussed last season, there was consternation in Faraden about a proscription that effectively defined being dedicated to, or anointed with, the spiritual power of a false virtue as blasphemy. Mistress Karadragha asked their Imperial counterpart for reassurance and unfortunately it appears that reassurance was not forthcoming. The Faraden are very unhappy to be strongly advised that "any Faraden who wish to travel to Imperial lands for trade or any other purpose to ensure they do not bear a dedication to the Virtues we have Proscribed, namely Vengeance, Understanding, Hatred, or Freedom."

The situation has been further complicated by the true consecration of the Temple of High Flames that bolstered Faraden Pride in their religion. The irony that this was achieved with a gift of Imperial true liao, partially inspired by a desire to anchor Faraden faith against inroads by the wicked gods of Asavea, is not lost on anyone.

Boorra Talighar of the Silver Tree, one of the pre-eminent voices of Pride in Faraden, has openly spoken about his disappointment at this development. The priest families of Faraden had hoped their their shift toward discouraging the more zealous among them - especially the dedicants of Justice - would lead to a greater understanding between the two people. Unfortunately it is all too easy to see this "denigration" of Faraden faith as a betrayal of that hope.

At the Summer Solstice, the Synod chose to repeal the proscription that defined the possession of dedications and anointings of false virtues as blasphemy. Unfortunately, in the short term, the damage has already been done. There is an undercurrent, particularly in the priest families, that the Synod is intending to clamp down on Faraden faith and has simply been biding its time while previous Imperial Ambassadors wrung concessions out of the Liege of Five Winds. Is there any truth underlying these concerns? It hardly matters at this stage.

The repeal of the proscription should mean that the disruption settles down by the Winter Solstice, but that won't assuage hurt feelings of injured Pride among the Faraden. It is still blasphemy to preach or promote the ideals of Justice - and by extension the Five Flames as a whole. It is still heresy to suggest that some things the Empire considers virtues are not actually that useful, another tenet of the Five Flames. These both contribute to the concern of the Faraden.

If the repealed proscription is restored, or anything similar is enacted, it will badly damage Imperial relations with the mercantile nation. The Faraden have always reluctantly accepted that they cannot proselytise the false virtue of Justice in the Empire, but in return they expected the Empire to look the other way when their people practised their faith in the relative privacy of a Faraden enclave. If the Empire were ever to end up in a situation where Faraden merchants and members of their entourage were executed or expelled simply for being dedicated to Justice, it will be difficult to maintain positive relations with the nation.

Injured Pride

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The General Assembly
  • Imperial fleets trading with Caitun do so at a two rank penalty this season
  • Faraden unhappiness has implications for opportunities related to traders from the west
  • The civil service estimate that if the Faraden continue to restrict trade with the Empire it will impact the Imperial treasury

Following the Summer Solstice, the Liege of Five Winds has warned their people that they must be very careful about visiting the Empire until this situation is resolved. They are not prepared to countenance a warning that only those who particularly honour one of the Five Flames should avoid the Empire. Further, the assumption is that the Synod attitude cannot help but result in a general increase in harassment and persecution for any Faraden, by those who already have a reason to dislike visitors from the west and are emboldened by the Synod.

Following the Autumn Equinox, Imperial traders visiting Caitun will trade at a significant disadvantage. The presence of Jotun ships in the Gullet is already causing problems for Marcher and Winterfolk captains, but the unhappiness of the Faraden means that all Imperial fleets trading with Caitun will do so at a 2 rank penalty.

It also has implications for the proposals around Firewind market and Moonsong market, and for the establishment of Faraden caravanseri. While there is nothing to stop one of the markets being commissioned, without a successful effort to reassure the Faraden that their people will not face persecution from the Synod because of their beliefs, there is no guarantee that the structures will receive the number of Faraden traders they were expected to before.

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If the situation deteriorates further it will also have a small impact on the Imperial treasury - a drop in tariffs raised from Faraden traders visiting the Empire.

Alder, Mediator, and Sutannir

  • The positions of Alder of Meade and Mediator of Fisk are being threatened by Faraden unhappiness
  • The heads of the Faraden families ask their representatives to secure reassurance for those putting pressure on them
  • Faraden pilgrims are much more reticent about visiting the Azure Chorus in the Brass Coast
  • The Azure Sutannir receives half the normal benefits from Faraden pilgrims after the Autumn Equinox

The Tseriyn merchant family trade mithril to the Alder of Meade in return for Marcher produce of all kinds. The trade was briefly interrupted by the Jotun during their occupation of the city of Meade but has since been restored. Unfortunately, Amulchi Tseriyn (the head of the family) is coming under pressure to reconsider their trade with the Marches.

Likewise, the Salagiin traders arrange small amounts of ilium for the Mediator of Fisk in return for rune-marked goods and Beggar's lye from the marshes of Kallavesa. Like the Tseriyn family, they are also being pushed to reconsider their relationship with Wintermark traders. The two families dislike each other intensely, being on opposite sides of the room when it comes to opinions on the Liege of the Five Winds.

Both families are looking to their respective representatives for some degree of reassurance that they can show to those putting pressure on them back home. Otherwise, they are going to need to reconsider their arrangements with the Empire going forward. Mistress Karadragha has asked the office of the Ambassador to Faraden to work with the Alder of Meade (Leoric Hudson currently, although the title is up for reappointment during the Equinox) and the Mediator of Fisk (Dantanian of Wintermark) to find some kind of resolution before the Tseriyn and the Salagiin are forced to reconsider their arrangements with the Empire.

In a related matter, the Parador of Wind and Flame, part of the Azure Chorus in Kahraman, enjoys the patronage of Faraden musicians and other travellers. João i Cabral i Riqueza is the current Azure Sutannir - a position the Ambassador themselves once held. Following the Autumn Equinox, the Azure Sutannir receives additional benefits from their sinecure, amounting to a further 2 crowns, 6 random ingots, and three each of true vervain, cerulean mazzarine, and Imperial roseweald each season will be halved. Given that their voice carries additional weight among the priest families on matters related to conflict between the Five Flames and the Way, they may be in a unique position to help address Faraden concerns through a carefully worded judgement, especially if they can rely on the assistance of the Cat's Graces to support such a judgement.

Iron Confederacy

The Iron Confederacy

  • The Iron Confederacy remains at peace with the Empire
  • They control both Cazar Straits in Feroz and Free Landing in Madruga

The Iron Confederacy lies directly to the south-west of the Empire. Ruled by dukes, each of whom bears the naga lineage, they do not welcome visitors except in carefully selected enclaves such as the port of Robec. While they are at peace with the Empire, they are by no means allies. Courted by both the Empire and the Asaveans, the Dukes have been content to to play both interests off against each other. They made some concessions to the Liberty Pact by "redefining" their slaves as "serfs", but those who have actually visited Suranni lands say that the lives of the lowest class of their society have barely improved with this change in terminology.

The Iron Confederacy are a militaristic nation. They have captured the former Children of Wrecks strongholds in Feroz and Madruga, and now control the Cazar Straits and Free Landing. They are also engaged in a war of conquest against the Lasambrian Jotun, fighting in the hills of Reinos and by all accounts have already captured several regions.

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Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo, Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy

Despite their proximity, and long history with the Empire, the Iron Confederacy remains something of a mystery. The full extent of Suranni lands is unknown, for example. Some merchants claim it rivals the Empire in size, but that seems very unlikely indeed. As one gloomy scholar once put it, if the Iron Confederacy was that big and powerful they'd have tried to conquer the entire Empire decades ago - and given Imperial history there's a reasonable chance they would have succeeded.

Peace In Our Time

  • A diplomatic delegation has been sent to Anvil to discuss a potential treaty
  • They are expected to arrive in Anvil at 20:00 on Friday to begin discussions

With the Children of Wrecks dealt with, the dukes of the Iron Confederacy are sending a formal delegation to negotiate the treaty that the Empire has requested several times. Baroness Lavasse is sending two of her most trusted aides, who are also coincidentally members of her own extended family. There has been some back-and-forth between the Ambassadors about what these negotiations will entail, but discussions are likely to involve the Suranni holdings in the Brass Coast, the conquest of the Lasambrian Hills, the threat of the Hand of Dumon, and improved trade between the two nations.

The delegation is expected to arrive in Anvil at around eight o'clock on Friday evening.

Wings of War

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Kobol is named the Maiden of Battles, and is said to be the most popular of the Suranni gods.
  • The Suranni offer Imperial warbands a chance to fight alongside their armies in Reinos
  • Military units who accept their offer will be paid more if they are experienced veterans
  • They will turn away purely magical military units created with ritual magic

When the Iron Confederacy navies attacked Free Landing, they received some support from Freeborn corsairs. The Dukes - or at least some of them - are clearly pleased with how that went. As such, Baroness Lavasse has been empowered to extend an offer to the mercenaries of the Empire. This season there is an opportunity for Imperial warbands to fight alongside the Suranni conquerors in Reinos. They'll receive a small payment and be able to claim a share of the plunder taken from the Lasambrian barbarians.

After the Autumn Equinox, any Imperial military unit taking the campaigning action will be able to support the Black Eagle Banner under General Hendrick. A typical warband will receive a payment of 3 ingots of green iron and valuables worth 108 rings, along with 6 random resources worth of loot. An upgraded or suitably enchanted military unit will receive more loot. The Iron Confederacy values elite warriors and veterans more than less experienced soldiers, and as such any military unit that contributes 200 strength to the campaign receives an extra 72 rings, and any unit contribution 300 strength or more receives another 72 rings on top of that.

General Hendrick also has a personal desire to fight alongside the knights of Dawn; any Dawnish military unit that fights with the Black Eagle Banner this season will receive another 2 ingots of green iron (for a total of 5) no matter how experienced they are.

There is one potential problem; purely magical troops will be greeted with horror by the Suranni. If anyone sends soldiers created with rituals such as Conclave of Trees and Shadow, Carve the Crystal Guardian, or Raise the Dragonsworn Cohort to fight in Reinos it will trigger a diplomatic incident.

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Tribulations

  • The territory of Arbonne to the south of the Empire has been hit with another curse
  • The worst effects of the curse were mitigated by the warding temples but the Autumn harvest will still be poor

After a season or so of quiet, another terrible curse has fallen on the province of Arbonne (which the Empire knows as the hills of Kalino). The curse is apparently a working of Winter magic that bears some resemblance to Naeve's Twisting Blight, inflicting terrible weather and threatening to ruin the Autumn harvest. Fortunately it seems the warding temple built in Arbonne has done its work, and while there has been damage to the crops the harvest won't completely fail.

This is only limited consolation to the Duke of Arbonne, Harold Guiscard, and the Suranni merchants who pass through the territory to visit the Empire. If not for the fact that Baroness Lavalle clearly accepts the Ambassador's assurance that the Empire is not involved with the Hand of Dumon it is likely he would be demanding action from the Conclave.

The Gods of the South

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The idols of the Iron Confederacy
  • The Suranni are all technically proponents of the Theist Heresy as defined by a recent Synod proscription

There is another matter that is potentially of concern, but which currently the Suranni have refrained from commenting on. It is entirely possible they are unaware of it as it relates to the Synod - the Iron Confederacy generally does not bother with the judgements of the Empire's "false priests." It regards a proscription by Frater Pontius of Adoniram's Testament identifying the Theist heresy. It is heresy to "claim that there are gods that seek dominance of, control over, or communion with sapient spirits." Anyone with even a nodding acquaintance with the Suraanni religion knows that they revere six gods, and hold the seventh responsible for all evil in the world.

This proscription brands every Suranni visiting the Empire as a heretic. Any statement from Baroness Lavalle that talks about the Queen of Heaven, the Veiled King or the four Maidens, is heretical. References to Dumon the Liar are references to ideas that are heresy.

It remains to be seen how the Suranni will react once this matter is brought to their attention. They are likely to be very angry about any suggestion their people should keep their belief in the gods of the Iron Confederay to themselves as the price of doing business in the Empire.

Faraden Further Reading

Faraden Winds

Faraden Related Titles


Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to Faraden.

Suranni Further Reading

  • Soldiers of Suran - Historical Research into the military history of the Suranni and a travelogue

Winds of Fortune

Suranni Related Titles


Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to the Iron Confederacy.

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