Let that be your last battlefield - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T21:29:18Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 15 January 2026
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	*'''Other priests question why the Free Folk are not being treated like any other people with unorthodox beliefs'''		*'''Other priests question why the Free Folk are not being treated like any other people with unorthodox beliefs'''
	*'''A group of priests wishing to argue the Free Folk cause are visiting the Hub at 1330 on Saturday afternoon'''		*'''A group of priests wishing to argue the Free Folk cause are visiting the Hub at 1330 on Saturday afternoon'''
	The [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] has indicated that investigation into the Free Folk interpretation of the Way will take time. Unfortunately, priests in many parts of the Empire are faced with groups of enthusiastic Free Folk wanting to talk about their beliefs and congregations looking to them for guidance. In the absence of a definitive statement from the Imperial Synod, priests with different opinions on the situation are sharing their views and further muddying the waters. Some question whether there is any [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] or [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] in the words of the Free Folk. Others point out that there are any number of [[Schisms and Heresies\|schisms and heresies]] among those who claim to follow the Way, and the Synod is not required to tolerate any of them.		The [[Synod]] has indicated that investigation into the Free Folk interpretation of the Way will take time. Unfortunately, priests in many parts of the Empire are faced with groups of enthusiastic Free Folk wanting to talk about their beliefs and congregations looking to them for guidance. In the absence of a definitive statement from the Imperial Synod, priests with different opinions on the situation are sharing their views and further muddying the waters. Some question whether there is any [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] or [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] in the words of the Free Folk. Others point out that there are any number of [[Schisms and Heresies\|schisms and heresies]] among those who claim to follow the Way, and the Synod is not required to tolerate any of them.

	Some [[Highguard\|Highborn]] [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Wayfarers\|wayfarers]] of ''Shimi's Orchard Chapter'' have probed the stories of Free Folk paragons and exemplars in much the same way as they have investigated countless other foreign figures. They claim to have found a few oddities outside of Imperial doctrine, but nothing overtly dangerous in these tales. ''Esau of Shimi's Orchard'' writes: ''It is true that the Free Folk speak of paragons and exemplars outside of Imperial doctrine, but the [[Sumaah_Republic\|Sumaah]] also have paragons and exemplars we are unfamiliar with. Regardless of one's opinions on [[Schools_of_thought#Universalism\|Universalism]], surely we cannot approach Free Folk religious figures differently to the paragons and exemplars recognised in Sumaah based on differences of nationality alone?''		Some [[Highguard\|Highborn]] [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Wayfarers\|wayfarers]] of ''Shimi's Orchard Chapter'' have probed the stories of Free Folk paragons and exemplars in much the same way as they have investigated countless other foreign figures. They claim to have found a few oddities outside of Imperial doctrine, but nothing overtly dangerous in these tales. ''Esau of Shimi's Orchard'' writes: ''It is true that the Free Folk speak of paragons and exemplars outside of Imperial doctrine, but the [[Sumaah_Republic\|Sumaah]] also have paragons and exemplars we are unfamiliar with. Regardless of one's opinions on [[Schools_of_thought#Universalism\|Universalism]], surely we cannot approach Free Folk religious figures differently to the paragons and exemplars recognised in Sumaah based on differences of nationality alone?''

Twiggy: /* Resolve */

2025-07-12T23:50:01Z

Resolve

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:50, 12 July 2025
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	The Synod might make it clear to the Free Folk that their beliefs are not welcome in the Empire; they are heretical, blasphemous, idolatrous or some combination of all three. While they can believe what they like in private they must stop proselytising, and must stop practicing their peculiar ceremonies in public. Some of the actual paragons and exemplars might be recognised, but they will have to be shorn of all trappings of the Free Folk's allegedly idolatrous faith. This will likely remove any enthusiasm the Free Folk have for becoming Imperial citizens, and will see a shift in attitudes to idolatry (in that arguments that reverence of human spirits is acceptable will be undermined). It will encourage foreigners and Imperial citizens with beliefs that might not be considered orthodox to be much more circumspect about making those beliefs known publicly.		The Synod might make it clear to the Free Folk that their beliefs are not welcome in the Empire; they are heretical, blasphemous, idolatrous or some combination of all three. While they can believe what they like in private they must stop proselytising, and must stop practicing their peculiar ceremonies in public. Some of the actual paragons and exemplars might be recognised, but they will have to be shorn of all trappings of the Free Folk's allegedly idolatrous faith. This will likely remove any enthusiasm the Free Folk have for becoming Imperial citizens, and will see a shift in attitudes to idolatry (in that arguments that reverence of human spirits is acceptable will be undermined). It will encourage foreigners and Imperial citizens with beliefs that might not be considered orthodox to be much more circumspect about making those beliefs known publicly.

	Finally, the Synod could declare that the Free Folk are blasphemers, idolaters, or heretics, that they cannot continue to remain in the Empire, and must leave. If that happens, ~~the~~ the Free Folk will depart the Empire en masse. It will send a clear message that the Synod is not prepared to tolerate foreigners with unorthodox beliefs, reducing the likelihood that such people will seek a home in the Empire in the future. It will likely influence attitudes to organisations such as the House of the Proffered Hand and the House of Guerra - the expectation will be that any foreigner seeking to become part of the Empire will need to convert to the Way before they can become an Imperial citizen.		Finally, the Synod could declare that the Free Folk are blasphemers, idolaters, or heretics, that they cannot continue to remain in the Empire, and must leave. If that happens, the Free Folk will depart the Empire en masse. It will send a clear message that the Synod is not prepared to tolerate foreigners with unorthodox beliefs, reducing the likelihood that such people will seek a home in the Empire in the future. It will likely influence attitudes to organisations such as the House of the Proffered Hand and the House of Guerra - the expectation will be that any foreigner seeking to become part of the Empire will need to convert to the Way before they can become an Imperial citizen.

	Regardless of what they choose, the Synod's position ''must'' be clear or it will simply contribute to the confusion. If the Synod does not act, then the situation will certainly deteriorate in the coming months.		Regardless of what they choose, the Synod's position ''must'' be clear or it will simply contribute to the confusion. If the Synod does not act, then the situation will certainly deteriorate in the coming months.

Dre at 09:36, 21 March 2025

2025-03-21T09:36:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:36, 21 March 2025
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	{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/T2rIEHWBYSw}}		{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/T2rIEHWBYSw}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	At the Summer ~~Equinox~~, the Imperial Synod passed several judgements relating to the Free Folk [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|as Anvil played host to these eager foreigners]] as they sought to share their Prosperity and Loyalty to the Way with the Heroes of the Empire. The summit was also the anniversary of the arrival of these people upon the shores of their spiritual home - the birthplace of the Way. Responses have varied from the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|cryptic]] to the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_113\|curious]] and contained calls for [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_102\|tolerance]] tempered with [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_110\|caution]]. But those that have resonated the greatest with the laity have been invitations to [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_124\|share stories]] and [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146\|engage in dialog]].		At the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Synod passed several judgements relating to the Free Folk [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|as Anvil played host to these eager foreigners]] as they sought to share their Prosperity and Loyalty to the Way with the Heroes of the Empire. The summit was also the anniversary of the arrival of these people upon the shores of their spiritual home - the birthplace of the Way. Responses have varied from the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|cryptic]] to the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_113\|curious]] and contained calls for [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_102\|tolerance]] tempered with [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_110\|caution]]. But those that have resonated the greatest with the laity have been invitations to [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_124\|share stories]] and [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146\|engage in dialog]].

	As crops all across the Empire have ripened and the days have begun to grow shorter once again, the Free Folk have returned to their diligent work wherever they are welcomed to apply their labour Prosperously - their heads full of thoughts, increasingly on the future. They have not, as some may have hoped, ceased speaking of figures from their culture in terms that style them as Paragons or Exemplars - but when pressed they are clear and direct that they have been asked to call them such - not to call them 'Divines' - a request that they have apparently taken to heart given, in their words 'the word has other meanings in the Empire'.		As crops all across the Empire have ripened and the days have begun to grow shorter once again, the Free Folk have returned to their diligent work wherever they are welcomed to apply their labour Prosperously - their heads full of thoughts, increasingly on the future. They have not, as some may have hoped, ceased speaking of figures from their culture in terms that style them as Paragons or Exemplars - but when pressed they are clear and direct that they have been asked to call them such - not to call them 'Divines' - a request that they have apparently taken to heart given, in their words 'the word has other meanings in the Empire'.

Emmanovi: inclusive language

2023-05-26T22:43:29Z

inclusive language

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:43, 26 May 2023
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	''“Hold - get as many through as we can - keep the gate open until the last moment!”'' Selvus again - why did she not speak? She had to warn him - the enemy was already here! The heat of summer oppressed Ema’s senses - but she - and the other four who still lived stood fast: whether out of fear or Courage, she did not know.		''“Hold - get as many through as we can - keep the gate open until the last moment!”'' Selvus again - why did she not speak? She had to warn him - the enemy was already here! The heat of summer oppressed Ema’s senses - but she - and the other four who still lived stood fast: whether out of fear or Courage, she did not know.

	Selvus was signalling now, arms cast wide to the gatehouse - ''Lower the bracket - Seal the gate!'' - she remembered him calling, calling to guards who were already dead. Far along the western concourse ~~men and women~~ in every sort of armour and garb, with many flags, many banners - poured through the fresh rift in the seaward wall: they bore heraldry unlike any in Asavea - strange beasts, symbols of the Virtues, foreign runes…		Selvus was signalling now, arms cast wide to the gatehouse - ''Lower the bracket - Seal the gate!'' - she remembered him calling, calling to guards who were already dead. Far along the western concourse soldiers in every sort of armour and garb, with many flags, many banners - poured through the fresh rift in the seaward wall: they bore heraldry unlike any in Asavea - strange beasts, symbols of the Virtues, foreign runes…

	It took all of her might to tear her eyes away from those advancing foes and face what she knows comes next - what she has seen every night since seeing those flags anew among the tents of Anvil:		It took all of her might to tear her eyes away from those advancing foes and face what she knows comes next - what she has seen every night since seeing those flags anew among the tents of Anvil:

Vsabo: /* Resolve */

2022-09-06T15:10:34Z

Resolve

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:10, 6 September 2022
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	* '''They enthusiastically share stories of their "Divine Family" with anyone they interact with'''		* '''They enthusiastically share stories of their "Divine Family" with anyone they interact with'''
	* '''Questions about their beliefs are causing some disruption to congregations'''		* '''Questions about their beliefs are causing some disruption to congregations'''
	The arguments are civil for the moment, but as with other major questions of Doctrine, heresy, blasphemy. and idolatry in recent years there is potential for disruption. One thing is vey clear; there are no circumstances under which the Free Folk will abandon their deeply held faith. There is absolutely no doubt to their sincerity. Their beliefs have helped them endure centuries of oppression by the Asaveans. While the Empire is encountering the "Divine Family" for the first time, for the Free Folk the inspirations of their paragons and exemplars are fundamental to their identity, and entwined inextricably with their history.		The arguments are civil for the moment, but as with other major questions of Doctrine, heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry in recent years there is potential for disruption. One thing is vey clear; there are no circumstances under which the Free Folk will abandon their deeply held faith. There is absolutely no doubt to their sincerity. Their beliefs have helped them endure centuries of oppression by the Asaveans. While the Empire is encountering the "Divine Family" for the first time, for the Free Folk the inspirations of their paragons and exemplars are fundamental to their identity, and entwined inextricably with their history.

	If the situation is allowed to continue as it is, the presence of the Free Folk cannot help to become disruptive. They are hard workers but their customs and practices are odd compared to those of the Imperial citizens they labour alongside. Eventually, however, things will come to a head. The only question will be whether the disruption is caused by Imperial citizens eager to learn more about the Divine Family and embrace the pageantry of the Free Folk religious practices, or whether it is caused by orthodox pilgrims of the Way reacting poorly to perceived blasphemy, heresy, and idolatry. There seem to be only three ways that this can go that does not lead to chaos, and it falls on the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod to decide which path is taken.		If the situation is allowed to continue as it is, the presence of the Free Folk cannot help to become disruptive. They are hard workers but their customs and practices are odd compared to those of the Imperial citizens they labour alongside. Eventually, however, things will come to a head. The only question will be whether the disruption is caused by Imperial citizens eager to learn more about the Divine Family and embrace the pageantry of the Free Folk religious practices, or whether it is caused by orthodox pilgrims of the Way reacting poorly to perceived blasphemy, heresy, and idolatry. There seem to be only three ways that this can go that does not lead to chaos, and it falls on the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod to decide which path is taken.
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	Regardless of what they choose, the Synod's position ''must'' be clear or it will simply contribute to the confusion. If the Synod does not act, then the situation will certainly deteriorate in the coming months.		Regardless of what they choose, the Synod's position ''must'' be clear or it will simply contribute to the confusion. If the Synod does not act, then the situation will certainly deteriorate in the coming months.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|Two steps on the water]] - Summer 384YE Wind of Fortune		* [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|Two steps on the water]] - Summer 384YE Wind of Fortune

Vsabo: /* Foreigners Still */

2022-09-06T15:07:59Z

Foreigners Still

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 6 September 2022
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	However, this has not happened: those who had settled have upped sticks, those who had studied have set aside their learning. All have turned to hard work and saving. Increasingly, the Folk travel in larger gatherings and work and share in common. When asked, they share a truism they have learned from their time in the Marches - a phrase they seem to have taken a liking to and have adapted: ''"The Empire will have All of Us or None of Us."'' This statement is never made with overtures of finality or undue pride - and the Folk are quick to explain that, if it was that the [[First_Empress\|First Empress]] recognized the Wisdom that a people are a people when embraced in their entirety - then their Loyalty to one-another and their Pride in their culture demands the same.		However, this has not happened: those who had settled have upped sticks, those who had studied have set aside their learning. All have turned to hard work and saving. Increasingly, the Folk travel in larger gatherings and work and share in common. When asked, they share a truism they have learned from their time in the Marches - a phrase they seem to have taken a liking to and have adapted: ''"The Empire will have All of Us or None of Us."'' This statement is never made with overtures of finality or undue pride - and the Folk are quick to explain that, if it was that the [[First_Empress\|First Empress]] recognized the Wisdom that a people are a people when embraced in their entirety - then their Loyalty to one-another and their Pride in their culture demands the same.

	But that is not to say that the Free Folk see this expectation falling on the Empire to satisfy: more and more the Folk share that they have a strong desire to speak with as many people of the Empire as they can and to make their case plainly: they will make themselves understood to each ~~Nation~~ and accept whatever decision comes from that.		But that is not to say that the Free Folk see this expectation falling on the Empire to satisfy: more and more the Folk share that they have a strong desire to speak with as many people of the Empire as they can and to make their case plainly: they will make themselves understood to each nation and accept whatever decision comes from that.

	==Questions in the Abbeys, Queries in the Cathedrals==		==Questions in the Abbeys, Queries in the Cathedrals==

Vsabo: /* Questions in the Abbeys, Queries in the Cathedrals */

2022-09-06T15:06:43Z

Questions in the Abbeys, Queries in the Cathedrals

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:06, 6 September 2022
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	More practical in their approach, some Navarr [[Navarr_religious_beliefs\|guides]] say that, regardless of the specificities of Free Folk beliefs, everyone has a place in the [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#The_Great_Dance\|Great Dance]]. This means that there ''is'' a home for the Free Folk without a need for them to change themselves. Of course, these guides accept that such a home may not be within the Empire, but they argue that this doesn't stop it from being their responsibility to help the Free Folk to reach it, nor to at least explore the idea that there is a place in Imperial doctrine for Free Folk practices.		More practical in their approach, some Navarr [[Navarr_religious_beliefs\|guides]] say that, regardless of the specificities of Free Folk beliefs, everyone has a place in the [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#The_Great_Dance\|Great Dance]]. This means that there ''is'' a home for the Free Folk without a need for them to change themselves. Of course, these guides accept that such a home may not be within the Empire, but they argue that this doesn't stop it from being their responsibility to help the Free Folk to reach it, nor to at least explore the idea that there is a place in Imperial doctrine for Free Folk practices.

	Then there are [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Monks_and_Friars\|friars]] of the Marches,who have perhaps the most direct experience of engaging with Free Folk thanks to the aid they offered during the recent harvest season. Several of them simply wish to remind priests of the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith\|Doctrine of the Labyrinth]]: that the Labyrinth is explicitly beyond comprehension for all but paragons. They encourage their fellow priests to look within the Empire's own stories and practices, rather than focusing on those of the Free Folk simply because they seem strange and unfamiliar. They point particularly to the story of [[Kethry]], who shows that it is [[Pride\|Proud]] not to give up your traditions in the face of adversity.		Then there are [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Monks_and_Friars\|friars]] of the Marches who have perhaps the most direct experience of engaging with Free Folk thanks to the aid they offered during the recent harvest season. Several of them simply wish to remind priests of the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith\|Doctrine of the Labyrinth]]: that the Labyrinth is explicitly beyond comprehension for all but paragons. They encourage their fellow priests to look within the Empire's own stories and practices, rather than focusing on those of the Free Folk simply because they seem strange and unfamiliar. They point particularly to the story of [[Kethry]], who shows that it is [[Pride\|Proud]] not to give up your traditions in the face of adversity.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Teodora Bezavina of Delev">The only people in the Empire who can decide if the Free Folk beliefs are acceptable, or are heresy. are the General Assembly. Not the individual national assemblies, not the magistrates, not the Senate. Only the General Assembly has that kind of authority. If they refuse to act they are choosing to allow chaos and uncertainty to spread.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Teodora Bezavina of Delev">The only people in the Empire who can decide if the Free Folk beliefs are acceptable, or are heresy. are the General Assembly. Not the individual national assemblies, not the magistrates, not the Senate. Only the General Assembly has that kind of authority. If they refuse to act they are choosing to allow chaos and uncertainty to spread.</quote></div>
	Again, their opinions do not go uncontested. Sometimes controversial scholar of religion and constitutional matters ''Teodora Bezavina of Delev'' argues that there is no requirement for the General Assembly to accept heresy or blasphemy simply because it is "customary." Otherwise, the Empire would be forced to allow Asaveans to openly worship their gods, or to allow the Whittle folk to spread their hatred wherever they wished. The Synod is charged by the Constitution that they "''shall ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire''" after all. If the Synod believes this talk of a "Divine Family" and the peculiar qualities ascribed to them by the Free Folk is dangerous, or spiritually misleading, then as the final authority on the matter they have a duty to take steps.		Again, their opinions do not go uncontested. Sometimes controversial scholar of religion and constitutional matters ''Teodora Bezavina of Delev'' argues that there is no requirement for the General Assembly to accept heresy or blasphemy simply because it is "customary." Otherwise, the Empire would be forced to allow Asaveans to openly worship their gods, or to allow the Whittle folk to spread their hatred wherever they wished. The Synod is charged by the Constitution that they "''shall ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire''" after all. If the Synod believes this talk of a "Divine Family" and the peculiar qualities ascribed to them by the Free Folk is dangerous, or spiritually misleading, then as the final authority on the matter they have a duty to take steps.

Vsabo: /* Foreigners Still */

2022-09-06T14:55:50Z

Foreigners Still

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 6 September 2022
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	The Free Folk have been foreigners in the Empire for almost a year. Upon first arriving, they ravenously devoured every scrap of knowledge they could about citizenship and how an individual lives in the Empire. Just as eagerly they spread out to satisfy their long-suppressed desire to see and experience all that the world and the Way had to offer. As time passed and many set down what might pass for roots among their travel-loving kind - beginning to study the [[Religious_skills\|skills of a priest]] and what one is expected to know before they pledge an [[Nationality\|oath to an egregore]] - it seemed inevitable that these people would join the Empire: if not settling within Dawn - where they received their first welcome as distant kin, then perhaps in the Marches where they had received a warm welcome and appreciation for their hard work.		The Free Folk have been foreigners in the Empire for almost a year. Upon first arriving, they ravenously devoured every scrap of knowledge they could about citizenship and how an individual lives in the Empire. Just as eagerly they spread out to satisfy their long-suppressed desire to see and experience all that the world and the Way had to offer. As time passed and many set down what might pass for roots among their travel-loving kind - beginning to study the [[Religious_skills\|skills of a priest]] and what one is expected to know before they pledge an [[Nationality\|oath to an egregore]] - it seemed inevitable that these people would join the Empire: if not settling within Dawn - where they received their first welcome as distant kin, then perhaps in the Marches where they had received a warm welcome and appreciation for their hard work.

	However, this has not happened: those who had settled have upped sticks, those who had studied have set aside their learning. All have turned to hard work and saving. Increasingly, the Folk travel in larger gatherings and work and share in common. When asked, they share a truism they have learned from their time in the Marches - phrase they seem to have taken a liking to and have adapted: ''"The Empire will have All of Us or None of Us."'' This statement is never made with overtures of finality or undue pride - and the Folk are quick to explain that, if it was that the [[First_Empress\|First Empress]] recognized the Wisdom that a people are a people when embraced in their entirety - then their Loyalty to one-another and their Pride in their culture demands the same.		However, this has not happened: those who had settled have upped sticks, those who had studied have set aside their learning. All have turned to hard work and saving. Increasingly, the Folk travel in larger gatherings and work and share in common. When asked, they share a truism they have learned from their time in the Marches - a phrase they seem to have taken a liking to and have adapted: ''"The Empire will have All of Us or None of Us."'' This statement is never made with overtures of finality or undue pride - and the Folk are quick to explain that, if it was that the [[First_Empress\|First Empress]] recognized the Wisdom that a people are a people when embraced in their entirety - then their Loyalty to one-another and their Pride in their culture demands the same.

	But that is not to say that the Free Folk see this expectation falling on the Empire to satisfy: more and more the Folk share that they have a strong desire to speak with as many people of the Empire as they can and to make their case plainly: they will make themselves understood to each Nation and accept whatever decision comes from that.		But that is not to say that the Free Folk see this expectation falling on the Empire to satisfy: more and more the Folk share that they have a strong desire to speak with as many people of the Empire as they can and to make their case plainly: they will make themselves understood to each Nation and accept whatever decision comes from that.

Vsabo: /* Overview */

2022-09-06T06:23:58Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:23, 6 September 2022
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	At the Summer Equinox, the Imperial Synod passed several judgements relating to the Free Folk [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|as Anvil played host to these eager foreigners]] as they sought to share their Prosperity and Loyalty to the Way with the Heroes of the Empire. The summit was also the anniversary of the arrival of these people upon the shores of their spiritual home - the birthplace of the Way. Responses have varied from the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|cryptic]] to the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_113\|curious]] and contained calls for [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_102\|tolerance]] tempered with [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_110\|caution]]. But those that have resonated the greatest with the laity have been invitations to [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_124\|share stories]] and [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146\|engage in dialog]].		At the Summer Equinox, the Imperial Synod passed several judgements relating to the Free Folk [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|as Anvil played host to these eager foreigners]] as they sought to share their Prosperity and Loyalty to the Way with the Heroes of the Empire. The summit was also the anniversary of the arrival of these people upon the shores of their spiritual home - the birthplace of the Way. Responses have varied from the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|cryptic]] to the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_113\|curious]] and contained calls for [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_102\|tolerance]] tempered with [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_110\|caution]]. But those that have resonated the greatest with the laity have been invitations to [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_124\|share stories]] and [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146\|engage in dialog]].

	As crops all across the Empire have ripened and the days have begun to grow shorter once again, the Free Folk have returned to their diligent work wherever they are welcomed to apply their labour Prosperously - their heads full of thoughts, increasingly on the future. They have not, as some may have hoped, ceased speaking of figures from their culture in terms that style them as Paragons or Exemplars - but when pressed they are clear and direct that they have been asked to call them such - ~~nor~~ to call them 'Divines' - a request that they have apparently taken to heart given, in their words 'the word has other meanings in the Empire'.		As crops all across the Empire have ripened and the days have begun to grow shorter once again, the Free Folk have returned to their diligent work wherever they are welcomed to apply their labour Prosperously - their heads full of thoughts, increasingly on the future. They have not, as some may have hoped, ceased speaking of figures from their culture in terms that style them as Paragons or Exemplars - but when pressed they are clear and direct that they have been asked to call them such - not to call them 'Divines' - a request that they have apparently taken to heart given, in their words 'the word has other meanings in the Empire'.

	But increasingly there is a sense of finality to their demeanour - an unwillingness to denounce their beliefs or smother their Pride, edged with a restraint that seems to ill-fit them: like a thin cloak draped over the ebullient love they hold for the nation whose lands they live in. It seems inevitable that they will seek to find a place where they can be free of its chafing - and live true to themselves.		But increasingly there is a sense of finality to their demeanour - an unwillingness to denounce their beliefs or smother their Pride, edged with a restraint that seems to ill-fit them: like a thin cloak draped over the ebullient love they hold for the nation whose lands they live in. It seems inevitable that they will seek to find a place where they can be free of its chafing - and live true to themselves.

Novemberalice at 21:48, 5 September 2022

2022-09-05T21:48:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:48, 5 September 2022
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	</ic>		</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Battle grapes.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The Free Folk are hard workers, but their approach to the Way is seen as problematic in some quarters.\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Battle grapes.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The Free Folk are hard workers, but their approach to the Way is seen as problematic in some quarters.\|width=600}}</div>
			{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/T2rIEHWBYSw}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	At the Summer Equinox, the Imperial Synod passed several judgements relating to the Free Folk [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|as Anvil played host to these eager foreigners]] as they sought to share their Prosperity and Loyalty to the Way with the Heroes of the Empire. The summit was also the anniversary of the arrival of these people upon the shores of their spiritual home - the birthplace of the Way. Responses have varied from the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|cryptic]] to the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_113\|curious]] and contained calls for [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_102\|tolerance]] tempered with [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_110\|caution]]. But those that have resonated the greatest with the laity have been invitations to [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_124\|share stories]] and [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146\|engage in dialog]].		At the Summer Equinox, the Imperial Synod passed several judgements relating to the Free Folk [[Two_steps_on_the_water#Strangers_in_a_Strange_Land\|as Anvil played host to these eager foreigners]] as they sought to share their Prosperity and Loyalty to the Way with the Heroes of the Empire. The summit was also the anniversary of the arrival of these people upon the shores of their spiritual home - the birthplace of the Way. Responses have varied from the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|cryptic]] to the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_113\|curious]] and contained calls for [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_102\|tolerance]] tempered with [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_110\|caution]]. But those that have resonated the greatest with the laity have been invitations to [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_124\|share stories]] and [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_146\|engage in dialog]].