Smile like you mean it - Revision history

Twiggy at 15:56, 22 March 2026

2026-03-22T15:56:22Z

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	These sentiments give pause to Melodia de Bondir, a Dawnish teacher of the Imperial tongue who has long supported the Proffered hand. She notes that while none should ever stand in the way of the Free Folk putting into action the Pride they feel so strongly, it would be wrong to suggest that this is a Pride won already at such great cost. The [[Courage]] they have shown in their liberation and survival is waged with the freedom and new lives they have achieved. For the Free Folk to be encouraged to return again to the shores of Asavea, Melodia confides, would be to ask them to risk their earned rewards and face re-enslavement and execution upon capture. There is no doubt that Free Folk will be lost, their bodies and stories ended in a land far from the one they chose to embrace.		These sentiments give pause to Melodia de Bondir, a Dawnish teacher of the Imperial tongue who has long supported the Proffered hand. She notes that while none should ever stand in the way of the Free Folk putting into action the Pride they feel so strongly, it would be wrong to suggest that this is a Pride won already at such great cost. The [[Courage]] they have shown in their liberation and survival is waged with the freedom and new lives they have achieved. For the Free Folk to be encouraged to return again to the shores of Asavea, Melodia confides, would be to ask them to risk their earned rewards and face re-enslavement and execution upon capture. There is no doubt that Free Folk will be lost, their bodies and stories ended in a land far from the one they chose to embrace.
	<quote by="Merita Saĝo">The Way must speak with one voice and that voice is the Synod: if Asavea is to be brought to the Way it must be without compromise or deviation.</quote>		<quote by="Merita Saĝo">The Way must speak with one voice and that voice is the Synod: if Asavea is to be brought to the Way it must be without compromise or deviation.</quote>
	A more practical objection is raised by Antius, a [[Grey pilgrim]] and former tutor of those Free Folk who sought to learn priestly skills in [[Highguard]]. The Synod has indicated that the embers being set amidst the kindling of Asavea should be [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_89\|pure, cohesive and hew to Imperial Orthodoxy]]. The Free Folk’s reluctance to part with their most deeply held, yet flawed, interpretations of their faith would inevitably lead to a similar reluctance to correct those they encountered in Asavea. If the Empire is to speak its truth with one voice, then it must be mindful of who it entrusts that truth to beyond its borders. It is Wiser, Antius believes, that the Folk channel their ~~fervor~~ into using their skills in a supportive role.		A more practical objection is raised by Antius, a [[Grey pilgrim]] and former tutor of those Free Folk who sought to learn priestly skills in [[Highguard]]. The Synod has indicated that the embers being set amidst the kindling of Asavea should be [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_89\|pure, cohesive and hew to Imperial Orthodoxy]]. The Free Folk’s reluctance to part with their most deeply held, yet flawed, interpretations of their faith would inevitably lead to a similar reluctance to correct those they encountered in Asavea. If the Empire is to speak its truth with one voice, then it must be mindful of who it entrusts that truth to beyond its borders. It is Wiser, Antius believes, that the Folk channel their fervour into using their skills in a supportive role.

	===An Offered Hand===		===An Offered Hand===

Twiggy at 15:55, 22 March 2026

2026-03-22T15:55:26Z

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	===An Offered Hand===		===An Offered Hand===
	* '''The Free Folk could help strengthen the Proffered Hand network'''		* '''The Free Folk could help strengthen the Proffered Hand network'''
	* '''They would spread across the network, applying their experience and ~~fervor~~ to directly supporting and expanding its efforts - in and outside of the Empire'''		* '''They would spread across the network, applying their experience and fervour to directly supporting and expanding its efforts - in and outside of the Empire'''
	<quote by="Merita Saĝo">A hand offered in Compassion may only reach as far as the arm that extends it: let us reach further, let us act with purpose and Pride so not one soul further is denied the birthright that is the Way.</quote>		<quote by="Merita Saĝo">A hand offered in Compassion may only reach as far as the arm that extends it: let us reach further, let us act with purpose and Pride so not one soul further is denied the birthright that is the Way.</quote>
	Venka Kuraĝo, a retainer of House Asterion seeks to encourage her fellows in embracing the Proffered Hand network itself as a great work of the Lady of Compassion. Through its flourishing, Venka believes, the glory of Lady Eleanor’s story will only grow - and that pursuit of glory is a worthy one. There are countless humans and orcs that suffer in shame, denied the compassion of the Way - robbed of their Prosperity, denuded of their Courage, their [[Loyalty]] flensed by brutality and their Pride crushed from them by slavery’s singular evil.		Venka Kuraĝo, a retainer of House Asterion seeks to encourage her fellows in embracing the Proffered Hand network itself as a great work of the Lady of Compassion. Through its flourishing, Venka believes, the glory of Lady Eleanor’s story will only grow - and that pursuit of glory is a worthy one. There are countless humans and orcs that suffer in shame, denied the compassion of the Way - robbed of their Prosperity, denuded of their Courage, their [[Loyalty]] flensed by brutality and their Pride crushed from them by slavery’s singular evil.

Kirkbride at 16:07, 10 September 2025

2025-09-10T16:07:31Z

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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:~~386YE Autumn~~]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>“It’s the waiting that gets me” Koralo mutters, splicing apart the grass stem with her sweaty fingers, only half watching the figures out on the makeshift playing field.		<ic>“It’s the waiting that gets me” Koralo mutters, splicing apart the grass stem with her sweaty fingers, only half watching the figures out on the makeshift playing field.

Dre: (Lady Novarion would refer to the Earl)

2025-07-23T09:48:35Z

(Lady Novarion would refer to the Earl)

Noserenda: /* The Army of Love */

2025-07-22T23:16:05Z

The Army of Love

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	<quote by="Florence d'Astolat">Love its powerful - love is fierce. Let love be the sword that protects those to who we are Loyal and smites those who would do them harm.</quote>		<quote by="Florence d'Astolat">Love its powerful - love is fierce. Let love be the sword that protects those to who we are Loyal and smites those who would do them harm.</quote>
	The [[Troubadour]] Florence d’Astolat, [[Start_a_war#The_Fate_of_the_Gryphons\|a Proud Gryphon]] has spoken out against this suggestion, noting that the Free Folk already speak so broadly of [[love]] - of an encompassing love for all those who pursue the Way - that they would prove a barrier to the Lions of Adelmar winning glory on the battlefield: what good is compassion when foes such as the Druj abound? The Lions should be an avenging force of love’s terrible power to shift hearts towards passionate action - that is the truth path to glory. The Free Folk should not be permitted to influence the Lions to be tender-hearted defenders of the weak, Florence concludes.		The [[Troubadour]] Florence d’Astolat, [[Start_a_war#The_Fate_of_the_Gryphons\|a Proud Gryphon]] has spoken out against this suggestion, noting that the Free Folk already speak so broadly of [[Dawn_hearth_magic#Love_and_Flowers\|love]] - of an encompassing love for all those who pursue the Way - that they would prove a barrier to the Lions of Adelmar winning glory on the battlefield: what good is compassion when foes such as the Druj abound? The Lions should be an avenging force of love’s terrible power to shift hearts towards passionate action - that is the truth path to glory. The Free Folk should not be permitted to influence the Lions to be tender-hearted defenders of the weak, Florence concludes.

	===Liberation’s Call===		===Liberation’s Call===

Noserenda: /* Free Origins */

2025-07-22T23:14:22Z

Free Origins

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	The Free Folk are a population of former slaves who liberated themselves in the fires of the Marracossan civil war - where the nobility of the [[Asavean_Archipelago\|Asavean]] satrapy sought to seize independence. Emancipated in exchange for service in the rebel armies, the majority of these volunteer soldiers were recaptured when the Marracossan forces were overwhelmed by the combined might of the Nemorians, supported in part (and much to the dismay of the rebels) by Imperial Mercenaries.		The Free Folk are a population of former slaves who liberated themselves in the fires of the Marracossan civil war - where the nobility of the [[Asavean_Archipelago\|Asavean]] satrapy sought to seize independence. Emancipated in exchange for service in the rebel armies, the majority of these volunteer soldiers were recaptured when the Marracossan forces were overwhelmed by the combined might of the Nemorians, supported in part (and much to the dismay of the rebels) by Imperial Mercenaries.

	In the closing days of the conflict, as the rebel stronghold of Maragladia fell, [[Sumaah Republic\|Sumaah]] and Imperial captains performed daring blockade runs to ferry Marracossan, slave and former slave alike to safety. Where the former plenum of Marracossa settled in the ruins of [[Trajadoz]], with any of their household servants who chose to remain with them, all of the Free Folk chose instead to part ways with their former masters and travel the Empire.		In the closing days of the conflict, as the rebel stronghold of Maragladia fell, [[Sumaah Republic\|Sumaah]] and Imperial captains performed daring blockade runs to ferry Marracossan, slave and former slave alike to safety. Where the former plenum of Marracossa settled in the ruins of [[Madruga#Trajadoz\|Trajadoz]], with any of their household servants who chose to remain with them, all of the Free Folk chose instead to part ways with their former masters and travel the Empire.

	These strangers in a strange land were supported by their faith: [[the Way]] had long taken root within the slave population of Marracossa, seeded by Imperial and Sumaah missionaries - and the involvement of these great powers had further cemented the Folk’s belief. However, generations of isolation from the orthodoxy of the twin Synods of Anvil and Timoj had shaped a belief system that had syncretised with the Free Folk’s own thinking and some of the Asavean religion that was impressed upon them while in bondage. To the Free Folk the Virtues are not abstract ideals - but collections of divine beings - human spirits that have transcended the Labyrinth and now act from beyond to aid the faithful. This ‘[[On_the_Speaker_for_the_Dead\|Divine Family]]’ of [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] are constant presences in their day to day lives - siblings in Virtue with whom they seek to develop a personal relationship through their faith.		These strangers in a strange land were supported by their faith: [[the Way]] had long taken root within the slave population of Marracossa, seeded by Imperial and Sumaah missionaries - and the involvement of these great powers had further cemented the Folk’s belief. However, generations of isolation from the orthodoxy of the twin Synods of Anvil and Timoj had shaped a belief system that had syncretised with the Free Folk’s own thinking and some of the Asavean religion that was impressed upon them while in bondage. To the Free Folk the Virtues are not abstract ideals - but collections of divine beings - human spirits that have transcended the Labyrinth and now act from beyond to aid the faithful. This ‘[[On_the_Speaker_for_the_Dead\|Divine Family]]’ of [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] are constant presences in their day to day lives - siblings in Virtue with whom they seek to develop a personal relationship through their faith.

	==What have they been doing?==		==What have they been doing?==
	* '''Since Spring 386YE the Free Folk have been settled into new homes in the vicinity of Caer Faucon, in Astolat		* '''Since Spring 386YE the Free Folk have been settled into new homes in the vicinity of Caer Faucon, in Astolat

Kirkbride: /* Journey’s End */

2025-07-22T21:02:27Z

Journey’s End

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	Under normal circumstances, the civil service prognosticators would provide a clear picture of what the consequences of each of these three choices might be. In this case that has proved impossible. In part that is because of the complex nature of faith which sometimes defies divination, in part it is because the outcome has the potential to be strongly influenced by the wording of any statements that pass the Synod with a greater majority. As is sometimes the case, the Synod must be guided by faith and their own personal insight and experience into these problems.		Under normal circumstances, the civil service prognosticators would provide a clear picture of what the consequences of each of these three choices might be. In this case that has proved impossible. In part that is because of the complex nature of faith which sometimes defies divination, in part it is because the outcome has the potential to be strongly influenced by the wording of any statements that pass the Synod with a greater majority. As is sometimes the case, the Synod must be guided by faith and their own personal insight and experience into these problems.
	==~~Journey’s End~~==		==Compassion & Choices==
	* '''~~Representatives~~ of ~~the~~ Free Folk are ~~journeying~~ to Anvil to ~~debate with~~ the ~~heroes gathering there~~'''		* '''A group of Free Folk are travelling to Anvil from Astolat to celebrate the recognition of Lady Eleanor Novarion as an exemplar'''
	* '''They seek to ~~celebrate the Lady of Compassion’s recognition with Dawn and~~ discuss how ~~best~~ they can assist the ~~nation~~'''		* '''They also seek to discuss how they can better glorify her example and assist with the needs of Dawn and the Empire'''
	* '''~~They are expected to~~ arrive at ~~Anvil~~ at 17.00 ~~on Saturday and will be heading for the Dawnish Glory Square~~		* '''The group will arrive at the Dawnish camp at 17:00'''
	~~Champions~~ of the ~~three proposed paths~~ are making their way to Anvil ~~to make their cases for their chosen ideas: each hopes to meet with citizens~~ from ~~every nation to hear their thoughts~~, ~~though they are particularly interested~~ in ~~meeting with~~ the ~~Dawnish heroes who will be in attendance~~. ~~As well as determining a path forward for the Free Folk~~, the ~~trio also come~~ in ~~celebration and to learn more about their Lady of Compassion~~ - ~~not just~~ of ~~her wider work with~~ the ~~Proffered Hand~~, but of ~~her life~~ and the ~~impact she has had on her Nation~~.		A small number of travelling [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] - some bearing the yellow sunburst of a [[knight-errant]] - are making their way to Anvil from [[Astolat#Caer_Faucon\|Caer Faucon]] in [[Astolat]]. They carry a simple pennant showing a red-haired figure riding astride a lion, leading several figures in the breaking of chains. This is, the travellers explain in only slightly-accented Imperial, ''La Suna Imperiestrino;'' the Empress of the Sun, [[Empress Richilde]]. These are [[:Category:Free Folk\|Free Folk]] - once slaves in [[Asavean Archipelago\|Marracossa]], but now [[Pride\|Proud]] citizens of [[Dawn]] and the Empire.

	~~These Dawnish travellers~~ hope to ~~meet at~~ the ~~Glory Square at around five~~ in the ~~evening on Saturday~~.		As they travel, they speak of their excitement regarding the recent recognition of ''Lady Eleanor Novarion'' - former [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]] - as an exemplar of [[Pride]]. On the subject of Lady Eleanor, whom the Free Folk refer to as the ''Lady of Compassion'', it is revealed that this entourage is making for Anvil to celebrate this elevation. They also hope to seek advice from the heroes of Anvil on how they can best follow in the Lady of Compassion's example.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

Rafferty at 20:39, 22 July 2025

2025-07-22T20:39:05Z

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	<ic>		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
	“It’s the waiting that gets me” Koralo mutters, splicing apart the grass stem with her sweaty fingers, only half watching the figures out on the makeshift playing field.		<ic>“It’s the waiting that gets me” Koralo mutters, splicing apart the grass stem with her sweaty fingers, only half watching the figures out on the makeshift playing field.

	“As you’ve said before. As you’ve said a dozen times already.” Rava replies, throwing her own half-mangled bit of turf at the other woman’s back, her blunt nail picking at the grass-stains on her knee. She winces as a particularly bold tackle raises cheers from down the knoll.		“As you’ve said before. As you’ve said a dozen times already.” Rava replies, throwing her own half-mangled bit of turf at the other woman’s back, her blunt nail picking at the grass-stains on her knee. She winces as a particularly bold tackle raises cheers from down the knoll.

Rafferty: /* Further Reading */

2025-07-22T20:38:31Z

Rafferty: /* Journey’s End */

2025-07-22T20:37:12Z

Journey’s End

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	* '''Representatives of the Free Folk are journeying to Anvil to debate with the heroes gathering there'''		* '''Representatives of the Free Folk are journeying to Anvil to debate with the heroes gathering there'''
	* '''They seek to celebrate the Lady of Compassion’s recognition with Dawn and discuss how best they can assist the nation'''		* '''They seek to celebrate the Lady of Compassion’s recognition with Dawn and discuss how best they can assist the nation'''
	Champions of the three proposed paths are making their way to Anvil to make their cases for their chosen ideas: each hopes to meet with citizens from every nation to hear their thoughts, though they are particularly interested in meeting with the Dawnish heroes who will be in attendance. As well as determining a path forward for the Free Folk, the trio also come in celebration and to learn more about their Lady of Compassion - not just of her wider work with the Proffered Hand, but of her life and the impact she has had on her Nation. These Dawnish travellers hope to meet at the Glory Square at ~~'''5pm~~ on Saturday~~'''~~.		* '''They are expected to arrive at Anvil at 17.00 on Saturday and will be heading for the Dawnish Glory Square
			Champions of the three proposed paths are making their way to Anvil to make their cases for their chosen ideas: each hopes to meet with citizens from every nation to hear their thoughts, though they are particularly interested in meeting with the Dawnish heroes who will be in attendance. As well as determining a path forward for the Free Folk, the trio also come in celebration and to learn more about their Lady of Compassion - not just of her wider work with the Proffered Hand, but of her life and the impact she has had on her Nation.

			These Dawnish travellers hope to meet at the Glory Square at around five in the evening on Saturday.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]]		* [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]]

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	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]]		* [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]]
			* [[On the Speaker for the Dead]] - Historical research concerning one of the Free Folk "divine family" since recognised as an exemplar

	* [[Smile like you mean it]] - Summer 387YE wind of fortune relating to Eleanor Novarion		* [[Smile like you mean it]] - Summer 387YE wind of fortune relating to Eleanor Novarion

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	{{SOP\|statement= We recognise Eleanor Novarion, the Lady of the Proffered Hand, as an Exemplar of Pride. Once a slave, she dedicated her life following her freedom and recovery to helping others who had suffered the same, demonstrating her ''Benevolence''. Her work served as ''Inspiration'' to others, resulting in the creation of the Proffered Hand Network across the Empire. She was pivotal in securing the ''Salvation'' of the Free Folk of Asavea, reconciling their beliefs with the Way, an event marked by a miraculous aura of Pride. In her final months, she undertook ''Pilgrimage'' to Bastion, where she summarised her life with these words, a lesson to be shared across the Empire: "The greatest threat to Pride is shame. The greatest weapon against shame is Compassion."\|by=Edward Watcher, General Assembly\|vote=1126-416\|when=Spring Equinox 387YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement= We recognise Eleanor Novarion, the Lady of the Proffered Hand, as an Exemplar of Pride. Once a slave, she dedicated her life following her freedom and recovery to helping others who had suffered the same, demonstrating her ''Benevolence''. Her work served as ''Inspiration'' to others, resulting in the creation of the Proffered Hand Network across the Empire. She was pivotal in securing the ''Salvation'' of the Free Folk of Asavea, reconciling their beliefs with the Way, an event marked by a miraculous aura of Pride. In her final months, she undertook ''Pilgrimage'' to Bastion, where she summarised her life with these words, a lesson to be shared across the Empire: "The greatest threat to Pride is shame. The greatest weapon against shame is Compassion."\|by=Edward Watcher, General Assembly\|vote=1126-416\|when=Spring Equinox 387YE\|size=small}}
	==A New Exemplar==		==A New Exemplar==
	* '''The Pride and General assemblies have recognised Lady Novarion as an exemplar of Pride		* '''The Pride and General assemblies have recognised Lady Eleanor Novarion as an exemplar of Pride
	With the [[Recognition\|recognition]] of Lady Eleanor Novarion as an [[Paragons and exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Pride]], the Free Folk - now settled and thriving across the lands of [[Dawn]] and the [[The_Marches\|Marches]] - have been gripped by a passionate outpouring of adoration and respect for their former benefactor. As an exemplar, Lady ~~Novarion~~ is seen as a beacon of Virtue who will lead the spirits of the faithful through the Labyrinth when their time comes and, as people who had known her in life, the Free Folk believe they should seek to spread her example far and wide. In the past season the Folk have returned from across the Empire to [[Astolat]] to pay their respects, erecting effigies to the ‘Lady of Compassion’, as the exemplar has been dubbed, and discussing among themselves and the citizens there what they as a people can do to express their gratitude and celebrate this recognition.		With the [[Recognition\|recognition]] of Lady Eleanor Novarion as an [[Paragons and exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Pride]], the Free Folk - now settled and thriving across the lands of [[Dawn]] and the [[The_Marches\|Marches]] - have been gripped by a passionate outpouring of adoration and respect for their former benefactor. As an exemplar, Lady Eleanor is seen as a beacon of Virtue who will lead the spirits of the faithful through the Labyrinth when their time comes and, as people who had known her in life, the Free Folk believe they should seek to spread her example far and wide. In the past season the Folk have returned from across the Empire to [[Astolat]] to pay their respects, erecting effigies to the ‘Lady of Compassion’, as the exemplar has been dubbed, and discussing among themselves and the citizens there what they as a people can do to express their gratitude and celebrate this recognition.

	Three potential avenues have won out over others, splitting the Free Folk’s opinions three ways:		Three potential avenues have won out over others, splitting the Free Folk’s opinions three ways:
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	* '''The Free Folk would flock to its banner, turning their Prosperity to supporting it however they can'''		* '''The Free Folk would flock to its banner, turning their Prosperity to supporting it however they can'''
	<quote by="Johano de la Floroj">One cannot simply love and do nothing: it's what we do for those we love that matters. Compassion must be a shield for the helpless held ready for those in need.</quote>		<quote by="Johano de la Floroj">One cannot simply love and do nothing: it's what we do for those we love that matters. Compassion must be a shield for the helpless held ready for those in need.</quote>
	The [[Knight-errant]], Johano de la Floroj de Fiereco, proposes that the Free Folk embrace the newly founded [[Lions of Adelmar]]. He asserts that the army embodies the compassion that Lady ~~Novarion~~ taught was the foundation of Pride - and that through it Dawn might bring about the rebirth into Virtue of others that the Proffered hand allowed for him and his loved ones. Johano asserts that the Free Folk should do whatever they can to support the Lions and bring them to further [[glory]] in spreading the Way: be it by once again taking up arms and joining the army themselves, sharing their Prosperity in its support or volunteering to aid in its supply and maintenance. Johano is passionate in his belief that the Free Folk’s hard work can make a difference.		The [[Knight-errant]], Johano de la Floroj de Fiereco, proposes that the Free Folk embrace the newly founded [[Lions of Adelmar]]. He asserts that the army embodies the compassion that Lady Eleanor taught was the foundation of Pride - and that through it Dawn might bring about the rebirth into Virtue of others that the Proffered hand allowed for him and his loved ones. Johano asserts that the Free Folk should do whatever they can to support the Lions and bring them to further [[glory]] in spreading the Way: be it by once again taking up arms and joining the army themselves, sharing their Prosperity in its support or volunteering to aid in its supply and maintenance. Johano is passionate in his belief that the Free Folk’s hard work can make a difference.

	<quote by="Florence d'Astolat">Love its powerful - love is fierce. Let love be the sword that protects those to who we are Loyal and smites those who would do them harm.</quote>		<quote by="Florence d'Astolat">Love its powerful - love is fierce. Let love be the sword that protects those to who we are Loyal and smites those who would do them harm.</quote>
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	* '''They could use their knowledge of Asavea’s people, gods, language and culture to support espionage, sabotage, and missionary efforts'''		* '''They could use their knowledge of Asavea’s people, gods, language and culture to support espionage, sabotage, and missionary efforts'''
	<quote by="Merita Saĝo">Compassion demands sacrifice: we must be ready to give up all we love in the name of the Way. Ours must be a love that burns within - the spark that will ignite the Way for all those souls that yearn for its burning.</quote>		<quote by="Merita Saĝo">Compassion demands sacrifice: we must be ready to give up all we love in the name of the Way. Ours must be a love that burns within - the spark that will ignite the Way for all those souls that yearn for its burning.</quote>
	Merita Saĝo, a [[Dawn_magical_traditions#Guisers\|guiser]] from [[Semmerholm#Semmer's_Rose\|Semmer’s Rose]], instead argues that the Free Folk have benefitted greatly from the compassion of Lady ~~Novarion~~ and the wider Empire that [[Prosperity]] demands that they in turn extend that compassion to others in the same way. Merita speaks fervently of those across Asavea who struggle and suffer as her people once did, holding close the truth of the Way in hope of eventual liberation. She invokes the names of [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_4\|Amika]] and [[The_tale_that_speaks_to_your_heart#Alberto,_Amika,_and_Asavea\|Alberto]] Acciai - former Plenum of Asavea that became tools of such liberation. She stokes the Pride of the assembled Free Folk in stating that whatever a Plenum might achieve, the steel of those they once exploited might cut three times as deep. It is Merita’s suggestion that the Free Folk should seek a more active role in the Synod’s requests for support in [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset\|toppling Nemorian power in Asavea]]. The Folk’s knowledge of the languages, culture and social customs of their oppressors could be potent tools in bringing about this change. Merita urges the Free Folk to make these tools available to Dawn as spies, saboteurs, agitators and missionaries - for the good of the Way.		Merita Saĝo, a [[Dawn_magical_traditions#Guisers\|guiser]] from [[Semmerholm#Semmer's_Rose\|Semmer’s Rose]], instead argues that the Free Folk have benefitted greatly from the compassion of Lady Eleanor and the wider Empire that [[Prosperity]] demands that they in turn extend that compassion to others in the same way. Merita speaks fervently of those across Asavea who struggle and suffer as her people once did, holding close the truth of the Way in hope of eventual liberation. She invokes the names of [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_4\|Amika]] and [[The_tale_that_speaks_to_your_heart#Alberto,_Amika,_and_Asavea\|Alberto]] Acciai - former Plenum of Asavea that became tools of such liberation. She stokes the Pride of the assembled Free Folk in stating that whatever a Plenum might achieve, the steel of those they once exploited might cut three times as deep. It is Merita’s suggestion that the Free Folk should seek a more active role in the Synod’s requests for support in [[Two_suns_in_the_sunset\|toppling Nemorian power in Asavea]]. The Folk’s knowledge of the languages, culture and social customs of their oppressors could be potent tools in bringing about this change. Merita urges the Free Folk to make these tools available to Dawn as spies, saboteurs, agitators and missionaries - for the good of the Way.
	<quote by="Melodia de Bondir">Prosperity and freedom have been the wages of the Free Folk's toil: more work may be the reward of a job well done, but let that work be here. Let Marracossa be their final battlefield.</quote>		<quote by="Melodia de Bondir">Prosperity and freedom have been the wages of the Free Folk's toil: more work may be the reward of a job well done, but let that work be here. Let Marracossa be their final battlefield.</quote>
	These sentiments give pause to Melodia de Bondir, a Dawnish teacher of the Imperial tongue who has long supported the Proffered hand. She notes that while none should ever stand in the way of the Free Folk putting into action the Pride they feel so strongly, it would be wrong to suggest that this is a Pride won already at such great cost. The [[Courage]] they have shown in their liberation and survival is waged with the freedom and new lives they have achieved. For the Free Folk to be encouraged to return again to the shores of Asavea, Melodia confides, would be to ask them to risk their earned rewards and face re-enslavement and execution upon capture. There is no doubt that Free Folk will be lost, their bodies and stories ended in a land far from the one they chose to embrace.		These sentiments give pause to Melodia de Bondir, a Dawnish teacher of the Imperial tongue who has long supported the Proffered hand. She notes that while none should ever stand in the way of the Free Folk putting into action the Pride they feel so strongly, it would be wrong to suggest that this is a Pride won already at such great cost. The [[Courage]] they have shown in their liberation and survival is waged with the freedom and new lives they have achieved. For the Free Folk to be encouraged to return again to the shores of Asavea, Melodia confides, would be to ask them to risk their earned rewards and face re-enslavement and execution upon capture. There is no doubt that Free Folk will be lost, their bodies and stories ended in a land far from the one they chose to embrace.
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	* '''They would spread across the network, applying their experience and fervor to directly supporting and expanding its efforts - in and outside of the Empire'''		* '''They would spread across the network, applying their experience and fervor to directly supporting and expanding its efforts - in and outside of the Empire'''
	<quote by="Merita Saĝo">A hand offered in Compassion may only reach as far as the arm that extends it: let us reach further, let us act with purpose and Pride so not one soul further is denied the birthright that is the Way.</quote>		<quote by="Merita Saĝo">A hand offered in Compassion may only reach as far as the arm that extends it: let us reach further, let us act with purpose and Pride so not one soul further is denied the birthright that is the Way.</quote>
	Venka Kuraĝo, a retainer of House Asterion seeks to encourage her fellows in embracing the Proffered Hand network itself as a great work of the Lady of Compassion. Through its flourishing, Venka believes, the glory of Lady ~~Novarion’s~~ story will only grow - and that pursuit of glory is a worthy one. There are countless humans and orcs that suffer in shame, denied the compassion of the Way - robbed of their Prosperity, denuded of their Courage, their [[Loyalty]] flensed by brutality and their Pride crushed from them by slavery’s singular evil.		Venka Kuraĝo, a retainer of House Asterion seeks to encourage her fellows in embracing the Proffered Hand network itself as a great work of the Lady of Compassion. Through its flourishing, Venka believes, the glory of Lady Eleanor’s story will only grow - and that pursuit of glory is a worthy one. There are countless humans and orcs that suffer in shame, denied the compassion of the Way - robbed of their Prosperity, denuded of their Courage, their [[Loyalty]] flensed by brutality and their Pride crushed from them by slavery’s singular evil.

	These souls lie not across the ocean, but mere leagues beyond Imperial borders in every direction. The jewels in the network’s web must, Venka effuses, be the Free Folk’s focus so that the liberation of the Way might wash, unimpeded, beyond imagined lines in the soil. Venka proposes that the Folk seek glory in both elevating those received by the network and supporting in their welcoming into the Empire and also in taking a more active role in bringing about change in the Empire’s neighbours that deny the Way: be it the [[Thule]] despots, the [[Iron Confederacy]]’s oppressive heresy or even those inmates in [[Faraden]] that languish in chains.		These souls lie not across the ocean, but mere leagues beyond Imperial borders in every direction. The jewels in the network’s web must, Venka effuses, be the Free Folk’s focus so that the liberation of the Way might wash, unimpeded, beyond imagined lines in the soil. Venka proposes that the Folk seek glory in both elevating those received by the network and supporting in their welcoming into the Empire and also in taking a more active role in bringing about change in the Empire’s neighbours that deny the Way: be it the [[Thule]] despots, the [[Iron Confederacy]]’s oppressive heresy or even those inmates in [[Faraden]] that languish in chains.

	<quote by="Jacob Astatus di Sarvos">Much more can be done by a Wise pen than by through ~~empassioned~~ folly: let the compassionate receive with open arms who the Wise drive to them with measured words.</quote>		<quote by="Jacob Astatus di Sarvos">Much more can be done by a Wise pen than by through impassioned folly: let the compassionate receive with open arms who the Wise drive to them with measured words.</quote>
	This gives pause to Jacob Astatus di Sarvos, a travelling pilgrim. As readily as the Free Folk have found their place in the Empire and as strong as their will may be, diplomacy, Jacob notes, is not a business best ruled by such passions. The affairs of [[Ambassador\|Ambassadors]] and civil servants on Imperial borders are taxing enough without internal agitators - however well-meaning - potentially acting in accordance with their own Pride. Jacob is a firm believer in the Proffered Hand’s works - but sees the Free Folk’s energies being best ~~channeled~~ into becoming just that - a hand of friendship, ready to clasp the other that reaches to accept it. It’s the case too, he adds, that the Free Folk’s beliefs would be best presented to the newly freed alongside other perspectives from across the Empire.		This gives pause to Jacob Astatus di Sarvos, a travelling pilgrim. As readily as the Free Folk have found their place in the Empire and as strong as their will may be, diplomacy, Jacob notes, is not a business best ruled by such passions. The affairs of [[Ambassador\|Ambassadors]] and civil servants on Imperial borders are taxing enough without internal agitators - however well-meaning - potentially acting in accordance with their own Pride. Jacob is a firm believer in the Proffered Hand’s works - but sees the Free Folk’s energies being best channelled into becoming just that - a hand of friendship, ready to clasp the other that reaches to accept it. It’s the case too, he adds, that the Free Folk’s beliefs would be best presented to the newly freed alongside other perspectives from across the Empire.

	==The Synod’s Role==		==The Synod’s Role==
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	* [[On_the_outside_looking_inside#Saga_of_the_Exiles\|On the outside looking inside]] - Spring 384YE Wind of Fortune		* [[On_the_outside_looking_inside#Saga_of_the_Exiles\|On the outside looking inside]] - Spring 384YE Wind of Fortune
	* [[All_at_sea#The_Trajadoz_Exiles\|All at sea]] - Winter 383YE Wind of Fortune		* [[All_at_sea#The_Trajadoz_Exiles\|All at sea]] - Winter 383YE Wind of Fortune
	* [[Between_wind_and_water#Embrace_our_history\|Between wind and water]] - Winter 383YE ~~WInd~~ of Fortune dealing with the invitation to Caer Faucon		* [[Between_wind_and_water#Embrace_our_history\|Between wind and water]] - Winter 383YE Wind of Fortune dealing with the invitation to Caer Faucon
	* [[Large_but_far_away#Evacuation\|Large but far away]] - Autumn 383YE Wind of Fortune talking about the evacuation of Marracossa		* [[Large_but_far_away#Evacuation\|Large but far away]] - Autumn 383YE Wind of Fortune talking about the evacuation of Marracossa