Sumaah Republic - Revision history

Dre at 19:42, 4 July 2026

2026-07-04T19:42:34Z

Dre: /* Overview */

2026-07-04T19:35:59Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:35, 4 July 2026
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	Today, the Sumaash are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away, and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.		Today, the Sumaash are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away, and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.

	Of particular interest to Imperial citizens outside of the Synod are the [[Sumaah Republic ports\|~~Sumaah~~ ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire. </onlyinclude>		Of particular interest to Imperial citizens outside of the Synod are the [[Sumaah Republic ports\|Sumaash ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire. </onlyinclude>
	<!--{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sumaah7.jpg\|title=The jungles of Sumaah\|align=right\|width=617\|height=270}}-->		<!--{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sumaah7.jpg\|title=The jungles of Sumaah\|align=right\|width=617\|height=270}}-->

Dre: /* Overview */

2026-07-04T19:35:48Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:35, 4 July 2026
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	Before the Empire, missionaries of the nascent Way came to the jungles of Sumaah and called it 'the ends of the earth.' They found a corrupt, diseased kingdom ruled by despotic kings supported by a selfish and idolatrous religion, propped up by the satraps of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Yet they also found embers of their own faith, hidden in old stories and legends. They fanned those embers, and without warning ignited a revolution. A people sickened by the excesses of their leaders, hungry for a philosophy of truth, took the teachings of [[the Way]] and forged a sword with which they swept away the corrupt and the greedy and built something new, and better.		Before the Empire, missionaries of the nascent Way came to the jungles of Sumaah and called it 'the ends of the earth.' They found a corrupt, diseased kingdom ruled by despotic kings supported by a selfish and idolatrous religion, propped up by the satraps of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Yet they also found embers of their own faith, hidden in old stories and legends. They fanned those embers, and without warning ignited a revolution. A people sickened by the excesses of their leaders, hungry for a philosophy of truth, took the teachings of [[the Way]] and forged a sword with which they swept away the corrupt and the greedy and built something new, and better.

	For nearly a century, emissaries and diplomats travelled the vast distances between Sumaah and the Empire. Few pilgrims managed to make the arduous journey to [[Highguard]], but those who did were increasingly dissatisfied with what they found - compromise, expediency and tolerance were poisoning the roots of the shared faith. The ~~Sumaah~~ had no interest in joining the Empire, and so were denied a place in the [[Synod]]; indeed, they saw little in the Imperial Synod that was relevant to them - the virtues of [[Ambition]] and [[Pride]] made it clear to these fervent converts that to look to an outside source for guidance would be wicked.		For nearly a century, emissaries and diplomats travelled the vast distances between Sumaah and the Empire. Few pilgrims managed to make the arduous journey to [[Highguard]], but those who did were increasingly dissatisfied with what they found - compromise, expediency, and tolerance were poisoning the roots of the shared faith. The Sumaash had no interest in joining the Empire, and so were denied a place in the [[Synod]]; indeed, they saw little in the Imperial Synod that was relevant to them - the virtues of [[Ambition]] and [[Pride]] made it clear to these fervent converts that to look to an outside source for guidance would be wicked.

	Eventually the ~~Sumaah~~ had had enough. In 118YE, during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Republic broke with the [[Synod]] and technically excommunicated not only the Empress but all the priests of the Empire. The Empire was technically at war with the Sumaah Republic for the next two hundred years, but the vast distances involved meant that military conflict was all but impossible, All trade between the Republic and the Empire ceased, however, and it was not until 326YE that the trade-routes were re-opened.		Eventually the Sumaash had had enough. In 118YE, during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]], the Republic broke with the [[Synod]] and technically excommunicated not only the Empress but all the priests of the Empire. The Empire was technically at war with the Sumaah Republic for the next two hundred years, but the vast distances involved meant that military conflict was all but impossible. All trade between the Republic and the Empire ceased, however, and it was not until 326YE that the trade routes were re-opened.

	Today. the ~~Sumaah~~ are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.		Today, the Sumaash are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away, and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.

	Of particular interest to Imperial citizens outside of the Synod are the [[Sumaah Republic ports\|Sumaah ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire. </onlyinclude>		Of particular interest to Imperial citizens outside of the Synod are the [[Sumaah Republic ports\|Sumaah ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire. </onlyinclude>

Responsible1: /* Magic */

2026-07-04T17:02:44Z

Magic

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 4 July 2026
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	Interaction with [[eternal\|eternals]] is very carefully monitored, and magicians who deal with an eternal without the guidance of one of the Präster may find themselves called to [[inquisition]] and face serious censure. For a long time it was assumed the Sumaah dealt with an entirely different roster of eternals, but in Summer 388YE a [[Senate]]-commissioned [[appraisal]] helped to deal with this, and other, misconceptions. The Sumaah know almost all the same eternals as Imperial magicians deal with, they simply use completely different names and imagery to depict them. There ''are'' a few eternals such as ''Deep Drummer'', ''Span of the Sky'', or ''Wind Panther'' who are unfamiliar however. It's also notable that the Sumaah consider many eternals to be enemies of the Republic, deeming them "anathema". A more detailed breakdown of the Sumaah attitude to eternals forms part of the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Republican_Eternals\|Satraps of the Abyss]] wind of fortune.		Interaction with [[eternal\|eternals]] is very carefully monitored, and magicians who deal with an eternal without the guidance of one of the Präster may find themselves called to [[inquisition]] and face serious censure. For a long time it was assumed the Sumaah dealt with an entirely different roster of eternals, but in Summer 388YE a [[Senate]]-commissioned [[appraisal]] helped to deal with this, and other, misconceptions. The Sumaah know almost all the same eternals as Imperial magicians deal with, they simply use completely different names and imagery to depict them. There ''are'' a few eternals such as ''Deep Drummer'', ''Span of the Sky'', or ''Wind Panther'' who are unfamiliar however. It's also notable that the Sumaah consider many eternals to be enemies of the Republic, deeming them "anathema". A more detailed breakdown of the Sumaah attitude to eternals forms part of the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Republican_Eternals\|Satraps of the Abyss]] wind of fortune.

	Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''~~organized~~'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].		Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''organised'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].

	Many citizens of the Republic prefer to avoid magic altogether; they would rather receive the blessings of the faith in the form of [[Religious skills#Anointing\|anointing]] or [[Religious skills#Hallow\|hallows]] that the magical effects of a ritual. ''Satraps of the Abyss'' also talks a little about the widespread attitudes the people of Sumaah have to the use of magic.		Many citizens of the Republic prefer to avoid magic altogether; they would rather receive the blessings of the faith in the form of [[Religious skills#Anointing\|anointing]] or [[Religious skills#Hallow\|hallows]] that the magical effects of a ritual. ''Satraps of the Abyss'' also talks a little about the widespread attitudes the people of Sumaah have to the use of magic.

Twiggy at 15:27, 4 July 2026

2026-07-04T15:27:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 4 July 2026
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	On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.		On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lizard.jpg\|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, ~~monekys~~, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lizard.jpg\|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, monkeys, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully guided by the Präster. In particular any magic that mimics the kind of [[aura]] created with [[religious skills\|liao ceremonies]], such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], is considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals face prosecution when they are discovered.		The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully guided by the Präster. In particular any magic that mimics the kind of [[aura]] created with [[religious skills\|liao ceremonies]], such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], is considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals face prosecution when they are discovered.

Rafferty: /* Magic */

2026-07-04T15:10:13Z

Magic

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 4 July 2026
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	On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.		On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lizard.jpg\|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, monekys, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lizard.jpg\|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, monekys, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully ~~monitored~~. ~~Any magical effect~~ that ~~creates a lingering~~ aura ~~of any sort (OOC: ''roleplaying effect''.) is strictly monitored. Rituals~~ such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] ~~and~~ [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]] ~~are~~ considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals are ~~usually prosecuted~~.		The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully guided by the Präster. In particular any magic that mimics the kind of [[aura]] created with [[religious skills\|liao ceremonies]], such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], is considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals face prosecution when they are discovered.

	Interaction with [[eternal\|eternals]] is carefully monitored, and magicians who deal with an eternal without the guidance of one of the Präster may find themselves called to [[inquisition]] and face serious censure. For a long time it was assumed the Sumaah dealt with an entirely different roster of eternals, but in Summer 388YE a [[Senate]]-commissioned [[appraisal]] helped to deal with this, and other, misconceptions. The Sumaah know almost all the same eternals as Imperial magicians deal with, they simply use completely different names and imagery to depict them. There ''are'' a few eternals such as ''Deep Drummer'', ''Span of the Sky'', or ''Wind Panther'' who are unfamiliar however. It's also notable that the Sumaah consider many eternals to be enemies of the Republic, deeming them "anathema". A more detailed breakdown of the Sumaah attitude to eternals forms part of the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Republican_Eternals\|Satraps of the Abyss]] wind of fortune.		Interaction with [[eternal\|eternals]] is very carefully monitored, and magicians who deal with an eternal without the guidance of one of the Präster may find themselves called to [[inquisition]] and face serious censure. For a long time it was assumed the Sumaah dealt with an entirely different roster of eternals, but in Summer 388YE a [[Senate]]-commissioned [[appraisal]] helped to deal with this, and other, misconceptions. The Sumaah know almost all the same eternals as Imperial magicians deal with, they simply use completely different names and imagery to depict them. There ''are'' a few eternals such as ''Deep Drummer'', ''Span of the Sky'', or ''Wind Panther'' who are unfamiliar however. It's also notable that the Sumaah consider many eternals to be enemies of the Republic, deeming them "anathema". A more detailed breakdown of the Sumaah attitude to eternals forms part of the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Republican_Eternals\|Satraps of the Abyss]] wind of fortune.

	Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''organized'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].		Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''organized'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].

Rafferty: /* Magic */

2026-07-04T15:07:40Z

Magic

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:07, 4 July 2026
Line 59:		Line 59:

	On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.		On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.
	<~~!--~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~Sumaah6~~.jpg\|~~title~~=~~An old shrine to forgotten spirits~~\|align=~~left~~\|width=~~384\|height=240~~}}-->		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lizard.jpg\|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, monekys, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully monitored. Any magical effect that creates a lingering aura of any sort (OOC: ''roleplaying effect''.) is strictly monitored. Rituals such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] and [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]] are considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals are usually prosecuted.		The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully monitored. Any magical effect that creates a lingering aura of any sort (OOC: ''roleplaying effect''.) is strictly monitored. Rituals such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] and [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]] are considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals are usually prosecuted.

	Interaction with [[eternal\|eternals]] is carefully monitored, and magicians who ~~interact~~ with an eternal ~~outside of~~ the ~~presence~~ of ~~a Präst are usually censured or viewed with suspicion. The Sumaah know a number~~ of ~~eternals unknown to the Empire -~~ the ~~only ones both nations are known~~ to ~~regularly interact with are~~ [[~~Leviathan~~]] and [[~~Yaw'nagrah~~]]~~. The Night eternal~~ [[~~Sadogua~~]] ~~is considered an enemy~~ of the ~~Republic; its heralds are destroyed on sight~~, ~~and magicians~~ who ~~interact with it~~ are ~~usually tried for idolatry~~.		Interaction with [[eternal\|eternals]] is carefully monitored, and magicians who deal with an eternal without the guidance of one of the Präster may find themselves called to [[inquisition]] and face serious censure. For a long time it was assumed the Sumaah dealt with an entirely different roster of eternals, but in Summer 388YE a [[Senate]]-commissioned [[appraisal]] helped to deal with this, and other, misconceptions. The Sumaah know almost all the same eternals as Imperial magicians deal with, they simply use completely different names and imagery to depict them. There ''are'' a few eternals such as ''Deep Drummer'', ''Span of the Sky'', or ''Wind Panther'' who are unfamiliar however. It's also notable that the Sumaah consider many eternals to be enemies of the Republic, deeming them "anathema". A more detailed breakdown of the Sumaah attitude to eternals forms part of the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Republican_Eternals\|Satraps of the Abyss]] wind of fortune.

	Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''organized'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].		Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''organized'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].

	Many citizens of the Republic prefer to avoid magic altogether; they would rather receive the blessings of the faith in the form of [[Religious skills#Anointing\|anointing]] or [[Religious skills#Hallow\|hallows]] that the magical effects of a ritual.		Many citizens of the Republic prefer to avoid magic altogether; they would rather receive the blessings of the faith in the form of [[Religious skills#Anointing\|anointing]] or [[Religious skills#Hallow\|hallows]] that the magical effects of a ritual. ''Satraps of the Abyss'' also talks a little about the widespread attitudes the people of Sumaah have to the use of magic.

	==Religion==		==Religion==

Rafferty: /* Shared Paragons and Exemplars */

2026-05-07T15:59:13Z

Shared Paragons and Exemplars

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:59, 7 May 2026
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	Despite the schisms, the Sumaah share certain paragons and exemplars with the faithful of the Empire. They acknowledge the Paragons [[Tian]], [[Korl]], and [[Atun]] as well as the Exemplar [[Zemress]]. They also recognise a Paragon they call ''The Builder'' who seems to be the same Paragon that the Empire knows as [[The Sentinel]].		Despite the schisms, the Sumaah share certain paragons and exemplars with the faithful of the Empire. They acknowledge the Paragons [[Tian]], [[Korl]], and [[Atun]] as well as the Exemplar [[Zemress]]. They also recognise a Paragon they call ''The Builder'' who seems to be the same Paragon that the Empire knows as [[The Sentinel]].

	Other than this, the Sumaah and the Empire maintain separate lists of Exemplars and Paragons. One interesting note made by an Imperial scholar who spent many years in Zemeh is that the Exemplar of Courage they call ''[[Tales of Amma the Wanderer\|Amma the Wanderer]]'' bears a resemblance to [[Adelmar the Lion]], and that the historical provenance for the character (who appears in Sumaah stories starting around 80YE) supports this contention. No proof either way has been gathered to date, although in 387YE then [[Minister of Historical Research]] Watt Lambrook dispatched a member of the [[~~Historical Research~~#~~Department of Historical Research~~\|Department of Historical Research]] to Sumaah to investigate the matter further.		Other than this, the Sumaah and the Empire maintain separate lists of Exemplars and Paragons. One interesting note made by an Imperial scholar who spent many years in Zemeh is that the Exemplar of Courage they call ''[[Tales of Amma the Wanderer\|Amma the Wanderer]]'' bears a resemblance to [[Adelmar the Lion]], and that the historical provenance for the character (who appears in Sumaah stories starting around 80YE) supports this contention. No proof either way has been gathered to date, although in 387YE then [[Minister of Historical Research]] Watt Lambrook dispatched a member of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] to Sumaah to investigate the matter further.

	===Excommunication===		===Excommunication===

Rafferty: /* Shared Paragons and Exemplars */

2026-05-07T15:58:42Z

Shared Paragons and Exemplars

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:58, 7 May 2026
Line 84:		Line 84:
	Despite the schisms, the Sumaah share certain paragons and exemplars with the faithful of the Empire. They acknowledge the Paragons [[Tian]], [[Korl]], and [[Atun]] as well as the Exemplar [[Zemress]]. They also recognise a Paragon they call ''The Builder'' who seems to be the same Paragon that the Empire knows as [[The Sentinel]].		Despite the schisms, the Sumaah share certain paragons and exemplars with the faithful of the Empire. They acknowledge the Paragons [[Tian]], [[Korl]], and [[Atun]] as well as the Exemplar [[Zemress]]. They also recognise a Paragon they call ''The Builder'' who seems to be the same Paragon that the Empire knows as [[The Sentinel]].

	Other than this, the Sumaah and the Empire maintain separate lists of Exemplars and Paragons. One interesting note made by an Imperial scholar who spent many years in Zemeh is that the Exemplar of Courage they call ''Amma the Wanderer'' bears a resemblance to [[Adelmar the Lion]], and that the historical provenance for the character (who appears in Sumaah stories starting around 80YE) supports this contention. No proof either way has been gathered to date.		Other than this, the Sumaah and the Empire maintain separate lists of Exemplars and Paragons. One interesting note made by an Imperial scholar who spent many years in Zemeh is that the Exemplar of Courage they call ''[[Tales of Amma the Wanderer\|Amma the Wanderer]]'' bears a resemblance to [[Adelmar the Lion]], and that the historical provenance for the character (who appears in Sumaah stories starting around 80YE) supports this contention. No proof either way has been gathered to date, although in 387YE then [[Minister of Historical Research]] Watt Lambrook dispatched a member of the [[Historical Research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]] to Sumaah to investigate the matter further.

	===Excommunication===		===Excommunication===
	Following the Summer Solstice 387YE there were a [[Talking_to_friends#Abrasion_Oil\|number of questions]] posed by the Imperial Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic, Accalon of Felix's Watch, regarding the approach of the präster to the rite of [[excommunication]]. The queries arose from the discovery of a preparation called ''Abrasion Oil'', a rare substance developed by the präster who live in Nyaerdivik, which is a hard-to-reach settlement on the very edge of the Sumaah Republic, which by all accounts causes an effect similar to the liao ceremony and was used as part of an execution of convicted criminals. The response from Ambassador Oxtitocszin touched on a number of matters but provides some insight into the practice of the Way in the Republic.		Following the Summer Solstice 387YE there were a [[Talking_to_friends#Abrasion_Oil\|number of questions]] posed by the Imperial Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic, Accalon of Felix's Watch, regarding the approach of the präster to the rite of [[excommunication]]. The queries arose from the discovery of a preparation called ''Abrasion Oil'', a rare substance developed by the präster who live in Nyaerdivik, which is a hard-to-reach settlement on the very edge of the Sumaah Republic, which by all accounts causes an effect similar to the liao ceremony and was used as part of an execution of convicted criminals. The response from Ambassador Oxtitocszin touched on a number of matters but provides some insight into the practice of the Way in the Republic.

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

2026-01-15T21:28:35Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:28, 15 January 2026
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	Before the Empire, missionaries of the nascent Way came to the jungles of Sumaah and called it 'the ends of the earth.' They found a corrupt, diseased kingdom ruled by despotic kings supported by a selfish and idolatrous religion, propped up by the satraps of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Yet they also found embers of their own faith, hidden in old stories and legends. They fanned those embers, and without warning ignited a revolution. A people sickened by the excesses of their leaders, hungry for a philosophy of truth, took the teachings of [[the Way]] and forged a sword with which they swept away the corrupt and the greedy and built something new, and better.		Before the Empire, missionaries of the nascent Way came to the jungles of Sumaah and called it 'the ends of the earth.' They found a corrupt, diseased kingdom ruled by despotic kings supported by a selfish and idolatrous religion, propped up by the satraps of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Yet they also found embers of their own faith, hidden in old stories and legends. They fanned those embers, and without warning ignited a revolution. A people sickened by the excesses of their leaders, hungry for a philosophy of truth, took the teachings of [[the Way]] and forged a sword with which they swept away the corrupt and the greedy and built something new, and better.

	For nearly a century, emissaries and diplomats travelled the vast distances between Sumaah and the Empire. Few pilgrims managed to make the arduous journey to [[Highguard]], but those who did were increasingly dissatisfied with what they found - compromise, expediency and tolerance were poisoning the roots of the shared faith. The Sumaah had no interest in joining the Empire, and so were denied a place in the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]]; indeed, they saw little in the Imperial Synod that was relevant to them - the virtues of [[Ambition]] and [[Pride]] made it clear to these fervent converts that to look to an outside source for guidance would be wicked.		For nearly a century, emissaries and diplomats travelled the vast distances between Sumaah and the Empire. Few pilgrims managed to make the arduous journey to [[Highguard]], but those who did were increasingly dissatisfied with what they found - compromise, expediency and tolerance were poisoning the roots of the shared faith. The Sumaah had no interest in joining the Empire, and so were denied a place in the [[Synod]]; indeed, they saw little in the Imperial Synod that was relevant to them - the virtues of [[Ambition]] and [[Pride]] made it clear to these fervent converts that to look to an outside source for guidance would be wicked.

	Eventually the Sumaah had had enough. In 118YE, during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Republic broke with the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] and technically excommunicated not only the Empress but all the priests of the Empire. The Empire was technically at war with the Sumaah Republic for the next two hundred years, but the vast distances involved meant that military conflict was all but impossible, All trade between the Republic and the Empire ceased, however, and it was not until 326YE that the trade-routes were re-opened.		Eventually the Sumaah had had enough. In 118YE, during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Republic broke with the [[Synod]] and technically excommunicated not only the Empress but all the priests of the Empire. The Empire was technically at war with the Sumaah Republic for the next two hundred years, but the vast distances involved meant that military conflict was all but impossible, All trade between the Republic and the Empire ceased, however, and it was not until 326YE that the trade-routes were re-opened.

	Today. the Sumaah are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.		Today. the Sumaah are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 4 July 2026
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	On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.		On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres\|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal\|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lizard.jpg\|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, ~~monekys~~, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lizard.jpg\|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, monkeys, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully guided by the Präster. In particular any magic that mimics the kind of [[aura]] created with [[religious skills\|liao ceremonies]], such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], is considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals face prosecution when they are discovered.		The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully guided by the Präster. In particular any magic that mimics the kind of [[aura]] created with [[religious skills\|liao ceremonies]], such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], is considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals face prosecution when they are discovered.