Zemress islander - Revision history

Dre at 12:55, 6 June 2025

2025-06-06T12:55:28Z

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	<div style="float:left; width: 400px;"><quote by="Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo, Statement of Principle, Freeborn Assembly. Summer 380YE">We the Freeborn assembly recognise the inhabitants of the Isle of Zemress as descendants of the three tribes, and recognise their right to citizenship of the Brass Coast.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left; width: 400px;"><quote by="Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo, Statement of Principle, Freeborn Assembly. Summer 380YE">We the Freeborn assembly recognise the inhabitants of the Isle of Zemress as descendants of the three tribes, and recognise their right to citizenship of the Brass Coast.</quote></div>
	A couple of years ago, the inhabitants of the island reached out to their [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] cousins. A century and a half of separation had seen the inhabitants of the Isle of Zemress diverge somewhat from the traditions of their distant cousins. They appeared almost [[The Marches\|Marcher]]-like in their insistence on the virtue of honest toil and hard work. Even more unfortunately, they had embraced a heretical view that while the virtues of the Way certainly existed, only the virtue of [[Prosperity]] had any true value - indeed they seemed to have little understanding of the deeper truths of the Way, or the nature of the other Virtues.		A couple of years ago, the inhabitants of the island reached out to their [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] cousins. A century and a half of separation had seen the inhabitants of the Isle of Zemress diverge somewhat from the traditions of their distant cousins. They appeared almost [[The Marches\|Marcher]]-like in their insistence on the virtue of honest toil and hard work. Even more unfortunately, they had embraced a heretical view that while the virtues of the Way certainly existed, only the virtue of [[Prosperity]] had any true value - indeed they seemed to have little understanding of the deeper truths of the Way, or the nature of the other Virtues.
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px;"><quote by="Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo, Statement of Principle, General Assembly. Spring 380YE">A need to send missionaries to help lead the Isle of Zemress in all of the Virtues. More information of the Isle of Zemress is available from Immeldar of the Brazen ~~Pavador~~.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px;"><quote by="Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo, Statement of Principle, General Assembly. Spring 380YE">A need to send missionaries to help lead the Isle of Zemress in all of the Virtues. More information of the Isle of Zemress is available from Immeldar of the Brazen Parador.</quote></div>
	In 380YE, Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo and the Freeborn assembly recognised the inhabitants of the Isle of Zemress as having the right to see themselves as citizens of the Brass Coast, should they wish. With the aid of the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]], they also resolved to send missionaries to help lead the islanders to an understanding of all the Virtues. Apparently successful, while reserving a special place for Prosperity, over the last year the islanders have come to see the value of the other six Virtues and make some effort to incorporate them into their lives.		In 380YE, Immeldar i Ezmara i Erigo and the Freeborn assembly recognised the inhabitants of the Isle of Zemress as having the right to see themselves as citizens of the Brass Coast, should they wish. With the aid of the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]], they also resolved to send missionaries to help lead the islanders to an understanding of all the Virtues. Apparently successful, while reserving a special place for Prosperity, over the last year the islanders have come to see the value of the other six Virtues and make some effort to incorporate them into their lives.

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	The Zemress Islanders are proud of their heritage. After long discussion with hakima, they have chosen to reflect this in their names. They have traditional Freeborn names, but append "i Zemress" to the end of their family names to indicate their roots on the Isle of Zemress. So "Edina i Ezmara i Zemress i Erigo" indicates that she is an Erigo, and a descendant of the Ezmara from the Isle of Zemress - functionally a separate family to the Ezmara of the Brass Coast. Of course any Freeborn character will shorten their name to the most important parts when appropriate, but you should include i Zemress in your formal name if you're playing a character from the island.		The Zemress Islanders are proud of their heritage. After long discussion with hakima, they have chosen to reflect this in their names. They have traditional Freeborn names, but append "i Zemress" to the end of their family names to indicate their roots on the Isle of Zemress. So "Edina i Ezmara i Zemress i Erigo" indicates that she is an Erigo, and a descendant of the Ezmara from the Isle of Zemress - functionally a separate family to the Ezmara of the Brass Coast. Of course any Freeborn character will shorten their name to the most important parts when appropriate, but you should include i Zemress in your formal name if you're playing a character from the island.

	Prior to 381YE, there were no Zemress island natives living on the Brass Coast. Indeed, before 379YE, they had no contact with their Freeborn cousins at all. Prior to the evacuation, all the islanders lived relatively peaceful, prosaic lives primarily based around farming. They worked hard not to attract the attention of the Grendel; they were not involved in a ~~guerilla~~ war against the orcs for example. As a direct consequence of their desire to avoid the attention of the Grendel, they had no boats or ships, and few had any military training. It is fine to have embraced these things since the evacuation, but backgrounds in which you fought the Grendel or engaged in foreign trade will be rejected.		Prior to 381YE, there were no Zemress island natives living on the Brass Coast. Indeed, before 379YE, they had no contact with their Freeborn cousins at all. Prior to the evacuation, all the islanders lived relatively peaceful, prosaic lives primarily based around farming. They worked hard not to attract the attention of the Grendel; they were not involved in a guerrilla war against the orcs for example. As a direct consequence of their desire to avoid the attention of the Grendel, they had no boats or ships, and few had any military training. It is fine to have embraced these things since the evacuation, but backgrounds in which you fought the Grendel or engaged in foreign trade will be rejected.

	Likewise, it is important to remember that they were isolated. No Zemress Islander has any ties to the Empire prior to the evacuation. For a century and a half they lived completely separate lives, exiled castaways on an island deep in enemy territory. Despite this, they never stopped thinking of themselves as Freeborn. They may have become a little more religiously focused, and prioritise Prosperity over other virtues, but they still considered themselves to be inspired by the Founders for example. The [[The_Brass_Coast#Five_things_to_know_about_the_Freeborn\|five things]] common to the Freeborn are also common to the exiles of the Isle of Zemress. They still organised themselves into families, they are every bit as candid as other Freeborn, and so on.		Likewise, it is important to remember that they were isolated. No Zemress Islander has any ties to the Empire prior to the evacuation. For a century and a half they lived completely separate lives, exiled castaways on an island deep in enemy territory. Despite this, they never stopped thinking of themselves as Freeborn. They may have become a little more religiously focused, and prioritise Prosperity over other virtues, but they still considered themselves to be inspired by the Founders for example. The [[The_Brass_Coast#Five_things_to_know_about_the_Freeborn\|five things]] common to the Freeborn are also common to the exiles of the Isle of Zemress. They still organised themselves into families, they are every bit as candid as other Freeborn, and so on.

Thespaceinvader: /* History */

2025-04-16T16:34:45Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 16 April 2025
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	This fragile state of affairs was brought to an end in Summer 381YE when the Grendel at last [[Shelter from the storm\|became aware]] of this significant population of humans right under their noses. The Freeborn assembled a great armada of more than fifty vessels from all over the Empire to sail to Zemress island and carry out a daring rescue of their cousins dwelling there. Under the noses of the astonished Grendel navy, [[Desperate_affairs,_desperate_measures\|the Empire carried out a daring rescue]], in fact so many captains took up the challenge that they were able to rescue not just the Islanders but bring with them all their possessions and belongings.		This fragile state of affairs was brought to an end in Summer 381YE when the Grendel at last [[Shelter from the storm\|became aware]] of this significant population of humans right under their noses. The Freeborn assembled a great armada of more than fifty vessels from all over the Empire to sail to Zemress island and carry out a daring rescue of their cousins dwelling there. Under the noses of the astonished Grendel navy, [[Desperate_affairs,_desperate_measures\|the Empire carried out a daring rescue]], in fact so many captains took up the challenge that they were able to rescue not just the Islanders but bring with them all their possessions and belongings.
	<div style="float:left; width: 400px;"><quote by="Mazo i Zabala i Erigo, 381YE Autumn Equinox, Freeborn National Assembly, Upheld 76 - 0">We were heartened by the rescue of our cousins from the Isle of Zemress and we would welcome them in settling in Segura. We are certain that their resourceful skills and work ethic will contribute greatly to the Prosperity of the province and we will be happy to smooth their full integration back into the Empire.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left; width: 400px;"><quote by="Mazo i Zabala i Erigo, 381YE Autumn Equinox, Freeborn National Assembly, Upheld 76 - 0">We were heartened by the rescue of our cousins from the Isle of Zemress and we would welcome them in settling in Segura. We are certain that their resourceful skills and work ethic will contribute greatly to the Prosperity of the province and we will be happy to smooth their full integration back into the Empire.</quote></div>
	Having arrived in ~~the~~ the Empire, the evacuees looked to the Imperial Synod for guidance on where they should settle. By unanimous agreement the Freeborn Assembly backed the statement by Mazo i Zabala i Erigo urging them to settle in [[Segura]]. As a territory of rolling grass and dry plains, Segura offers them space, a luxury that was in short supply on the Isle of [[Zemress]]. The huge influx of citizens also helped to revitalise the territory which was still struggling to recover from the conquest of the Lasambrian orcs. With their animals, and seeds from their farms, the families of Zemress island began to settle in [[Segura#Sobral Grasses\|Sobral Grasses]] and [[Segura#Yellow Chase\|Yellow Chase]], establishing [[farm\|farms]] on land that had been left unclaimed for many years.		Having arrived in the Empire, the evacuees looked to the Imperial Synod for guidance on where they should settle. By unanimous agreement the Freeborn Assembly backed the statement by Mazo i Zabala i Erigo urging them to settle in [[Segura]]. As a territory of rolling grass and dry plains, Segura offers them space, a luxury that was in short supply on the Isle of [[Zemress]]. The huge influx of citizens also helped to revitalise the territory which was still struggling to recover from the conquest of the Lasambrian orcs. With their animals, and seeds from their farms, the families of Zemress island began to settle in [[Segura#Sobral Grasses\|Sobral Grasses]] and [[Segura#Yellow Chase\|Yellow Chase]], establishing [[farm\|farms]] on land that had been left unclaimed for many years.

	The results of their industry have been impressive. In the short time since their arrival, the Zemress Islanders have set to and raised hundreds of farms across the Sobral Grasses. What was once a barren land with only scattered signs of habitation is rapidly becoming a prosperous and busy landscape dotted by farmsteads surrounded by a blanket of dusty fields of yellow grain. Sadly the output of those farms is limited by lack of water and poor soil, but the Islanders have a proposal that might fix that. The situation in the Yellow Chase is more challenging - the land here is simply too arid and rocky for crops to grow at all and it is very hard to do more than keep a flock of sheep or goats alive. However the Islanders are not prepared to simply throw in the towel on the matter and have a proposal here too.		The results of their industry have been impressive. In the short time since their arrival, the Zemress Islanders have set to and raised hundreds of farms across the Sobral Grasses. What was once a barren land with only scattered signs of habitation is rapidly becoming a prosperous and busy landscape dotted by farmsteads surrounded by a blanket of dusty fields of yellow grain. Sadly the output of those farms is limited by lack of water and poor soil, but the Islanders have a proposal that might fix that. The situation in the Yellow Chase is more challenging - the land here is simply too arid and rocky for crops to grow at all and it is very hard to do more than keep a flock of sheep or goats alive. However the Islanders are not prepared to simply throw in the towel on the matter and have a proposal here too.

Dre at 08:17, 14 April 2025

2025-04-14T08:17:36Z

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	In keeping with their emphasis on Prosperity, the Zemress Islanders have a work ethic that even the most hardworking Marcher might admire. Life on the island was hard - survival meant back-breaking hours of toil to gather and prepare food every day. The Islanders are still Freeborn - they celebrate life and crave adventure and excitement - but they are clear that such things must wait until the work of the day is done. They will stop to eat when needed, but they put off feasting as well as music, dance, or any celebration until their work is complete.		In keeping with their emphasis on Prosperity, the Zemress Islanders have a work ethic that even the most hardworking Marcher might admire. Life on the island was hard - survival meant back-breaking hours of toil to gather and prepare food every day. The Islanders are still Freeborn - they celebrate life and crave adventure and excitement - but they are clear that such things must wait until the work of the day is done. They will stop to eat when needed, but they put off feasting as well as music, dance, or any celebration until their work is complete.

	The result is a a commitment to toil that many Freeborn find startling. The people of the Brass Coast are no strangers to hard work - but the view of many Freeborn is that you work to live. Followers of Riqueza often express the view that life should be celebrated in all its glory; the purpose of work is to earn the means to enjoy life to its fullest. But in the minds of the Zemress Islanders celebration is the just reward for a prosperous or virtuous act. In their view every inhabitant of their island gets up each day striving to be virtuous - and they may only cease their toil once they have accomplished something genuinely virtuous. They break their morning fast with a simple, plain meal designed to fill the belly and then they throw themselves into their labours. The goal is to work hard - or more recently to do something virtuous - so that they can earn the right to take a break from their toil to relax and feast. They are somewhat scandalized by the views of some Freeborn - that the purpose of life is for living and that you should seize every chance to enjoy it while you can.		The result is a commitment to toil that many Freeborn find startling. The people of the Brass Coast are no strangers to hard work - but the view of many Freeborn is that you work to live. Followers of Riqueza often express the view that life should be celebrated in all its glory; the purpose of work is to earn the means to enjoy life to its fullest. But in the minds of the Zemress Islanders celebration is the just reward for a prosperous or virtuous act. In their view every inhabitant of their island gets up each day striving to be virtuous - and they may only cease their toil once they have accomplished something genuinely virtuous. They break their morning fast with a simple, plain meal designed to fill the belly and then they throw themselves into their labours. The goal is to work hard - or more recently to do something virtuous - so that they can earn the right to take a break from their toil to relax and feast. They are somewhat scandalized by the views of some Freeborn - that the purpose of life is for living and that you should seize every chance to enjoy it while you can.

	===Tall Tales===		===Tall Tales===

Responsible1: /* Sutannir */

2022-04-05T17:31:56Z

Sutannir

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	As part of their tradition role in arranging festivities, the Island sutannir have developed a role in helping the community identify important tasks that need doing. Because the Islanders don't believe they can celebrate until they have achieved something meaningful, a good sutannir will seek out essential work that needs doing and bring it to the attention of their followers. The goal is that by identifying some important endeavour that demands attention, the sutannir is providing their followers with the opportunity to engage in meaningful work - and thus enjoy the fruits of their labour once it is complete.		As part of their tradition role in arranging festivities, the Island sutannir have developed a role in helping the community identify important tasks that need doing. Because the Islanders don't believe they can celebrate until they have achieved something meaningful, a good sutannir will seek out essential work that needs doing and bring it to the attention of their followers. The goal is that by identifying some important endeavour that demands attention, the sutannir is providing their followers with the opportunity to engage in meaningful work - and thus enjoy the fruits of their labour once it is complete.

	On Zemress Island such work was often restricted to determining who the Islanders would give their support to. For example, if one of their number falls ill, then the priest would organise the congregation to work to support them until they recover - provided that that person was worthy of such help. This role seems to have been a crucial part of the survival of Zemress Island. As the Islanders explain it, their ~~sutanir~~ ensures that each Islander feels confident to demonstrate their Prosperity by working hard in the interests of their neighbours when needed secure in the knowledge that the priest will recognise their efforts and thereby ensure that everyone returns the favour when they have need of help. With the many opportunities provided by their new homes in Segura, the role of the Island's sutannir has only grown, as they have led their congregations in establishing new farmsteads, households and even great works for the benefit of the whole community.		On Zemress Island such work was often restricted to determining who the Islanders would give their support to. For example, if one of their number falls ill, then the priest would organise the congregation to work to support them until they recover - provided that that person was worthy of such help. This role seems to have been a crucial part of the survival of Zemress Island. As the Islanders explain it, their sutannir ensures that each Islander feels confident to demonstrate their Prosperity by working hard in the interests of their neighbours when needed secure in the knowledge that the priest will recognise their efforts and thereby ensure that everyone returns the favour when they have need of help. With the many opportunities provided by their new homes in Segura, the role of the Island's sutannir has only grown, as they have led their congregations in establishing new farmsteads, households and even great works for the benefit of the whole community.

	Some traditional Freeborn sutannir have disdained this new approach, believing that each individual should choose their own path - and that their role is to encourage their congregation to be virtuous rather than providing such leadership. But others have been inspired by the approach of their Island cousins and have begun to adopt a similar approach with their own congregation. The idea that helping their congregation identify endeavours worth celebrating and helping them to achieve them creates new reasons for celebration is slowly spreading across the Coast.		Some traditional Freeborn sutannir have disdained this new approach, believing that each individual should choose their own path - and that their role is to encourage their congregation to be virtuous rather than providing such leadership. But others have been inspired by the approach of their Island cousins and have begun to adopt a similar approach with their own congregation. The idea that helping their congregation identify endeavours worth celebrating and helping them to achieve them creates new reasons for celebration is slowly spreading across the Coast.

Noserenda at 15:20, 5 April 2022

2022-04-05T15:20:24Z

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	The main religious festival in the Brass Coast is the [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feast of the Broken Wheel]], when the proud become humble, the prosperous become ascetic and the wise act as fools. Although it is a popular Freeborn festival which has received the approval of the General Assembly, many Zemress Islanders regard it as foolish at best and blasphemous at worst. In Autumn 382YE, the Prosperity Assembly invited both the refugees from the Isle of Zemress - and representatives from the Sumaah Republic - who also recognise Zemress as an exemplar of Prosperity, to attend a festival in celebration of the famed exemplar Zemress to be held at Anil.		The main religious festival in the Brass Coast is the [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feast of the Broken Wheel]], when the proud become humble, the prosperous become ascetic and the wise act as fools. Although it is a popular Freeborn festival which has received the approval of the General Assembly, many Zemress Islanders regard it as foolish at best and blasphemous at worst. In Autumn 382YE, the Prosperity Assembly invited both the refugees from the Isle of Zemress - and representatives from the Sumaah Republic - who also recognise Zemress as an exemplar of Prosperity, to attend a festival in celebration of the famed exemplar Zemress to be held at Anil.

	In response, both groups pointedly refused to attend attend Anvil on the same weekend that the [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemous]] [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|~~Feastisval~~]] is being celebrated in the same place. The Islanders welcomed the possibility to attend a festival dedicated to Zemress in the future, but they were not prepared to do so at a time and a place where so much [[religious crime]] was due to take place.		In response, both groups pointedly refused to attend attend Anvil on the same weekend that the [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemous]] [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Festival]] is being celebrated in the same place. The Islanders welcomed the possibility to attend a festival dedicated to Zemress in the future, but they were not prepared to do so at a time and a place where so much [[religious crime]] was due to take place.

	Not all Zemress Islanders feel this way, but it is clear many feel that the festival is deeply inappropriate and would like to see it replaced with something more suitable, something that celebrates the Brass Coast's virtuous achievements and uplifts the Freeborn spirit. Such a change is not impossible, but would require the leadership of the Freeborn Assembly if it was to move forward.		Not all Zemress Islanders feel this way, but it is clear many feel that the festival is deeply inappropriate and would like to see it replaced with something more suitable, something that celebrates the Brass Coast's virtuous achievements and uplifts the Freeborn spirit. Such a change is not impossible, but would require the leadership of the Freeborn Assembly if it was to move forward.

Rafferty: /* Broken Wheels */

2022-04-05T14:53:37Z

Broken Wheels

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 5 April 2022
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	The main religious festival in the Brass Coast is the [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feast of the Broken Wheel]], when the proud become humble, the prosperous become ascetic and the wise act as fools. Although it is a popular Freeborn festival which has received the approval of the General Assembly, many Zemress Islanders regard it as foolish at best and blasphemous at worst. In Autumn 382YE, the Prosperity Assembly invited both the refugees from the Isle of Zemress - and representatives from the Sumaah Republic - who also recognise Zemress as an exemplar of Prosperity, to attend a festival in celebration of the famed exemplar Zemress to be held at Anil.		The main religious festival in the Brass Coast is the [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feast of the Broken Wheel]], when the proud become humble, the prosperous become ascetic and the wise act as fools. Although it is a popular Freeborn festival which has received the approval of the General Assembly, many Zemress Islanders regard it as foolish at best and blasphemous at worst. In Autumn 382YE, the Prosperity Assembly invited both the refugees from the Isle of Zemress - and representatives from the Sumaah Republic - who also recognise Zemress as an exemplar of Prosperity, to attend a festival in celebration of the famed exemplar Zemress to be held at Anil.

	In ~~resopnse~~, both groups pointedly refused to attend attend Anvil on the same weekend that the [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemous]] [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feastisval]] is being celebrated in the same place. The Islanders welcomed the possibility to attend a festival dedicated to Zemress in the future, but they were not prepared to do so at a time and a place where so much [[religious crime]] was due to take place.		In response, both groups pointedly refused to attend attend Anvil on the same weekend that the [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemous]] [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feastisval]] is being celebrated in the same place. The Islanders welcomed the possibility to attend a festival dedicated to Zemress in the future, but they were not prepared to do so at a time and a place where so much [[religious crime]] was due to take place.

	Not all Zemress Islanders feel this way, but it is clear many feel that the festival is deeply inappropriate and would like to see it replaced with something more suitable, something that celebrates the Brass Coast's virtuous achievements and uplifts the Freeborn spirit. Such a change is not impossible, but would require the leadership of the Freeborn Assembly if it was to move forward.		Not all Zemress Islanders feel this way, but it is clear many feel that the festival is deeply inappropriate and would like to see it replaced with something more suitable, something that celebrates the Brass Coast's virtuous achievements and uplifts the Freeborn spirit. Such a change is not impossible, but would require the leadership of the Freeborn Assembly if it was to move forward.

Matt: /* Playing a Zemress islander */

2022-04-05T14:38:08Z

Playing a Zemress islander

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:38, 5 April 2022
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	===Tall Tales===		===Tall Tales===
	Life on Zemress Island offered few opportunities for excitement or adventure. Survival depended on remaining hidden from the Grendel which meant being circumspect about any celebrations and avoiding undue risks. As a consequence the Islanders have developed a rich story-telling tradition, which often forms the centrepiece of any festivity. Their sutannirs and story-tellers weave tall tales of daring corsairs sailing the high seas or bold kohan plunging into the heart of a battle. Some of these tales are partially familiar to mainland Freeborn, but generations of embroidery have exaggerated details and altered the facts so that many are unrecognisable. Traditionally, before beginning a tall tale, a storyteller from Zemress Island will use the phrase "A little while ago, before we all came to the island..." to indicate that what follows will be a fanciful story of adventure and excitement that is not intended to be treated as fact. The most respected entertainers of Zemress Island are those who can weave a tall tale that leaves their listeners uncertain as to whether it really happened or not.		Life on Zemress Island offered few opportunities for excitement or adventure. Survival depended on remaining hidden from the Grendel which meant being circumspect about any celebrations and avoiding undue risks. As a consequence the Islanders have developed a rich story-telling tradition, which often forms the centrepiece of any festivity. Their sutannirs and story-tellers weave tall tales of daring corsairs sailing the high seas or bold kohan plunging into the heart of a battle. Some of these tales are partially familiar to mainland Freeborn, but generations of embroidery have exaggerated details and altered the facts so that many are unrecognisable. Traditionally, before beginning a tall tale, a storyteller from Zemress Island will use the phrase "A little while ago, before we all came to the island..." to indicate that what follows will be a fanciful story of adventure and excitement that is not intended to be treated as fact. The most respected entertainers of Zemress Island are those who can weave a tall tale that leaves their listeners uncertain as to whether it really happened or not.

			===Broken Wheels===
			The main religious festival in the Brass Coast is the [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feast of the Broken Wheel]], when the proud become humble, the prosperous become ascetic and the wise act as fools. Although it is a popular Freeborn festival which has received the approval of the General Assembly, many Zemress Islanders regard it as foolish at best and blasphemous at worst. In Autumn 382YE, the Prosperity Assembly invited both the refugees from the Isle of Zemress - and representatives from the Sumaah Republic - who also recognise Zemress as an exemplar of Prosperity, to attend a festival in celebration of the famed exemplar Zemress to be held at Anil.

			In resopnse, both groups pointedly refused to attend attend Anvil on the same weekend that the [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemous]] [[The_Brass_Coast_religious_beliefs#Feast_of_the_Broken_Wheel\|Feastisval]] is being celebrated in the same place. The Islanders welcomed the possibility to attend a festival dedicated to Zemress in the future, but they were not prepared to do so at a time and a place where so much [[religious crime]] was due to take place.

			Not all Zemress Islanders feel this way, but it is clear many feel that the festival is deeply inappropriate and would like to see it replaced with something more suitable, something that celebrates the Brass Coast's virtuous achievements and uplifts the Freeborn spirit. Such a change is not impossible, but would require the leadership of the Freeborn Assembly if it was to move forward.

	==Sutannir==		==Sutannir==

Beeswax: /* Creating a Zemress Islander */

2022-03-04T11:20:31Z

Creating a Zemress Islander

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	The Zemress Islanders are passionate about the value of hard work - and have a religious zeal about the value of Prosperity. Although they are Freeborn, their industrious approach to life may contrast with the more indulgent approach of the Freeborn. If you intend to play a character from the Brass Coast but want to be totally focused on working hard at events leaving celebrations for the evening if at all; if you want to take a more sombre approach to your character and be earnest about your efforts then playing a Zemress Islander is the perfect background.		The Zemress Islanders are passionate about the value of hard work - and have a religious zeal about the value of Prosperity. Although they are Freeborn, their industrious approach to life may contrast with the more indulgent approach of the Freeborn. If you intend to play a character from the Brass Coast but want to be totally focused on working hard at events leaving celebrations for the evening if at all; if you want to take a more sombre approach to your character and be earnest about your efforts then playing a Zemress Islander is the perfect background.

	The Zemress Islanders are proud of their heritage. After long discussion with hakima, they have chosen to reflect this in their names. They have traditional Freeborn names, but append "i Zemress" to the end of their names to indicate their roots on the Isle of Zemress. So "Edina i Ezmara i Zemress i Erigo" indicates that she is an Erigo, and a descendant of the Ezmara from the Isle of Zemress - functionally a separate family to the Ezmara of the Brass Coast. Of course any Freeborn character will shorten their name to the most important parts when appropriate, but you should include i Zemress in your formal name if you're playing a character from the island.		The Zemress Islanders are proud of their heritage. After long discussion with hakima, they have chosen to reflect this in their names. They have traditional Freeborn names, but append "i Zemress" to the end of their family names to indicate their roots on the Isle of Zemress. So "Edina i Ezmara i Zemress i Erigo" indicates that she is an Erigo, and a descendant of the Ezmara from the Isle of Zemress - functionally a separate family to the Ezmara of the Brass Coast. Of course any Freeborn character will shorten their name to the most important parts when appropriate, but you should include i Zemress in your formal name if you're playing a character from the island.

	Prior to 381YE, there were no Zemress island natives living on the Brass Coast. Indeed, before 379YE, they had no contact with their Freeborn cousins at all. Prior to the evacuation, all the islanders lived relatively peaceful, prosaic lives primarily based around farming. They worked hard not to attract the attention of the Grendel; they were not involved in a guerilla war against the orcs for example. As a direct consequence of their desire to avoid the attention of the Grendel, they had no boats or ships, and few had any military training. It is fine to have embraced these things since the evacuation, but backgrounds in which you fought the Grendel or engaged in foreign trade will be rejected.		Prior to 381YE, there were no Zemress island natives living on the Brass Coast. Indeed, before 379YE, they had no contact with their Freeborn cousins at all. Prior to the evacuation, all the islanders lived relatively peaceful, prosaic lives primarily based around farming. They worked hard not to attract the attention of the Grendel; they were not involved in a guerilla war against the orcs for example. As a direct consequence of their desire to avoid the attention of the Grendel, they had no boats or ships, and few had any military training. It is fine to have embraced these things since the evacuation, but backgrounds in which you fought the Grendel or engaged in foreign trade will be rejected.

Responsible1: /* Creating a Zemress Islander */

2019-05-23T21:48:28Z

Creating a Zemress Islander

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:48, 23 May 2019
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	Prior to 381YE, there were no Zemress island natives living on the Brass Coast. Indeed, before 379YE, they had no contact with their Freeborn cousins at all. Prior to the evacuation, all the islanders lived relatively peaceful, prosaic lives primarily based around farming. They worked hard not to attract the attention of the Grendel; they were not involved in a guerilla war against the orcs for example. As a direct consequence of their desire to avoid the attention of the Grendel, they had no boats or ships, and few had any military training. It is fine to have embraced these things since the evacuation, but backgrounds in which you fought the Grendel or engaged in foreign trade will be rejected.		Prior to 381YE, there were no Zemress island natives living on the Brass Coast. Indeed, before 379YE, they had no contact with their Freeborn cousins at all. Prior to the evacuation, all the islanders lived relatively peaceful, prosaic lives primarily based around farming. They worked hard not to attract the attention of the Grendel; they were not involved in a guerilla war against the orcs for example. As a direct consequence of their desire to avoid the attention of the Grendel, they had no boats or ships, and few had any military training. It is fine to have embraced these things since the evacuation, but backgrounds in which you fought the Grendel or engaged in foreign trade will be rejected.

	Likewise, it is important to remember that they were isolated. No Zemress Islander has any ties to the Empire prior to the evacuation. For a century and a half they lived completely separate lives, exiled castaways on an island deep in enemy territory. Despite this, they never stopped thinking of themselves as Freeborn. They may have become a little more religiously focused, and prioritise Prosperity over other virtues, but they still considered themselves to be inspired by the Founders for example. The [[five things]] common to the Freeborn are also common to the exiles of the Isle of Zemress. They still organised themselves into families, they are every bit as candid as other Freeborn, and so on.		Likewise, it is important to remember that they were isolated. No Zemress Islander has any ties to the Empire prior to the evacuation. For a century and a half they lived completely separate lives, exiled castaways on an island deep in enemy territory. Despite this, they never stopped thinking of themselves as Freeborn. They may have become a little more religiously focused, and prioritise Prosperity over other virtues, but they still considered themselves to be inspired by the Founders for example. The [[The_Brass_Coast#Five_things_to_know_about_the_Freeborn\|five things]] common to the Freeborn are also common to the exiles of the Isle of Zemress. They still organised themselves into families, they are every bit as candid as other Freeborn, and so on.

	The scale of the armada assembled to evacuate the island meant that the refugees were able to bring almost everything of value with them - even livestock. Since their arrival, they have worked tirelessly raising barns and farmsteads across their new homeland. They have also received important support from the Freeborn and the Imperial Senate in their settlement of the fertile plains of Segura and they have prospered there. Consequently, almost all the Isle of Zemress emigres enjoy a comfortable lifestyle rather than the hand-to-mouth existence once might assume a group of people fleeing their homes would be forced to adopt.		The scale of the armada assembled to evacuate the island meant that the refugees were able to bring almost everything of value with them - even livestock. Since their arrival, they have worked tirelessly raising barns and farmsteads across their new homeland. They have also received important support from the Freeborn and the Imperial Senate in their settlement of the fertile plains of Segura and they have prospered there. Consequently, almost all the Isle of Zemress emigres enjoy a comfortable lifestyle rather than the hand-to-mouth existence once might assume a group of people fleeing their homes would be forced to adopt.

Responsible1: /* Playing a Zemress islander */

2019-05-23T21:46:27Z

Playing a Zemress islander

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 23 May 2019
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	==Playing a Zemress islander==		==Playing a Zemress islander==
	During their years in exile, the Zemress islanders strove to keep the traditions of the Brass Coast alive. They celebrated their ties to the [[Founders]], especially to Erigo. They honoured the captain of their ship, eventually taking the family name i Zemress in her memory - and today all modern descendants of the original crew are considered part of that family. In some ways, their isolation has made them even more traditional than their original relatives. Their staunch anti-slavery philosophies, and the questions they raised around the acceptance of matrilineality, have both had a significant impact on the coast in recent months.		During their years in exile, the Zemress islanders strove to keep the traditions of the Brass Coast alive. They celebrated their ties to the [[The_Brass_Coast_history#Three_Sisters_of_Highguard\|Founders]], especially to Erigo. They honoured the captain of their ship, eventually taking the family name i Zemress in her memory - and today all modern descendants of the original crew are considered part of that family. In some ways, their isolation has made them even more traditional than their original relatives. Their staunch anti-slavery philosophies, and the questions they raised around the acceptance of matrilineality, have both had a significant impact on the coast in recent months.

	Initially, there was some reticence from some residents of the Isle of Zemress about bonding to the Brass Coast egregore. In particular they were concerned about the place amongst the Freeborn given their inability to trace their heritage back to the founders. By Winter 382YE, however, the Zemress Islanders have almost all become Imperial citizens and bonded to the egregore. Discussions with their neighbours, and with the hosts of the egregore spirit, along with recent discoveries about the Coast's history have seen many Freeborn citizens favour a more personal relationship with their chosen Founder rather than a narrow identity based on birthright. This has allayed the Zemress Islanders fears that they would never be truly accepted among the Freeborn and they have joined the nation wholesale which has grown to incorporate their unique outlook and traditions.		Initially, there was some reticence from some residents of the Isle of Zemress about bonding to the Brass Coast egregore. In particular they were concerned about the place amongst the Freeborn given their inability to trace their heritage back to the founders. By Winter 382YE, however, the Zemress Islanders have almost all become Imperial citizens and bonded to the egregore. Discussions with their neighbours, and with the hosts of the egregore spirit, along with recent discoveries about the Coast's history have seen many Freeborn citizens favour a more personal relationship with their chosen Founder rather than a narrow identity based on birthright. This has allayed the Zemress Islanders fears that they would never be truly accepted among the Freeborn and they have joined the nation wholesale which has grown to incorporate their unique outlook and traditions.