A fairly long writeup for 1452 for Kaeir, but the Rimrivertown situation
needed to be examined in a bit more detail than normal.
Ibrahim
---+ Actions for Kaeir
1. Millati evangelisation of Kaeir
*Results:* Millat shanari (Normal: 0,0,0,+1,+1,+1,+1,x,x,x)
Millar preachers are much more successful in their efforts after
focusing on the traditional leaders of houses, villages, clans and
families. A good number of villages throughout Kaeir, both on the
mainland and in the isles, convert after their village heads do. Slower
progress is made amongst the noble estates, but the results are a
promising indicator of what this new approach can achieve. In the
cities, some success is seen amongst both the aristocratic houses and
the various artisans' and labourers' guilds. Though the Millati are
still a minority religion in Kaeir (hardly a concern, given the
cosmopolitan mix of religions), they are now one of the largest and
definitely the most active and publically known religions in the Republic.
-----
Keeper Arlhan peerer over the edge to the square below from his position
on the bare roof of the Tower as the crowds slowly spilled out into the
night, the weekly communal prayer having finished a short while ago.
Typically, the faithful would take some time leaving after he had
finished his sermon, as many used the opportunity to socialise, gossip
and do business, something he didn't approve of but tolerated for the
enhanced sense of community it gave. This short interlude after the
prayers gave him one of his few moments of quiet, and it at these times
that he retreated to the roof of the Tower, knowing that none would dare
follow.
The first couple of years of his office had been difficult, he thought,
as the Millati here had been used to operating without leadership in
Kaeir for almost a decade. Whilst his initial election had been made
with much acclaim, slow stubborn resistance to his authority had quickly
set in amongst many sectors of the community. Two years though, was a
lifetime in many respects, and gradually the wealthy and the military
sections of the Millati, who were the two groups with the most power out
of all the Millati in Kaeir, had gradually begun see the benefit of his
office. More importantly,he had forced some of the leading
personalities in the Guard, and amongst the Houses, to submit to his
authority, through a combination of a sheer willpower and more
importantly, religious knowledge.
In the last four years, the Millati numbers had doubld, easily
accounting for a tenth of the Republic's population. Here in the
mainland city of New Tirmaeir, success was considerable though
incomplete, but it was in the NW tablelands that success had been
greatest, with huge sections of the population around Crownsbane Keep
converting. Considerably ironic, he thought, given the earlier
hostility amongst the local villages towards the (predominantly Millati)
troops that had occupied and repaired the ancient fortress there. It
was in the islands though, that success was slowest. The first holy
tower in Port Kaeir serviced a community that had grown only slightly in
the years that had followed the first Shanari preachers who had arrived
almost two decades ago to spread the Millat. In Kahshaartown on the
southern isle, a fledgeling community existed, but the strong cultural
influence of the Ka'Shari Creole there limited missionary success (this
Arlhan von Kahshaar knew from personal experience - the culture of the
Ka'Shari Creole, as well as the cultural influence they exerted on the
other residents of Kahshaartown, made for a reactionary attitude towards
the Millat faith normally - Arlhan's own conversion being an exception).
Continued conversion to the Path could not simply be expected to happen,
as He Who Is One would only grant that which was earned, not that which
was expected, Arlhan knew. Sooner or later the older, established cults
would react to the Millati advances. Port Kaeir itself was not known as
the city of a thousand temples for no reason. Something new would have
to be done to win the hearts and minds of the masses, and bring them
onto the Path, and away from the myriad superstitions that dominated
Qaiyore.
Superstitions! Arlhan thought - even amongst some of the most devout
Millati could such ideas appear, as had happened to the believing
Lord-Governor of Rimrivertown, his old friend Hoacoatl, Arlhan had been
told. Spending state resources on pagan temples and the ilk - such
actions from an individual that he knew to be a sincerely devout
believer (as opposed to countless converts of political convenience,
notably the Mayor of Port Kaeir) smacked of the influence of Jafaarsan,
the two faced jackal of a believer.
Stirring from the cold stone roof that had been serving as his seat, he
knew people would be waiting for him below in the great hall. Before
descending the stairwell in the centre of the roof though, he touched
the scroll that had been tucked under his sash for as a reminder. The
Binder Shanjil, head of the Millati community, had written from the holy
city of Akbari, requesting his presence in the Great Tower of Akbari. A
long journey was ahead for Arlhan, though even as he descended the
stairs to the endless meetings awaiting him, a half-formed though t
played across his mind as to how to use such a pilgrimage to the benefit
of the missionary efforts in Kaeir. And yes, Arlhan thought, he would
write to Hoacoatl all the way over in Rimrivertown, just to remind him
of his higher duties.
---+++ Action 2: Securing of Rimrivertown settlement (final)
*Resolution:* Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (---0) + Extras () = -3 Severe
failure
*Results:* Rimrivertown securing (Normal: +2,x)
*Interpretation:* Almost all that can go wrong, does. The Grand Shaman
is not at all thrilled at the prospect of a temple in the "ugly foreign
village", the Kaeir settles resent the favours given Hoacoatl; their
actions are little short of sabotage.
Ibrahim:
The Sri Nagavallur is more than mildly amused at the dismal attempt by
Hoacoatl to gain his friendship. Perhaps now the foreign lord in
Rimrivertown will realise that the interests of the Grand Shaman and
that of the Grand Chief's are not necessarily the same, and approach the
Sri Nagavallur in a more appropriate manner (the Grand Shaman viewing
the Lord-Governor as inferior in status).
The Grand Chief of the Panchayyah, Sri Dhesker, on the other hand is
slightly upset at the difficulties his ally the Lord-Governor has
created. Whilst the Grand Shaman could never dethrone him, he certainly
possesses the political power of a kingmaker, and needs to be respected
appropriately. In short, he dresses down the Lord-Governor for
blundering his way into one of the most delicate matters amongst the
natives of the Rimriver, the status and position of the cult of the
Snake Lord.
Lord-Governor Hoacoatl's failure makes him an easier than normal target
for his enemies in Rimrivertown and their patrons in Port Kaeir, using
this incident as ammunition against him back in the Senate, where
Hoacoat's own patrons, the Lord-Consul Jafaarsan and the
Secretary-General von Kahshaar, have been under attack over the entire
Panchayyah-Ban Horroth colonial policy. A campaign has begun amongst
certain factions in the Republican Palace in Port Kaeir to have
Lord-Governor Hoacoatl recalled.
The following week in the Senate:
"Lord-Consul, it is clear that your client Hoacoatl is incapable of
handling affairs in Rimrivertown, and it is only slightly less clear
whether this whole adventure on the other side of the Midsea was wise in
the first place", spat Boris Adin, the Mayor of Port Kaeir, the new
unofficial head of the opposition. It would not be a smooth day in the
Senate it appeared, as murmurs of agreement floated around the
Senatorial Chamber.
"Lord Boris", Lord Karl, General-Secretary of the Information
Secretariat said, "whilst the Lord-Consul and I do not see eye to eye on
all matters, as is well known, I believe you are both gravely wrong and
ignorant. As is obvious, Kaeir is a trading nation, and many here owe
their wealth to trade. The initial reasoning, to establish a trading
settlement to trade with the Panchayyah natives, was well-thought out.
The added boon that was later discovered of being able to trade with the
Ban Horroth of the mountains only further compounded how valuable the
settlement was. I can name at least six members of the Senate whose
wives are adorned in Panchayyah furs and Ban Horroth gems, and another
four whose houses are engaged at this moment in the Rimrivertown trade."
"Lord-Consul, brother Sanus," Adin continued, "I am sure that von
Kahshaar has better things to do than monitor the purchases of our
wives, and that he does these important things, but many here would
agree that the honourable General-Secretary would not understand the
alarm of many here at Lord-Governor Hoacoatl's recent policy towards the
natives of the Rimriver. The building of a pagan native temple is
hardly something that state moneys should be used for, and must be in
gross violation of many of his personal beliefs. One can only speculate
at what kind of man Hoacoatl has become, having lived away from
civilisation and amongst barbary for so many years."
"What the respectable Lord-Mayor of Port Kaeir is about to propose,
members of the Senate", Jafaarsan finally interjected, "is to recall the
good Lord-Governor of Rimrivertown. For what crime you might ask (but
probably already know)? According to Boris here, it is that he is
misspending state moneys to build a temple for the local Panchayyah
deity. In reality, it is because Hoacoatl is not a lackey of Mayor
Boris, and fails to give special treatment to certain merchant houses
(these certain houses that I might add, have been spectatularly
unsuccessful in trading matters in recent years). I am sure we can
imagine who they are..."
A soft chuckle ran around the Senate, as it was well known that the Adin
house and its associated clans had been dipping steadily into their
reserves after a long string of failed trading ventures.
Jafaaarsan continued, adding that, "The original policy of establishing
a trading settlement on the north-west of the Midsea has been a
tremendous success. Our traders have a two new markets for their goods
- our allies the Panchayyah, and the strange mountain folk the Ban
Horroth. More importantly, our traders now have a monopoly on the goods
produced by the Panchayyah and the Ban Horroth. Traders from across the
Midsea are only able to buy such goods in Port Kaeir, and the Houses
grow fat on this lucrative trade."
"As for Adin's lapse of protocol in making use of a religious
relationship when discussing matters of state, Lord Karl was gracious
enough to ignore it. Lord-Mayor Adin, I am greatly offended at your
behaviour, and I am sure that a good number of your supporters in Port
Kaeir would be especially interested in your comments, given the
differences in religion between you and the." Adin stepped back for a
half-minute, a glimmer of shock and fear appearing in his eyes momentarily.
The Lord-Consul continued, "The four guiding principles of state, as
agreed upon in the Document of State, continue to include Trade. The
reason so many of the original revolutionary houses joined in the
founding of the Republic was because of their concerns over trade -
never forget that. The opening up of new markets, and the development
of new sources of tradegoods remains a key state policy. Religion does
not come into it - it never has and never will."
"And as for Hoacoatl, he has my continued support. I understand his
logic, even if it is slightly unorthodox, possibly even repugnant to us
here in Port Kaeir. But he is not in Port Kaeir, and so he is reacting
as is appropriate to the situation, and doing what is necessary to
protect the trade and Rimrivertown. I have every faith in the man, and
I personally would not tolerate his occupation of that office if it was
otherwise. Now, unless we want to be dogmatic about it, and put it to a
vote ("I think not", mutter Jafaarsan sarcastically, "it is clear that
Adin only has the minority of support in this matter, so we will not
waste our time"), I will declare the matter closed."
----
And around the same time in hills around Rimrivertown:
The messenger bowed deeply as he entered the welcoming chamber of the
Grand Shaman, breathing the wave of smoky incense as he did. "Grand
Shaman, O Lord Snake be praised, i come bearing a message of attrition
from the foreign chief at the river-mouth village."
"Lord Snake be praised, for he blesses the supplicant", intoned Sri
Nagavallur, Grand Shaman of all the Rimriver tribes, lifting his hands
in acceptance of the greeting.
"In the name of Righter of Wrongs I am sent with a message and an
offer", the messenger continued as he momentarily prostrated himself
before the old man, "so that past errors may be rectified, and
forgiveness earned for past wrongs."
"Very good little one, for it is only the Righter of Wrongs that may
avert the power of the Vengeful Shadow", returned Sri Nagavallur. The
Grand Shaman paused for a second as he took he how knowledgeable the
young man before him was, evidently he had been chosen by his foreign
master for this reason.
"Tell me boy, how does one in the employ of the foreigners possess such
knowledge of the Ancient Ways? Why are you not a temple servant or even
a shaman, as a good son of the Serpent should be, instead of profaning
yourself with these foreigners?"
Taking Grand Shaman's nod as his cue, the messenger sat on the cushioned
carpet laid out before the Grand Shaman, designed in such a way that the
supplicant when seated was always a head lower than the Grand Shaman
(even though the Grand Shaman himself was quite short). "O Sri
Nagavallur, I am but a humble servant. Sri Dhesker, our noble Grand
Chief in whose employ I was, sent me to advise the Lord of the
Foreigners in their settlement at the mouth of the river. I was
instructed to advise him and to translate for him, in short to earn his
trust, so that I might be an ear for the Grand Chief in the house of the
Lord of the Foreigners. Unfortunately the good Lord of the Foreigners
in his enthusiasm did not listen to me when he offered to build a temple
to the Righteous Servant. This is why I have come, to offer apologies
to you on his behalf and to make amends."
At this, the Grand Shaman growled, pulling his black fur cloak tighter
around his shoulders, his face disappearing even more into his cowl.
"Young man, I do not like these foreigners. They settle at the mouth of
the Rimriver, at the very mouth of the river of Naga itself, and then
begin introducing foreign ways amongst the youth. Why, my own niece has
developed a fancy for the jewellery of the foreigners."
"O Sri Nagavallur", intoned the messenger in the ritualistic manner,
"they are not the devils that some imagine. Sri Dhesker is a pious
Grand Chief, and he would not associate himself with any enemies of the
Watchful One. They are different, but they have brought benefit to our
people. The lives of the people have been made better thanks to the
trade, as much back-breaking labour has been avoided thanks to the
cheapness of the tools and other items the foreigners bring. This in
turn allows the farmers, artisans and wives to spend their time on more
important activities instead, be it farming, artisanry or the teaching
of the children.
"Furthermore, O Sri Nagavallur, the Lord of Foreigners has come under
great criticism from his own people for offering to build a temple to
the Righteous Serpent. He is not seeking to corrupt our young ones, but
maintain friendship with our people, and especially with you, O Lord of
the Shamans."
Sri Nagavallur raised his head at this, his cowl falling back to reveal
his wizened, bearded face, and the deep blue spiralling tattoes flowed
from around his eyes down the rest of his body. "So all is not well in
the foreigners' villages? Why would a noble risk his lordship for the
sake of strangers? What kind of fool do you work for, boy?"
"My apologies, Sri Nagavallur, for not explaining more thoroughly", said
the messenger, "the Lord of Foreigners is himself is but an servant of
his people, and was sent here from his own land to establish trade with
us. It is clear from my discussions with him that his main orders are
to protect the foreigners' trade with us, and with the mountain people
to the east. This is why he has undertaken many risky actions, from the
original alliance that saw the foreigners fight alongside our warriors,
to the many bands he has sent upriver to trade with the mountain people,
to this latest attempt to honour the Snake Lord. Only his masters
across the see can withdraw his title, and they are interested in trade
primarily, not the manner in which he secures it. In his mind, the
first priority in protecting trade is to maintain friendship with our
people, particularly the Grand Chief and yourself, O Sri Nagavallur."
"Hmmm, boy, tell me then what your Lord of Foreigners wishes to say to
me, for I will hear it", the Grand Shaman ordered, much to the relief of
the messenger, who had been awaiting for the moment when permission to
apologise would be given.
"O Sri Nagavallur, Servant of the Righteous Serpent, Lord Hoacoatl the
lord of the foreigners, wishes to appease the Vengeful Shadow for the
offence caused, and seeks to please the Righter of Wrongs by
recompensing your holy self for the offences caused. As proof of Lord
Hoacoatl's sincerity, he invites your holy self to name the form of
recompense."
His face still uncovered, the Grand Shaman began absentmindedly tracing
the blue serpents that spiralled across his face, "Well put, boy, that
is one of the better apologies I have heard. The form, content and
rhyme was highly appropriate. I shall have to contemplate this matter
deeply, and shall contact you later when I have decided. Now you must
tell me, who are you? You are not some simple trader's son, or one from
one of those uncouth clans that have settled in the foreigners' village,
are you?"
"No, holy one. My mother's father was Manivallur, the High Shaman of the
northern hills. My own name is Manipillai. My mother sent me when I
was young to be raised in his household, so I learnt much of his
calling, and assisted him in some of his rituals. But the men of my
father's line have always been traders, so there was no question of what
occupation I would take up when I was a child, O Sri Nagavallur."
"Oh, I remember Manivallur, I spend a year of my apprenticeship in his
valley. I am sad to hear that he is no longer the High Shaman there.
He was a true servant of the Dark Saviour, and was loved by the people
for that. Evidently your lineage runs true in your veins boy. Though
you are not a shaman, it is comforting to see that such a son of Nagasri
serves both the Grand Chief and the Lord of Foreigners. You may go now,
and tell your master that things can be resolved. When I have decided
the matter, I will visit him, and we will see what will need to be done."
"Very well, O Sri Nagavallur, and my deepest thanks", the messenger
said as he bowed deeply towards the old man. He lifted his head for a
moment, "there is one other thing, O Sri Nagavallur, that my master
asked to be mentioned, and which I believe is not inappropriate to
mention to you."
"Very well, speak, boy."
"O Sri Nagavallur, the masters of the Lord of Foreigners have made a
request to the Grand Chief, asking for permission to employee ten bands
of Panchayyah youth as warriors in their army across the seas. The
Grand Chief intends to discuss this with you, but the Lord of Foreigners
told me to mention this to you so that you would not be unpleasantly
surprised when Sri Dhesker does speak to you. And, if I may be so bold,
O Sri Nagavallur...."
"Please, boy, be bold", the Grand Shaman said quickly.
"I think the idea holds merit. We know the foreigners are great
warriors - this can be seen in the fact that with only two bands of
their own warriors, they helped the Panchayyah bands conquer the western
Rimriver, and dominate the rest. If our youth serve in their armies for
a few years, they will return as great warriors, with all the knowledge
and skills of war the foreigners possess. This would strengthen our
people tremendously,
"Thank you boy, your loyalty to Nagasri and his people is evident. It
becomes clearer and clearer that you are indeed the grandson of
Manivallur, with every wise word you speak. But before you go, does
your foreign master know of your esteemed noble lineage?"
Manipillai smiled, and then bowed again,"No, O Sri Nagavallur, he does
not." And as the Grand Shaman chuckled, Manipillai left.
---+++ Action 3-4: Aid to Ban Horroth Trader Caste
*Resolution:* Diff = Hard (-1) + Dice (+-++) + Extras (double: +1) = +1
Success
*Interpretation:*
Lord-Governor,
Praise to the Republic, and greetings from the Rim! I am able to convey
good news in this report, after many months of uncertainty and fear.
Our efforts at establish bonds of friendship with the Ban Horroth are
working. A good number of the Priestly clans (the neutral section of
the society, as you'll recall from my last report) have joined with the
Trader clans in opposing the Warrior clans, though the Grand Abbot
remains neutral. This means that the Warrior clans are now in a clear
minority, and are no longer able to launch any major, significant
action. Trade at least, will be unaffected for the time being,the best
news in the last two years for us.
The long-term is still uncertain however, as there is not yet any
consensus from the government here. This is largely due, I believe, to
the fact that Crown Prince Runnor has not yet come of age, and the Grand
Abbot is holding off making a decision (he has the deciding vote in the
three member Regency Council) until Runnor comes of age.
This will be a good thing, I believe, as Runnor is well-known for his
liberal views. However, he is also known for his strong reliance on the
Grand Abbot for advice, so gaining the support of the Grand Abbot still
remains the critical issue for us.
This month was the first time since our arrival that we have been able
to walk the streets of Banbakh (with a handful of Trader bodyguards), as
the Warrior troops have returned to their halls by and large. It has
been a fascinating time, especially for the merchantman and the
Information Secretariat agents, who have been writing copious reports on
almost everything they have seen of public Ban Horroth life (copies of
these reports are of course attached).
The next concern, once we are able to obtain the support of the Grand
Abbot, and either before or after the Crown Prince mottles and is able
to take his throne, is the support we have promised the Ban Horroth
against the Razanians. The Guard commanders in the mission have been
providing training to the Trader militia, with good results, but have
requested more officers to be sent if they are to expand this. I also
hope to have the two Guard engineers begin to assist the Ban Horroth,
now that the swords have been mostly put away, as I believe we can
assist them greatly in terms of fortifications and field defences (a
matter that will be of great assistance to them against the Razanians).
I have included an index of the reports attached to this letter,
including a preliminary Kaeirean-Horroth dictionary and grammar prepared
by merchantman Waqabsan and our unofficial translator Karr, as well as a
list of materials and staff requested for the mission.
I await your response.
May the Green fly long,
Captain Murhanuddin,
Banbakh mission.
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