We give the future to the winds

We give the future to the winds
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Makra lifted the cloth that covered the little statuette, and braced herself. She had no idea how her teacher might react. As it happened they reacted by leaning forward slightly and squinting at the sculpture, then rocking back into the seated position."What is this meant to be?""It is a statue of... Lord Isso Mouse de Uwu... I think." She replied. "I'm not sure I'm pronouncing that correctly mind you. It's the Golden Handed God of merchants and traders. The Asavean god, I mean."Her teacher nodded, and continued to peer at the figure. It was carved of yellow stone, inlaid here and there with orichalcum details. It depicted a broadly smiling baldheaded man wearing a fine coat and trousers in the Faraden style, richly detailed. It's hands were outstretched before it, slightly off balance from each other, palms turned upwards. On each palm glittered a deep topaz lightstone, carefully carved into the shape of a leaping flame."The flames are a clever touch," mused their teacher. They reached out and prodded the statuette. First its stomach, and then its face. "Where did it come from?""It was given to Ongata Khumtragoni by one of the Asavean merchants." Makra had expected her teacher to be angry, and wasn't sure what to make of their present calm demeanour."Of course it was." The old priest chewed his lips thoughtfully."He - Ongata - was worried that it was blasphemous or offensive or something. The Asavean said it was to show that Lord Mouse was Prosperous, and knew the value of the Five Flames, or something. Ongata said he couldn't really say no without risking the gloaming deal, so he took it and now he wants me to tell him what to do about it. I don't know what to do about it.""It's clear what they are trying to do." Boora looked off into the distance, ignoring the statue and gazing out of the window into the garden. "It's not quite an insult, but it also makes me uneasy. I'm put in mind of the stories of Keshiri; the slow and gentle eroding of ones pride by pleasant smiles and apparent humility."He sighed heavily."It would be better in a way if they were more objectionable. If they tried to come at us straight-on with Courage rather than this... this corrosive civility. This eating away at our future, with gifts and pleasantries. If Ongata has one of these then it is likely there are more out there. It's only a matter of time until large versions start showing up, or depictions of some of their other gods with flames and winds and the like.""What do we do about it?" Makra asked. For the first time, her mentor showed some surprise as if he had not been expecting so obvious a question."Do?" said the High Priest of the Silver Tree. "Why, we fight them of course. What else would we do?"

Overview
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Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate ambassador that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

The lifeblood of Faraden is trade, but it is also a country of canny wizards, courageous warriors, and proud (albeit heretical) priests. They currently do not share a border with the Empire, lying beyond the Jotun and the Iron Confederacy, but that does not stop them sending their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the Asavean Archipelago on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.

The Faraden ambassador to the Empire is Mistress Singua Karadragha. Mistress Singua advises the Court of the Five Winds on all diplomatic matters, and speaks on their behalf to foreign ambassadors. Her attitude to the Empire appears to be cool but professional, and heavily informed by the wishes of the Liege and their court, who seek more opportunities to trade with the Empire.

Flames and Faith
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The Asavean priesthood continues to make inroads in Faraden despite assistance from the Imperial Synod A plan has been proposed to create a site of spiritual power dedicated to the Five Flames The Faraden priests involved ask the Gatekeepers for a dose of precious true liao

Following the Spring Equinox, a quiet coalition of Faraden priestly families made a covert approach to the Imperial Synod. Concerned about Asavean efforts to syncretise their gods with the Five Flames - roughly analagous to the Imperial understanding of Courage, Vengeance, Loyalty, Pride, and Prosperity - they asked their opposite numbers in the Virtue assemblies to offer their aid. The Synod response was positive, but the attempt ultimately failed.

Despite Ambassador Ebeneezer's positivity, the families believe the situation is worsening. Slower than it might have without Imperial involvement, but the Asaveans are still gaining ground. Their proselytisers remain civil and polite on the surface, but their efforts are insidious. Those who deal with Asavean merchants are encouraged to participate in religious ceremonies or visit the small number of shrines that have grown up around the nation. There are obvious advantages to Faraden merchants in paying lip service to their “Golden Handed God” of trade - and it is unfortunately a short step from lip service to viewing Lord Isso Mãos de Ouro and the Flame of Prosperity as being interchangeable. The longer it goes on, the more the Asavean priests dig their claws into Faraden society.

Now Mistress Karadragha passes on another message from the priestly families - again with an element of the covert about it. A very well respected Priest of the Five Flames named Boorra Talighar of the Silver Tree has considered the matter at length and has another request for the Imperial Synod. They are aware that the Gatekeepers of the Empire are responsible for distributing the precious True Liao, a substance that can be used to enact miracles of spiritual power. Faraden itself has no access to this substance; its capabilities are somewhat legendary among the faithful of the Five Flames. Almost all durage auras in the nation are the result of spontaneous manifestations.

The Asavean priests, however, have nothing approaching the spiritual ceremonies that followers of the Five Flames - and the Way - can create. Boorra Talighar proposes to create a true consecration at the Temple of the High Flames - the most prestigious seat of the Faraden faith - using the ceremony of the Flame of Honour. The other priestly families broadly agree that this will draw pilgrims from across Faraden, and provide a potent anchor to their beliefs against the attack of the Asaveans.

Unfortunately, none of the priests have true liao... unless someone is prepared to give it to them. Another major stumbling block - over and above the problem of persuading the Empire to part with a dose of this precious substance - is that it is illegal for Imperial citizens to trade true liao to anyone who is not an Imperial citizen. As such, they literally cannot offer anything in return for this gift, and they can only accept it from the Gatekeepers (who could simply indicate they intend to distribute it to Boorra Talighar, and the Civil Service would arrange for it to be delivered on their behalf).

Or rather, they can only accept it legally from the Gatekeepers. If a private individual were to acquire a dose and use a ritual such as Ethereal Courier to dispatch it to Boorra, they would be able to use it for the consecration regardless of Imperial law. The civil service are quick to point out that this would be serious crime, if any Imperial citizen were to consider doing so. It would be quite hard to conceal that the crime had taken place - given that the whole point of the consecration is that it become common knowledge - and even thought Boorra and their compatriots would of course refuse to give up the name of a mysterious benefactor, there are only so many doses of true liao in the Empire and it is unlikely that one would be provided by anyone else with access.

The window of opportunity for this plan is quite narrow; Boorra believes that it would be most effective as part of the grand celebrations that take place each year at the end of the year in Faraden. If the dose has not reached them before the start of the Winter Solstice, it will be too late to have a meaningful impact. The consecration will still go ahead but its effects will be significantly reduced.

The Hills of Reinos
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The Faraden have a peace treaty with the Jotun that is due to be renegotiated during the Summer Solstice 388YE Unless the situation changes significantly the Faraden will seek to maintain the peace treaty with the Jotun

The Faraden have a tumultuous realtionship with several of their other immediate neighbours, especially the Jotun. Parts of their territory are under the control of that barbarian nation, and without the historic aid of the Empire it could have been much worse. They have maintained a state of peace with the Jotun for nearly ten years now, through a series of treaties that allow them to trade with the Empire but at the cost of punitive "tithes" given to the Jotun and Lasambrian Jotun jarls of Reinos. There was significant excitement when news reached the Court of Five Winds that the Empire had invaded the Lasambrian Hills but sadly this came to nothing when the Imperial Military Council withdrew its armies following the Spring Equinox.

Ambassador Ebeneezer has suggested that the "military situation in Reinos wasn't favorable" and urged Mistress Karadragha to "consider what would it take to form a better treaty between our virtuous peoples." In response the Faraden Ambassador has laid out the reality of the situation. Talk of a "Prosperity pact" is all very well but Faraden cannot afford to go to war with the Jotun, and the Jotun would prefer to focus their efforts on fighting the Empire at this time. Next year, in Summer 388YE, the existing treaty between Faraden and the Jotun is due to be renegotiated - and the Liege of Five Winds has instructed their diplomats to ensure that the peace continues especially given the growing turbulence within the nation caused by the twin-pressures of Asavea and the Empire.

It is Mistress Karadragha's opinion that the given current circumstances it seems likely the peace treaty will continue for at least another two years. As long as it is in place the Faraden cannot offer direct military support to the Empire in fighting the Jotun. If it fails, then the Faraden likewise woduld not be able to spare any martial support for the Empire as they would be fighting the Jotun - indeed it is likely they would ask the Empire for aid in securing their borders. She does let slip however that there is another possibility on the table. Representatives of the Iron Confederacy have been in touch with Mistress Karadragha to discuss, in theoretical terms, the possibility of a Suranni invasion of Reinos. They are apparently itching to wipe out the Lasambrian septs once and for all regardless of who their allies are. They've already offered quite favourable deals to the Faraden if they offer covert support to their efforts, and in the candid opinion of Mistress Karadragha this might present a much more favourable outcome to her people than waiting on the Empire.

The civil service note again in the wake of the Faraden Ambassadors words that one of the few things allowing Faraden to maintain their strained peace with the Jotun is that the western barbarians are focusing their attention on the Empire the treaty the High Liege of the Five Winds relies on will not last long if the Empire achieves peace with the orcs.

Yaks and Cheese
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A statment of principle in the Marcher assembly has been enthusiastically received by the Hakhandra family They have proposed to pay some of the white granite cost should Yakholme Grange be commissioned The statement has allayed fears of further disruption and attracted interest from some Faraden priests

Following the visit of visit of the Hakhandra to the Marches last season, enthusiasm for Yakholme Grange remains high among that family and their allies. Khutulun Hakhandra has sent personal thanks to Ambassador Ebeneezer for speaking on behalf of his family to the Marcher Assembly, and to Sister Meredith for her kind words and winning the friars and monks of her nation around.

The Marcher Assembly wishes to welcome our Faraden neighbours to break ground together for the creation of Yakholme Grange, in the spirit of shared Prosperity. We offer as Marchers, and expect from the Faraden that theological discussion (where we differ) be limited to Priests, to maintain a convivial marketplace. Sensible heads that obey these rules are welcome. Chattering loudmouths can take their trade elsewhere. See you there for cheese & ale!Sister Meredith, Marcher Assembly, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Greater Majority 176 against 10

As intimated last season, the statement of principle upheld by the Marcher assembly has gone some way towards mollifying those in the Marches concerned about a repeat of the Moonwater Hall fiasco. News of it has also encouraged the Hakhandra that any lingering animosity truly has been buried.

As such the Hakhandra family has put it's hands in its pockets and proposes to provide 15 wains of white granite and 45 crowns towards the labour costs of Yakholme Grange should it be commissioned. Khutulun Hakhandra also sends a basket of mooncheese to the Ambassador, asking them to pass the goods along to Sister Meredith and her fellow friars and monks as a sincere sign of thanks for their work in this matter. (OOC Note: A small amount of mooncheese has been left with the Civil Service at the Hub for collection by the Ambassador, to distribute as appropriate to those involved).

The statement has more immediate effects, reducing the likelihood of problems while the Grange is being built. The Hakhandra also respond enthusiastically to Ambassador Ebenezer's suggestion that if any problems do occurr they can be talked out by a combination of Marchers and Faraden representatives - presumably rather than one side or the other simply burnng everything down. If there is a downside to this detente it is that if any trouble does erupt between the Faraden and the Marcher farmers, and it proves insurmountable, people on both sides are likely to end up pointing the finger at the Assembly for saying everything would be fine.

On a final note, apparently the possibility presented by the Assembly that there may be chances to discuss matters of faith with Marcher priests has caused some interest in Faraden. There are a few among those who dedicate themselves to the Five Flames who have an interest in visiting the Marches one Yakholme Grange is completed - especially among those who particularly follow the teachings of the flames analogous to Imperial Prosperity, Pride, and Loyalty - with an intention of enjoying Marcher ale and cheese and seeing if it is all it is cracked up to be.

Great Hall of Fabric Arts
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There is interest in Faraden relating to the Great Hall of Fabric Arts in Delev

While discussing plans for Firewind Market in Holberg, some of the Faraden expressed an interest in trading with the people of the "evil forests of Varushka" with an eye towards both the wealth of natural materials that grow there but also their fine cloth and embroidery. With news of the completion of the Great Hall of Fabric Arts in Delev that interest has solidified further. An invitation passed along from the Overseer of the Westward Road, Alexandrina Ivanova Cherenkov, to Faraden merchants has been eagerly received in some quarters. Not long after the Summer Solstice, a caravan of Faraden arrive in Delev to take a proper look both at the city and the Hall of Fabric Arts.

The contingent represents the Nekmelchida family - who make their money from trade in fine cloth and clothing - and a small contingent from the Guild of the Blue Silk Scarf - a wizard family who specialise in fine magical garb who have had some dealings with the Empire before albeit at one remove. While the main focus of the Faraden approach remains on Holberg, the Nekmelchida and the Blue Scarf feel they likely have more in common with the weavers of Varsuhka - and the merchants of Delev. Especially after they have an opportunity to tour the Great Hall and speak to the weavers.

Initial responses are very positive, but there are some concerns about the danger of Varushka and its "carnivorous geography" as one Nekmelchida puts it. There is also the question of whether the city has sufficient draw for the merchants the two Faraden groups would want to deal with. Some discussion of the plans to build a Great Market at Delev, put together as the result of the appraisal from earlier in the year, mollify these concerns to an agree. The idea of having a quarter as part of this ambitious trading hub appeals - but without the Great Market there is concern about the viability of establishing such an enclave. In the end the Nekmelchida regretfully indicate that until the Great Market or something similar is built they will not seek an opportunity to establish close ties with Delev.

### Arts of the Loom

The Blue Silk Scarf guild are interested in establishing a presence in Delev

The Guild of the Blue Silk Scarf however are significantly more interested. They are aware that Varushka has a strong magical tradition - and that their wares might well be of interest to both volhov and cabalists. They also tend to deal in small numbers of valuable goods rather than the kind of bulk transportation of cloth and vestments the Nekmelchida specialise in. As such, their representatives make a separate approach to the Great Hall of Fabric Arts.

They propose securing a small base of operations within the walls of Delev, staffed by members of the Guild. They can work their craft in Varushka as easily as they can back home - and indeed access to cheap materials such as dragonbone, iridescent gloaming, beggar's lye, and both orichalcum and weltsilver are very appealing. A permanent address would also allow them to both bring in and remove valuable goods without the risks of transporting materials through the Lasambrian Hills using a ritual they call the Celestial Caravan (which on the surface at least appears similar to the ritual known in Urizen lore as Ethereal Courier).

Such a base will require some work, and a commission to ensure all the appropriate permissions are secured. The entire thing would cost around 20 wains, but the Blue Silk Scarf are enthusiastic enough to pay part of the costs themselves - specifically the mithril their proposal requires. The Varushkans would need to pay the 12 wains of weirwood their plan requires, while the Faraden provide the 8 wains of mithril needed to create looms, artisans tools, and assorted secure vaults in which to store their materials. It would create a title Blue Silk Weaer who would be responsible for smoothing over any problems that might arise between the Faraden wizard-artisans and Imperial citizens, and in return could purchase up to three pieces of magical garb each season.

The commission would create a new title unless the Senate chose to create a title with responsibility for overseeing the Great Hall of Fabric Arts specifically - in this case the Faraden wizards would deal with them directly. Indeed, if the Senate later created such a title the Faraden would expect the Blue Silk Weaver to be rolled in to that title.

There is one caveat the Civil Service have identified. A Faraden presence in Delev, especially the presence of members of a wizard family who explicitly make clothing of interest to magicians, would certainly lead to interest from the Thule. Mistress Karadragha has expressed interest in securing contact with the Thule and such contact could not help but be facilitated in Delev given the presence of Delev Market and it's regular visitors from Otkodov. Blue Scarf Merchandise

Click Expand to see a summary of the items that the artisans of the Blue Scarf Guild propose to make available in Delev.

The Richest Wines
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The Faraden have an interest in trading in Dawn There is some interest in a proposal that a market in The Barrens might be profitable but also questions to be answered

After the Summer Solstice Mistress Karadragha received interesting missives from Earl Seraphine de Sarroi and Lady Cassandra du Creed encouraging Faraden interest in Dawnish markets. A particularly compelling case was made by Earl Seraphine for establishing a trading enclave in the Barrens. In particular the idea that "Any Faraden market here would not be a guest among many" but rather "would be the first, with space to shape your own trade without opposition or interference" is intriguing. The proposal suggested that Saltmarsh might be ideal due to the Dawnish intention to establish a port there, but Mistress Karadragha finds that quality makes it less appealing to that sea-fearing nation. Rather, they would be more interested in the opportunities presented in the west of the territory - ideally in Dawnguard, Murderdale, and the Carmine Fields.

Faraden interest in Dawnish wine is well known, as is their appetite for other luxuries produced by the nation. The offer of barrensberry wine is especially appealing. An invitation for Mistress Karadragha to send a representative to join Seraphine and Lady Gwendoloena de Sarroi, Senator of the Barrens, at Anvil to discuss matters further leads to nothing but the Faraden Ambassador has an alternate proposal at this stage.

As previously discussed, Faraden merchants are keen to establish a market in Dawn dedicated to the purchase and perhaps sale of fine wines and luxury goods. Howeer, the merchants of the nation are already in negotiation with the burghers of Holberg to establish a major enclave there. Presuming that this is successful, Faraden merchants would pass through Astolat and Semmerholm where they would be able to trade for the goods they want.

As Mistress Karadragha understands it, the Barrens is still something of a wild frontier - and while there are clearly opportunities for profit in that kind of environment they are a little different to those available in more established areas. Surely it would make more sense for Faraden and Dawn to cooperate on the establishment of a market in prosperous Astolat or Semmerholm, along the planned “Faraden trail” than extend their journey into the wild Barrens?

Not all the Faraden merchant families are so conservative, however. Mistress Karadragha informs the Ambassador that a small contingent of Sansar family explorer-merchants intend to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox to speak with the people of the Barrens about potential trade connections.

### Winds Blow Eastward

Three merchants of the Sansar family will be attending Anvil at 10:15 on Sunday. They intend to visit the people of Dawn to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation.

There is a saying in Faraden: the truest friendships are built on a foundation of gold. Diplomats, warriors, priests and wizards live among them, but at their heart the people of Faraden are merchants. As such, a pair of unexpected offers from Lady Cassandra du Creed and Earl Seraphine de Sarroi to discuss trade enclaves in the distant nation of Dawn are received with a great deal of cheer. Most people in Faraden think of the Dawnish as a nation of knights and witches, more concerned with great battles and epic stories than with sound economics. They are not entirely surprised, however. As many point out, it takes a lot of very sober and sensible merchants to feed and clothe so many glory-seekers. Whatever the case, money talks, and can be heard over surprisingly long distances by those willing to listen.

The Sansar family are known for being more tolerant of risk than many amongst their people. A distant enclave on the opposite side of the Empire is no small investment of time and resources, but there are already those seeking to profit from the vast metropolis of Holberg, and other merchants are keen not to fall behind. As such, the Sansar have assembled a small consortium of mercantile families to potentially go in with them on a venture to Dawn. Any such partnership will need some more details to begin with. What do the people of Dawn have to sell to their friends in Faraden? Mention has been made of the unique Barrensberries - are they medicinal, recreational, magical? Some combination of the above? What would the people of Dawn be most interested in purchasing in return? Where would any potential trading enclaves be built? These matters could be hashed out by Winged Messengers, but there is no substitute for looking a potential business partner in the eye. As such, three cousins of the Sansar family will be attending Anvil at 10:15 on Sunday, whence they intend to go to the Dawnish camp to receive hospitality and hash out potential details. Everything will need to be confirmed with each nation's respective civil service to get the exact numbers straight, but if all goes well, the outline of a deal could be drawn right there in Anvil.

The Sansar are, of course, primarily there to speak with the people of Dawn, and will not disrespect their hosts by turning their eyes away to other projects. However, if members of other nations were to express a polite interest in future cooperation... well, opportunity is a dish that curdles quickly. It would be foolish not to at least hear anyone else out, even if no final decision would be made.

Ashes On The Breeze
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The religious extremists known as the Cinders are suspiciously quiet.

Last season, the Liege of the Five Winds publicly condemned the violent ultra-orthodox sect known as the Cinders for making an attempt on the live of an Imperial citizen who had done them no wrong. Many across the nation rightly joined in such a condemnation, and the Cinders were, as predicted, driven underground. Some arrests were made, but ultimately the result was... silence. Eerie silence. There have been no retaliatory strikes, no defiant public statements. Nothing. Gossip around the Court of the Five Winds paints the Liege's mood around this issue as fretful - "If there is a wasp in the room," they are quoted as saying, "I would rather be able to see where it is before it stings me." Perhaps the wasp has quietly died somewhere out of sight, or perhaps it simply waits for the opportune moment to strike. For now, nobody knows.

Further Reading
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Faraden On Faraden faith Ambassador to Faraden Faraden ports

Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to Faraden.