Talking to friends

There was no need to count; the outcome was obvious. Still, the scribes did their duty and recorded the numbers anyway. Normally, when a vote was carried so overwhelmingly there would have been cheering and celebration. Today, the floor of the Plenum chamber was almost eerily silent. A few murmurs and mutters, a heavy sigh. The footsteps of the Mater Coriolani as she strode out of the chamber, her face a mask of fury."This is humiliating." Titus turned away from the gallery, fists clenched."Yes." Said Lavinia."This cannot stand! If this was the old days-" His daughter cut him off. If she had done this in public it would have meant censure but he encouraged her to speak her mind when they were alone, valued her counsel and the directness the Spring realm gave her."It isn't the old days, though, father."Titus growled, collapsing onto one of the couches. He hitched up his toga, put his head in his hands and stared at nothing in particular."You sound like an Ilotari," he grumbled. But his anger had subsided a little."Ha!" There was no mirth in Lavinia's laugh. "Not even the Ilotari are pleased that it has come to this. They're reformists, not idiots.""These last few years..." Titus trailed off. "Who are we, Lavinia? What happened to the heirs of Asav. The Sumaah; the Commonwealth and the Empire; now the damn tomb robbers have banded together - a pack of vultures picking at our corpse. Our only real allies are a bunch of magicians who think rituals are the answer to every problem. We're reduced to lending warships to pirates. Even a nation of farmers fought off the pride of the Asavean navy! Farmers!""Times change." Lavinia sat next to him, put her hand on his shoulder. "We have to change with them.""Once upon a time we'd have sent a flotilla to burn their damn cities to the ground. Drag a tenth of their people off in chains. Burn their temples if they didn't surrender, install a governor if we needed to keep the peace..." His tone was nostalgic. Lavinia did not think it wise to remind him that nothing on that scale had happened in a century or more. Titus tone grew bitter. "And now they are doing it to us! To us, Lavinia! Sending their ships and their soldiers to burn our cities, pushing their faith, killing the Tarquinius, trying to replace the Plenum with what... elected Senators? Präster? Ridiculous! Unacceptable!"Lavinia waited for his anger to blow itself out. She loved her father very much but he lived in the past. If Asavea was to survive, they would need to look to the future."We tried the old way," she said quietly. "And it made everyone feel better for a while, but what did it actually achieve?""So what do you think, daughter? We should just... accept it? Accept that we are a laughing stock, an irrelevancy?"His daughter smiled, a severe, cold smile, and patted Titus' hand."Oh, no father. No. But as grandmother said; when war fails, you may put your sword away, but you keep fighting. There's some people I'd like you to meet, Pater Familia. I think you'll find their ideas very interesting."

Overview

Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with 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.

Asavea

The Asavean Archipelago is an empire scattered across a sprawling archipelago, far across the ocean to the west Traditional enemies of the Sumaah, they are at war with both them and the Empire The Empire is sending missionaries to the Archipelago and looking to overthrow the ruling Plenum

The Asavean Ambassador to the Empire is Lady Madrianna of the Blue Stones. An important member of one of ruling families of Asavea, she advises the Plenum on diplomatic matters, especial relations with the Empire and their close neighbours. It is Lady Madrianna who has encouraged the Asaveans to make common cause with the Grendel and who is behind efforts to suborn the Faraden.

State of War

The Asavean Archipelago and the Empire are at war The Asaveans are supporting the Grendel, and attempting to convert the Faraden to their cause The ongoing attempt of missionaries to proselytize the Way continues to enrage the Asaveans

Imperial relations with the Asavean Archipelago could hardly be worse. The Asaveans declared war on the Empire some time ago - a response to the attack on Chalonsio by the combined forces of the Liberty Pact. Determined to exact revenge, they sent huge warships to Imperial waters, looking to sack an Imperial city in lex talionis for their own losses. Their attack on Meade failed, but they were instrumental in helping the Grendel take Siroc and then burning that city to the ground, to the dismay of their Grendel allies.

Much of their strategy in recent months has been focused on piracy - aiming to cripple Imperial trade on the high seas. These attempts have caused some trouble for the Imperial treasury, and created obstacles for the Empire's various trading partners. Now the Asaveans have been forced to abandon this strategy by the intervention of the Sarcophan Delves, a humiliating climbdown for the notoriously proud Plenum. All this on top of the defeat of the Asavean navies at Zemeh, where the Empire came to the aid of their Sumaah allies... it has likely put the Plenum on the back foot.

For their part the Empire responded to the fury of the Asaveans by sending missionaries to the islands with members of the Sevenfold Path looking for ways to make contact with magicians in the islands who might be interested in the Way. The Loyalty Assembly has tried to make contact with groups who are looking to overthrow the Plenum, the ruling council of the Asavean Archipelago, and ideally begin a fiery revolt against the corrupt ruling classes.

Into this febrile mix have come the communications from Mauriac of Eyrie. In recent times the Asaveans have largely ignored efforts by the Empire to communicate through official channels - but something about the tone of the missive appears to have inspired a change of tune. It would be dangerous to overstate what this means - the Asavean Plenum is never going to make peace with an Empire that is hellbent on destroying their nation by inciting rebellion and religious revolt. For as long as the missionaries continue to travel to Asavea, they are certain to remain implacably hostile to the Empire.

The door is not exactly open to diplomacy, but it is at least off the latch... for now.

An Olive Branch

The wise letter sent to Asavea has been well received by the Plenum The Asaveans are open to discussing terms to end the war, provided the Empire ceases sending missionaries to their shores If the Empire continue on their current course, the Asaveans will increase their military support for the Grendel

Lady Madrianna has sent communications to their Imperial counterpart to let them know that the Plenum is open to the possibility of a cessation of the current conflict - either temporary, or better still, permanent. As far as the Plenum are concerned the outrageous attack on Chalonsio has been answered by the destruction of Siroc. The senseless destruction of profitable businesses and the losses incurred when the city was looted have been accounted for by the damage inflicted on Imperial shipping. Justice as the Faraden would put it - has been served. Both sides could find a way to end this pointless brutality before it escalates further...

The Plenum have therefore decided to be magnanimous - and to offer the possibility of peaceful resolution to the current war. As a sign of their good intentions, says Lady Madrianna, the Plenum has voted to remove the bounties placed on vessels trading with the Empire, so that this will not be an impediment to any negotiation.

If the Empire wishes to pursue the avenue of peace, then as a first step, they must immediately cease all attempts to spread the Way to Asavea. There are no circumstances under which Asavea will negotiate with the Empire while they continue to threaten the authority of the Plenum in this way. Thus far the effects have been negligible, the Asavean Ambassador claims, but the heirs of Asav are not to be trifled with in this manner.

Were a peaceful resolution possible, the Asaveans would be prepared to consider withdrawing their military support for the Grendel and perhaps even to look at reopening their ports to Imperial shipping.

Lady Madrianna warns the Empire that the Plenum are prepared to continue their current war with the Empire for as long as necessary, should they reject this generous offer. Now that their privateers and fleet captains are no longer engaged against Imperial shipping they are in a position to consider increasing their support for the Grendel - and they will not hesitate to do so if the Empire does not change course.

Of course, the truth is that the Asaveans have stopped attacking Imperial ships because of threats from the Sarcophan Delves - the Pax Sarcophan. Even so, this communication represents a change in tone by the Asaveans: something in the letter to Lady Madrianna has clearly struck a chord.

Whether that chord becomes part of a more harmonious melody remains to be seen. Mauriac's respectful letter has been well received by the Plenum and achieved as much as is possible with a letter. However unless the Empire changes their tune, the Asaveans are certain to redouble their efforts. Humiliated by the Sarcophan, they will want to demonstrate that they remain a great power to be taken seriously. If the Empire doesn't take this opportunity for peace, they can expect the Asaveans to increase their military support for the Grendel.

The Factions Listen

The Empire knows of six factions willing to contribute to the overthrow of the Plenum The Regario Dossier assigned agents to investigate the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos

Last season, the Empire uncovered three more Asavean factions who would be willing to work with the Empire to spread the Way to Asavea and ultimately overthrow the Plenum. Three of these groups - the Bells of Becephelas, the Cerularios, and the Mikanos - are magicians that profess to be curious about the Way. All of them appear to be potential allies, but the Empire has been warned by the Whisper Gallery that one of them is lying - one of the three groups described below are double-agents who are actually loyal to the Plenum. The other three groups - the Children of Asav, the Lost Weepers, and the Satrapy of Ibaria - are those who could be persuaded to take up arms against the Plenum, and uncovered by the Loyalty Assembly.

The Regario Dossier, Albrecht von Holberg, took the opportunity to redirect three agents to investigate and establish links with the Bells of Becephelas, the Lost Weepers, and the Mikanos. The work done by the agents of the Dossier and their handlers has borne early fruit; Albrecht von Holberg will receive names and locations for each of three groups suitable for use with Call Winged Messenger at the Summer Solstice. The information will spread after the summit, and anyone will be able to find out the names and locations. OOC Note: We will add the targets to the Asavean factions page.

Sumaah

The Sumaah Republic is an empire devoted to an orthodox interpretation of the Way The Empire recently helped to fend off a major naval assault by the Asaveans seeking to burn a Sumaah city

The Sumaah Republic are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. As founding members of the Liberty Pact, their ties to the Empire have been strengthened, and they have been closely involved in bringing ruin to those involved in the abhorrent practice of slavery. At the moment they are focused on their own war with the Asavean Archipelago, but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world.

The Sumaah ambassador to the Empire is Oxtitocszin, who holds the rank of Censor of wood, metal and stone and is a member of the High House of Pride (the Sumaah equivalent of the Pride Assembly, but with significantly more responsibility and leeway to pursue foreign diplomacy). They advise not just the Sumaah präster, but the House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate). By all accounts they are an even-handed, level-headed individual, and a devout practitioner of the Way.

Build Up Their Fellows

Relations with the Sumaah are currently stronger than ever The Empire now receives a dose of true liao each season from Sumaah in gratitude for aid against the Asavean armada

The Sumaah Republic are at war with Asavea and face the threat of invasion from their northern neighbours who once ruled much of Sumaah through the use of corrupt proxies. The war is unlikely to end decisively, the Asavean armies are no match for the disciplined soldiers martialled by the House of Courage, but the Asavean navies navies badly outnumber the Sumaah.

The Asaveans attempted to overcome the Sumaash defences at sea, hoping to expose the coastline so that they could carry out a lightning raid against a Sumaash city. The Asavean Plenum sought retribution for Sumaah's role in the attack on Chalonsio. They intend to raze a Sumaash city as they did Siroc. Last season the Empire played a decisive role in disrupting the Asavean assault, sending hundreds of small fleets to help the Sumaash navy fight the Asaveans off. Scores of Asavean ships were sunk and the Imperial captains returned home triumphant.

The gratitude of the Sumaash is deep and heartfelt. In thanks for the Imperial aid, they have sent a dose of precious true liao to the Empire and indicated that they will now do so every season until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago (something that would take many years if it were possible at all). Relations with the grateful Sumaash, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.

The Ambassadors Letter

The Sumaash are non-plussed by the tone of the Ambassador's letter

The sharp tone of the Ambassador's most recent letter has surprised the Sumaash and left them uncertain of how best to respond. As the ambassador has spoken of a shared duty to the truth, they have tried to respond in kind.

They are pleased to hear that Eleri of Bronwen's Rest has had a vision that speaks to the Ascension of the Marked and that Coal Carefoot has had a vision that they once lived as Alina, royal guard of the Sumaash Crown. The Sumaash are always grateful to receive information of the past life visions that Imperial citizens have had, although they find the excellent Echoes of the Labyrinth published by the Seer of the Gateway more than meets their needs in this matter. It is unfortunate that the Senate has decided to stop supporting the dissemination of these accounts around the world.

On the matter of the item provided by Ehud of Reumah's Redoubt, they are grateful for an opportunity to examine the schema and will of course arrange for its return at the Autumn Equinox as requested. They have not mentioned recently, indeed they have sent few communications in recent months as they have been preoccupied by the threat of invasion from the Asaveans and the attendant risks.

Anchoring the Way

The Sumaash are convinced that attempting to work together to anchor the Way is too risky

On the matter of anchoring the Way in Asavea, the Sumaash are adamant that it is best if the Empire and Sumaah each proceed with their own plans. The Empire shares the Way with Sumaah, they are siblings in faith. But like two siblings dwelling in the same house, brother and sister can still argue, and the conflict between them can be the most terrible of all. The Sumaash disagree with the Empire on numerous articles of faith - the Sumaash are orthodox and traditionalists where the Empire have pursued a revisionist approach to the faith.

It is the view of the Sumaash that they currently enjoy excellent relations with the Empire precisely because the two nations have agreed to pursue the Way separately. Now that neither side feels compelled to correct the other on matters of faith, they can concentrate on what they have in common. Working together to create the Liberty Pact, to break the slave trade, to defeat the Asaveans at sea, these are all worthy goals around which the two nations can unite.

But converting the Asaveans to the Way would require the Empire and Sumaah to work side by side for years. They would be like brother and sister forced to dwell together in their parents' home. How would they agree on which version of the Way should be spread? Should it be the Imperial Way or the Sumaash Way? What happens when, two years into this great project, the Empire and Sumaah discover some fundamental point of disagreement on which they cannot agree? Inevitably they will fall out about it, and when that happens then the entire scheme will likely collapse. There will be recriminations on both sides, and everyone the two sides have tried to support will probably end up dead. It is clear that the Sumaash take a pessimistic view of this suggestion, to put it lightly.

Bluntly, the view of the Sumaash is that to suggest this shows a lack of careful consideration. The Empire have focused on all the benefits the two nations might gain by working together and given no thought at all to the countless way this could go wrong. While that might suit the confident optimism of the Empire, the Sumaash take a much more dismal view of the prospects of cooperation on this. They are focusing on all the many ways they can see in which it could go wrong and the risks that would entail - to relations between the Empire and Sumaah and more importantly to the hopes of salvation for the Asavean people.

In their mind attempting to work together to convert the Asaveans - after both nations had agreed to work separately on this great goal - is a failure of Wisdom. The fact that they've levelled this pointed insult, they feel, illustrates their point perfectly. Merely discussing it is leading to friction...

They wish the Empire every success. They will genuinely be overjoyed in the Empire spreads the Imperial Way to Asavea. They won't support that effort because they are busy with their own efforts to take the Sumaash Way to Asavea. These efforts will continue until every Asavean is brought to the Way, regardless of what the Empire attempts or achieves in this matter.

Abrasion Oil

The Sumaash do not have the same view of excommunication as the Empire

On the matter of Abrasian oil, there are polite eyebrows raised. The Sumaash have noted in the past that there are parts of the Empire that believe things that are blatantly heretical, like the idea that people reincarnate as trees, or fish, or that their spirits dwell in swamps. These ideas are patently absurd and deeply offensive to any devout follower of the Way - but in recent times the Sumaash have tried to avoid pointing out how heterodox these far-flung parts of the Empire are, because trying to reconcile their two faiths was leading to difficulties.

But now the Imperial ambassador wants to discuss the creation of Abrasian oil, a rare substance developed by the Präster who live in Nyaerdivik, which is a hard-to-reach settlement on the very edge of the Sumaah Republic? The request has surprised Oxtitocszin, not least because he has no idea how the Empire even found Nyaerdivik, a location the majority of people living in Sumaah could not point to on a map.

However, since the ambassador has insisted on answers, the Präster of Nyaerdivik are quite... unorthodox. They have something of an obsession with bread, which other Sumaah do find to be very odd. They don't worship bread, or anything blasphemous, but it plays a central role in their culture in a way that bemuses outsiders. However the House of the People have examined the beliefs of the Präster of Nyaerdivik on two separate occasions and found them to be entirely compatible with the Way. Odd certainly, but Oxtitocszin once had an uncle who believed that a condor that lived near his home was mourning for its lost mate. People believe odd things; not all of them are at odds with the Way.

On the matter of excommunication and the power of Abrasian Oil, the ambassador is surprised to hear their counterpart express such radical views with such certainty. There are Präster in Sumaah who believe that excommunication makes a soul unable to pass onwards but they are far from the majority. The only thing that is known for certain is that it renders the soul unable to use liao ceremonies, and prevents dreaming, but nobody truly knows what happens to the soul of one who is excommunicated. Such things are ultimately a matter of philosophy and most importantly - faith. Does the Doctrine of the Labyrinth not say that the Labyrinth of Ages is a place of pure spirit and beyond the true comprehension of any but a paragon?

The accepted view is that excommunication can be a just punishment that is merited in the most serious of cases where nothing less will suffice. There is a popular belief that it might assist passage. The Doctrine of Seven states that "Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and some may hinder it." That last part is often taken to mean that unvirtuous acts hinder the soul's passage, indelibly marking the soul as unvirtuous, delaying rebirth. Excommunication of someone whose deeds are so terrible that they warrant this fate may disconnect the soul from the unvirtuous acts they have taken, allowing it to be reborn without the stain of an ill-spent past life dragging the soul down both in the Labyrinth and, potentially, in future lives.

Of course there are also some Präster that believe those who commit the most heinous acts need to spend time in the Labyrinth. Here the Präster tend to fall to arguments on the role of the Labyrinth and the spiritual value of punishment and its role in redemption and recidivism in a way that the Ambassador is not certain is a useful topic for diplomacy between two great nations, even if they do share the Way.

It may be true that excommunication severs a soul from the Labyrinth, though nobody can be sure. If that is the case, is it not appropriate that such people are excluded from the Labyrinth? Is that not a fitting end for those who have proven themselves to be entirely without Virtue? Virtue is contagious, but so is vice. Wicked deeds spread, so the worst criminals are a danger to the future generations, so arguably it is better to stop their reincarnation, to save future generations from the influence of such an unvirtuous soul.

The Ambassador notes that they have exchanged letters with the Empire on the matter of excommunication before. The truth is that nobody knows what the ultimate effects of excommunication are, just as nobody can be certain they know what the ultimate effects of testimony or dedication are. These are, ultimately, matters of faith. Nobody should trifle with the human soul, that much is clear, but in the Republic, excommunication is often a prelude to execution - an indication that your deeds are beyond the pale. It's not something the Republic takes lightly. Oxtitocszin is not sure there is anything further to be said on this subject.