Keys of Enlightenment
Tipoa and the Cardinal had taken cover from the sun under a rainbow canopy in one of the gardens that spilled over the side of the High House of Wisdom. It was the hottest part of the day and even the jewelled hummingbirds were silent, resting beneath broad leaves. Only the raptors were active, playing their inscrutable lizard games and hunting beetles among the foliage.
"The Censor of Wood, Stone and Metal said it was a request from the Senator of Bastion. They say they are keen to learn more about the exemplar."
The Cardinal pondered for several moments, her attention apparently focused on the task of tending to one of her beast companions. Jormga as a snake easily as long as Tipoa was tall, and she had always disliked it. The serpent was lazy with age, six eyes closed contentedly as the Cardinal carefully rubbed its head and body with coarse sand. His only movement was to flicker his long forked tongue occasionally. In the wild the beasts were deadly hunters, but the Cardinal had hatched him herself, and he doted on her as much as any serpent could dote on anyone.
"To be fair," mused the Cardinal, "it is the nature of inspirational figures to inspire, so there is no reason not to share our stories with the Empire. I wonder if it has to do with a vision of past lives?"
"Would you like me to ask Oxtitocszin to enquire?" One of the smaller raptors had run up and stood staring curiously at her, flicking its blue and green feathers. She flicked a morsel of meat toward it, and it was quickly the centre of attention for three of its siblings.
"No need, I don't think. Traditionally the Imperial Synod is always very excited when someone experiences a vision of having been Sumaash, and cannot wait to tell us. So patience will tell us one way or another."
The Cardinal smiled, humourlessly.
"I do wonder sometimes why they seem to be so constantly surprised when they discover that their people have souls older than the Empire, or from another part of the world? Despite that revelation being the foundation of their entire Empire. And still it is an uncommon Imperial priest that asks about our own visions, and how they relate to folk from their history."
Tipoa nodded.
"I'll put something together but it will be challenging to know quite how much detail to go into."
"Ah!" said the Cardinal, eye twinkling. "I have a suggestion there. I was speaking to the Cardinal of Vigilance only this morning, and this enquiry comes at just the right time. How long has it been since you last visited the Empire, Utredare Tipoa?"
Tipoa felt her heart sink slightly. She could see the shape of the future and was not sure she was especially excited about it. Travelling to the Empire, especially at this time of year when the weather would be turning inhospitable, was not how she had planned to end the year. Especially with this apparent non-sequitur about the Cardinal of Vigilance.
"To talk about Sjördeyr, Cardinal? Or were you thinking of sending me in an more official capacity?"
The Cardinal didn't reply immediately, but a slow smile spread across her face as she continued to stroke the somnolent serpent in her lap.
Overview
- The Sumaah Republic is an empire devoted to an orthodox interpretation of the Way
- The Sumaah Republic remain allies of the Empire in the Liberty Pact
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 war with the Asavean Archipelago, but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world. In gratitude for major aid from the Empire in repulsing an Asavean assault against the port of Zemeh, the Sumaah have committed to sharing a dose of true liao with the Empire every season "until the Plenum falls and the Way is spread to the Archipelago." Relations with the grateful Sumaash, which have been bumpy in the past, are now better than ever.
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.
Mithril and White Granite
- Sumaah is interested in the proposal the Empire might be able to provide resources to fight the Asaveans
- They are interested in mithril and weirwood
- The High House of Prosperity has arranged a boon from the City of Salt and Sail that can help transport significant numbers of wains
- Ambassador Oxtitocszin asks for Accalon to give them an idea of what kind of price will be required
Ambassaor Accalon has mentioned the possibility of providing assistance in the Sumaah war with the Plenum, and that the Empire may be able to send resources that would assist their efforts. Ambassador Oxtitocszin has taken counsel with the High Houses of Courage and Prosperity, and spoken to the Plenum, and suggests that if there is interest in helping Sumaah in their fight against the Asaveans, they would be interested in supplies of mithril and weirwood to supplement their own stocks of these precious materials. While the bulk of the materials would be used to reinforce and strengthen the armies of Sumaah, a portion would be provided to Sumaah allies in the Asavean Archipelago to help support their efforts to spread the Way and bring down the Plenum.
The High House of Prosperity understands that the Empire is rich in both materials, and that there is a considerable surplus available to purchase. The challenge however will be transporting the material - as the Stone Fleet indicated the risk of transporting such valuable and bulky materials over great distances is considerable.
However, partially inspired by the ongoing visit of Imperial prognosticator Lisane de Terresford, a coven of magician-präster of the House of Prosperity have sought a slightly less risky solution. The Wandering Port - the Great Turtle also known as the City of Salt and Sail - is prepared to aid in the transportation of at least one hundred wains of weirwood and mithril - either or both - between the Empire and the Republic. There is theoretically no upper limit to how much they can help transport in this way. The offer has been negotiated until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE; after that the opportunity will be gone.
However, before they can be taken anywhere, the wains must be secured. The Sarcophan do not imagine the Ambassador means to provide them with a gift, and the Censor of Wood and Stone wants to hear from their opposite number what kind of price will be required and what volume of wains would be available. Accalon has indicated they have contacts in the Bourse; presumably these can be leveraged to arrange a straightforward and Prosperous agreement?
Sjördeyr
| The Life of Sjördeyr |
| Motion Type: Historical Research |
| Necessary Details: Should clearly indicate it is an invitation to the High House of Prosperity to send scholars to teach about the paragon Sjördeyr |
| Cost: None additional |
| Effect: Produces a historical research document relating to the paragon Sjördeyr |
| Availability: One yer; until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE |
| Special: Dependant on the Empire remaining on good terms with the Sumaah Republic |
- A short essay about the Sumaah paragon Sjördeyrhas been provided by Ambassador Oxtitocszin
- Either the Lepidean Library or the Department of Historical Research could host scholars from the Sumaah Republic if they wished to know more
Ambassador Oxtitocszin is a little surprised to be asked about the Sjördeyr, but provides some information in the form of a short essay copied from a book of Sumaah inspirations.
In short, Sjördeyr is a Paragon and not an Exemplar as the Ambassador seems to believe. He is primarily known for inspiration around the importance of celebrating one's labours at least as hard as one worked to achieve them. One of the leaders of the Sumaah rebellion against the Asavean Satraps, he was a loud and persistent voice in opposition to slavery in general, and the wickedness of the Plenum, rather than just the plight of the Sumaah themselves. No great warrior himself, he strove to acquire the resources his people needed to cast off the yoke of the Satraps. In the process he dealt with many unsavoury folk, including some of the corrupt and venal Asaveans. According to the stories, however, so affable and charismatic was he that stories claim he was adept at recruiting others to aid the Sumaah cause, and allegedly he convinced a few of the Asaveans to secretly support the rebels against their own people.
After the Sumaah won their freedom, the flamboyant and passionate Sjördeyr was one of the visionaries who encouraged the people not to lose themselves in endless warfare but to build a Republic from the ashes of their oppression. His enduring inspiration meant that he was one of the first historical paragons recognised by the Sumaah when they embraced the Way and the path of Virtue, .
If the Empire wishes to know more, the ambassador is certain some Sumaah scholars can be convinced to travel to the Empire and spend time working with the Lepidean University or the Department of Historical Research. Obviously, this would require either the Lepidean Librarian or the Minister of Historical Research (or the Senate) to commission the appropriate historical research.
Siblings in Spirit
- The House of the People is discussing the Liberty Pact in light of the Commonwealth concerns
- Oxtitocszin advises that Sumaah fear their interests will suffer if the Empire and the Axou can form a majority voting block
As the Summer Solstice approaches, the news that the Commonwealth is considering leaving the Liberty Pact has reached Sumaah. Oxtitocszin restates part of the speech given by the präst Kauitalic after Imperial ship captains helped defend Zemeh against the Asaveans. "The Empire and the Republic are siblings - they may squabble and argue but they are united by bonds of Virtue that the Asaveans can never understand much less sever." Whatever happens in the coming months, that will not change, no matter how aggrieved the Commonwealth is.
But the Sumaah Ambassador also confirms that as mentioned last season, the Republic is not sure what the point of the Liberty Pact is now. The House of People continues to discuss the matter, as do the High Houses of Virtue. They are broadly in agreement though that a Liberty Pact without the Commonwealth will not survive. No decision has been taken yet; the Houses take their time to consider such matters carefully and avoid rushing as the Empire well knows. However, there are clear concerns around the influence of the Axou should the pact be comprised of only three members able to vote. The ambassador doesn't come directly out and say it, but the fact that the Empire and the Axou could form a majority voting block and decide the issues between them is clearly an issue. Eventually they will take act but the Ambassador stresses that whatever happens, it should not be seen as a failure of the Pact, but rather as further proof that it has fulfilled its Ambition. For now though, they will continue to hold to the Liberty Pact as it stands.
Honour and War
- The Sumaah will continue to send a dose of true liao to the Empire regardless of what happens
One final matter brought up by Oxtitocszin concerns the dose of true liao the Council of Eight set aside for the Empire each season. Until the Way is spread to the whole of the Asavean Archipelago, it will continue to be delivered to the Gatekeepers "to bestow as they see fit on the virtuous of the Empire, in the name of that bond, forged in blood and salt, by the captains of the Empire." Unless for some reason a state of war erupts again between the two great powers, the Sumaah gift to the Empire will continue.
There have however been concerns raised with Oxtitocszin regarding what might happen if the Gatekeepers were no longer responsible for determining how true liao is distributed. If that were to happen, the High House of Pride would find another way to ensure their gift reached the Empire to be used in commemoration of the bonds between the two great nations. But as long as the Synod holds the Gatekeepers responsible for distributing the precious spiritual substance, it will continue to be delivered to them each season.
Barren Waters (Conjunction)
- A ship which transported Sumaash aid to the Brass Coast is docked in a remote Madrugan cove
- Those onboard have sent a request for help with a strange malady that has stricken a number of the crew and passengers
- This is a combat unlikely encounter
- The Hand of Guerra is responsible for aiding the stranded ship
- There may be innocent people present on this conjunction; magistrates advise caution must be taken to avoid innocent casualties
Ships from Sumaah have not been a rare sight in Freeborn waters given [[Drowned in tears|the recent aid they have been providing] in the aftermath of Siroc's destruction.
But unlike most such ships, the Tumlare has not unloaded her cargo of white granite, nor the Sumaash labourers who had volunteered to spend some weeks helping refugees in the surroundings of the Seminary of Zemress. Instead, locals report they have seen the vessel beached in Hart's Cove in Free Landing for some weeks. Though movement has been spotted on deck, and occasionally figures are seen in the cove itself, as soon as any Freeborn approach, they retreat to the ship. A message left by the crew report that those onboard - a mixture of Sumaash and Imperial - are falling victim to a strange sickness.
The ship's physick is unsure how to treat it and has recommended the vessel isolate itself to avoid the risk of spreading an unknown plague. They have, however, asked if any Wise and Vigilant Imperials may be able to provide them assistance despite the possible danger. The Hand of Guerra, Sufyan i Zuhri i Guerra, is responsible for providing what aid they can to the stranded ship.
Missing River
- Agent Vassa, who normally oversees the Regario Dossier agents in Sumaah, has gone missing
- An urgent message from Zemeh suggests the Imperial espionage network there is being rolled up
- The Regario Dossier will ultimately need to decide whether to cooperate with any investigation or not
- Re-establishing the Vassa network without knowing what is going on may see more Imperial agents vanish
There is one other matter of concern from Sumaah, but it (probably) doesn't concern the Republic itself. A year ago the Regario Dossier - which among other things organises the Empire's espionage in foreign nations - reassigned agents to investigate factions in the Asavean Archipelago. Each of the three agents studied a different faction, made a full report during the Spring Equinox as is traditional. As far as the Empire knows, three agents were reassigned and those three agents should now be back in their assigned posts.
Unfortunately, one of the agents does not appear to have made it back from Asavea. Agent Vassa normally oversees a small network of agents in Zemeh who report on the activities of the Sumaah Republic. Not only has Agent Vassa not resumed their post, but following the Spring Equinox the Imperial espionage network in Sumaah has "gone dark". A single ciphered message was received at the offices in Tassato Regario that appears to be genuine, claiming that several agents had died and several others vanished and that the writer themselves was in fear of their life and "in the wind." Cautious attempts to connect with the Vassa network to see what is up have yielded no response.
It's not unusual for agents to vanish, but for a whole network of agents to go quiet is a cause for alarm. There are three possibilities; the Sumaah Republic High House of Vigilance may have uncovered the Imperial agents in Zemeh. They have taken action against Imperial agents within their borders before, after all. Alternatively, the Asavean faction the Sumaah agents were involved in investigating might have attacked them, either in Asavea or when they returned to Sumaah. Finally, it the network might have unravelled due to the actions of a third, unknown enemy. That latter is the most worrying, of course.
Investigating what has happened represents something of a challenge. It will also require the cooperation of Albrecht von Holberg who holds the Regario Dossier. This cooperation is confirmed by the holder of the seat emailing plot@profounddecisions.co.uk after the event, before the end of downtime, indicating which if any methods of investigating the missing agents they have supported. Any they don't support will fail.
Ambassadorial Concern
- The Ambassador to the Republic could ask for help investigating the disappearance of Imperial citizens
- Doing so would certainly reveal the Vassa network to the High House of Vigilance
Ambassador Accalon could ask the Sumaah to investigate the disappearances, but doing so would certainly reveal that the missing Imperial citizens were spying on the Republic. There's no need to be specific here - there are few enough Imperial citizens going missing in Sumaah that the High House of Vigilance would be able to investigate what has happened. As long Albrecht von Holberg cooperates, the Sumaah will find out what happened... but it will make it impossible to re-establish effective spies in Zemeh for the next three years. If they don't cooperate, the Sumaah will know that there were spies but will have no useful information that could stop new agents being sent in. The holder of the seat can also use an email to ask that new agents be dispatched, once they are comfortable the situation is resolved.
Asavean Factionalism
- Contacting the faction the Vassa network was investigating may provide leads
- Doing so risks revealing to that faction (or factions) that they were being investigated by the Empire
Someone could contact the Asavean faction the agents were investigating, using the winged messenger address already supplied, but again that would almost certainly warn that faction that the Empire had been spying on them. Obviously without the aid of Albrecht von Holberg it will be difficult to know which faction the agents were dealing with. Just asking them all would make them all think they were being spied on.
Spies and Agents
- The Imperial Spymaster could put together an investigation in Zemeh to track down what happened to the Vassa network agents
- Doing so needs the Spymaster to use their ability to announce a spy network, and would count as a commission
- Such a mission would provide a scouting venture to Imperial fleets - provided they were enchanted with Muffled Oar
- A mission will alert the High House of Vigilance that something is happening but as long as the Regario Dossier cooperates will not indicate what
The Imperial Spymaster and the Regario Dossier could liase on an operation together. During the Summer Solstice they could use their ability to commission networks and coves to arrange support for a mission in Zemeh. This would require an announcement, count as a commission, but not require any weirwood or money. If it were done, following the Summer Solstice any League ship-captain would be able to participate in a special scouting voyage aimed at uncovering events in Zemeh. If at least 3,000 strength were committed to the voyage, the facts about what has happened to Agent Vassa and their network, and who was behind it, would be uncovered. However, unless every ship that took part was under the effect of Muffled Oar or a similar Night magic enchantment, the High House of Vigilance would be aware that something is going on even if they do not know exactly what. If Albrecht von Holberg doesn't cooperate with this action, it will achieve nothing other than to worry the Sumaah.
Hooded Lanterns
- The Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern could take advantage of the outstanding invitation for an order to visit Sumaah
- If they do this it will use up the Conclave's opportunity, and only discover details of what is going on with the Vassa network agents
There is an opportunity for the Shuttered Lantern order to visit Sumaah this season, to explore how the Sumaah keep their people safe from dangerous eternals. Instead, when guiding the order the grandmaster could instruct magicians to investigate the disappearance of the Imperial agents in Sumaah. If this were done, they would not uncover any useful information about Sumaah practices around eternals, but they would discover what had happened to the agents and who was responsible. Doing this would not attract the attention of the High House of Vigilance. Again, if Albrecht doesn't cooperate with this it will just prove to be a waste of time and the Shuttered Lantern will get nothing.
Eternal Plenipotential
- The Archmages of Day, Autumn, or Night could enlist the aid of Roshanwe, Basileia Brazen, or the Whisper Gallery to find out more
- Doing so would require them to use their plenipotentiary power
Alternatively, there are several eternals who might be prevailed upon to offer assistance. While Sung and Leviathan might be questioned through ritual magic, it's not clear that would yield anything useful. Sung's answers are always mysterious, and while Leviathan might be able to explain what lead to the Vassa network being rolled up, it's doubtful he will be able to offer any insight into who did it. Among the remaining eternals, Roshanwe, Basileia, and the Whisper Gallery all have the potential to offer aid. Roshanwe is a seeker, and while it is rarely mentioned, spying and espionage are a form of seeking. The City of Locks are adept spies, and the Surveyors' Cartel in particular has an interest in espionage. The Whisper Gallery are unpredictable, but they enjoy secrets and are generally not as opposed to spies and spying as they are to, say, hunters of lost artefacts or scholars of lost lore.
A plenipotentiary for any one of the three would be able to either provide an opportunity to learn more, or simply provide answers directly. In both cases, there is likely to be a price however. There's also a chance that the last two on the list might even be behind the disappearances. On the plus side, if they are they're unlikely to deny it if asked point-blank to look into it. This is the only approach that doesn't require the aid of Albrecht von Holberg; the eternals asked to look into the matter will work out what is going on as part of their investigation.
Wheels and Windows
- Re-establishing the Vassa network without knowing what is going on risks the new agents meeting the same fate as the old ones
- There is only a narrow window to uncover what has happened to the Vassa network
Regardless of what is done, the Regario Dossier is short of agents in the Sumaah Republic. The civil service advise caution though. If new agents are simply sent in to replace the old ones, there is no guarantee that whatever happened to Agent Vassa and their network will not just happen again, and at that point the Empire is just feeding espionage agents to unknown enemies.
There's also a narrow window to do something; unless wheels are set in motion at the Summer Solstice, the trail will be too cold for any useful information to be uncovered at all. After that, the only way to find anything useful will be to send more agents and hope they aren't killed before their annual report next year.
Sumaah Further Reading
- Sumaah Republic
- Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic
- Sumaah Republic ports
- Satraps of the Abyss - 383YE Summer Wind of Fortune delving into Sumaah attitudes to magic and eternals
Winds of Fortune
- Poets light but lamps - 387YE Winter diplomatic wind of fortune
- Drowned in tears - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune
- Talking to friends - 387YE Summer wind of fortune relating to diplomacy with Sumaah
- Two suns in the sunset - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune about breaking the blockade on Sumaah
- Friend of mine - 386YE Winter Wind of Fortune relating to Sumaah diplomacy
- The tale that speaks to your heart - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune relating to Sumaah diplomacy
- Guide the spirit - 386YE Summer wind of fortune relating to Sumaah diplomacy
- Parts of speech – 386YE Spring Wind of Fortune relating to rivalry between Sumaah and Asavea
Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to the Sumaah Republic.