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388YE Autumn Faraden ambassador briefing

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Mina i Yashum i Riqueza, Ambassador to Faraden

Overview

This briefing was prepared for Mina i Yashum i Riqueza, Ambassador to Faraden, and presented at the Autumn Equinox 388YE. It will be made available to any citizen who requests it following the summit. It is intended to be read in conjunction with the It's all wrong, but it's all right wind of fortune. As an ambassadorial briefing, it takes for granted a degree of understanding of political matters that might prove opaque to casual readers.

Matters of Faith

  • The Faraden priest families are very concerned about the proscription against Justice
  • While the proscription has been repealed there are concerns that this is just the start of renewed Synod persecution of their religion
  • The true consecration of the Temple of High Flames has bolstered Faraden Pride, particularly with regard to their religion

Mistress Karadragha conveyed the Ambassadors advice that Faraden wishing to travel to the Empire should not bear a dedication to the false virtues, including Justice. While the Synod later repealed the proscription against such things, news of this change reached Faraden too late to influence their response to the Ambassador’s missive.

The problem has gone beyond this specific proscription; a nation currently seeing a resurgence in Pride (inspired in part by the true liao consecration of the Temple of High Flames), means that the Faraden are concerned the Empire is about to swing back to actively denigrating, or event persecuting, the faith of the five flames.

Firewind, Moonsong, and Yakholme

  • The proposals to build Firewind Market and Moonsong Market should be considered "on hold"

In 387YE, the Faraden put forward the proposals for Firewind Market in Holberg, and Moonsong Market in the Barrens. The worry that the Synod is planning to interfere with traders and travelers visiting the Empire is a cause for significant concern. The Senate (or another appropriate title) could commission one of these markets but it would be risky to do so until the situation is resolved. While the structures could be built, there's no guarantee they would attract Faraden traders in the current climate of uncertainty and injured pride.

Its possible that the current situation will also impact Yakholme Grange in Upwold. Work on the construction began last year and is still underway. The Hakhandra merchant family still seem to be keen on trading for Marcher cattle, but if the situation deteriorates further its not impossible the Empire will be left with a massive white elephant - a yak market with no yaks.

The civil service advise that even if the situation is resolved it might be prudent to gain assurances from Mistress Karadragha that these opportunities are all still available, and will be enthusiastically supported by the trading families, to avoid disappointment.

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Alder and Mediator

  • The civil service have provided some guidance on the matter of the Tseriyn and Salagiin families

The two Faraden families responsible for providing mithril to the Alder of Meade, and ilium to the Mediator of Fisk, are under pressure to reconsider their ties. The Tseriyn and Salagiin have both done reasonably well out of the existing arrangement (although the agreement relating to Meade is open for renegotiation going forward anyway). Imperial agents purchase the valuable metals in Caitun and bring them to Meade and Fisk, so there's no need for members of these families to actually visit the Empire, but the Synod's attitude is seen as attacking the Pride of Faraden everywhere.

The civil service indicate that both families are probably seeking some sort of statement from the appropriate national assembly that urges their people to ignore calls to engage in persecution of Faraden travellers in their nations. If such a statement achieves a greater majority, it will be something the two families can show to those trying to pressure them and reduce that pressure in the short term. If a mandate ensued, and was enacted, it might even have a positive effect on relations with the families.

However, a statement that urged people in a nation to ignore the proscriptions of the Synod would be very controversial. The Marches is already inclined towards suspicion of the General Assembly, and Wintermark has actively distanced itself from it. Encouraging people to ignore proscriptions when it suits them could not help but widen the gap between these two nations and the General Assembly. The first time that Marcher folk or Wintermark heroes decided to intervene on behalf of a Faraden convicted of a religious crime, it would likely trigger a legal crisis.

Another possibility would be to get the Alder and the Mediator to engage with the Prosperity Assembly, rather than their national assemblies. If the Prosperity Assembly passed a statement urging the Synod to stop criminalizing the faith of foreign traders, it might prove sufficient to quieten Faraden fears that their religion is about to become a major bar to trade with the Empire. It would also distance the Marches and Wintermark from that decision a little, removing the likelihood of backlash within those nations. It would be the Prosperity Assembly that was potentially at odds with the General Assembly.

The Marchers at least will have a slightly easier time, thanks to the Summer 387YE statement of principle from Sister Meredith (judgement 160). The Marcher assembly "expect from the Faraden that theological discussion (where we differ) be limited to Priests, to maintain a convivial marketplace." Simply reiterating that sentiment, and achieving a greater majority, might go a long way toward reducing the concerns of the Tseriyn .

Given that this is a matter of Virtue, the civil service note that the Chaplain Consular Amicia of the Semmerlak has a responsibility to advise Imperial ambassadors on matters pertaining to the Way. Their advice might prove valuable to the Mediator and Alder, and perhaps even to the Ambassador themselves.

The most likely outcome of the pressure being brought to bear on the two Faraden families is a reduction in the amount of material available to purchase from Caitun. It may be unpalatable to hear, but the civil service have assessed both the mithril market in Meade and the docks at Fisk and believe that only a fraction of the potential goods are actually being brought into the Empire. A restriction in the amount of metal available would be a diplomatic loss, but in economic terms they suggest that the Alder and the Mediator might well not miss the chance to purchase large volumes of goods they are currently buying in more conservative amounts.

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This title is appointed by the Cat's Graces
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Azure Sutannir

  • The number of Faraden pilgrims attending the Azure Chorus has dropped
  • The Azure Sutannir may be in a strong position to help restore Faraden confidence in the Empire

Thanks in large part to the Ambassador's own efforts when they held the title of Azure Sutannir, the Azure Chorus is a popular destination for visitors from Faraden - or rather it was. This season has already seen a significant drop in Faraden musicians visiting the Brass Coast, afraid that their agreement not to preach the Flame of Justice is no longer enough to protect them from interference and potential execution.

A statement of principle raised by João i Cabral i Riqueza that reassured the Faraden that the Synod is not persecuting their faith could be an effective way to get Faraden-Imperial relations back on an even keel. Provided it was supported, of course. It would be less effective in the Freeborn assembly, where the Faraden already assume they are welcomed. It would ideally need to be upheld in the General Assembly meaning it would need to be elevated by a Cardinal - ideally the Cardinal of Courage, Pride, Loyalty, or Prosperity.

Obviously anyone could raise such a judgement, but the Azure Sutannir holds something of a unique position in that the Faraden priest families value their opinion on conflicts between the Five Flames and the Way. It is a risky proposition of course. The civil service caution that reassuring the Faraden and then raising further proscriptions that effectively restrict their ability to freely visit the Empire would result in significant backlash.

Jotun Peace

  • Mistress Karadragha confirms that a peace treaty was signed at the Summer Solstice
  • An inability to rely on support from Imperial or Suranni forces ultimately drove the decision

The Faraden have signed a new peace treaty with the Jotun. The civil service have not seen a copy, but Mistress Karadragha has provided a summary of the elements that impact relations with the Empire. Neither the Jotun nor the Faraden will fight one another directly, keeping the borders as they are now. The Faraden will not directly support the enemies of the Jotun but they are free to still trade with them. There are provisions for trade with the Jotun as well, which sticks in the craw of some families but is welcomed by others. Faraden caravans will still pay a tithe to pass through Reinos, but the Jotun cannot forbid them from using a different route if one is available - meaning that if the Iron Confederacy secure a route through the southern hills they will be free to take it. The Liege of Five Winds cautiously believes this might provide a cheaper trade route, but the Suranni are unpredictable.

The staff at the embassy note that this treaty was controversial and faced significant opposition from the Faraden warrior families. They were keen to recover the Faraden lands still in Jotun hands and to launch their own attack into the northern Lasambrian hills. In the end the arguments of the trading families won out over those of the warriors. The main argument against antagonising the Jotun related to Imperial reticence to become involved in the conquest of Reinos. It is not a palatable thing to admit but the Faraden would struggle to hold off the Jotun alone and neither the Iron Confederacy nor the Empire could be trusted to offer sufficient assistance - neither are trusted enough not to sign a treaty of their own with the Jotun that could all too easily spell ruin for Faraden.

Asavean Relations

  • The Plenum remains angry about the execution of Tomasso Triusti
  • The Asaveans have withdrawn their diplomats

The execution of Tommasso Triusti, the Asavean caught up in the purge of the Cinders, sparked outrage in the Plenum. The diplomats at the Asavean embassy have been recalled, but negotiations are apparently ongoing. Mistess Karadragha is not prepared to discuss the matter beyond saying that Faraden has no interest in severing ties with any nation, as long as it respects their sovereignty.

The civil service advise that the Faraden are likely also concerned about Asavean retribution; ironically their beliefs around Justice make this a much more pressing worry.

Faraden Further Reading

Faraden Winds

Faraden Related Titles


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

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