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When traveling from Qadira to Frostport when the boat arrived it didn't unlock, DM Roxy had to pop the hatch.

When traveling back from Frostport to Qadira again, the same repeated.

Not sure what could do it but each time it said "You have arrived" - but the transition sealed.

[Confluence]

Confluence
Gausim al-Marain

"The Wheel Turns", is a passing phrase which has been adopted by the Refugee. With such though most things adopted, untended, left tend to wither. Among the Refugee culture it is used as a notion that things shall improve, that change is constant, that there is ever more. They could not be farther from the truth.

The Wheel Turns is an invocation of B'aara's mercy. She is Overgod of the Wheel but she is not so brazen as to declare she can be all places, do all things, so omnipotent. In past works it has been codified as an attempt by the Refugee to consider the Secular Bureaucracy in the lens by which the entirety of existence is cast. This is a fallacy. For the Ecclesiastic Bureaucracy has existed for millennia, well before the Great Ring was the last salvation of this Disc.

The Wheel Turns is a delegation of divinity. The flowing of water to the representative chosen for each task as sworn by Spoke, bound by family, honored by duty. Matters of peace reign, Praise B'aara, but there has been a scourge of Necromancy that has shaken the populace to the core. The Wheel Turns, it is boons given to the Twindari Maqbara, even holding honor of her name in such a thing as the soul is ushered back to the Mother. The Wheel Turns. Once the matter of necromantics abates comes a fierce famine due to the proximity of The Demon's presence. Kula Takes. But so too does Kula Give. The Wheel Turns and the waters and boons shift and flow that in her blessed hands may the barest grasp of life take to thickest root. Upon the feasting does the Wheel Turn.

This does not mean it occurs errant, for B'aara is the Wheel. And as these waters flows to those in need - so too does her Faithful, her Temples, her Shrines. B'aara in a great many considerations Is the Wheel. The Divine Conduit in which each other Spoke receives their powers, their boons, their blessings as needed during the times most dire. But so too the times most peaceful. For this she is thanked, for this she is revered, and for this are thanks given.

For that is the nature of a Sultana. Her Court tends the peoples, and in Confluence - The point in which the tributaries converge, is the mighty Edutu Raised. And in this Confluence - do her Clergy act.

You wander far and though you find shrine, old and worn, you find no Waradim - Seek the B'aarat.
You fall upon darkest thought and harshest times, your minds drift to the sickly sweet taste of wine and decadent intrigue - Seek the B'aarat.
You fall upon a foe so great, you are outnumbered, you are confused, you begin to doubt that The Protector still holds your heart - Seek the B'aarat.

We are servitors of She, the Mother, the Overgod of the Wheel.
We are tenders of She, the Wheel, the Pantheon of Sultan and Creation.
We are shepherds of She, The Sultana, and in this we are versed in all of her Court's ways.

The Wheel Always Turns. And even if you cannot find a Clergy of your Faith. You can find we.

For we are all of her Waters. And We the Water-Bearers, pass on her divinity.

To those who need.

Be they Champion of Agasian Arena,
Be they Izduan Magi thick of tome and debate,
Be they Gellemede, canny and grateful for the Sable Cloak.
Be they Wroth, spurned and miserable aching for vengeance.
Be they Twindari, who seek law in a lawless land.
Be they of other Spoke, who feel they have lost their way in absence of Clergy.

In Confluence we welcome you home.

In Substitution we may serve as conduit.

Seek us to praise your Spoke, where you feel spokeless.

We shall carry your message - along with B'aara's waters, where it shall need go.

The Wheel Turns. And though all water flows from she -

All Tributaries return to Source.

This is Confluence.

All the Wheel may seek her Temple. Be it openly or in Anonymity.

[Eamon]

Eamon,

I fear one was, yes. A halfling as they are called from the Outer Rings or beyond. Business most grim.

As for your inquiry - The sacred rite of Water Devotions are an intricate and complex weaving of rite, ritual, and practical prayer in which the pious genuflect and reflect. For days on end they would be offered to the Mother. As signs of just as they are called - devotion.

In this instance I would not know without further understanding of the piece, but from context clues it lends that there were eight days in a row of devotions. So before the ninth day of devotions, but after the seventh, they were come upon. The Dawn Prayer is a sacred thing, warding away of Pra'raj and thanking B'aara for the sable cloak of night that ensures our safety, survival and protection from his furious menace. A suitable thing for the Sultan to bless his troops with before a fierce battle - especially if they are to be fighting during the accursed daylit hours or close to the Witching Hour in the time of no shadows, upon the twelfth hour.

I hope this may lend some insight.

Though do not discount the Waradim. For while your newfound faith may see you all travel far, wide, low, and high - there is ample ceremony. Numerous rites. For these things the foundational stones of faith. Be it upon camp, caravan, or city. Any time you wish we may speak more on such.

Magistrate Gausim al Marain
Honored Water Bearer of the Great Temple of Baz'eel
First of the First Seat

[Eamon Bronzegate]

Eamon Bronzegate,

Do forgive the delay in our meeting, as I was in Ka'esh seeking to stymie the maladies of greed and more that had befallen so many of Ephia's Well. To watch a daywalker, and servitor of the Sultan's Janissary, have his eye and leg removed for some esoteric magic of regeneration. It showed such a depth of desperation. The rest of my night was spent praying for him.

To your question there is no eighth day, upon the seventh it begins a new. This can be difficult for some of the dwellers of the Outring unfamiliar with the days, weeks, and months of the year but in Baz'eel these things meticulously respected and considered of the Spokes.

It is one of the services the Great Temple of B'aara provides, along with ensuring that if none are able to find a priest of their Spoke, that our Clergy serve as interim and offer counsel based upon that spoke, and similar workings of faith and civil service.

This is what it means to serve the Overgod of the Wheel.

If more questions arise I welcome you to seek me.

Magistrate Gausim al-Marain
Honored Water Bearer of the Great Temple of Baz'eel
First of the First Seat

[Legate Domnhall]

Legate Domnhall,

Regarding my suggestion of institution of a Civil Court and your approval and request for prepared document I lend the following:

Pursuant of Magistrate and duties in relation to Jurisprudence the role of Magistrate is expanded to attend and assess Civic Judgements. Mediation of broken contracts, dispute between parties, and the undertaking of restitution and punitive measures. By virtue of Magistrate duties of serving as Trial for cases of Capital Charge, Serious Charge in absence of a Sergeant, and below the role exists prepared already for formal mediation and judgment.

The role is to be expanded in regards to a model comparable to the Baz'eelan system of Jurisprudence.

The station of Magistrate is one often brokered for as political favor but with little concern to Jurisprudence and absent of Case from the Janissary, sits vestigial. To add to their civic duties and expectations an expansion of station for Civil Cases to be heard and sat as Mediator. This lessens the stress upon the Janissary of the Fourth Legion in civil disputes to focus on what truly matters.

Petition may be filed by an aggrieved Voiced party or mutually aggrieved Voiced parties in search of restitution for Non-Criminal mediation. Voiced may pursue charges against Voiceless but Voiceless may not pursue charges against the Voiced. Voiced may pursue charges against Rival League but may not pursue charges against Rival Legate or Cabinet (Magistrate, Stele Position, et.). Voiced may pursue charges against their own League in pursuit of Expulsion.
 
If Petition accepted, Magistrates authorized to issue Summons for both parties to appear before Court in reasonable or timely manner. If refused, would be charged with Article 13 - Interference with Jurisprudence. Refusal to attend - Serious. Witnesses may be requested by either party to appear in a timely manner or submit written testimony prior to summons. Witness refusal to do so if petition accepted - Minor Charges.

Procedure will be carried out similar to Criminal Trial - allowing Advocacy for both parties in lieu of prosecution and defense.

Judgement rendered will be honored by both parties and enforced by Janissary, but eligible for appeal to Legate. Fines cannot exceed 2,000 Dinar. Criminal punishments of Exile, Execution, and more prohibited.

Unfair judgements, ill-reasoned or poorly carried out procedure, or similar may be reported to serving Magistrate's Legate for termination of duty.

As this role exists already before Assembly, this is merely a procedural practice, no Assembly approval will be requisite but you may raise it at your leisure to their attention.

To compensate for the anticipated workload a wage of 4 Dinar for Magistrate.
Failure for Legate's Magistrate to carry out such duties a matter of public shame.
Failure for Magistrate to carry out such duties eligible for termination.

Example of possible cases may include:

Sale of fraudulent goods in the Souk.
Deceptive contractual agreements.
Unreasonable dismissal from duty.
Deceptive pilfering of resources on contract.
Equipment disputes from the standard "Two Sixes" roll (e.g. Something won is merely being sold, not used truly by one who merely joined the roll, acquired in bad faith).
General Perfidy in Business.
Unreasonable Abuse by Bellow.
Egregious Sartorial Adornments (Skulls, bare flesh, similar).
Illegal Use of Likeness (Newspaper, Displayed Art, more)
Illegal Representation of League (Being Purple but Voting Gold, Misinterpreting the League-raised mission statements within each League, similar - Eligible for Expulsion.)

Scribes wishing to prove themselves or improve their lot may seek to assist in Civil Procedure but it is a purely Office of Magistrate obligation.

Questions or more, I am glad to speak on at your leisure or answer by letter.

Magistrate Gausim al-Marain
Honored Waterbearer of the Temple of Baz'eel
First Seat of the First Seat

As more bellows howl, as more tensions stir, as more word raised. Some call for religious freedom, some call for condemnation, some going so far as to declare that The Fourth Legion must declare the threat of the Dome true or false once and for all to settle this affair.

City Whisper:
Sofia d'Andrea
'Salutations, this is Sister-Priest Sofia. As Magistrate al-Marain has bellowed, negotiations have indeed broken down. I am much saddened by it, for I was prepared to find a way forward by making unprecedented personal concessions not required by any law.'

Sofia d'Andrea
'I was prepared to limit my public preaching to the Krak des Roses. To refrain from organising any mass religious events on the streets of Ephia's Well, save for works of charity. To refrain from purchasing property in Ephia's Well for setting up a temple.'

Sofia d'Andrea
'I was even prepared to relinquish my Voice and to refrain from joining any political League, although Sages know these things have nothing to do with what I am being accused of. Alas, all this was not enough. I am still accused of being a 'threat to the safety and security' of the Well.'

Sofia d'Andrea
'I could, of course, only speak for myself, not for other Modini, not for other priests of the Dome. And so here we are. Magistrate al-Marain persists in his demand of 're-baptism', invoking article 18 of the penal code. And I still persist in denying such an obviously untenable charge.'

Sofia d'Andrea
'Therefore, I shall be continuing my daily readings of Sage Santina's hagiography at the Pilgrim. The next one will be in exactly two hours. I still hope this matter can be settled in a peaceful and civilised manner, in the spirit of mutual respect. Live and drink, Ephia's Well.'

City Whisper:
Alejandro Benjazar
Buen día, beloved Ephians! Your beloved minstrel joins his voice to the fray with a simple opinion: it is ultimately the Legion's due to decide whether the Faith of the Dome constitutes a threat to the Well. Their clarification would be useful.

A call of resumption by Sofia, a call of many others in protest, a call of the Prelate of the First Seat, followed soon after by a call from the Magistrate of the First Seat.

City Whisper:
Gausim al-Marain
Within the Barracks of the Legion, a shrine of Wroth. Within the Hall of Jurisprudence are carved /in stone/ the word's 'The Mother's Justice is Swift and Fearless'. Upon the Stele sit the Pantheon of the Wheel's Patrons.

Gausim al-Marain
The Grand Mufti, upon the Stele raised to speak of religious matters, declared this woman and chased her with shoeleather. Sergeants, I release you from the Mother's Mercy - The time I had hoped Sofia would use to learn, she has refused.

And half a bell later amidst further arguing did a Sergeant of the Legion come forward and bellow

City Whisper
Conrad Fellstar
This stands as the final reminder to the citizens of the Well. The Fourth Legion retains sole authority for the security and enforcement of its laws. Vigilantes, mercenaries, and fool-hardy heroes attempting to take justice into their own hands will be dealt with swiftly.

Conrad Fellstar
The assessment of threats, specifically those pertaining to foreign influence, ever grows. As such, new protocols are now required for certain Voiced citizens:

Conrad Fellstar
The following groups of individuals who obtain their Voice are ordered by the Fourth Legion to present themselves to the barracks for interview: Voiced faithful of the Dome, Voiced regufees from Il Modo, and Voiced refugees hailing from west of the Edutu. This criteria will grow in the coming weeks.

Conrad Fellstar
To those who have presented themselves already, you have my thanks for not having to track you down. As for the remainder of you, my patience thins.

With just shy two days left of deadline, the call for mercy nullified. The hourglass counting down removed.

Whether it was either Priest's actions, or the Prelate's Call, the Legion promises new scrutiny.

[Orthodoxy]

Orthodoxy
Gausim al-Marain

When one embarks on a life devoted of faith they are instantly ushered into a world of wonder. The divine sacrament and investiture by a Spoke itself into your daily life is by no means an easy charge. It a challenge laid before yourself in the pursuit of a Potter, Craftsman, Artisan, a Teacher reshaping the world around you. Where as the Layman awakens and considers his task and chores, his duties, his hopes, his aspirations - The nature of Clergy is to place those secondary.

Yet for all the difficulty it brings, the headache, the heartache, so too does it bring such a sense of purpose, of acceptance of a higher power, of moments of pure ecstasy. To watch a man you have come to know is struggling, make a revaluation of himself and his world, in pursuit of something more. To watch a woman you have seen time and again maligned by others slowly build the confidence to stand up for herself. It fills the urn of the heart.

Yet this is not merely at the barest level, so too at the highest. Entire peoples, entire cities, may be studied and recognized to follow these same recourse. As they begin to find themselves, their purpose, as they grow and spread their arms and greet the night in a new and pleasant breath of fresh air. So too, may it fill the urn of the heart.

At its fundamental core Orthodoxy is the skeletal structure of the craftsman trades. The practices undertaken, the passage of master to apprentice, the undertaking of lessons until you are ready, journeyman status to discover and grow your craft, before in your own right becoming a Master of your work.

• If you are seeking a wagon built, you would not trust your precious wife and your life's works of cargo to ride up a mountain in one designed by the unproven.
• If you are seeking a bed for your child, you would not trust your younglet on something constructed on the sly by a man who cared more for money than craft.
• If you are seeking an armor to protect you from harm, you would not enlist a man who does not know the proper means of curving a breastplate - lest upon first strike it would buckle and pierce your chest worse than the strike.

Why then, why would, why should, Faith be any differed?

Many turn up their nose and rankle at the notion of Orthodoxy. Not so different than the believe that Governance brings with it restriction. Yet the very nature of a skeletal structure is with firm foundation a greater notion of all may be founded.

• Would you trust a House designed by a architect who eschewed blueprint because they "Told him what to do"?
• If you are placed on trial for a crime you did not commit, would you entrust your Advocacy to a man who had never studied Ephia's Legal Code, or read of the Law Library in the halls of Jurisprudence?
• A man who has first undertaken the Craft of Alchemy, would you trust to operate laboratory in a public space, where the misapplication and ill measurement could lead to the harm of many?

And to this I say -

Orthodox practices. These things hold merit, they hold place in Society, and they bring with them assurances. The understanding that one you seek is true, practiced, and learned in their craft.

The Refugee Clergy of Ephia's Well, the Apprentice or Journeyman Ullema, while they may make headway. they are far from Orthodox.

They are still learning. They are still discovering. I beg you have patience with their practices, and encourage all to seek to better understand. That because for five, for ten years one has studied a life of Faith? They are not Masters of this craft. There is still refinement to come.

And it is the duty of The B'aarat to aid in that refinement, as Mother of All Creation. As Overgod of the Wheel.

Gausim al-Marain
Live. And Drink. This morning I raised word that I had met with Sofia, that we had reached a tenable peace. She was prepared in her piety and sacrifice, to have the Clergy of the Sages shoulder the burden to spare the laymen of Il Modo. To advocate, before all -

 City Whisper:
Gausim al-Marain
That the Clergy of the Dome be prohibited of Voice, and of membership in the Leagues, not so unlike our Article 11 upon Accorded Legates. That in this action the Laymen free to quietly organize, and their priests gather in the shrines of the Krak, and more.

 City Whisper:
Gausim al-Marain
When sharing this with Legate Ricario Cassella he said plain: The League of Voice for All will not be part of such a prohibition. That he appreciated the work but it should be 'Handled of faith, not law'. That we should rework such.

 City Whisper:
Gausim al-Marain
I have extended the Mother's Mercy, upon every occasion. However B'aara does not sit upon the Stele, Warad does. B'aara does not sit of the Grand Mufti, Wroth does. If both the Secular and Ecclesisastic Bureaucracy wish these choices I honor them.

 City Whisper:
Gausim al-Marain
Sofia - Our Negotiations are sundered. Live. And Drink.

City Whisper:
Ottavio Banducci
To think someone would be so willing as throw themselves into a fire and ensure their own suffering. Modan of all walks of life bleed both coin and blood for this Well. No Voice? What a pathetically obtuse proposal.

Ottavio Banducci
Merely is simple calm neccessary, we're all honoured citizens of this Well and that is a term that all ought get used to, yes?

Gausim al-Marain
I do not begrudge any who shed for this city, Sage-Priest Banducci, but keep this at the forefront of your mind: No amount of shedding of blood, coin, or your Dome have or will save your Floating City. It is why you have all fled. Yours is deserved damnation.

 City Whisper:
Gausim al-Marain
To those of the Wheel I say this - The Waters will flow. Those who doubt can speak with Lady Nasreen or others who watched as I stitched together the Sage-priest despite our differences the night of the Slaver's raid. Live. And Drink.

City Whisper:
Ottavio Banducci
The Floating City has it's own share of issues, I'd not have left otherwise so on this I'd certainly concur. Even so, as this dance showed a sign of ending it's damnation that is suddenly deserved.

 City Whisper:
Ottavio Banducci
If you're truely amicable I'm sure we can conclude such in person, without the kind of fishy bargains provided to the kind Sister! They are far more my forte than hers.

For a while the Duo would debate atop the Pyramid overlooking the vista, a third eventually joining... though no announcements to come...

Under three days remain, and negotiations announced sundered.

In the morning raised unexpected call.

Sofia d'Andrea
'Magistrate al-Marain, we are overdue a meeting in person. Please come to the viewing platform of the Pyramid where I will be waiting. Live and drink.'

For a time wo figures who could not be more different, one small and portly in the luxury of Voiced Toga, the other thin and threadbare in humble rag, would speak. There was no tension, nor even a sense of urgency. Merely two calm heads as if it was two old friend sitting by a river, feeding waterfowl.

Then came word.

Gausim al-Marain
Live. And Drink. It is the Seventh Day. You must get your affairs in order to finish business for the week, and prepare for the next week to come.

Gausim al-Marain
In the spirit of such did Sofia of the Sage-Sister seek me out, in peace, in hope of understanding. In hope of future to come. For hours did we sit upon the Vista overlooking Ephia in Synod. We broke proverbial bread speaking of the tumult that has ataken.

Gausim al-Marain
She has come forward and proposed concessions. Limitations upon herself. Limitations upon the Faith of the Dome within Ephia's Well. I applaud her efforts for civility and decorum as these are not easy notion. But so too has she her own requests.

Gausim al-Marain
And countering her requests, are requests of my own. For this is the nature of negotiation. While these negotiations are ongoing she has agreed to cease her readings at the Pilgrim. Grand Mufti, Balladeer Alain, Khalid, Jerrod. I bid you all seek me.

As for you Ariel, I do not know where you stand on the notion of such a possible peace, but you too are invited to seek me that we may weigh this offer.

As the day continued into night more chaos swirled. Many Nadiri chiming in, Magistrate Clearcreek, Balladeer Alain and Clergy of the Wheel of all stripes, and even Sergeant of the Janissaries. So many Bellows ringing out, so much argument in the street, reams of scroll, jugs of ink...

For better or worse - Faith and the Ecclesiastic Bureaucracy takes the minds of many, at the same time Secular Bureaucracy faces hurdle. Though there is some overlap - Word coming from Speaker Jerrod that Prelate Akna has taken of Conversion to Kula.

Just Under Four days remain.

Each day the Sage Priest's readings draw more attention. It is unknown what will come at her next, but many eyes and ears drift.

[Clearcreek Rebuttal]

Clearcreek Rebuttal
Gausim al-Marain

"To you, good folk of the Well, who find themselves torn betwixt that which they hear, and that which they feel in their heart, I ask the same as I did in one of the Debates. Is your faith in the Wheel, or the mouth's of those who proselytize for it? Have you spent the time to truly know your God?"

Jordan Clearcreek, Nisah 27th, 7788

These words issued in challenge have been weighed most of the day, and as Honored Bearer of the Great Temple of Baz'eel I lend weight and measure to my words.

"To you, good folk of the Well, who find themselves torn betwixt what they hear, and that which they feel in their heart" opens with ad hominem assumption. For the number of those who are pious, devout, and adherent of The Wheel greatly eclipse the dissenters.

The woman Miranda Marlin, who so graciously helps herself to the Waters of Ephia's Well, raising bellows calling for a "Grand Muffin" to be replaced. This is not a sign of one who has spent months in our fair city with earnest intention. She is a Learned Wizard, she actively knows many magics and boasts often of the Fifth Circle upon the bellows. The word Mufti is not so difficult.

The Nadiri, Zol Nur, who speaks of having Studied penal code. She is not disdained by the community for her charity, but for the source. There is already law upon the Assembly, and she sit in violation of such. She has been given a week's time to seek to err her ways and instead has taken to a tantrum, as children are want.

The Nadiri, Lapa, who speaks of Senseless Violence against a single woman who preaches what she holds close to her heart not being a show of strength - It is not about a showing of strength. It is about the Pantheon that has encouraged our Gates to be so opened, that has encouraged our Culture, our Life. We would not walk into a person's home and ungraciously offend their offering of a coffee, or insult their family. And yet she chooses to do just this. In multiple accountings.

Even now as I have offered Sofia time to reflect on her ways, rather than what some sought of merely arresting her for her crimes, she chooses protest.

She does not seek to learn, to change, to find place in our community. She merely takes her book to our Statue and to sow more discontent.

There are more, so many more, but I tell you this plain fair reader: "Is your faith in the Wheel, or the mouth's of those who proselytize for it?"

This question a cutting one. And not in the way that Scholar Clearcreek believes it.

For  those who proselytize for it are chosen, by the Wheel. Their deeds, their actions, their causes are championed in divine sacrament and the rawest communion that may be offered between a Mortal and a God.

A lifetime dedicated to study, to understanding, and to prayer. So too though depending upon the divine duties of the Spoke - the sacred deeds demanded. Restrictions upon decorum, upon practice, oaths layered and emplaced and honored.

Men and women do not "Learn" to be Clergy by the practices of scavenging arcane scrolls. Men and women do not "Become" the Speakers of the Wheel because of study of odd stars.

By sacred Relic and Divine Will are the servitors of the Mother, The Protector, The Martyrs, The Wroth, The Wanderer, The Magi, and more given their powers.

And if they were fell, if they were false? They would have such powers revoked.

I do not admit they are not without flaws - but while many of you adhere to your hunt of Boardwork and Politic and Survival in this Great Ash, the Clergy of the Wheel aspire to enact the divine mandates of The Creator. There is a sacrifice of the self and a great cost that comes with such devotions.

And to question such - Not only having the thought, not only sharing the thoguht, but raising it across the realm by Bellow? By not only a Magistrate of Ephia's Well so reigned and governed by the Sultan, but in defense of a Sage Cultist of Il Modo?

These things fair reader give more than a degree of pause. They raise concern.

Not nearly though concern such as this - "Have you spent the time to truly know your God?"

Have you? Have you drank deep of the Waters of Ephia offered freely, have you walked the Roads protected by Warad, have you been graciously attended by the Martyrs who tend both gravesite and more to ensure the Dead may find their due and proper resting place?

In every facet of our Life, and in the barest skeleton of Ephia's Well, lays the Wheel.

It is the Guiding Star of Izdu that leads the Astronomers to wonder.

It is the Noble Warding of Warad that leads the likes of Lynneth, of Aurelio's service to the Mother, of Alain's tenants to the Martyr, that lead the Balladeers to the heights of heroism in the pursuit of a dream for a life a new with Cup.

It is the Janissary's pledge to the Wroth, his very Statue in their Garrisson, to see good works done and the wicked punished.

The Accord, The Sultan, the Leagues, the Populace.

For B'aara is the Creator. Merciful as she is Wise. But she defers to Izdu as she cannot be all thing. And her Wheel, touches all. From War to Peace, from Growth to cull. The Full breadth of existence. And in her Wheel, as it turns, the Waters of her divinity shared with those who may use it best among the Ecclesiastic Bureaucracy at that time. A Sultana deferring to her Court.

And in such a thing did Man learn to grow, and govern, in such manner.

That we have welcomed Asterabadian practice into Ephia though seems to have many believe such a thing also must apply to Divinity.

To this, and a great many others say the same in agreement:I know well my god.

I know my God, because I have been raised of it. And teach others the same.

And our City raised on such.

But Asterabadian Principle ends at the Secular Bureaucracy and the Assembly Chamber.

And to question such a thing is gravest insult.

DM Shout:
People begin to arrive to the center of the plaza, following noises of a heated argument that came to blows...

City Whisper:
Sultan's Janissary
Fellstar, Reyer! Either you handle it or delegate to one of your men, I can't leave my post. A man calling himself Radislav Ludovich Proudly just went around and beat a voiced citizen who preferred to remain nameless. No idea why. Someone deal with it!

City Whisper:
Radislav Ludovich
Peace upon the Wroth, poison be his name! If these foreigners once again comport to proselytize before the Holy Icon of the Pilgrim; desecrating it before our public. I have let them taste the leather of my shoe, and kindly sent them on their way with B'aara's mercy for their perfidious worship!

City Whisper:
Radislav Ludovich
If these foreigners do so again, then I will greet them again with the leather of my shoe! I await word with you, Sergeants.

[The Four Clays]

The Four Clays
Gausim al-Marain

When the earth mixes with Mother B'aara's waters, the outcome is the substance known as clay. It allows for the creation of wonders large and small, but as she created life the Civilized are able to see their walls raised higher. Their homes built. Their empire grow. The quality of this clay though, when sprinkled with the purest waters of the Mother's tears, lends to the differed outcome. She weeps so as there are unhoused, as there are those suffering so, as Refugees come.

Earthenware, a more porous and and able to be chiseled by simple knife it allows for the construction of simple abodes and contain water, grain, and more. It is the first steps towards a civilized life when a settlement is able to raise Earthenware.

Terracotta, a less porous but red hued clay, is not without impurity but it holds its form fairer. It lends well to the creation of irrigation, of growth of farm and flower, and the keeping of contents under pressure. So too, when struck just right - it shall emit such a sonorous tune provided the stonework is not fractured. The first steps of culture atop mere civilized life producing a greater push towards the Mother's hopes for all her children.

Stoneware is refined. It is a firm, well tended Clay sculpted by an Artisan. It allows the construction of great structures and durable homes to stand the test of time, but it must be refined and chiseled and carved as all stonework does. With due time and effort though it may move beyond the shortcomings of Terracotta to make truly water-tight, far less impure, and sturdy materials. Perfect for the construction of Walls, Wells, and more. A time when men and women may set aside sword and spear and begin to discovery not only the baseworks of civilization or the inklings of culture but a true and earnest step.

Porcelain is immaculate. The delicate carvings, the careful finish, the artisinal touches. It is refined beyond measure and it sits so valued, so precious, and so perfect. It is a Master's touch that forges such a thing and coveted by any and all. The housing of Water for not only necessity but for decorative purposes showing such wealth that one may give it charitably to any who have need. It is the last stage of a Culture's progression towards a truly Civilized lifelihood when Porcelain is introduced.

It is in the honor of the Mother's workings that the Four B'aaran Shrines of Ephia's Well are so made. Carefully carved with intention and purpose. Consecrated by Acolyte of the Blessed Temple under the duties of Mother Al-Fayyid, to bring her honor and respect among The Great Temple of Baz'eel. The iconography as well lends to the Progression of the Refugee, as they come from the harsh desert and progress to become a fully found and self-actualized Citizen. So long as they have made their way to each of the Four Shrines.

The Earthware Shrine - The B'aaran Almhouse of The Tablet, where many Refugee first find way.
The Terracotta Shrine - The Upper Floor of the Krak de Rose, where waters flow near the arena staining the Clay red, where Refugee may learn of how to survive this harsh desert.
The Stoneware Shrine - Hasheema's Hope, where the communal lessons of charity, of care, and of family begin to take root.
The Porcelain Shrine - The Palm Heights, where the refinement of Clay moves beyond art to miraculous, and where the Refugee becomes a truly contributing Voiced Citizen.

A miraculous thing it shall be when the Four Shrines are attended in unison, that the Blessed Temple of B'aara may operate in full capacity, and we of the Great Temple may honor such with celebration and blessings upon Ephia's Well.

One day.

[Acolyte-Priest Vasil of Stoneware Shrine]

Acolyte-Priest Vasil of Stoneware Shrine

It brings no shortage of pleasure amidst these troubled times to announce that a new Acolyte has come forth offering his aid and services to the Temple of B'aara. As he is sworn of the Priest's path he lends his services as Acolyte Priest to those in need of Hasheema's Hope.

Upon arrival to Ephia's Well did the Charity Chest, the lessons learned, the free respite, and the odd small jobs aid him in finding his footing and meeting others of the Settlement.

It is his most earnest endeavor to find his path here, a place among this City, and so in the name of the works of the Blessed Temple of Ephia's Well he is named Acolyte.

Attendant of the Stoneware Shrine, the Fountain of Hasheema's Hope. May he guide it to flow with as much charity as he received, and repay such in kind to any who arrives in need.

Seek him for curative, seek him for wisdom, seek him for aid and come to know him as you would any who adorn themselves as Clergy. That this Newcomer may grow and learn, alongside so many others who have made their way to Ephia's Well.

Magistrate Gausim al-Marain
Honored Water Bearer of the Great Temple of Baz'eel
First of the First Seat

There was some talk about this in Discord - but I think in all honesty?

If you win your League's candidacy you should be able to have some more weight to throw around by virtue of having won the Primary.

Things like trying to help or undermine the Legates should come with some sway over PCs, the ability like the Accorded Factions to control who is or isn't allowed in the League, A bit more sway over the NPC presences of the League or by proxy (Purple Candidate may be more beloved by Janissary NPC, etc).

I think it would go a long way to take back some of these woes if people knew that taking a big risk during the campaign didn't mean you were left hung out to dry after you lose and other PCs shifted towards other matters while Dedicated Politicians kept beating the drum or towing the party line.