To Kill a Heron

[Random_White_Guy]

To Kill a Heron
The folly of the Ephian Identity
By Ruital ibn-Kharim

It was a simple enough notion: The People of Ephia, this Great Experiment. What more could they and their assembly endeavor to pursue, to secure the Legate's approval, to showcase how they may shape their budding settlement.

It would be Hu Prak, a Caravaneer of The Protector who would later join the League of Purple. This figure would in their own time would endeavor even to run as Legate of the Purple League. The notion simple enough: What creature of the Great Ash Desert should represent Ephia's Well?

They would lend emulation to the Asterbadian Experiment. A number of Animals suggested by fellow boardworkers and those who would come and go. And one fateful Subat, like many Purple League efforts, the Refugee Sentiment would create a schism.

I endeavor to explain the Folly of this pursuit, as well as the lasting damage done by similar actions by the League of Purple - the self professed "Traditionalists" who crave Baz'eelan art, culture, and the Caliphate itself to thrive. All while in nearly every single action they undertake cutting off their nose to spite their face. I take up the kestrel quill once more, to write on why this has left an indelible mark.

A Mark that cannot be removed. But perhaps, with just enough work undertaken, it can be buried in the sands and forgotten to History.

As all mistakes ought be.

I The "Election" and the Feast of B'aara
II The Error of the Election
III The Failing of the Heron
IV The Death of the Heron
V The Better Path

[Random_White_Guy]

The "Election"
and the Feast of B'aara

Acquired from the Purple League's records, I share the initial speech drafted by Hu Prak of the Purple League. May they in their own words share the original vision.

Hu Prak
Hello! Hear now the words of Hu Prak, as he has donned the toga of the statesman. He calls out now to the Legates, who have been silent to my call! The people come to me still, and with their worried voices, they ask - Hu Prak? Have the Legates abandoned us?

And I say, 'No, little voices, friends and follows of Hu Prak, they are very busy. They will speak their words of acknowledgement soon, and call together all those with Voice to Assembly.'

And they say, in turn, 'I hope it to be true, Hu Prak! For we wish dearly to know beneath which animal of the state we march! Will it be Lion, or Groknak, or the Heron?' I tell them, 'Patience, for Hu Prak goes now to speak his words of politics upon the bellows. The Legates will not deny him.'

Come now, speak the words! Acknowledge your people who's voice I speak with my own, deep and true. We will come together in unity! These are my words, this is Hu Prak. Oh, hello Legate you are moving very fast.

After an open asterbadian experimentation including "Turtle" and "Tiny Jumping Spider" and more it was, not unlike the emulation of the Leagues themselves, reduced to three candidates. The Robust Groknak, The Heron, or the Lion. These three options would be presented forth in conjunction at the Feast of Subat for selection by the Leagues Voiced and Legates.

While the Groknak is robustly revered by the Stonefolk as their beasts of burden and livelihood, while the Heron is a majestic and beautiful creature signifying the proximity to glorious Oasis, the fact that The Lion was brought to the final three before the assembly of Refugees is a wholly and wildly and inescapably terrible display of this entire farce.

The Lion of Orentes is the signifying and categorical insult to the crushed and shattered Orentid. It was the symbol, sigil, and fundamentally violent and horrific rallying cry espoused by the Bandit Queen Ibithal 13 years ago when Ephia's Well was sacked and plundered and slaughtered by La Banda Rossa turning its coat.

That this beast was permitted to even grace the ballot, let alone be considered among the final possible selections of the Refugee? A robust insult. Doubly so considering one of the Purple League ought not only know better, but their edicts and commands from senior league officials espouse the glory of the Royal Scarab. One of potentially thousand examples which may grace any lengthy historical study of the failing of the Refugee Sentimentality.

For time and again the League of Purple's refugee members, like a child trying to draw the night sky from reflection on the water, espouse a love of Baz'eel and the Sultanate and then emphatically and wholly miss the point.

Can you even fathom what would have become, if Ephia hung from its banner the Traitor-Mark of Orentes once more over Ephia's Well? If in their ignorance the Purple League themselves permitted the Orentid Banner to fly anew? What a way to honor B'aara in greatest feast. For desert we would retire to the salon for creme brule. But before such allow us to indulge in a degree of treason. And as the river sways, ebbs, and flows, time and again we are graced by the Refugee Sentimentality.

But now, thanks to Hu Prak, we have a banner to signify such. A symbol to rally behind.

The Heron. Continue dear reader, as from these near disastrous origins i share why this must be abandoned.

[Random_White_Guy]

The Error of the Election

While the warrior Hu Prak would go on to have a robust legacy, let us shift from his tactical error here to what the implications of such present. Tracing the many conflicts and feuds, follies and more expanding beyond this tragic misstep. First and foremost we must again visit the archives of the Purple League. Gaze upon their tenant, revered so fondly by all of the League:

"To serve our benevolent Protector and benefactor the Sultan of Baz'eel as his first outpost, in his renewed Great Empire"

Ephia's Well, the Outpost, this frontier land. That those of the Purple League endeavor to serve our benefolent Protector and benefactor The Sultan of Baz'eel. The blessed line of al-Maribid. Emulating the poise, grace, dignity, and long term vision of the crown prince Faziima for a renewal of the Caliphate. As "First Outpost" in his renewed Great Empire, if one takes their tenant of literal interpretation.

I ask of you then in plainest question: If we are to stand first before others, first above others, the Sultan's favored... What is gained by an Ephian Identity? What is gained in producing forth a Symbolic Creature that separates us from the Royal Scarab Seal, from the great Eagle of Baz'eel widely renown as the Imperial Symbol? What great arts of Ephia's Well have been produced as only an Ephian artist may produce it? What great Cultural significance have been etched to history as only Ephian culture may carve it? What robust and sweeping glories has been wrought to the Heron?

As one begins to weigh these questions I hope the notion becomes clear. That the Symbol of the Heron, that the Ephian push for "Identity" and more... it is emblematic. How much of a Qadiran Identity formed beneath the rebel-state? How much of the Kha'esh identity formed beneath the rebel-state? How much of the, wheel preserve us all, Qa'immi abominations formed beneath the rebel state?

These are the companions by which we would drape ourselves? The childish desire of a nascent assembly to craft it's "Own" identity, as a pretty little birdy is considered raised as its sigil for... what reason? That it makes one feel better? That it makes one feel they belong? How much of the Refugee Sentimentality bleeds into all things done? How much is it fostered by the Boardworker who cares little for much beyond their own next contract? How much is it fostered by the Cinquefoil Rose who while giving lip service to Baz'eel crave to further expand their own fiefdom?

To this I say emphatically: No.

To belong, one must be part of something greater. Something glorious. Something lasting.

Read on, dear reader. For if it is glory you seek it is found beyond the Heron.

[Random_White_Guy]

The Failing of the Heron

Where to begin though, when one speaks of the failing of the Heron? Is it the Legate Marcellus' creation of the threat of Iakmes? Is it the Purple League's consistent and constant undermining and hindering of the Sultan's Fourth Legion in political arena? Is it the preponderance of the Refugee to believe they know the Orthodoxy of the Wheel when they themselves, for the most part, skew heavily towards counter-Baz'eelan practice?

Those who have read my works know well how I endeavor from an Izduan perspective to sunder the notion of Refugee Sentimentality. This idea that because it was hard to find way here, they know better than the established settlements of the Desert. That their methods and practices of morality, judgement, and sentiment are somehow deemed on higher footing than Baz'eelan practice. While your outer rings methods of governance and far off lands beyond the Disc have shattered to dust in entropy, Baz'eel stands firm. It stands more than firm. It stands resurgent.

The fundamental failing of the Heron lay in the practice of the Refugee's refusal of assimilation. They shall give lip service to our gods, but only go so far. They shall give lip service to our Sultan, but only go so far. They shall give lip service to our ways, but only go so far. And in the claim that Ephia its own entity, beneath its Heron, they somehow stand on high.

This is without question the single most incorrect thought one may muster. Thirteen bloody and long years ago did the Grandmaster of the Cinquefoil Rose and Exile Q'tolip come together in the signing of Accord. It was agreed and codified: The Sultan rules Ephia's Well. The Legates are chosen as stewards and balancers of the demands and commands of the Accord beneath the glorious Sultanate of Baz'eel. This is not "Independence". This is Empire. This is Colonialism.

Per the first Edict of the League of Purple, Ephia's Well sits an outpost of Baz'eel. It is why the Stele of Law and the Sublime Garden adjudicate governance. It is why the Sultan's Fourth maintain order and protection. And yet time and again this notion is rebuked. Foolishly. Rather than embraced for what it truly is. The opportunity to be so much more, to stand so much higher, to stride without relent.

Instead?

The Legates of Ephia's Well, beneath the Heron Banner, confusedly trading Il Modo for Eel Oil, mocked on the national stage. The Legates of Ephia's Well, beneath the Heron Banner, timidly offering Kha'esh the reigns on The War Council. The Legates of Ephia's Well, beneath the Heron Banner, meekly requesting from Tlonssiya some of their resources. The Legautes of Ephia's Well, beneath the Heron Banner, allowing those of Ramieton to dictate what is or is not the Fashion dujour. The Legates of Ephia's Well, beneath the Heron banner, allowing pious Alkab to dictate what sits upon your Stele. The Legates of Ephia's Well, publicly shamed by Kha'esh's ambassador, for sending someone in a bird-costume to spy on their offices.

If Ephia's Well is not a leader in Culture of Faith, in Science, in Art, in Military force, what is it?

What is your Precious Heron? Beyond a leader in exporting of embarrassment and shame.

And each day it is allowed to fall further, spiraling downward, as threats begin to surround and dangers rise.

Where is your nerve?

I ask you, dear reader, where is your pride?

[Random_White_Guy]

The Death of the Heron

What then would be required, to see the Heron killed?

An agreement from the Legates, who sit one purple and one gold, that the Symbol must be removed. That a new renaissance of Ephia may begin as the New District construction underway. A purifying cleanse in the Mother's graces that we may emerge anew with a broader purpose and a greater understanding of what it is to be The First Outpost of the Sultan's Renewed Empire.

First: A Synod that adheres to Orthodox Faith rather than Refugee interpretation and sentiment. An organized push of religious and local community leaders. There is no shortage of faithful of the Wheel in Ephia's Well. Only a few who would shepherd them forward in further assimilation to Baz'eelan custom and ideals. Hosting of Festivals and Feasts, Hosting of Sermon and Holiday, the proliferation of religious dogma beyond "Warad welcomes the Wandering Boardworker" and likewise sentiment.

Second: A redoubled effort to increase Sultanate Intellegence. The Fourth Legion has no shortage of Soldiers but the Inspectors Bureau sits vacant and fleeting. Men and women who had cut their teeth in the War having difficulty transitioning back to street patrol and the obstruction of criminal activity. Increased funding, increased recruitment, increased agenda coupled with currently proposed overhaul of the Magistration.

Third: A Cultural and Art endeavor, free of the Cinquefoil Rose. Perhaps a new Operahouse in the District, perhaps more performances at Elossi's, perhaps more anything. While the College of Balladeers proclaims robust talent they have taken two clear path: The Errant Questing Knight and The Hellion. Those of the Knights favor their boardwork, their march against the foes to Baz'eel, their crusade in search of laying low the ill dwelling. This is not a poor thing to have by any means! Though I would say it is hardly artistic pursuit. And of the Hellions, what more may be said? Lyrist Domergue and her small cadre of those who would sooner fight the Governance than embrace it.

Fourth: The Astronomers of Q'tolip, with nowhere else to turn, have come to Ephia's Well. Their works in the sciences and arcane have been a boon however routinely undercut and sundered by the aspirations of the Cultish Priory. Those who are glad to lend their magics to many efforts provided of course they are given "Tax Free Property" in Arslan, and more, to proliferate their Haoma and Drink. The same Haoma they suggest we should "Export" abroad. These are not the actions of those on the forefront of science, of innovation, of creation. A broader push must be undertaken to see splendors. Not merely in war time, but so too in peace time, ushered forth from these manifold Magicians studying on high in service of the Exile Q'tolip.

Fifth: Expectation of the Voiced. It has been spoken by many that the easiest way to get a Voice is to wait for an election and offer to vote for whomever buys you won. Furthermore it has been spoken the easiest way to gain from an Election is to sell your vote. Doubly so if you join a cadre to sell votes in bulk. While this is not a poor notion the question becomes what is done with the Dinar secured from these votes? What grand legal overhauls have the bright minds of the Voiced produced? What robust properties and organizations do they lead? What do they do, with their precious voice, beyond profit on election and lend Quip at Assembly? How can one expect the Voiceless to be held to a higher standard when there exists no Expectation and Standard for the Voiced?

Of these five factors, coupled with an increased effort to adhere to the other tenants of the Purple League?

These steps, dear reader. These are how the Heron is snuffed out.

How Ephia rises as the true First Outpost. The standard by which every other Satrapy beneath the new Caliphate is to be judged.

[Random_White_Guy]

The Better Path

If we are to see the Caliphate rise anew we must aspire to march The Better Path. We must demand excellence. Not only of ourselves, of our governance, of the Accord, of our faithful, we must demand more. It need not be much more. A mere fifteen percent more, is all that statistically it would require.

Whatever it is you pursue, pursuing it 15% further would begin to tip the scales at large. If you are to support the Legion, do so with 15% more gusto. If you are to aspire to attend a faithful congregation of the Wheel, offer not only 15% more tithe but also engage with the Chaplain or Priest who is sharing their message and call. It is all it takes, a small charitable spirit, in alignment with Baz'eel's own typical efforts. Such a thing can wholly transform Ephia's Well.

Embrace that Voice of Ephia's Well brings with it both the privileges and expectation of further ties and business with Baz'eel, and status therein. Embrace that to be of the Leagues, each, honors the Sultan's resplendent Daughters. Embrace that to be protected by the Sultan's Legion a gift. Cherish your success that you may pay of Highter taxation to improve affair.

Cast off the Heron, embrace the Eagle, the highest standard of Baz'eel. What it is to be a Citizen of the glorious Empire, of the expanding Caliphate, of the bright future as laid out at Kardeseler. That Ephia may continue to rise as First outpost. That Ephia may continue to improve. That a new beginning may be had, casting off the humiliation of the past, shedding the Heron to soar anew and proper.

As the Caliphate takes to flourishing under the auspices of the Eagle and begins to grow its influence in the Region abroad, as the City States surrounding are once more brought to heel and reintroduced in splendid prosperity.

This, dear reader.

This is the future we all must work towards.

When the Heron is interred at the Maqbara and the Refugee's aassimilation into the Empire in full begins.