Trader Princes

From: Peter Metcalfe <metcalph_at_bigfoot.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2000 20:24:39 +1300


Joerg Baumgartner:

>It is true that the Neo-Stygians of post-drowning Safelster formed the
>Trader Princes, but they started already from Jorstland when the
>re-formulation of Stygianism was still rudimentary and God
>Learner-influenced Malkioni tried to revive what meagre memories they
>had of Arkat's Dark Empire.

I don't believe there was anything like a re-formulation of Stygianism or a period where it was "rudimentary". Much doctrine had been preserved by Secret Societies whereas the vast majority of peasants and townies would have still been Stygian (and penalized for it). Sir Ethilrist, who fought for the God Learners and against them at various times during the Imperial Age, has a shrine to Arkat in Muse Roost.

>I think it is agreed that the Trader Princes cared little for religious
>matters but a lot for lucrative trade.

This has never been my impression as their religious secrets (ie worship of issaries, secret Arkati magics) are one of the reasons why they are so successful in ruling the Wenelian tribes.

Hence when they do show up in the Holy Country, their stygian mysteries would have some impact on the Hendreiki.

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