I'tiraf
City of Confessions
I'tiraf is the site of the League Conclave, the governing body to which every Pantheist city sends representatives. Located at the mouth of the river Al- Hadi, I'tiraf lies almost directly east of Jumlat, a wild and "uncivilized" Pearl City for which I'tiraf has little respect. I'tiraf's people take pride in living in one of Zakhara's most moral and upright settlements. This is not to say that evil or misguided men and women are not found here. However, once such dastards have been revealed, they are quickly punished, reformed, or (as is likely) both. Ferreting out such undesirables is one reason I'tiraf is known as the City of Confessions.
I'tiraf's residents are staunchly moralist, extremely lawful, and exceedingly gracious - at least to one another. Veiled men and women conduct their business with little fear of beggars, thieves, or rogues. They believe that all people who come from outside Pantheist territories are no better than savages. It is folly to argue about this point, for I'tiraf's citizens are confident in their beliefs, and argument only confirms their opinions on the rudeness and quarrelsome nature of "misguided" people.
The people of I'tiraf look to their religious leaders and the emir for guidance. To find success here, as elsewhere in the League, even warriors, wizards, and rogues must take on the mantle and the creed of the Pantheon. Traders, craftsmen, and merchants within the city all prefer to deal with other moralists. Caravans and ships from far-off lands experience (at best) a cold reception and (more likely) a large amount of duties and taxes. Merchants from the Pearl Cities often use "captains of convenience" when dealing with I'tiraf: moralist (though not necessarily Pantheon-worshipping) individuals.
Life in I'tiraf revolves around the Great Mosque of the Pantheon. This mosque is one of the largest structures outside Huzuz. One of the most beautiful structures as well, it is made of polished blue stone excavated from the Al-Sayaj Mountains, inlaid with gold, and set with precious and semiprecious gems. Mamluks guard the mosque. This is a haram (holy site) in its own right, and is a gathering point for pilgrims from the south who are journeying north to Huzuz.
Government
The Ruler
Emir and Most Revered Father Rimaq al-Nimar, Most Humble Servant of the Enlightened Gods, is the ruler of I'tiraf. He is also the head of the League Conclave. Without question, Rimaq is the most powerful man in the League of the Pantheon. He is the fourth of his line to serve as Most Revered Father of the League-the son of Ali, grandson of Kura, and great-grandson of Exanaroth the Unifier. The emir is the dominating religious and secular force in the lands of the League. His word is law.
The most powerful man in the Pantheist League lives simply in a small manor adjoining the Conclave buildings. He rarely appears in public, and when he does grant audiences, the only priests who may be present are moralists of the Pantheon ("One of the few benefits of rank," he is quoted as saying, "is refusing to meet with fools"). Outland priests and Free Priests such as hakimas, kahins, and mystics are forbidden to enter his court. Moreover, even ethoists and pragmatists of the Pantheon are banished from his presence.
The emir has a great dream: that, in time, Pantheist teachings will prevail in Zakhara, dominating life in every comer of the land. To that end, the emir is a regular correspondent with the Grand Caliph's chief vizier, Alyana al-Azzazi. Alyana shares the Most Revered Father's moralist attitude, but flatly rejects his Pantheist dogma. Still, the chief vizier is Rimaq's best means of making the needs and complaints of the Pantheon known. The Grand Caliph is currently heirless. If he dies in that state, the resulting confusion may allow Rimaq to expand the control of the Pantheon and perhaps even dominate the Land of Fate.
In the Pearl Cities, rumor has it that the Most Revered Father Rimaq al-Nimar is responsible for many intrigues and disasters that occur there, from the great Tentacled Shark of the pearl beds to the assassination attempt on the sultan of Sikak. In truth, Rimaq is not a malevolent force scheming to destroy the Pearl Cities. Their troubles are to the advantage of the Pantheon, however, and anyone who creates difficulties for the Pearl Cities may be welcomed (or at least used by) Rimaq and the Conclave.
The Court:
The League Conclave is the court of I'tiraf. Delegates from each of the Pantheist cities are present at all times. Each delegation consists of 1 to 6 midlevel priests of the Pantheon (levels 3 to 6) and 3 to 18 low-level priests (levels 1 to 2). The Conclave building is one of the largest structures in the League, exceeded only in wonder and size by the Great Mosque of the Pantheon.
Current delegation leaders from other cities are:
- Ahmad al-Rahib of Hilm
- Aksonkor al-Daris of Talab
- Reisah al-Bakir of Fahhas
- Yazid al-Walid of Hudid
- Hisham bin Ziyad of Mahabba
I'tiraf's own representative to the Conclave is Osham al- Budan. He and most delegates look to the Most Revered Father Rimaq for leadership.
Defences
Pantheist troops include
Industry & Trade
Points of interest
Major Mosques:
- Pantheon
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