*Unpublished
My Lord Elacan Isilda,
The following article has crossed my desk over the course of its peer-review stage. As it pertains to your current interests, I have forwarded an unedited version of the monograph to you in the hopes of furthering your endeavours and those of the Conclave. The unpublishable materials will, of course, be corrected in line with current protocol.
I suspect that your alarm and the detail and thoroughness of the document’s evidence base mirrors mine. The information contained within should have been inaccessible to all but the highest levels of the Conclave, much less a motley bunch of beastman-loving upstarts in their century of suffering. Rest assured, the Committee will handle these individuals accordingly.
Finally, I can only apologise for the insubordination and faithlessness of my Housekin’s actions in the submission of this article. The House will resolve matters with him.
Glory to Halenth and Lorinth
Lord Caldenis Alovar IX of the Noble House of the Golden Dragon, Chair of the Conclave Research and Development Oversight Committee
Occidalis – A General Description of The Floating Islands and Surrounding Regions Cite this article as: Alovar, D. (144IE). ‘Occidalis – A General Description of The Floating Islands and Surrounding Regions as of writing’, Geography Monography, 384 (11), pp. 113-116. Though the Siar Conclave remains the foremost academic and trade hub of Orienta, this position is at least partially due to Cymara’s monopoly on trade with Occidalis, which is estimated to contribute to a full 12% of the Orientan luxury economy as a whole (Keela, Seynera & Futz 134IE). Recent developments regarding the relationship between the Siar Conclave and nations throughout the Sutran region (Isilda 142IE) have thus spurred a necessary review into the current state of knowledge regarding the lands to the west of Siar. Laying to the west of Orienta and east of the Sutran region, records suggest that Occidalis (literally ‘Western Elven lands’) was first discovered by Elven nations in ~530 EA (Calenia 530EA). However, recent re-evaluations of historic mythologies regarding a variety of civilisations throughout the Sutran region, the Gulf kingdoms, the Velvet coast, and even pre-Imperial Elven states suggest that a connection between what are now Orienta and Occidalis has existed since the Age of Gods (Isilda & Asteria 144IE), indicating long-standing economic ties, cultural exchange, and diplomatic contact that have since been forgotten. Further, novel comparative socio-archaeological studies conducted by Isilda, Asteria & Isogard (144IE) examining the ‘creation stories’ of these and other respective civilisations have suggested deeper sociocultural, spiritual, and even arcano-cosmological links between these seemingly disparate nations than previously believed. Though the true breadth and depth of these links is beyond the scope of this monograph, a wide body of emerging research in the field (see Asteria & Isogard 139IE, Isilda 144IE a, b, Isogard & Futz 141IE, Isogard et al. 142IE a, b, c) suggests an exploration into these fields are a highly promising avenue of new information on the historical evolution of the many polities and nations which now populate the world. Nevertheless, this emergent body of knowledge is still highly novel in its field, and new evidence may yet outdate current theories on the origins of civilisation and the connections between nations thereof. Surrounded by massive, continent spanning storms, labyrinths of whirlpools and vortices, and deadly sea beasts of titanic scale (Calenia 530EA, Isogard 121IE) Occidalis has remained inaccessible to all but a select few Sutran traders for millennia (see Chuan & Tsung 114IE). These natural barriers have closed off Orientan understanding of the region since records of westward exploration have existed (Asteria 140IE) and are hypothesized to be at least partially linked to the ways in which the indigenous peoples’ collective magical capabilities and practices manifest into physical phenomena and subsequently affect the landscape (Isogard et al. 142IE b). This phenomenon is hypothesized to be an example of Collective Arcano-Manifestation (CAM) theory (Tristana & Kandorova 116IE), a phenomenon which has been previously recorded in multiple other cultural groups and regions, such as several Novayan cultural and sub-cultural groups (Kandorova et al. 109IE, Favnjar & Isogard 133IE), historic Velvet Coast civilisations (Acromus & Tristana 114IE) and potentially even a number of Sutran cultures and spiritual systems (Tristana 99IE, Tse & Tristana 100IE), albeit to significantly less dramatic effect. That said, CAM theory accounts for approximately 37.6% of the phenomena’s Manifestation Ideation/Realisation (MI/R) quotient (Astropolis 15EA, 17IE, Isogard et al. 142IE b, c). That is, CAM theory is only able to partially explain the nature of the meteorological and hydrological arcano-manifestations, and further do not explain the source of the thaumological energy required to reach their scale or intensity. As the Occidillan storms are, to the best of our knowledge, unique in the world, further investigation into there nature and mechanisms is required. The lands themselves are an arcanological marvel, with numerous testimonies from traders and explorers alike describing a vast tropical archipelago of floating islands levitating almost 15,000 ft in the air (Solus 132 IE, Asteria 140IE, 141IE). Previous recorded attempts to map these islands have all ended in failure (see Artrust 15IE, Hong & Eucharest 78IE, Solus 132IE) as the islands float from place to place over time, presumably following various unseen arcane currents flowing throughout the region. The mechanism behind the actual floating component of these aerial isles is unknown, though speculation by Isilda (143IE) and Isogard et al. (142IE a, c) similarly suggest CAM theory as a plausible explanation. Though comprehensive studies of the floating islands has been heretofore impossible, the arcanological similarities between their manifestations and that of the Occidillan storms (Isilda 144IE c, Isogard et al. 142IE b, c) support the utility of a comparative study between the phenomena, though a semi-permanent facility within the region with Grade 3 MI/R arcanometers would be the minimum required to test such a hypothesis. The floating islands are occupied by a vast diversity of Insectoid societies, arrayed into complex eusocial hives not dissimilar to ants or bees (Solus 132IE). As of writing, over 1100 unique hives have been identified, of which it is estimated only account for ~40% of the theoretical total amount of hives in the floating islands (Bertracia & Isogard 126IE, Solus 132IE). The cultural practices of these hives are remarkable, in that each hive is both homogenous and diverse. That is, individuals within the hive must ascribe to the cultural practices of the hive, but the hives themselves are highly diverse in philosophy and ethos, in some ways mirroring the Conclave’s own Noble Houses to a frankly surprising degree. As previously mentioned, socio-cultural comparative studies contrasting Orientan and Occidillan civilisations have found a number of commonalities in terms of cultural and social practices (Isilda 144IE a, Isilda, Asteria & Isogard 144IE), though the studies themselves do not go so far as to suggest a common ur-culture linking Occidillan and Cymaran practices. That said, the studies’ authors – and others besides (Oleander 144IE, Nostramus 143IE) – noted a distinct lack of literature and analysis regarding the Occidillan hives in the halls of both the Conclave and the Scholum Argentum despite the history of trade relations between Occidalis and Orienta spanning potentially centuries (Seynera & Futz 140IE). A more detailed understanding of the Insectoid societies of Occidalis is critical to maintaining and improving upon the relations between them and Cymara going forward – especially considering that the tensions between Farraige, Holzreich, and Novaya continue to impact the sale and trade of luxury Occidillan goods throughout Orienta (Keela 144IE). Though somewhat less fantastic, the conventional island archipelagos resting on the seas of Occidalis are no less complex and fascinating. A dizzying array of hundreds – if not thousands – of islands rise and fall out of the seas of the region, resulting in an unmappable, ever-shifting seascape (Bertracia, Castania 126IE). The mechanism behind the creation and sinking of new islands is likewise likely a manifestation of CAM theory (Isilda 144IE a, c, Isilda, Asteria & Isogard 144IE), though again proving such a mechanism would require an analysis of the phenomenon’s MI/R quotient (Bertracia & Isilda 140IE, Isilda 144b). Civilisation yet endures, however, and these islands are populated by a familiar people – Beastpeople. The Beastpeople of Occidalis are aesthetically highly divergent from those encountered in Orienta or Sutra (see Eucharest 94IE, Bertracia 115IE, 126IE, Castania 127IE), with cultural and physiological patterns appropriate to their tropical environs. Resembling many indigenous fauna, the Beastpeople of Occidalis are well-adapted to their seemingly precarious positions on the sinking islands, as records of their civilisational and cultural practices by Bertracia (126IE) and Castania (127IE) show evidence of a deep cultural and spiritual connection their local geography, arcano-ecology, and thaumo-physical field. Again, this connection likely contributes significantly to the CAM theory phenomena described previously (Isilda 144IE b), though no evidence of this specific effect is forthcoming. In particular, the presence of Beastpeople across all known continents of the world suggest a deeper linkage between the presence of Beastpeople civilisations and their surrounding arcanological environment (Bertracia 139IE, Castania 138IE). Archaeological (Patatrix & Castania 131IE) and paleontological (Angrieve & Bertracia 117IE) evidence of prehistorical Beastpeople individuals and settlements suggest strong links between the locations of their settlements and the effects on their populations, though cause and effect in this instance has not been determined. If true, however, such linkages – in conjunction with CAM theory manifestations – would indicate extremely pervasive and potentially dramatic arcanological effects resultant from the presence of Beastpeople communities and settlements in any given region. This speculation is, however, extremely conjectural, and is not well-supported by the current body of literature. That said, the body of literature regarding Beastpeople generally is remarkably small and inaccessible, suggesting that a concerted effort must be made to study the influence of Beastpeople sociocultural and environmental practices on arcanological dynamics in detail. Though information is scant, personal testimony by Isilda (142IE) also suggests that the Conclave is seeking to create a permanent presence proximal to – or potentially directly in – the Occidillan region for research and diplomatic purposes. The thought of a permanent research base in Occidalis is exciting, as it has the potential to yield significant scientific and magical benefits to the Conclave, but such an undertaking would require significant investment of resources not currently allocated in the Conclave’s biannual financial outlook statement (Siar Conclave Elder Council Budgetary and Financial Review Committee 142IE), so it is unlikely that such a thing will happen anytime soon. That said, the testimony of Isilda (144IE c) regarding the remarkable lack of floral and faunal diversity within certain regions of Occidalis is somewhat troubling, as it suggests the possibility that there is a – or multiple – historically significant ecological and/or arcanological disturbance present in large swathes of the continent. Certainly, testimonies from Isogard (144IE), Asteria (144IE), Bertracia (144IE), and Castania (144IE) suggest that surveyors of the region found little evidence of permanent settlements or cultural groups from those regions. A more thorough examination of these regions will likely be required to ascertain the nature of the disturbance. Of note is that, over the course of this review, previous iterations of monographs and documentation regarding Occidalis, and indeed many other sources regarding the peoples of Orienta and Sutra, have been found to be considerably outdated and incorrect regarding their treatment and portrayal of local peoples, customs, and religions. Many documents lacked primary sources and reliable information, in particular completely removing any significant focus on eyewitness testimony and in-person observation conducted by subject-matter specialists, local or indigenous experts, and specialised equipment operators that is otherwise typical of studies in this field, instead often focusing on socially or historically orthodox sources and the testimonials of prestigious but inexpert individuals. It is highly dissatisfying to see the Conclave’s documentation and academic integrity to be so lacklustre regarding areas not typically explored by the Conclave’s mages and researchers. Access to information regarding these topics is likewise highly circumspect and brusque, and further oftentimes required special privileges or connections to access at all, which is extremely detrimental to the requirements of transparency and applicability in academic discourse. Though this monograph was incepted as a cursory overview of the state of knowledge in the Concalve regarding Occidalis, and has indeed accomplished this, the author nevertheless has found cause to examine the Conclave’s protocols and standards procedures regarding foreign entities and peoples, and has found significant evidence of inadvertent academic and scientific suppression resultant from the continued usage of outdated or poorly-evidenced orthodoxies and protocols, and thus advocates for the drastic and sweeping reform of current standard practice in the researching and publishing of information within the Conclave to further our knowledge into the world around us. References Acromus, G. & Tristana, S. (114IE), ‘Arcano-archaeological effects of historical settlements throughout the Velvet Coast’, Imperial Histories, 78(2), pp. 37-59. Angrieve, C. & Bertracia, S. (117IE). ‘Excavation and Recording of multiple Fossilised Bipedal Remains throughout Four Sites across Central Orienta’, Conclave Palaeontology Journal, 101(3), pp. 77-92. Artrust, A. (15IE). ‘Orienta mismapping Occidalis: Attempted forays into mapping the western continent’, Geographical Development, 898(13), pp. 156-211. Asteria, Z. & Isogard F. (139IE). ‘Reconsidering relationships between seemingly disparate societies: a novel approach to current and former civilisational relationships’, Sociology of Orienta, 116(8), pp. 112-204. Asteria, Z. (140IE). ‘An account of Occidalis: discoveries, details, and deaths’, Silvertower Transactions, 171(14), pp. 107-169. Asteria, Z. (141IE). ‘Supplementary accounts of Occidalis III: the floating isles’, Silvertower Transactions B, 220(11), pp. 31-42. Asteria, Z. (144IE). ‘Cultural norms and taboos of the Insectoid peoples of Occidalis’. In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 32-47. Astropolis, T. (15EA). ‘On the Manifestation of Arcane Effects – Mathematical and Arcanological Proofs and Evidence’, Arcanist, 489(3), pp. 117-203. Astropolis, T. (17IE). ‘Mathematical and Physical Relationships between Ideation and Realisation of Arcane Manifestations’, Arcanist, 501(1), pp. 5-89. Bertracia, S. & Isilda, Q. (140IE). ‘Preliminary Calculations and Analysis of the MI/R Quotient of the Occidillan Surface Archipelago’, Arcane Environment, 199(3), pp. 117-131. Bertracia, S. & Isogard, F. (126IE). ‘An Accounting of the Insectoid Hives of Occidalis – Preliminary Counts of Individual Hives and Hive Inhabitants’, New Civilisations, 31, pp. 31-87. Bertracia, S. (115IE). ‘Characteristics of Orientan Beastpeople throughout the Siarland and Velvet Coast Regions – Physiological and Comparative Analysis’, Siar Biologia, 114(4), pp. 67-90. Bertracia, S. (126IE). ‘The Beastpeople of Occidalis – A Description of Contemporary Cultures and Practices’, New Civilisations, 31, pp. 87-101. Bertracia, S. (139IE). ‘Analysis of Evidence regarding Arcanological Linkages between Beastpeople Habitation and their Thaumo-Physical Environment in Southern Orienta’, New Civilisations, 33, pp. 13-31. Bertracia, S. (144IE). ‘Distribution and Geographical Associations of Occidillan Beastpeople Settlements’ In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 105-129. Calenia, P. (530EA). ‘Occidalis – The Western Continent’. Kingdom of Lorintha: Royal Lorinthan Press Castania, R. (126IE). ‘Geographical Dynamics of the Occidillan Archipelagos: Initial Analysis of the “Sinking Islands of Occidalis”’, Geography Monography, 301(2), pp. 88-105 Castania, R. (127IE). ‘Characteristics of the Occidillan Beastpeople III – Cultural and Traditional Practicies’, New Civilisations, 33, pp. 11-30. Castania, R. (144IE). ‘Arcanogeographical Overview of Occidalis in relation to Habitation and Settlement’ In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 130-154. Chuan, M. T. & Tsung, N. N. (114IE). ‘A Brief History of Sutran Maritime Access to Occidillan Seas’, Ships and Sails, 481(2), pp. 13-80. Eucharest, P. (94IE). ‘The Beastpeople of Orienta: A Review of Current Understandings’. Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press Favnjar, O. & Isogard, F. (133IE). ‘Environmental Arcanological Effects in Proximity to Settlements in Giant’s Rest’, Proceedings of the Order of Kul’Turan Archivists, 120(3), pp. 25-49. Hong, H. E. & Eucharest, P. (78IE). ‘Mapping the Unmappable – The Ever-shifting Topography of Occidalis and Sutran Efforts to the Contrary’, Geography Monography, 280(4), pp. 47-67. Isilda, Q. & Asteria, Z. (144IE). ‘Historical Evidence of Millennia-Old Multilateral Relations between Various States across Orienta and Occidalis’, Conclave History, 80(4), pp. 144-160. Isilda, Q. (142IE). ‘Commentaries on the Conclave’s Relations and Presences Abroad, with a Particular Focus on areas of Potential Confliction’, Vox Academia, 1099(14), pp. 67-101. Isilda, Q. (143IE). ‘Why do they float? Hypotheses and Evidences on the Occidillan Floating Islands’, Geography Monography, 382(2), pp. 45-60. Isilda, Q. (144IE a). ‘A Comparative of Cultural, Spiritual, and Sociological Practices and subsequent Arcanological Effects in Occidalis utilising CAM Theory’, Arcane Environment, 205(2), pp. 13-34. Isilda, Q. (144IE b). ‘CAM Theory as applied to global Beastpeople Civilisations – Potential Environmental Causes and Effects of Beastpeople Settlement’, Manuscript in preparation. Isilda, Q. (144IE c). ‘Unique Occidillan Arcano-Environmental Effects and Disturbances as Examined through CAM Theory’, Arcane Environment, 205(2), pp. 35-60. Isilda, Q., Asteria, Z. & Isogard, F. (144IE). ‘Novel Techniques in Comparative Sociology as Applied to Creation Stories across Multiple Historical and Extant Civilisations’, New Civilisations, 39(12), pp. 178-290. Isogard, F. & Futz, O. G. H. (141IE). ‘Analysing the History of Thirteen Extant Nations – A Sociological and Economic Comparative’, New Civilsations, 35, pp. 77-105. Isogard, F. (121IE). ‘Occidillan Tempest: A Description of the Western Continental Storms’, Arcane Environment, 189(71), pp. 77-108. Isogard, F. (144IE). ‘A Personal Recounting of Occidalis’. In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 15-19. Isogard, F., Kandorova, M., Acromus, G., Asteria, Z., Favnjar, O., Isilda, Q., & Tristana, S. (142IE a). ‘Observations on Causes and Effects of Potential Instances of Collective Arcano-Manifestation’. In Isogard F. & Kandorova, M. (Eds.). Collective Arcano-Manifestation Theory: The Magical Effects of Civilisations (pp. 140-209). Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press. Isogard, F., Asteria, Z., Bertracia, S., Castania, R., & Isilda, Q. (142IE c). ‘Ideation and Realisation of Unique Arcanological Effects in Occidalis’. In Isogard F. & Kandorova, M. (Eds.). Collective Arcano-Manifestation Theory: The Magical Effects of Civilisations (pp. 360-391). Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press. Isogard, F., Kandorova, M., Asteria, Z., Bertracia, S., Castania, R., Isilda, Q., & Tristana, S. (142IE b). ‘Plausible Examples and Effects of CAM in Occidalis’. In Isogard F. & Kandorova, M. (Eds.). Collective Arcano-Manifestation Theory: The Magical Effects of Civilisations (pp. 318-359). Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press. Kandorova, M., Petras, G., Tristana, S., & Yanusovich, R. (109IE). ‘Observations on the the Arcane effects of the Novayan people on their Surroundings’, Proceedings of the Order of Kul’Turan Archivists, 110(2), pp. 45-60. Keela, S. N. (144IE). ‘Systemic Impacts of Current and Historical Tensions on Trade Imports and Exports’, Orienta Economicus, 301(4), pp. 27-42 Keela, S. N., Seynera, G. & Futz, O. G. H. (134IE). 'Orientan Trade Dynamics with respect to Foreign Imports and Exports', Orienta Economicus, 289(15), pp. 56-78. Nostramus, K. (143IE). ‘Occidillan Insectoids as seen from the Velvet Coast: a dearth of perspective’, Silvertower Journal of Applied Sociology, 17(4), pp. 35-54. Oleander, S. (144IE). ‘The State of Occidillan Studies in the Velvet Coast’. In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 205-210. Patatrix, J. & Castania, R. (131IE). ‘Survey and comparative study of seventeen western Orientan archaeological sites inhabited by prehistoric Beastpeople’, Imperial Histories, 76(1), pp. 34-49. Seynera, G. & Futz, O. G. H. (140IE). ‘A reconsideration of Occidillan and Orientan trade relations: new evidences of historic economic relationships’, Imperial Histories, 105(3), pp. 67-82. Siar Conclave Elder Council Budgetary and Financial Review Committee (142IE). ‘Siar Conclave Annual Budget and Expenditures Statement 142IE’, Prepared for Siar Conclave Elder Council Ministry of Treasury and the Exchequer, Siar Conclave, Cymara Solus, X. (132IE). ‘Explorations into Occidalis – An Attempted Accounting of the Floating Isles and their Inhabitants’, Global Conclave, 456(1), pp. 45-89. Tristana, S. & Kandorova, M. (116IE). ‘A Conceptual Framework for Arcanological Effects on Inhabited Environments’, Proceedings of the Order of Kul’Turan Archivists, 113(5), pp. 113-167. Tristana, S. (119IE). ‘Arcano-Environmental Reactions from Ecological Systems change with Sutran Faith Systems’. Arcane Environment, 198(3), pp. 55-70. Tse, S. C. & Tristana, S. (115IE). ‘Sutran Faith and Religions Systems directly affect Local Environments’. Arcane Environment, 196(1), pp. 23-41.
Agent Provost The above is a complete copy of the paper mentioned in our previous correspondence. If anything resembling this paper appears in SA, you will suppress its publication by all means. Collaborate with the humans if you must. But this document must not be seen by anyone anywhere. GTHL — I.
Occidalis – A General Description of The Floating Islands and Surrounding Regions Cite this article as: Alovar, D. (144IE). ‘Occidalis – A General Description of The Floating Islands and Surrounding Regions as of writing’, Geography Monography, 384 (11), pp. 113-116. Though the Siar Conclave remains the foremost academic and trade hub of Orienta, this position is at least partially due to Cymara’s monopoly on trade with Occidalis, which is estimated to contribute to a full 12% of the Orientan luxury economy as a whole (Keela, Seynera & Futz 134IE). Recent developments regarding the relationship between the Siar Conclave and nations throughout the Sutran region (Isilda 142IE) have thus spurred a necessary review into the current state of knowledge regarding the lands to the west of Siar. Laying to the west of Orienta and east of the Sutran region, records suggest that Occidalis (literally ‘Western Elven lands’) was first discovered by Elven nations in ~530 EA (Calenia 530EA). However, recent re-evaluations of historic mythologies regarding a variety of civilisations throughout the Sutran region, the Gulf kingdoms, the Velvet coast, and even pre-Imperial Elven states suggest that a connection between what are now Orienta and Occidalis has existed since the Age of Gods (Isilda & Asteria 144IE), indicating long-standing economic ties, cultural exchange, and diplomatic contact that have since been forgotten. Further, novel comparative socio-archaeological studies conducted by Isilda, Asteria & Isogard (144IE) examining the ‘creation stories’ of these and other respective civilisations have suggested deeper sociocultural, spiritual, and even arcano-cosmological links between these seemingly disparate nations than previously believed. Though the true breadth and depth of these links is beyond the scope of this monograph, a wide body of emerging research in the field (see Asteria & Isogard 139IE, Isilda 144IE a, b, Isogard & Futz 141IE, Isogard et al. 142IE a, b, c) suggests an exploration into these fields are a highly promising avenue of new information on the historical evolution of the many polities and nations which now populate the world. Nevertheless, this emergent body of knowledge is still highly novel in its field, and new evidence may yet outdate current theories on the origins of civilisation and the connections between nations thereof. Surrounded by massive, continent spanning storms, labyrinths of whirlpools and vortices, and deadly sea beasts of titanic scale (Calenia 530EA, Isogard 121IE) Occidalis has remained inaccessible to all but a select few Sutran traders for millennia (see Chuan & Tsung 114IE). These natural barriers have closed off Orientan understanding of the region since records of westward exploration have existed (Asteria 140IE) and are hypothesized to be at least partially linked to the ways in which the indigenous peoples’ collective magical capabilities and practices manifest into physical phenomena and subsequently affect the landscape (Isogard et al. 142IE b). This phenomenon is hypothesized to be an example of Collective Arcano-Manifestation (CAM) theory (Tristana & Kandorova 116IE), a phenomenon which has been previously recorded in multiple other cultural groups and regions, such as several Novayan cultural and sub-cultural groups (Kandorova et al. 109IE, Favnjar & Isogard 133IE), historic Velvet Coast civilisations (Acromus & Tristana 114IE) and potentially even a number of Sutran cultures and spiritual systems (Tristana 99IE, Tse & Tristana 100IE), albeit to significantly less dramatic effect. That said, CAM theory accounts for approximately 37.6% of the phenomena’s Manifestation Ideation/Realisation (MI/R) quotient (Astropolis 15EA, 17IE, Isogard et al. 142IE b, c). That is, CAM theory is only able to partially explain the nature of the meteorological and hydrological arcano-manifestations, and further do not explain the source of the thaumological energy required to reach their scale or intensity. As the Occidillan storms are, to the best of our knowledge, unique in the world, further investigation into there nature and mechanisms is required. The lands themselves are an arcanological marvel, with numerous testimonies from traders and explorers alike describing a vast tropical archipelago of floating islands levitating almost 15,000 ft in the air (Solus 132 IE, Asteria 140IE, 141IE). Previous recorded attempts to map these islands have all ended in failure (see Artrust 15IE, Hong & Eucharest 78IE, Solus 132IE) as the islands float from place to place over time, presumably following various unseen arcane currents flowing throughout the region. The mechanism behind the actual floating component of these aerial isles is unknown, though speculation by Isilda (143IE) and Isogard et al. (142IE a, c) similarly suggest CAM theory as a plausible explanation. Though comprehensive studies of the floating islands has been heretofore impossible, the arcanological similarities between their manifestations and that of the Occidillan storms (Isilda 144IE c, Isogard et al. 142IE b, c) support the utility of a comparative study between the phenomena, though a semi-permanent facility within the region with Grade 3 MI/R arcanometers would be the minimum required to test such a hypothesis. The floating islands are occupied by a vast diversity of Insectoid societies, arrayed into complex eusocial hives not dissimilar to ants or bees (Solus 132IE). As of writing, over 1100 unique hives have been identified, of which it is estimated only account for ~40% of the theoretical total amount of hives in the floating islands (Bertracia & Isogard 126IE, Solus 132IE). The cultural practices of these hives are remarkable, in that each hive is both homogenous and diverse. That is, individuals within the hive must ascribe to the cultural practices of the hive, but the hives themselves are highly diverse in philosophy and ethos, in some ways mirroring the Conclave’s own Noble Houses to a frankly surprising degree. As previously mentioned, socio-cultural comparative studies contrasting Orientan and Occidillan civilisations have found a number of commonalities in terms of cultural and social practices (Isilda 144IE a, Isilda, Asteria & Isogard 144IE), though the studies themselves do not go so far as to suggest a common ur-culture linking Occidillan and Cymaran practices. That said, the studies’ authors – and others besides (Oleander 144IE, Nostramus 143IE) – noted a distinct lack of literature and analysis regarding the Occidillan hives in the halls of both the Conclave and the Scholum Argentum despite the history of trade relations between Occidalis and Orienta spanning potentially centuries (Seynera & Futz 140IE). A more detailed understanding of the Insectoid societies of Occidalis is critical to maintaining and improving upon the relations between them and Cymara going forward – especially considering that the tensions between Farraige, Holzreich, and Novaya continue to impact the sale and trade of luxury Occidillan goods throughout Orienta (Keela 144IE). Though somewhat less fantastic, the conventional island archipelagos resting on the seas of Occidalis are no less complex and fascinating. A dizzying array of hundreds – if not thousands – of islands rise and fall out of the seas of the region, resulting in an unmappable, ever-shifting seascape (Bertracia, Castania 126IE). The mechanism behind the creation and sinking of new islands is likewise likely a manifestation of CAM theory (Isilda 144IE a, c, Isilda, Asteria & Isogard 144IE), though again proving such a mechanism would require an analysis of the phenomenon’s MI/R quotient (Bertracia & Isilda 140IE, Isilda 144b). Civilisation yet endures, however, and these islands are populated by a familiar people – Beastpeople. The Beastpeople of Occidalis are aesthetically highly divergent from those encountered in Orienta or Sutra (see Eucharest 94IE, Bertracia 115IE, 126IE, Castania 127IE), with cultural and physiological patterns appropriate to their tropical environs. Resembling many indigenous fauna, the Beastpeople of Occidalis are well-adapted to their seemingly precarious positions on the sinking islands, as records of their civilisational and cultural practices by Bertracia (126IE) and Castania (127IE) show evidence of a deep cultural and spiritual connection their local geography, arcano-ecology, and thaumo-physical field. Again, this connection likely contributes significantly to the CAM theory phenomena described previously (Isilda 144IE b), though no evidence of this specific effect is forthcoming. In particular, the presence of Beastpeople across all known continents of the world suggest a deeper linkage between the presence of Beastpeople civilisations and their surrounding arcanological environment (Bertracia 139IE, Castania 138IE). Archaeological (Patatrix & Castania 131IE) and paleontological (Angrieve & Bertracia 117IE) evidence of prehistorical Beastpeople individuals and settlements suggest strong links between the locations of their settlements and the effects on their populations, though cause and effect in this instance has not been determined. If true, however, such linkages – in conjunction with CAM theory manifestations – would indicate extremely pervasive and potentially dramatic arcanological effects resultant from the presence of Beastpeople communities and settlements in any given region. This speculation is, however, extremely conjectural, and is not well-supported by the current body of literature. That said, the body of literature regarding Beastpeople generally is remarkably small and inaccessible, suggesting that a concerted effort must be made to study the influence of Beastpeople sociocultural and environmental practices on arcanological dynamics in detail. Though information is scant, personal testimony by Isilda (142IE) also suggests that the Conclave is seeking to create a permanent presence proximal to – or potentially directly in – the Occidillan region for research and diplomatic purposes. The thought of a permanent research base in Occidalis is exciting, as it has the potential to yield significant scientific and magical benefits to the Conclave, but such an undertaking would require significant investment of resources not currently allocated in the Conclave’s biannual financial outlook statement (Siar Conclave Elder Council Budgetary and Financial Review Committee 142IE), so it is unlikely that such a thing will happen anytime soon. That said, the testimony of Isilda (144IE c) regarding the remarkable lack of floral and faunal diversity within certain regions of Occidalis is somewhat troubling, as it suggests the possibility that there is a – or multiple – historically significant ecological and/or arcanological disturbance present in large swathes of the continent. Certainly, testimonies from Isogard (144IE), Asteria (144IE), Bertracia (144IE), and Castania (144IE) suggest that surveyors of the region found little evidence of permanent settlements or cultural groups from those regions. A more thorough examination of these regions will likely be required to ascertain the nature of the disturbance. Of note is that, over the course of this review, previous iterations of monographs and documentation regarding Occidalis, and indeed many other sources regarding the peoples of Orienta and Sutra, have been found to be considerably outdated and incorrect regarding their treatment and portrayal of local peoples, customs, and religions. Many documents lacked primary sources and reliable information, in particular completely removing any significant focus on eyewitness testimony and in-person observation conducted by subject-matter specialists, local or indigenous experts, and specialised equipment operators that is otherwise typical of studies in this field, instead often focusing on socially or historically orthodox sources and the testimonials of prestigious but inexpert individuals. It is highly dissatisfying to see the Conclave’s documentation and academic integrity to be so lacklustre regarding areas not typically explored by the Conclave’s mages and researchers. Access to information regarding these topics is likewise highly circumspect and brusque, and further oftentimes required special privileges or connections to access at all, which is extremely detrimental to the requirements of transparency and applicability in academic discourse. Though this monograph was incepted as a cursory overview of the state of knowledge in the Concalve regarding Occidalis, and has indeed accomplished this, the author nevertheless has found cause to examine the Conclave’s protocols and standards procedures regarding foreign entities and peoples, and has found significant evidence of inadvertent academic and scientific suppression resultant from the continued usage of outdated or poorly-evidenced orthodoxies and protocols, and thus advocates for the drastic and sweeping reform of current standard practice in the researching and publishing of information within the Conclave to further our knowledge into the world around us. References Acromus, G. & Tristana, S. (114IE), ‘Arcano-archaeological effects of historical settlements throughout the Velvet Coast’, Imperial Histories, 78(2), pp. 37-59. Angrieve, C. & Bertracia, S. (117IE). ‘Excavation and Recording of multiple Fossilised Bipedal Remains throughout Four Sites across Central Orienta’, Conclave Palaeontology Journal, 101(3), pp. 77-92. Artrust, A. (15IE). ‘Orienta mismapping Occidalis: Attempted forays into mapping the western continent’, Geographical Development, 898(13), pp. 156-211. Asteria, Z. & Isogard F. (139IE). ‘Reconsidering relationships between seemingly disparate societies: a novel approach to current and former civilisational relationships’, Sociology of Orienta, 116(8), pp. 112-204. Asteria, Z. (140IE). ‘An account of Occidalis: discoveries, details, and deaths’, Silvertower Transactions, 171(14), pp. 107-169. Asteria, Z. (141IE). ‘Supplementary accounts of Occidalis III: the floating isles’, Silvertower Transactions B, 220(11), pp. 31-42. Asteria, Z. (144IE). ‘Cultural norms and taboos of the Insectoid peoples of Occidalis’. In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 32-47. Astropolis, T. (15EA). ‘On the Manifestation of Arcane Effects – Mathematical and Arcanological Proofs and Evidence’, Arcanist, 489(3), pp. 117-203. Astropolis, T. (17IE). ‘Mathematical and Physical Relationships between Ideation and Realisation of Arcane Manifestations’, Arcanist, 501(1), pp. 5-89. Bertracia, S. & Isilda, Q. (140IE). ‘Preliminary Calculations and Analysis of the MI/R Quotient of the Occidillan Surface Archipelago’, Arcane Environment, 199(3), pp. 117-131. Bertracia, S. & Isogard, F. (126IE). ‘An Accounting of the Insectoid Hives of Occidalis – Preliminary Counts of Individual Hives and Hive Inhabitants’, New Civilisations, 31, pp. 31-87. Bertracia, S. (115IE). ‘Characteristics of Orientan Beastpeople throughout the Siarland and Velvet Coast Regions – Physiological and Comparative Analysis’, Siar Biologia, 114(4), pp. 67-90. Bertracia, S. (126IE). ‘The Beastpeople of Occidalis – A Description of Contemporary Cultures and Practices’, New Civilisations, 31, pp. 87-101. Bertracia, S. (139IE). ‘Analysis of Evidence regarding Arcanological Linkages between Beastpeople Habitation and their Thaumo-Physical Environment in Southern Orienta’, New Civilisations, 33, pp. 13-31. Bertracia, S. (144IE). ‘Distribution and Geographical Associations of Occidillan Beastpeople Settlements’ In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 105-129. Calenia, P. (530EA). ‘Occidalis – The Western Continent’. Kingdom of Lorintha: Royal Lorinthan Press Castania, R. (126IE). ‘Geographical Dynamics of the Occidillan Archipelagos: Initial Analysis of the “Sinking Islands of Occidalis”’, Geography Monography, 301(2), pp. 88-105 Castania, R. (127IE). ‘Characteristics of the Occidillan Beastpeople III – Cultural and Traditional Practicies’, New Civilisations, 33, pp. 11-30. Castania, R. (144IE). ‘Arcanogeographical Overview of Occidalis in relation to Habitation and Settlement’ In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 130-154. Chuan, M. T. & Tsung, N. N. (114IE). ‘A Brief History of Sutran Maritime Access to Occidillan Seas’, Ships and Sails, 481(2), pp. 13-80. Eucharest, P. (94IE). ‘The Beastpeople of Orienta: A Review of Current Understandings’. Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press Favnjar, O. & Isogard, F. (133IE). ‘Environmental Arcanological Effects in Proximity to Settlements in Giant’s Rest’, Proceedings of the Order of Kul’Turan Archivists, 120(3), pp. 25-49. Hong, H. E. & Eucharest, P. (78IE). ‘Mapping the Unmappable – The Ever-shifting Topography of Occidalis and Sutran Efforts to the Contrary’, Geography Monography, 280(4), pp. 47-67. Isilda, Q. & Asteria, Z. (144IE). ‘Historical Evidence of Millennia-Old Multilateral Relations between Various States across Orienta and Occidalis’, Conclave History, 80(4), pp. 144-160. Isilda, Q. (142IE). ‘Commentaries on the Conclave’s Relations and Presences Abroad, with a Particular Focus on areas of Potential Confliction’, Vox Academia, 1099(14), pp. 67-101. Isilda, Q. (143IE). ‘Why do they float? Hypotheses and Evidences on the Occidillan Floating Islands’, Geography Monography, 382(2), pp. 45-60. Isilda, Q. (144IE a). ‘A Comparative of Cultural, Spiritual, and Sociological Practices and subsequent Arcanological Effects in Occidalis utilising CAM Theory’, Arcane Environment, 205(2), pp. 13-34. Isilda, Q. (144IE b). ‘CAM Theory as applied to global Beastpeople Civilisations – Potential Environmental Causes and Effects of Beastpeople Settlement’, Manuscript in preparation. Isilda, Q. (144IE c). ‘Unique Occidillan Arcano-Environmental Effects and Disturbances as Examined through CAM Theory’, Arcane Environment, 205(2), pp. 35-60. Isilda, Q., Asteria, Z. & Isogard, F. (144IE). ‘Novel Techniques in Comparative Sociology as Applied to Creation Stories across Multiple Historical and Extant Civilisations’, New Civilisations, 39(12), pp. 178-290. Isogard, F. & Futz, O. G. H. (141IE). ‘Analysing the History of Thirteen Extant Nations – A Sociological and Economic Comparative’, New Civilsations, 35, pp. 77-105. Isogard, F. (121IE). ‘Occidillan Tempest: A Description of the Western Continental Storms’, Arcane Environment, 189(71), pp. 77-108. Isogard, F. (144IE). ‘A Personal Recounting of Occidalis’. In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 15-19. Isogard, F., Kandorova, M., Acromus, G., Asteria, Z., Favnjar, O., Isilda, Q., & Tristana, S. (142IE a). ‘Observations on Causes and Effects of Potential Instances of Collective Arcano-Manifestation’. In Isogard F. & Kandorova, M. (Eds.). Collective Arcano-Manifestation Theory: The Magical Effects of Civilisations (pp. 140-209). Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press. Isogard, F., Asteria, Z., Bertracia, S., Castania, R., & Isilda, Q. (142IE c). ‘Ideation and Realisation of Unique Arcanological Effects in Occidalis’. In Isogard F. & Kandorova, M. (Eds.). Collective Arcano-Manifestation Theory: The Magical Effects of Civilisations (pp. 360-391). Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press. Isogard, F., Kandorova, M., Asteria, Z., Bertracia, S., Castania, R., Isilda, Q., & Tristana, S. (142IE b). ‘Plausible Examples and Effects of CAM in Occidalis’. In Isogard F. & Kandorova, M. (Eds.). Collective Arcano-Manifestation Theory: The Magical Effects of Civilisations (pp. 318-359). Siar Conclave, Cymara: Conclave Academic Press. Kandorova, M., Petras, G., Tristana, S., & Yanusovich, R. (109IE). ‘Observations on the the Arcane effects of the Novayan people on their Surroundings’, Proceedings of the Order of Kul’Turan Archivists, 110(2), pp. 45-60. Keela, S. N. (144IE). ‘Systemic Impacts of Current and Historical Tensions on Trade Imports and Exports’, Orienta Economicus, 301(4), pp. 27-42 Keela, S. N., Seynera, G. & Futz, O. G. H. (134IE). 'Orientan Trade Dynamics with respect to Foreign Imports and Exports', Orienta Economicus, 289(15), pp. 56-78. Nostramus, K. (143IE). ‘Occidillan Insectoids as seen from the Velvet Coast: a dearth of perspective’, Silvertower Journal of Applied Sociology, 17(4), pp. 35-54. Oleander, S. (144IE). ‘The State of Occidillan Studies in the Velvet Coast’. In Isogard, F. (ed), Proceedings of the First Conference on Occidillan Studies, pp. 205-210. Patatrix, J. & Castania, R. (131IE). ‘Survey and comparative study of seventeen western Orientan archaeological sites inhabited by prehistoric Beastpeople’, Imperial Histories, 76(1), pp. 34-49. Seynera, G. & Futz, O. G. H. (140IE). ‘A reconsideration of Occidillan and Orientan trade relations: new evidences of historic economic relationships’, Imperial Histories, 105(3), pp. 67-82. Siar Conclave Elder Council Budgetary and Financial Review Committee (142IE). ‘Siar Conclave Annual Budget and Expenditures Statement 142IE’, Prepared for Siar Conclave Elder Council Ministry of Treasury and the Exchequer, Siar Conclave, Cymara Solus, X. (132IE). ‘Explorations into Occidalis – An Attempted Accounting of the Floating Isles and their Inhabitants’, Global Conclave, 456(1), pp. 45-89. Tristana, S. & Kandorova, M. (116IE). ‘A Conceptual Framework for Arcanological Effects on Inhabited Environments’, Proceedings of the Order of Kul’Turan Archivists, 113(5), pp. 113-167. Tristana, S. (119IE). ‘Arcano-Environmental Reactions from Ecological Systems change with Sutran Faith Systems’. Arcane Environment, 198(3), pp. 55-70. Tse, S. C. & Tristana, S. (115IE). ‘Sutran Faith and Religions Systems directly affect Local Environments’. Arcane Environment, 196(1), pp. 23-41.
Agent Provost The above is a complete copy of the paper mentioned in our previous correspondence. If anything resembling this paper appears in SA, you will suppress its publication by all means. Collaborate with the humans if you must. But this document must not be seen by anyone anywhere. GTHL — I.
Comments