Isocéran Reformation

The **Isocéran Reformation** was a pivotal political and religious event that took place from 668 to 684 AMC and resulted in the creation of the united nation of Isocéra, a theocracy under the Order of Isocéra. The Reformation saw the rise to power of priest Elimmus Sheené and his doctrine of conquest and conversion, a doctrine which was fulfilled through his militaristic takeover of the previously divided archipelago and the establishment of his lineage as the head of a religious monarchy.

## Background

### Pre-Reformation Politics of Isocéra

Prior to its unification, Isocéra Island, Exaltos, and the smaller islands in their vicinity were divided among a number of governing entities. Exaltos was controlled entirely by the Exaltosian Domain, which had risen out of the city-state of Yaxo. The western part of Isocéra Island was mainly governed by Oxmoso, which exercised direct rule over its immediate area and indirect control over other regions through homage and trade rights. The city-states of Firaxos, Asoxo, and Velos retained control over their respective areas. In the eastern region, the Union of Gashing Gulf was formed, consisting of the cities of Garasos, Elesos, Mixos, Vinia, Redbay, and most of the gulf's coast, along with the area around the Exo River. Other areas of Isocéra Island were less centralized, with minor princes or individual landowners holding control, although they theoretically acknowledged the authority of a central ruler. These areas included Gobb's Head under Rugos, the region north of the Great Spine under Parafis, the far northeast under Duffos, the eastern coast under Lakevine, and the Tolado mountains under Verinexos. Additionally, certain islands, such as Resilo Island, Viloma Island, Porofos Island, Binta's Remains, the Three Menixas, Nilino Island, and Vix Isle, were self-governed.

These political divisions were accompanied by religious differences. The rural areas of the islands largely adhered to the Old Religion of Isocéra or practiced specific forms of magic, such as forest magic or wind magic. Some regions, including Velos, the Union of Gashing Gulf, and Viloma Island, embraced Canavoxa. Yaxo, Oxmoso, and Asoxo each had their own denominations of Elexism, while Firaxos stood out with a significant number of practitioners of sea magic. The Order of Isocéra, previously known as the Way of the Triadica, originated in the region near the eastern end of the Great Spine. It remained localized until approximately 1850 PMC when priests began demonstrating miracles to the locals in Deraxos and Alvaxa. This period coincided with the construction of the Old Temple of Naxoranipo and the Old Temple of Tevosonifaxa, with the Old Temple of Verinosino having been built earlier in the region where the religion first appeared. By 600 AMC, the religion was still mainly concentrated in the areas surrounding these three temples, as well as certain regions along the northern coast of Isocéra Island and nearby islands.

### Evolution of the Order of Isocéra

In the seventh century AMC, the doctrine of the Way of the Triadica underwent a transformation. Historical records indicate the emergence of a new faction that placed greater emphasis on visions, sacrifice, and ritual, compared to their predecessors. This faction advocated for increased piety and the forced propagation of their religion. One prominent priest driving this new doctrine was Elimmus Sheené, who was known as Young Priest Elimmus bel fis Tevosonifaxa at the temple in Alvaxa Town. Sheené, after visiting the Old Temple at Alvaxa Point, expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceived as a lack of dedication to their religion. In his writings, he spoke of his belief that the islands were permeated with evil that needed to be purged through unification under the Order. Sheené recounted a prophetic vision he had, describing a "great fire on the sea, stretching as far as the eye could see under a towering cliff crowned with three opals." Considering this vision divinely inspired, he embarked on a journey to Exaltos and the Bay of Opals in 655 AMC, interpreting the opals in his vision as references to this location.

## Beginning of the Reformation

### Arrival in Exaltos

Limited information is available regarding the thirteen-year period during which Elimmus Sheené traveled from Alvaxa to Exaltos. Unfortunately, his personal records from the journey have been lost, and reliable accounts from others are scarce. However, in this time, likely spent traveling throughout much of the islands, it is clear Sheené amassed three things: a large cohort of devoted priests; support from individuals across many regions, including some possessing significant wealth and political influence; and a small army and fleet, likely provided by these wealthy individuals. The fleet proved crucial upon Sheené's arrival in the Bay of Opals, where he encountered forces from Yaxo who had received advance notice of his approach. Nevertheless, Princess Posima lis Borofe of Yaxo underestimated the threat, and Sheené's forces easily defeated the small defense she had sent in the Battle of Opal-Bay Beach. This victory allowed Sheené to establish his first foothold in Exaltos, setting up camp near the mouth of the River of Iridescence.

### Establishment of the New Temples

Having secured a well-defended location in the bay, Elimmus Sheené began the construction of the three New Temples of the Order. Sheené had enlisted skilled masons, metalworkers, carpenters, and artists during his journey, and he personally oversaw the construction of these temples atop the cliff on the northern side of the bay, which he named Godsmouth Bluff. Remarkably, the temples were completed within a matter of weeks. Construction materials were sourced from nearby granite cliffs and local spruce wood, and precious metals and dyes donated by Sheené's supporters adorned the temples.

### Second Confrontation with Yaxo

As the temples neared completion in the harvest season of 668 AMC, Princess lis Borofe of Yaxo assembled a much larger force to launch an attack against Sheené. This time, she commanded the army directly. Despite Sheené's forces occupying a naturally fortified position, it initially seemed they would not withstand the assault. However, just as the Yaxan forces closed in on the settlement, the fleet of Oxmoso, the largest in Isocéra, arrived in the Bay of Opals. Influential supporters of Sheené had managed to persuade Oxmoso to align with their cause. This alliance was facilitated by two main factors: first, Oxmoso's sect of Elexism had been declining in popularity, and its elite sought a new influence to replace traditional practices; second, Oxmoso and Yaxo had a history of bitter rivalry and had fought numerous wars over control of regional trade.

Upon learning of Oxmoso's allegiance with Sheené, Princess lis Borofe opted to establish a defensive line rather than proceed with the planned attack. She urgently requested military assistance from the rulers of Firaxos, Asoxo, Velos, and the Union of Gashing Gulf. However, only Velos responded promptly, dispatching a small fleet to support Yaxo. The other regions deliberated extensively on whether to align with their old rival and eliminate the perceived threat posed by Sheené. This delay provided Sheené and Oxmoso, led by Regel so Errafe, the son of Governor Vemis so Errafe, an opportunity to launch their own attack.

This attack, known as the Battle of Tall River Hill, resulted in a similar outcome to their previous conflict, albeit on a larger scale. Yaxo's forces were swiftly overwhelmed within a few hours, suffering heavy casualties and losing their defensive positions. This allowed Sheené and so Errafe's forces to advance north along the river. Princess lis Borofe was fatally struck by an arrow as she fled on horseback, and she was succeeded by her younger sister, Pasima.

### Establishment of Flaming Beach

Following the devastating defeat suffered by Yaxo, the rulers of the other regions faced a dilemma regarding their response. Princess Alorr os Liximor of Velos and Prince Paramir ros Sorr of Asoxo were inclined to join forces with Yaxo to counter the new religious movement. The Union of Gashing Gulf, lacking a substantial military and favoring diplomacy, chose to remain neutral for the time being. Firaxos, led by the Mage Council of Firaxan Waters, also opted to stay uninvolved, seeking to maintain independence from any religious faction.

While Yaxo regrouped and strategized alongside Asoxo and Velos, Sheené continued expanding his influence within Exaltos. He dispatched priests and small groups of soldiers to towns in the southern part of the island, initially spreading the Order peacefully but resorting to force when faced with resistance. Meanwhile, Sheené remained in the Bay of Opals and began constructing a proper town near the river's mouth. As a small palace approached completion, Sheené sent envoys to each region, inviting their rulers and priests to visit his new palace and engage in discussions. The parley was scheduled to take place on the 1st day of the Month of the Sun's Warmth in 669 AMC.

As the parley approached, all the regions except Firaxos dispatched representatives to meet Sheené in the Bay of Opals. Asoxo sent its prince's young cousin, Olis ros Sorr, along with a group of high-ranking Elexist priests. Velos dispatched Princess os Liximor and a Canavoxan high priest, while the Union of Gashing Gulf was represented by council member Lady Risa of Elesos and a group of Canavoxan priests. Yaxo sent the new Princess lis Borofe and their head Elexist priest. Each party arrived accompanied by a retinue of servants.

Elimmus Sheené, now known as New Priest Elimmus Sheené bel ax Triadica and accompanied by Regel so Errafe, a cohort of priests, and a large group of bodyguards, met the opposing parties in front of his palace south of the River of Iridescence's mouth on the morning of the appointed day. Sheené delivered a speech outlining his beliefs and his intent to conquer and unify the islands. He offered each group a final opportunity to pledge allegiance to his cause, which all four groups declined. However, instead of allowing the emissaries to depart in peace as promised, Sheené instructed his guards to surround them. One servant was removed from each group, and Sheené reportedly summoned fire from above, setting ablaze the beach where the parties stood. The fire spread rapidly in both directions along the shore, engulfing both the emissaries and the guards and forming an unbroken wall of fire around the entire Bay of Opals. Sheené declared the event a ritualistic sacrifice to infuse the land with sacred power, viewing it as a fulfillment of his vision. Construction of the Top-of-the-Opal Lighthouse commenced immediately, and the surviving servants were sent back to their homelands with instructions to relay the events that had transpired, what would become known as the Day of the Sun's Wrath.

## Unification of Isocéra

### Response to the Deaths of the Emissaries

The fire of what was from that point on known as Flaming Beach caused great reaction all across the Isocéran islands. On Exaltos, where many locals had witnessed the event, religious fervor spread rapidly for the Order. Only in Yaxo was the news met with anger, where Pesima lis Borofe, the youngest of the three sisters, was the new princess. A similar reaction occurred in Velos, where Alorr os Liximor's son Larr now reigned. However, in Asoxo, the news of his cousin's death caused Prince ros Sorr great grief and fear; he declared that Sheené had great power, and agreed to bend the knee if his family and people were spared. In the Union of Gashing Gulf, opinions in the council were mixed; only in Elesos, the city that the Union's emissary was from, were people angry with Sheené and wished to join Yaxo and Velos. The other four cities, less impacted by the events and still not entirely convicted with the relatively new influence of Canavoxa, wished to submit to Sheené's authority. This disagreement caused a rift in the Union, and Elesos proclaimed independence and allegiance with Yaxo and Velos while the Union allied with the Order of Isocéra.

### Final Confrontation with Yaxo

Fueled by her anger over the deaths of her sisters, Princess Pesima lis Borofe rallied the remaining forces of Yaxo and Velos in a final attack on Sheené's power. The Battle of Mirimar, occurring in early autumn of 669 AMC, was the longest and most devastating battle for either side. Over the course of nearly a week, combat raged; although Yaxo and Velos had superiority in numbers, the forces of the Order were newly invigorated and determined and begun to overwhelm their enemies. The battle culminated when the third Princess lis Borofe engaged Sheené in single combat. Although regarded as highly proficient with her spear, Pesima could not withstand the reportedly divinely inspired Sheené, who finally struck her down with his longsword. Upon seeing their leader's death, the Yaxan forces faltered and surrendered, their morale shattered. The Order immediately moved to secure Yaxo, installing a new leader.

In Velos, Prince Larr os Liximor was facing increasing pressure from his advisors to surrender to the Order. Although filled with anger over the death of his mother, Alorr, the new prince did not possess the influence or charisma that she had, and thus he gave in to his advisors' will and bent the knee to Sheené in early winter of 669 AMC.

### Siege and Razing of Elesos

As of 670 AMC, the majority of regions in Isocéra had pledged allegiance to Sheené. Beyond the main participants in the conflict, emissaries and soldiers were dispatched to outlying areas to ensure compliance with the new regime. With Velos having surrendered, only Elesos and Firaxos remained in defiance of the Order's quest for Isocéran unification.

While Firaxos maintained its independence in neutrality of the Order's ways, Elesos actively worked against them. The largest city of the Gashing Gulf, Elesos interfered with trade between the other cities of its previous union and the Order, attacking ships and sabotaging lighthouses to make travel at night unsafe. Additionally, they harbored royal family members and other elite from Yaxo, Asoxo, and Velos who fled their cities before they joined the Order. This included Perle and Ilisi lises Borofe, cousins of the slain Yaxan princesses, as well as Forosin os Liximor, the Velosian prince's younger brother. These expatriates worked with members of the late Lady Risa's family to scheme against the Order's goals.

Because the city had formidable fortifications that made a direct attack inviable, Sheené employed alternative strategies to exert pressure on Elesos for its surrender. In the spring of 670 AMC, a blockade was established at Elesos's harbor. Within a week, a significant army led by New Priest Rosix bel fisax Naxoranipo initiated a siege of the city, effectively isolating it from the outside world. Although Elesos had stockpiled provisions in anticipation of such a situation, the Order's forces were able to utilize the fertile land of the Vinala region to sustain themselves for as long as necessary. After nearly three years of relentless siege, Elesos exhausted its food supplies. While the city's nobility remained resolved to resist surrender, a revolt erupted among the populace. They overpowered the guards and opened the city's gates. Rosix's forces surged in, resulting in the fall of Elesos on the final day of the Month of the Cold Storm in 672 AMC.

By the conclusion of the siege, approximately 35,000 Elosians had perished due to starvation, and the city was ready to submit to the Order's authority. Even the nobility and exiles, now held captive in their own palace, agreed to engage in negotiations for surrender terms. On the twenty-sixth day of the Month of the Sun's Warmth in 673 AMC, Elimmus Sheené arrived at Elesos, where he met the prisoners at the city's western gate. However, instead of engaging in discussions, he addressed the assembled crowd. Sheené stated that despite the city's surrender, their prolonged defiance was deemed unforgivable by the Order. He declared the land on which the city stood as tainted with evil and a threat to their religious beliefs. Sheené then signaled for forces that had been positioned on the city's walls to unleash a volley of crossbow bolts, executing all the prisoners. Following this act, Sheené departed through the gate, ordering its closure behind him. Subsequently, Rosix's army razed Elesos, systematically killing any remaining inhabitants they encountered. Once the massacre was finished, the city was set ablaze, its fleet was sunk, and its walls were demolished. Finally, the towering 250-foot-tall Lighthouse of Elesos was destroyed.

### Fate of Firaxos

Although Firaxos was the final holdout from the Order's desire to unify Isocéra, almost no records survive that describe what happened between its independence through at least 674 AMC to its integration in, at the latest, 684 AMC. The lack of evident destruction or death makes a siege or attack seem unlikely; however, the Mage Council of Firaxan Waters was notorious for resisting any religious influence, and without substantial pressure it appears just as unlikely that they surrendered peacefully. The predominant theory holds that, upon hearing of Elesos's fall, the Council retreated into hiding, giving up control of the city to protect it from similar devastation. Thereafter, the practice of sea magic slowly faded from the city as the strict laws of the Order took hold.

## Consequences

### New Government

Following the complete unification of Isocéra by 684 AMC, Elimmus Sheené proclaimed his conquest a triumph and initiated the construction of temples throughout the islands to support the principles of the newly established theocracy. Moreover, he had himself crowned king atop Godsmouth Bluff, a title he retained until his death in 696 AMC. Upon his death, his son, New Priest Delmir Sheené bel ax Triadica, succeeded him as monarch.

Flaming Beach, having been designated as the capital of Isocéra, experienced rapid growth and prospered as a bustling port. A system of provincial administration was implemented to govern the various regions, with governors appointed at the discretion of the crown.

### Religious Outcome

Upon achieving the unification of Isocéra, Sheené diligently worked to establish the Order throughout the entire nation. Temples were erected in towns of significant size, and individuals were recruited to join the priesthood. Priests continued to traverse the islands accompanied by entourages of bodyguards, employing force to convert remaining citizens. However, in certain regions, particularly those that exhibited the greatest resistance during the Reformation, clandestine groups persisted, plotting against the Order with the aim of securing independence or promoting alternative beliefs.

Nonetheless, the transformation in Isocéra was remarkable. Regions that had previously been divided by diverse sects or even different religions now stood united under the Order and its stringent doctrine. A combination of diminished allegiance to previous beliefs, the authority and influence of the new priests, or both, contributed to a pervasive fervor that endured for generations.