Greetings from Khandava,
Fear of the unknown breeds panic, panic breeds anger, anger leads to hate, and hate causes foolish actions. I am Ryse D'Arenath, Prophet of Khandava, and I am here to explain the unknown.
The ruins of Stavenn attest to the failures of wanton imperialism, slave-holding, and chaos mongering. Stavenn, land of the Iron Tyrants powered by the unwilling hands of slave labor, is no more. Khandava does not abide by wide-spread murder and slaughter of the innocent. Khandava does not believe in slave-holding and Imperialism. Khandava does not spread chaos and lies. Khandava holds three main principles - Freedom, Community, and The Tree. It is these three principles that shape and drive the entirety of Khandavan existence, form our laws, and persist our customs.
There are individuals in each society that simply do not fit. A longing for something more, or interests unaccepted by their peers...these individuals find a home in Khandava. We celebrate the individual, and the individual's ability to pursue their wants and desires regardless of societal acceptance. Within Khandava, you can be truly free. Break the shackles of your societal constraints, shed your inhibitions, explore topics others deem too dangerous, and push the boundaries of your existence. Find your true self, and we will celebrate you.
But freedom must be tempered by a focus on community. Bonds between each other are sacred and strong as steel. A promise given by a Khandavan is one that will never fail, for we temper our love of freedom and individuality by our loyalty to each other and those worthy of our friendship. We, as a council, do not dictate and demand what can and cannot be done...we instead counsel, and advise, and support to better achieve your goals. Breaching the bonds of community and friendship is tantamount to treason, and is the one crime in Khandava that will see ousting, exile, and death.
The sacraments of Freedom and Community are tied together via The Tree. The Tree is a mythical wonder...an otherworldly phenomenon that effortlessly breaches the boundaries between the planes, fulfills wishes with a rustle, and yet demands nothing. The Tree is inscrutable, alien, and a complete mystery to all...yet it speaks in glimpses, thoughts, and impressions that unify, inform, and empower. Some of us fear the Tree for its power, others explore the Tree to unearth its mysteries, yet others simply respect the Tree for the unifying symbology it provides to our collection of freedom-lovers and outcasts.
Thus, Khandava persists. We are a bastion for the unwanted, an archive of forbidden knowledge, and an intermingled group of friends that may not always agree, and often viciously disagree...but the bond of Community, the focus on Freedom, and the strength of The Tree ensure that Khandava remains.
Sincerely,
-Prophet Ryse
Penned by my hand on the 25th of Naturalis, in the year 229 AM.
