Of all the peoples of Ganedan, the imps are perhaps the most mysterious and perplexing. Never have I seen such zest for life. After centuries of enslavement at the hands of the Nadirak, they have taken to freedom with utter abandon. I have recently devoted much of my time to study on the Noctria Peninsula and it has proved to be both an intriguing and baffling experience.
Imp society is an interesting mix of many influences. Noctria has only existed as a nation for roughly five years and it continues to change on a daily basis. As any who have traveled through that inhospitable land since the start of the new age can tell you, many of the customs of Noctria seem to have been borrowed from the other intelligent races of Ganedan. So too, can it be said for their religious beliefs. A desire for guidance and enlightenment is perfectly natural when one takes charge of his or her own life. The imps' first taste of freedom has presented them with a bewildering array of choices.
Imp male
Since Lugus III crowned himself Grand Exalted Emperor of The People (I have settled on printing this title as a matter of convenience. It is but one of many of the ruler's monikers which he seemingly changes whenever the whim strikes him. It also happens to be one of the shorter ones.), no widespread spiritual following has yet arisen. I have seen many would-be spiritual revolutionaries rise and fall, particularly in more recent times. Theoretically, any one of them could become the solidifying factor that will unite the impish people in their beliefs. Until then, however, their practices continue to be as individualistic as the imps themselves.
Some imps appear to have chosen based simply on which people or belief system they first came in contact with after crossing over from Nadirak. For lack of a better alternative, I will simply list some of the most recent and/or most popular followings and allow you a glimpse into their spiritual minds.
A young, peace-loving imp I met early in my travels has taken refuge in the sparse forest of his land, and has set up a shrine to the elvan god, the Shining One. After speaking with Haviq of the Green, I learned that he had been discovered wandering lost and alone along the northern border of New Illanthia, by an elvan patrol. After feeding him and tending to his health, the elves sent him on his way, but he carried the memory with him from that day forth. Although he is content to venerate the Shining One in seclusion, other imps have heard his tale and come seeking guidance, which he is glad to share. The Shining One's message of life and vitality must be very different from what the imps knew in the Nadirak realm, and it seems to be gaining some degree of following amongst them, thanks to Haviq.
An imp woman by the name of Tizzle has officially started a following she calls the Creative Flame. This small organization is made up of artistically-inclined imps who all revere fire in some form and claim that the chaos of flame is the ultimate expression of their freedom. While many of them dabble in sorcery, their faith is true and they have access to divine magic, as well. There are strong similarities between the garb of the Creative Flame and that of the dwarven worshippers of Ferahl, the Queen of Fire, which has led me to wonder if the connection between the two could be more than mere coincidence. Perhaps Ferahl has quietly chosen to favor these new flame worshippers and grant them power. |
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A more obvious emulation is the Indigo Order, which is headed by an imp named Zaxx. This thinly-veiled and bizarre imitation of the Larocian Blue Order bears many similarities to the original on the surface, but seems to have failed to grasp the core values that the Blue Order embodies. While Zaxx and his followers spout mantras of chivalry and honor at every given chance, their actions have, to date, not supported their claims. Outfitted in a shining suit of plate mail, Zaxx himself has reportedly charged to the defense of those in need, only to cheerfully expect exorbitant payment once the danger has been dealt with. Those who do not or cannot pay often find that their goods have disappeared, gone with these so-called Knights of the Indigo Order. Further sullying their reputation, the Order has attracted some unsavory individuals from other nations, outcasts mostly, who have taken advantage of Zaxx's misguided crusade. It is notable that, unlike the followers of Tizzle and Haviq, members of the Indigo Order have been unable to tap a source of divine magic.
Another individual who has made something of a name for himself is Mattax the Mighty, an imp who has left Noctria and can often be found traveling all over the face of Ganedan. Armed with an array of weapons, he seeks to accomplish great deeds and thereby immortalize himself in the afterlife, similar to the cyclops' concept of earned divinity. While he has neither an interest in starting a spiritual movement, nor gains any divine magic from his self-imposed quest, Mattax is perhaps the most recognizable imp in Noctria today. Based on past experience, I believe that fact alone may spark a large following amongst his kin.
Lastly, I feel compelled to include one other. While it brought worry to my heart to meet this individual, I cannot simply ignore the potential of his movement. Nyzerik Longtooth, sibling to the famed Azik Longtooth who helped lead his people to freedom, seems to have fallen on difficult times. The change that accompanied the imps' exodus has been very difficult for some to bear. After generations of enslavement, these unfortunate individuals have found themselves lost in the new world. Nyzerik has assembled a growing group of frightened and confused imps and forged a cult dedicated to their former masters, the Nadirak. As far as I could tell, they had yet to make any contact or reap any reward from performing their dire rituals, but they packed up their camp and disappeared before I could inquire more thoroughly. I have the distinct feeling that this is not the last Ganedan will see of Nyzerik and his coven.
Imp female
Whatever the future holds for our impish allies, I am optimistic about their overall bravery and strength of heart. They have adapted admirably well to their new home, and are fast becoming a strong influence on the whole of Ganedan. In the years to come, as their society continues to develop and their culture separates itself completely from their tragic past, I expect to see great things from the people of Noctria.
- Kitterwen, Chief Historian of Ignilly University |
