In Sunaria, the Emissaries play a crucial role as the primary link between their secluded country and the outside civilizations of Anarkand. These individuals are carefully selected and rigorously trained to navigate the complex and often hostile interactions with other races, especially those they traditionally despise. Despite the Sunarians' general disdain for outsiders, the Emissaries' existence underscores the necessity of occasional diplomacy and intelligence gathering to safeguard their society and beliefs.


The selection of a Sunarian Emissary is a meticulous process. Candidates are chosen from a young age, identified for their intelligence, physical prowess, and unwavering loyalty to the Synngard—the religious leaders who govern Sunarian society. These young candidates undergo years of intense training, which includes:


Cultural Education: Emissaries must learn about the customs, languages, and histories of the various races of Anarkand. This knowledge is essential for effective communication and negotiation. Given the potential for conflict, Emissaries are always accompanied by four Sunarian Guards who are trained in various forms of combat.


Religious Indoctrination: Emissaries are deeply immersed in the doctrines of Synn. Their faith and understanding of Sunarian religious principles must be unshakeable, enabling them to represent their people with conviction and zeal.


Diplomatic Skills: Emissaries are taught the arts of persuasion, negotiation, and subterfuge. They must be able to read and influence others, often under high-stakes conditions.
Roles and Responsibilities

1. Diplomacy and Negotiation:

Despite the Sunarians' preference for isolation, there are occasions when diplomacy is unavoidable. Emissaries are tasked with representing Sunarian interests in negotiations with other races. These can range from establishing non-aggression pacts to negotiating the terms of trade for rare resources. Their primary goal is always to protect Sunarian sovereignty and further the will of Synn.

2. Intelligence Gathering:

Emissaries serve as the eyes and ears of the Synngard in the outside world. They gather intelligence on potential threats, technological advancements, and political movements that could impact Sunarian society. This information is crucial for the Synngard to make informed decisions about how best to protect their people and prepare for the prophesied return of Synn.

3. Spreading Religious Doctrine:

On rare occasions, Emissaries are tasked with subtly spreading the teachings of Synn beyond Sunarian borders. This is a delicate mission, aimed at sowing seeds of belief or creating sympathizers within other races. Such efforts are carefully monitored and are only undertaken when the Synngard believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

4. Crisis Mediation:

In times of crisis, Emissaries may be called upon to mediate conflicts involving the Sunarians. Their deep understanding of Sunarian culture and the outside world enables them to navigate complex situations and find solutions that align with their people's interests.


ABOUT THE SUNARIANS:

The Sunarians, a humanoid race native to the east of Anarkand, have long been considered a blight on the greater world. Their origins trace back to the dawn of the First Era, making them one of the most ancient civilizations on the planet. Unlike other races that expanded and mingled, the Sunarians chose isolation, building their society in seclusion. Their choice of existence has allowed them to develop unique cultural and religious practices, far removed from the influences of other civilizations.


Central to Sunarian society is the worship of Synn, a karmic deity believed to visit Anarkand once every 12,000 years with the intent of destruction. To the Sunarians, Synn is not a malevolent force but a necessary harbinger of balance and renewal. They view the cyclical destruction brought by Synn as a cleansing process that eradicates the old and corrupt, paving the way for new growth and development.


The worship of Synn has a profound impact on every aspect of Sunarian life. Their belief in cyclical destruction and renewal shapes their attitudes towards life, death, and the natural world. It instills in them a sense of fatalism, accepting that destruction is an inevitable and necessary part of existence. This belief also fosters a stoic resilience, as they prepare themselves mentally and physically for Synn’s eventual return.


Sunarian religious practices are deeply intertwined with this belief. They conduct elaborate rituals and ceremonies to honour Synn, hoping to gain favour and be spared during the deity’s apocalyptic visit. Their temples, often hidden in remote locations, are adorned with symbols of destruction and renewal, reflecting their dualistic worldview.


Such is the belief and worship of this karmic deity, the Sunarians have established a rigidly hierarchical priestly caste at the top who claim to have direct communion with Synn. These priests, known as the Synngard, hold significant power and influence, guiding the populace according to their religious doctrines. The general populace is expected to follow the edicts of the Synngard without question, reinforcing a strict order and unity within their society.


The Synngard wield immense power, not just spiritually but politically. Their interpretations of Synn’s will dictate societal norms and laws, and dissent is rarely tolerated. This theocratic governance ensures a cohesive and obedient populace but stifles individual freedoms and dissenting ideas.


Chosen Isolation:

Their isolationism is both a cultural choice and a protective measure. The Sunarians despise the western civilizations of Andromania, Marrakis, and Kumantarakis, viewing their technological advancements and differing beliefs as blasphemous and dangerous. This disdain has led to numerous skirmishes and conflicts, although the Sunarians prefer to avoid direct confrontation when possible, retreating into their fortified enclaves.


Throughout the eras, the Sunarians have had sporadic encounters with other races. These interactions are often marked by violence and mistrust. The western civilizations, with their contrasting ideologies, have frequently clashed with the Sunarians. Notable historical conflicts include the Battle of the Karos, where an allied force from Andromania and Marrakis attempted to penetrate Sunarian territory, only to be repelled with significant losses.


Despite their reclusive nature, the Sunarians have occasionally launched preemptive strikes against what they perceive as threats to their way of life. These attacks are swift and devastating, designed to send a clear message to outsiders: the Sunarians will defend their beliefs and territory at all costs.


Potential for Future Conflict

The Sunarians’ belief in Synn as a destroyer sets them on a potential collision course with other civilizations, especially as the prophesied time of Synn’s return approaches. Their readiness to embrace destruction could lead to aggressive actions against perceived threats, heightening tensions across Anarkand. This is evidenced by their newly agreed commitment to the Radamis Empire. Many political commentators across Anarkand believe this is a ruse to target the west, and aid in the return of Synn.