Ibsprur

Ethics

1 First Lessons

¹In the sanctified annals of our people, the Ratori, we find guidance and wisdom in the celestial embrace of our revered deities: Nowmaak, the beacon of prosperity; Sansamaak, the guardian of the journey; and Pamaak, the enigmatic master of wealth. ²This sacred text serves as a testament to their teachings, a guide for our hearts and spirits as we navigate the complexities of existence under their divine watch.

³In the realm of the Ratori, where the rivers of trade and fortune flow endlessly, Nowmaak stands tall as our guiding light. ⁴Her essence, like the nurturing sun, bestows upon us the wisdom to seek prosperity not for one, but for all. ⁵She teaches us that true wealth lies in the well-being of our community, in the shared bounty of our labors, and in the harmonious exchange of goods and goodwill.

⁶“Let thy trade be fair as the calm seas, and thy prosperity shared like the bounteous harvest,” proclaims Nowmaak. ⁷We exchange not merely goods but promises of mutual respect and aid, upholding the sacred balance of give and take.

⁸As the day yields to the starlit sky, our hearts turn to Sansamaak, the whimsical deity of travel. He teaches us that the journey is as important as the destination. ⁹The open road, with its uncharted mysteries and unforeseen encounters, is a mirror to life’s own unpredictability. ¹⁰Sansamaak’s wisdom lies in the thrill of discovery, in the embrace of the unknown, and in the courage to venture beyond the familiar. ¹¹It is written, “Embrace the path less trodden, for therein lies the heart of adventure.”

¹²In the shadows of our desires lurks Pamaak, the god of wealth and avarice, a reminder of the dual nature of ambition. ¹³His domain is fraught with peril, yet essential in our lives.

¹³Thus, in the sacred teachings of Nowmaak, Sansamaak, and Pamaak, we, the Ratori, find our ethical compass. ¹⁴These divine beings form a triad of balance and wisdom, guiding us to live lives of prosperity, adventure, and mindful ambition. ¹⁵Their combined teachings shape our society, our values, and our very souls. ¹⁶We walk the path laid by these celestial guides, ever striving to honor their principles in our thoughts, our deeds, and our interactions with the world around us. ¹⁷This sacred text is our map, leading us towards a life of ethical fulfillment under the watchful eyes of our gods.

2 Second Lessons

¹Nowmaak, the goddess of prosperity, embodies the principle of ethical wealth creation and distribution. ²Her guidance steers us towards a prosperity that nurtures the collective well-being. ³The Ratori, under Nowmaak’s benevolent watch, are taught to regard wealth not as an end in itself but as a means to enhance the common good.

⁴Her teachings encourage us to engage in fair trade, to ensure that our prosperity uplifts the community, and to avoid the pitfalls of hoarding wealth. ⁵The spirit of generosity and mutual support espoused by Nowmaak forms the bedrock of our economic and social interactions, fostering an environment where prosperity benefits all, not just a select few.

⁶Sansamaak, our god of travel, imparts wisdom that extends beyond the physical journey. ⁷His teachings emphasize the ethical dimensions of exploration and discovery. ⁸Sansamaak encourages us to approach travel as an opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange, promoting understanding and respect for the diverse ways of life we encounter.

⁹His followers are guided to travel with a sense of responsibility and mindfulness, appreciating the sanctity of the lands and cultures they explore. ¹⁰In Sansamaak’s doctrine, the journey itself becomes a path of ethical enlightenment, where the experiences gained on the road serve to broaden our perspectives and deepen our empathy towards others.

¹¹Pamaak, the god of wealth and greed, represents the darker, more challenging aspects of our ethical spectrum. ¹²Unlike Nowmaak and Sansamaak, Pamaak’s teachings do not guide us towards communal benefit or personal growth. ¹³Instead, he embodies the raw, unbridled pursuit of wealth and the power it brings.

¹⁴In our society, Pamaak’s influence serves as a cautionary example. ¹⁵His followers, driven by a relentless hunger for riches, often stray from the moral path, serving as reminders of the destructive potential of unchecked greed and selfish ambition. ¹⁶The Ratori are taught to be wary of Pamaak’s path, recognizing the importance of balancing personal ambition with the greater good.

3 Third Lessons

¹While Nowmaak’s teachings have traditionally focused on communal prosperity, there lies a deeper, often unexplored aspect of her doctrine: ethical stewardship of resources. This principle compels us to consider the long-term impact of our economic activities on the environment and future generations. ²We are urged to adopt sustainable practices in our trades and crafts, ensuring that the pursuit of prosperity does not lead to the depletion or degradation of the natural world that sustains us all.

³Nowmaak’s followers are thus called to be guardians of the land, ensuring that our wealth is not built upon the impoverishment of our world.

⁴Sansamaak’s realm of travel and exploration also holds deeper ethical implications in the form of connectivity. This aspect emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining ethical relationships across cultures and communities. ⁵It promotes the idea of travel as a means of creating bridges between different peoples, fostering a sense of global community and mutual understanding.

⁶In practice, this means that our journeys should not only be about personal enlightenment but also about forming respectful and enduring connections with those we meet. ⁷Sansamaak’s teachings thus extend to the realm of diplomacy and intercultural communication, advocating for travel that enriches not just the individual, but also the broader tapestry of global relationships.

⁸Despite Pamaak’s association with greed and personal ambition, his doctrine also serves as a powerful tool for ethical reflection. It forces us to confront the darker aspects of our nature and the ethical dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of wealth and power. ⁹This introspective aspect of Pamaak’s teachings challenges us to continually assess our motivations, to recognize the impact of our actions on others, and to strive for a balance between ambition and ethics.

¹⁰Pamaak’s followers are mirrors to our society, reflecting the consequences of unbridled greed and the importance of self-awareness in our pursuit of success.

Commerce

1 Rules of Business

¹In all commercial endeavors, the Ratori shall engage in precise accounting, as dictated by the principles of Nowmaak, ensuring transparency and accuracy in their records.

²Bartering shall be practiced with fairness, each item’s value determined by mutual agreement, reflecting the teachings of Nowmaak in equitable exchange.

³Sansamaak’s followers shall establish trade routes that span diverse lands, connecting distant markets to foster a network of commerce.

⁴Trade caravans, under the guidance of Sansamaak, shall be organized quarterly, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultural insights across regions.

⁵In accordance with Pamaak’s doctrine, investment in ventures shall be pursued, but with calculated risk and a clear understanding of potential returns.

⁶The Ratori shall diversify their portfolios, including investments in agriculture, craftsmanship, and foreign trade, as a safeguard against market fluctuations.

⁷Nowmaak’s principles dictate that a portion of profits be reinvested in the business, ensuring sustained growth and stability of the enterprise.

⁸The practice of lending and borrowing shall be conducted with agreed-upon terms of interest, with rates set fairly to avoid usury, as per Nowmaak’s teachings.

⁹Sansamaak’s influence in travel dictates the exploration of new markets and products, encouraging innovation and adaptation in Ratori commerce.

¹⁰In honoring Pamaak, strategic acquisition of wealth shall be pursued, yet balanced with Nowmaak’s teachings of reinvestment in community welfare.

¹¹Market analyses shall be conducted biannually, as guided by the wisdom of Pamaak, to assess economic trends and adjust business strategies accordingly.

¹²In all trade dealings, the Ratori shall maintain clear and binding contracts, ensuring that agreements are upheld and disputes minimized.

2 Ethical Trade and Exploration

¹The Ratori shall establish standard weights and measures for all goods traded, ensuring consistency and fairness in transactions, as guided by Nowmaak’s principles of equity.

²Trade licenses shall be issued by a Council of Commerce, a requirement for all Ratori engaging in large-scale trading, as a means to regulate and maintain order in the marketplace.

³Import and export taxes shall be levied in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Council, ensuring a balance in foreign trade influenced by Pamaak’s teachings on wealth accumulation.

⁴Sansamaak’s directives on exploration shall extend to the sea, where maritime trade shall be conducted under strict guidelines to protect the integrity of international commerce.

⁵In adherence to Pamaak’s doctrine, the Ratori shall engage in competitive pricing strategies, but not to the extent of creating monopolies or stifling fair competition.

⁶The establishment of trade guilds, under the auspices of Nowmaak, shall be encouraged to promote collective bargaining, skill development, and ethical business practices.

⁷Agreements for mutual protection of trade routes, influenced by Sansamaak’s teachings, shall be established with neighboring regions to ensure safe passage of goods.

⁸The practice of commodity futures trading shall be introduced, guided by Pamaak’s principles, allowing traders to hedge against market volatility and price fluctuations.

⁹Nowmaak’s guidance on communal well-being shall lead to the creation of economic safety nets for traders in times of market downturn or natural calamities.

¹⁰Regulations regarding the use of magic in trade, as per the Council’s decree, shall be strictly enforced to prevent unfair advantages and maintain the integrity of the marketplace.

¹¹Dispute resolution mechanisms shall be established, providing a platform for fair and efficient settlement of trade disagreements, in line with Nowmaak’s teachings of justice.

¹²The Ratori shall periodically convene economic summits, under the guidance of all three deities, to discuss market trends, innovations, and strategies for sustainable and prosperous trade practices.

3 Foreign Relations

¹The Ratori, as residents within a foreign nation, shall seek collaboration with local businesses, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that reflect the teachings of Nowmaak on communal prosperity.

²Sansamaak’s guidance on exploration and cultural respect shall be paramount in adapting Ratori trade practices to align with the customs and regulations of the host nation.

³In accordance with Pamaak’s principles, the Ratori shall engage in joint ventures with local enterprises, sharing risks and rewards while respecting the established economic order.

⁴The Ratori shall form trade associations, under the guidance of Nowmaak, to represent their collective interests and negotiate fair trade terms within the host nation’s markets.

⁵Sansamaak’s teachings shall inspire the Ratori to establish cultural exchange programs, promoting understanding and goodwill between the Ratori and the host nation’s communities.

⁶The Ratori shall adapt their traditional crafts and products to appeal to the host nation’s market, innovating while maintaining the essence of their cultural heritage.

⁷In compliance with Pamaak’s wisdom, the Ratori shall strategically invest in sectors of the host nation’s economy that offer growth potential and align with their skills and knowledge.

⁸Nowmaak’s emphasis on ethical business practices shall guide the Ratori in adhering to the legal and commercial standards of the host nation, ensuring integrity in all transactions.

⁹The Ratori shall utilize their unique position to act as intermediaries in international trade, leveraging their knowledge of both their own and the host nation’s practices.

¹⁰In the spirit of Sansamaak, the Ratori shall continually seek new market opportunities within the host nation, adapting to changing economic landscapes and consumer preferences.

¹¹The Ratori shall establish educational initiatives to train their youth in the economic practices and languages of the host nation, ensuring future generations are well-equipped for successful integration.

¹²The Ratori, guided by the collective wisdom of Nowmaak, Sansamaak, and Pamaak, shall balance their cultural heritage with the dynamics of the host nation’s economy, striving for prosperity and harmony within this shared economic landscape.

Family

1 First Family Rules

¹In the beginning of family life, the Ratori shall honor the sanctity of the union, whether by marriage or other sacred bonds, as a testament to the communal spirit espoused by Nowmaak. ²The Ratori shall recognize the family as a microcosm of the broader community, where each member contributes to the collective wellbeing, reflecting the teachings of Nowmaak on shared prosperity.

²Parenthood, a revered responsibility among the Ratori, shall be approached with dedication and wisdom, nurturing the young in the ways of our people and the teachings of our deities.

³Within the family, the Ratori shall practice open communication, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, in accordance with Sansamaak’s principles of understanding and empathy.

⁴The Ratori shall celebrate the milestones of family life - births, coming-of-age ceremonies, unions, and elderhood - with rituals that honor our traditions and the guidance of our gods.

⁵The elders in Ratori families shall be revered as custodians of wisdom and tradition, their guidance sought in matters of importance, in keeping with the respect for knowledge and experience.

⁷Family disputes shall be resolved through mediation and open dialogue, striving for harmony and understanding, as taught by Nowmaak’s principles of communal balance.

⁸In times of hardship, Ratori families shall support each other, pooling resources and strength, embodying Nowmaak’s teachings of mutual aid and prosperity.

⁹The Ratori shall instill in their children the values of our culture, including respect for the Essence Weave, the importance of ethical commerce, and the virtues of exploration and curiosity.

¹⁰Each family shall maintain a shrine to the Ratori deities, fostering a spiritual connection and ensuring that the divine teachings guide our daily lives and family interactions.

¹¹In matters of inheritance and succession, the Ratori shall be fair and equitable, distributing assets and responsibilities in a manner that ensures the well-being of all family members.

¹²The Ratori shall engage in regular family gatherings, strengthening the bonds of kinship and community, and reaffirming our commitment to the teachings of Nowmaak, Sansamaak, and Pamaak.

2 Second Family Rules

¹The Ratori shall practice the tradition of family councils, where decisions affecting the entire family are discussed and made collectively, ensuring democratic participation of all members.

²In fostering children’s growth, the Ratori shall emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and independence, preparing them to contribute effectively to society.

³Families shall allocate time for collective learning, engaging in activities that deepen their understanding of the Essence Weave, the history of the Ratori, and the teachings of our deities.

⁴The Ratori shall encourage artistic and creative expression within the family, celebrating individual talents and using art as a medium for spiritual and cultural expression.

⁵In accordance with Sansamaak’s teachings, families shall undertake journeys together, whether pilgrimages or explorations, to strengthen bonds and broaden horizons.

⁶The practice of family mentorship shall be upheld, where skills, trades, and wisdom are passed from one generation to the next, ensuring continuity of knowledge and craftsmanship.

⁷The Ratori shall honor the transition of elders into a phase of counsel and reflection, providing them with support and a respected role as advisors in family matters.

⁸Families shall engage in community service together, contributing to societal welfare and instilling values of altruism and civic responsibility in accordance with Nowmaak’s teachings.

⁹The Ratori shall observe rituals of gratitude and appreciation within the family, acknowledging each member’s contributions and celebrating their achievements.

¹⁰In times of illness or adversity, the family shall unite in providing care and support, drawing upon the collective strength and resilience of its members.

¹¹The Ratori shall cultivate a family environment where questioning and intellectual curiosity are encouraged, fostering a spirit of learning and growth in alignment with the teachings of our gods.

3 Third Family Rules

¹Each Ratori family shall maintain a family history record, chronicling the lineage and significant events, preserving the legacy and heritage for future generations.

²Families shall dedicate time to the study and practice of ancestral rituals, ensuring that the sacred traditions of the Ratori are kept alive and passed down through generations.

³The Ratori shall celebrate the changing seasons with family rituals that honor the natural cycle, in keeping with the teachings of Nowmaak on living in harmony with the environment.

⁴In accordance with Sansamaak’s teachings, families shall host travelers and guests, extending hospitality and sharing the richness of Ratori culture and traditions.

⁵The Ratori shall engage in regular family meditations, connecting with the Essence Weave, and seeking guidance and wisdom from the deities in family matters.

⁶Families shall observe a day of silence annually, reflecting on their spiritual journey, family relationships, and personal growth, as a form of introspection and renewal.

⁷The practice of family crafts, where unique skills or trades are developed and honed within the family, shall be encouraged as a means of cultural preservation and economic contribution.

⁸The Ratori shall establish family gardens or spaces where the connection with nature is nurtured, teaching the principles of care, growth, and sustainability.

⁹In times of family expansion, through marriage or adoption, the Ratori shall perform ceremonies that welcome new members, integrating them into the family’s cultural and spiritual fabric.

Thrumut

1 Community

¹In the time of the first dawn over the desert, where only the shifting sands and empty winds once ruled, there arose a people of vision—the Ratori of Thrumut. ²In those early days, they wandered as traders, carrying not only wares but dreams of a city that would rival the very heavens in its grandeur. ³Yet, it was not mere riches or power that drove them, but a desire to build a home where wisdom, honor, and prosperity would flow freely.

⁴And so it was, under the guidance of the gods, that the first stones of Thrumut were laid upon the desert floor, blessed by the hands of Nowmaak herself. ⁵Each brick, each mosaic, was crafted with care, not only for its beauty, but as a testament to the deeper truths that held the city together.

⁶"Let the city be built upon principles as solid as its walls," declared the first elder of Thrumut, "for without wisdom, no structure can stand the test of time."

⁷The people, having wandered long, found not only shelter in Thrumut’s walls, but purpose. ⁸"We are no longer wanderers," they proclaimed, "but builders of the future, and our city shall reflect the greatness of our spirit."

⁹Thrumut’s gardens, fed by the ingenuity of the Ratori, bloomed in defiance of the desert, showing that where there is wisdom, even the harshest lands may yield bounty. ¹⁰The first lesson of Thrumut is thus: prosperity arises from the harmony of knowledge, trade, and community.

¹¹As the gardens grew, so too did the city, expanding not only in size, but in reputation. ¹²Traders from distant lands spoke of Thrumut as a place where deals were made with honor, and where the minds of its people sparkled as brightly as the mosaics upon its walls.

¹⁸Thus, Thrumut was not only a city of stone, but of spirit, built upon the ideals of unity and shared prosperity.

2 Leadership

¹In the city of Thrumut, leadership was not a title granted by birthright alone, but by wisdom and merit. ²Those who led were not rulers who commanded, but guides who listened—to their people, to the desert winds, and to the whispers of the stars.³Nowmaak herself, the goddess of prosperity, smiled upon the leaders of Thrumut, for they understood the delicate balance between wealth and wisdom.

⁴It was taught among the people that a true leader enriches not only their purse but their people, for the prosperity of one is fleeting, but the prosperity of all endures.

⁵The elders of Thrumut gathered each night beneath the stars, looking not only to the heavens for guidance, but to their people, for it was in the voice of the many that the strength of the city resided.

⁶"Leadership is not the weight of gold you carry, but the weight of trust you bear," spoke the Elder, whose lineage stretched back to the city’s founding. "For brokent trust cannot be restored, not even with all the gold of Thrumut’s vaults."

⁷In this, the Ratori learned a vital truth: that leadership is a service to the people, not a service to one’s self. ⁸The elders were bound by sacred oath to uphold the balance between ambition and wisdom, lest the city’s foundations crack under the weight of greed.

⁹It was taught in Thrumut that a leader must walk two paths: the Path of the Stars, for wisdom, and the Path of the Sand, for practicality.

¹⁰"Look not only to the stars for guidance," the scholars advised, "but to the sand beneath thy feet, for a leader must remain grounded in the changing realities of their people’s lives."

¹¹Thus, the second lesson of Thrumut was clear: a leader is the foundation of a city, and as the foundation, they must be as strong and enduring as the stone upon which the city is built.

3 Honor

¹Trade in Thrumut is not only the lifeblood of the city, but its very spirit. ²In the heart of the marketplace, one can hear the whispers of Nowmaak herself, guiding the hands of traders as they exchange goods and promises. ³In this sacred exchange, the Ratori believe that each trade reflects the balance between giver and receiver, a delicate dance where both must walk away with dignity and honor intact.

⁴"Let thy trade be fair," proclaim the lawgivers of Thrumut, "for to cheat in trade is to cheat the gods themselves, and the gods will not be kind to those who tip the scales unfairly."

⁵The markets of Thrumut are vast, filled with goods from every corner of the known world—spices from distant shores, silks from the far east, and rare metals from mysterious lands. ⁶Yet despite the wealth that flows through the city, the people of Thrumut value honor above all else. ⁷"A city built on dishonest trade is a tower built on the shifting sand," teach the scholars, "and it shall fall as surely as the wind blows across the dunes."

⁸We understand that trade is not just a means of wealth, but a form of communication and trust. ⁹To engage in trade is to make a promise, and breaking that promise is seen as a grave offense, not only to the buyer but to the city as a whole. ¹⁰Thus, every contract, every handshake in Thrumut’s market is seen as a sacred act, bound by the principles of Nowmaak. ¹¹The lesson is clear: let thy trade be as pure as the waters of the garden, and as steady as the stars in the sky.

¹²And so it is that Thrumut becomes not only a center of commerce, but a beacon of ethical trade. ¹³Traders come from far and wide, knowing that in Thrumut, they will find not only riches, but honor. ¹⁴For in this city, a promise made is a promise kept, and even the smallest deal reflects the balance that holds the universe together.

4 Warning

¹Listen now, people of Thrumut, as the winds of the desert bring with them a voice—not of ratori, but of the gods, and those whose feet walk the line between seen and unseen. ²A voice carried through the corridors of time, speaking of both glory and warning. ³For in the height of your splendor, as your towers touch the skies and your markets overflow, there walks beside you a shadow unseen—the shadow of ambition unchecked. ⁴Nowmaak calls from the gardens, her voice tinged with sorrow: "Beware, my children, for in the midst of your wealth, there lurks a danger—a hand that seeks not prosperity for all, but ruin for the soul."

⁵Pamaak, the god of wealth and greed, is ever present, his whispers creeping into the hearts of the proud. ⁶"Take heed, ratori, for the shadow of Pamaak follows your every step, and his promises are sweet but hollow." ⁷He speaks of wealth beyond measure, of glory without end, but in his promises lies a trap—one that may swallow even the brightest city whole. ⁸Nowmaak weeps, for she sees the scales tipping, and the balance that once guided Thrumut slipping away. ⁹"To build with prosperity is to honor the gods, but to build with greed is to walk a path of destruction." ¹⁰Yet even now, as the stars shine above, Pamaak’s influence grows, and his shadow stretches across the sands. ¹¹He whispers in the ears of the merchants, "More, more you must take, for there is no end to what you may gain." ¹²And the hearts of the people begin to harden, their eyes drawn to the weight of gold, forgetting the wisdom that once nourished their city.

¹³Beware the hand of Pamaak, for it guides not with wisdom, but with hunger—a hunger that cannot be sated. ¹⁴"Take, and take again," he says, "for what you gather now will last forever." But Sansamaak, god of journeys, speaks in warning: "The roads that are paved with greed lead not to riches, but to ruin. ¹⁵You cannot carry all the world’s wealth upon your back, and those who try will find themselves burdened and broken."

¹⁶The stars above watch in silence, waiting to see whether Thrumut will heed the warning. ¹⁷For as the towers rise ever higher, so too does the weight of pride and ambition, pressing upon the very stones of the city. ¹⁸Pamaak smiles, for he knows that where greed takes root, the earth beneath will crumble. ¹⁹He offers riches unmeasured, but at the cost of the soul—a trade he is all too eager to make.

²⁰There will come a time when the hands that build will turn to hands that hoard, when the balance of Thrumut shall be broken by the greed of a few. ²¹Pamaak's voice will grow louder, calling for more, ever more, until the people forget the very principles that made their city great. ²²"Gather more," he whispers, "for you are the masters of the desert. Let no grain of sand, no coin of gold, slip from your grasp." ²³And so, the Ratori will begin to forget the teachings of Nowmaak, and the waters that once flowed freely will run dry as the people's hearts become hard as stone.

²⁴Pamaak’s temptation will not come in the form of great storms or quakes, but in the smallest of whispers, the simplest of desires. ²⁵The once-glorious markets, now brimming with gold, will no longer echo with the laughter of honest trade but will become the dens of schemers, where each man seeks to gain at the expense of his neighbor. ²⁶"Take, take more," whispers the shadow, "for who is to stop thee?"

²⁷Sansamaak weeps for the journey forgotten, the paths once rich with discovery, now clogged with the weight of greed. ²⁸"The way forward becomes lost," he warns, "for a people who seek only gold will no longer know the stars that guide them." ²⁹The caravans that once crisscrossed the world, binding Thrumut to distant lands, will falter. ³⁰Pamaak will grin, for his touch turns the veins of trade to dust, and those who seek only wealth will find their wealth slipping away as sand between their fingers.

³¹Nowmaak’s voice will grow distant, her gifts withdrawn from a people who no longer honor the balance of prosperity. ³²The great gardens, once the envy of all, will begin to wither as the wells run dry, their waters stolen by those who wish to fill their own cisterns. ³³And still, Pamaak whispers, promising more to those who heed his call: "Worry not for the dying land," he says, "for thy gold will be thy sustenance."

³⁴But the truth remains, hidden beneath the shifting sands: Pamaak’s promises are a lie. ³⁵For the wealth he offers is false, and the gold he speaks of is no more than glittering dust. ³⁶The stars watch, still and silent, as they have seen this before. ³⁷"Remember," say the stars, "remember the cities that have fallen to greed before thee."

³⁸And so the prophecy is given, not in fire or wrath, but in a whisper—a chance for Thrumut to turn back from the brink. ³⁹Pamaak’s hand is patient, and though his shadow is slow, it is relentless. ⁴⁰He waits, for he knows that greed grows quietly, fed by pride and unchecked ambition. ⁴¹He will wait until the day when the ratori fall, not by war or by storm, but by the very weight of their own excess. ⁴²"Beware the shadow," the winds cry, "for it is the shadow of your own making."

⁴³The gods do not seek destruction, but they will not be ignored. Nowmaak and Sansamaak offer one final warning: "Heed the balance, or see it torn asunder." ⁴⁴The choice is yours, ratori. The path forward is narrow, but it is still open—if wisdom prevails over greed.

⁴⁵Let the people of Thrumut remember that prosperity is a gift, and that even the greatest city may fall if its people lose sight of the truths that first guided them.

⁴⁶The winds speak once more, their voice low and foreboding: "Remember the lessons of the gods. ⁴⁷Remember the balance of things, for if it is lost, so too shall your city be lost. ⁴⁸Not by war, nor by blade, but by the very desert you have tamed." ⁴⁹The sands that now lay beneath your feet will rise, and the stars that now guide you will turn their faces away. ⁵⁰For when the balance is broken, the gods will no longer smile upon your city.