The Song United

Harmony

Harmony is the power that arises from a Song sung in unison; from a folk united in purpose; from a dream slowly tended towards fruition. Its power can tame the elements, fuel the wards, and unlock the cultivation of your spirit.

Anchored in this unity, the early Kingdom was able to drive back the darkness and establish the ward network, but the work did not stop there.

Over thousands of years, Harmony has gradually evolved the folk. The Lineages can interbreed because Harmony has drawn them closer. The folk enjoy longer lives and better health because the health of the spirit reinforces the body.

Of course, Harmony is both give and take. It is only as strong as the unity and deeds of the folk.

Let us explore the music.

Origins

Kingdom scholars agree that Izu founded Harmony, though the exact timeline is obscure. Crucially, no records explain how Harmony was created – or what goal it might work towards.

For the common folk, the origins of Harmony are the subject of myth and song, reflections of a shrouded time of the earliest heroes. Why worry over Harmony’s beginning? It is here now.

How much does the Crown know?

A young Aloran hero won a great prize: a favor from Queen Astra.

He asked that she tell him all she knew of Harmony.

She agreed on the condition that he would accept a curse that would prevent him from speaking of the matter to any other. Then they disappeared into her gardens.

When he emerged several days later, his friends asked him what he could divulge.

Thinking, he finally stated, “We are kindling for this pyre. Links in a building chain. We will not live to see the Work completed…but what a sight that will be!”

He would serve as one of the King’s Chosen for the rest of his life. He met his unflinching end at an unnamed battle in the Far Reaches.

Philosophy

Compassion. Conscientiousness. Humility. Restraint. All folk are family; respect your elders; nurture your juniors; tend to nature; contemplate the flowing river.

Harmony must be simple by necessity; it must encompass the most overbearing Aloran noble and the poorest Wehran peasant in the same Song. Its principals must call to scholars and illiterate farmers alike.

Note that this is a philosophy, not a religion. The Crown assiduously maintains the distinction, fearing the specter of martyrs for Harmony on crusade!

Instead, Harmony is taught as a song. Many voices raised in unison, hearts swelling, to fill the rafters with one voice. This music might be subtle or earth-shattering, depending on one’s location, and anyone can contribute.

Like any choir, not all must sing at once. A few, shy or lazy, may never sing at all.

Reach

Harmony lives in the folk, and it travels with the folk. Even when the folk leave the borders of the Kingdom, they carry the song within their hearts.

Even if a poor soul was ensnared by the Grand Fae of old, they would still retain a sliver of that connection. Only if the person willingly surrendered themselves to the Fae would their connection be severed.

This connection is enhanced for Path warriors. As the warriors grow stronger through cultivation, they increasingly echo with Harmony. The most powerful Path masters echo like small beacons even in the farthest reaches!