The Proclamation of Thalin's Vision

Religious event

Fueled by religious fervor, King Thalin believed his destiny was to rule far more than just Thrane

Thalin could rely on powerful allies in the Church of the Silver Flame, and the feeling among the nobles of Thalin’s court reinforced his sense of entitlement to the throne: Mishann was no more worthy, and far less pious, than he was. The people of Cyre, with their debauchery and their emphasis on fashion rather than wisdom, could not possibly have bred a woman worthy of the throne.   Even so, the nobles, the Church, and the people were divided over how to proceed. Everyone looked for someone or something to confirm Thalin’s claim; most desirable would be a divine mandate or a proclamation from the ruling body of the Church of the Silver Flame, the Diet of Cardinals. The group was much too shrewd and conservative to take such a bold step, however. Thalin decided that he must act first. He needed to improve his secret network of informers, and so he quietly appointed a spymaster. The newly proclaimed king also asked his most trusted dukes and barons to significantly expand their armies. More publicly, he decided to strengthen his ties to the church, so he underwent a ritual cleansing and vigil at the heart of the church. For twenty days, “Good King” Thalin fasted and prayed. On the twentieth day, he experienced a vision of the couatl, enfolding him in silvery feathers, opening his eyes, and showing him a land where silver fires sprang up in the eyes, hearts, and minds of every soul. He knew then that it was his destiny to bring the Flame to all. Mishann’s succession was not just a mistake; it was blasphemy.   The proclamation of Thalin’s Vision caused immediate controversy throughout Galifar. Why didn’t Javor Daran, the Keeper of the Flame for over twenty years, experience this vision? The prelate’s power and skill had been tested, trusted, and understood for decades. Others saw nothing amiss with the Flame granting the king spiritual strength; war loomed, and divine aid was most welcome. Cynics and skeptics—even within the church itself—discounted the pronouncement, mocking it as “Thalin’s convenient vision of infallibility.” The Keeper, a close family friend to the king, and the Cardinals did not formally condone Thalin’s Vision, but neither did they reject it.  

Thalin’s Vision marked the beginning of what has come to be regarded as a dark time in Thrane history, even by those currently administering the theocratic nation. In truth, Thalin’s description is not, on its face, overly dire nor at odds with common church rhetoric.   The Church of the Silver Flame has long sought to embrace all Khorvairians, viewing such widespread faith as a cornerstone of achieving a living paradise. The real conflict has always centered on the means to this goal. The “good” church emphasizes teaching and acceptance to bring outsiders to its truths; the “bad” church stirs intolerant passion and mandates conversion. The history of the Church of the Silver Flame is defined by the struggle between these two approaches. - Renowned Zil librarian Augusta Wainwocket