Doctrine of Welda

Fields of corpses, plumes of smoke like trees in the forest, devastation of nemeshir unleashed- the Great Conflict of the 2400s completely shattered the old order of Qadal and ushered in a momumental and all-pervasive fear of unnatural energy across the world. Indeed, the list of atrocities defies comprehension. Bal’gorod had called forth the devious power of Áckesh to create legions of mind-broken killers from the innocent populations along the frontlines, while Vojûn had been used by soldiers on both sides to destroy stone and flesh alike. Finally, when it seemed the worse had come and passed, unnatural energy reared its hideous strength by destroying Nathrovas in eastern Everos, leaving nothing behind but charred, shattered islands and malformed beasts. In a manner similar to the Weeping Era centuries prior, the world was traumatized by excessive violence executed by nemeshir. Yet, unlike the days of Ghawden when mortals believed themselves capable of taming and openly using Vojûn without repercussion, the realm of Corgastor was compelled to change their attitudes. The government shunned the long established Gledgastian policy of Vojûnic control and distanced itself from Gledgast and Vojûnic nemeshari. At around the same time, the Sanctuary of Corgastor was founded by Emperor Dothen the Sword to manage nemeshari and unnatural energy within Everos. They also promoted the use of Eshara before all other nemeshirs, as the will of Corgastor and Aebaster was more reliable than the whim of any mortal. The Sanctuary’s second master, Farrien, spearheaded a policy which strictly forbade the free casting of Vojûn and ordained that all nemeshari within the Corgastorian realm must first master Eshara before transferring to Vojûn. All research and development regarding Vojûn was halted, and it was cast into the shadows of disdain.
In practice, the Doctrine of Welda produced a profoundly murky result for the Corgastorian realm. Immediately after the first wave of enforcement, the number of Vojûnic nemeshari in Everos, including those within ancient Gledgast, plummeted. Those new and experienced with the craft were ousted from the schools by point of sword and their masters were placed under strict surveillance. Indeed, even the oldest practicioners of the Gledgastian School, such as Master Thelen Wenhram of Erehem, were treated as convicted criminals. When dissenters inevitably protested against the purgings, Master Farrien ordered their imprisonment or permanent silencing. Once more referring to Thelen Wenhram, the Sanctuary’s master bid he be imprisoned within the newly constructed Ebonvault so that no Vojûn may free him. In
the face of this brutal crackdown, Vojûnic nemeshari fled the Corgastorian Empire into the south or abroad- Nevan which was infamously liberal regarding unnatural energies, was a particularly popular destination. In the place of Vojûn, the Doctrine of Welda calls for a return to Eshara and veneration of Corgastor for power. It is such that the energy might be regulated by the highest force and prevent any mortal from gathering immense power with no accountability. The Sanctuary of Welda became the heart of this reeducation, supplanting the position of Gledgast and other institutions in Everos. During the period from 2304 to 3460, Vojûn remained a subject of limited study. Only scholars in the Sanctuary who were sufficiently versed in Eshara could legally dabble in Vojûn, then Áckesh after it. For the Corgastorians, the state acquired a complete monopoly of unnatural power- vilifying Vojûn, crushing the free expression of its power, and wielding what little they possessed like a clumsy and crude hammer.
The era of Farrien’s Welda Doctrine endured until the fall of the Corgastorian Empire in 3460. Multiple factors are to blame. Foremost, the death of Corgaster rendered Eshara granted upon mortal by him defunked and hollow. Perhaps the smallest trace of energy remained among the most gifted, but the clear majority of that energy was lost and scattered. Vojûn thus regained prominence as the easiest method of acquiring unnatural energy in Qadal. In those dark years, the need was greater than any time in prior history. Beyond this, the temporal power of the Corgastorian Sanctuary and government weakened as the provinces grew in autonomy. No longer could the Trident keep close eyes upon its subjects. The ability for religious officials to hunt down nemeshari of Vojûn was ruined. What vestiges of authority crumbled to dust as provincial lords, such as Lord Oselen I Garlan, began harboring Vojûunic nemeshari to bolster and increase his personal power. Now nothing stands to guide the path. Indeed, as the Wandering era dawns upon Qadal, the successor realms of Corgastor possess no consensus upon the matter of Vojûn. In this period of uncertainly, the same chaos and atrocities of the Weeping Era threatened to knock once again.