The worldviews, philosophy, and folk religion of the Arpeggians are in stark contrast to the Citadel's beliefs and practices. These differences have resulted in ongoing tensions and conflicts between the two regions.
| Factions | Nature and Order | Nature and Independence | Spirits and Order | Spirits and Independence | Science and Order | Science and Independence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Court | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Song Shaman | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Witches | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Totemforged | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Citadel | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Spellsingers | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Here's a detailed explanation of these disparities:
1. Reverence for Natural Forces and the Fey:
- Arpeggian Belief: Arpeggians deeply revere natural forces, and their entire way of life is entwined with nature. They hold strong connections with the fey and believe that spirits and wild ones are an integral part of their existence. They celebrate the seasonal changes, hold festivals to honor the spirits of nature, and maintain a harmonious relationship with the world around them.
- Citadel Belief: The Citadel's perspective is predominantly anthropocentric and focused on controlled magical systems. While the Citadel acknowledges the existence of spirits and fey, their belief system prioritizes order, control, and standardized magical education. Nature, spirits, and the fey are often viewed as secondary to the structured magical practices within the Circles.
2. Magic as Art and Expression:
- Arpeggian Belief: Magic in Arpeggia is seen as an art form and a mode of personal expression. The bardic colleges cultivate creativity, encouraging each mage to develop their unique magical style. This approach views magic as a form of storytelling and artistic expression, with an emphasis on cooperation and emotional resonance.
- Citadel Belief: The Citadel, on the other hand, views magic through a structured and utilitarian lens. Magic is a tool for power, control, and order. While artistic expression has its place in the Citadel, it often takes a back seat to strict magical discipline and education within the Circles.
3. Communal Harmony and Cooperation:
- Arpeggian Belief: Arpeggians value unity, communal harmony, and cooperation. Their philosophy places a strong emphasis on the collective well-being of their society, where every individual has a role to play. This outlook extends to their treatment of wild ones and Lemurians, who are believed to be integral to the balance of the archipelago.
- Citadel Belief: The Citadel values individual achievement and success within its Circles. While collaboration exists, it's often overshadowed by competition, ranking, and a hierarchical structure. Wild ones are often considered mere resources for magical power, with their spiritual significance diminished.
4. Reliance on Spirit Magic:
- Arpeggian Belief: Arpeggians draw magic from spirit sources, emphasizing pacts and connections with fey, spirits, and wild ones. These bonds are seen as mutually beneficial and essential for the functioning of Arpeggian society.
- Citadel Belief: The Citadel relies on traditional arcane magic and heavily regulated magical systems. The Circles' teaching focuses on mastering these systems, with a more hands-off approach to spirits and pacts. The emphasis is on individual power and control over external entities.
The clashes between Arpeggia and the Citadel result from these fundamental differences in belief systems, values, and worldviews. The Citadel often perceives Arpeggian practices as unstructured and chaotic, while Arpeggians view the Citadel's magic as rigid and controlling. These differing perspectives have created cultural and political rifts, leading to a complicated relationship between the two regions.
Arpeggian Belief - Embracing Natural Change and Independence:
- Arpeggians appreciate the dynamism of nature and believe in adapting to the ever-shifting rhythms of the world. They find beauty in the constant evolution of their archipelago and its inhabitants. Their philosophy encourages individuals to assert their independence and contribute to the ongoing transformation. Arpeggians celebrate change and see it as a natural, unstoppable force.
Witch Belief - Valuing Natural Balance and Harmony:
- Witches, in contrast, place a significant emphasis on preserving the equilibrium in their surroundings. They believe that nature operates most effectively when it's in balance. This perspective often involves a sense of stewardship over the environment, working to ensure that its diverse elements coexist in harmony. Witches see their magic as a means of maintaining this essential balance.
While both Arpeggians and Witches share an appreciation for nature, their approaches to it differ significantly. The Arpeggians embrace change and independence as part of the natural order, while the Witches prioritize the preservation of balance and harmony within the environment. These differing beliefs can lead to distinct magical practices and worldviews, sometimes resulting in tensions and disagreements, especially when they interact with the structured magical systems of the Citadel.
In Arpeggia, forming friendships with Wild Ones and charming them with spellsong instead of binding them in pacts is the way. This is signficiant departure from the Witches of the Imperium. It reflects a more cooperative and harmonious approach to these mystical creatures. It aligns with their belief in embracing change and independence, as the Wild Ones are treated as fellow participants in the evolving narrative of the world.
While Arpeggians celebrate the mystical and unpredictable aspects of Wild Ones, the Citadel in the Empire forms pacts that often involve the binding or control of these beings. This fundamental difference in their interactions with Wild Ones would be another source of conflict and tension between the two cultures, highlighting their contrasting views on nature and the supernatural.