THE SARYNTHIANS

The Sarynthian Empire is not the descendant of ancient Saro. It is Saro—or at least its eastern half, surviving under a changed faith, altered borders, and the accumulated confidence of a state that has outlived several predictions of its destruction.

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Five centuries ago, the Empire abandoned the Olympetic faith and embraced the Egyptian Pantheon. The conversion shifted the religious center of the Egyptian world away from Khemur and into Sarynth. Herculanum has never forgiven this. Four crusades have followed, the most recent ending only two years ago with Sarynth victorious and much of the territory lost during the previous invasion reclaimed.

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The Empire is ruled by Pharaoh Hori Amun, god-emperor, dynastic sovereign, and head of the Egyptian faith. His authority is administered through the Priests of Thoth, who serve as scribes, scholars, judges, litigators, advisers, and bureaucrats. A decree may begin in the presence of divinity, but it reaches the provinces by means of ink, trained clerks, and an alarming number of duplicate records.

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Sarynth is more tolerant of foreign religions than its theocratic government might suggest. Olympetic temples, shrines to Mitra, and other lawful faiths may operate within the Empire. Yet most ambitious citizens eventually discover that conversion to the Egyptian faith removes a remarkable number of obstacles from a career. The Sarynthians do not always demand belief. They are patient enough to let administration encourage it.

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Education, sophistication, trade, and innovation are held in greater esteem here than martial glory. Its cities support schools, libraries, temples, workshops, courts, markets, and a prosperous professional class. Wealth is distributed more broadly than in many Old World realms, and a free citizen of ability may rise through commerce, study, priesthood, or imperial service.

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That final distinction—free citizen—is important. Slavery remains widespread throughout the Empire. Sarynthian prosperity, learning, and social mobility exist beside an enormous population denied access to all three. The Empire can explain this arrangement with excellent law, precise theology, and beautifully written accounts. None make the chains lighter.

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Though Sarynthians prefer learning to warfare, they are extremely capable of conducting it. Their armies are built around disciplined infantry fighting in tight shield walls with long pikes, supported by gunpowder artillery. They do not pursue the heroic charge when geometry, training, and cannon fire will settle the matter more reliably.

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Sarynth is among the most impressive states I have visited: ancient without becoming stagnant, devout without becoming entirely closed, wealthy without reserving every opportunity for old blood, and civilized enough to record its cruelties in perfect order. It survived the fall of Saro, transformed its gods, endured four crusades, and continues to believe history is moving in its direction. Thus far, history has offered troubling evidence that it may be correct.

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—Lantern of the Thirteenth Word