Major Ideological Camps
The surviving Aeldari are at present divided into
six overall ideological camps.
First are the
Radicals or
Adaptionists, into which your own coalition can be considered to fall. The thrust of this camp's philosophy is that the galaxy has irreversibly changed in the wake of the Fall and the Aeldari must change with it—though the nature and extent of said changes are highly varied within that grouping. No single voice is preeminent here, but there are many coalitions of like-minded Craftworlds which either ended their flight from the Fall in close proximity or were put in contact with each other by the Harlequins, suggesting at least tacit support from the Laughing God. Notably, the revelations on the nature of the Aeldari soul, your people's relationship with your gods, and the fact that provably irreparable damage has been done by the Fall you have made are likely to bring significant vindication to this faction, as they are in at least some degree
correct that the Aeldari can never return to what they were.
The
Survivalists are primarily concerned with the overall survival of the Aeldari as a whole, in the face of a universe grown suddenly hostile, particularly in the opposition of the Ruinous Powers in general and the Dark Prince in specific. Unsurprisingly,
Ulthwe is the preeminent voice of this faction and the majority of those Craftworlds still caught in proximity to the Great Wound are united behind them on this matter.
Similar are the
Conservationists or
Preventionists, for whom the matter of the Aeldari's survival is a major issue, but also the matter of ensuring that the Fall is not repeated by ensuring a cultural shift away from its perceived root causes.
Saim-Hann and the majority of the
Exodites are the principal voices here.
The
Asuryani are a significant plurality of Craftworlds at present, centered on
Alaitoc, who have adopted a radical and extremely regimented social model—the "Paths of Asuryan"—that has proven highly effective against the obvious portions of the Hunger of Slaanesh, by living a strict, nearly monastic existence that includes daily meditation on the nature of Excess and how one may deny it, and committing to only a single task for days, or even years at a time. However, the narrow and extremely strict nature is both difficult and unpleasant to practice, and many are reluctant to embrace this path fully; though apparently work is being done on refining the practice further. The proven effectiveness, however, has brought many into this camp and ensured that even other factions often have a degree of sympathy for their ideals.
Next are the
Revanchists, whose central drive is the restoration of the Empire—obviously,
Iyanden is preeminent among this faction; though
Biel-Tan is often its loudest voice. Despite containing two of the five largest craftworlds, this is actually the smallest faction by total population, as it possesses little support among the smaller craftworlds and is actively opposed by the
Conservationists.
Lastly are the
Neutrals or
Independents, who do not fall into any of the above camps strongly enough to be considered part of them, though it is likely existing factions will be taking the opportunity to court these individual Craftworlds and small coalitions to their way of thinking.
Notable Specific Individuals and Craftworlds
Ulthwe leads a large coalition of those worlds near the Great Wound, with a few that are notably opposed to the Great Enemy as well—this includes primarily the Average Craftworlds of
Lanimayesh, Varantha, and
An-Iolsus, along with the Small Craftworlds
Vaer-Kath, Lestellian, Myrtellos, and
Jain-Il'Tenn. Of those, only Lestellian, Varantha and Lanimayash have sent more than token representatives—Lesteillian has sent their Fleetmaster Zashid Crimsonblade with the full plenipotentiary support of the Craftworld's triarchs, Varantha's own First Archon Tiraekr Daemonsbane is appearing in person, the
Shattered Spear with which he slew Zarakynel when the Keeper of Secrets manifested within their conclave-grove and butchered their Everqueen-Regent and her handmaidens slung across his back, and Lanimayash has sent their First Princess Garin Yn'resh with
Petalcutter, the ancestral blade of her house—which also, it was recently discovered, happens to be one of the legendary hundred blades forged for Khane by the smith-god Vaul, who bear the latter's name—as she is apparently the first in fifty millenia to be able to use its true powers. The leader of this coalition's party is none other than
Eldrad Ulthran, who is likely the most powerful Psyker who yet lives among the Aeldari and presently leading Ulthwe itself under the comparatively humble title of "Farseer" for his natural talent for divination.
The party of Ulthwe is neutrally disposed to you, but maintains at least cordial relationships with all other major factions at present.
Saim-Hann has elected
Durran Fellwinter as Chief of Chiefs for the immediate future, and while they have no other Craftworlds among their party, over sixty Exodite worlds have sent representatives in support, and most notably Ishareq, Naiatoc, Baran, Tirathain and Charnac have sent their Dragonlords in person rather than a deputy. While Saim-Hann and the Exodites they support are often sneered at by others as savages and barbarians, you have treated them with the full measure of respect they are due, and your contention of any new Empire and desire to forge your own path has gained you a measure of their respect. They are, however, strongly opposed to the Revanchist cause and Biel-Tan specifically, and therefore likely to be an ally in that matter even without any coxing on your part, simply for the opportunity to thwart Biel-Tan who have offended them mightily.
Alaitoc leads the second-smallest delegation of the major factions, yet simultaneously one with a great deal of weight—Wayseer Yvrann Henn of Aon'Tai is here. Archon-Prince Daelin Wren of Kalth'se is here. Firelord Erenesh of the House of Eldanesh is here, the ancient Pyromancer now leading her home of Magc'Sithraal. Each of them rules a Craftworld of equal size to your own Vau-Vulkesh, and represents between them five Average Craftworlds, six Small Craftworlds, and a baker's dozen minor Craftworlds sworn to one or another. Tyrellian Kulkessrin, who styles himself as "Autarch," has brought with him a pointed statement of the influence his Craftworld currently commands. He will be ill disposed to you—he has not forgotten your calling of the Paths he champions foolish—and will seek to vex you if he can, but he is also no fool, and will not risk his influence on any lost causes.
Most troublesome is
Archon Aerellian Lightningblade of
Biel-Tan. His militant drive to restore the Empire, at any cost, by almost any means, combined with a temper that burns like a star and a discipline that narrows it into a focused laser is an extremely dangerous combination—and you know already he has no compunction against the use of direct military action to get what he wants when his blunt negotiations fail to secure it. Your only comfort in this quarter is that the considerably more reasonable
Kaeron Firecaller, who is the present elected head of Iyanden's ruling council and dispatched with the full support of his colleagues—probably because he is one of the few people who can pull Aerellian Lightningblade short—is the senior partner in that particular trouble spot, thanks to the greater power of influence Iyanden presently wields. These two have arrived alone save a small circle of advisors and bodyguards, as they presently have few allies.
Overall Analysis:
Ulthwe / the Survivalists: Concerned primarily with the Ruinous Powers and the survival of the Aeldari. Primarily centrists. No strong opinions on you at present, though this is likely to change when you drop the info-bomb at the moot proper.
Saim-Hann & Exodites / the Conservationists: Mostly here to see what all the fuss is about. Presently think fairly well of you. "Centrist" in that they oppose the resurrection of the Empire but otherwise don't care overmuch about how others organize themselves. Probably safe to expect them to be largely in your corner on most issues you are likely to have.
Alaitoc / the Asuryani: Tyrellian Kulkessrin personally dislikes you, but is politically savvy enough to bite his tongue and deal to keep his present position of influence. The rest of his party can't be ignored either, and between them average out to a largely centrist stance of neutral disposition.
Iyanden & Biel-Tan / the Revanchists: Iyanden is effectively neutral, but Biel-Tan is essentially your chief opponent here. Fortunately they are also the junior partner, so Iyanden's is the voice you must court.
From when you arrived, there are
Three (3) Days until the Moot proper begins—as the last few delegations and attendees arrive—during which you can engage with specific parties in advance. For simple time-management reasons, you will be limited to three such meetings per day (for nine total)—as it would likely be nigh impossible to hold more given everyone
else is engaging in similar politicking and you hardly want to have to share a room with Aerellian Lightningblade before you have to thanks to scheduling overlaps. Note that you can absolutely engage in follow-up meetings on following days if you want to sound out people on a subject. You can also fish for potential allies among the neutrals, or other parts of your own (extremely loose) ideological camp, or make a time-block available for other actors.
[ ] First Block (Write-in, subject to QM approval)
[ ] Second Block (Write-in, subject to QM approval)
[ ] Third Block (Write-in, subject to QM approval)
12 Hour Moratorium
A/N: If you're getting "Hero of a Different Story" vibes from any of the attendees, that's on purpose.
