Eshuskal, the Natural Mandate

After the establishment of Kovunkal, the most contentious issues between Eshan were gone. Yet, certain worries remained among the Alor’eshan that Acolitus might attempt to capitalize on his nigh infinite control of Vussalas to damage Esha. After the Ebal’eshan departed to squabble over their meager prize, Mesian, Atûn, Aebaster, and the Ezontach negotiated an agreement with Acolitus which was separate of Kovunkal. It was Eshuskal, the Natural Mandate, and dictated what influences either party might make on the natural existence of Esha. The Alor’eshan were most strict in their demands, for they believed that Acolitus might tear apart the world from beneath them. Acolitus listened to them, and neither complained nor rejected their proposal. Instead, he surprised them with complete agreement. Destruction of Esha’s natural beauty would be a crime, and thus all measure was necessary to protect it.     Unlike Kovunkal, which was enforced through Eshanic punishment via Idorûn’s pillar of Misladur, Eshuskal was enforced through distribution of esseythu. The concept was simple. Those Eshan who used Eshanic power to manipulate the land forfeited the reservoir of Eshara granted from dead faithful. If it were one among the Eshan, that Eshanic power would go to Acolitus. If it was Acolitus, then the esseythu would be distributed among the Alor’eshan. The Ebal’eshan were never involved. This made the continued expense to manipulate water and lands untenable.     The foundation of the agreement was a complete ban upon Eshanic manipulation of natural processes. This meant altering the patterns of rain or clouds, churning up the oceans, or imbuing nemesharic powers upon the land. Just as with other Eshanic limitations, however, it was upon Eshan themselves rather than olundi. For such, an olundi might try to alter clouds or oceans or land with Eshanic assistance. Acolitus agreed to these things, for his own knowledge of these process was greater than the Alor’eshan’s. He knew that the Eshan were little capable of doing lasting damage unto the natural world, for the natural world was crafted from the same Eshara as themselves. It was not vulnerable as clay, but rather more powerful than stone against the Eshan. Any attempt to manipulate Esha’s natural processes would cost immense energy with little gain. Moreover, the entity of Eshabal, being the most direct manifestation of Acolitus in existence, remained under his command to control. He could move it according to his whims, thus altering the world through its deprivation or stagnation, which he utilized on noteworthy occasions throughout history.     In turn, the commandments of Eshuskal halted the creation of further lands and waters upon the world. This process is more viable for Eshanic beings, and thus more severe. Waters could not be created to sustain growing populations, nor lands be expanded to create plenty and harmony.     The worst yet least expended harm of Eshuskal was the plague of dry, untenable land. In certain localities, such as Lodon, matters of climate caused the land to become rather dry and harsh. The ancient Eshan were capable of artificially correcting such errors with their power. Now it was impossible, and the specter of lands becoming bleached white through miscreation plagued the vaguest nightmares of the Eshan.     The Eshan returned to debate Eshuskal after Nathrovas’ destruction in 2304. The Alor’eshan, chiefest being Aebaster and Mesian, argued that the sheer annihilation of land warranted a breach of the Mandate’s terms. He rejected them, stating that the machinations of the Eshan reap suitable reward. Ancient law cannot be altered to befit their misjudgements. Of course, none were yet knowledgeable of Acolitus’ own part in sowing such discord.