False Speaker Scandal

Diplomatic action

In 1287 DR, the Radiant Citadel was shaken by a scandal that tested the very foundations of its governance. A charismatic outsider named Eldrin Thalor arrived at the Citadel claiming to be a descendant of the long-lost civilization of Kethora, a nation believed to have been wiped out before the Citadel’s reawakening. Presenting what appeared to be forged ancestral records and fabricated relics, Eldrin sought recognition as Kethora’s Speaker, hoping to reestablish his people’s place among the founding civilizations.

At first, public enthusiasm surged, with many embracing the idea of Kethora’s return. Merchants in the Trade Discal saw an opportunity to form lucrative new trade routes, while cultural historians from Djaynai and San Citlán celebrated the possibility of recovering lost artistic traditions. Even some of the Speakers for the Ancestors saw merit in supporting Kethora’s claim, believing it could reshape political alliances in their favor.   However, the deception unraveled when no Dawn Incarnate awakened to acknowledge Kethora’s return. The Citadel’s normal functioning continued without disruption, a clear sign that the city did not recognize Eldrin’s legitimacy. A formal investigation led by Yongjing’s scholars and Yeonido’s celestial diviners uncovered inconsistencies in his lineage and anomalies in the so-called artifacts. After a public trial, Eldrin was stripped of his claims and exiled from the Citadel.   Long-Term Consequences