Issaries is an important cult with almost 15k initiates in Dragon Pass and Prax – almost 4k just in Sartar – and some 67k initiates in the Holy Country and 20k in the Lunar Provinces. Now that is a big cult!
The Issaries cult network ties markets together with caravans, and brings together those who have goods with those who need the goods. Of course the cult also makes a tidy profit of its activities, even after paying tolls and taxes to princes and kings.
The cult itself tries to maintain neutrality between tribes, kingdoms, and empires – by doing that, it maintains ties between peoples and “helps hold the world together”. Issaries markets are neutral grounds where Lunars, Orlanthi, Storm Bulls, Yelmalions, and even trolls can meet peaceably for the purposes of trade.
Issaries best three spells (IMO) are: Path Watch, Passage, and Spell Trading. Spell Trading, in the hands of the right player, can really be an amazing spell. Create Market is a great spell, but like Bless Crops it is rarely the center of action.
Full cult write up here:
See also:
And remember, the Issaries cult network extends far further than just central Genertela. We have Issaries temples throughout Maniria, Ralios, and beyond. There are temples in Teshnos, Kralorela, and throughout coastal Pamaltela.
Etyries’ cult is comparable in numbers to the Issaries cult of Central Genertela (although once you add in Ralios, Teshnos, Kralorela, etc, it gets dwarfed). She has created a parallel/complimentary network that has eclipsed her father’s network in the Lunar Heartlands (where Etyries outnumbers Issaries more than 4:1). In the Lunar Provinces, Etyries is outnumber more than 2:1 by Issaries.
But within the Heartlands, you ask Etyries if you need something. She can find it – usually within her network, and if not, she works well with her father’s network.
I imagine that 100k Issaries cultists as moving networks of markets and caravans carrying things to markets, tying all the lands around Dragon Pass together. Want bronze? Work with Issaries to get bronze ingots, or copper and tin, or whatever. Want spices? Work with Issaries to get spice from far away lands. Want a silk robe? Issaries can get you that! Need extra grain? Issaries can even help you with that!
But what it also means is that the Issaries cult is in constant communication with other markets in other lands. Take that Dagius Furius and the rest of you imperial intelligence goons! If you really need information, just ask Issaries!
So the Issaries cult facilitates trade by making places where enemies can meet safely and bargain. Perhaps they use Issaries as an intermediator – Issaries is happy to mediate between Yelm and Zorak Zoran, or between the Seven Mothers and Orlanth. The cult seeks a common ground between parties, and of course is happy to exploit the opportunity for profits.
