Prax is said to have been under Lunar influence since the beginning of Time, for is not Time the source and strength of the Lunar Empire? So the Imperial scholars would have it, who seek to undermine all of the world with their pens when their scimitars have failed.
Early in the Third Age, a hero named Jannisor assaulted the city of Glamour, capital of the Lunar Empire. Among his allies were sable riders from the Hungry Plateau, cousins to the tribes of Prax. During the assault the Star Twins effected that event called the Great Sable Recognition by Lunars and the Great Defection by others. The sable people recognized their Lunar heritage, and went over to worship of the Goddess, spelling doom for Jannisor Moonchaser.
Some three hundred years later, the Lunar Empire came up against the nomads of Prax. After the sack of Boldhome, the Empire sought a route to the sea. A desultory war against the Holy Country proved ineffective; the Empire needed to outflank the Pharaoh, and decided to “pacify” Prax. They sent their Sable allies first. These men spoke the same language and had the same customs as the Sable Riders of Prax, but were obviously better outfitted. Sable conversion was fast and almost complete.
The combination of Sable Riders and Lunar Army proved more than the other tribes or the Sartar outpost at Pavis could withstand. The Bison and Impala tribes were forced into the Wastes, and within a few years the Empire had built the city of Corflu on the coast. Thus was established Caravan Alley, where the Lunar convoys were escorted across the desert by armies alert for enemy raiders.
The Return of Prince Argrath
Lunar influence in Prax ended with the rise of Argrath. He had been present many years before, and had been chased from the land riding in the cradle of a giant. He returned with powerful allies, and freed Corflu and Pavis. He welded together a confederation comprised of members of several tribes working together for a positive change.Under Argrath’s leadership, the Lunar Army was beaten and forced to withdraw. Due to commitments farther north (in the Redlands), the Empire could not immediately counterattack with sufficient new forces, and Argrath was able to follow-up on his victory by entering Dragon Pass. He made his triumphant entry into Sartar, and from there he entered into history and legend.After that, the Plaines of Prax remained virtually unchanged. The tribes went about their eternal way, moving and fighting, choosing their gods and spirits seemingly at random for whatever temporary help they could give. Even though the people might have been happier or more prosperous in another, more fertile land, they remained in their ancient ways of hardship. Such, they say, is the curse and the blessing of Prax.
“Under Argrath’s leadership, the Lunar Army was beaten and forced to withdraw” refers to the several campaign of activities from 1625-1628 and includes Moonbroth, New Pavis, Hender’s Ruins, as well as Sword Hill, Dwarf Ford, and Battle of Heroes.
Conversion in this case just means acceptance of the Red Goddess and the 7 Mothers. Around 1621, about 20% of Sables were 7 Mothers INITIATES, but most were at least lay members in the cult.Similarly, only about 35% of Sartarites are Orlanth initiates, but nearly all are lay members of the Orlanth cult. And also nearly all are lay members of the Ernalda cult.
This lay membership might come through an associate cult. For example if you are an initiate of Issaries, you are an associated cult with Orlanth. Which means you are part of the Orlanth religion.
This stuff always gets a little messy on the edges and is never cut and dry – but that is the nature of cult practice, mysteries, and religion.