Command From the Heavens

Command from the Heavens is the official manifesto by Dain Pain detailing his plans for Qonklaks, and by extension Soltenna. Published in 1918 during the Qonklese Republic, the book details Dain Pain's grand vision of the restoration of the Qonklese monarchy and the reclamation of their ancestral homelands, including the ancient fabled imperial capital Cuáma. At the time of the book's writing, Cuáma was the capital city of Riyana, which had once been part of the larger Forian Kingdom.

Overview

In Command from the Heavens, Dain Pain presents a plan for the future of the Kwang nation, which can be summarized into the following five key points:

Restoration of the Monarchy

Dain Pain envisions the reestablishment of the Qonklese monarchy as a powerful and unifying force for the people of the Qonklaks. He advocates for a strong, centralized government led by a capable monarch who will embody the spirit and culture of the Qonklese people. The restoration of the monarchy, in his's view, would reinvigorate the nation and provide a sense of continuity with its past.

Reclamation of Ancestral Homelands

Central to Dain Pain's vision is the reclamation of the ancestral Qonklese homelands, including Cuáma and other territories lost to foreign powers. Pain argues that the recovery of these lands is essential to restoring the Qonklese Empire's historical prestige and influence in the region. In the book, he urges the Qonklese people to be prepared to make sacrifices and engage in military action, if necessary, to regain their lost territories and defend their sovereignty. He calls for the creation of a fifth Realm, the Ancestral Realm, which would include the entire nation of Riyana.

Unity of the Qonklese People

Dain Pain proposes to treat native Riyans in the region as ethnic Qonklese (Kwang). He contends that the only reason Riyans do not speak Kwang is due to Forian cultural oppression, rather than any inherent difference between the two groups. By framing the Riyans as part of the Qonklese ethnic group, Dain Pain seeks to create a unified and strong nation with a shared cultural identity. He emphasizes the importance of education and cultural revitalization programs to foster greater understanding and solidarity among all Qonklese people.

Elimination of Forian Influence

Dain Pain calls for the eradication of Forian influence in the region, which he views as an oppressive force that has stifled the growth and development of the Qonklese people. He proposes various measures to purge Forian elements from the region, including banning Riyan language and customs in public spaces, implementing strict censorship of Riyan media and literature, and replacing Riyan officials and administrators with ethnic Kwang.

Reestablishment of Qonklese Dominance

Dain Pain's ultimate goal is to reestablish Qonklaks as the dominant power in Soltenna. This involves expanding its territory, strengthening its military capabilities, and promoting Kwang culture and values both domestically and internationally. He emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, strategic alliances, and most important, conquest to further the empire's interests and cement its position as a regional hegemon.

Public reaction

Many Kwang nationalists resonated with the ideas presented in the book, viewing the restoration of the monarchy and the reclamation of ancestral homelands as a path to reclaiming past glory and reestablishing Kwang identity. They saw Dain Pain's vision as a means to instill national pride and unity among the Qonklese people. The book's appeal to cultural heritage and its call to resist foreign influences were particularly persuasive to those who felt their traditions and values were being undermined by outside forces. On the other hand, some critics within the Qonklese Republic, especially among those who had fought against the Olboros and supporters of modern democracy, denounced Dain Pain's ultranationalist views and the aggressive measures proposed in his book. They argued that his ideas could lead to increased militarization, regional conflict, and internal unrest. Moreover, some detractors expressed concerns over the potential infringement of minority rights and the suppression of dissenting voices under Dain Pain's vision of a centralized, authoritative monarchy. These critics advocated for a more moderate approach to nation-building and diplomacy, which would focus on fostering cooperation and peaceful coexistence with neighboring states, rather than pursuing territorial expansion and dominance. In the years following its publication, Command from the Heavens became a subject of intense debate among the Qonklese populace and political circles. As Dain Pain eventually rose to power and became emperor in 1928, the book's ideas and proposals continued to shape the Qonklese Empire's policies and ambitions.

Legacy

Command from the Heavens played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Qonklese Empire during Dain Pain's reign. The book's ideas influenced both domestic and foreign policy, as well as the broader cultural and social movements of the time. The book remains banned in many regions affected by the Qonklese Empire.