struck down the ban

The symbol mentioned here is not specified, nor is its significance explained. It has been suggested that, given M's missionary purpose, his narrative accounting for this important shift in official policy is disingenuous — or, to be kind, laconic.

Elsewhere, in a fragmentary writing of dubious provenance, the Golias is said to have been so devastated by the aftermath of the last battle, which was particularly murderous, when the river alongside the conquered city ran crimson with the blood of the slaughtered, that he renounced conquest forever and dedicated the rest of his life to peace and amicability between peoples.

The once-heretical sect to which M belonged is not mentioned in any other source.