Written By Rinel
Sept. 6, 2019, 2:33 p.m.(10/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Guilt by association no more flows from the heretic to those who provide him succour than it does from a traitorous Dominus to his ward.
I would not accuse the Grandmaster of furthering the evils contained within the heart of the Dominus Fawkhul, whose status as Godsworn proved no defense against the corruption of the world--and I would respectfully ask that he refrain from making such insinuations regarding my charity towards the Goodman Elisha, which, as stated now multiple times by the Shepherd of the Faith, is in no way a violation of our Faith's sacred laws.
Having dispensed with the authoritative issues regarding this matter, if the Grandmaster wishes to raise substantive claims of /theology/ regarding the showing of Gildian charity to those who preach views against the Pantheon, I am more than willing to write on the subject. Yet I think this an endeavour that it will not avail Grandmaster but poorly to pursue--for it was our own Faith who extended holy guest right to the emissaries of the Skykingdom of Cardia, which proclaims its masters equal to our Gods, and it was our own Faith which permitted these emissaries, along with the emissaries of the so-called "Immortal Empire" of Jaidairal, to preach their pagan ways to the faithful of the Compact.
I am a child of the Faith, and obedient to its laws. I will not swerve from what is right and allowed by the Church, whether opposition come by threats of execution, attempts at public shame, or otherwise. I am intimately acquainted with the rigidity of the Orthodox. It has led me into error countless times. I have seen the flexibility of Liberalism draw the late Driskell, Godsworn and Prelate of the Scholars, into heresy and death. And history has shown us that even a Dominus may at times be susceptible to the darkness of the world.
In support whereof I offer this quote, well known to those familiar with the Faith of the Oathlands: "We cannot build the foundations of faith by shaking them. We cannot build a world of hope by instilling doubt. We cannot demand honor while suggesting dishonorable methods. I will not see the Faith corrupted. I declare the Dominus Marach's teachings an apostasy, and demand that they be destroyed."
If I have obtained any wisdom through my follies and my penance, it is that no path of Faith grants immunity to the dangers of temptation--and that no human, be they laity, Godsworn, or the Most Holy Themselves, is free from the possibility of a fall.
I would not accuse the Grandmaster of furthering the evils contained within the heart of the Dominus Fawkhul, whose status as Godsworn proved no defense against the corruption of the world--and I would respectfully ask that he refrain from making such insinuations regarding my charity towards the Goodman Elisha, which, as stated now multiple times by the Shepherd of the Faith, is in no way a violation of our Faith's sacred laws.
Having dispensed with the authoritative issues regarding this matter, if the Grandmaster wishes to raise substantive claims of /theology/ regarding the showing of Gildian charity to those who preach views against the Pantheon, I am more than willing to write on the subject. Yet I think this an endeavour that it will not avail Grandmaster but poorly to pursue--for it was our own Faith who extended holy guest right to the emissaries of the Skykingdom of Cardia, which proclaims its masters equal to our Gods, and it was our own Faith which permitted these emissaries, along with the emissaries of the so-called "Immortal Empire" of Jaidairal, to preach their pagan ways to the faithful of the Compact.
I am a child of the Faith, and obedient to its laws. I will not swerve from what is right and allowed by the Church, whether opposition come by threats of execution, attempts at public shame, or otherwise. I am intimately acquainted with the rigidity of the Orthodox. It has led me into error countless times. I have seen the flexibility of Liberalism draw the late Driskell, Godsworn and Prelate of the Scholars, into heresy and death. And history has shown us that even a Dominus may at times be susceptible to the darkness of the world.
In support whereof I offer this quote, well known to those familiar with the Faith of the Oathlands: "We cannot build the foundations of faith by shaking them. We cannot build a world of hope by instilling doubt. We cannot demand honor while suggesting dishonorable methods. I will not see the Faith corrupted. I declare the Dominus Marach's teachings an apostasy, and demand that they be destroyed."
If I have obtained any wisdom through my follies and my penance, it is that no path of Faith grants immunity to the dangers of temptation--and that no human, be they laity, Godsworn, or the Most Holy Themselves, is free from the possibility of a fall.
Written By Rinel
Sept. 5, 2019, 12:50 a.m.(10/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
You must understand that the Grandmaster of the Knoghts of the Temple is our guarfian. It is preferable that such an esteemed position be held by one of such conviction that doubt and corruption may find no purchase--and Sir Preston's soul is adamantine in its conviction.
Nevertheless, the laws of Faith and Crown do not prohibit charity to the excommunicate. I continue to provide the Goodman Elisha with necessities--I take my duties to the Lady Gild as seriously as I take my vows to our Lord Vellichor, and I will not deliver the Goodman's writings to the Whites without ensuring that he is physically hale. He must be led back to our Faith with gentleness and with patience.
A shepherd must at times abandon the wayward for the health of the flock. A guardsman may not abandon his post to save a burning home. Those who perform the duties of their office are to commended, not condemned. It falls to those of us without office to perform the small duties demanded of us by our Gods.
It has ever been the prerogative of the child and the fool to nurse the wayward back to health and return it to its master. The brambles of confusion it is caught in will not harm the devout.
Nevertheless, the laws of Faith and Crown do not prohibit charity to the excommunicate. I continue to provide the Goodman Elisha with necessities--I take my duties to the Lady Gild as seriously as I take my vows to our Lord Vellichor, and I will not deliver the Goodman's writings to the Whites without ensuring that he is physically hale. He must be led back to our Faith with gentleness and with patience.
A shepherd must at times abandon the wayward for the health of the flock. A guardsman may not abandon his post to save a burning home. Those who perform the duties of their office are to commended, not condemned. It falls to those of us without office to perform the small duties demanded of us by our Gods.
It has ever been the prerogative of the child and the fool to nurse the wayward back to health and return it to its master. The brambles of confusion it is caught in will not harm the devout.
Written By Rinel
Aug. 14, 2019, 12:39 p.m.(8/24/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
Duke Arn did not know me. My sole interaction with him was a letter sent requesting that I might be allowed to forsake my oaths of fealty if I were to become Godsworn, and his (as I have since come to learn) characteristically terse assent.
Yet I grew up in the Telmarch, and I knew the Duke Telmarch. All of us knew the Duke Telmarch. Did we fear him? Yes, a bit. How could we not? But we knew that if the shav'arvani were to attack, or the North to invade, they would break against the red walls of Telmar Keep, and that they would shatter forever against the implacable force of Duke Arn Telmar. He was a force of nature to us, a grey and stormy mountain from whose slopes great storms roll down.
And he was a man of honour. He did not surrender the Sword of his House to the Radiant Bliss because it was convenient. He did not do so because he sought the approval of others. I do not even know if he thought it proper. But I know he thought it the only honourable path open to him, and so he took that path.
Consequences did not matter.
Opinions did not matter.
Survival itself did not matter.
Only what was honourable. Only what was right.
I did not know the man. I knew only the figure. And I say, knowing only the figure, that the Oathlands has lost more than a man. It has lost a being of certainty, unstoppable in his resolve. The Compact is the weaker for it.
Yet I grew up in the Telmarch, and I knew the Duke Telmarch. All of us knew the Duke Telmarch. Did we fear him? Yes, a bit. How could we not? But we knew that if the shav'arvani were to attack, or the North to invade, they would break against the red walls of Telmar Keep, and that they would shatter forever against the implacable force of Duke Arn Telmar. He was a force of nature to us, a grey and stormy mountain from whose slopes great storms roll down.
And he was a man of honour. He did not surrender the Sword of his House to the Radiant Bliss because it was convenient. He did not do so because he sought the approval of others. I do not even know if he thought it proper. But I know he thought it the only honourable path open to him, and so he took that path.
Consequences did not matter.
Opinions did not matter.
Survival itself did not matter.
Only what was honourable. Only what was right.
I did not know the man. I knew only the figure. And I say, knowing only the figure, that the Oathlands has lost more than a man. It has lost a being of certainty, unstoppable in his resolve. The Compact is the weaker for it.
Written By Rinel
Aug. 3, 2019, 4:29 a.m.(8/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Margret
While it is true that the Sentinel is associated with justice, the trial by combat, as an institution, is solely a rite of the Lady Gloria. While it is tempting to associate the rite with the Sentinel, the ancient sources we have make it incontrovertibly clear that it is a creation unique to the disciples of the Lady of Valour. I have no qualifications in the realm of law and would not presume to challenge the authority of the Lord Greenmarch in matters temporal; however, I possess some meagre skill in issues of theology, and it is within this realm that I take issue with his proclamation.
It is critical, perhaps moreso now than ever, that the Faith understand its history and its Gods. I should be very happy to meet with either the Lord or Lady Greenmarch and discuss matters of the Gods, if either so will it.
It is critical, perhaps moreso now than ever, that the Faith understand its history and its Gods. I should be very happy to meet with either the Lord or Lady Greenmarch and discuss matters of the Gods, if either so will it.
Written By Rinel
Aug. 1, 2019, 2:18 p.m.(7/26/1011 AR)
It has distressed me deeply to see the Magister of the Court so publicly misattribute, in part, the ancient and holy rite of trial by combat to the Sentinel. While the rite has ever tread upon the threshold of the Silent Watcher's domain, it originated wholly exclusively of the efforts of the Sentinel's disciples.
The trial by combat was and remains the sole province of the Lady Gloria, in which truth may be unveiled in the light of honourable battle.
I urge those with interest to review the writings of Archscholar Py in his "Treatise on Truth and Falsehoods."
The trial by combat was and remains the sole province of the Lady Gloria, in which truth may be unveiled in the light of honourable battle.
I urge those with interest to review the writings of Archscholar Py in his "Treatise on Truth and Falsehoods."
Written By Rinel
July 28, 2019, 10:12 p.m.(7/19/1011 AR)
I've been readmitted into the scholars. An Archlector has taken me on as a protege.
I only wish I knew what I have done to please the Gods so.
I only wish I knew what I have done to please the Gods so.
Written By Rinel
July 23, 2019, 10:27 p.m.(7/9/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Athaur
The noble house Rivenshari swore loyalty to the Compact and pledged itself in fealty to the Crown and to the Faith. To imply that any prodigal--all of whom have accepted the authority of the Church and King--should suffer for their past is an offence against Lord Limerance, for the oaths of fealty demand protection by their lieges; it is an offense to Lady Gild, for the Compact exists so that all within may benefit and aid each other; it is an offence to Lord Skald, for it renders their choices meaningless.
Prodigals are not shav'arvani. In truth, I see little usage for the term. There are only those within the Compact, and those without. So long as those without it bend the knee, no violence need happen. The responsibility lies upon the shav'arvani to make the righteous choice.
Prodigals are not shav'arvani. In truth, I see little usage for the term. There are only those within the Compact, and those without. So long as those without it bend the knee, no violence need happen. The responsibility lies upon the shav'arvani to make the righteous choice.
Written By Rinel
July 21, 2019, 6:56 p.m.(7/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
The Goodman Yvon has once again set pen to paper in what seems to be a pursuit to become the most reviled man in Arx. Herein I shall reply with several counterarguments.
The Goodman Yvon rightly acknowledges that the shav'arvani lack the guidance of both Faith and Crown. Yet he claims that this proves a lack of civilisation. Under such logic, not only are the Dune Kingdoms of Eurus uncivilised, but also the Skykingdom of Cardia, the so-called "Undying Empire" of Jaidairal, and even the Nox'alfar, allies of the Compact and progenitors of Her Majesty the Queen Symonesse. To be clear: Eurus, Cardia, and Jaidairal all practice heathen institutions, for which they will no doubt be held accountable--and Gods willing, it will be soon. But to be detestable is something altogether different than to be uncivilised. There exist shav'arvani holdings which rival any of the houses of the Compact in structure and organisation. Even their heresies are governed by hierarchies not dissimilar to our Faith. It is a foolish thing to underestimate our foes.
And this is where the Goodman makes his greatest mistake. The proper response to an enemy is not to enslave them, in contravention of Lord Skald's principles of freedom. It is either to conquer them, utterly, or to kill them. One may conquer by force of arms or by words, but in any case, it must be absolute. This is what has brought many shav'arvani into the Compact, where they have become civilised. But doing so by means of thralldom is wicked, for it renders us no better than our former masters at Caer'alfar.
That I, a woman who has on many times declared that the choices available to the Abandoned must be limited only to obeisance or death, must make statements in defense of them, is proof of the utter evil of slavery--and of the paucity of the Goodman's logic. I advise that Goodman Yvon take time away from the Shrine of the Thirteenth and reflect upon his thoughts at the Temple of Lord Skald.
The Goodman Yvon rightly acknowledges that the shav'arvani lack the guidance of both Faith and Crown. Yet he claims that this proves a lack of civilisation. Under such logic, not only are the Dune Kingdoms of Eurus uncivilised, but also the Skykingdom of Cardia, the so-called "Undying Empire" of Jaidairal, and even the Nox'alfar, allies of the Compact and progenitors of Her Majesty the Queen Symonesse. To be clear: Eurus, Cardia, and Jaidairal all practice heathen institutions, for which they will no doubt be held accountable--and Gods willing, it will be soon. But to be detestable is something altogether different than to be uncivilised. There exist shav'arvani holdings which rival any of the houses of the Compact in structure and organisation. Even their heresies are governed by hierarchies not dissimilar to our Faith. It is a foolish thing to underestimate our foes.
And this is where the Goodman makes his greatest mistake. The proper response to an enemy is not to enslave them, in contravention of Lord Skald's principles of freedom. It is either to conquer them, utterly, or to kill them. One may conquer by force of arms or by words, but in any case, it must be absolute. This is what has brought many shav'arvani into the Compact, where they have become civilised. But doing so by means of thralldom is wicked, for it renders us no better than our former masters at Caer'alfar.
That I, a woman who has on many times declared that the choices available to the Abandoned must be limited only to obeisance or death, must make statements in defense of them, is proof of the utter evil of slavery--and of the paucity of the Goodman's logic. I advise that Goodman Yvon take time away from the Shrine of the Thirteenth and reflect upon his thoughts at the Temple of Lord Skald.
Written By Rinel
July 21, 2019, 5:41 p.m.(7/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
The last time I decided Chunk needed to eat less, there was no birdsong on Candleway Lane for months. Besides, the experts at the Menagerie assure me that he is not overweight. Just... unimaginably large.
He is, however, a delight--no matter how sore my shoulders get.
He is, however, a delight--no matter how sore my shoulders get.
Written By Rinel
July 20, 2019, 7:12 p.m.(7/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
Take care that you do not stare so deeply into the Mirror that you begin to gaze with adoration at that which lies beneath it, Goodman Yvon.
And take a lesson from a fool who has come before you--there is a way to question dogma. Open rebellion against our Faith will not accomplish what you seek.
And take a lesson from a fool who has come before you--there is a way to question dogma. Open rebellion against our Faith will not accomplish what you seek.
Written By Rinel
July 3, 2019, 1:21 a.m.(5/23/1011 AR)
I don't understand. I'm trying to make things right, and every apology I make falls on deaf ears, every truth I tell places yet another wall between me and the only thing that matters. I want to give up, but I can't. I can't give up on the Gods. I can't give up on my faith.
I just want to be useful.
What do you do when the only thing that matters is everything to you, and you're less than nothing to it?
I just want to be useful.
What do you do when the only thing that matters is everything to you, and you're less than nothing to it?
Written By Rinel
June 27, 2019, 2:13 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Though I never had the honour of witnessing you at work, Goodwoman, I was outside the Cathedral today. There is a memory of unsurpassed beauty now within my mind--and I do not believe such a vision can have a purely mortal origin.
I know not where you go, or what you have discovered, but you go there with my thanks and my blessing.
I know not where you go, or what you have discovered, but you go there with my thanks and my blessing.
Written By Rinel
June 16, 2019, 3:36 p.m.(4/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Sparte Grayfellow's new work--Lord Vellichor's Renewal--has begun with a resounding success. It makes my heart glad to see so many interested in the preservation and promulgation of our histories.
Written By Rinel
June 9, 2019, 12:45 p.m.(4/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ajax
There is wisdom in what you have written, Goodman. And I believe that though there are matters which I must bring to a close with the gravity their nature demands, it is time to return to a more amiable nature.
Written By Rinel
June 8, 2019, 4:16 a.m.(4/1/1011 AR)
I took the opportunity to briefly read through the more notable of my journal entries. I remember the young woman who came to Arx with bright-eyed curiosity and an easily roused joy at life. I remember some saying that it would be hard for such joy to last.
I fear they were right. It is difficult, at times, to stand up for what is right. I have assumed a reputation that has become at times a being of its own creation--when I counsel caution and deference to the Faith, I am branded an upstart who brazenly seeks to speak on behalf of the Church.
The ire of distant cities little concerns me. But the Faith is everywhere, everything. To the extent that most tolerate me, it is as a curiosity--a raving woman from the Oathlands, with some small measure of intelligence and far more confidence than prudence.
This is a lonely life. Atreke helps, at times. My few friends help. Chunk helps perhaps most of all, though he neither realizes it nor cares. Of course there are the letters from Maman and Papa, but their love is dimmed by grief at my transgressions--and they are a continent away.
And Wynna. I think I believed grief would fade. Or perhaps to grieve is a skill which I never learned. Others have suffered greater losses--and yet I am overcome by the simplest of reminders.
It would be nice to smile again. I miss the girl I was. Perhaps I grieve for her, too. Perhaps she died that day as well--in violent conflict. Or maybe it was a wasting illness--the slow atrophy of the soul, when errors compounded and were met by the wrath of a Faith that young woman could recognize only in its unyielding sternness.
The Rinel Tern who arrived in Arx could not have imagined the wicked deeds I have done. What happened to her?
What happens to me?
What am I becoming?
I fear they were right. It is difficult, at times, to stand up for what is right. I have assumed a reputation that has become at times a being of its own creation--when I counsel caution and deference to the Faith, I am branded an upstart who brazenly seeks to speak on behalf of the Church.
The ire of distant cities little concerns me. But the Faith is everywhere, everything. To the extent that most tolerate me, it is as a curiosity--a raving woman from the Oathlands, with some small measure of intelligence and far more confidence than prudence.
This is a lonely life. Atreke helps, at times. My few friends help. Chunk helps perhaps most of all, though he neither realizes it nor cares. Of course there are the letters from Maman and Papa, but their love is dimmed by grief at my transgressions--and they are a continent away.
And Wynna. I think I believed grief would fade. Or perhaps to grieve is a skill which I never learned. Others have suffered greater losses--and yet I am overcome by the simplest of reminders.
It would be nice to smile again. I miss the girl I was. Perhaps I grieve for her, too. Perhaps she died that day as well--in violent conflict. Or maybe it was a wasting illness--the slow atrophy of the soul, when errors compounded and were met by the wrath of a Faith that young woman could recognize only in its unyielding sternness.
The Rinel Tern who arrived in Arx could not have imagined the wicked deeds I have done. What happened to her?
What happens to me?
What am I becoming?
Written By Rinel
May 26, 2019, 11:24 p.m.(3/4/1011 AR)
A shadow is hovering over the Compact, and few are willing to dispel it with the flame that is required. Wheat cannot thrive where brambles grow; the field must be cleansed with flame and scythe. I pray that nobility and commoners alike put their trust in the Faith, rather than in themselves.
Written By Rinel
March 21, 2019, 10:26 p.m.(10/12/1010 AR)
Outrage against the shav'arani, who have committed innumerable crimes against our Compact, is understandable. To desire them either driven from our lands or bent in submission to the Faith and Crown is laudable. But those who bend the knee are Arvani, and to attack them--or to violate sanctuary--is a sin against our Gods.
Nevertheless, it is foolish to paint the entirety of the Oathlands because of the actions of a few. Those responsible for the reported travesties will be brought to justice, as has always been done in the West.
Nevertheless, it is foolish to paint the entirety of the Oathlands because of the actions of a few. Those responsible for the reported travesties will be brought to justice, as has always been done in the West.
Written By Rinel
Feb. 24, 2019, 7:31 p.m.(8/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
I considered writing this in a black journal, but that seemed to me almost an attempt at hiding. If the Count Bravura should see this, then so be it. I am tired of secrets.
I begin to despair of any reconciliation between myself and Count Amadeo. Neither he nor I will budge on the singular issue that divides us. In truth, I do not know whether it is an issue of pride--which I have grown to learn that both of us possess in excess of our stations--or a deeper matter altogether. But deep or no, the chasm that divides us remains unbridged, and with every passing day that yawning gulf seems to widen. I regret, in part, the circumstances that led to the severing of our relationship; I mourn the loss of company and intellect.
I shall continue to pray to Lord Limerance that comity be restored--but I have begun to pray to Lady Lagoma as well. All things change, and, in time, all things end. Perhaps it is time to let the field lie fallow for a season. Growth of a new crop may yet come.
I begin to despair of any reconciliation between myself and Count Amadeo. Neither he nor I will budge on the singular issue that divides us. In truth, I do not know whether it is an issue of pride--which I have grown to learn that both of us possess in excess of our stations--or a deeper matter altogether. But deep or no, the chasm that divides us remains unbridged, and with every passing day that yawning gulf seems to widen. I regret, in part, the circumstances that led to the severing of our relationship; I mourn the loss of company and intellect.
I shall continue to pray to Lord Limerance that comity be restored--but I have begun to pray to Lady Lagoma as well. All things change, and, in time, all things end. Perhaps it is time to let the field lie fallow for a season. Growth of a new crop may yet come.
Written By Rinel
Feb. 24, 2019, 7:25 p.m.(8/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
This comes some days late, but... you see? I have learned to hold my tongue, at times.
Written By Rinel
Feb. 24, 2019, 7:24 p.m.(8/18/1010 AR)
I endured my time in the Shrine of the Thirteenth. I did not feel as though I experienced the self-reflection that the Archscholar desired of me, so I have spent another week in the Shrine of the Lost. There, I am able to feel myself in my entirety. The Shrine of the Thirteenth is oppressive, inward-focused. In the Shrine of the Dream--that is what I have taken to calling it--I see myself as a mote of colour upon a painting that spans creation, or a single pebble tossed into a vast and boundless sea. The effects my actions have on others--that is where I can truly reflect upon myself.
To judge oneself by the laws of the Gods and the effects one has on others... it is not an Orthodox position. But it is, in many ways, a stricter one.
And yet somehow it seems more freeing.
To judge oneself by the laws of the Gods and the effects one has on others... it is not an Orthodox position. But it is, in many ways, a stricter one.
And yet somehow it seems more freeing.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.