Written By Orazio
July 13, 2018, 6:24 p.m.(3/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
If her highness, Princess Tikva, reads my humble journal, she should know that this entry pertains to her own entry of earlier on the same day:
Be not worried, your highness. Experience has taught me that if a person truly, deeply wishes to make a godsdamned fool out of themselves, then there are few mortal powers which can stop them, and certainly not the guidance and support - however earnest and fervent - of those who are more sensible than themselves. Advisers bear no blame when one chooses to ignore good advice and instead plow ahead into the sparkling waters of a sea of poor decisions.
While I do wait with interest for Grayson's next official response, and hope that it shows a great deal more of the qualities I associate with the Crown, I do sympathize with those Graysons who had no part in making this situation, and have done their best to resolve it with grace and dignity.
Be not worried, your highness. Experience has taught me that if a person truly, deeply wishes to make a godsdamned fool out of themselves, then there are few mortal powers which can stop them, and certainly not the guidance and support - however earnest and fervent - of those who are more sensible than themselves. Advisers bear no blame when one chooses to ignore good advice and instead plow ahead into the sparkling waters of a sea of poor decisions.
While I do wait with interest for Grayson's next official response, and hope that it shows a great deal more of the qualities I associate with the Crown, I do sympathize with those Graysons who had no part in making this situation, and have done their best to resolve it with grace and dignity.
Written By Orazio
July 11, 2018, 1:27 p.m.(3/5/1009 AR)
Having been reassured on the degree to which Prince Barric's behavior reflected the feelings of House Grayson (and thank you, Princess Sabella and Prince Laric for addressing my concerns with swiftness), then it does seem that it's a case of individual untoward behavior.
It is my strong suggestion to His Highness, Prince Barric, that he apologize to the honorable Marquis, and his family, and seek repentance at the Shrine of Gloria for refusing the obligation which the goddess of war and honor has laid upon us. I am certain that Archlector Cassandra, or one of the Templars can help him discover his honor and courage once more. More, I suspect that a sizable donation to the Whisper House and apology for petulant behavior towards a Softest Whisper would not go amiss.
It is my strong suggestion to His Highness, Prince Barric, that he apologize to the honorable Marquis, and his family, and seek repentance at the Shrine of Gloria for refusing the obligation which the goddess of war and honor has laid upon us. I am certain that Archlector Cassandra, or one of the Templars can help him discover his honor and courage once more. More, I suspect that a sizable donation to the Whisper House and apology for petulant behavior towards a Softest Whisper would not go amiss.
Written By Orazio
July 11, 2018, 12:35 p.m.(3/4/1009 AR)
A Grayson Prince - not just any Prince, but the Sword of Grayson and bearer of the House honor - has claimed that the head of house of one of Grayon's own Marches "isn't worth the cost" of an honor duel, after apparently disrespecting and insulting the man in public. This is deeply disturbing behavior from a Great House in any situation, but to have the Sword of a Great House treat one of his fealty's own vassals with such contempt is...nearly unprecedented.
Does this actually reflect how Grayson views the Leaholdt, I wonder. If not, I would expect to see this addressed swiftly, and in no uncertain terms. If so, then it feels as if it is a contempt which could have been communicated with the dignity and gravity expected of the House of the Crown, rather than in having one's honor-bearer refuse an honor duel.
Does this actually reflect how Grayson views the Leaholdt, I wonder. If not, I would expect to see this addressed swiftly, and in no uncertain terms. If so, then it feels as if it is a contempt which could have been communicated with the dignity and gravity expected of the House of the Crown, rather than in having one's honor-bearer refuse an honor duel.
Written By Orazio
June 27, 2018, 12:18 p.m.(2/4/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
In regards to Prince Mydas' question regarding thralldom and its ends:
Within the Mourning Isles, such things would likely be prosecuted as their lords dictate. Outside the Mourning Isles, no right-thinking lord, lady, or commoner would ever return an escaped thrall to thralldom, as they are simply executing the right enshrined in every other part of the Compact to sever one's connection with one's fealty and seek out service to the Crown instead. If violence was involved, some lords might choose to leverage judgement on such a newly freed person, or return them to their home fealty for judgement, but I suspect that the individual details of the case would matter a great deal.
There is a reason why the only thralls in Arx tend to be the most broken of will, or the ones with relatives of tender age or circumstance back under the direct authority of their lords where they can receive the punishment for any escapes, and why thralls are rarely, if ever, allowed outside the Thrax ward.
Within the Mourning Isles, such things would likely be prosecuted as their lords dictate. Outside the Mourning Isles, no right-thinking lord, lady, or commoner would ever return an escaped thrall to thralldom, as they are simply executing the right enshrined in every other part of the Compact to sever one's connection with one's fealty and seek out service to the Crown instead. If violence was involved, some lords might choose to leverage judgement on such a newly freed person, or return them to their home fealty for judgement, but I suspect that the individual details of the case would matter a great deal.
There is a reason why the only thralls in Arx tend to be the most broken of will, or the ones with relatives of tender age or circumstance back under the direct authority of their lords where they can receive the punishment for any escapes, and why thralls are rarely, if ever, allowed outside the Thrax ward.
Written By Orazio
June 25, 2018, 5:33 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
I understand there is some confusion on a bit of playful banter between myself and Master Aleksei from yet another of the commoners who have been handed titles without, clearly, being asked to educate themselves in any of the basic competencies of nobility, including not making a bloody fool of oneself repeatedly in public. It's enough to make a native born Lycene weep with shame for both the state of Bravura, and, sadly, for Malespero and Pravus for their exceedingly poor taste in judgement and inability to /stop/ their common-born vassal from making a fool of himself whenever someone hands him a pen. One would think that after the first time he decided to use an official proclamation of his House to take a potshot at the Church on a matter he, very obviously, knows nothing about, /someone/ would have had a quiet word with the lad. Or handed him a nice, stiff drink, and allowed someone more suitable to take the position. There has to be an unemployed baker somewhere that Malespero could hand a title to.
However, in the spirit of attempting education, for the sake of the people of Bravura if not for the, ah, Count himself? Master Aleksei is not an Oathbreaker. He has asked for and been released from his oaths. In the eyes of the gods, this is an offense, but not so great as to break the oaths themselves, nor to serve as a false priest. That offense has been seen, acknowledged, and punished in the eyes of the gods through a penance assigned by me, as Legate of Concepts and his former direct supervisor. Is Aleksei absolved of his sins? In the eyes of the gods, he has paid penance for them, but that does not mean he will be easily trusted again, nor will the Church recommend that he /be/ trusted, until his actions prove that he has understood and embraced the concept of Fidelity, likely through his work as a father in the future. In our society, which values honor and the ability to keep one's word above almost all else, simply being known as someone who did not shall carry enough repercussions through the years that no further official penalty need be levied. And, it is worth noting, that of those divorcees - one almost immediately married a higher ranked peer, one became a member of the most prestigious knightly order in all of Arvum and has been entrusted with the safety of the king himself, and none of them have lost title, salary, property, or faced physical harm because of their choice.
Aleksei has lost all of those things, and suffered all of those things.
More, he is my friend. That did not stop me from leveling the traditional penance, nor requiring it to be seen through to the end, no matter how it hurt my heart to see my friend suffer. Because that is the demand of duty and justice - and if were to happen over again, I would assign the same penance without hesitation. But it also means that anyone who wishes to tut themselves about how I treat my friend in the aftermath of that penance is kindly, politely, and with all due respect (however minimal that might be) invited to perform unlikely sexual acts on themselves with a rusty, cast-iron comb.
However, in the spirit of attempting education, for the sake of the people of Bravura if not for the, ah, Count himself? Master Aleksei is not an Oathbreaker. He has asked for and been released from his oaths. In the eyes of the gods, this is an offense, but not so great as to break the oaths themselves, nor to serve as a false priest. That offense has been seen, acknowledged, and punished in the eyes of the gods through a penance assigned by me, as Legate of Concepts and his former direct supervisor. Is Aleksei absolved of his sins? In the eyes of the gods, he has paid penance for them, but that does not mean he will be easily trusted again, nor will the Church recommend that he /be/ trusted, until his actions prove that he has understood and embraced the concept of Fidelity, likely through his work as a father in the future. In our society, which values honor and the ability to keep one's word above almost all else, simply being known as someone who did not shall carry enough repercussions through the years that no further official penalty need be levied. And, it is worth noting, that of those divorcees - one almost immediately married a higher ranked peer, one became a member of the most prestigious knightly order in all of Arvum and has been entrusted with the safety of the king himself, and none of them have lost title, salary, property, or faced physical harm because of their choice.
Aleksei has lost all of those things, and suffered all of those things.
More, he is my friend. That did not stop me from leveling the traditional penance, nor requiring it to be seen through to the end, no matter how it hurt my heart to see my friend suffer. Because that is the demand of duty and justice - and if were to happen over again, I would assign the same penance without hesitation. But it also means that anyone who wishes to tut themselves about how I treat my friend in the aftermath of that penance is kindly, politely, and with all due respect (however minimal that might be) invited to perform unlikely sexual acts on themselves with a rusty, cast-iron comb.
Written By Orazio
June 25, 2018, 3:49 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
This is, of course, to the attention of Master Aleksei:
You remind me only to break my heart all over again, do you?
You remind me only to break my heart all over again, do you?
Written By Orazio
June 25, 2018, 3:39 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Aleksei:
Go to sleep.
Go to sleep.
Written By Orazio
June 25, 2018, 12:40 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
When we speak of the Virtues which the gods of the Pantheon represent, which guide the Faith, the Church, and the Faithful, we speak primarily of the following: Justice, Mercy, Charity, Honor, Joy, Industriousness, Wisdom, Freedom, Love, Fidelity, and Patience. However, these virtues as the Church means them do not always mean exactly the same as the do in casual conversation. When we speak of Love, for one example, the Faith rarely means romantic passion - that is a /part/ of Love, but it is often fleeting and without commitment. The Love which is Virtue is that which endures and transforms us, which calls for the sacrifice of what is comfortable for ourselves so that what is loved may thrive - whether it ever recognizes our sacrifice or returns our love or not. Likewise, Industriousness is not merely being /busy/, although idle hands are no virtue. Rather, the Industriousness which is Virtue is to work in the world to create and strengthen and push forward the causes of the gods. Mere busy work, or fruitless complaining is no virtue - nor is Industriousness without Patience, launching oneself into project after project and never taking the time and focus to see them through.
One may notice that humility is nowhere on the list of divine Virtues. This is not an oversight - it has never been the Church's charge, nor the Compact's wont, to be humble. Humility would never have forged five great kingdoms into a greater Compact, nor had the pride to refuse to bow to enemies great and small over the thousand years of the Compact's history. There is, certainly, a time and a place to be humble, much as there is a time and place to be silent - but neither humility nor silence are universal virtues, as any member of Crownsworn or Crownlands fealty who has been raised to know the words of House Grayson words may attest. Humility may be respected, where it is not false, and where it is not an excuse to fail to uphold any of the other virtues. But it is not divine as the Virtues are.
The words of the Faith of the Pantheon are: "By the grace of the gods, we are their will."
This is a proud statement, to be certain. It is also a solemn charge that the Church takes with too much seriousness and solemnity to ever be humble about it. We of the Church seek to retain the gods' grace /by/ upholding their will, even when that requires making decisions which do not please everyone. We are not endlessly accepting - it is given to the Church to judge the apostate, the heretic, and the blasphemer. When we fail to uphold that charge, not just lives but souls are lost. And even without rising to the level of apostasy, heresy, or blasphemy, the Church must choose which people and viewpoints it wishes to represent the canon of the Church, the truth of the Faith. This does mean that some people who might wish to have the Church's authority to aid with their prestige and personal ambitions will not have it. But those who are truly Faithful will understand the Church's decision in this, and will strive to learn from it - whether they choose to seek a discipleship or not.
Those who choose to complain rather than to learn have the Freedom to make that choice, although it will avail them nothing, materially or spiritually. But they are welcome to continue to do so for as long as it pleases them, and I sincerely hope that they are able to do so in peace, without harassment from the more devout. There is no need to defend the Church's decision, for it has been made, and shall not be unmade. Nor is it subject to public referendum nor debate from the nobility, even up to the High Lords.
The Dominus is the Voice of the Pantheon, and he has spoken.
When we speak of the Virtues which the gods of the Pantheon represent, which guide the Faith, the Church, and the Faithful, we speak primarily of the following: Justice, Mercy, Charity, Honor, Joy, Industriousness, Wisdom, Freedom, Love, Fidelity, and Patience. However, these virtues as the Church means them do not always mean exactly the same as the do in casual conversation. When we speak of Love, for one example, the Faith rarely means romantic passion - that is a /part/ of Love, but it is often fleeting and without commitment. The Love which is Virtue is that which endures and transforms us, which calls for the sacrifice of what is comfortable for ourselves so that what is loved may thrive - whether it ever recognizes our sacrifice or returns our love or not. Likewise, Industriousness is not merely being /busy/, although idle hands are no virtue. Rather, the Industriousness which is Virtue is to work in the world to create and strengthen and push forward the causes of the gods. Mere busy work, or fruitless complaining is no virtue - nor is Industriousness without Patience, launching oneself into project after project and never taking the time and focus to see them through.
One may notice that humility is nowhere on the list of divine Virtues. This is not an oversight - it has never been the Church's charge, nor the Compact's wont, to be humble. Humility would never have forged five great kingdoms into a greater Compact, nor had the pride to refuse to bow to enemies great and small over the thousand years of the Compact's history. There is, certainly, a time and a place to be humble, much as there is a time and place to be silent - but neither humility nor silence are universal virtues, as any member of Crownsworn or Crownlands fealty who has been raised to know the words of House Grayson words may attest. Humility may be respected, where it is not false, and where it is not an excuse to fail to uphold any of the other virtues. But it is not divine as the Virtues are.
The words of the Faith of the Pantheon are: "By the grace of the gods, we are their will."
This is a proud statement, to be certain. It is also a solemn charge that the Church takes with too much seriousness and solemnity to ever be humble about it. We of the Church seek to retain the gods' grace /by/ upholding their will, even when that requires making decisions which do not please everyone. We are not endlessly accepting - it is given to the Church to judge the apostate, the heretic, and the blasphemer. When we fail to uphold that charge, not just lives but souls are lost. And even without rising to the level of apostasy, heresy, or blasphemy, the Church must choose which people and viewpoints it wishes to represent the canon of the Church, the truth of the Faith. This does mean that some people who might wish to have the Church's authority to aid with their prestige and personal ambitions will not have it. But those who are truly Faithful will understand the Church's decision in this, and will strive to learn from it - whether they choose to seek a discipleship or not.
Those who choose to complain rather than to learn have the Freedom to make that choice, although it will avail them nothing, materially or spiritually. But they are welcome to continue to do so for as long as it pleases them, and I sincerely hope that they are able to do so in peace, without harassment from the more devout. There is no need to defend the Church's decision, for it has been made, and shall not be unmade. Nor is it subject to public referendum nor debate from the nobility, even up to the High Lords.
The Dominus is the Voice of the Pantheon, and he has spoken.
Written By Orazio
June 24, 2018, 7:54 a.m.(1/25/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Oh for the sake of all the gods:
I most assuredly did not need multiple letters sent to my home to correct me on this matter, but good for you, I suppose.
I most assuredly did not need multiple letters sent to my home to correct me on this matter, but good for you, I suppose.
Written By Orazio
June 23, 2018, 10:35 p.m.(1/25/1009 AR)
Speaking of the duel that I was recently a party to:
I wish, as always, to commend the champions who fought - whether for entertainment or for legitimate points of honor, those who pick up a weapon to defend another's cause are to be commended. Particular commendations go to Champion Prince Luca, of Grayson and the Champion's Guild. He was, as always, a master with the blade. Should anyone desire a worthy sword, they could do little better than he.
I also wish to commend Duchess Belladonna. While her choice of a non-Champion as her advocate in this dispute was a bit unconventional, she has been the epitome of nobility throughout the entire process, from responding to the challenge, to conceding with grace and dignity once the final blow was struck. I no longer have any quarrel with her, and more, others who stand for a duel over legitimate points of honor could do worse than to look to her example for how to behave during a duel of honor.
Except, of course, that despite Mistress Mirari's great skill and wonderful attitude, I would recommend that further duelists reach out to the Champion's Guild, first. All in all, however, I emerged from the experience feeling that just perhaps not /all/ of the nobility has failed to be educated in dueling etiquette and importance.
And yes, there was a small snowball fight afterwards. It was quite enjoyable.
I wish, as always, to commend the champions who fought - whether for entertainment or for legitimate points of honor, those who pick up a weapon to defend another's cause are to be commended. Particular commendations go to Champion Prince Luca, of Grayson and the Champion's Guild. He was, as always, a master with the blade. Should anyone desire a worthy sword, they could do little better than he.
I also wish to commend Duchess Belladonna. While her choice of a non-Champion as her advocate in this dispute was a bit unconventional, she has been the epitome of nobility throughout the entire process, from responding to the challenge, to conceding with grace and dignity once the final blow was struck. I no longer have any quarrel with her, and more, others who stand for a duel over legitimate points of honor could do worse than to look to her example for how to behave during a duel of honor.
Except, of course, that despite Mistress Mirari's great skill and wonderful attitude, I would recommend that further duelists reach out to the Champion's Guild, first. All in all, however, I emerged from the experience feeling that just perhaps not /all/ of the nobility has failed to be educated in dueling etiquette and importance.
And yes, there was a small snowball fight afterwards. It was quite enjoyable.
Written By Orazio
June 17, 2018, 11:18 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
To address the accusations that the Duchess Belladonna has passed off as truth regarding the previous Dominus, Brother Fawkuhl:
It is to be advised that the Duchess check her /own/ sources. The former Dominus was never formally charged with, and certainly not convicted, of any crime towards the Archduchess. And, speaking as the man who risked his life to call the Convocation which ended in Brother Fawkuhl choosing to stand down and face judgement for that accusation, to malign a man who never had the opportunity to face public resolution of what he was accused of is both foolish and deeply disrespectful.
And to suggest in /any/ way that Brother Fawkuhl's actions and the Dominus Aldwin's actions might be considered comparable is an insult to the Church itself. You may clarify your position in your recent entries and hopefully rectify your ignorance by doing a bit of quiet research into the matter before spouting off, or I will have the name of your Champion.
It is to be advised that the Duchess check her /own/ sources. The former Dominus was never formally charged with, and certainly not convicted, of any crime towards the Archduchess. And, speaking as the man who risked his life to call the Convocation which ended in Brother Fawkuhl choosing to stand down and face judgement for that accusation, to malign a man who never had the opportunity to face public resolution of what he was accused of is both foolish and deeply disrespectful.
And to suggest in /any/ way that Brother Fawkuhl's actions and the Dominus Aldwin's actions might be considered comparable is an insult to the Church itself. You may clarify your position in your recent entries and hopefully rectify your ignorance by doing a bit of quiet research into the matter before spouting off, or I will have the name of your Champion.
Written By Orazio
June 17, 2018, 10:35 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Well.
A man takes a bit of time to attend to matters of his own spiritual prayer and meditations, and it turns out that many exciting things happen. I'll not address the matter of Prince Aurelian, nor his impersonator, but to say that I know that seeing justice done must have been a difficult and heartbreaking thing to do, and that I honor that choice, as much as I mourn the hurt it must have caused those who were personally betrayed by someone they believed loved them. May the gods bring balm in time to those wounds.
Now, to the second order of business, namely, the Most Holy's pronouncement and severance of Discipleships for those who remain adherent to shamanic paths and animist traditions. As is often the case with kneejerk outrage, there have rapidly become many misconceptions about what this means and the implications and impact on the Compact. First, let it be understood that while the Faith of the Pantheon has generously tolerated the existence of shamanic paths in the Northlands, a tolerance won by bravery and blood on the part of Redrain and the North, the Faith of the Pantheon holds the Pantheon to be /the/ spiritual guide and authorities of the Compact. The whole Compact. No House is allowed entrance into the Compact without swearing to take on the Compact's ways, traditions, and beliefs - including that of the Faith of the Pantheon.
Traditionally, the Houses of the Compact have been good stewards of this obligation, and have ensured that no one was allowed to bend the knee without truly and fully understanding that to do so meant to no longer be an independent shav tribe, but to be a people of the Compact, and the nobility has traditionally understood why this is necessary - not least of which because the fealty oath itself is sealed by devotion to Limerance and the obligations of vassal and liege are hemmed by Gloria's honor, by the Sentinel's Justice, and by the Virtues of each and every one of the gods. Accepting people who do not wholeheartedly embrace those Virtues is a dangerous thing, for a liege and for the Compact as a whole. Thus, the integration of Prodigals has typically been a thoughtful and careful act, so that these new citizens understand their obligations and requirements.
Sadly, in the last several years, a fad has taken place in all of the fealties of the Compact of embracing large numbers of Prodigals, or even permitting shavs to remain on Compact lands within controlled territories, without ensuring that they are in full understanding of what it means to 'bend the knee'. This has, unfortunately, led to a surge of Prodigals who seem to view Compact membership as a mere convenience, and seem fully inclined to maintain their own traditions, religions, and authorities while paying only the barest lip service to the Compact, and more, seem outraged to discover that this is not, and has never been, the way of the Compact. Sadly, they have been aided and abetted in this outrage by people who have been Compact from birth, and thus truly should know better.
How this impacts the Faith itself is manifold. First, it has created an impression among people who, again, should know better, that if one does not like what a priest of the Pantheon says about a spiritual matter, one can simply find a shaman who will tell them that they are justified or correct - people have behaved as if one can pick and choose whether to be a member of the Faith, or find a random shamanistic path to follow. This is not the way of the Compact, and shall never be the way of the Compact. Further, it is disrespectful to both the Church /and/ those shamans and followers of the animist paths who have painstakingly kept their traditions alive for more than a millennium. Faith - any faith - requires dedication and commitment, and should not be treated as a sulky child treats their parents when trying to wheedle a favorable decision by playing one parent against the other. As the preparation by lieges has not been sufficient to help new Prodigals fully understand what they are agreeing to, the Faith must ensure that a pillar of the Compact's culture remains clear, straightforward, and in line with the traditions that the Faith and Compact were founded on.
Second, it has allowed some disciples who are also shamans in their own right to speak with unwarranted authority on spiritual matters pertaining to the gods. This, unfortunately, has implications for the fidelity of church doctrine and the role of the Disciple in the Church. One should be able to look at a Disciple and see a follower of the Faith who can serve as an exemplar for what devotion to the Church should be. Being a Disciple is not simply about being a good person, or wanting to help - there are millions across the Compact who are very good people who wish to help but who are not Disciples, and the Faith thinks no less of them for it. A Disciple, while not a priest, still serves as a living guidepost and light for those who wish to understand what service to the gods looks like. It requires a firm understanding of Faith doctrine, and a wholehearted embrace of those principles, Virtues, and gods - without the dilution of other traditions and religious leanings which may lead those who look to Disciples away from the true Faith and into apostasy.
Third, there are some who have called this 'religious discrimination'. It is. We are a religion which holds to beliefs and values and doctrines that we wholeheartedly embrace and have sacrificed much of our personal choice to support. We do not accept atheists as Disciples, even when an atheist might be one of the best, purest hearts in the world. And, yes, the Dominus has now proclaimed that we will not accept shamans or those who follow the shamanic paths as Disciples. Their beliefs are not a part of Church doctrine, and to allow them to stand as a Church authority, even in such a minor way, is to suggest that they are - as, unfortunately, the outrage in some quarters about this decision has proved people were beginning to believe. It is to my regret, and with my apologies, that as Legate I ever allowed the situation to progress so far that the Dominus needed to step in and set us right once again.
Fourth, there are those who have suggested that this is the opening act to a new doctrine of oppression against the shamanic paths. It is not. The ancient treaty with the North holds - so long as the shamanic paths police themselves rigorously and without fail for corruption and apostasy, and those who adhere to them also abide by and pledge their faith to the Faith of the Pantheon as they are bound to by oath, the Church has no quarrel with the continuance of ancient provincial traditions. The Faith will continue to support followers of the shamanic paths with education, healing, protection, food for starving, shelter for the homeless, sanctuary for the heart-wounded, and all of the services that we have always provided, and we will always welcome worshipers who come to shrines with open hearts and love for the gods, whatever other traditions they might also respect. Some writers have characterized this decision as putting animists out of the Faith. This is untrue. All of the people of the Compact remain children of the Church, and members of the Faith, whether they also respect their ancient traditions or not - until and unless a person puts themselves out of the Faith through heresy, apostasy, blasphemy, or acts intolerable by the gods. If you are not using your ancient traditions as a way to lead people into darkness, to encourage worship of corrupted things, or to encourage rebellion against your lawful lieges, the Crown, or the Church, then you have nothing to fear from either the Faith or the Compact in paying your respects to the past.
As is characteristic of all of his decisions, the proclamation by the Dominus has been undertaken with thought, care, wisdom, and - first and foremost - with the devotion and love of the gods and the people of the Compact in his heart. It is my sincere hope that his words can be extended the smallest amount of charity in return.
Well.
A man takes a bit of time to attend to matters of his own spiritual prayer and meditations, and it turns out that many exciting things happen. I'll not address the matter of Prince Aurelian, nor his impersonator, but to say that I know that seeing justice done must have been a difficult and heartbreaking thing to do, and that I honor that choice, as much as I mourn the hurt it must have caused those who were personally betrayed by someone they believed loved them. May the gods bring balm in time to those wounds.
Now, to the second order of business, namely, the Most Holy's pronouncement and severance of Discipleships for those who remain adherent to shamanic paths and animist traditions. As is often the case with kneejerk outrage, there have rapidly become many misconceptions about what this means and the implications and impact on the Compact. First, let it be understood that while the Faith of the Pantheon has generously tolerated the existence of shamanic paths in the Northlands, a tolerance won by bravery and blood on the part of Redrain and the North, the Faith of the Pantheon holds the Pantheon to be /the/ spiritual guide and authorities of the Compact. The whole Compact. No House is allowed entrance into the Compact without swearing to take on the Compact's ways, traditions, and beliefs - including that of the Faith of the Pantheon.
Traditionally, the Houses of the Compact have been good stewards of this obligation, and have ensured that no one was allowed to bend the knee without truly and fully understanding that to do so meant to no longer be an independent shav tribe, but to be a people of the Compact, and the nobility has traditionally understood why this is necessary - not least of which because the fealty oath itself is sealed by devotion to Limerance and the obligations of vassal and liege are hemmed by Gloria's honor, by the Sentinel's Justice, and by the Virtues of each and every one of the gods. Accepting people who do not wholeheartedly embrace those Virtues is a dangerous thing, for a liege and for the Compact as a whole. Thus, the integration of Prodigals has typically been a thoughtful and careful act, so that these new citizens understand their obligations and requirements.
Sadly, in the last several years, a fad has taken place in all of the fealties of the Compact of embracing large numbers of Prodigals, or even permitting shavs to remain on Compact lands within controlled territories, without ensuring that they are in full understanding of what it means to 'bend the knee'. This has, unfortunately, led to a surge of Prodigals who seem to view Compact membership as a mere convenience, and seem fully inclined to maintain their own traditions, religions, and authorities while paying only the barest lip service to the Compact, and more, seem outraged to discover that this is not, and has never been, the way of the Compact. Sadly, they have been aided and abetted in this outrage by people who have been Compact from birth, and thus truly should know better.
How this impacts the Faith itself is manifold. First, it has created an impression among people who, again, should know better, that if one does not like what a priest of the Pantheon says about a spiritual matter, one can simply find a shaman who will tell them that they are justified or correct - people have behaved as if one can pick and choose whether to be a member of the Faith, or find a random shamanistic path to follow. This is not the way of the Compact, and shall never be the way of the Compact. Further, it is disrespectful to both the Church /and/ those shamans and followers of the animist paths who have painstakingly kept their traditions alive for more than a millennium. Faith - any faith - requires dedication and commitment, and should not be treated as a sulky child treats their parents when trying to wheedle a favorable decision by playing one parent against the other. As the preparation by lieges has not been sufficient to help new Prodigals fully understand what they are agreeing to, the Faith must ensure that a pillar of the Compact's culture remains clear, straightforward, and in line with the traditions that the Faith and Compact were founded on.
Second, it has allowed some disciples who are also shamans in their own right to speak with unwarranted authority on spiritual matters pertaining to the gods. This, unfortunately, has implications for the fidelity of church doctrine and the role of the Disciple in the Church. One should be able to look at a Disciple and see a follower of the Faith who can serve as an exemplar for what devotion to the Church should be. Being a Disciple is not simply about being a good person, or wanting to help - there are millions across the Compact who are very good people who wish to help but who are not Disciples, and the Faith thinks no less of them for it. A Disciple, while not a priest, still serves as a living guidepost and light for those who wish to understand what service to the gods looks like. It requires a firm understanding of Faith doctrine, and a wholehearted embrace of those principles, Virtues, and gods - without the dilution of other traditions and religious leanings which may lead those who look to Disciples away from the true Faith and into apostasy.
Third, there are some who have called this 'religious discrimination'. It is. We are a religion which holds to beliefs and values and doctrines that we wholeheartedly embrace and have sacrificed much of our personal choice to support. We do not accept atheists as Disciples, even when an atheist might be one of the best, purest hearts in the world. And, yes, the Dominus has now proclaimed that we will not accept shamans or those who follow the shamanic paths as Disciples. Their beliefs are not a part of Church doctrine, and to allow them to stand as a Church authority, even in such a minor way, is to suggest that they are - as, unfortunately, the outrage in some quarters about this decision has proved people were beginning to believe. It is to my regret, and with my apologies, that as Legate I ever allowed the situation to progress so far that the Dominus needed to step in and set us right once again.
Fourth, there are those who have suggested that this is the opening act to a new doctrine of oppression against the shamanic paths. It is not. The ancient treaty with the North holds - so long as the shamanic paths police themselves rigorously and without fail for corruption and apostasy, and those who adhere to them also abide by and pledge their faith to the Faith of the Pantheon as they are bound to by oath, the Church has no quarrel with the continuance of ancient provincial traditions. The Faith will continue to support followers of the shamanic paths with education, healing, protection, food for starving, shelter for the homeless, sanctuary for the heart-wounded, and all of the services that we have always provided, and we will always welcome worshipers who come to shrines with open hearts and love for the gods, whatever other traditions they might also respect. Some writers have characterized this decision as putting animists out of the Faith. This is untrue. All of the people of the Compact remain children of the Church, and members of the Faith, whether they also respect their ancient traditions or not - until and unless a person puts themselves out of the Faith through heresy, apostasy, blasphemy, or acts intolerable by the gods. If you are not using your ancient traditions as a way to lead people into darkness, to encourage worship of corrupted things, or to encourage rebellion against your lawful lieges, the Crown, or the Church, then you have nothing to fear from either the Faith or the Compact in paying your respects to the past.
As is characteristic of all of his decisions, the proclamation by the Dominus has been undertaken with thought, care, wisdom, and - first and foremost - with the devotion and love of the gods and the people of the Compact in his heart. It is my sincere hope that his words can be extended the smallest amount of charity in return.
Written By Orazio
June 10, 2018, 6:19 p.m.(12/17/1008 AR)
Balance.
I find this concept frustrating when it is applied to ideas of good and evil, because it inevitably feels like an excuse. An excuse not to fight against evil with all of your heart. An excuse to allow one to tolerate the intolerable. I confess that I have never known one on the side of evil to spare any innocent lives because of a concept of 'balance', although I have certainly known them to try and manipulate those on the righteous path to stay their hand because of it. "Balance", in practice, seems inevitably to be about good people allowing evil to exist and prosper, and never about evil retreating or ceasing to exploit and corrupt.
If one would strive for some nebulous balance between good and evil, one must then ask oneself - what atrocities are you willing to turn a blind eye to in order to win it? What lives that you could save, will you not? What horrors that you could end, will you instead allow to thrive? All for a concept which has no true meaning for the average mortal life.
Perhaps the universe seeks balance on a cosmic scale. But if that is true, then I would remind one of the other nations of the world, and the horrors they live under in even what little we know of them. Arvum could be a paradise of justice, compassion, and civilization, and the scales would still be tilted towards misery. As one who signs the funding requests for orphanages, homeless shelters, food kitchens, and Mercy deployments across the continent, I assure you that we as a people, a nation, and a land are in no danger of being "too good" or bending "too far" towards justice and righteousness. Children of the Faith, I say fight - fight against evil, against the vices that dwell within the world and our own hearts, and fight with every thing that you have. You are in no danger of upsetting a balance.
Hold to the Virtues of the Pantheon, and you will not go wrong.
I find this concept frustrating when it is applied to ideas of good and evil, because it inevitably feels like an excuse. An excuse not to fight against evil with all of your heart. An excuse to allow one to tolerate the intolerable. I confess that I have never known one on the side of evil to spare any innocent lives because of a concept of 'balance', although I have certainly known them to try and manipulate those on the righteous path to stay their hand because of it. "Balance", in practice, seems inevitably to be about good people allowing evil to exist and prosper, and never about evil retreating or ceasing to exploit and corrupt.
If one would strive for some nebulous balance between good and evil, one must then ask oneself - what atrocities are you willing to turn a blind eye to in order to win it? What lives that you could save, will you not? What horrors that you could end, will you instead allow to thrive? All for a concept which has no true meaning for the average mortal life.
Perhaps the universe seeks balance on a cosmic scale. But if that is true, then I would remind one of the other nations of the world, and the horrors they live under in even what little we know of them. Arvum could be a paradise of justice, compassion, and civilization, and the scales would still be tilted towards misery. As one who signs the funding requests for orphanages, homeless shelters, food kitchens, and Mercy deployments across the continent, I assure you that we as a people, a nation, and a land are in no danger of being "too good" or bending "too far" towards justice and righteousness. Children of the Faith, I say fight - fight against evil, against the vices that dwell within the world and our own hearts, and fight with every thing that you have. You are in no danger of upsetting a balance.
Hold to the Virtues of the Pantheon, and you will not go wrong.
Written By Orazio
June 3, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
(Excerpted from journals written during the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon return to Arx.)
We should have brought a bard. Both because I confess my skills are inadequate to convey the things that we have seen, and continue to see, here - and because we could use someone to help keep people's spirits up. Just this morning, I was stopped by one of the workers seeking some spiritual support. When I asked what was concerning her, she burst into tears. We spoke for a while, about sorrow, and grief, and memories of the past - these stark plains seem to bring those to the forefront, and it becomes difficult to concentrate on goals. I, myself, have found my mind dwelling overmuch on my parents, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews. It is a distraction, and I try to push those thoughts to the back of my mind except when I am alone.
The camp is a relief. When we go on scouting trips, the quiet descends, and you can hear nothing but the wind and your own breathing, or the breathing of those around you. At first, it might seem soothing, but as the silence continues, it seems to thicken and harden, gathering weight and a presence all of its own. It can become stifling, haunting. Returning to people, seeing those brightly colored tents and waving banners providing a break to the monotonous horizon is a great relief.
I am still invested in our travels and our mission, but I confess that I dearly miss the sight of green, and the sounds of birds.
(Excerpted from journals written during the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon return to Arx.)
We should have brought a bard. Both because I confess my skills are inadequate to convey the things that we have seen, and continue to see, here - and because we could use someone to help keep people's spirits up. Just this morning, I was stopped by one of the workers seeking some spiritual support. When I asked what was concerning her, she burst into tears. We spoke for a while, about sorrow, and grief, and memories of the past - these stark plains seem to bring those to the forefront, and it becomes difficult to concentrate on goals. I, myself, have found my mind dwelling overmuch on my parents, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews. It is a distraction, and I try to push those thoughts to the back of my mind except when I am alone.
The camp is a relief. When we go on scouting trips, the quiet descends, and you can hear nothing but the wind and your own breathing, or the breathing of those around you. At first, it might seem soothing, but as the silence continues, it seems to thicken and harden, gathering weight and a presence all of its own. It can become stifling, haunting. Returning to people, seeing those brightly colored tents and waving banners providing a break to the monotonous horizon is a great relief.
I am still invested in our travels and our mission, but I confess that I dearly miss the sight of green, and the sounds of birds.
Written By Orazio
June 3, 2018, 12:45 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
(Excerpted from journals written on the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon the return to Arx.)
Landfall!
I remember the palpable excitement when the call went out, the way we all rushed to the railings to look out at the tiny, black sliver on the horizon. It grew as we approached, to towering cliffs, like fortress walls, high enough to block any view of the land of the Wastes themselves. We found, with the able advice of Dame Leola and the skillful work of the Velenosa soldiers, a cove where our landing vessels could reach, and a winding path up to the top of the cliffs. Dear gods, do I not envy the laborers who have been working to get all of the expedition supplies up that path - although it is sturdy enough, at one point I remember looking over the side and my heart racing at the sight of the churning water below. Stand on the wall of the Ward of the Crown and look down, and you should grow close to the sensation. When we finally reached the top, I think we all held our breath just a little.
Whatever I expected, I confess that it was not what we found. The wasteland stretched before us, and never has that word been more apt. There was no birdsong. No whine of insects, nor crunch of breaking twigs underfoot - for there were no plants at all. We arrived at sunset, and the air was suffused in crimson and gold, the stark dirt before us painted in those gaudy colors. But their vibrancy could not hide the truth of the matter: there was no food here, nor shelter, nor life at all. We will have to watch our stores very carefully, for there will be no resupply on native resources during our explorations.
Gods help us all, this is a place of sorrow and mourning. I hope that our crews can keep their hopes and courage up in the face of it.
(Excerpted from journals written on the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon the return to Arx.)
Landfall!
I remember the palpable excitement when the call went out, the way we all rushed to the railings to look out at the tiny, black sliver on the horizon. It grew as we approached, to towering cliffs, like fortress walls, high enough to block any view of the land of the Wastes themselves. We found, with the able advice of Dame Leola and the skillful work of the Velenosa soldiers, a cove where our landing vessels could reach, and a winding path up to the top of the cliffs. Dear gods, do I not envy the laborers who have been working to get all of the expedition supplies up that path - although it is sturdy enough, at one point I remember looking over the side and my heart racing at the sight of the churning water below. Stand on the wall of the Ward of the Crown and look down, and you should grow close to the sensation. When we finally reached the top, I think we all held our breath just a little.
Whatever I expected, I confess that it was not what we found. The wasteland stretched before us, and never has that word been more apt. There was no birdsong. No whine of insects, nor crunch of breaking twigs underfoot - for there were no plants at all. We arrived at sunset, and the air was suffused in crimson and gold, the stark dirt before us painted in those gaudy colors. But their vibrancy could not hide the truth of the matter: there was no food here, nor shelter, nor life at all. We will have to watch our stores very carefully, for there will be no resupply on native resources during our explorations.
Gods help us all, this is a place of sorrow and mourning. I hope that our crews can keep their hopes and courage up in the face of it.
Written By Orazio
June 3, 2018, 12:35 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
(Written during the voyage of the Carlotta, archived upon arrival at Arx.)
Despite a Lycene heritage, I have not been a man of the sea, but rather of the city. I adore cities, and all their bustling, living people. Nonetheless, I will be forced to admit upon my return that there is a remarkable beauty to the sea. I've never sailed far outside of shore, but the Carlotta has sailed for days with no land, nor even the hint of land, in sight. The air grows warmer as we head south, but the breeze is brisk and filled with salt. The ship is as steady as a rock in the water, although I doubt that will be the case should we run into rough weather. Thus far, we are blessed with strong winds but clear skies. I have never felt quite so small, before, in all this endless blue above and below.
There are great beasts in the deep ocean. We saw one today, more than four times the size of even our own massive ship. Despite its side, it was graceful and majestic in the water, lifting itself up in an arc. A great, pebbled body and intelligent eyes. It seemed pleased to see us, welcoming us away from our shores. The sailors pronounced it and its kind as good omens, and so they proved to be. I gave thanks to Mangata and Petrichor and I believe that the creature gave us its blessing in return.
Night falls, and we have been advised to conserve lamp oil on the journey, so I shall end this entry here. May the gods keep us as we journey on.
(Written during the voyage of the Carlotta, archived upon arrival at Arx.)
Despite a Lycene heritage, I have not been a man of the sea, but rather of the city. I adore cities, and all their bustling, living people. Nonetheless, I will be forced to admit upon my return that there is a remarkable beauty to the sea. I've never sailed far outside of shore, but the Carlotta has sailed for days with no land, nor even the hint of land, in sight. The air grows warmer as we head south, but the breeze is brisk and filled with salt. The ship is as steady as a rock in the water, although I doubt that will be the case should we run into rough weather. Thus far, we are blessed with strong winds but clear skies. I have never felt quite so small, before, in all this endless blue above and below.
There are great beasts in the deep ocean. We saw one today, more than four times the size of even our own massive ship. Despite its side, it was graceful and majestic in the water, lifting itself up in an arc. A great, pebbled body and intelligent eyes. It seemed pleased to see us, welcoming us away from our shores. The sailors pronounced it and its kind as good omens, and so they proved to be. I gave thanks to Mangata and Petrichor and I believe that the creature gave us its blessing in return.
Night falls, and we have been advised to conserve lamp oil on the journey, so I shall end this entry here. May the gods keep us as we journey on.
Written By Orazio
May 24, 2018, 1:27 p.m.(10/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
Indeed.
In fact, one might say that treating people as if they were livestock is rather the crux of the problem.
And, on a practical level, I rather weep for the general intelligence of the villagers who are incapable of catching a herd of wandering goats, even when they didn't leave the farms but stayed to eat the crops. Perhaps we should dispatch some Disciples of Petrichor to the Halfshav lands for followup instruction in basic animal husbandry?
In fact, one might say that treating people as if they were livestock is rather the crux of the problem.
And, on a practical level, I rather weep for the general intelligence of the villagers who are incapable of catching a herd of wandering goats, even when they didn't leave the farms but stayed to eat the crops. Perhaps we should dispatch some Disciples of Petrichor to the Halfshav lands for followup instruction in basic animal husbandry?
Written By Orazio
May 24, 2018, 10:47 a.m.(10/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
In regards to Lord Arik Halfshav's musings on the effects of manumission on the Compact:
There are a great many thralls throughout the Isles, even after the Kennex mass manumission and the reforms on the part of other Thrax houses. Which does not mean that the population could not be absorbed without significant issue by the Compact as a whole. But, it is important to remember, that is not a thing which will happen. Freed thralls, unless they /choose/ to leave, are still citizens and vassals of their lords. While many may decide to become Crownsworn, or to take oaths to another fealty at some point, there seems to be an assumption in some quarters that once a thrall is free, they are universally open to being shipped halfway across the Compact and resettled at random.
That is unlikely to be the case. So, while the Compact as a whole might easily absorb the total number of thralls, the impact of these new or returned citizens is likely to be concentrated in the Isles. Certainly, no one should be advocating resettling children across the continent from their families and everyone they've ever known unless there is no other way to keep them safe from exploitation and abuse. Thus, there is a benefit to considering the financial impact on their home lands even in our desire to ensure that justice is done.
There are a great many thralls throughout the Isles, even after the Kennex mass manumission and the reforms on the part of other Thrax houses. Which does not mean that the population could not be absorbed without significant issue by the Compact as a whole. But, it is important to remember, that is not a thing which will happen. Freed thralls, unless they /choose/ to leave, are still citizens and vassals of their lords. While many may decide to become Crownsworn, or to take oaths to another fealty at some point, there seems to be an assumption in some quarters that once a thrall is free, they are universally open to being shipped halfway across the Compact and resettled at random.
That is unlikely to be the case. So, while the Compact as a whole might easily absorb the total number of thralls, the impact of these new or returned citizens is likely to be concentrated in the Isles. Certainly, no one should be advocating resettling children across the continent from their families and everyone they've ever known unless there is no other way to keep them safe from exploitation and abuse. Thus, there is a benefit to considering the financial impact on their home lands even in our desire to ensure that justice is done.
Written By Orazio
May 24, 2018, 10 a.m.(10/24/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
The recent proclamation by Grimhall has, it seems, turned the city's conversation towards thralldom again. This is not a bad thing - it is important to remember that this injustice continues whether the rest of us are thinking about it or not. But the way the conversation tends to turn to the negative effects of abolishing brings to mind a metaphor.
Imagine, if you will, a tree. A young tree, growing up straight and tall. Imagine, then, that men come along, and hammer a series of iron posts through the tree's trunk, creating ugly and painful wounds deep in the heartwood. Given time, and strength, the tree will gradually grow around these intrusions, although in doing so, it will deform itself and be twisted off the course that the gods would hope for it. Given enough time, and enough growth, the tree will even come to cling to these posts in its flesh, embracing them as a native part of itself so deeply that attempting to remove those posts WILL do more damage to the tree, and will open up wounds that will have to be tended carefully, lest they get infested by parasites. But, at the same time, the posts themselves are a poison, making the tree vulnerable over the long years of its age to infection after infection, and potentially leading it to rot and fall long before its time.
So, if one would save the tree over the long centuries, one must - with care and support - remove the posts that afflict it, even though doing so will lead to pain and vulnerability in the short term. Of course, if no one had hammered the posts into to the tree in the first place, none of this would be necessary, but we must deal with what is, not what we might wish to be. If one is not of an arboral personality, you can also think of it as a rotting limb attached to an otherwise healthy person; amputation is painful, and dangerous, but failing to do it because one is squeamish about the pain leads to a dead person, as does undertaking the procedure without due thought and preparation.
The recent proclamation by Grimhall has, it seems, turned the city's conversation towards thralldom again. This is not a bad thing - it is important to remember that this injustice continues whether the rest of us are thinking about it or not. But the way the conversation tends to turn to the negative effects of abolishing brings to mind a metaphor.
Imagine, if you will, a tree. A young tree, growing up straight and tall. Imagine, then, that men come along, and hammer a series of iron posts through the tree's trunk, creating ugly and painful wounds deep in the heartwood. Given time, and strength, the tree will gradually grow around these intrusions, although in doing so, it will deform itself and be twisted off the course that the gods would hope for it. Given enough time, and enough growth, the tree will even come to cling to these posts in its flesh, embracing them as a native part of itself so deeply that attempting to remove those posts WILL do more damage to the tree, and will open up wounds that will have to be tended carefully, lest they get infested by parasites. But, at the same time, the posts themselves are a poison, making the tree vulnerable over the long years of its age to infection after infection, and potentially leading it to rot and fall long before its time.
So, if one would save the tree over the long centuries, one must - with care and support - remove the posts that afflict it, even though doing so will lead to pain and vulnerability in the short term. Of course, if no one had hammered the posts into to the tree in the first place, none of this would be necessary, but we must deal with what is, not what we might wish to be. If one is not of an arboral personality, you can also think of it as a rotting limb attached to an otherwise healthy person; amputation is painful, and dangerous, but failing to do it because one is squeamish about the pain leads to a dead person, as does undertaking the procedure without due thought and preparation.
Written By Orazio
May 22, 2018, 9:50 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
Regarding the sudden upswelling of twins:
To be fair, it does run in the Saik family. My youngest siblings were born twins, as well. And perhaps the gods see the many sacrifices we have made, and the many good men and women lost, and have decided to give us the bounty of children that our families might continue to thrive despite those losses.
Now, should there suddenly start being multiple births of triplets, we may need to check for something in the tea.
To be fair, it does run in the Saik family. My youngest siblings were born twins, as well. And perhaps the gods see the many sacrifices we have made, and the many good men and women lost, and have decided to give us the bounty of children that our families might continue to thrive despite those losses.
Now, should there suddenly start being multiple births of triplets, we may need to check for something in the tea.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.