Written By Preston
Jan. 29, 2024, 6:18 a.m.(8/22/1021 AR)
Loss is part of life. That pain you feel, on seeing those you cared for cast down? That is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide. That pain is how you know they lived - that they had impact on others where they would feel that way. That pain honours their memory.
We will feel much of it in the coming days, as we have felt it already. And will feel it after the battles when we must address those matters raised in this conflict as well.
We will feel much of it in the coming days, as we have felt it already. And will feel it after the battles when we must address those matters raised in this conflict as well.
Written By Preston
Jan. 28, 2024, 4:29 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
Valar,
I have left this message in my whites for when you reach the city and hope that it finds its way safely to you. My name is Preston, I serve the Faith of the Pantheon. I have also worked, in the past, with those of Cardia who wished to honour your oath - I am happy that it will now be fulfilled, and hope we shall in turn honour you and Cardia by our own deeds in support of you. I have spent many years fighting those who worship Malar, and looking into your past.
I am one of many descendants of Dame Sugan left in Arx, though that is not public knowledge. My father was - is - a callous and self-indulgent man known as Fawkuhl, but before he was of the Faith, he was Fawkuhl Valardin. That blood is in my own. I had hoped to come to Cardia, but my duties had me in Arx preparing our defense. You see, I swore an oath - even before I knew of my blood - to forgo family and to put the needs of the Gods and the Faith first. I could not let down my oath, as I know you could not let down yours.
I simply wished to express the gratitude of one small speck of your legacy, and my sorrow that more was not done. But you have my word - for whatever that counts for - as Carnifex of the Faith that we will honour our pact with Cardia from here. If I die before you arrive, then I trust those that follow me to be held to this.
-- Sir Preston
I have left this message in my whites for when you reach the city and hope that it finds its way safely to you. My name is Preston, I serve the Faith of the Pantheon. I have also worked, in the past, with those of Cardia who wished to honour your oath - I am happy that it will now be fulfilled, and hope we shall in turn honour you and Cardia by our own deeds in support of you. I have spent many years fighting those who worship Malar, and looking into your past.
I am one of many descendants of Dame Sugan left in Arx, though that is not public knowledge. My father was - is - a callous and self-indulgent man known as Fawkuhl, but before he was of the Faith, he was Fawkuhl Valardin. That blood is in my own. I had hoped to come to Cardia, but my duties had me in Arx preparing our defense. You see, I swore an oath - even before I knew of my blood - to forgo family and to put the needs of the Gods and the Faith first. I could not let down my oath, as I know you could not let down yours.
I simply wished to express the gratitude of one small speck of your legacy, and my sorrow that more was not done. But you have my word - for whatever that counts for - as Carnifex of the Faith that we will honour our pact with Cardia from here. If I die before you arrive, then I trust those that follow me to be held to this.
-- Sir Preston
Written By Preston
Jan. 27, 2024, 12:06 p.m.(8/18/1021 AR)
That which must be done shall be done - all that needs to be written has been.
We fight for the Gods, to protect the innocent people of Arvum. We pray for our honour to hold, even as the shouts of our foe reverberate in our chests. And we humbly ask Death to take us if the force of arms is not sufficient, and carry our souls home to the shining lands.
We are the Faith Militant, and for this moment we were born. We are the Faith Militant, and for the Gods we may die.
We fight for the Gods, to protect the innocent people of Arvum. We pray for our honour to hold, even as the shouts of our foe reverberate in our chests. And we humbly ask Death to take us if the force of arms is not sufficient, and carry our souls home to the shining lands.
We are the Faith Militant, and for this moment we were born. We are the Faith Militant, and for the Gods we may die.
Written By Preston
Jan. 16, 2024, 11:19 a.m.(7/24/1021 AR)
The soul I have is one that brings with it many lessons. Largely lessons of failure, lessons of betrayal, lessons of pride. As many know, it is the soul of A'kioh - king of the Sylv'alfar. Father of Orichalcum.
I cannot profess to be an expert on the elves but as I understand souls have a continuance for the elves, for us it is different. They are lessons that teach us, not so we can continue those lives but so we can live different ones. So we can be better. Souls are created by the Queen of Endings and curated, those who have lessons to teach sent to us as we need them.
I also know that A'kioh's time of rule left the Sylv'alfar a hurt people. Those who survived, they either forsook their oaths and disobeyed their king to remain free or they followed A'kioh and his brash and devious son Orichalcum into Legion's embrace and carry now the memories of all those many years. The stain of actions not of their choice. For that, and for as far as I bear responsible for the actions of my soul, I am sorry. A'kioh would be sorry. Though I could never forgive A'kioh for what he did, I do understand that part of what he wanted was for his people to be safe. His goal may have even been noble. But his means? They were dishonourable. He did not need Legion, he needed Gloria.
For what the words of the one with my soul count for, the Sylv are well led by those who can claim blood or right to that lineage. But I would ask you for one thing. A chance to bury those worst parts of the past. I would ask you to fight, to help. Let charity and honour wash the stains from those relationships between sylv and Arvani. Let it build something new. You have so many skills that could make a difference.
I know this is a lot to ask of a people who have already lost so much. To come to Arx, to go to Sanctum, wherever is closest, and to hold those places against the Abyss. To trust those you saw as invaders. To listen to words from someone who holds the soul of a King, of a father, who so failed your people. Yet, my Gods, my faith, my people are under such threat that I must ask. And I feel I owe some chance to the Sylv to find peace after all A'kioh and his son caused. I know how many of you must feel towards A'kioh, believe me, I know a little about being let down by fathers and leaders. But. There is still a tomorrow, and with your help there will be many more tomorrows. For both our people.
I cannot profess to be an expert on the elves but as I understand souls have a continuance for the elves, for us it is different. They are lessons that teach us, not so we can continue those lives but so we can live different ones. So we can be better. Souls are created by the Queen of Endings and curated, those who have lessons to teach sent to us as we need them.
I also know that A'kioh's time of rule left the Sylv'alfar a hurt people. Those who survived, they either forsook their oaths and disobeyed their king to remain free or they followed A'kioh and his brash and devious son Orichalcum into Legion's embrace and carry now the memories of all those many years. The stain of actions not of their choice. For that, and for as far as I bear responsible for the actions of my soul, I am sorry. A'kioh would be sorry. Though I could never forgive A'kioh for what he did, I do understand that part of what he wanted was for his people to be safe. His goal may have even been noble. But his means? They were dishonourable. He did not need Legion, he needed Gloria.
For what the words of the one with my soul count for, the Sylv are well led by those who can claim blood or right to that lineage. But I would ask you for one thing. A chance to bury those worst parts of the past. I would ask you to fight, to help. Let charity and honour wash the stains from those relationships between sylv and Arvani. Let it build something new. You have so many skills that could make a difference.
I know this is a lot to ask of a people who have already lost so much. To come to Arx, to go to Sanctum, wherever is closest, and to hold those places against the Abyss. To trust those you saw as invaders. To listen to words from someone who holds the soul of a King, of a father, who so failed your people. Yet, my Gods, my faith, my people are under such threat that I must ask. And I feel I owe some chance to the Sylv to find peace after all A'kioh and his son caused. I know how many of you must feel towards A'kioh, believe me, I know a little about being let down by fathers and leaders. But. There is still a tomorrow, and with your help there will be many more tomorrows. For both our people.
Written By Preston
Nov. 27, 2023, 3:02 p.m.(4/8/1021 AR)
It seems there is little time left before a large confrontation with our enemy. No time for all the grand dreams, for the great castles once again to protect us, for the age of Paladins to return fully, to have trained Paladins leading and guiding the Templars into those places they must go. But Gloria's command is not to protect when it is convenient, or protect when you are ready. Honour does not have such flexibility, duty does not offer such choice. So we go with what we have, and pray it is enough. If it is not, then we still go. Because that is what is right.
We bow our head before battle, and we say our prayer. Not for victory. Not for might. Not for numbers or for skill. Our prayer is for the strength of will, the endurance, to carry our honour through to the end. Head unbowed, oaths unbroken. That is how we will return. Home or to the shining lands.
We bow our head before battle, and we say our prayer. Not for victory. Not for might. Not for numbers or for skill. Our prayer is for the strength of will, the endurance, to carry our honour through to the end. Head unbowed, oaths unbroken. That is how we will return. Home or to the shining lands.
Written By Preston
Nov. 19, 2023, 7:07 p.m.(3/21/1021 AR)
Preparations proceed. It is nice to have our main marching force being brought up to strength - and the kind donation of House Saik has paid for one of our new trebuchets that Dame Ida is construction.
The Caravels, well. I have never spent much of my allowance from the Faith, or any of the items gathered for it. It seemed worthwhile to spend resource in such a fashion.
The Caravels, well. I have never spent much of my allowance from the Faith, or any of the items gathered for it. It seemed worthwhile to spend resource in such a fashion.
Written By Preston
Nov. 16, 2023, 7:49 a.m.(3/14/1021 AR)
Honour and glory are often intertwined - perhaps because there is no greater glory than being honourable - and public honour does have its virtue, because in doing so others will see and may emulate your honourable behaviour. But they are not wholly the same. At times, it may well be more honourable to forgo glory - if by being diligent in your duties, honourable in your conduct but quiet in your execution you can avoid turning an incident into one where many more must die, then honour and glory have parted company. And you must always choose honour. Always.
In the end, our greatest hope as honourable warriors of Gloria, as those whose lives are filled with the sorrow of killing and death, must be to be forgotten - remembered perhaps as stories of times when we were needed recounted in a time where we are not. However, I do not know that such a world is possible. The nature of the light, of the Gods, is that by its existance we have shadow. And where there is shadow, we will always be to fight it with whatever we can.
In the end, our greatest hope as honourable warriors of Gloria, as those whose lives are filled with the sorrow of killing and death, must be to be forgotten - remembered perhaps as stories of times when we were needed recounted in a time where we are not. However, I do not know that such a world is possible. The nature of the light, of the Gods, is that by its existance we have shadow. And where there is shadow, we will always be to fight it with whatever we can.
Written By Preston
Nov. 10, 2023, 5:42 p.m.(3/3/1021 AR)
Gods, but do I miss Thena and Esoka. My dear little sister and my right hand. Wherever you are lurking, I hope you hear the call.
And if so, please bring more than your knife this time, Thena.
And if so, please bring more than your knife this time, Thena.
Written By Preston
Nov. 10, 2023, 5:36 p.m.(3/3/1021 AR)
Since I was old enough to lift a sword, I have raised one in defense of the Faith. And I have never - I hope - made any secret that I am of the Orthodoxy. I was raised by a Legate, and later Dominus, of Valardin blood. I was trained in an order dominated by the Orthodox, and I hold now an office held by the creator of the Orthodox. I believe the Orthodoxy, its caution and tradition, are our guide in good times and the bad. In the light and through the shadow. I do not openly worship the Thirteenth with public questioning and doubt, for I know that honest questions of oneself should be asked in private and that our institutions are beyond doubt themselves.
In the Isles, against Waldo, my brothers broke my heart when they turned from us. Just as the Knights of the Scrolls broke Alor Valardin's heart when they chose their oaths to one God over their oath to them all, and to their brothers. And those tears were in my eyes as we killed them, and they in turn near killed me. That was duty though, and I regret none of it.
How sorrow filled I am that now I hear the calls from my brothers and sisters, from our dear beloved children too, for division again on these old lines. To shed Orthodox blood, to shed Liberal blood...and to what benefit? Our enemies are evil, it is true. But they are not us. I do not agree with Liberal teachings, with Pragmatic teachings, where they vary from my own - but I recognise they walk alongside us, on a path near our own. On a path towards the Gods, and when the time comes to the shining lands at their side.
If you want an enemy, we have one. You don't need to look for one within ourselves. He marches under the centipede banner. You wish for crusade, you wish for war? That is where we will march, to fight him. To save Arvum for the Gods, and our people. And if I must march alone, to die alone, and forgotten, I will do so. For that is Gloria's charge to me. That is my obligation, my debt, my sacrifice - what I must do because not only is it my faith, my life, but my duty as the bearer of Gloria's blade, Crusader.
For those among you, Templar or child, those who were at the battle of Pieros and who fought on the land, remember the glow on the hill. That is our hope, our future. That was Gloria's light protecting us, working through the Faith.
In the Isles, against Waldo, my brothers broke my heart when they turned from us. Just as the Knights of the Scrolls broke Alor Valardin's heart when they chose their oaths to one God over their oath to them all, and to their brothers. And those tears were in my eyes as we killed them, and they in turn near killed me. That was duty though, and I regret none of it.
How sorrow filled I am that now I hear the calls from my brothers and sisters, from our dear beloved children too, for division again on these old lines. To shed Orthodox blood, to shed Liberal blood...and to what benefit? Our enemies are evil, it is true. But they are not us. I do not agree with Liberal teachings, with Pragmatic teachings, where they vary from my own - but I recognise they walk alongside us, on a path near our own. On a path towards the Gods, and when the time comes to the shining lands at their side.
If you want an enemy, we have one. You don't need to look for one within ourselves. He marches under the centipede banner. You wish for crusade, you wish for war? That is where we will march, to fight him. To save Arvum for the Gods, and our people. And if I must march alone, to die alone, and forgotten, I will do so. For that is Gloria's charge to me. That is my obligation, my debt, my sacrifice - what I must do because not only is it my faith, my life, but my duty as the bearer of Gloria's blade, Crusader.
For those among you, Templar or child, those who were at the battle of Pieros and who fought on the land, remember the glow on the hill. That is our hope, our future. That was Gloria's light protecting us, working through the Faith.
Written By Preston
Sept. 24, 2022, 5:13 p.m.(6/11/1018 AR)
Godsworn swear themselves to the service of the Gods, represented on Arvum by the Faith led by the Most Holy. They may disagree, but they must obey. None of us, not me, not even the Most Holy, is more important than the Holy Church as an institution. It will list as stone, compared to the brief gusts of our life. A stone ever renewing, ever strengthening, through our acts of devotion. Through our loyalty. Through our service.
To betray that oath is something most severe, to serve those forces who would harm our Faith, harm our Gods, harm our people, harm our world? That is a forgiveness that can only be granted by the whole power of the Faith. While the Carnifex represents that power against threats, it is not in my role to forgive in that way. I embody the fury and power of the Faith, a stone skin taken onto the Faith in the face of danger. It is right that the hope of forgiveness rests with the one we have, as a Faith, placed our trust and belief in. The Most Holy. Those Godsworn who have fallen, who have betrayed the Faith to side with the Apostate Waldo, will be taken before the Star Chamber for the Most Holy to judge them, on whether their actions were born of idiocy or malice. Of confusion or deceit. And the Most Holy may then decide if they receive forgiveness, and whether they shall return to service - as they were before or elsewise.
There is a duty beyond this though. The Templars. The Knights of Solace. The Faith Militant. Our duties, our oaths, are strengthened by the vows we take as knights, and the bonds these create between us. For those members of the Solace and the Templars who side with Waldo there is not just the one betrayal, but over 250,000. And that bond broken, weakens the Faith. When we stand in battle before our enemies, we cannot have each wondering if the man or woman beside them is a person of honour. Whether they truly hold the Faith in their heart.
Those Godsworn Templars - and sadly I know there are some - who have sided with Waldo will be treated well when they are captured. But if their betrayal is proven, there is no service they have left to give. They have no service in them the Faith, or the Gods, would wish to accept. And their heads will be struck from their bodies. Their bones will not rest with the honoured dead in the Mausoleum of the Faith. Their names will be struck from the rolls, replaced only by their title: Apostate. Betrayer of all we are, betrayer of all they could have been.
It will be my saddest day when this must come to pass, but the choice was given multiple times for this brink to be stepped back from. The hand was offered, and I must respect - no matter how much it hurts - your choice to betray the Order, your vows, your oaths, and the Gods. I must respect your desire to place yourself as our enemy, and my duty then is not to my heart or my feelings, my duty is to the Faith. To defend it to the fullest.
To betray that oath is something most severe, to serve those forces who would harm our Faith, harm our Gods, harm our people, harm our world? That is a forgiveness that can only be granted by the whole power of the Faith. While the Carnifex represents that power against threats, it is not in my role to forgive in that way. I embody the fury and power of the Faith, a stone skin taken onto the Faith in the face of danger. It is right that the hope of forgiveness rests with the one we have, as a Faith, placed our trust and belief in. The Most Holy. Those Godsworn who have fallen, who have betrayed the Faith to side with the Apostate Waldo, will be taken before the Star Chamber for the Most Holy to judge them, on whether their actions were born of idiocy or malice. Of confusion or deceit. And the Most Holy may then decide if they receive forgiveness, and whether they shall return to service - as they were before or elsewise.
There is a duty beyond this though. The Templars. The Knights of Solace. The Faith Militant. Our duties, our oaths, are strengthened by the vows we take as knights, and the bonds these create between us. For those members of the Solace and the Templars who side with Waldo there is not just the one betrayal, but over 250,000. And that bond broken, weakens the Faith. When we stand in battle before our enemies, we cannot have each wondering if the man or woman beside them is a person of honour. Whether they truly hold the Faith in their heart.
Those Godsworn Templars - and sadly I know there are some - who have sided with Waldo will be treated well when they are captured. But if their betrayal is proven, there is no service they have left to give. They have no service in them the Faith, or the Gods, would wish to accept. And their heads will be struck from their bodies. Their bones will not rest with the honoured dead in the Mausoleum of the Faith. Their names will be struck from the rolls, replaced only by their title: Apostate. Betrayer of all we are, betrayer of all they could have been.
It will be my saddest day when this must come to pass, but the choice was given multiple times for this brink to be stepped back from. The hand was offered, and I must respect - no matter how much it hurts - your choice to betray the Order, your vows, your oaths, and the Gods. I must respect your desire to place yourself as our enemy, and my duty then is not to my heart or my feelings, my duty is to the Faith. To defend it to the fullest.
Written By Preston
Aug. 14, 2022, 5:45 a.m.(3/12/1018 AR)
Artshall is a place I feel deep connection to, as though it were once some old home of mine. The Laurents have been such good friends to the Faith and the Templars, loyal and pious. We have stood together in battles, we have stood together in sorrow, and stood together in celebration. It will rebuild, and retake its place as a bastion that holds that area of the Oathlands for the light of the Compact and our Gods.
To that end I have given a million silver to our Seraph to hand out in alms to the people of Artshall, and a million more to Duke Cristoph to help fund the immediate needs to reinforce its lands.
To that end I have given a million silver to our Seraph to hand out in alms to the people of Artshall, and a million more to Duke Cristoph to help fund the immediate needs to reinforce its lands.
Written By Preston
July 21, 2022, 5:19 a.m.(1/17/1018 AR)
The fleets and armies of the Faith and her allies will soon set forth into the waters of the Bay of Thrax and out to sea. They are to be engaged on a mission of utmost importance to the Faith. It is important that the houses presently warring in the seas off Arvum's eastern coast understand this, we want and shall have no part in your conflict beyond offering our support for peace and agreement, and where that cannot be reached our hopes that battle shall be honourable and swift, so all can return to normal life. The actions we take are unrelated to your conflict.
Written By Preston
July 14, 2022, 4:34 p.m.(1/4/1018 AR)
If anyone spots the Alor Valardin, the Little Sister and the Dame Sugan enter the harbour of Arx along with the other boats of the Faith, it is a wonderful sight. I do not think we have gathered the fleets of the Faith since the battle against the Eurusi. I look forward to welcoming their crews for prayers.
Written By Preston
July 1, 2022, 8:10 a.m.(12/6/1017 AR)
That which defends and preserves the Faiths and the Gods' ideals must, by its nature, be necessary and permitted. That is the nature of the Carnifex. I do not know if my duty to see these threats to the Faith removed will end me before I end them, but I know that what we do is necessary.
It does not mean I will not weep for the cost of it. It does not mean I will not strain every sinew seeking some alternative to the obvious answer, to the conflict that comes. But when the decision point comes, when Skald presents to us that final choice, I know that such pursuits are over. They are to salve my heart, to steel my resolve. To help me know that the choice I will make is the only one I can ever make. The only choice I have ever made. The only choice I will ever make. For the Faith eternal, enduring, unbowed and unbroken.
And I will bear the costs of that on my heart as surely as I bear the scars of each battle on my body.
It does not mean I will not weep for the cost of it. It does not mean I will not strain every sinew seeking some alternative to the obvious answer, to the conflict that comes. But when the decision point comes, when Skald presents to us that final choice, I know that such pursuits are over. They are to salve my heart, to steel my resolve. To help me know that the choice I will make is the only one I can ever make. The only choice I have ever made. The only choice I will ever make. For the Faith eternal, enduring, unbowed and unbroken.
And I will bear the costs of that on my heart as surely as I bear the scars of each battle on my body.
Written By Preston
June 19, 2022, 1:40 p.m.(11/10/1017 AR)
The Faith takes no opinion on the civil war in the Isles except to uphold the values of the Gods and the commands of the Most Holy, and to urge those fighting to do the same. All Godsworn and Discipleships (as organisations, rather than individuals) are expected to adhere to this. As always, we do reserve the right to opine on the matter - forcefully - should the interests of the Faith or the values of the Gods be compromised by this fratricidal affair.
However, we are still focused on the bringing of Brother Waldo before the Star Chamber for judgement. Victorian or Dagonite, whoever stands before us on this matter will be as wheat to the farmer's scythe.
However, we are still focused on the bringing of Brother Waldo before the Star Chamber for judgement. Victorian or Dagonite, whoever stands before us on this matter will be as wheat to the farmer's scythe.
Written By Preston
April 25, 2022, 4:55 a.m.(7/11/1017 AR)
To be a knight is a most solemn thing for all. It is true, for a common person it can indeed be a greater change - a chance to be seen, to advance, but that is a byproduct of it. And the importance, the solemnity, applies whether it is a noble or a commoner. It is not simply a saying of words, or the meeting of some arbitrary goal. You give your oaths, before the Gods and your people. You swear your service to another, not to yourself or your own needs. The test, if there is one, is to choose wisely to whom you grant your service. For you are bound, by oath, to them. And in turn that they accept you, knowing your dishonour will also be theirs, just as theirs is yours.
I am perhaps lucky, as a Knight of the Faith. The Gods and the Faith will never act in dishonour, and yet in turn this places on me the fact that any dishonour on my part tarnishes so great a thing. It is why we are harsh with those who fall, yet allow the door open to redemption. It is why we are so protective of these ideals. And of course, if our people should ever think an oath a trivial thing, so the compact falls.
I am perhaps lucky, as a Knight of the Faith. The Gods and the Faith will never act in dishonour, and yet in turn this places on me the fact that any dishonour on my part tarnishes so great a thing. It is why we are harsh with those who fall, yet allow the door open to redemption. It is why we are so protective of these ideals. And of course, if our people should ever think an oath a trivial thing, so the compact falls.
Written By Preston
April 15, 2022, 11:31 a.m.(6/20/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Dear Thena,
It has been some time since I last left a message for you and the others in my journals, in the perhaps-forlorn hope you may see it one day. As always, little sister, I hope you and the others are well - you should tell Esoka that she is missed, she would be happy I think with some things we have been up to. And you would be amused. Especially about my having to fight through a throng of swans who had clearly become very panicked or diseased by the attackers at Bastian.
We recovered an old artifact, a lantern that belonged to the Templars long ago. One you and I once found mention of. The stories say a gift from gloria herself - certainly it is a beautiful item, I can imagine why they say it. It's light seems to cast away any shadow. We found it in an old settlement of abandoned - another more aggressive lot, linked to an abandoned warlord who has been causing trouble of late, were trying to take it. The group with me stood our ground and we won the day, and we found the relic and recovered it. I couldn't help think to that old abandoned castle we went to long past, where we found that old shield and that broken war table, do you remember?
I am off soon to the Mourning Isles, to Maelstrom. We will celebrate the Feast of Alor Valardin there, honour one of the founders of the Orthodoxy - and yes, I can hear your face scrunching from here. My obligation is to first preserve Arvum from Eurusi threat, and the last one remains in the Isles - Waldo and those nobles who hide and support him, while presenting a false face of obedience to the Faith. I should suspect we will find him, and I do regret the damage caused by any who seek to hide or support him still. But. The Faith is clear, they have been given long enough to make the choice of obedience. And so the hand of friendship withdraw, must the Templars go in. A mailled fist holding sword and shield. If you come across any of his lot on your travels, do try to avoid them. They are not good people, Thena.
Let the others know I think of them still, and keep yourself safe on your journeys. There is much more I would tell you, but perhaps that is all for that time when we might all rest once more. Just do not wait too long - I do not think I am destined to have grey hairs.
Ever faithfully,
Preston
It has been some time since I last left a message for you and the others in my journals, in the perhaps-forlorn hope you may see it one day. As always, little sister, I hope you and the others are well - you should tell Esoka that she is missed, she would be happy I think with some things we have been up to. And you would be amused. Especially about my having to fight through a throng of swans who had clearly become very panicked or diseased by the attackers at Bastian.
We recovered an old artifact, a lantern that belonged to the Templars long ago. One you and I once found mention of. The stories say a gift from gloria herself - certainly it is a beautiful item, I can imagine why they say it. It's light seems to cast away any shadow. We found it in an old settlement of abandoned - another more aggressive lot, linked to an abandoned warlord who has been causing trouble of late, were trying to take it. The group with me stood our ground and we won the day, and we found the relic and recovered it. I couldn't help think to that old abandoned castle we went to long past, where we found that old shield and that broken war table, do you remember?
I am off soon to the Mourning Isles, to Maelstrom. We will celebrate the Feast of Alor Valardin there, honour one of the founders of the Orthodoxy - and yes, I can hear your face scrunching from here. My obligation is to first preserve Arvum from Eurusi threat, and the last one remains in the Isles - Waldo and those nobles who hide and support him, while presenting a false face of obedience to the Faith. I should suspect we will find him, and I do regret the damage caused by any who seek to hide or support him still. But. The Faith is clear, they have been given long enough to make the choice of obedience. And so the hand of friendship withdraw, must the Templars go in. A mailled fist holding sword and shield. If you come across any of his lot on your travels, do try to avoid them. They are not good people, Thena.
Let the others know I think of them still, and keep yourself safe on your journeys. There is much more I would tell you, but perhaps that is all for that time when we might all rest once more. Just do not wait too long - I do not think I am destined to have grey hairs.
Ever faithfully,
Preston
Written By Preston
March 16, 2022, 5:47 a.m.(4/16/1017 AR)
I always worry when nobles speak intensely of personal love. If we are fortunate such things end poorly for those involved, if we are unfortunate they end poorly for a great many.
Love first your duty, love first those people your house is beholden to as they are beholden to you, love first the Gods who bind us together. Personal love then, when all this is done, might find some space to be - but given context and balance by those greater loves.
Love first your duty, love first those people your house is beholden to as they are beholden to you, love first the Gods who bind us together. Personal love then, when all this is done, might find some space to be - but given context and balance by those greater loves.
Written By Preston
March 14, 2022, 1:31 p.m.(4/12/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
I am not sure what controversy there is in stating the accepted position of society. Though perhaps agreeing with tradition is the new Lycene form of edginess. I would most welcome this, and would encourage many others to adopt it.
Forced marriages are not the norm, and the Faith doesn't condone them. Yes there may be consequences for rejecting a political match, but the choice is important. It is like coming out against banning anyone with names starting with A from dancing. Yes, it would be a horrid practice, but no-one is proposing it, so it is a silliness.
Forced marriages are not the norm, and the Faith doesn't condone them. Yes there may be consequences for rejecting a political match, but the choice is important. It is like coming out against banning anyone with names starting with A from dancing. Yes, it would be a horrid practice, but no-one is proposing it, so it is a silliness.
Written By Preston
Jan. 25, 2022, 8:43 a.m.(12/28/1016 AR)
Let me be clear in the whites as I was in the Assembly - the Templars did not start the Thrall revolt in Sungreet. It is not our role to do so. What we did do was to present the demands of the Faith. Ivan then-Helianthus wished to talk, and so we negotiated in good faith, but he in bad. He was stalling for time and refused to bend to the demands of the Faith, to the expectations of the Compact, to the command of the Gods. As Carnifex, I excommunicated him because that is my duty. While I was doing my duty, he was ordering an assault on the temple at Sungreet, the slaughtering of those inside against the laws of Sanctuary. The Thrall revolt broke out. And rather than betray his Gods, the now-Duke Trevor chose instead to refuse his father's command to assault the Temple and thus saved a Mother of our Church.
Ivan fled the damage he caused, and died like a rat in some hole. His Seraph, one who chose temporal power over his spiritual duties, fled with him and tried to compound the damage.
Whoever started that Thrall revolt helped stop a great crime against the Gods and the Faith. They - along with the defection of a third of the Eurusi forces - also caused a great tumult and denied Ivan and the Eurusi forces the option of safety behind the city walls. And they likely prevented a forced retreat of the Faith, and the death of a Mother of the Faith, as we were pressed hard before that outside the walls. We had to rush to Sungreet, unable to call upon the forces we might normally muster and it was a close thing.
People made choices at Sungreet and after - for good, for bad - and we must honour those choices and respond accordingly. Our traditions demand no less.
Ivan fled the damage he caused, and died like a rat in some hole. His Seraph, one who chose temporal power over his spiritual duties, fled with him and tried to compound the damage.
Whoever started that Thrall revolt helped stop a great crime against the Gods and the Faith. They - along with the defection of a third of the Eurusi forces - also caused a great tumult and denied Ivan and the Eurusi forces the option of safety behind the city walls. And they likely prevented a forced retreat of the Faith, and the death of a Mother of the Faith, as we were pressed hard before that outside the walls. We had to rush to Sungreet, unable to call upon the forces we might normally muster and it was a close thing.
People made choices at Sungreet and after - for good, for bad - and we must honour those choices and respond accordingly. Our traditions demand no less.
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