Written By Preston
May 27, 2019, 6:35 p.m.(3/6/1011 AR)
I've been told that some who are not even of the Order, or indeed Godsworn, have taken it upon themselves to pronounce what the Templars think or will do.
Let me assure you, when the Templars have something to say we are not reticent about saying it, and when we feel we need to act, we do so. We have no need of assistance.
Unless you hear it from myself or from Dame Esoka, I would take any pronouncements on the Templars' views with a dash of skepticism.
Let me assure you, when the Templars have something to say we are not reticent about saying it, and when we feel we need to act, we do so. We have no need of assistance.
Unless you hear it from myself or from Dame Esoka, I would take any pronouncements on the Templars' views with a dash of skepticism.
Written By Preston
May 25, 2019, 8:08 a.m.(3/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
If I might humbly suggest that seeing good in another is not necessarily a bad thing, Baron Norwood. We must always have hope. Perhaps the error was seeing Knighthood as part of a path that rewards promise, rather than something given for promise proven into reality? Promise is enough to start the journey, to begin to squire, but until they have proven their understanding of the laws of Limerance and of Gloria, what does a knighthood mean? Simply words and title with no substance.
But none of us are finished works - if you feel you made an error, then that is a learning experience. And I tend to find only those men who feel no sorrow at a loss of honour, who see nothing wrong in their actions that caused it or who care nothing for it, are the ones who cannot ever redeem their honour. If you are sad, if you feel a loss, then there is hope to regain it.
But none of us are finished works - if you feel you made an error, then that is a learning experience. And I tend to find only those men who feel no sorrow at a loss of honour, who see nothing wrong in their actions that caused it or who care nothing for it, are the ones who cannot ever redeem their honour. If you are sad, if you feel a loss, then there is hope to regain it.
Written By Preston
May 22, 2019, 5:24 a.m.(2/23/1011 AR)
With all that has gone on with the Great Road and its problems, it has been busy. Beyond Mother Ailith and my brothers and sisters of the Templars, I have had limited opportunity to work with the other members of the Faith - we have been sent to all ends of Arvum on our missions to help.
It has been a delight then to have had a chance in the past few days to have messengers both from Father Aureth, who has long been a source of advice, and from my dearest sister of the Faith, Dame Thena. What we have to discuss may be troubling or difficult, but together I am confident that the Faith will find the path to preserve our people and our ways and, with others, will follow that path to its conclusion.
It has been a delight then to have had a chance in the past few days to have messengers both from Father Aureth, who has long been a source of advice, and from my dearest sister of the Faith, Dame Thena. What we have to discuss may be troubling or difficult, but together I am confident that the Faith will find the path to preserve our people and our ways and, with others, will follow that path to its conclusion.
Written By Preston
May 20, 2019, 7:05 a.m.(2/19/1011 AR)
The strength and multitude of our enemy is only becoming clear as things settle. Yes, many things are being set right now, but we see how our enemies use the Great Road as an opportunity. They found us exposed, extended. And they struck.
And we were not ready.
For decades we have allowed ourselves the luxury of thinking that other problems were more important, there was time to play the silly games of titles and squabbling over the small portions of lands we have tamed. For decades we thought debate was a substitute for preparation. And we were found wanting. Acts of great skill and thought from many have stabilised us, but the cost will be measured in bodies piled high, in silver lost, in time wasted, in faith shaken.
The Siege was a warning. Stormwall a wake up. The Lodge an alarm. Now we must finally listen. The solution will not be found in force of arms alone, but force of arms may buy us the time and the opportunity. The solution may not be found in Orthodoxy alone, yet Orthodoxy grants us the stability we need. I know many houses are doing their part, I know the Faith awakes. So we must all do our part to join them. The Fortresses that guarded our people hundreds of years ago will be rebuilt, and iron and steel will turn to blades in our forges, and the Templars will bring in new blood so we can stand with all the faithful.
And we were not ready.
For decades we have allowed ourselves the luxury of thinking that other problems were more important, there was time to play the silly games of titles and squabbling over the small portions of lands we have tamed. For decades we thought debate was a substitute for preparation. And we were found wanting. Acts of great skill and thought from many have stabilised us, but the cost will be measured in bodies piled high, in silver lost, in time wasted, in faith shaken.
The Siege was a warning. Stormwall a wake up. The Lodge an alarm. Now we must finally listen. The solution will not be found in force of arms alone, but force of arms may buy us the time and the opportunity. The solution may not be found in Orthodoxy alone, yet Orthodoxy grants us the stability we need. I know many houses are doing their part, I know the Faith awakes. So we must all do our part to join them. The Fortresses that guarded our people hundreds of years ago will be rebuilt, and iron and steel will turn to blades in our forges, and the Templars will bring in new blood so we can stand with all the faithful.
Written By Preston
May 18, 2019, 11:09 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
May the Gods guide you in your pursuit of justice - strike hard against those who would harm the compact, strike without doubt. But, if I may humbly suggest, strike with certainty. Ensure those you attack and those such an attack would harm are guilty, or you will find that honour and justice you sought crumbles like dust in your hands. The anger and the mistakes it can force I fear as much part of our enemy's plan.
I have full faith that you will do what is just.
I have full faith that you will do what is just.
Written By Preston
May 18, 2019, 11:05 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
Faith. It's a simple thing. Many never even think about it. They know the Gods are there, they worship them, but they don't think about it. But it is so very important. That knowledge what you do matters, the ability to place others above yourself, the belief tomorrow might be a brighter day than today.
Faith is also delicate though. To take a recent one, Godsworn never had to worry - we had faith that people understood and would never attack those dedicated to the Gods. Of course, there were minor incidents, tragic deaths. But by and large this was true. Now, more prominent deaths and the events of the Great Road start to fracture that concept, that notion, that dream. And it needs to be stitched back together, carefully and with patience. There is no simple solution. No single action. It will require many acts, over a long period, but people will understand again, faith will be restored, the dream knitted back together. Until then, the Templars will guard that idea while it recovers - those who would do harm to the Godsworn, or through some mischance do manage it, will not win.
Faith is also delicate though. To take a recent one, Godsworn never had to worry - we had faith that people understood and would never attack those dedicated to the Gods. Of course, there were minor incidents, tragic deaths. But by and large this was true. Now, more prominent deaths and the events of the Great Road start to fracture that concept, that notion, that dream. And it needs to be stitched back together, carefully and with patience. There is no simple solution. No single action. It will require many acts, over a long period, but people will understand again, faith will be restored, the dream knitted back together. Until then, the Templars will guard that idea while it recovers - those who would do harm to the Godsworn, or through some mischance do manage it, will not win.
Written By Preston
May 18, 2019, 5:47 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
I see much discussion on what it is to be a warrior. It would be easy to say it is the same as fighter, to pick up a sword, an axe, a club, and to fight. But perhaps a warrior fights /for/ something.
But, the label doesn't matter as much as the person. Fighter, Warrior, Ranger, Scout, Pikeman, Archer, Knight....in all cases what matters, at least to me, is /how/ you display that, how you do it, how you fight. Is your action for your own benefit, for your people, for all of us, for the gods, for the benefit of the dark forces, or just to watch things burn? Do you swing with rage? With thinking? Without? Have you considered the impact of lifting your sword? Have you thought about who will suffer? The innocent and the guilty? Have you considered your oaths, weighed this action against those?
In the end, I do not need warriors, rangers, scouts, or any of those labels. What I need, what we all need, are men and women who are that mix of righteous, just, honourable and the humility to know they may be wrong. More than this, it is what the Gods demand of us. To take up arms, to be knighted, promotions. These are just identities we take up on the way to that higher path, to serve the Gods. To those who reject the Gods and their path, who take up arms against them and against the compact that serves them, we need no other description for them than enemy.
But, the label doesn't matter as much as the person. Fighter, Warrior, Ranger, Scout, Pikeman, Archer, Knight....in all cases what matters, at least to me, is /how/ you display that, how you do it, how you fight. Is your action for your own benefit, for your people, for all of us, for the gods, for the benefit of the dark forces, or just to watch things burn? Do you swing with rage? With thinking? Without? Have you considered the impact of lifting your sword? Have you thought about who will suffer? The innocent and the guilty? Have you considered your oaths, weighed this action against those?
In the end, I do not need warriors, rangers, scouts, or any of those labels. What I need, what we all need, are men and women who are that mix of righteous, just, honourable and the humility to know they may be wrong. More than this, it is what the Gods demand of us. To take up arms, to be knighted, promotions. These are just identities we take up on the way to that higher path, to serve the Gods. To those who reject the Gods and their path, who take up arms against them and against the compact that serves them, we need no other description for them than enemy.
Written By Preston
May 12, 2019, 12:23 p.m.(2/4/1011 AR)
In our pilgrimage across the Oathlands, I heard many voices full of worry. They were scared because of changes. Scared of what the prodigals meant. Scared the Faith was now somehow weak or reluctant.
I understand those fears - change is hard. It is difficult. But the prodigals have sworn their oaths and bent their knee. All should be given a chance, though of course those we suspect we should watch closely. Yet, if we do not give them a chance, if we do not allow them a path to the correct ways, then how can we judge them guilty? And Gloria commands clearly that we must not harm the innocents. In our haste to do what is right, we would instead do what is wrong and in so doing distance ourselves from the Gods.
In terms of the other, the idea the Faith is somehow weakened because we tolerate the Heresy in the North? We do not. But we give them a chance to recant. A chance, that is all. Mother Bianca offers them the forgiveness and love the Faith holds for all its children, for all our brothers and sisters. If they reject that, I firmly believe you will see our resolve. I expect should word come that they have rejected Mother Bianca that my Templars and I will be sent by the Dominus to resolve this matter.
Peace should be tried first though, because that ability to attempt peace, to try to take a better path, that is what separates us from our enemies. I make no apologies for supporting that, and no true son or daughter of the Orthodoxy should cheer the coming of war. We do our duty because it is right, because it is necessary.
I understand those fears - change is hard. It is difficult. But the prodigals have sworn their oaths and bent their knee. All should be given a chance, though of course those we suspect we should watch closely. Yet, if we do not give them a chance, if we do not allow them a path to the correct ways, then how can we judge them guilty? And Gloria commands clearly that we must not harm the innocents. In our haste to do what is right, we would instead do what is wrong and in so doing distance ourselves from the Gods.
In terms of the other, the idea the Faith is somehow weakened because we tolerate the Heresy in the North? We do not. But we give them a chance to recant. A chance, that is all. Mother Bianca offers them the forgiveness and love the Faith holds for all its children, for all our brothers and sisters. If they reject that, I firmly believe you will see our resolve. I expect should word come that they have rejected Mother Bianca that my Templars and I will be sent by the Dominus to resolve this matter.
Peace should be tried first though, because that ability to attempt peace, to try to take a better path, that is what separates us from our enemies. I make no apologies for supporting that, and no true son or daughter of the Orthodoxy should cheer the coming of war. We do our duty because it is right, because it is necessary.
Written By Preston
May 12, 2019, 7:10 a.m.(2/3/1011 AR)
To be Godsworn is to dedicate yourself to the Gods to the exclusion of all other loyalties. To the extent you wish to take this? It is to individual decisions, individual choices. Some eschew their former names, some retain them. Some refuse membership of other organisations, some are active in many. Some refuse all close friendship, many others retain them. There are many interpretations, none necessarily right or wrong in an absolute way. These are personal, how an individual wishes to be.
But, no loyalty can ever come before the Gods - no entanglement can ever prevent us from their service. That dedication is important. Some think it is just the politics, the Faith cannot be drawn into unnecessary House concerns, but it is truly about connection with the Gods. About understanding and devoting yourself to them. And searching always for a greater understanding. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters in the Faith, they always teach me some new way, some new view upon the Gods or some aspect of faith. I may not always agree, I may see it differently, I may prefer other ways, but I am still grateful for them that they share their experience and wisdom. Because that is an attempt to improve one another.
But, no loyalty can ever come before the Gods - no entanglement can ever prevent us from their service. That dedication is important. Some think it is just the politics, the Faith cannot be drawn into unnecessary House concerns, but it is truly about connection with the Gods. About understanding and devoting yourself to them. And searching always for a greater understanding. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters in the Faith, they always teach me some new way, some new view upon the Gods or some aspect of faith. I may not always agree, I may see it differently, I may prefer other ways, but I am still grateful for them that they share their experience and wisdom. Because that is an attempt to improve one another.
Written By Preston
May 3, 2019, 9:07 a.m.(1/13/1011 AR)
An interesting time speaking with a tailor about working with the Templars - it is a pleasant reminder of how many skilled hands are behind each blow of a Templar's blade. The tailors who provide our clothes, the smiths that forge our blades, the armourers and leatherworkers who protect us, the seamstresses and others who sew our tabards and banners, the farriers who shoe our horses. The list goes on.
A Templar must then ensure that the hard work of so many, the involvement of so many, is always in a just cause.
A Templar must then ensure that the hard work of so many, the involvement of so many, is always in a just cause.
Written By Preston
April 29, 2019, 4:38 p.m.(1/6/1011 AR)
We can always choose to be better, to answer the better parts of our nature, to live up to better ideals. It is easy to allow others to shoulder the burden of this. To let them make choices, or to decline to make your own. To pretend that we have a luxury of time, and ignore the suffering that creates, but equally to act in haste and ignore the cost of this too.
We must learn to be both righteous in our acts, and indeed decisive, but also to ensure those acts are well thought through and consistent not just with who we are, and our duties, but also with who we wish to be. Is this a step on a journey, or are we rooting ourselves further in our existing imperfections?
We must learn to be both righteous in our acts, and indeed decisive, but also to ensure those acts are well thought through and consistent not just with who we are, and our duties, but also with who we wish to be. Is this a step on a journey, or are we rooting ourselves further in our existing imperfections?
Written By Preston
April 28, 2019, 3 p.m.(1/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
My prayers go with Mother Bianca to the north. I pray not just for her, but for our errant brothers and sisters to understand the hurt and division they cause, and to return to their oaths in obedience to the Dominus and the Faith. Gloria commands that we never harm the innocents, but also that we must act with honour. This includes honouring our oaths, sworn under the gaze of Limerance. In taking these actions, this heresy makes an active choice to break those oaths, and having taken that active choice towards rebellion, are no longer innocent. Yet. I still hope they might see sense, might return. For I find no joy in the prospect of riding north to bring them to obedience with the force of the Templars.
Written By Preston
April 28, 2019, 1:37 p.m.(1/4/1011 AR)
People have such fantastical tales to tell in the whites of late. One wonders what the common folk make of it all - tall tales to embellish skill, or is the world just full of unknown oddness?
Written By Preston
April 22, 2019, 5:16 a.m.(12/19/1010 AR)
I write in sorrow that any child of the Faith might think themselves so wretched that they can kill a Godsworn scholar. Godsworn are not just workers of the Church, but the embodiment of its authority. To attack them is not to raise your hand against a man or a woman, it is to declare yourself in rebellion against the Faith and therefore against the Gods. Down such a path there is no joy, no happiness, nothing. Even if somehow the Iron Guard and the Inquisition fail to find you, even if the guilt never emerges and gnaws at your soul until you confess, the one thing you can never escape is the Gods.
Written By Preston
April 20, 2019, 10:10 a.m.(12/15/1010 AR)
Death is a difficult thing for us to handle. We are mortal, our vision is from below. Our understanding is that a person we love was here and then is gone - we will never see them again. It is understandable that we grieve, normal we feel that loss. We should express that grief. But we should also have faith in the Gods and know that they shall pass on to the shining lands, to wait for their time to return to the wheel - or perhaps if they are most beloved, they will spend forever in the company of the Gods in Elysia. While they are in the shining lands they will give wisdom to the souls that must follow. Our fight may be done, but our service to the Gods is undying, our service to our people never ending until granted entrance to Elysia.
Written By Preston
April 15, 2019, 5:16 p.m.(12/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
When Sparte chose to raise his hand against those of the Faith, he was reckless - his actions risked civil war, they risked being misinterpreted. They insulted the Templars. They insulted the Scholars. They were wrong. But. They were also done from the best of intentions. Foolish action taken with honourable aims earned him out disfavour, and the disfavour of much of the Faith. It also earned him a chance to redeem himself - to show he is capable of growth and change. Of learning.
Recently the Templars called on our brothers and sisters in the Oathlands and pious houses to march on the Abandoned who had caused mischief in the north. Fabricated Valardin armour was found. Two tribes sworn to our enemy lie destroyed. A warlord's redoubt lies in ruins, her armies destroyed. Three threats to the Faith and to the Compact removed by a host of tens of thousands. The most unlikely contingent were from the Knights of the East Light, with Sparte. It is a long way from the Isles to the lands of Blackram. A long journey from Arx as well. Sparte made it because he understood the righteousness of the mission, and yes because his betters told him. He undertook it despite the fact I had made clear I was unsure if I could ever see my forgiving him his transgressions, that wound still raw.
I speak only for the Templars, but for us he has earned his forgiveness. The wound still hurts, and it will not mean forgetting, but he has proven himself to not be an enemy of the Templars, and perhaps even re-opened the door towards being a friend of the Templars. We will see what the future holds.
Recently the Templars called on our brothers and sisters in the Oathlands and pious houses to march on the Abandoned who had caused mischief in the north. Fabricated Valardin armour was found. Two tribes sworn to our enemy lie destroyed. A warlord's redoubt lies in ruins, her armies destroyed. Three threats to the Faith and to the Compact removed by a host of tens of thousands. The most unlikely contingent were from the Knights of the East Light, with Sparte. It is a long way from the Isles to the lands of Blackram. A long journey from Arx as well. Sparte made it because he understood the righteousness of the mission, and yes because his betters told him. He undertook it despite the fact I had made clear I was unsure if I could ever see my forgiving him his transgressions, that wound still raw.
I speak only for the Templars, but for us he has earned his forgiveness. The wound still hurts, and it will not mean forgetting, but he has proven himself to not be an enemy of the Templars, and perhaps even re-opened the door towards being a friend of the Templars. We will see what the future holds.
Written By Preston
April 14, 2019, 4:50 p.m.(12/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
I know I often speak in my whites about the great work Mother Ailith and Dame Thena do, but I should not forget to speak of Dame Esoka. She is not Godsworn, but she is very much my right hand - as Sir Daemon was to Thena. Her dedication to the Gods and to the Faith are admirable, and she serves as an example to all for how prodigals can integrate into our world.
But most importantly, she is a friend and always trusted. Beloved not just by Gloria, but by her disciples as well.
But most importantly, she is a friend and always trusted. Beloved not just by Gloria, but by her disciples as well.
Written By Preston
April 14, 2019, 8:50 a.m.(12/3/1010 AR)
Perhaps for the first time the weight of what it is to be Grandmaster settles on me fully. It is not just accepting the losses that come, and the betrayals, but it is about understanding your limits. You cannot do everything, be everywhere. When I was just a knight, I was given my tasks. And I could handle them. Sometimes it might stretch me, but each I could take and act upon. Now that I am Grandmaster I must delegate these tasks, trust that others can do them, even understand that there are others perhaps better suited to some of our tasks than I am.
I have given my orders to some of my trusted knights. They go in every direction now. Across the spread of Arvum, from the everwinter in the east to the shores by the Lyceum. With them go our best disciples from Arx, but I know they will in turn lean upon Templars in those parishes they go to.
I have given my orders to some of my trusted knights. They go in every direction now. Across the spread of Arvum, from the everwinter in the east to the shores by the Lyceum. With them go our best disciples from Arx, but I know they will in turn lean upon Templars in those parishes they go to.
Written By Preston
April 7, 2019, 6:46 a.m.(11/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
It is to be expected Sir Jeffeth would be in demand, given the considerable skills of your second in command and the fact he is well known in the city amongst the nobility - who often have such important tasks.
There is much to prey on our minds, with heresy, breaches of Gods' laws, blasphemous attacks upon Godsworn. You are the Grandmaster of the Solace, you walk the roads more than anyone, and know them better than I. But perhaps sometimes a diversion can make the journey easier, because at times you need to be reminded why you make the journey at all? The beauty and hope of our lands and in the hearts of our people.
Or perhaps sometimes events are damned inconvenient. I don't know. But I will always try to piously comfort the Grandmaster of the Solace, who remains my dearest - if often absent - friend.
There is much to prey on our minds, with heresy, breaches of Gods' laws, blasphemous attacks upon Godsworn. You are the Grandmaster of the Solace, you walk the roads more than anyone, and know them better than I. But perhaps sometimes a diversion can make the journey easier, because at times you need to be reminded why you make the journey at all? The beauty and hope of our lands and in the hearts of our people.
Or perhaps sometimes events are damned inconvenient. I don't know. But I will always try to piously comfort the Grandmaster of the Solace, who remains my dearest - if often absent - friend.
Written By Preston
April 7, 2019, 6:40 a.m.(11/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Birthdays are meant to be joyous, is there anything more joyous than dedication to your work in service of the Gods, Father Aureth?
There is a pious answer for all problems, yet sometimes they seem unhelpful.
But whatever you do, know that you are loved by untold thousands who I am sure all wish you a happy birthday.
There is a pious answer for all problems, yet sometimes they seem unhelpful.
But whatever you do, know that you are loved by untold thousands who I am sure all wish you a happy birthday.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.