Written By Preston
March 26, 2018, 6:40 a.m.(6/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Blessed Aureth's words on grief and loss are very apt and informative, and once again he makes me pause and consider. As I have often found from the Archlectors of the Lost Gods. Even should I disagree, I have never found myself less informed for that debate with Blessed Aureth or Blessed Aleksei.
Blessed Aureth is also quite incisive in his comments on debate over loss. Death is, in that way, a leveller. We all are born and all die, noble or common, hero or villain, the facts for us are unchanged. Who we grieve over is a choice for the living. It is my intent to ensure that, as a way to allow families to remember those lost, as a way for the Faith to remember its traditions, as a way for the Compact to recall the unity of purpose from the past in pursuit of it in future, we will build at Sanctum a great shrine to those honoured dead of the Templars. Those who have given their lives for the ideals of the Compact and the Pantheon. And within it we will build great halls to each of the great Fealties of the compact, and offer a place for each sworn knight who fell at Stormwall and Setarco. I know many families, especially those of noble origin, may have other locations in mind but the offer should be made to ensure there is a place each who swore their oaths before Gloria.
Blessed Aureth is also quite incisive in his comments on debate over loss. Death is, in that way, a leveller. We all are born and all die, noble or common, hero or villain, the facts for us are unchanged. Who we grieve over is a choice for the living. It is my intent to ensure that, as a way to allow families to remember those lost, as a way for the Faith to remember its traditions, as a way for the Compact to recall the unity of purpose from the past in pursuit of it in future, we will build at Sanctum a great shrine to those honoured dead of the Templars. Those who have given their lives for the ideals of the Compact and the Pantheon. And within it we will build great halls to each of the great Fealties of the compact, and offer a place for each sworn knight who fell at Stormwall and Setarco. I know many families, especially those of noble origin, may have other locations in mind but the offer should be made to ensure there is a place each who swore their oaths before Gloria.
Written By Preston
March 22, 2018, 7:36 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I do not think once I have suggested we fought alone, or that those we fought alongside were unworthy - how could I when many were commanded by our own disciples, Dame Esoka, Lord Alban, Lord Ainsley and others? Indeed I have had a great deal of praise to say about especially the Redrain troops, and the sacrifice of Redrain to prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold - Princess Marian and I did not always agree on strategy, but we discussed and in that discussion I believe better things were said. Nor did I say that our suffering is unique, but observed that in that suffering it is possible that the Princess was being unpolitic, and perhaps we should understand that loss rather than seek offense from it.
As for the notion the Gyre's forces didn't care who they were killing, I would suggest you ask your friends who were at Stormwall as to who the enemy targeted when they could. Thankfully I am no-one special to the Gods, or those parts of them you wish to call spirits, or perhaps I would not have returned.
On nose tweaking, it is kind, but I am not a legate or an archlector. So it was not my sweet little nose I spoke of. And I did not say by existing it did so, but that some shamans would rather be offended, would rather revel in their difference and exaggerate them, to annoy the legates. Rather that than come to an understanding. Equally true is that some of the Faith would equally rather those differences remained.
As for the notion the Gyre's forces didn't care who they were killing, I would suggest you ask your friends who were at Stormwall as to who the enemy targeted when they could. Thankfully I am no-one special to the Gods, or those parts of them you wish to call spirits, or perhaps I would not have returned.
On nose tweaking, it is kind, but I am not a legate or an archlector. So it was not my sweet little nose I spoke of. And I did not say by existing it did so, but that some shamans would rather be offended, would rather revel in their difference and exaggerate them, to annoy the legates. Rather that than come to an understanding. Equally true is that some of the Faith would equally rather those differences remained.
Written By Preston
March 22, 2018, 5:46 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Terese
I am surprised that what Princess Terese said shocked so many. Was it some secret that the Faith does not think errant worship to be, well, errant? And that we class shamanism, the worship of spirits, to be that? Look closely at the treaties - we grant toleration but not acceptance of those practices. Nor blessing. Where you see the lightning from the spirits, we see the work of Mangata to rid her waves of the enemy. Where you see the work of the spirits of the forest, we see the blessed touch of Petrichor, guiding and warding over his flock just as he tends to the forest. Where shamanism seeks harmony with the Faith, it will find it - but that learning and bending must go both ways. It cannot always expect compromise when its proponents so quickly jump to offense and aggression and revel in their 'otherness'.
Terese did not call out Shamanism by name, that is something others took from it - so clearly to read that into her comments, even if she did not intend it (and I do not know for I have not spoken to her), they knew of views when they accepted the help, and death, of fully half of the Templar order to preserve their lands. Perhaps it was crass, but there is sorrow driving that - a Princess in her first command saw three quarters of its number gone. Each of those faces, those names, will be seared on her heart. Each a small dagger that seems to wound her again with each beat of that heart. I know because I bear 50,000 such wounds.
Let none of us pretend we do not know the others view of us - that is the politics of children. There is no love lost between the Oathlands Orthodoxy, between the whole Faith, and the shamans. That goes both ways, Shamans in Arx have always enjoyed tweaking the nose of Legates and Archlectors with their difference and protections - certainly something that can be entertaining for those of us who grew up under the robes of the Archlectors and who ourselves enjoyed thinking up creative obstinancies and obscure points of theology to annoy them. But hardly an approach that will build understanding. So, let us see Stormwall as a new chance for that, and if in sorrow people show that we are not yet there, then let us try to be understanding.
As for the rest, yes Prince Edain advances toleration, but unless I missed a small coup, he has not declared himself Seraph of Sanctum yet. The treaty signed after the Northern Crusade grants toleration to those shamans of the Redrain. The toleration shown to those who have moved into other fealties is something that has been quietly allowed by then-Dominus Fawkuhl and Dominus Aldwin. It will come with growing pains, and obviously I hope they will bend to our culture, and accept true worship. The rest is policy, which is far beyond my station.
Terese did not call out Shamanism by name, that is something others took from it - so clearly to read that into her comments, even if she did not intend it (and I do not know for I have not spoken to her), they knew of views when they accepted the help, and death, of fully half of the Templar order to preserve their lands. Perhaps it was crass, but there is sorrow driving that - a Princess in her first command saw three quarters of its number gone. Each of those faces, those names, will be seared on her heart. Each a small dagger that seems to wound her again with each beat of that heart. I know because I bear 50,000 such wounds.
Let none of us pretend we do not know the others view of us - that is the politics of children. There is no love lost between the Oathlands Orthodoxy, between the whole Faith, and the shamans. That goes both ways, Shamans in Arx have always enjoyed tweaking the nose of Legates and Archlectors with their difference and protections - certainly something that can be entertaining for those of us who grew up under the robes of the Archlectors and who ourselves enjoyed thinking up creative obstinancies and obscure points of theology to annoy them. But hardly an approach that will build understanding. So, let us see Stormwall as a new chance for that, and if in sorrow people show that we are not yet there, then let us try to be understanding.
As for the rest, yes Prince Edain advances toleration, but unless I missed a small coup, he has not declared himself Seraph of Sanctum yet. The treaty signed after the Northern Crusade grants toleration to those shamans of the Redrain. The toleration shown to those who have moved into other fealties is something that has been quietly allowed by then-Dominus Fawkuhl and Dominus Aldwin. It will come with growing pains, and obviously I hope they will bend to our culture, and accept true worship. The rest is policy, which is far beyond my station.
Written By Preston
March 21, 2018, 5:43 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
A few weeks ago I marched north at the head of the largest force of Templars since the last crusade. 69,000 brothers and sisters had answered the call.
Now, the squires and commanders that remain have reported in what price we paid to stand and hold the Gyre at bay, and to help hold the passes against the enemy as they tried to run down our wounded, the shamans and our healers.
Over 50,000 of my brothers and sisters will never return to their homes. Well over a thousand Godsworn knights, but the vast majority are our disciples - men and women who will not return to their communities across Arvum, and I must now begin to notify the Seraphs with my fellow men so they can tell the families. Not all of our forces had managed to be available for the march, but even with them, I have less men left to fight than I had lost in the North.
The Templars will rebuild, we must, but the cost of our commitment to this fight means we will not have the power to commit in the immediate fights that come.
Now, the squires and commanders that remain have reported in what price we paid to stand and hold the Gyre at bay, and to help hold the passes against the enemy as they tried to run down our wounded, the shamans and our healers.
Over 50,000 of my brothers and sisters will never return to their homes. Well over a thousand Godsworn knights, but the vast majority are our disciples - men and women who will not return to their communities across Arvum, and I must now begin to notify the Seraphs with my fellow men so they can tell the families. Not all of our forces had managed to be available for the march, but even with them, I have less men left to fight than I had lost in the North.
The Templars will rebuild, we must, but the cost of our commitment to this fight means we will not have the power to commit in the immediate fights that come.
Written By Preston
March 20, 2018, 6:12 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
In times past, when the future Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace and the Knight Marshall of the Templars stood and said 'This man fought with honour' it would have been the end of such a matter. I wonder at the change in society that now means this is not the case, but more that people argue with the future Grandmaster on the point like she is some opining milk sop who has not ever lifted a sword or commanded people in battle. Brother Driskell would, I am sure, say this is a great celebration of Tehom as the questioner. I cannot say I care for it.
I tease and taunt my dear Little Sister as much as any, because she is a great warrior and a fine commander, and it would be easy without obstinant asses like myself for her to lose her humility and be thus distanced from the Gods for thinking herself closer to them. What I do not do is question her judgement, as a Sworn Knight and as a leader of the Faith, quite so directly. Her judgement has been better than most, and her companionship within the Faith drives each of us to be better. Which is not to say after contemplation I always agree with her, or reach the same conclusions, but she forces us to think and in so doing be more sure of our actions or to reconsider those we cannot justify, and so do better.
I tease and taunt my dear Little Sister as much as any, because she is a great warrior and a fine commander, and it would be easy without obstinant asses like myself for her to lose her humility and be thus distanced from the Gods for thinking herself closer to them. What I do not do is question her judgement, as a Sworn Knight and as a leader of the Faith, quite so directly. Her judgement has been better than most, and her companionship within the Faith drives each of us to be better. Which is not to say after contemplation I always agree with her, or reach the same conclusions, but she forces us to think and in so doing be more sure of our actions or to reconsider those we cannot justify, and so do better.
Written By Preston
March 20, 2018, 6:06 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
While I understand what caused the sentiment, can I ask you my lord, did you make your sword? Your shield? Did you forge your own armour? Raise your own horse? Train him? Did you bard him yourself? Shoe him? Did you tend to him on the cold nights? Did you grow the food to feed him and you? Did you prepare that food? Did you birth yourself? Did you tend to yourself when you were injured or sick? Did you train yourself?
To not be at the battle is no shame, and of itself says nothing about the honour of the individual. Many men who have strode into battle have then sullied Gloria by their dishonour as well. Each of us have roles to play in life, for some it calls us to battle, for others it takes us in different directions. My own Grandmaster was not at the battle, he stayed with our troops left to guard Arx from possible attack by second attacks or diverted defeated forces. Would you say he has no honour, my lord? Because I suspect you would need to fight a good many thousand honour duels from my Brothers and Sisters to satisfy such a claim, and that seems like a fine waste of time for all.
In anger to protect those we feel comradship with, we can often make errors. But we should be careful when we are great lords, for our words have an impact far beyond the simple words of men like myself.
To not be at the battle is no shame, and of itself says nothing about the honour of the individual. Many men who have strode into battle have then sullied Gloria by their dishonour as well. Each of us have roles to play in life, for some it calls us to battle, for others it takes us in different directions. My own Grandmaster was not at the battle, he stayed with our troops left to guard Arx from possible attack by second attacks or diverted defeated forces. Would you say he has no honour, my lord? Because I suspect you would need to fight a good many thousand honour duels from my Brothers and Sisters to satisfy such a claim, and that seems like a fine waste of time for all.
In anger to protect those we feel comradship with, we can often make errors. But we should be careful when we are great lords, for our words have an impact far beyond the simple words of men like myself.
Written By Preston
March 19, 2018, 8:32 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Perhaps the question of /who/ lead the Grayson is not as important as /how/ they lead Grayson troops. By all accounts, they were led in the battle and in each action by their captains and commanders with honour. The battle in general was marked with honour and bravery, and by good conduct. And notably by sacrifice for a greater good, for greater and more pure values, by Redrain. It was a battle that showed our greatest attributes as a people, those attributes some - myself included - were worried we were losing when people stepped in to mitigate and justify the previous acts of then-Prince Abbas. I myself held Redrain to standards equal to those I would expect from my disciples, and they exceeded them.
Let us celebrate those virtues that we preserved, let us commemorate our dead, and let us give thanks to the Gods that they made us the people we are to win the battle as we did. And not lose the unity hard won in battle with disunity in the brief lull of peace based on arguments over which noble commanded where and why.
Let us celebrate those virtues that we preserved, let us commemorate our dead, and let us give thanks to the Gods that they made us the people we are to win the battle as we did. And not lose the unity hard won in battle with disunity in the brief lull of peace based on arguments over which noble commanded where and why.
Written By Preston
March 15, 2018, 6:01 a.m.(5/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
....you named your warhorse 'Cuddles'? I guess we should be thankful you normally run naming competitions for the boats you seem to like (All that wood could make a fine trebuchet, you know). Or our enemies would be sitting in fear of you on the prow of your new galley 'Floaty' and its sister ship 'Snuggles The Wondership'.
See you at the walls of Stormwall. Bring fur cloaks.
See you at the walls of Stormwall. Bring fur cloaks.
Written By Preston
March 10, 2018, 5:22 a.m.(5/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Sir Jeffeth puts it well. What the orphans need is opportunity for a life beyond their childhood years. The Faith can, will and does provide for their needs, but what the Faith cannot do is provide options /beyond/ the Faith. We cannot tell you to open your homes, we cannot tell you to take them on, so I am glad Jeffeth highlights there are - beyond the bickering - real orphans in need. I was lucky, I was raised in the Rectory - the archlectors, the legates, they were all parents to me in some way, even if they didn't know. My path was marked out for me before I could walk and talk, a purpose divined for me by one of the then legates. I cannot think of the difficulty of being without that, and if others can provide that for the children, provide certainty and opportunity, then I would urge people to listen to Sir Jeffeth. But. Do not think of what the orphans might do for you. Think of what it might do for the orphan. And in turn know that your soul will be lifted by that act.
Written By Preston
March 5, 2018, 3:40 p.m.(4/21/1008 AR)
If I should die, I have few things to organise. Most of what I possess is on me. Still.
If I am recovered with my armour and sword, then I remand Banisher of Shadows back to the Dominus. It was the intent on its creation that it might in time turn into a new sword of the Faith, a new sword of the Templars. It is right it should go to another now who the Dominus feels might best serve the Faith.
My armour equally should go to the new Knight Marshall whoever it shall be.
As for my personal effects, I trust Seraph Ailith and Father Orazio to distribute them as any see fit if they want anything. My first sword, regular steel though it is, should be saved for Brother Fawkuhl should be return. It was he who provided it, it is fitting to him it shall return. My amulet, marked with the sigil of the Templars, I would leave to Prince Edain as a token of my belief in his own faith.
I hope still that this will be unnecessary, and that I will return whole. But I know many will not. What is certain is that no life will be given cheaply.
If I am recovered with my armour and sword, then I remand Banisher of Shadows back to the Dominus. It was the intent on its creation that it might in time turn into a new sword of the Faith, a new sword of the Templars. It is right it should go to another now who the Dominus feels might best serve the Faith.
My armour equally should go to the new Knight Marshall whoever it shall be.
As for my personal effects, I trust Seraph Ailith and Father Orazio to distribute them as any see fit if they want anything. My first sword, regular steel though it is, should be saved for Brother Fawkuhl should be return. It was he who provided it, it is fitting to him it shall return. My amulet, marked with the sigil of the Templars, I would leave to Prince Edain as a token of my belief in his own faith.
I hope still that this will be unnecessary, and that I will return whole. But I know many will not. What is certain is that no life will be given cheaply.
Written By Preston
March 5, 2018, 3:28 p.m.(4/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Or because you are travelling with us, of course. No need to say goodbye when we have a long march ahead.
Written By Preston
March 1, 2018, 12:47 p.m.(4/13/1008 AR)
It has been said that we face an implacable foe, it has been said that defeat now means defeat of our people perhaps in its totality, that we stand now for defense of our Faith and way of life. All this is true. It is the most vital of times for us to fight. But we must not just show our might with our force of arms, but also our righteousness. We must fight with honour, we must protect the innocent, we must behave as Gloria would want - because if we lose the Gods, if we lose ourselves. If we lose our tradition, we have fought for nothing.
I know in recent times there have been some who say they understand the actions of Abbas, that in the totality of war any action is justified. I can understand this viewpoint. I can perhaps sympathise - though I have never had anything, I do understand loss and grief. But, and I say this with love for all in my heart, we will stand on no field that would bring shame to Gloria. We will not win if winning means losing ourselves. And our hearts will shatter for that.
So stand tall, Compact. Our greatness is yet ahead of us, our understanding of the Gods grows and through it we are lifted, and do not in this darkest moment - no matter the temptation - fall to simple and easy solutions that tug at your soul. For that is the true evil of our enemy, that is why he presses us so with these threats. To draw us to those choices. Yet if you hold with the Faith, in their values even if not in worship, then the Faith will always hold with you.
I know in recent times there have been some who say they understand the actions of Abbas, that in the totality of war any action is justified. I can understand this viewpoint. I can perhaps sympathise - though I have never had anything, I do understand loss and grief. But, and I say this with love for all in my heart, we will stand on no field that would bring shame to Gloria. We will not win if winning means losing ourselves. And our hearts will shatter for that.
So stand tall, Compact. Our greatness is yet ahead of us, our understanding of the Gods grows and through it we are lifted, and do not in this darkest moment - no matter the temptation - fall to simple and easy solutions that tug at your soul. For that is the true evil of our enemy, that is why he presses us so with these threats. To draw us to those choices. Yet if you hold with the Faith, in their values even if not in worship, then the Faith will always hold with you.
Written By Preston
March 1, 2018, 12:35 p.m.(4/13/1008 AR)
With Archlector Cassandra busy dealing with the logistical problems so many levies creates, I have been busy myself. As we prepare for war, so finally we have commissioned a permanent trebuchet -one we shall take with us on campaign to the north and which will return, Gods willing, with us to the Crownlands after the campaign. We take lumber and engineers north to also construct other, more temporary machines to assist the Faithful. We have entrusted Sir Rand with the artillery wagons, and I have no doubts as to his abilities. The Templars must thank Brother Driskell and Dame Thena for their support in this.
Written By Preston
Feb. 21, 2018, 3:13 p.m.(3/25/1008 AR)
Ah. Scholar. I have been having some more thoughts on these recent religious matters....Oh hello Dame Thena, I was just speaking to the....
**The sound of scuffled and murmering is recorded**
Apparently I have a very urgent appointment, ah, elsewhere. Some other time, Scholar.
**The sound of scuffled and murmering is recorded**
Apparently I have a very urgent appointment, ah, elsewhere. Some other time, Scholar.
Written By Preston
Feb. 21, 2018, 6:04 a.m.(3/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
Perhaps Duke Laurent we all must apologise to one another constantly for not considering one another often enough. I am sure I am dismissive many a time of the needs and burdens of nobles great office, because it is a strangeness to me. I lack the understanding of many of the noble Blessed Archlectors and others, for I have never lived a life outside of the Faith, and perhaps that makes me see the Faith as others see their mother and father, and I am too quick to take offense on its part. I will think on Father Orazio's words, as I often do even when I disagree with him, and perhaps there are better approaches, perhaps it would have been better to be specific. For in attempting to avoid a small dispute, I caused a larger one. I hope all reading know that Laurent is amongst the most pious of houses for all they have sacrificed to the Faith, including their future Duchess in recent years who now leads the Temple of Gloria with the honour, determination and faith equal to any.
Written By Preston
Feb. 20, 2018, 6:04 a.m.(3/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
Very well spoken, Princess. And I have found it a good occasion to learn a great deal from the Redrain of late - Prince Darren has surprised and shamed me for he is not the man a younger and more blinded me would have expected from my prejudices. I am sure for many it will be an unpleasant sight, a reminder of other times, to see a Faith army marching into the North. I am glad this time we come as friends and cousins. But. Prince Darren has been most welcoming, and also each time tempers have flared, he has been the one to step in and deal with matters.
That said, I am not sure where this idea that my words refer to shamans has come from. I am not the most open minded on the matter, it is true - I am a champion for my Faith and of a tradition that sees Shamanism in a certain way - but I certainly obey the tolerances. But not seeing Shamans as part of the Faith I do not think is controversial - indeed the opposite would be the case - so I am not sure how to speak of people losing their connection to the Faith I could mean them.
That said, I am not sure where this idea that my words refer to shamans has come from. I am not the most open minded on the matter, it is true - I am a champion for my Faith and of a tradition that sees Shamanism in a certain way - but I certainly obey the tolerances. But not seeing Shamans as part of the Faith I do not think is controversial - indeed the opposite would be the case - so I am not sure how to speak of people losing their connection to the Faith I could mean them.
Written By Preston
Feb. 20, 2018, 5:55 a.m.(3/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Vano
I am not sure who you are quoting, but I do not think I used those words. I spoke of indifference of some nobility to the Faith - notably the Faith Militant - over time, and that I was most surprised that some of these who I had noted this in were Valardin. I did not speak of Faithlessness - to lose the Faith is not necessarily to lose belief, but it is to become untethered and thus vulnerable in that worship. Nor could it possibly be about you, for I do not think we have met in any meaningful way, certainly not lately, and nor could a Shaman lose the Faith for he never had it. The Shamans of the north were granted toleration long ago with certain caveats. I would wish that more would come over fully to our ways, of course, but it is not something that concerns me in the same way.
Written By Preston
Feb. 19, 2018, 5:59 p.m.(3/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
And I regret that - but I make my choice all the same, Duke Laurent. If you feel strongly, it is easy to protest - I answer only to four. My grandmaster, the Blessed Cassandra, His Most Holy and his voices, and to the Gods.
Written By Preston
Feb. 19, 2018, 5:01 p.m.(3/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
If people think that an observation that some have lost their Faith could apply to them, I would suggest that if it causes them to seek discussion and affirmation of their faith with their holding's Seraph, with the Godsworn, and perhaps in your case with your former sister, then that is for the good - though I cannot say I have ever seen any member of House Laurent ever doubt the deep affection I hold for their lost Duchess for the choice she made to join the Faith. While teasing me to get the info works I am sure with many others, I fear I must disappoint. I chose not to name the individuals, because even if I disagree with their choice as to their attitude to the Faith, I can at the same time still respect them for other parts of their life. You can believe or not whether I have affinity for the Oathlands or surprise at such a reaction - but I have never hid my Orthodoxy, nor my attention and appreciation to the words of the Seraph of Sanctum.
As I say, if nobles dislike me for it - then I do regret that, but I love them still. But if a single noble asks a question of their Seraph from this, and through it dialogue? I see my discomfort and regret as happy payment.
As I say, if nobles dislike me for it - then I do regret that, but I love them still. But if a single noble asks a question of their Seraph from this, and through it dialogue? I see my discomfort and regret as happy payment.
Written By Preston
Feb. 19, 2018, 4:30 p.m.(3/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
I would suggest you inquire with your fellow nobles and royals as to their faith in, well, the Faith and her armies, Duke Laurent. I mention Valardin only because that any there should feel this way surprises me because of the known piety, and my own personal affections for the lands. But it is not Valardin alone that faces this, so naming individuals will do little but occupy all of us in duels until Gloria herself grows weary of us. Especially as I do not know if it is their fault or some fashion - or indeed perhaps some fault of our own that may have caused them to drift and doubt. I will say though that Prince Victus is a paragon of sorts for how to combat this attitude, and has by deed shown others a way to dialogue with the Faith and how to construct a relationship, and his work with the Seraph Ailith made me question many of my own pre-judgements on what I should expect of others.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.