Written By Preston
Dec. 8, 2021, 1:42 p.m.(9/16/1016 AR)
In a recent battle, an attacker's blade broke my visor away and cleaved my helmet in two - indeed, if it had not struck my visor and the blow hadn't staggered me I would likely not be writing this. The attacker's friend was kind enough to provide what his friend missed, thrusting his blade between my armour's plates.
As I knelt there, stunned and with the sticky warmth of my blood against my side, I did what I always do when tested. I prayed. I did not pray for victory, I did not pray for revenge, I did not pray even for my life. I prayed the prayer of a Templar - the strength needed, whether this was the end or not, to save those there with me. And no more. The strength to do the honourable thing, to hold my head high. Thankfully we won however, and I was able to do more.
It has made me think of the helm that was lost. The rubicund armour I funded from my allowance, and by Most Holy - then Father - Orazio. It was funded after a second incident where an enemy's strike had pierced my steel breastplate at Maelstrom. The first incident, here in the city, I had been struck while trying to keep Little Sister and others safe and was sent flying across the district - thankfully Little Sister is a better sister than I. At Maelstrom, we stood against the foe, with Thrax, and held the gate.
The armour was first worn truly at Stormwall. My first large command. It has served me well since then. But now diamondplate replaces rubicund - with Arvum Oakhide, and not Cardian goods - and I still stand.
As I knelt there, stunned and with the sticky warmth of my blood against my side, I did what I always do when tested. I prayed. I did not pray for victory, I did not pray for revenge, I did not pray even for my life. I prayed the prayer of a Templar - the strength needed, whether this was the end or not, to save those there with me. And no more. The strength to do the honourable thing, to hold my head high. Thankfully we won however, and I was able to do more.
It has made me think of the helm that was lost. The rubicund armour I funded from my allowance, and by Most Holy - then Father - Orazio. It was funded after a second incident where an enemy's strike had pierced my steel breastplate at Maelstrom. The first incident, here in the city, I had been struck while trying to keep Little Sister and others safe and was sent flying across the district - thankfully Little Sister is a better sister than I. At Maelstrom, we stood against the foe, with Thrax, and held the gate.
The armour was first worn truly at Stormwall. My first large command. It has served me well since then. But now diamondplate replaces rubicund - with Arvum Oakhide, and not Cardian goods - and I still stand.
Written By Preston
Dec. 5, 2021, 12:28 p.m.(9/10/1016 AR)
Sometimes you seek to douse the fire, cover its embers in water in the hope it will not flare up again. Sometimes you isolate it, you dig a trench between the fire and what you love, what you wish to protect from its consuming rage. And sometimes you stride towards it, you run and leap through the tongues of its flames. Because you know that what is on the other side is worth the temporary pain.
There is honesty in battle, honesty in discontent. You do not need to hate the person standing across the battlefield from you, but you can know they are not your friend - not for that moment. You can know their aims, their goals, do not match yours. That is honesty. And I would rather have 10 honest foes than 1 false friend, who waits in peace to harm me. Who would swear their loyalty, their obedience, only to sunder such oaths and their honour for the chance to spill your blood.
There is honesty in battle, honesty in discontent. You do not need to hate the person standing across the battlefield from you, but you can know they are not your friend - not for that moment. You can know their aims, their goals, do not match yours. That is honesty. And I would rather have 10 honest foes than 1 false friend, who waits in peace to harm me. Who would swear their loyalty, their obedience, only to sunder such oaths and their honour for the chance to spill your blood.
Written By Preston
Nov. 29, 2021, 5:27 p.m.(8/27/1016 AR)
The Most Holy wrote most eloquently on this, and I find myself in total agreement with them. Velenosa acts within tradition, how could I - as someone bound in the ways of the Orthodoxy - do anything but admire that? Even as I perhaps regret that such behaviour could ever be thought acceptable in any circles.
I do find it baffling some of the terms thrown around and the fury that surrounds these decisions. If you think someone has broken an oath? You have Seraphs. Speak to them. Or one of the archlectors. Or a legate. It is odd that people think if a High Lord were acting against the ideals of the Gods the Faith would be silent, and the Most Holy would even offer support. The Faith has always laid out the expectations of the ideals of the Gods. Even when that is unpopular. Even when it means we must speak the truth to people of political power, even to High Lords and Kings. We are honest friends, true advisors - but representatives of the Gods on Arvum first and foremost.
Of course, the politics of things? That I would not know about.
I do find it baffling some of the terms thrown around and the fury that surrounds these decisions. If you think someone has broken an oath? You have Seraphs. Speak to them. Or one of the archlectors. Or a legate. It is odd that people think if a High Lord were acting against the ideals of the Gods the Faith would be silent, and the Most Holy would even offer support. The Faith has always laid out the expectations of the ideals of the Gods. Even when that is unpopular. Even when it means we must speak the truth to people of political power, even to High Lords and Kings. We are honest friends, true advisors - but representatives of the Gods on Arvum first and foremost.
Of course, the politics of things? That I would not know about.
Written By Preston
Oct. 16, 2021, 7:23 p.m.(5/23/1016 AR)
An oath is your word, your promise given to another and overseen by the Gods. A vow is given to the Gods, sworn by you to them. Both though are solemn, they should never be given without thought - but sometimes that comes easily. Sometimes an oath comes naturally, sometimes a vow comes in such a way too. But none the less, still a bond that ties you. Vows can only ever be released by the Faith, as the voice of the Gods here on Arvum, and often do not come easily. To give trivial vows, ones that are impossible to keep or prove, shows disrespect to the Gods and risks you - without meaning - to find yourself breaking your word, especially if the vow binds you tightly, given over a small matter. There is no nuance in a vow, no chance to argue necessity. It is kept or broken.
It is why I have long pondered the responsibility of breaking solemn oaths given to one who turns out to be evil. Where your upholding the oath of loyalty forces betrayal of the Gods. And how one is placed in the position of breaking your oath to strike down your master, and hoping in turn you do not survive the event so that you need not face your own dishonour, no matter how necessary.
It is why I have long pondered the responsibility of breaking solemn oaths given to one who turns out to be evil. Where your upholding the oath of loyalty forces betrayal of the Gods. And how one is placed in the position of breaking your oath to strike down your master, and hoping in turn you do not survive the event so that you need not face your own dishonour, no matter how necessary.
Written By Preston
Sept. 10, 2021, 7:30 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
Tradition. It is a term spat by some of late. The name lifted up and soiled by those who would support the dead Helianthus, who would listen to Waldo.
Yet I wonder if people truly know it?
Tradition. It is like the keep at Sanctum. It can at times feel cold, it can feel isolating, lonely. It can feel like a cage. And yet. It is the mortar between the stones that keep us safe. It is in every bite of food that is prepared. It is in the canticles you hear on the wind.
Tradition is what binds us. It is what connects us. Tradition is our faith, it is our people, it is our Compact, it is our lives. Without it? Well. Who are you to me? Who are we to anyone? So the darkness shall have us, one by one, man and woman, away into that darkest night that shall become eternal.
Tradition must, like a castle, grow to encompass new ground as our people grow, as they change. Tradition though is wary. Never to expand too rapidly, to leave itself exposed. To leave us exposed. There must always be balance. Caution.
The Orthodoxy have often prided ourselves as being guardians of tradition. Caution is a term we know well. It is a method to our acts. But have we always communicated what we see as this simple truth effectively? It has been some time since our last open dinner for the Orthodoxy. Perhaps, like some older traditions, its time has come once more.
Yet I wonder if people truly know it?
Tradition. It is like the keep at Sanctum. It can at times feel cold, it can feel isolating, lonely. It can feel like a cage. And yet. It is the mortar between the stones that keep us safe. It is in every bite of food that is prepared. It is in the canticles you hear on the wind.
Tradition is what binds us. It is what connects us. Tradition is our faith, it is our people, it is our Compact, it is our lives. Without it? Well. Who are you to me? Who are we to anyone? So the darkness shall have us, one by one, man and woman, away into that darkest night that shall become eternal.
Tradition must, like a castle, grow to encompass new ground as our people grow, as they change. Tradition though is wary. Never to expand too rapidly, to leave itself exposed. To leave us exposed. There must always be balance. Caution.
The Orthodoxy have often prided ourselves as being guardians of tradition. Caution is a term we know well. It is a method to our acts. But have we always communicated what we see as this simple truth effectively? It has been some time since our last open dinner for the Orthodoxy. Perhaps, like some older traditions, its time has come once more.
Written By Preston
Sept. 10, 2021, 7:21 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
Hope seems to be a subject of Journals of late - the ease of it to hold when you are comforted by privilege.
I have found those who have most clung to it are those for whom it is the only thing that remains. The hope of a tomorrow, the hope that this is indeed the lowest point and things will rise. The hope that the arrow darkening the sun is not to land on you.
The largest advantage those with privilege have, and I will include my common self in this, is that we do not need to hope. We can do. We can act. We can make change occur. The man cowering with his family from some abandoned raiders? He only has hope. So I suppose it comes down to, will the privilege we have be used to answer the hopes - and prayers - of those who need it?
I have found those who have most clung to it are those for whom it is the only thing that remains. The hope of a tomorrow, the hope that this is indeed the lowest point and things will rise. The hope that the arrow darkening the sun is not to land on you.
The largest advantage those with privilege have, and I will include my common self in this, is that we do not need to hope. We can do. We can act. We can make change occur. The man cowering with his family from some abandoned raiders? He only has hope. So I suppose it comes down to, will the privilege we have be used to answer the hopes - and prayers - of those who need it?
Written By Preston
Aug. 26, 2021, 4:27 p.m.(2/5/1016 AR)
We must always leave open a path to redemption where we can - a path back, even for those where that path would be a hard one to take, or one that might end them. Yes, we must respect the choices of all, even to be our enemy or to differ from the path of the Faith, but we always keep a hand.
The schismatic Seraph of Fireside, he who preached a heresy in the Northlands around the time of the Great Road, even sought that path - even as his allies in evil cast him down for it.
Some will say 'Ah the Carnifex is weak, the Carnifex is being /pragmatic/'. They are wrong. The Carnifex is taking his teachings from the lessons chosen by the Orthodoxy of old. People look at the silent reflections, and they cannot see beyond the punishment. The heavy price a Carnifex long before me laid on those who would deserve it. And yet. It was a punishment that allowed redemption in service. Allowed purpose to return to them. Even the legends of Dame Sugan speak of her trying to convince those who had shunned the true path, and in their refusal to choose redemption did she know their falsehoods and their evil.
The schismatic Seraph of Fireside, he who preached a heresy in the Northlands around the time of the Great Road, even sought that path - even as his allies in evil cast him down for it.
Some will say 'Ah the Carnifex is weak, the Carnifex is being /pragmatic/'. They are wrong. The Carnifex is taking his teachings from the lessons chosen by the Orthodoxy of old. People look at the silent reflections, and they cannot see beyond the punishment. The heavy price a Carnifex long before me laid on those who would deserve it. And yet. It was a punishment that allowed redemption in service. Allowed purpose to return to them. Even the legends of Dame Sugan speak of her trying to convince those who had shunned the true path, and in their refusal to choose redemption did she know their falsehoods and their evil.
Written By Preston
Aug. 20, 2021, 3:13 p.m.(1/21/1016 AR)
In the past of our people, in the days of legends and when our people arrayed against those who claimed to worship not our gods but their Dark Reflections, those most dedicated to the Gods would stand for the ideals of their most beloved God. Not for land, not silver, not for victory, not for glory, or even for their personal honour - they stood because it was right, because it was where the path of the Gods had placed them. There, at that time, at that battle. The legends name them Paladins. Many fell, for victory was never assured by the Gods, but they never lacked for purpose.
Perhaps, I wonder, if it is not an age for such people once more. An age where we value not wealth nor power alone, though these have made our people strong and prosperous, but we stand once more for the Gods and their ideals, uncompromised. A new age of Paladins.
Perhaps, I wonder, if it is not an age for such people once more. An age where we value not wealth nor power alone, though these have made our people strong and prosperous, but we stand once more for the Gods and their ideals, uncompromised. A new age of Paladins.
Written By Preston
July 26, 2021, 5:45 a.m.(11/26/1015 AR)
I was once told that those who champion the Gods, those who truly embrace their ideals, lead lives that are rarely long. That the enemies of the Gods are many, they are vicious. And I suppose that is true. At some point a blade will find the right gap in my armour, at some point I will take on an enemy too large because that is the right thing to do - following the ideals of the Gods is not a guide for long life, for survival. It does not help you become wealthy. It helps you be /good/. The Gods make us no promises beyond that.
Yet, the threat of death matters if you only consider yourself, if I only think of myself. But when I remember I am but one brother in a family as large as Arvum itself? The Faithful are many more than our foes, and we are honourable and dedicated - and I would match that to their viciousness any day. And that is what makes the difference. That we will know the risk, and step forward anyway. A Templar's duty, to be a part of that bright thin line of light between the darkness and our people.
And the thing is? If I fall, there will be another. And another. And another. Dame Thena, Sir Jeffeth, Dame Esoka, Mother Cassandra, Dame Katryn, Sir Leif, Dame Flora, Dame Ida, Sir Calaudrin, Dame Bree, Dame Reese..... the Gods are served well, and served by many.
Yet, the threat of death matters if you only consider yourself, if I only think of myself. But when I remember I am but one brother in a family as large as Arvum itself? The Faithful are many more than our foes, and we are honourable and dedicated - and I would match that to their viciousness any day. And that is what makes the difference. That we will know the risk, and step forward anyway. A Templar's duty, to be a part of that bright thin line of light between the darkness and our people.
And the thing is? If I fall, there will be another. And another. And another. Dame Thena, Sir Jeffeth, Dame Esoka, Mother Cassandra, Dame Katryn, Sir Leif, Dame Flora, Dame Ida, Sir Calaudrin, Dame Bree, Dame Reese..... the Gods are served well, and served by many.
Written By Preston
June 2, 2021, 1:16 p.m.(8/3/1015 AR)
Mercy can be a great thing - it can be a honourable gift to a vanquished foe, it can be a necessary part of justice, it can be an important part of politics and the civilisations we build.
Yet, for mercy to be real, first the matter must be resolved. The battle fought. The justice delivered. The consequences felt. Then mercy can relieve one of that. Otherwise one risks devaluing all. Should you grant mercy before justice is done, before the punishment decided, you risk cheapening both. Rather than the act of remission from a just act, it becomes instead the corruption of justice by the removal of consequence and the subversion of its process.
The same can at times be true of the prodigals. In mercy and through kindness the more.....vibrant....of our nobility rush to accept and welcome them, as they should. And they seek then to assert them as the same, and even celebrate that divergence. And that is where mercy is coming too soon. First, we must make sure the prodigals adapt and accept our ways, we must perform the acts, we must show all the folk in every domain that those who would claim the right to rule understand their lives, understand our values, and respect them enough to ensure those they invite share them. That they will in turn respect our people.
Then we can have true harmony, not this false pretence that subversion of the proper forms can bring. We have seen it time and again, the hostility and hatred that can come, the misunderstandings and tragedy. So if you would welcome them as equals, and would have them join - as I hope all will - then let us perform those acts. Let us allow all to see our nobility and our faith work with the prodigals, to teach them and train them, guide and nurture them. And in those performative acts, so the seeds of respect will be planted, and in time will grow.
Yet, for mercy to be real, first the matter must be resolved. The battle fought. The justice delivered. The consequences felt. Then mercy can relieve one of that. Otherwise one risks devaluing all. Should you grant mercy before justice is done, before the punishment decided, you risk cheapening both. Rather than the act of remission from a just act, it becomes instead the corruption of justice by the removal of consequence and the subversion of its process.
The same can at times be true of the prodigals. In mercy and through kindness the more.....vibrant....of our nobility rush to accept and welcome them, as they should. And they seek then to assert them as the same, and even celebrate that divergence. And that is where mercy is coming too soon. First, we must make sure the prodigals adapt and accept our ways, we must perform the acts, we must show all the folk in every domain that those who would claim the right to rule understand their lives, understand our values, and respect them enough to ensure those they invite share them. That they will in turn respect our people.
Then we can have true harmony, not this false pretence that subversion of the proper forms can bring. We have seen it time and again, the hostility and hatred that can come, the misunderstandings and tragedy. So if you would welcome them as equals, and would have them join - as I hope all will - then let us perform those acts. Let us allow all to see our nobility and our faith work with the prodigals, to teach them and train them, guide and nurture them. And in those performative acts, so the seeds of respect will be planted, and in time will grow.
Written By Preston
April 19, 2021, 12:30 p.m.(4/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Dear Little Sister,
It has been....well, I lost track of the months and years, you work it out. Anyway, it has been sometime since you and half my friends went off on your mission. I am not sure if I am more upset that you left me behind, or that the small group of you constituted at least half my friends. I think mostly I miss you all. We have finished refurbishments to the siege yard at the Templar Compound, and I think how much fun Esoka would have had there with Ida. Or how much you would have enjoyed the Laurent joust where - continuing my usual poor form in such things - I was put on my rear in one pass on the tilt by Baron Norwood.
The city is both changing, and also as it ever was. I have had a lot of time to think about change of late, both because of the events in the Faith but also in all else that has gone on. People seem to confuse it. They think anything that is old must be bad, and all that is new is good. Rather, it seems that we must use what is old to inform us where we must go next, what change is necessary to get to the place we will be. The journey we are on.
The Templar numbers are rebuilt after Sungreet, and yes I took an arrow in the shoulder there. I can hear you and Esoka chuckling from here. Though at least Esoka will have the good grace to be embarrassed by her amusement at it. I kept thinking in the battle 'If only a small knight were charging through here with a dagger in her hand, it would all be better'. But now we face the next hurdle as summer comes upon us. The next campaigning season. The blade is as honed as it will be, we must just hope it drives deep enough and ends the threat - or you will find the wilds of Arvum that you tread to be busy as we flee ahead of the Eurusi.
Sorry I should be more cheerful. Though I can at times hear your gruff agreement with me on things. It always struck me as strange, and what people never understood - that the two of us with different views and backgrounds could agree on so much, and disagree, and become so trusting of one another. I know that in the darkest moment you will all come back to us if needed. I hope that we can do our best to never require that, to give you all the time you need to do what you do. And I hope, one day, to return to us with great stories.
Did I ever tell you we have a very large goat now? We call him Jeffers. You'd like him. He's stubborn and eats the occasional hat.
Ever your brother,
Preston
It has been....well, I lost track of the months and years, you work it out. Anyway, it has been sometime since you and half my friends went off on your mission. I am not sure if I am more upset that you left me behind, or that the small group of you constituted at least half my friends. I think mostly I miss you all. We have finished refurbishments to the siege yard at the Templar Compound, and I think how much fun Esoka would have had there with Ida. Or how much you would have enjoyed the Laurent joust where - continuing my usual poor form in such things - I was put on my rear in one pass on the tilt by Baron Norwood.
The city is both changing, and also as it ever was. I have had a lot of time to think about change of late, both because of the events in the Faith but also in all else that has gone on. People seem to confuse it. They think anything that is old must be bad, and all that is new is good. Rather, it seems that we must use what is old to inform us where we must go next, what change is necessary to get to the place we will be. The journey we are on.
The Templar numbers are rebuilt after Sungreet, and yes I took an arrow in the shoulder there. I can hear you and Esoka chuckling from here. Though at least Esoka will have the good grace to be embarrassed by her amusement at it. I kept thinking in the battle 'If only a small knight were charging through here with a dagger in her hand, it would all be better'. But now we face the next hurdle as summer comes upon us. The next campaigning season. The blade is as honed as it will be, we must just hope it drives deep enough and ends the threat - or you will find the wilds of Arvum that you tread to be busy as we flee ahead of the Eurusi.
Sorry I should be more cheerful. Though I can at times hear your gruff agreement with me on things. It always struck me as strange, and what people never understood - that the two of us with different views and backgrounds could agree on so much, and disagree, and become so trusting of one another. I know that in the darkest moment you will all come back to us if needed. I hope that we can do our best to never require that, to give you all the time you need to do what you do. And I hope, one day, to return to us with great stories.
Did I ever tell you we have a very large goat now? We call him Jeffers. You'd like him. He's stubborn and eats the occasional hat.
Ever your brother,
Preston
Written By Preston
April 19, 2021, 6:42 a.m.(4/26/1015 AR)
Templars are in every domain of the Compact - and raised from every domain, every parish. It is one of the first things the Seraphs will recruit among their flock, those who are devoted and will protect the Faith in their lands. Trained by dispatched Godsworn knights, and Templars from neighbouring more established parishes to help bolster initial numbers, it is the foundation of a strong and faithful land.
We go where we are needed by the requirements of the Faith, which from time to time is to support the sufficiently pious noble houses in defence of lands against threats from beyond the Compact.
For those worried about the Templars stretching themselves, well. It is true we have many commitments across Arvum. But do not worry, as I say, we are in every domain and from every domain. Each individual rain drop is small, but across a large area? They are a flood.
We go where we are needed by the requirements of the Faith, which from time to time is to support the sufficiently pious noble houses in defence of lands against threats from beyond the Compact.
For those worried about the Templars stretching themselves, well. It is true we have many commitments across Arvum. But do not worry, as I say, we are in every domain and from every domain. Each individual rain drop is small, but across a large area? They are a flood.
Written By Preston
April 17, 2021, 8:09 a.m.(4/22/1015 AR)
We are a Compact bound by tradition and respect for the Gods. Bound by what we were, what we shall be, and the oaths we have taken.
If one disparages tradition and disparages the Gods, then what is left? By what right do they rule? Only by force and circumstance. Fleeting at best. It is no path to stability or growth.
I suppose some will say I am of the Orthodoxy, that it is my nature to take absolute stances. They will point to Brother Fawkuhl, claim I am more him than those who have followed. But I would point out that the Faith of the Pantheon has outlived a great many things, it holds to the values of the Gods - and tries to hold our people to them - even when circumstances challenge that. While the Legates - and myself on matters of Eurus - may act as the Most Holy's voice, the Most Holy is Voice of the Gods. Consider this when you think of the strength of reaction. Consider it if you ever doubt it. Think how you would act, how you would feel, if a Duke of Grayson who acted as Voice of the King were murdered on the steps of the Palace. Think how you react to false kings and fake lordlings.
The Faith is inviolate, eternal. Such stability requires that the Faith is unyielding when serious violations occur. It requires the Faith holds to tradition and to the Gods even when others falter. For we do not have the luxury to err, for our fall would be the fall of all.
If one disparages tradition and disparages the Gods, then what is left? By what right do they rule? Only by force and circumstance. Fleeting at best. It is no path to stability or growth.
I suppose some will say I am of the Orthodoxy, that it is my nature to take absolute stances. They will point to Brother Fawkuhl, claim I am more him than those who have followed. But I would point out that the Faith of the Pantheon has outlived a great many things, it holds to the values of the Gods - and tries to hold our people to them - even when circumstances challenge that. While the Legates - and myself on matters of Eurus - may act as the Most Holy's voice, the Most Holy is Voice of the Gods. Consider this when you think of the strength of reaction. Consider it if you ever doubt it. Think how you would act, how you would feel, if a Duke of Grayson who acted as Voice of the King were murdered on the steps of the Palace. Think how you react to false kings and fake lordlings.
The Faith is inviolate, eternal. Such stability requires that the Faith is unyielding when serious violations occur. It requires the Faith holds to tradition and to the Gods even when others falter. For we do not have the luxury to err, for our fall would be the fall of all.
Written By Preston
April 16, 2021, 6:29 a.m.(4/20/1015 AR)
It is heartening to see nobles wish to stand up for the honour of the Faith, for the Faith is all of us. It is the string that connects us all, across the vast distances that can exist between our villages, castles and other holdings. To attack that string is to then attack all of us, and why the Faith is inviolate. But then, those who have spent their life alone cannot be expected to understand that as instinctively as nobles born to the title.
One should not mistake the silence of the Faith as acceptance, forgiveness or indifference to words that are said - one should simply understand the silence as the patience of a weary parent, determined that our children should be better. A parent fighting far larger battles against enemies that threaten us all and who is thus quite busy, for now.
One should not mistake the silence of the Faith as acceptance, forgiveness or indifference to words that are said - one should simply understand the silence as the patience of a weary parent, determined that our children should be better. A parent fighting far larger battles against enemies that threaten us all and who is thus quite busy, for now.
Written By Preston
March 1, 2021, 9:02 a.m.(1/13/1015 AR)
I have waited and thought about this. The response one should make. The response one is expected to make.
Sina and I did not agree on matters of detailed theology - Sina was the embodiment of her God, to her knowledge was an absolute good. To be shared freely, whatever it was. That is not to say she did not keep secrets, but I know that each was uncomfortable for her. I have always known knowledge is a tool - it may be wielded for good or for evil, just as any tool. The intent behind decides this. Of course, where we agreed was that fear could never stop us from progressing. Fear could never hold us back. Yet, these are minor points of theology. There was a hundred times, a thousand times, more things that we agreed upon. And we worked together from time to time, perhaps not enough, to protect the Faith and her people.
And now she is dead. Gone. I do not yet have my first grey hair, I do not yet ache in my bones, or wake up sore in my bed, and yet I have seen so many taken, so many go. Some I hope to see again - and if somehow this gets to Dames Thena and Esoka, I hope they realise I will expect the finest of sticky sweet buns to make up for their absence - but others not. I wish I could curse and shout, rant and rave, that the ones that did this will come to justice, that I will raze the countryside to find them immediately. But Sina would not want this. Because she served the Faith, and knows our enemies are many and sadly some who would profane and claim to be our friends, our obedient beloved children even. The Faith must always be a strong beacon of the light. And perhaps her attackers are among those we now face and will end as our enemies, perhaps they are among others.
But they should find no succour in knowing that the Faith is willing to be patient. Because there is this thing about the Faith, it does not forget. It remembers each act because we see everything. We know everything. We are everywhere. And perhaps it will be in a day, perhaps a week, perhaps a month or even a year, but there will be a moment when you will hear that faint thud of an arrow piercing your clothing as you are found and taken for trial. And until then? Every snapping twig, every rustle of leaves, every suspicious merchant, every quiet tavern guest, every shadow you see? They will all be reminders that we come. And that another few sands have run through your hourglass, marking the inexorable march of the Sentinel to your door.
Sina and I did not agree on matters of detailed theology - Sina was the embodiment of her God, to her knowledge was an absolute good. To be shared freely, whatever it was. That is not to say she did not keep secrets, but I know that each was uncomfortable for her. I have always known knowledge is a tool - it may be wielded for good or for evil, just as any tool. The intent behind decides this. Of course, where we agreed was that fear could never stop us from progressing. Fear could never hold us back. Yet, these are minor points of theology. There was a hundred times, a thousand times, more things that we agreed upon. And we worked together from time to time, perhaps not enough, to protect the Faith and her people.
And now she is dead. Gone. I do not yet have my first grey hair, I do not yet ache in my bones, or wake up sore in my bed, and yet I have seen so many taken, so many go. Some I hope to see again - and if somehow this gets to Dames Thena and Esoka, I hope they realise I will expect the finest of sticky sweet buns to make up for their absence - but others not. I wish I could curse and shout, rant and rave, that the ones that did this will come to justice, that I will raze the countryside to find them immediately. But Sina would not want this. Because she served the Faith, and knows our enemies are many and sadly some who would profane and claim to be our friends, our obedient beloved children even. The Faith must always be a strong beacon of the light. And perhaps her attackers are among those we now face and will end as our enemies, perhaps they are among others.
But they should find no succour in knowing that the Faith is willing to be patient. Because there is this thing about the Faith, it does not forget. It remembers each act because we see everything. We know everything. We are everywhere. And perhaps it will be in a day, perhaps a week, perhaps a month or even a year, but there will be a moment when you will hear that faint thud of an arrow piercing your clothing as you are found and taken for trial. And until then? Every snapping twig, every rustle of leaves, every suspicious merchant, every quiet tavern guest, every shadow you see? They will all be reminders that we come. And that another few sands have run through your hourglass, marking the inexorable march of the Sentinel to your door.
Written By Preston
Feb. 15, 2021, 6:57 a.m.(12/10/1014 AR)
The Faith acts often quietly and in private - we offer advice, consolation, listen to problems, guide, educate, support, protect. A thousand thousand acts and more a day across Arvum to help hold our people together, to help them advance. Our desire has always been, will always be, to see our people flourish and to see them walk a good path.
This is not always possible, sometimes people fall. And sometimes people leap, run from the path, seeking some easy shortcut. Sometimes no matter how we reach out, no matter the attempts, they will refuse to come back to the path. Even more rarely are these people of the Faith. And yet, the investment of the Faith in that person is not wasted, for they have one use left. As examples. As a lesson. And such lessons are taught in public.
This is not always possible, sometimes people fall. And sometimes people leap, run from the path, seeking some easy shortcut. Sometimes no matter how we reach out, no matter the attempts, they will refuse to come back to the path. Even more rarely are these people of the Faith. And yet, the investment of the Faith in that person is not wasted, for they have one use left. As examples. As a lesson. And such lessons are taught in public.
Written By Preston
Jan. 12, 2021, 11:03 a.m.(9/26/1014 AR)
There are times I peruse the whites, reading what the nobility have to talk about - for the Faith cares for all its children and would know they are well and their minds focused on their tasks.
Written By Preston
Dec. 24, 2020, 9:35 a.m.(8/16/1014 AR)
I remain quite wary of embassies of these foreign powers. That the Cardians do not worship the Gods I find strange, offputting...unsettling perhaps. Yet, in the legends of the Faith and the Compact, the Cardians honoured an oath made to come and defend the Compact against the enemies of the Gods. I have no love still of those that rule Cardia, they offer imperiously through their man Marcus their protection at the cost of everything we are. If other groups of Cardians, these 'Scales', wish to re-learn the ways of Limerance and honour those Oaths made? Then I will welcome that and tolerate such an embassy while that occurs. I have no interest in us adopting the ways of these foreign powers, but I have every interest in teaching them, in them adapting to become our friends.
To that end we should welcome this move with cautious optimism, but with our eyes open. Guests are welcomed, courtesy given, but trust is earned.
To that end we should welcome this move with cautious optimism, but with our eyes open. Guests are welcomed, courtesy given, but trust is earned.
Written By Preston
Dec. 23, 2020, 6:28 a.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
The killing of Prince Damik is a tragedy. Not because he saved our lives, though he did. Not because he was an ally, though he was. Not because he would have been invaluable in our efforts to liberate Eurus, though he would have been. It was a tragedy because he was trying to improve himself and that is now cut short. He was trying to learn our ways, to embrace the commands of our Gods, to love one of us, to begin a life. All of that is ended. The myriad of possible futures cut away like a felled tree.
I have every confidence in his deputies to control matters and continue his work with the Eurusi he brought with him, I have every confidence that we will win without him, in this Crusade to save ourselves and - when we are able - in the next to liberate Eurus. May he return to the Wheel, may his soul find a happier path in its next life, and may his killers find the Sentinel's justice.
Ultimately though these murderers are failures - they killed a man, they cannot stop the mission he was on, the dream we all hold, the defeat that is coming for their master.
I have every confidence in his deputies to control matters and continue his work with the Eurusi he brought with him, I have every confidence that we will win without him, in this Crusade to save ourselves and - when we are able - in the next to liberate Eurus. May he return to the Wheel, may his soul find a happier path in its next life, and may his killers find the Sentinel's justice.
Ultimately though these murderers are failures - they killed a man, they cannot stop the mission he was on, the dream we all hold, the defeat that is coming for their master.
Written By Preston
Dec. 16, 2020, 8:29 p.m.(8/1/1014 AR)
6 horses pull a wagon. Each horse is a noble and intelligent creature. Each horse knows how best it wants to move. And yet, if each of them lead then all of them falter and the wagon clatters to a halt and tips over in the road. Sometimes no matter how noble and intelligent a creature, it is necessary for them to first look at what unites and binds them in purpose. The cart, it's harnesses, the gentle tugs of the wagon master to suggest the direction to go. Hitched together the horses are not as fast as they would be free, but together they can do so much more, achieve such great things. But only when they first look to what unites them, and listens to its pull.
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