Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 10:42 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Speak for yourself. I speak to my plants and thank my herbs all the time.
Written By Belladonna
June 17, 2018, 8:51 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Yes, right up until the point Dominus Fawkhul pushed Archduchess Esera Velenosa from Sovereign Bridge. At which point he was taken into custody, stripped of his position, and Esera was granted posthumous forgiveness by the Faith, if I'm not mistaken. That the other High Lords sought forgiveness -before- his regrettable break from sanity was discovered is moot.
Written By Belladonna
June 17, 2018, 8:38 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Just because one person's viewpoints are right, does not automatically make another person's viewpoints wrong, Sir Preston. We are a cohesive group with many beliefs and walks of life. What is right for one person may not be right for another. That does not make them wrong anymore than what is right for -you- making another's choices wrong for not having walked the same path.
I believe you are trying to force an issue with many shades of gray into stark black and white. There is not 'what is right and what is wrong'. There is 'what is right for -you-?'. And that is a question that every person in Arx, Shaman or Priest, Common or Noble, should be asking themselves right now. The Gods give us much.. including the right to -choose- what is right for us as individuals. What is saddening people throughout the city is that they are being told that what is -right- for them is actually -wrong- because it does not follow what someone else thinks it should be.
What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged. I doubt my late husband, a man of devout Faith and member of the Knights of Solace, would have cared if it was a shaman who closed his wounds on the battlefield so long as they did a proper job of it. I know for damn sure neither he nor I would give one fuck what mingled beliefs they held if it meant healing our son of an illness.
I will leave one final reminder. The last time we had a Dominus decide that something was not allowed because it went against the Faith, High Lords were excommunicated and an Archduchess lost her life. Pray we are not looking to repeat history by substituting the Nox'alfar with the Shamans.
I believe you are trying to force an issue with many shades of gray into stark black and white. There is not 'what is right and what is wrong'. There is 'what is right for -you-?'. And that is a question that every person in Arx, Shaman or Priest, Common or Noble, should be asking themselves right now. The Gods give us much.. including the right to -choose- what is right for us as individuals. What is saddening people throughout the city is that they are being told that what is -right- for them is actually -wrong- because it does not follow what someone else thinks it should be.
What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged. I doubt my late husband, a man of devout Faith and member of the Knights of Solace, would have cared if it was a shaman who closed his wounds on the battlefield so long as they did a proper job of it. I know for damn sure neither he nor I would give one fuck what mingled beliefs they held if it meant healing our son of an illness.
I will leave one final reminder. The last time we had a Dominus decide that something was not allowed because it went against the Faith, High Lords were excommunicated and an Archduchess lost her life. Pray we are not looking to repeat history by substituting the Nox'alfar with the Shamans.
Written By Shard
June 17, 2018, 6:41 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I don't know about the high lord, but being a sanctimonious jackass always convinces me to give up my misguided worships.
Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 5:25 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
That is to say, anyone who is a layperson.
Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 4:40 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
While the Dominus' words are not to be denied, I think perhaps denying the ability of the populace in general to ask questions and explore the reasons for the pronouncement is a bit harsh. As a Scholar of Vellichor, questions are of paramount importance to me, regardless of the situation, so that we might gain a better understanding of a thing. Discussion and debate can be healthy in some circumstances, and while the decision will likely not change, it is an opportunity for us, as representatives of the Faith, to address those concerns and questions and even solidify our own stance on the matter.
As I discuss and debate the matter here in the journals, I find that my own questions are answered, after reviewing and considering the responses of others. If we are not free to discuss matters, even if they are decreed by the most beloved of the Gods, then we are not following the precepts of Vellichor, who is the God of Knowledge, nor of the Thirteenth, whose precepts ask us to examine a situation from all angles. To accept these matters on blind faith alone, while understandable for some, is not something that everyone is able to do. Discussion and deep reflection is needed in order to ease the transition into this new policy.
As it stands, I was at first disheartened by the pronouncement, but my questions and the discussion with others has assured me that it is the right course. I, like many, had a knee-jerk reaction to the situation and saw at first the alarming potential for that very schism the Dominus is hoping to avoid. But then, on thought, prayer and reflection as well as discussion and questions, I have come to realize that this situation is not as dire as it seems. It is simply that if one wishes to be a Disciple of the Faith, one cannot also follow the ways of Shamanism. But there's nothing in what the Dominius said to prevent anyone from 'walking both paths' as far as worship goes.
As I discuss and debate the matter here in the journals, I find that my own questions are answered, after reviewing and considering the responses of others. If we are not free to discuss matters, even if they are decreed by the most beloved of the Gods, then we are not following the precepts of Vellichor, who is the God of Knowledge, nor of the Thirteenth, whose precepts ask us to examine a situation from all angles. To accept these matters on blind faith alone, while understandable for some, is not something that everyone is able to do. Discussion and deep reflection is needed in order to ease the transition into this new policy.
As it stands, I was at first disheartened by the pronouncement, but my questions and the discussion with others has assured me that it is the right course. I, like many, had a knee-jerk reaction to the situation and saw at first the alarming potential for that very schism the Dominus is hoping to avoid. But then, on thought, prayer and reflection as well as discussion and questions, I have come to realize that this situation is not as dire as it seems. It is simply that if one wishes to be a Disciple of the Faith, one cannot also follow the ways of Shamanism. But there's nothing in what the Dominius said to prevent anyone from 'walking both paths' as far as worship goes.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 4:37 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
To which I direct you at Sina's repsonse to the Archlector Skald of which I was responding. I hold no grudge against The Gods and Goddesses of the Pantheon nor their followers. They are not the ones that made this decision.
Written By Eleyna
May 28, 2018, 1:46 p.m.(11/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Everything, even the supposed will of the Gods, should be questioned thoroughly. Even if you think you know the answer. If the answer is truly the Truth, then it will stand up to inspection again and again and again. Truth cannot be corrupted by questioning.
It's just the moment that we fall into complacency in the assumption that we know all the answers that we are the most prone to that corruption. Most often the will of the Gods is filtered through the mouths and actions of men. Without thorough questioning of the will and of oneself, how are we to trust that we speak for the Gods and not for our own desires being hidden behind those of the Gods?
I encourage everyone to question. Themselves. Others. Gods.
Blind obedience without careful inspection is a betrayal of those that fought to give us the ability to question.
It's just the moment that we fall into complacency in the assumption that we know all the answers that we are the most prone to that corruption. Most often the will of the Gods is filtered through the mouths and actions of men. Without thorough questioning of the will and of oneself, how are we to trust that we speak for the Gods and not for our own desires being hidden behind those of the Gods?
I encourage everyone to question. Themselves. Others. Gods.
Blind obedience without careful inspection is a betrayal of those that fought to give us the ability to question.
Written By Shard
May 22, 2018, 1:53 p.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
When it comes to the Abandoned and the Compact, their view of what is the righteous, brave choice is not usually the one you're thinking of. When it comes to the choice Calaudrin and I witnessed playing out, actual enslavement or horrific death of themselves and the death of themselves and everyone (their children included) they knew, I'm not going to sit and talk about what choice Gloria or whoever the fuck would find the most meaningful; we saw the results of the people who either chose to resist or panicked and tried to run. If you talk to either of us (or both), in person we'll share the details.
But those were other people. As for that family? I highly doubt they /chose/ their fate. Skald's Reflection isn't usually big on choices. At least, not meaningful ones.
My point was there's nothing wrong with coming together, unifying for a cause, isn't in and of itself a problem, but conformity for the sake of conformity isn't something to strive for. It's not a virtue. Taken to its extreme, its horrifying. If that's not something you believe, then great. We agree on something.
But those were other people. As for that family? I highly doubt they /chose/ their fate. Skald's Reflection isn't usually big on choices. At least, not meaningful ones.
My point was there's nothing wrong with coming together, unifying for a cause, isn't in and of itself a problem, but conformity for the sake of conformity isn't something to strive for. It's not a virtue. Taken to its extreme, its horrifying. If that's not something you believe, then great. We agree on something.
Written By Calaudrin
May 22, 2018, 9:41 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I'm not a father but I think would have a difficult time choosing between the options of "Dead and free" or "enslaved and alive" for my children, for myself even. I think these are important perspectives to view.
Written By Calaudrin
May 22, 2018, 8:36 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I'll admit that I haven't searched the archives for every entry between yourself and Shard. That said, I think the point being made is that some choices are not choices at all but the will of another being forced on you. And that for a great many Abandoned tribes, this is their view of the Compact.
There's been centuries of conflict, that we are where we are isn't surprising. And that someone would take advantage of those fissures isn't either.
I was there with Shard when she met that family in the Gray Forest. We saw other dark things along the way. But this was the worst without a doubt. It's the kind of thing that creeps on you throughout the day, constantly reminding you of its profound horror.
They were told they had choices too, but the loss of everything, one way or another isn't a choice.
I think I really went off the point I was trying to make. This is why I don't write long shit like this in the whites.
There's been centuries of conflict, that we are where we are isn't surprising. And that someone would take advantage of those fissures isn't either.
I was there with Shard when she met that family in the Gray Forest. We saw other dark things along the way. But this was the worst without a doubt. It's the kind of thing that creeps on you throughout the day, constantly reminding you of its profound horror.
They were told they had choices too, but the loss of everything, one way or another isn't a choice.
I think I really went off the point I was trying to make. This is why I don't write long shit like this in the whites.
Written By Shard
May 22, 2018, 7:12 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I don't need a lecture about how life is cruel or unfair, or how choices can be lopsided, or how actions have consequences. We're both adults, we're both well aware of all of that for our own personal reasons. But there's a difference between life shaking out as it will, between the consequences of personal choices, and people with a great deal of power using those realities as an excuse to ignore how inconvenient, or uncomfortable, Skald can be, for the sake of stepping all over the freedoms and choices of other people.
Let me be blunter; the family I met in the Gray Forest worshiped the Enslaver and saw the Horned One as a savior for all peoples everywhere, because they had no ability to think anything differently, any more than they could think differently from each other. They were the perfect example of conformity that no one, anywhere, should ever want to be like, no matter how happy they seemed. It was one of the creepiest fucking things I've ever witnessed, and I've seen some damn creepy shit.
Let me be blunter; the family I met in the Gray Forest worshiped the Enslaver and saw the Horned One as a savior for all peoples everywhere, because they had no ability to think anything differently, any more than they could think differently from each other. They were the perfect example of conformity that no one, anywhere, should ever want to be like, no matter how happy they seemed. It was one of the creepiest fucking things I've ever witnessed, and I've seen some damn creepy shit.
Written By Shard
May 21, 2018, 2:43 p.m.(10/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Well, that's convenient. You could make an argument for just about anything using that, and say that Skald actually supported it. You could say that it's a choice to live in slavery or die, so anything short of enslaving the mind is perfectly fine and should be legal. You can impose any restrictions on someone else and say 'I'm not actually going against Skald's wishes, I'm just giving you /different/ choices'.
I met a family that lived in perfect conformity a few weeks back. They were so in tune with each other that not only could they finish each other's sentences, they could speak for each other, and do each other's work without exchanging a single word. They were so similar, they didn't even have names to tell each other apart. They seemed very happy. They claimed that living like they did involved no pain and no strife. I suppose you can't argue that the group they're a part of is weak. And yet, somehow, I suspect you'd disapprove of who they worshiped.
I met a family that lived in perfect conformity a few weeks back. They were so in tune with each other that not only could they finish each other's sentences, they could speak for each other, and do each other's work without exchanging a single word. They were so similar, they didn't even have names to tell each other apart. They seemed very happy. They claimed that living like they did involved no pain and no strife. I suppose you can't argue that the group they're a part of is weak. And yet, somehow, I suspect you'd disapprove of who they worshiped.
Written By Esoka
April 1, 2018, 7:18 p.m.(6/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I'm not always at ease with the Orthodox members of the godsworn. I've lived all my time in the Compact in the Crownlands and feel my relationship with the Faith might've been very different if I'd bent the knee among the Valardins. During my time with the Templars, though, I've come to respect Sir Preston's dedication and commitment to Gloria's ideals deeply. The losses suffered at Stormwall were heavy all around, and were felt starkly among the Swords of the Faith. The task ahead of him is not an easy one but he shoulders the burdens of it ably and without complaint. I hope I can be of service as one of Gloria's disciples in the rebuilding and honoring of those Templars who fell.
Written By Shard
March 22, 2018, 6:47 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I don't think any of us were shocked. Like I said, this is extremely common. Maybe I was a little surprised that it started up before the bodies are even in the ground or on the pyre, before we've even finished notifying families, but shocked?
You both act as though you were the only ones to sacrifice out there. As if the Faith were alone in standing against the enemy, and you all did the rest of us a great big favor in doing so, as if you weren't standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the Compact, with every single House, Crownsworn, noble and commoner, Compact-born and prodigal, devout, shaman, and I guarantee you entirely faithless soldiers, every last one dying by the thousands because the Gyre's men and monsters did not give one single shit who they were killing or how brave they were or what they were worshiping or how. By all means, praise your people and the things they did, by all accounts they deserve that and more, but you don't do your dead any honor by stepping on the ones they died alongside or died to protect.
You've seen the casualty reports. The entire Compact is grieving. I watched the detachment of Valardin calvary in Setarco lose half of their entire number in a single charge, but somehow they've refrained from writing about how Setarco was unworthy of their presence. Most of the people Thesarin took north didn't return. Mercenary casualties are always high, given how we're deployed. All of Stormwall is homeless. The Seliki fleet is simply gone.
You talk about understanding, and then you talk about how shamanism 'tweaks your noses' by existing. She talks about unity, and then she says anyone who doesn't pray to the gods should be 'made to see the error of their ways'. Before I left to war, I wrote that I wasn't a crusader, and I wasn't fighting a crusade, even if I was fighting on the side of the gods. I said I didn't want to be mistaken for that if I died. This is why. You talk out of both sides of your mouths, and as soon as the real enemy is out of sight, you start eyeing up your allies, even the ones that absolutely do worship the gods and do follow your Faith, as most Compact shamans I've met do, because they don't do it exactly the way you want them to. And in the meantime, you pay bare lip service to one of your gods while completely ignoring everything he represents, since that's damned inconvenient when it comes to controlling everything around you.
You both act as though you were the only ones to sacrifice out there. As if the Faith were alone in standing against the enemy, and you all did the rest of us a great big favor in doing so, as if you weren't standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the Compact, with every single House, Crownsworn, noble and commoner, Compact-born and prodigal, devout, shaman, and I guarantee you entirely faithless soldiers, every last one dying by the thousands because the Gyre's men and monsters did not give one single shit who they were killing or how brave they were or what they were worshiping or how. By all means, praise your people and the things they did, by all accounts they deserve that and more, but you don't do your dead any honor by stepping on the ones they died alongside or died to protect.
You've seen the casualty reports. The entire Compact is grieving. I watched the detachment of Valardin calvary in Setarco lose half of their entire number in a single charge, but somehow they've refrained from writing about how Setarco was unworthy of their presence. Most of the people Thesarin took north didn't return. Mercenary casualties are always high, given how we're deployed. All of Stormwall is homeless. The Seliki fleet is simply gone.
You talk about understanding, and then you talk about how shamanism 'tweaks your noses' by existing. She talks about unity, and then she says anyone who doesn't pray to the gods should be 'made to see the error of their ways'. Before I left to war, I wrote that I wasn't a crusader, and I wasn't fighting a crusade, even if I was fighting on the side of the gods. I said I didn't want to be mistaken for that if I died. This is why. You talk out of both sides of your mouths, and as soon as the real enemy is out of sight, you start eyeing up your allies, even the ones that absolutely do worship the gods and do follow your Faith, as most Compact shamans I've met do, because they don't do it exactly the way you want them to. And in the meantime, you pay bare lip service to one of your gods while completely ignoring everything he represents, since that's damned inconvenient when it comes to controlling everything around you.
Written By Thena
March 20, 2018, 1:30 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I’m actually kind of speechless right now.
[Scholars Note: Dame Thena has requested that I add ‘scholar, I can /hear/ you laughing’ to this entry]
[Scholars Note: Dame Thena has requested that I add ‘scholar, I can /hear/ you laughing’ to this entry]
Written By Harlan
March 20, 2018, 11:43 a.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Obviously, I did not make my bow, armor, et al.
I also am not questioning the person who did, or asking why they used whatever technique they used. I would be foolish to do so.
That's the difference here. My ire is not for everyone who did not go to war. To be angry with people simply because they were not fighting is ludicrous. You did read the entire journal, correct?
My specific point was for those who were not fighting, but had the gall to question how the military leadership chose to fight the battle. They were not there. They did not know anything about what was happening -- they have no business questioning anything.
I also am not questioning the person who did, or asking why they used whatever technique they used. I would be foolish to do so.
That's the difference here. My ire is not for everyone who did not go to war. To be angry with people simply because they were not fighting is ludicrous. You did read the entire journal, correct?
My specific point was for those who were not fighting, but had the gall to question how the military leadership chose to fight the battle. They were not there. They did not know anything about what was happening -- they have no business questioning anything.
Written By Thena
March 15, 2018, 7:11 a.m.(5/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I didn’t name him. Everyone knows I don’t name things.
Written By Thena
March 1, 2018, 1:48 p.m.(4/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Only Brother Driskell. I didn't do anything.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 20, 2018, 8 p.m.(3/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I find myself humbled by Legate Orazio's journal from earlier today. I'm grown enough to admit that when I read Sir Preston's whites, my own ego was struck. I found myself offended on not only the behalf of the people who call the Oathlands home with me, but myself. My own insecurities and faults. For that I am completely guilty.
I then went out of my way, to engage in a discourse in which I wasn't fully listening to the concerns that came from a young man of the Faith. One that has already accomplished much in his time as a Godsworn and is more than allowed to have worries of his own.
My behavior was the very sort that I would disapprove of in others. To Sir Preston, I owe you a most contrite apology and I intend to make the fullest of amends to yourself and the Faith Militant as a whole.
I then went out of my way, to engage in a discourse in which I wasn't fully listening to the concerns that came from a young man of the Faith. One that has already accomplished much in his time as a Godsworn and is more than allowed to have worries of his own.
My behavior was the very sort that I would disapprove of in others. To Sir Preston, I owe you a most contrite apology and I intend to make the fullest of amends to yourself and the Faith Militant as a whole.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.