Written By Preston
March 24, 2020, 5:20 a.m.(12/25/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Sir Jeffeth and his challenge are a personal matter he undertakes, not an action he takes as representative of the Faith. The Faith does not duel over disputes of theology or the commands of the Gods - the Faith does not offer simply an opinion on the Will of the Gods, the Dominus speaks as Their voice. Beyond question from the children of the Faith. This challenge is a matter between the two of you and your champions. If you have an issue with his behaviour, Sir Jeffeth answers to a Legate and to the Dominus as all of us Godsworn do. He does not answer to a noblewoman, no matter their rank.
You can try to make it something larger, perhaps to cover your own embarassment, that's anyone's right to make these choices. But I would advise against seeking to make grand statements on behalf of Pravus against the Faith unless Archduchess Belladonna is willing to publicly stand by and make them too. And to attempt to create discontent and disquiet as we face the threats we do, well. That would paint an unfortunate picture.
You can try to make it something larger, perhaps to cover your own embarassment, that's anyone's right to make these choices. But I would advise against seeking to make grand statements on behalf of Pravus against the Faith unless Archduchess Belladonna is willing to publicly stand by and make them too. And to attempt to create discontent and disquiet as we face the threats we do, well. That would paint an unfortunate picture.
Written By Preston
March 23, 2020, 8:55 a.m.(12/23/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
Sister Juniper was a Godsworn and dedicated to the Gods and to the well being of all the faithful. If you know nothing else about her, the that should be sufficient to mourn her passing.
I did not know her well, but it seems the nature of her passing - helping so many - is in keeping with what I had heard of her, and is in the best traditions of the Faith. May each thought of her be a blessing to those who knew her, each tear shed a memorial to her impact.
I did not know her well, but it seems the nature of her passing - helping so many - is in keeping with what I had heard of her, and is in the best traditions of the Faith. May each thought of her be a blessing to those who knew her, each tear shed a memorial to her impact.
Written By Preston
March 18, 2020, 9:06 p.m.(12/14/1012 AR)
People have choices. They may choose to fight Eurus, they may choose to stay at home, they may choose to try and convince Eurus to leave. Obviously I think that the last is pointless - there is no deal with Eurus that they will offer which we can live with. Coming to accomodation with those who worship beyond the mirror has never gone well.
However, if they should choose to go beyond this, to take up arms in defense of the Eurusi invasion, to side against the Faith and oppose the Faith with force of arms? There is no return from this for those who make this choice.
However, if they should choose to go beyond this, to take up arms in defense of the Eurusi invasion, to side against the Faith and oppose the Faith with force of arms? There is no return from this for those who make this choice.
Written By Preston
March 15, 2020, 6:09 a.m.(12/7/1012 AR)
And so it is done. The votes taken. The die cast.
The Faith is clear and united - this Eurusi invasion, the Dune Emperor and his armies, are a threat that must be ended.
The Faith is clear and united - this Eurusi invasion, the Dune Emperor and his armies, are a threat that must be ended.
Written By Preston
March 7, 2020, 1:11 p.m.(11/20/1012 AR)
There do seem to be strong views about the Eurusi Crusade. That is understandable. Personally I have stronger indignation over the fact a foreign group of heretics are coming to invade our lands and have been welcomed by those who are meant to be loyal vassals of the Compact and devoted children of the Gods. I have greater concerns that a force of slavers so abuse others - and we know this includes those they kidnap who by all rights owe fealty to the Compact and the Gods.
Yes, the armies they send will contain many slaves. No, that does not mean we should not fight them. This army, this invasion, is underway. This invasion must be stopped so that we can move on to liberate. Those who are taken as prisoners, I have every confidence the Faith can help embrace freedom. For those who do not, I will weep that we could not free them before it was too late. But I cannot allow more innocents to die, more to fall into chains, in order to have an easy life.
There are many ways that the liberation of Eurus will be achieved, I am hopeful the people of Eurus will be central to that - for we are pledged to go as liberator and not conqueror. But, first Sungreet must be resolved, Helianthus must come to obedience of the Faith and its liege, and the Eurusi thrown back. And if to protect the innocent in Sungreet, and beyond, the Faith must stand alone? We shall. But actually I have belief in the nobility beyond some of the doubters. I believe many will join - just as many have joined already, from across the fealties.
We do what we do because it is right, not because it is easy, not because it is simple. Because it is right.
Yes, the armies they send will contain many slaves. No, that does not mean we should not fight them. This army, this invasion, is underway. This invasion must be stopped so that we can move on to liberate. Those who are taken as prisoners, I have every confidence the Faith can help embrace freedom. For those who do not, I will weep that we could not free them before it was too late. But I cannot allow more innocents to die, more to fall into chains, in order to have an easy life.
There are many ways that the liberation of Eurus will be achieved, I am hopeful the people of Eurus will be central to that - for we are pledged to go as liberator and not conqueror. But, first Sungreet must be resolved, Helianthus must come to obedience of the Faith and its liege, and the Eurusi thrown back. And if to protect the innocent in Sungreet, and beyond, the Faith must stand alone? We shall. But actually I have belief in the nobility beyond some of the doubters. I believe many will join - just as many have joined already, from across the fealties.
We do what we do because it is right, not because it is easy, not because it is simple. Because it is right.
Written By Preston
March 6, 2020, 1:23 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Nobles are welcome to disagree with the Faith on matters of temporal rule. They are even welcome, when the Faith pronounces on the calls of the Gods, to ignore such calls - I would wish they did not, and obviously they cannot dispute the theology, but how they rule their domain in almost all cases is a matter for themselves.
What nobles are never free to do is to abandon the worship of the Gods all together, that shared and important thread that binds us all. To embrace the enemies of the Gods, to denounce the Gods, to abandon them, all of these are a problem. One that will be resolved.
There seem to be those who feel they are sufficiently far from the Dominus that such things to not apply to them, I remain hopeful they will repent.
What nobles are never free to do is to abandon the worship of the Gods all together, that shared and important thread that binds us all. To embrace the enemies of the Gods, to denounce the Gods, to abandon them, all of these are a problem. One that will be resolved.
There seem to be those who feel they are sufficiently far from the Dominus that such things to not apply to them, I remain hopeful they will repent.
Written By Preston
March 4, 2020, 11:42 a.m.(11/13/1012 AR)
Nobility is important. The noble lineages, the cultures, the ordering of our society. They are vital and should not be questioned.
But, there is nothing inherently more virtuous about nobility than commoner. Just as nobles are needed to rule, just as our society would not be such without that, so our society would be no where without the commoner. I am a commoner, and having given my oath I will never take land and title.
Just as a commoner must respect a noble, so a noble should show respect for those below them - for it is by their example that people should behave.
But, there is nothing inherently more virtuous about nobility than commoner. Just as nobles are needed to rule, just as our society would not be such without that, so our society would be no where without the commoner. I am a commoner, and having given my oath I will never take land and title.
Just as a commoner must respect a noble, so a noble should show respect for those below them - for it is by their example that people should behave.
Written By Preston
Feb. 24, 2020, 5:31 p.m.(10/24/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Alarissa Thrax is the most unorthodox orthodox person - her values are strong, her methods innovative. Her loyalty and devotion to the Gods however? Beyond question or doubt. She has repeatedly risked everything for the Faith and wears the wounds of those battles. She has taken upon herself the responsibility of raising our fortress in Maelstrom, and raising the funds for it. She has done in that as much as anyone to help restore the Templars to a glory once held. In her own way, she is a true defender of the Faith.
Written By Preston
Feb. 17, 2020, 4:40 a.m.(10.297595486111112/10.66534722222222/1012.7747996238426 AR)
Sometimes one must place one foot in front of the other along the path the commands of the Gods lay out, not knowing how this will lead to the final destination. An act of faith is born of the absence of total certainty - the joy and beauty of faith is that you do not know all the details of what will happen, but knowing it to be right you do it anyway. You step from the cliff in the belief the waves are below to catch you.
I can understand the reluctance of some nobles in this - it is not how they act. They have demands on them, to tend to the land, to look after its people in a pragmatic and physical fashion. It is essential in its own way for our Compact to function, and is born from practical life under the commands of the Gods. To tend to the domain Petrichor has granted. To dispense justice as the Sentinel commands. To protect their people, as Gloria wills. It is a hard thing to abandon certainty. I do not think all will listen or take that leap. I do not blame them for that. And yet, if we do not so the armies of slaves will come and come and either we will be overwhelmed in the end, or the blood of so many who had no choice will soak our hands that the Gods will weep.
I don't know how it will happen, but we will liberate the Isles of the Eurusi presence. I do not know how it will happen, but in the end we will make it to Eurus. But what I ask is that you take just one step along that path, that we prepare our forces and see what the Eurusi will do. And then we will take one more step. And one more. And from these steps, a journey is born.
I can understand the reluctance of some nobles in this - it is not how they act. They have demands on them, to tend to the land, to look after its people in a pragmatic and physical fashion. It is essential in its own way for our Compact to function, and is born from practical life under the commands of the Gods. To tend to the domain Petrichor has granted. To dispense justice as the Sentinel commands. To protect their people, as Gloria wills. It is a hard thing to abandon certainty. I do not think all will listen or take that leap. I do not blame them for that. And yet, if we do not so the armies of slaves will come and come and either we will be overwhelmed in the end, or the blood of so many who had no choice will soak our hands that the Gods will weep.
I don't know how it will happen, but we will liberate the Isles of the Eurusi presence. I do not know how it will happen, but in the end we will make it to Eurus. But what I ask is that you take just one step along that path, that we prepare our forces and see what the Eurusi will do. And then we will take one more step. And one more. And from these steps, a journey is born.
Written By Preston
Feb. 15, 2020, 4:53 p.m.(10.19123263888889/11.709027777777777/1012.7659360532407 AR)
Relationship Note on Teagan
I am delighted by the Direhorns - and am glad Dame Flora and the others could help. They should certainly help hold those mountain passes in your land. And well, they are - I am sure - adorable in their own way. We will have to probably get a sturdy stone enclosure for the ones sent to us however....
Written By Preston
Jan. 31, 2020, 6:22 a.m.(8.985498925264551/35.18793981481482/1012.665458243772 AR)
There is a great deal of conversation now behind closed doors, murmurs and whispers, messengers flying across the city.
What comes?
A force of Eurusi, ships containing unknown troops but likely sufficient at least to take and hold a staging area for further invasion. They appear to be being given safe harbour by a member of the nobility at the lands of Helicanthus within the Mourning Isles, encouraged by - and I shall spit these words - Seraph Waldo, may his name be forever a curse.
The Eurusi, for their practices of the most vile forms of slavery, for their worship which is deviant, for their practices that are insulting to the Gods, for claims which debase the divine, are heretics considered beyond the pale by the Faith. This condemnation is both long standing and also absolute. We have tolerated their presence in the city because they came as emissaries, granted guest right. Equally we have welcomed as friends those who have left those shores and embraced our culture and our ways, who are Eurusi no more but Arvani by choice - and continue to welcome them, and any who would harm them simply because of their origins while claiming justification of our words is a false friend to the Faith. No matter how base creatures the Eurusi "Prophet" and his people, we will never allow that to excuse an insult against the Gods for breach of guest right or sanctuary. Sadly, this also means if they are indeed welcomed to Sungreet, then they are welcomed and cannot be harmed while there, for at least as long as we hold with the Duke Helianthus and with the Seraph.
So. This force, still unknown in number, may be all that there is of this retribution they speak of or it may be the first part of a much larger force intent on coming. The fact it was mobilised so quickly makes you realise that they were perhaps waiting for a pretext for these actions, forces massed and waiting.
And we must act. We must. Grayson has already called their banners to muster, an act that will take time. If we do nothing but wait for them to land, to establish their beachhead and begin to move in troops /before/ we even think about mustering, we will still be gathering our armies when the enemy moves on, when they take more land. It may seem like prudent caution, hoping the war can be avoided. And I share that wish. But, if the war comes, that prudent caution and the delay it causes comes with a cost. Look at a map, pick the holdings you are willing to sacrifice for your caution. Tell Prince Victus which of his vassals, or even his own lands, we are willing to give up in the name of caution. We perhaps might even be too late to prevent their landing on the eastern coast of the mainland.
Mustering our troops does not remove options, but maintains them and provides pressure. Mustering our troops is not an instant matter, but a process. And we cannot forget that we are facing still threats within, this idea that we can do what we did for the Gyre once more is perhaps naive as well. To transport everything to the Isles would require shipping I am unsure we have. To fortresses unable to cope with such Garrisons. So I do not advocate simply raising everything and throwing it into the sea. But you will need troops to guard your lands and suppress threats as your trained forces move east if you respond to this threat. The Faith will need more disciples to slowly raise up to fight, as we send troops east. And equally we will need troops armed and ready to fight and end those threats within our lands already, to ensure we can focus east by the time their main force comes.
Do not underestimate this threat that comes. Do not believe it will be easy. Do not believe that because we have won before, we can simply sit back and wait. Yes, we must discuss more and come to a unified approach, but the duty is on all of us now to prepare the tools that such an approach may need. Or our only choice will be how many innocents we allow to die before we succumb. And that is something we can never allow.
For the Faith though, this must be an absolute fight - there is no soft middle ground in this. These are heretics, come to punish our people for their obedience to the Gods. These are heretics come, claiming dark powers that no doubt will scare people with their nonsense but who do possess technology that is novel to our shores. And just because they send a small part of their force now, do not presume that we can overcome it simply, nor that there isn't a much darker and larger force coming behind. We must stand for the Gods, for the people, for the innocent. We must begin to levy the Templars, we must ask the Solace to prepare their ships and to place their forces to secure the roads we will need to move our armies and recognise the burden it will place on them as Templars mobilise and fewer forces will be keeping abandoned raids at bay other than them.
We must bring the mercies to prepare for the wounded. We must bring forward the Mangatans and the Jayusians to see what can be done to build an armada to transport our men who are first to fight to reinforce our brothers and sisters in the Isles, to hold the enemy's advance, to slow it. We must take scholars to find secrets and ways lost for so long that may help us. We must assemble the Liberators to rally their forces as they did before, to join the fight against slavers.
This requires and demands no less than our total devotion should this come to war. And that will require the Faith operating together, as one. It will require a Carnifex, and if this fleet does come, it will require a Crusade in relief of the Isles and the defense of our eastern shores. And to prepare for that may cost silver, it may cost pride should people decide we are foolish for over preparing, but the cost of finding ourselves in need of these things and not having them ready will be paid in innocent blood and that blood will drown the love the Gods hold for us.
The decisions that come will be for the Most Holy and the Legates, who solemnly consider the actions of the Faith and do so with wisdom beyond my own. Were I asked what must be done now in my opinion? Were it me, Seraph Waldo must be recalled made to answer. We must begin to bring together our forces in stages, not just of the Templars but of every discipleship. The fires in the forges must be lit, the harvest must be brought in, and we must prepare for a bloody autumn and a long winter. And for our ultimate victory, in the name of the Gods.
What comes?
A force of Eurusi, ships containing unknown troops but likely sufficient at least to take and hold a staging area for further invasion. They appear to be being given safe harbour by a member of the nobility at the lands of Helicanthus within the Mourning Isles, encouraged by - and I shall spit these words - Seraph Waldo, may his name be forever a curse.
The Eurusi, for their practices of the most vile forms of slavery, for their worship which is deviant, for their practices that are insulting to the Gods, for claims which debase the divine, are heretics considered beyond the pale by the Faith. This condemnation is both long standing and also absolute. We have tolerated their presence in the city because they came as emissaries, granted guest right. Equally we have welcomed as friends those who have left those shores and embraced our culture and our ways, who are Eurusi no more but Arvani by choice - and continue to welcome them, and any who would harm them simply because of their origins while claiming justification of our words is a false friend to the Faith. No matter how base creatures the Eurusi "Prophet" and his people, we will never allow that to excuse an insult against the Gods for breach of guest right or sanctuary. Sadly, this also means if they are indeed welcomed to Sungreet, then they are welcomed and cannot be harmed while there, for at least as long as we hold with the Duke Helianthus and with the Seraph.
So. This force, still unknown in number, may be all that there is of this retribution they speak of or it may be the first part of a much larger force intent on coming. The fact it was mobilised so quickly makes you realise that they were perhaps waiting for a pretext for these actions, forces massed and waiting.
And we must act. We must. Grayson has already called their banners to muster, an act that will take time. If we do nothing but wait for them to land, to establish their beachhead and begin to move in troops /before/ we even think about mustering, we will still be gathering our armies when the enemy moves on, when they take more land. It may seem like prudent caution, hoping the war can be avoided. And I share that wish. But, if the war comes, that prudent caution and the delay it causes comes with a cost. Look at a map, pick the holdings you are willing to sacrifice for your caution. Tell Prince Victus which of his vassals, or even his own lands, we are willing to give up in the name of caution. We perhaps might even be too late to prevent their landing on the eastern coast of the mainland.
Mustering our troops does not remove options, but maintains them and provides pressure. Mustering our troops is not an instant matter, but a process. And we cannot forget that we are facing still threats within, this idea that we can do what we did for the Gyre once more is perhaps naive as well. To transport everything to the Isles would require shipping I am unsure we have. To fortresses unable to cope with such Garrisons. So I do not advocate simply raising everything and throwing it into the sea. But you will need troops to guard your lands and suppress threats as your trained forces move east if you respond to this threat. The Faith will need more disciples to slowly raise up to fight, as we send troops east. And equally we will need troops armed and ready to fight and end those threats within our lands already, to ensure we can focus east by the time their main force comes.
Do not underestimate this threat that comes. Do not believe it will be easy. Do not believe that because we have won before, we can simply sit back and wait. Yes, we must discuss more and come to a unified approach, but the duty is on all of us now to prepare the tools that such an approach may need. Or our only choice will be how many innocents we allow to die before we succumb. And that is something we can never allow.
For the Faith though, this must be an absolute fight - there is no soft middle ground in this. These are heretics, come to punish our people for their obedience to the Gods. These are heretics come, claiming dark powers that no doubt will scare people with their nonsense but who do possess technology that is novel to our shores. And just because they send a small part of their force now, do not presume that we can overcome it simply, nor that there isn't a much darker and larger force coming behind. We must stand for the Gods, for the people, for the innocent. We must begin to levy the Templars, we must ask the Solace to prepare their ships and to place their forces to secure the roads we will need to move our armies and recognise the burden it will place on them as Templars mobilise and fewer forces will be keeping abandoned raids at bay other than them.
We must bring the mercies to prepare for the wounded. We must bring forward the Mangatans and the Jayusians to see what can be done to build an armada to transport our men who are first to fight to reinforce our brothers and sisters in the Isles, to hold the enemy's advance, to slow it. We must take scholars to find secrets and ways lost for so long that may help us. We must assemble the Liberators to rally their forces as they did before, to join the fight against slavers.
This requires and demands no less than our total devotion should this come to war. And that will require the Faith operating together, as one. It will require a Carnifex, and if this fleet does come, it will require a Crusade in relief of the Isles and the defense of our eastern shores. And to prepare for that may cost silver, it may cost pride should people decide we are foolish for over preparing, but the cost of finding ourselves in need of these things and not having them ready will be paid in innocent blood and that blood will drown the love the Gods hold for us.
The decisions that come will be for the Most Holy and the Legates, who solemnly consider the actions of the Faith and do so with wisdom beyond my own. Were I asked what must be done now in my opinion? Were it me, Seraph Waldo must be recalled made to answer. We must begin to bring together our forces in stages, not just of the Templars but of every discipleship. The fires in the forges must be lit, the harvest must be brought in, and we must prepare for a bloody autumn and a long winter. And for our ultimate victory, in the name of the Gods.
Written By Preston
Jan. 27, 2020, 6:16 p.m.(8.735466683201057/28.186134259259262/1012.6446222236001 AR)
First the Eurusi envoy is careless and catches aflame in the Great Archive, now this great fleet comes at us - are we certain he was not trying to burn down that which was sacred to the Gods in the name of his most unholy anathema of a 'prophet'?
These people mean us harm - they mean harm to our bodies, they mean harm to our minds, they mean harm to our souls. They wish to separate us from our Gods, to reduce us to unthinking chattel, beholden to their beliefs and twisting the commands of the Gods.
This Seraph, this Waldo, must be brought to Arx to answer for his assault upon the Faith. And the Faith must act to defend the innocent from the predations of these Eurusi.
These people mean us harm - they mean harm to our bodies, they mean harm to our minds, they mean harm to our souls. They wish to separate us from our Gods, to reduce us to unthinking chattel, beholden to their beliefs and twisting the commands of the Gods.
This Seraph, this Waldo, must be brought to Arx to answer for his assault upon the Faith. And the Faith must act to defend the innocent from the predations of these Eurusi.
Written By Preston
Jan. 22, 2020, 4:48 p.m.(8.37422867063492/14.956805555555556/1012.6145190558863 AR)
There have been times when the Templars have had to say no - that we can't help on something because we are focused elsewhere. It is always sad in those occasions to then see losses come, knowing perhaps our presence might have made a difference.
The most tragic news comes though when we hear of events that occur, events where things occur or information comes out that we know we could have helped with, and we were never spoken to, our aid never sought.
But such is the way - there is still much mistrust. And it gets people killed.
The most tragic news comes though when we hear of events that occur, events where things occur or information comes out that we know we could have helped with, and we were never spoken to, our aid never sought.
But such is the way - there is still much mistrust. And it gets people killed.
Written By Preston
Jan. 22, 2020, 4:45 p.m.(8.374076140873015/14.948263888888889/1012.6145063450728 AR)
I'm just going to say this, honourable combat is the domain of Gloria. I did not think there was any doubt about this, but there you go.
Written By Preston
Jan. 17, 2020, 6:48 p.m.(8/1/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
I have read the accounts of the fall of the Guildmaster. Her work was divine, there can be no doubt. Each piece was a tribute to Jayus in its skill, each meticulous step in her process a silent prayer to the Gods. Her death is a tragedy for all of us, most of all for her loved ones who I shall remember in my prayers.
Even as we mourn, if you know the manner of her death there is comfort in that too - perhaps even envy. Each of us might hope to have a death so rich in meaning. To end an evil. To save others. To honour our loved ones. There is sadness, there is sorrow. Yet even in this, as with all her works, there is beauty.
Even as we mourn, if you know the manner of her death there is comfort in that too - perhaps even envy. Each of us might hope to have a death so rich in meaning. To end an evil. To save others. To honour our loved ones. There is sadness, there is sorrow. Yet even in this, as with all her works, there is beauty.
Written By Preston
Jan. 15, 2020, 7:10 p.m.(7/25/1012 AR)
If people have an issue with a Templar, they will find far more speedy resolution if they actually come to me. The Archlector and I work in close co-operation, as does the Legate, and you will find despite popular rumour, I am actually quite fair. Or so I like to think.
As for the specifics of the recent case, well. The proclamation will be there for any who wish to see it.
As for the specifics of the recent case, well. The proclamation will be there for any who wish to see it.
Written By Preston
Jan. 14, 2020, 4:58 a.m.(7/22/1012 AR)
One should always hope for the best, but never blindly assume that the best will be the outcome. You must always, even as you strive for that best, mitigate against the risks of the worst. You do not want to leap for the Gods, only to plunge into the Abyss.
Written By Preston
Jan. 2, 2020, 10:52 a.m.(6/26/1012 AR)
There seems to have been some surprise at my presence at a Mirrormask event most recently. There are always Templars at such events, and whatever else I am, I think we can all agree I am a Templar. Why? Because our duty is to protect all who follow the Faith, to protect all our holy places. The majority of the Templars and the Faith Militant are, yes, of the Orthodoxy. As I am. If I can be bold, I might even say I am one of the most orthodox voices in Arx - it is no surprise that the Grandmaster of the Templars might be considered among the leading voices of it. And yes, our style of worship tends not to favour such open doubt as often practiced by Mirrormasks, who tend to come from Lycene traditions. We tend to worry that open doubt might lead people to mistaken doubt. That to revel in it might lead to questions not of oneself, or ones place in the world, but questions about the fundamentals of the world. Those things that should not be questioned.
That event, looked after by Sister Dianna, urged self reflection. And no, I did not participate - I still undertake my consideration of Tehom in private, as is the style I was brought up with - but what I saw was an outpouring of worship for the Gods from the Faithful. Was it the style I prefer? No. But does that invalidate it? No. Because the lines of acceptability are so clearly set by the Faith, we know that all within that is then discussion between friends, between brothers and sisters. And we know that in discussing the truths each of us hold, we might find a purer and more complete truth.
Lycene Liberalism preaches for us to take risks in pursuit of that which we don't yet have. Oathlands Orthodoxy preaches caution and tradition, guardianship of what we have. Grayson Pragmatism urges a middle path, acceptance of realities to allow the Faith to achieve the most good. There are exceptions in situations to these truths. And all three do not hold equal balance in the Faith - perhaps you would expect to hear this from one of the Orthodoxy, which is the largest of the three, but I think the current balance works. Our focus must always be on protecting what we have, those for whom we have an obligation. To do this we need to deal to be able to work with people in real terms, to be pragmatic. And we must, at times, be pushed from our comfort to strive for what we may not yet have, but which can allow us to protect our people better.
The Orthodoxy holds the core of our mission, the foundation of our Faith. I remain devoted to the path it lays out. It remains the style of worship that brings me joy as well as comfort and inspiration. But that does not mean I do not value the input and worship of my brothers and sisters of other paths. Still. To upset the existing balance between the paths would, I believe, be a mistake whatever happens with Great Houses or other Kingdoms.
That event, looked after by Sister Dianna, urged self reflection. And no, I did not participate - I still undertake my consideration of Tehom in private, as is the style I was brought up with - but what I saw was an outpouring of worship for the Gods from the Faithful. Was it the style I prefer? No. But does that invalidate it? No. Because the lines of acceptability are so clearly set by the Faith, we know that all within that is then discussion between friends, between brothers and sisters. And we know that in discussing the truths each of us hold, we might find a purer and more complete truth.
Lycene Liberalism preaches for us to take risks in pursuit of that which we don't yet have. Oathlands Orthodoxy preaches caution and tradition, guardianship of what we have. Grayson Pragmatism urges a middle path, acceptance of realities to allow the Faith to achieve the most good. There are exceptions in situations to these truths. And all three do not hold equal balance in the Faith - perhaps you would expect to hear this from one of the Orthodoxy, which is the largest of the three, but I think the current balance works. Our focus must always be on protecting what we have, those for whom we have an obligation. To do this we need to deal to be able to work with people in real terms, to be pragmatic. And we must, at times, be pushed from our comfort to strive for what we may not yet have, but which can allow us to protect our people better.
The Orthodoxy holds the core of our mission, the foundation of our Faith. I remain devoted to the path it lays out. It remains the style of worship that brings me joy as well as comfort and inspiration. But that does not mean I do not value the input and worship of my brothers and sisters of other paths. Still. To upset the existing balance between the paths would, I believe, be a mistake whatever happens with Great Houses or other Kingdoms.
Written By Preston
Dec. 27, 2019, 7:54 a.m.(6/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Prince Niklas writes something on the memory of Admiral Alrec - and others find it impolite. Perhaps it is, but he is dead - lies do not change that, nor change the man he was, or what he did.
He is not someone I knew by more than reputation, and that alone was sufficient. Perhaps there is some greater truth hidden that makes what Niklas wrote incorrect, but I would suggest the onus is on those that know it to step forward. As it was, what the Prince wrote accords with the known stories of the man. And sadly, tell the tale of someone who placed too low a value on their honour. The silver you gain for your honour will tarnish, it will flow through your fingers like wine from bottle to cup. And in the end, all we are will be memories held in others, stories going forward, our soul returned to the Wheel. Our honour will last far longer than coins, and the stains and tarnishes cannot simply be polished away.
He is not someone I knew by more than reputation, and that alone was sufficient. Perhaps there is some greater truth hidden that makes what Niklas wrote incorrect, but I would suggest the onus is on those that know it to step forward. As it was, what the Prince wrote accords with the known stories of the man. And sadly, tell the tale of someone who placed too low a value on their honour. The silver you gain for your honour will tarnish, it will flow through your fingers like wine from bottle to cup. And in the end, all we are will be memories held in others, stories going forward, our soul returned to the Wheel. Our honour will last far longer than coins, and the stains and tarnishes cannot simply be polished away.
Written By Preston
Dec. 27, 2019, 7:47 a.m.(6/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Consider Rinel that observing anything in isolation, without context, can make it difficult to understand scale and impact. We must hold to the ideals of the Gods in every case, but we cannot do that by studying each thing in isolation and making some pure decision and moving on to the next.
Elisha was not just a harmless poet whose ravings were fuelled by misuse of dust - but he was a being who impacted on others. And who others than used as a tool or as a guide to further that impact, and its harms. He made choices, as Skald allows each of us to do, to be who he was and do what he do. And yes, the fact that he was elevated to one doing harm is regrettable, and lies at the feet of those with status who sought to elevate him beyond what he was by celebrating his heresies. But in the wider context, he was doing harm - to the Faith, to innocents who might read his words, to himself, to our society. In the end our duty to the Gods, to the Faith, to Society, to the innocents, must outweigh any responsibility we feel to further be merciful to one who does not seek that mercy and whose actions continue to do harm.
Elisha was not just a harmless poet whose ravings were fuelled by misuse of dust - but he was a being who impacted on others. And who others than used as a tool or as a guide to further that impact, and its harms. He made choices, as Skald allows each of us to do, to be who he was and do what he do. And yes, the fact that he was elevated to one doing harm is regrettable, and lies at the feet of those with status who sought to elevate him beyond what he was by celebrating his heresies. But in the wider context, he was doing harm - to the Faith, to innocents who might read his words, to himself, to our society. In the end our duty to the Gods, to the Faith, to Society, to the innocents, must outweigh any responsibility we feel to further be merciful to one who does not seek that mercy and whose actions continue to do harm.
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