Written By Preston
Dec. 23, 2019, 7:20 p.m.(6/7/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Gaston
I am sure Lady Teagan was just worried others would not understand what a clear metaphor this 'evil tree' is meant to be for some, I'm sure, very pious and well considered point - rather than a literal accounting of some event.
Written By Preston
Dec. 22, 2019, 8:17 p.m.(6/5/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I can always recommend the work of Dame Ida. Not just the quality, which is sublime, and not just the designs, which inspire tears at the beauty that can be placed into tools for such crude work as battle, and the honouring of Jayus in that work. But because she is a good person who has never asked me about her safety when I have had to ask for her skills on a mission for the Faith. Any who are good deserve our support.
Of course in Dame Ida's case her work is sublime and beautiful too - so even if you are more pragmatic it is a sensible recommendation. If you wish to know how good? I gave one of her weapons as a gift to a Legate - and I hope we all know how I feel about honouring the senior ranks of the Faith, and thus how high my demands are for such a present.
Of course in Dame Ida's case her work is sublime and beautiful too - so even if you are more pragmatic it is a sensible recommendation. If you wish to know how good? I gave one of her weapons as a gift to a Legate - and I hope we all know how I feel about honouring the senior ranks of the Faith, and thus how high my demands are for such a present.
Written By Preston
Dec. 19, 2019, 11:34 a.m.(5/26/1012 AR)
Everyone has the capacity for change. No-one is static, no-one unmoved by all that occurs to them and within the world.
Sadly sometimes that change is not for the better, and we must accept that and move on. We must adjust our behaviour to face this new reality, this new person they have become. And if we must change, we must ensure our ideals and values do not. That we hold to the Gods, to their commands, to the strictures of the Faith.
Sadly sometimes that change is not for the better, and we must accept that and move on. We must adjust our behaviour to face this new reality, this new person they have become. And if we must change, we must ensure our ideals and values do not. That we hold to the Gods, to their commands, to the strictures of the Faith.
Written By Preston
Dec. 15, 2019, 5:16 p.m.(5/19/1012 AR)
So much has happened in the past few years. So much. Many things important have been left to the side, a problem or an opportunity for another day because we had to engage in the battle of that time. Of that moment.
Now we find there are no more tomorrows for many of these problems, for many of these opportunities. It must be today. Or perhaps it should have been yesterday. And often we pay the price for that. Because many of these choices, they come with consequences. We save a great many, but to do so leave others to fend. And they fall.
Knowing you did the right thing, it is a small comfort. Because you go back over every moment where perhaps you could have been finding time for the other things.
Now we find there are no more tomorrows for many of these problems, for many of these opportunities. It must be today. Or perhaps it should have been yesterday. And often we pay the price for that. Because many of these choices, they come with consequences. We save a great many, but to do so leave others to fend. And they fall.
Knowing you did the right thing, it is a small comfort. Because you go back over every moment where perhaps you could have been finding time for the other things.
Written By Preston
Dec. 12, 2019, 11:36 a.m.(5/12/1012 AR)
People often look at those who have become truly evil and declare 'oh, I could never be that'. What they often fail to understand is that it is not usually a single step from good to evil, but a journey. A path. The first step might be thinking you can do something evil for some greater good. It might be that you can use evil means, but because of your inherent goodness you can resist what that means. And yet, slowly, the tumbling begins. Each step becomes easier, because to abandon the path now means that each evil deed you did, each horror you committed, was wasted. So you justify it and come to the point where you are all you said you could never be.
Now imagine a world where people who were on that path were held up as exemplars, were glorified. Then they would not walk that path alone, but thousands, tens of thousands, would walk that path with them. Because all of society has told them, this is what you should emulate. And it is a path that takes them all further from good, further from the Faith. The harm that can be done would be immense.
It is not enough to simply look at evil and say you will never be that. It is to dedicate yourself to the commands of the God to fortify yourself against it. It is to never allow any negotiation between yourself and the evil that lurks beyond the mirror. It is not just to condemn, but to carve out that evil where you can with the Sentinel's justice and Gloria's honour. It is to preserve what we are. We must be active in our pursuit of goodness. Not passive in our horror at evil.
Now imagine a world where people who were on that path were held up as exemplars, were glorified. Then they would not walk that path alone, but thousands, tens of thousands, would walk that path with them. Because all of society has told them, this is what you should emulate. And it is a path that takes them all further from good, further from the Faith. The harm that can be done would be immense.
It is not enough to simply look at evil and say you will never be that. It is to dedicate yourself to the commands of the God to fortify yourself against it. It is to never allow any negotiation between yourself and the evil that lurks beyond the mirror. It is not just to condemn, but to carve out that evil where you can with the Sentinel's justice and Gloria's honour. It is to preserve what we are. We must be active in our pursuit of goodness. Not passive in our horror at evil.
Written By Preston
Dec. 7, 2019, 6:10 a.m.(5/2/1012 AR)
All this fuss and these flowery words. No one enjoyed what was done but the hard nub is that Elisha chose to take a stand against the Faith in writing heresies and fantasies of harm to the Faith. He was advised to stop. He did not. He was instructed to stop. He did not. He was excommunicated and told he must stop. He did not. He was given a final chance to stop and recant or face expulsion. He did not.
When a man charges at a castle, the castle does not deviate it’s course for the man. It’s high white walls might warn the man. The man on those walls will shoot warnings. But if the man continues he will tumble and fall. Because the alternative? For the castle to move? Will tear its foundations and cause its walls to crumble. And we all need that castle to keep us safe.
As it is, Elisha could perhaps have lived out his life as some mad addict in the gutter spinning these stories. It was nobles who found his words so beautiful and convincing and felt the need to say so who raised him up to be more than he was. It was their continued support after the displeasure of the Faith was made clear that made him something that could no longer be ignored. To that end I do have some sympathy for Elisha - the wound he suffers is of his own making but it was others in the name of ‘kindness’ who made it so deep and lasting.
There have been too many times some small number of nobles relish in standing against the Faith and championing those who have harmed it. Too many times the advice of the Faith is not heeded or worse never asked for. I hope should it happen again we can rely on the nobility as a whole to make it clear that we are united as a people, under the Gods, against all that come for us. From without or within.
When a man charges at a castle, the castle does not deviate it’s course for the man. It’s high white walls might warn the man. The man on those walls will shoot warnings. But if the man continues he will tumble and fall. Because the alternative? For the castle to move? Will tear its foundations and cause its walls to crumble. And we all need that castle to keep us safe.
As it is, Elisha could perhaps have lived out his life as some mad addict in the gutter spinning these stories. It was nobles who found his words so beautiful and convincing and felt the need to say so who raised him up to be more than he was. It was their continued support after the displeasure of the Faith was made clear that made him something that could no longer be ignored. To that end I do have some sympathy for Elisha - the wound he suffers is of his own making but it was others in the name of ‘kindness’ who made it so deep and lasting.
There have been too many times some small number of nobles relish in standing against the Faith and championing those who have harmed it. Too many times the advice of the Faith is not heeded or worse never asked for. I hope should it happen again we can rely on the nobility as a whole to make it clear that we are united as a people, under the Gods, against all that come for us. From without or within.
Written By Preston
Dec. 1, 2019, 5:52 p.m.(4/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Dianna
A new sister. It shall be interesting to see how she develops - the first period after your vows is never easy. You never realise how much you don't know until others look to you with expectation of ideological and theological saviour. But I have no doubt she will take well to it and will be dedicated. A welcome and most interesting new sibling in the Faith.
Written By Preston
Nov. 24, 2019, 5:03 a.m.(4/4/1012 AR)
I am not someone who easily grows close to people - I will not pretend I am short of friends in the city, but two of my closest friends are Dame Esoka and Dame Thena. Dame Esoka, in her time in the city, was my right hand. She was there for good times and ill, and served the Templars faithfully. She, perhaps more than anyone, showed me the virtue of emphasising choice in our approach to the abandoned. I hope she returns soon, so she might fight with us again, and I can lean on her quiet wisdom once more.
Dame Thena though is one of those unique people with whom I can fully be myself. I remember her taking oaths, at a time when I was still a young knight trying to prove himself. I wasn't sure if I trusted her then with my Faith. I was wrong. We quickly grew to be friends, feeling like great crusaders for the Faith militant against the lethargy of others. I have told many times the story of the planning meeting while we were arranging matters before Stormwall, and where Dame Thena and I felt we were being ignored and we joked about flipping over the table just so they would pay attention. As it was gruffly barking did it. But. In that she and I were of a mind - to wake the Compact from its slumber, on the need for us to prepare. We held charity events together - admittedly I think both of us had little skill for organising us, and thank you to the many who supported us. We fought together. We bled together. When she needs help I give it, and when I need help she does. Never any questions asked 'What do you need?'. When I call her little sister, some feel it is diminutive - it was never so. She is what I imagined having a sibling might be like - that closeness, that undying personal loyalty to one another, and yes that ability at times to drives each other crazy but never to truly mind it. So, if on her travels Dame Thena needs the help of any of the Templars, I hope they will give it freely and without question, knowing she has my total faith. Without her here in Arx, we are weakened - though we are lucky she left behind a sturdy and capable successor.
So good journey friends, to wherever it is your mission takes you. You both, in your own ways, challenged my thoughts - and while you never overturned my beliefs, I'd like to hope we each learned from one another and changed for the better. And I shall long for the day when you return to Arx, no doubt riding through the gate with Thena pretending she has hardly missed but a day and questioning what all the fuss is about.
Dame Thena though is one of those unique people with whom I can fully be myself. I remember her taking oaths, at a time when I was still a young knight trying to prove himself. I wasn't sure if I trusted her then with my Faith. I was wrong. We quickly grew to be friends, feeling like great crusaders for the Faith militant against the lethargy of others. I have told many times the story of the planning meeting while we were arranging matters before Stormwall, and where Dame Thena and I felt we were being ignored and we joked about flipping over the table just so they would pay attention. As it was gruffly barking did it. But. In that she and I were of a mind - to wake the Compact from its slumber, on the need for us to prepare. We held charity events together - admittedly I think both of us had little skill for organising us, and thank you to the many who supported us. We fought together. We bled together. When she needs help I give it, and when I need help she does. Never any questions asked 'What do you need?'. When I call her little sister, some feel it is diminutive - it was never so. She is what I imagined having a sibling might be like - that closeness, that undying personal loyalty to one another, and yes that ability at times to drives each other crazy but never to truly mind it. So, if on her travels Dame Thena needs the help of any of the Templars, I hope they will give it freely and without question, knowing she has my total faith. Without her here in Arx, we are weakened - though we are lucky she left behind a sturdy and capable successor.
So good journey friends, to wherever it is your mission takes you. You both, in your own ways, challenged my thoughts - and while you never overturned my beliefs, I'd like to hope we each learned from one another and changed for the better. And I shall long for the day when you return to Arx, no doubt riding through the gate with Thena pretending she has hardly missed but a day and questioning what all the fuss is about.
Written By Preston
Nov. 20, 2019, 1:10 p.m.(3/24/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
It is a kind offer, Father, but I think the Faith supplies me with sufficient coin to purchase something. It is just slightly odd. Rarely do I buy things for myself. My swords are to defend others - and of the two the one that was purchased was purchased by the then Dominus. My armour was jointly funded by myself and by then-Father Orazio from the Faith funds, as I needed it for missions of the Faith. I purchased some of Dame Ida's fantastic work, but as a gift for another.
I do not know when last I purchased something like this. Because of it, I would rather it be personal - I have some ideas for colours. I may even venture beyond white and gold. Perhaps.
I do not know when last I purchased something like this. Because of it, I would rather it be personal - I have some ideas for colours. I may even venture beyond white and gold. Perhaps.
Written By Preston
Nov. 19, 2019, 9:38 a.m.(3/22/1012 AR)
This entry is quite boring, not about grand theology or strategums.
I think I might have to actually buy some fancy clothes. It has come to my realisation that as part of my responsibilities, I cannot simply do that which I wish. My desire in my role as Grandmaster is to go and defeat the enemies of the Faith, to fight for our people. Yet. That is not all I must do. Not all I am expected to do. Not all I am asked to do. Sometimes I must attend balls and I must spend time with those friends and allies in social settings, reinforcing bonds made in blood on the battlefield with friendship here at home. It is not my natural place perhaps, but I was trained a little in my youth. But, I do not think plain linens will any longer suffice for that.
I miss Thena being here. She would find this intensely funny. I hope wherever she has retreated to, she reads this and smirks.
I think I might have to actually buy some fancy clothes. It has come to my realisation that as part of my responsibilities, I cannot simply do that which I wish. My desire in my role as Grandmaster is to go and defeat the enemies of the Faith, to fight for our people. Yet. That is not all I must do. Not all I am expected to do. Not all I am asked to do. Sometimes I must attend balls and I must spend time with those friends and allies in social settings, reinforcing bonds made in blood on the battlefield with friendship here at home. It is not my natural place perhaps, but I was trained a little in my youth. But, I do not think plain linens will any longer suffice for that.
I miss Thena being here. She would find this intensely funny. I hope wherever she has retreated to, she reads this and smirks.
Written By Preston
Nov. 17, 2019, 5:03 p.m.(3/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Turo
I have been pondering this all week since the Count Navegant made his comments.
Aleksei Morgan is one of the most infuriating people I know. He is infuriating in large part because of his incisive wisdom. I don't pretend he is perfect, that would be silly - his failures are public, and they placed him outside of the brotherhood of the Faith and I will always be sorry for that.
But, you can disagree or agree or throw pottery at him as you wish. He is a person. A mortal man.
The thing I think that needs care is whether one takes issue with actions he has taken since he became no longer my Brother, or the actions he took as the Blessed of the First Choice. Those he took with the support of the Faith. And that might be seen as questioning not Aleksei Morgan the man, but the Faith of the Pantheon, the Holy Church of Arvum and representative of the Gods. They were modest, they were kind, and they were just. That nobles of Thrax subsequently took other choices in House Kennex? That is a temporal concern, but one where the Faith was again happy to alleviate suffering and support.
Thrax remain constant and devout friends of the Faith and the Templars in particular. We will always help the faithful where we can.
Aleksei Morgan is one of the most infuriating people I know. He is infuriating in large part because of his incisive wisdom. I don't pretend he is perfect, that would be silly - his failures are public, and they placed him outside of the brotherhood of the Faith and I will always be sorry for that.
But, you can disagree or agree or throw pottery at him as you wish. He is a person. A mortal man.
The thing I think that needs care is whether one takes issue with actions he has taken since he became no longer my Brother, or the actions he took as the Blessed of the First Choice. Those he took with the support of the Faith. And that might be seen as questioning not Aleksei Morgan the man, but the Faith of the Pantheon, the Holy Church of Arvum and representative of the Gods. They were modest, they were kind, and they were just. That nobles of Thrax subsequently took other choices in House Kennex? That is a temporal concern, but one where the Faith was again happy to alleviate suffering and support.
Thrax remain constant and devout friends of the Faith and the Templars in particular. We will always help the faithful where we can.
Written By Preston
Nov. 14, 2019, 6:20 a.m.(3/12/1012 AR)
Prince Victus is quite mortal, and as all of us has his imperfections. To describe him though as a slaver prince or such though is to ignore so much as to be cruel.
The measure of a man is not when they do the right thing when there is no cost and when it is easy, it is whether they do such a thing when it comes at a cost. For Prince Victus, he has staked his very rule on the principles which Legate Aureth speaks of. On achieving those goals. He does these things because he perceives them to be right and thus necessary. He and I disagree on matters, such as the issues of embassies, but I would hope an Oathlander would understand the Thrax connection to tradition, and see a brother and not a monster, and understand how hard Prince Victus pushes to and works to bring his people along with him on this difficult journey.
The measure of a man is not when they do the right thing when there is no cost and when it is easy, it is whether they do such a thing when it comes at a cost. For Prince Victus, he has staked his very rule on the principles which Legate Aureth speaks of. On achieving those goals. He does these things because he perceives them to be right and thus necessary. He and I disagree on matters, such as the issues of embassies, but I would hope an Oathlander would understand the Thrax connection to tradition, and see a brother and not a monster, and understand how hard Prince Victus pushes to and works to bring his people along with him on this difficult journey.
Written By Preston
Nov. 12, 2019, 4:18 p.m.(3/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
In our time knowing one another, I have offered twice to help you if you wished to pursue the Faith as a calling. And in between those two offers I told you that I believe you should have been executed, but that I would have taken no joy in it nor did I think it would have been totally fair given specific circumstances.
I think the fact I have made that offer before and after should tell you that I do think you have something to offer. It should tell you that you have people who wish to offer you a hand. Yet you seem to choose conflict, you would rather beat on the Rectory doors than step inside and converse and debate with what would be your brothers and sisters. You have ideas what the Faith should do, you want to help people - I know that, I respect that. But, the Faith is a chorus, not one voice alone. Even in the Templars, my Brothers and Sisters in each Chapter come together with their master and discuss what is to be done. Each voice is equal. Yes, the local master shall decide in the end, but he will do so with the voices of his siblings in his ears, and all will bear that decision and leave discord within the confines of the chapter house.
I do not understand why you seem determined to stand in your own path. It saddens me, but you remain welcome at the Compound if you wish what small bit of help I can offer.
I think the fact I have made that offer before and after should tell you that I do think you have something to offer. It should tell you that you have people who wish to offer you a hand. Yet you seem to choose conflict, you would rather beat on the Rectory doors than step inside and converse and debate with what would be your brothers and sisters. You have ideas what the Faith should do, you want to help people - I know that, I respect that. But, the Faith is a chorus, not one voice alone. Even in the Templars, my Brothers and Sisters in each Chapter come together with their master and discuss what is to be done. Each voice is equal. Yes, the local master shall decide in the end, but he will do so with the voices of his siblings in his ears, and all will bear that decision and leave discord within the confines of the chapter house.
I do not understand why you seem determined to stand in your own path. It saddens me, but you remain welcome at the Compound if you wish what small bit of help I can offer.
Written By Preston
Nov. 11, 2019, 3:07 a.m.(3/5/1012 AR)
I know I have written here before that to raise your hand against the Faith is to raise your hand against the Gods, and a hand raised against the Gods should be cut off. But to break sanctuary? That is not some little act of rebellion. It is a full assault on the most basic parts of our Faith. Crusades have been fought to bring down dynasties based on breaches of sanctuary.
I am glad that Blessed Hamish and the others have handled this and shown the mercy that I am thankful they are able to muster, grateful because I do not relish or love the duty of executioner. The lad in question is one under the thrall of the heretic Elisha - and this shows the danger that exists even in the ravings of an unhinged rambler. In his little profanities he makes the Gods less serious, he tries to turn our most basic beliefs into some warped joke. Some, even in the nobility, said what is the harm? Why worry about such ramblings? They encouraged and gave succor. And so we see the result.
I am glad that Blessed Hamish and the others have handled this and shown the mercy that I am thankful they are able to muster, grateful because I do not relish or love the duty of executioner. The lad in question is one under the thrall of the heretic Elisha - and this shows the danger that exists even in the ravings of an unhinged rambler. In his little profanities he makes the Gods less serious, he tries to turn our most basic beliefs into some warped joke. Some, even in the nobility, said what is the harm? Why worry about such ramblings? They encouraged and gave succor. And so we see the result.
Written By Preston
Nov. 9, 2019, 7:21 a.m.(3/2/1012 AR)
I am unsure at people's anger against gestures, claiming they are ineffective. They can be. And I always favour achieving good. But. Sometimes whatever you do the result will be the same, so the only choice you have is over your own behaviour and whether it is good. To ensure that if the outcome must be horrid or unjust and offend the Sentinel, you might at least honour Gloria and act based on your honour.
I would always rather have an earnest man trying to do good.
I would always rather have an earnest man trying to do good.
Written By Preston
Nov. 3, 2019, 5 p.m.(2/19/1012 AR)
I remember a Mirror Masquerade event Prince Talen hosted 4 or 5 years ago. Beyond almost fighting, Prince Talen and I spoke and he asked why I would not take part. I gave an answer then that being confident and happy in who I was, the reflection would only show this. That I had no need of doubt. Strangely though, that was the night we got over a desire to fight one another over what happened with Fawkuhl. Perhaps it was still a time of self reflection, even if I did not stare at a mirror.
Written By Preston
Nov. 1, 2019, 5:49 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
The point is raised whether it matters if a gesture done for noble intent has impact. Actions must be for just outcomes, but their methods must be just and honourable also. That is the lesson of The Sentinel and of Gloria. But when we talk about these huge events, most people have no ability to impact upon them in a meaningful way. So perhaps we must consider the means of the person as well before we judge too harshly.
Ultimately at times gestures are all we have. And we can never quite know what gestures might capture the people's hearts.
Ultimately at times gestures are all we have. And we can never quite know what gestures might capture the people's hearts.
Written By Preston
Oct. 27, 2019, 5:43 p.m.(2/5/1012 AR)
We welcomed more brothers and sisters into the Templars here in Arx today. It replenishes our strength, replacing some of those losses suffered at Fournier Pickets, in the campaign into Blackram against the Malardin tribes and The Reaper, in our efforts towards Grayreeve and Beaucage.
So many places our troops have been in the last year or so. But we endure, we grow stronger. And we even have a navy now.
It is sad then to hear as well of two prospective Godsworns who died in the upper boroughs. The Godsworn are inviolate, they must be for the work we must perform. People say what harm is it for the faith to look away, that those who breach our rules, our tenets of faith, do so of ignorance and mean no harm. Their crime is small. That may be true, each small blasphemous utterance. Each small heretical thought. Each profane misuse of the shrines or holy ground. They are each small. But they risk something else. They risk others misunderstanding, thinking that the Faith no longer cares, or worse that the people no longer care about the Faith.
I do not know if that is what happened in this case, but it is something that worries me. The Faith is the light against the dark. It must burn bright, and never so much as flicker. For in that flicker's moment of darkness? Horrors lurk.
So many places our troops have been in the last year or so. But we endure, we grow stronger. And we even have a navy now.
It is sad then to hear as well of two prospective Godsworns who died in the upper boroughs. The Godsworn are inviolate, they must be for the work we must perform. People say what harm is it for the faith to look away, that those who breach our rules, our tenets of faith, do so of ignorance and mean no harm. Their crime is small. That may be true, each small blasphemous utterance. Each small heretical thought. Each profane misuse of the shrines or holy ground. They are each small. But they risk something else. They risk others misunderstanding, thinking that the Faith no longer cares, or worse that the people no longer care about the Faith.
I do not know if that is what happened in this case, but it is something that worries me. The Faith is the light against the dark. It must burn bright, and never so much as flicker. For in that flicker's moment of darkness? Horrors lurk.
Written By Preston
Oct. 24, 2019, 7:11 p.m.(1/27/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
It is easy to know whether a book collection is complete, the holes on the shelves, the numbering on them. They all help tell you. It is more difficult when the items were torn apart and scattered. I have no doubt some fragments of Marach's work survived - I have read such myself. I am less confident that whole bodies of his work survived in more than one or two cases, copies hidden by misguided devotees. The Orthodox, and the Faith, has never changed its teachings on Marach - his work was beyond acceptable, it represents the wasteland beyond acceptable dissent and questioning into heresy. If people truly were trying to reintroduce those teachings, it would need to be dealt with.
We should be wary in trying to take lessons from the past -and in confusing knowledge with wisdom. To know is important, but to understand is far more critical.
We should be wary in trying to take lessons from the past -and in confusing knowledge with wisdom. To know is important, but to understand is far more critical.
Written By Preston
Oct. 24, 2019, 8:20 a.m.(1/26/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
It is a most wise observation - it is possible for two people, observing their oaths, to come into conflict. This is true of most wars in the compact - where lords raise their banners, and honour bound their vassals answer. And honour bound they march to war against others called by their liege whose only connection to this conflict may be that oath of honour. It is hard to say either is evil in such a conflict, honour is a path we must walk - but it is a path that is good for our soul, it is not a path that guarantees the survival of our body.
The most difficult thing must always be where such conflicts arise within one person - where oaths made come into conflict. So it was in the siege of the Great Archive in the Crusade of the Broken Mirrors. When we speak of the Templars against the Knights of the Library, we can equally say the Templars against the Templars. The Templar Knights take additional Oaths to become Knights of the Library, but are Templars and those new oaths to defend the Archive are taken in addition to those taken as Templars. It was Brother against Brother, Sister against Sister. That is why I refer to it as a tragedy in many ways - the Knights of the Library were convinced by Marach, as the Scholars were, that their vows to Vellichor required refusal of the orders of the Carnifex. But they were also sworn to obey the commands of their order. So. Whichever path they took, they obeyed one vow and in so doing broke another. There are few accounts of that battle, none I have seen. It would not have been long - against the gathered might of the Templars, even in defense of a building I do not think once the defenses were breached they could have lasted long. But also, it was not a battle to be celebrated. It is not a battle we choose to remember.
The most difficult thing must always be where such conflicts arise within one person - where oaths made come into conflict. So it was in the siege of the Great Archive in the Crusade of the Broken Mirrors. When we speak of the Templars against the Knights of the Library, we can equally say the Templars against the Templars. The Templar Knights take additional Oaths to become Knights of the Library, but are Templars and those new oaths to defend the Archive are taken in addition to those taken as Templars. It was Brother against Brother, Sister against Sister. That is why I refer to it as a tragedy in many ways - the Knights of the Library were convinced by Marach, as the Scholars were, that their vows to Vellichor required refusal of the orders of the Carnifex. But they were also sworn to obey the commands of their order. So. Whichever path they took, they obeyed one vow and in so doing broke another. There are few accounts of that battle, none I have seen. It would not have been long - against the gathered might of the Templars, even in defense of a building I do not think once the defenses were breached they could have lasted long. But also, it was not a battle to be celebrated. It is not a battle we choose to remember.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.