Written By Preston
Oct. 23, 2019, 6:36 a.m.(1/24/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Your knowledge of our past and history is always most impressive, Rinel.
Though let me point out two things - some of Marach's teachings survive, but not all. It was never the case that /all/ Marach ever uttered was heresy, but that his teachings crossed a line and he refused to heed to the calls of the Faith. I am sure some have tried - and dedicated researchers such as yourself might be tempted to try - to attempt to recreate Marach's teachings, though I would caution this on two fronts. The first is that the danger in his words has not changed in all these years and it is a path that is almost certain to end with suffering. The second is that the view of the Orthodoxy has not changed since its founding on these matters. I realise it is fashionable for some to play chicken with the patience of the Faith, and I know you yourself are smart enough not to try nor would you encourage recklessness, but I will say bluntly that any who try will suffer the same fate. Perhaps a better lesson from Marach is this - no one is beyond the will of the Faith.
The second is that you take a lesson from those who stood in the Archive against Carnifex Alor Valardin, blessed be his memory. That not even a Carnifex of the Faith could make knowledge step aside - I might quibble perhaps if what Marach offered was knowledge, or simply temptation to evil wrapped in undeniably clever words. I point out the outcome for those men and women, in sorrow for such events should be remembered with sadness. They died, Rinel. Those who did not die had their arm forced onto a block, their writing hand cleaved from their body, and their tongue pulled and cut out from a hot dagger. Carnifex Alor Valardin took the Archive, as was his holy duty. The teachings were removed. And the great work of the Censor Librorum continues to this day.
But we are likely confusing poor scholars and any readers with odd archaic terms and history long since consigned to books and dust. So what I will say to you, and to others who read this, is what I am sure we both agree on. Just as the Faith is a beautiful choir of voices and views, within the limits so set, so it is with the Gods. That they are a choir, an ensemble. You can take one God on their own, their voice will be strong, powerful, their song line one of beauty, but only when listening to them all do you get the full effect of their melodies. Just as it is with their commands and their demands. Each moderated by one another, altering and changing when considered as part of the whole.
Though let me point out two things - some of Marach's teachings survive, but not all. It was never the case that /all/ Marach ever uttered was heresy, but that his teachings crossed a line and he refused to heed to the calls of the Faith. I am sure some have tried - and dedicated researchers such as yourself might be tempted to try - to attempt to recreate Marach's teachings, though I would caution this on two fronts. The first is that the danger in his words has not changed in all these years and it is a path that is almost certain to end with suffering. The second is that the view of the Orthodoxy has not changed since its founding on these matters. I realise it is fashionable for some to play chicken with the patience of the Faith, and I know you yourself are smart enough not to try nor would you encourage recklessness, but I will say bluntly that any who try will suffer the same fate. Perhaps a better lesson from Marach is this - no one is beyond the will of the Faith.
The second is that you take a lesson from those who stood in the Archive against Carnifex Alor Valardin, blessed be his memory. That not even a Carnifex of the Faith could make knowledge step aside - I might quibble perhaps if what Marach offered was knowledge, or simply temptation to evil wrapped in undeniably clever words. I point out the outcome for those men and women, in sorrow for such events should be remembered with sadness. They died, Rinel. Those who did not die had their arm forced onto a block, their writing hand cleaved from their body, and their tongue pulled and cut out from a hot dagger. Carnifex Alor Valardin took the Archive, as was his holy duty. The teachings were removed. And the great work of the Censor Librorum continues to this day.
But we are likely confusing poor scholars and any readers with odd archaic terms and history long since consigned to books and dust. So what I will say to you, and to others who read this, is what I am sure we both agree on. Just as the Faith is a beautiful choir of voices and views, within the limits so set, so it is with the Gods. That they are a choir, an ensemble. You can take one God on their own, their voice will be strong, powerful, their song line one of beauty, but only when listening to them all do you get the full effect of their melodies. Just as it is with their commands and their demands. Each moderated by one another, altering and changing when considered as part of the whole.
Written By Preston
Oct. 21, 2019, 10:35 a.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
The Compact can defend its own - but to defend, you must first know and recognise you are under attack. That we seem poor at. But it is difficult to claim we cannot defend ourselves when our armies sit in their barracks. If the Dominus tells us to go and crush those behind this attack, if he points the Templars at a target? If he tells me to muster all our forces, to do whatever we must? I need only send 5 messengers to Maelstrom, to Sanctum, to Lenosia, to Farhaven and to Bastion. They will in turn send messengers out with the Solace to each major parish, who will in turn notify every minor parish. I have sent no such messengers, we have received no such command. But do not mistake the current lack of action for a lack of potential or power, Master Vincenzo. Keep the faith with your brothers and sisters of the Compact, and do not write off their prowess before they have even lifted sword from scabbard.
Written By Preston
Oct. 21, 2019, 5:15 a.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
It is not a good statement about our society when, in the face of foreign emissaries running amok in our lands, one of the Mothers of the Church is forced to put out a statement reminding our people, especially our nobles, that support of a heretic is frowned upon. The Faithful though should not worry overly however - in those houses where it occurs, I am confident the Seraphs and their Templars back in the holdings of those families will ensure there is no indication this is more than a foolish lapse.
Written By Preston
Oct. 20, 2019, 10:11 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
There is talk of winter, and whether people like or dislike it. But winter has another meaning. It is a time when campaigns are largely at a pause. When our armies largely are at rest. Whether one hates or likes the snow, the rest it usually signifies might be welcome. Though, it makes the attack on Volkov more surprising - moving large armies in the cold, when food is sparse.
Written By Preston
Oct. 15, 2019, 9:14 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
On the matter of embassies I am struck by the fact Prima Shard and I appear to be in agreement. I wonder if that alone shouldn’t give people reason to pause and think.
Written By Preston
Oct. 14, 2019, 8:04 a.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Caspian
I am a fan of Prince Victus, who sets a fine example to all of the Compact - not just because he places his values into practice even when it is not the easiest path, but because when he has erred, since I have known him he has always sought to understand his mistake and seek to make it right. I do not think he is wrong to ponder as he does - nor do I think the idea is evil to ask, and I think it reasonable for the peers to consider it. That is their responsibility, their right, and they answer to many masters. And yes, a great many issues are presented to them for which there is no good alternative, and instead they must struggle and bear the weight of such imperfect solutions.
On this issue though, I may gently suggest there is an alternative - which is not to give them an embassy. If we accept the view that we have no power over the emissaries and they will do as they wish, then an embassy gives us no more guarantee of being able to contact them, or if we can contact them they they are willing to talk, then exists at the moment as with their boats in the harbour. We gain nothing. There is no urgent requirement on us to grant this.
Cardia rejects the Gods' divine nature and obedience to them - they rank them below their own petty leaders. Present on our lands are those who profess to worship their leaders as they should the Gods, cultists who practice barbaric and foreign rituals. A permanent presence of Cardia on our land without their sublimation before the Gods? An insult for every gift and kindness the Gods have ever shown us - we would truly be the most ungrateful children.
Eurus are slavers of the worst kind - they ooze corruption with each step. See how they have tempted some of our own nobility to stray close to their ways. Look at abandoned tribes that now pledge to their banner. At a time when Prince Victus and Princess Alarissa forge on as breakers of the chains of Thralldom, a practice rightly consigned to history but which is no doubt kind compared to Eurusi behaviour, I do not see how we could welcome them either.
They ignore us, they wage war against one another by proxy on our land. In doing so they take from our prosperity and harm our interests. I refuse a notion that we must house and feed them, at a price paid for with insults to the Gods as well as silver, as well. Nor do I see any necessity.
On this issue though, I may gently suggest there is an alternative - which is not to give them an embassy. If we accept the view that we have no power over the emissaries and they will do as they wish, then an embassy gives us no more guarantee of being able to contact them, or if we can contact them they they are willing to talk, then exists at the moment as with their boats in the harbour. We gain nothing. There is no urgent requirement on us to grant this.
Cardia rejects the Gods' divine nature and obedience to them - they rank them below their own petty leaders. Present on our lands are those who profess to worship their leaders as they should the Gods, cultists who practice barbaric and foreign rituals. A permanent presence of Cardia on our land without their sublimation before the Gods? An insult for every gift and kindness the Gods have ever shown us - we would truly be the most ungrateful children.
Eurus are slavers of the worst kind - they ooze corruption with each step. See how they have tempted some of our own nobility to stray close to their ways. Look at abandoned tribes that now pledge to their banner. At a time when Prince Victus and Princess Alarissa forge on as breakers of the chains of Thralldom, a practice rightly consigned to history but which is no doubt kind compared to Eurusi behaviour, I do not see how we could welcome them either.
They ignore us, they wage war against one another by proxy on our land. In doing so they take from our prosperity and harm our interests. I refuse a notion that we must house and feed them, at a price paid for with insults to the Gods as well as silver, as well. Nor do I see any necessity.
Written By Preston
Oct. 13, 2019, 11:13 a.m.(1/4/1012 AR)
If when concocting bizzare poems, stories and lessons the people of Arvum could avoid making up things about the Gods, the Faith, its doctrines and its history, that would be a refreshing change of pace.
Written By Preston
Oct. 10, 2019, 2:45 a.m.(12/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
I accept it is a noble goal, but that is only if those others might be inclined to help us, if they can somehow be the ones to claim this free room we are offering and if they are in a position to help us whatever their desire. And in truth I suspect they are still as insulting to our ancestors and Gods. That is a great deal of uncertainty when the cost is to offend the Gods, who have been steadfast in their love for us.
As I said when the Compact considered the offer of joining with Cardia - it is a choice the nobles must make, but it is one I hope they will make while being able to look their Seraph in the eye. And I will continue to find other solutions to our problems, ones born of Arvum and our Gods and not the tempting offers of others.
As I said when the Compact considered the offer of joining with Cardia - it is a choice the nobles must make, but it is one I hope they will make while being able to look their Seraph in the eye. And I will continue to find other solutions to our problems, ones born of Arvum and our Gods and not the tempting offers of others.
Written By Preston
Oct. 9, 2019, 7:11 a.m.(12/24/1011 AR)
I find it strange that when a guest invites themselves into your home, insults your family, insults your ancestors, insults your Gods, trashes various rooms in your house, rather openly plots to kill family members and otherwise is a complete ass, you would think that offering them a free room in your house would force them to behave.
Written By Preston
Oct. 7, 2019, 1:14 p.m.(12/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Tyrus
I think there are two points I would clarify. The first is that obviously I speak from the view of the Orthodoxy on that - there are variations in doctrine, that approach is my own. The second is that there is a difference, I think that you acknowledge, between asking questions for understanding and questioning the nature of something. The Godsworn are there to help guide people, to educate them on what things are with the divine, and the ways of our people - I would encourage all to speak to the Archlectors, the Legates, the other Godsworn in the city - it is a boon to have so many here, to be able to discover all the facets of the Gods from those most learned. It is questioning the nature of things, of doubting, those fundamental truths which gives me discomfort - that is all.
Written By Preston
Oct. 7, 2019, 9:02 a.m.(12/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Dame Thena's guidance I'm sure will be missed - though I am certain the Solace will have an able commander in her whenever she is needed. I am also confident that though no doubt he will be different to Dame Thena, as Dame Thena and I were different to those Grandmasters who came before us, Sir Jeffeth will give all that he is to ensuring the success of the Knights of Solace and fighting for the Gods. It is that commitment that is consistent across the Grandmasters of the two orders, and which is so necessary.
Written By Preston
Oct. 6, 2019, 1:55 p.m.(12/18/1011 AR)
I had the opportunity to discuss certainty with someone the other day. The truths we hold as the bedrock of our lives.
They expressed a view that I had certainty in Gloria's commands to protect the innocent, that I was certain on the righteousness of the Gods and on the evil of the Abyss. They are right, of course. These are truths I hold and on which I base my life, on which I base my decisions. But, I do not have unwavering certainty in myself. It remains important that I always pause for a moment and ask if a path I am on conforms to those certainties. That it is truly one that serves the Gods. Sometimes I have changed my path because of it. Other times I have stopped that journey all together. Many times? I have continued on ahead, with greater confidence that what I do conforms to those certainties, those truths. That what I do answers the will of the Gods. And, in turn, I offer to light the way on that path to others. I cannot give them certainties - only they themselves can decide those - but I can lay out the path I followed, and urge them to join me on my journey. Towards the Gods, for good.
I am sure some will wonder at me speaking of questioning myself, on self reflection. Leap and say 'A ha, the Orthodox child speaks of the Thirteenth'. The Orthodoxy does not deny the Thirteenth, but we also do not think that constant doubt of the absolutes in life serve a purpose other than instability. Yes, we should question ourselves, our purpose, our motives. But we should not question the nature of our society, we should not question why the King should rule, we should not question if the Gods exist, or why we should obey them. There is no answer but the obvious. We must be satisfied with that.
They expressed a view that I had certainty in Gloria's commands to protect the innocent, that I was certain on the righteousness of the Gods and on the evil of the Abyss. They are right, of course. These are truths I hold and on which I base my life, on which I base my decisions. But, I do not have unwavering certainty in myself. It remains important that I always pause for a moment and ask if a path I am on conforms to those certainties. That it is truly one that serves the Gods. Sometimes I have changed my path because of it. Other times I have stopped that journey all together. Many times? I have continued on ahead, with greater confidence that what I do conforms to those certainties, those truths. That what I do answers the will of the Gods. And, in turn, I offer to light the way on that path to others. I cannot give them certainties - only they themselves can decide those - but I can lay out the path I followed, and urge them to join me on my journey. Towards the Gods, for good.
I am sure some will wonder at me speaking of questioning myself, on self reflection. Leap and say 'A ha, the Orthodox child speaks of the Thirteenth'. The Orthodoxy does not deny the Thirteenth, but we also do not think that constant doubt of the absolutes in life serve a purpose other than instability. Yes, we should question ourselves, our purpose, our motives. But we should not question the nature of our society, we should not question why the King should rule, we should not question if the Gods exist, or why we should obey them. There is no answer but the obvious. We must be satisfied with that.
Written By Preston
Oct. 6, 2019, 8:13 a.m.(12/18/1011 AR)
If people have all this silver that they wish to put to charity, this might be a very non-diplomat question but, why do they not simply give that silver towards the cause directly? Without the intervening event? It is not as though your silver will multiply in the event - indeed the event itself has costs associated with running it. So, the truth must then be either we are foolish creatures, or that without the fundraiser people would not be thinking of spending that silver on charity. I suppose both could be true.
Written By Preston
Sept. 29, 2019, 3:52 p.m.(12/5/1011 AR)
And so we move on to our next quests for the Templars. To recover that which was lost, to build new to replace what has fallen by the way side, and to hunt down those who still persist in opposing the Gods.
Written By Preston
Sept. 28, 2019, 3:09 p.m.(12/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
You were a most valuable friend, as you have been for some time, to the Templars in helping us, Dame Ida. We do not expect all who work with us to join us - we enjoy working with others. And certainly your skill in the forge is a joy not just to Jayus but I hope to the other Gods as well, I hope we will have more opportunities to work together soon - perhaps on something happier.
Written By Preston
Sept. 28, 2019, 3:07 p.m.(12/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Teagan
Strangely, Lady Teagan, I have never found you lacking in faith. When the cultists around the woman calling herself the Reaper came to your attention, and her use of a known artifact the heretics claim have power, came to your attention, you came to the Templars. You thought others would help you. You were right. You placed your trust in others. You placed the safety of that thing you hold most dear, your people, with others. You had faith that others would be good. That they would care for your people as you do.
You have people you trust implicitly, I do not know how you could do that without faith. And even when things are bad, your first concern is always for others.
You have people you trust implicitly, I do not know how you could do that without faith. And even when things are bad, your first concern is always for others.
Written By Preston
Sept. 24, 2019, 2:09 a.m.(11/21/1011 AR)
And so we return to Arx from the Oathlands. Another threat to the Faith extinguished, another person who lost their way on the path returned to the wheel. Everyone, thank the Gods, survived - though it was a close thing. I am glad we chose our companions as we did - each played a part and together these parts built victory.
My thanks go to Dame Ida, Princess Reese, Amund and of course to Lady Teagan, who first warned us of this danger. Blackram is well served by its lady, who has proven an ally of the Faith and with whom we hope to continue to work.
The long journey taught me two things. The first is that though I often think of the path of the Gods to be surrounded by dark forests, in truth the land around that path looks much the same. It is easy to be drawn from the true path by false signs and mistaken thoughts. You will not know you have erred sometimes even when the destination you approach is so clearly not that which you set out upon. It is why the Godsworn exist - signposts and beacons along those paths, with no distraction but to see travellers safely home.
The second is that power tempts everyone, that this is natural. True wisdom with power comes in knowing it’s costs, and bring frugal in its application. Power can tempt us with shortcuts - but shortcuts are where the bandits on the path lie.
My thanks go to Dame Ida, Princess Reese, Amund and of course to Lady Teagan, who first warned us of this danger. Blackram is well served by its lady, who has proven an ally of the Faith and with whom we hope to continue to work.
The long journey taught me two things. The first is that though I often think of the path of the Gods to be surrounded by dark forests, in truth the land around that path looks much the same. It is easy to be drawn from the true path by false signs and mistaken thoughts. You will not know you have erred sometimes even when the destination you approach is so clearly not that which you set out upon. It is why the Godsworn exist - signposts and beacons along those paths, with no distraction but to see travellers safely home.
The second is that power tempts everyone, that this is natural. True wisdom with power comes in knowing it’s costs, and bring frugal in its application. Power can tempt us with shortcuts - but shortcuts are where the bandits on the path lie.
Written By Preston
Sept. 21, 2019, 6:08 p.m.(11/16/1011 AR)
So I am called once more to the Oathlands. I hope I shall return with as many as I leave with - I hope I shall return as well.
I do not know where I was born, here in Arx or somewhere on a road or some dusty hall. I do not know the name of the woman who sweated and suffered for my life. I hope that at least she would be happy with the path my life has come to. I hope the person who left me on the Rectory steps would be proud of what I have done, and what I hope I will do. But I do not do these things for that reason.
I do what I must because it is the conclusion of the commands and laws of the Gods. That I chose to follow. That I swore my service to.
I do not know where I was born, here in Arx or somewhere on a road or some dusty hall. I do not know the name of the woman who sweated and suffered for my life. I hope that at least she would be happy with the path my life has come to. I hope the person who left me on the Rectory steps would be proud of what I have done, and what I hope I will do. But I do not do these things for that reason.
I do what I must because it is the conclusion of the commands and laws of the Gods. That I chose to follow. That I swore my service to.
Written By Preston
Sept. 13, 2019, 2:09 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
I've seen the question made as to why nothing is done about the bending of the knee of the tribes to the Platinum banner, why more voices are raised in opposition. I had wondered it too, and yet, what would those voices demand? That we attack? I am confident if I was ordered I could crush three tribes - but then what? Is Thrax prepared for the onslaught of a naval war in the east? How many forces would we face on the land? If I raised the whole host of my order, and Dame Thena raised all hers, would that be sufficient to hold? To win? Would we need to call on every banner in the Kingdom? Or could we win the battle with three lame donkeys ridden by Rinel Tern?
And the answer to all of that is...that we just don't know. There is so much we don't know. So much we must then know first. But, the instincts of Countess Sabine are right, that our first thought should be to offer our fullest support to those parts of the Oathlands who are concerned - so they know they are not alone, will never be alone. And in that knowledge we can calmly wait.
The Compact has endured for a long time, the Faith even longer. We can survive calmly that bit longer until the Ambassador explains herself - and it certainly won't be to me, but those far more important.
And the answer to all of that is...that we just don't know. There is so much we don't know. So much we must then know first. But, the instincts of Countess Sabine are right, that our first thought should be to offer our fullest support to those parts of the Oathlands who are concerned - so they know they are not alone, will never be alone. And in that knowledge we can calmly wait.
The Compact has endured for a long time, the Faith even longer. We can survive calmly that bit longer until the Ambassador explains herself - and it certainly won't be to me, but those far more important.
Written By Preston
Sept. 7, 2019, 6:24 a.m.(10/15/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
I think scholar, you rather prove my point - there are parts of the Faith and the knowledge of our ways that only come with the sacrifice of Godsworn, and you are not privvy to. And in that there is risk in you engaging and believing you can offer a route back to the Faithful for the excommunicated. But you will notice I did not say you could not, I said it was headstrong and foolish of you to do so. It seems there are plenty of others who wish to provide succour who do not have the delicate past you have - but if you feel it is a duty on you, then you should do what you feel is right. But, that will not stop me worrying none the less. Nor will your ill-considered words.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.