Written By Preston
Sept. 6, 2019, 4:13 a.m.(10/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
If a merchant is reliant upon excommunicated coin, given how few there are I would suggest maybe he might wish to revisit his business idea.
And again, I emphasise that what I said were my views and those of my background. As others point out, we cannot speak for the Crown and would not speak for the Crown. There is the law of the Gods that applies everywhere, there is the law of the Church will applies in our holy places and governs the business of the Faith and those who work for us, there is Arvani law which applies to all the compact. The Faith gave up its rights over exile long ago to the Crown, and we would not seek them back. But it does not change the seriousness to us of this sanction.
I also must emphasise, as I said before, you can sustain the excommunicated. That is your choice. We all have them. There is only an actual problem where that might drift into sustaining his ideas. My point was however that if you sustain such a person without pushing them to repentance, or sustain them and otherwise bring suspicion that you do not condemn their views, that those of the Faith are free to consider if you are truly a friend of the Faith, and that actually if you are not pushing them to repentance you may be helping them feel confident to remain outside of the Faith and so further harming them by allowing them not to repent.
As for your question on actions, I thought I was clear on this but I'll say it again too, the excommunicated can make no oaths, can give no confidence to others. You, however, made your oaths to obey the Compact, it's rules, it's laws, to obey the instructions of the Gods. His actions do not free you from those obligations, you did not make them to him. And the same is true for others. The only way someone can be placed outside of the protection of the Compact, and so vulnerable in the way you suggest to random killing, is through the powers of the King and those he delegates to - though you would still have obedience to the law of the Gods in that situation. If you had sworn to Limerance not to harm them, or if you had provided Guest Right under Gild? Then you would be bound by that, the King cannot release you from those obligations, only the Gods through the Dominus.
And again, I emphasise that what I said were my views and those of my background. As others point out, we cannot speak for the Crown and would not speak for the Crown. There is the law of the Gods that applies everywhere, there is the law of the Church will applies in our holy places and governs the business of the Faith and those who work for us, there is Arvani law which applies to all the compact. The Faith gave up its rights over exile long ago to the Crown, and we would not seek them back. But it does not change the seriousness to us of this sanction.
I also must emphasise, as I said before, you can sustain the excommunicated. That is your choice. We all have them. There is only an actual problem where that might drift into sustaining his ideas. My point was however that if you sustain such a person without pushing them to repentance, or sustain them and otherwise bring suspicion that you do not condemn their views, that those of the Faith are free to consider if you are truly a friend of the Faith, and that actually if you are not pushing them to repentance you may be helping them feel confident to remain outside of the Faith and so further harming them by allowing them not to repent.
As for your question on actions, I thought I was clear on this but I'll say it again too, the excommunicated can make no oaths, can give no confidence to others. You, however, made your oaths to obey the Compact, it's rules, it's laws, to obey the instructions of the Gods. His actions do not free you from those obligations, you did not make them to him. And the same is true for others. The only way someone can be placed outside of the protection of the Compact, and so vulnerable in the way you suggest to random killing, is through the powers of the King and those he delegates to - though you would still have obedience to the law of the Gods in that situation. If you had sworn to Limerance not to harm them, or if you had provided Guest Right under Gild? Then you would be bound by that, the King cannot release you from those obligations, only the Gods through the Dominus.
Written By Preston
Sept. 5, 2019, 10:39 a.m.(10/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
What right is there to purchase food? That is others labour you purchase through coin. If you are excommunicated, you are separate to our community - you contribute nothing but ash and dust. Why should our farmers feed you? Why should our tailors cloth you? Society works because we each do the jobs we are skilled in, the jobs we are called to, and it is in our collective effort that a civilisation is built.
I accept that my views and feelings are not perhaps how some will feel. There are some who dance around with mirrors in ways that fill me with discomfort. I do not need to consider the temporal powers, nor represent the views of the Crown or a fealty, I only concern myself with the Gods and the Faith. That said, I think people may need to consider appearances. If you support and nourish a man whose mouth only spouts attacks upon the Church, whose hand only writes nonsense attempts to rekindle the heresies of Marach through fictional and false recountings of his works, whose whole body seems only to move to do injury to the Faith and the Gods, then what message does that send about your love of the Gods that you would nourish that without demanding repentance?
Disciple Rinel says she will tend to him, I would say Rinel is being headstrong and foolish. She is a talented researcher, she has a great deal of knowledge. But often her wisdom is questioned. In this I think I must as well. Her life is not filled with the Faith, she has never made those ultimate sacrifices or oaths to become a Godsworn, the Faith must be certain first she seeks to serve the Gods, not have the Faith serve her. As a child of the Faith, her own head may be turned. She may, in a mistake, fall for a heresy or allow it to spread. She may mistakenly encourage him in a way that she feels is repentance but is not what the wider Faith would consider. You see, as a child she cannot offer forgiveness, for she is not fully of the Faith. She is still tied to the temporal. As such, if the excommunicated wish to repent, if they wish to become a penitent, it is to the Godsworn they must look. Rinel herself had to engage in such tasks previously. The Legates are fair, if someone proves they wish to repent, they will provide ways. As it is though, the man excommunicated seems to want to entrench himself as an enemy of the Faith. His danger is not in and of himself - that is why he still lives - the danger is those who seeing him as no threat think it is acceptable to humour him.
I accept that my views and feelings are not perhaps how some will feel. There are some who dance around with mirrors in ways that fill me with discomfort. I do not need to consider the temporal powers, nor represent the views of the Crown or a fealty, I only concern myself with the Gods and the Faith. That said, I think people may need to consider appearances. If you support and nourish a man whose mouth only spouts attacks upon the Church, whose hand only writes nonsense attempts to rekindle the heresies of Marach through fictional and false recountings of his works, whose whole body seems only to move to do injury to the Faith and the Gods, then what message does that send about your love of the Gods that you would nourish that without demanding repentance?
Disciple Rinel says she will tend to him, I would say Rinel is being headstrong and foolish. She is a talented researcher, she has a great deal of knowledge. But often her wisdom is questioned. In this I think I must as well. Her life is not filled with the Faith, she has never made those ultimate sacrifices or oaths to become a Godsworn, the Faith must be certain first she seeks to serve the Gods, not have the Faith serve her. As a child of the Faith, her own head may be turned. She may, in a mistake, fall for a heresy or allow it to spread. She may mistakenly encourage him in a way that she feels is repentance but is not what the wider Faith would consider. You see, as a child she cannot offer forgiveness, for she is not fully of the Faith. She is still tied to the temporal. As such, if the excommunicated wish to repent, if they wish to become a penitent, it is to the Godsworn they must look. Rinel herself had to engage in such tasks previously. The Legates are fair, if someone proves they wish to repent, they will provide ways. As it is though, the man excommunicated seems to want to entrench himself as an enemy of the Faith. His danger is not in and of himself - that is why he still lives - the danger is those who seeing him as no threat think it is acceptable to humour him.
Written By Preston
Sept. 3, 2019, 4:15 p.m.(10/8/1011 AR)
Excommunication is a serious matter, though perhaps its impact is lesser when dealing with a commoner as opposed to a noble, at least when we move beyond the individual. Removed from the Faith, such a person has no standing to swear by the Gods. Contracts, witnessed by the Faith and entered into under the Gods, cannot be joined into. That person cannot buy goods, they cannot sell goods. They cannot work. They cannot employ. Someone lacking that ability to make solemn oaths can swear to nothing, attest to nothing. To the Faith, it is as best as though they do not exist at worse as though they are an enemy.
People must remember that their own behaviour is still guided by their oaths and their obedience to the Gods however - cruelty is never a path to take. Equally if you do seek to help an excommunicated person, remember if they were excommunicated often it is for actions incompatible with the Faith. Heresy, desecration, something perhaps worse. You should be careful any support for the person does not become support for their cause - especially with issues of heresy.
People must remember that their own behaviour is still guided by their oaths and their obedience to the Gods however - cruelty is never a path to take. Equally if you do seek to help an excommunicated person, remember if they were excommunicated often it is for actions incompatible with the Faith. Heresy, desecration, something perhaps worse. You should be careful any support for the person does not become support for their cause - especially with issues of heresy.
Written By Preston
Aug. 31, 2019, 6:22 p.m.(10/2/1011 AR)
I have never considered myself wise - I am not Most Holy Orazio, or Father Aureth, or Mother Ailith. I have always sought to learn more about the Faith that is my whole life, I have always wanted to know more about the ways to defend the faith, but knowledge does not make wisdom. And wisdom is not something you claim for yourself, but often something understood only long after your death as others look at your work.
Yet there are some who truly make me look wise, whose rash choices and unfiltered desires place not themselves not only in danger but risk everyone's safety. When those like the Legates, the wisest amongst us, tell you something is a bad idea then it is a sign of madness, extreme idiocy or of determined evil to continue down that path.
Yet there are some who truly make me look wise, whose rash choices and unfiltered desires place not themselves not only in danger but risk everyone's safety. When those like the Legates, the wisest amongst us, tell you something is a bad idea then it is a sign of madness, extreme idiocy or of determined evil to continue down that path.
Written By Preston
Aug. 25, 2019, 7:18 a.m.(9/17/1011 AR)
In general? I would not look to judge the offer of a million silver for this staff of the Blessed Brigida. It is an awesome sum, that is true, but one built up through plying Jayus' crafts and in honourable deals. And with, of course, the tithes being taken at appropriate points to fund good work.
The Godsworn were once inviolate - all knew this, from the nobles to the most ordinary person in the lowers. The Godsworn go and do the things society needs us to do - as well as talk about the Gods, we do their work. The orphans, the alms for the poor, healing for the sick. The Godsworn went where others could or would not. And that truce has rarely been broken. And in the past its breaking has brought down dynasties. The unfortunate and incorrect lesson some took from the Great Road and some of the incidences on it were that the Godsworn perhaps are somehow fair game. Let me say they are not. And those who do seek to purloin and harm and disrupt the Godsworn, know that the only people you could ever hurt are the orphans, the sick and the poor. I assure you the worth of a single staff is like a grain of sand compared to the entire shores of silver the Faith puts into helping those in need.
This time it is a staff stolen, next time perhaps a sword, or perhaps a mercy is mugged, or perhaps a Solace stabbed. None of these will dissuade us from helping those that we can, but it may impact upon it.
I realise this sounds like a lot to make from the theft of a single staff, but society like many things is a dream. One we hold together and in our collective belief strengthen. Those strands that bind it and make it strong, like the inviolate nature of the Godsworn, are easy to break one by one however and far more difficult to weave back together.
The Godsworn were once inviolate - all knew this, from the nobles to the most ordinary person in the lowers. The Godsworn go and do the things society needs us to do - as well as talk about the Gods, we do their work. The orphans, the alms for the poor, healing for the sick. The Godsworn went where others could or would not. And that truce has rarely been broken. And in the past its breaking has brought down dynasties. The unfortunate and incorrect lesson some took from the Great Road and some of the incidences on it were that the Godsworn perhaps are somehow fair game. Let me say they are not. And those who do seek to purloin and harm and disrupt the Godsworn, know that the only people you could ever hurt are the orphans, the sick and the poor. I assure you the worth of a single staff is like a grain of sand compared to the entire shores of silver the Faith puts into helping those in need.
This time it is a staff stolen, next time perhaps a sword, or perhaps a mercy is mugged, or perhaps a Solace stabbed. None of these will dissuade us from helping those that we can, but it may impact upon it.
I realise this sounds like a lot to make from the theft of a single staff, but society like many things is a dream. One we hold together and in our collective belief strengthen. Those strands that bind it and make it strong, like the inviolate nature of the Godsworn, are easy to break one by one however and far more difficult to weave back together.
Written By Preston
Aug. 23, 2019, 6:20 a.m.(9/13/1011 AR)
As it has come up in other whites, I thought I would muse on the issue of being released from oaths.
To be released from an oath is not to be an oathbreaker, but it may well mean that you undertook most solemn oaths without being able to commit to fulfil them. This can be for a variety of reasons, perhaps circumstances changed beyond your control, perhaps two oaths came into conflict, perhaps you simply never took them seriously. As we saw from then-Brother Aleksei, atonement can be made. But people will judge, they will wonder - if you cannot fulfil your oath on this, why is that? And if they are not satisfied, they may then ask if they can trust your oath, or even your most basic promise, on anything else. They may look at the behaviour of those involved, they may question, are these the actions of one trying to fulfil that oath? Or one eager to be rid of it? Are these the symptoms of the failing of an oath, or the cause?
It is easy though to want to be harsh, to want to judge another, to give in to the mistrust that at times comes all to naturally to all of us. Instead we should be sad that anyone should feel so at conflict from their Oaths and their commitments under Limerance that release is worth the cost. We should be thankful to the Dominus, for his wise consideration in judging the merits and the needs of all things, and in coming to decisions on these matters. We should celebrate those oaths that endure, those obligations that never end, from the King to his Subjects, from the Subjects to their King, from all of us to the Gods. Even if events cause one to question individuals, we should never let it erode our certainty in the importance of Limerance's oaths, and of all commitments we come to under the Gods.
To be released from an oath is not to be an oathbreaker, but it may well mean that you undertook most solemn oaths without being able to commit to fulfil them. This can be for a variety of reasons, perhaps circumstances changed beyond your control, perhaps two oaths came into conflict, perhaps you simply never took them seriously. As we saw from then-Brother Aleksei, atonement can be made. But people will judge, they will wonder - if you cannot fulfil your oath on this, why is that? And if they are not satisfied, they may then ask if they can trust your oath, or even your most basic promise, on anything else. They may look at the behaviour of those involved, they may question, are these the actions of one trying to fulfil that oath? Or one eager to be rid of it? Are these the symptoms of the failing of an oath, or the cause?
It is easy though to want to be harsh, to want to judge another, to give in to the mistrust that at times comes all to naturally to all of us. Instead we should be sad that anyone should feel so at conflict from their Oaths and their commitments under Limerance that release is worth the cost. We should be thankful to the Dominus, for his wise consideration in judging the merits and the needs of all things, and in coming to decisions on these matters. We should celebrate those oaths that endure, those obligations that never end, from the King to his Subjects, from the Subjects to their King, from all of us to the Gods. Even if events cause one to question individuals, we should never let it erode our certainty in the importance of Limerance's oaths, and of all commitments we come to under the Gods.
Written By Preston
Aug. 16, 2019, 10:57 a.m.(8/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
It is difficult to hear of losses, especially when it was places we had hoped to help but were unable to due to our commitments in other locations. I do not know if we could have altered the outcome of the battle at Highhill Crossing. Perhaps had we been more involved in the planning even if we could not attend, we could have warned away from some part of it. I doubt it though, I do not think changing Duke Arn's mind from anything is an easy task. Though maybe in future we will ensure even if we cannot help that we can provide advise as requested, and I will look to how that can be done.
My main encounter with Duke Arn was over the Telmar Sword and Bliss Whisper. As others have suggested, Arn's propensity to call all younger men boy was there - it made me smile. I do not think many call the Grandmaster of the Templars boy whatever his age, but it is true enough. Once he had his say, he listened. And though it took time he came to a right decision. But once he had made his mind up for certain, that was it, he wished to move on. Next thing. Next problem.
I am sorry I will not get to convince him of the wisdom of a Templar fort in the Telmarch. But, I will smile whenever I hear someone gruffly yell out 'Boy'.
My main encounter with Duke Arn was over the Telmar Sword and Bliss Whisper. As others have suggested, Arn's propensity to call all younger men boy was there - it made me smile. I do not think many call the Grandmaster of the Templars boy whatever his age, but it is true enough. Once he had his say, he listened. And though it took time he came to a right decision. But once he had made his mind up for certain, that was it, he wished to move on. Next thing. Next problem.
I am sorry I will not get to convince him of the wisdom of a Templar fort in the Telmarch. But, I will smile whenever I hear someone gruffly yell out 'Boy'.
Written By Preston
Aug. 12, 2019, 9:03 a.m.(8/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
I can promise you, the silence of the rest of us has to do with the fact that these fires of debate rage every few weeks, and with far more smoke than light. Whether you are seeking to get the Abandoned to bend the knee or you are attacking them, pretending they are all the same only sets you up for defeat. Seeking understanding of them while treating them all the same sets you up for ignorance. As though trying to learn about the Gods by asking every Godsworn to sing their favourite canticle. There is truth in all of it, but in the composite? Just confusing noise.
Written By Preston
Aug. 12, 2019, 8:59 a.m.(8/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
Some few weeks past Duke Cristoph made a donation to the Templars. He did so without fanfare or announcement. It was a sizeable donation, and material he could have used to build up his forces or other such. It was a kind donation, and one I did not speak of at the time as he had done so quietly.
But, on reflection, his honouring of Gloria and Gild should be celebrated. More so because of what those resources will be put into. A project which will honour the Gods, and our shared history as a people. I hope once it is revealed people will draw strength from what we endured as a people before, what we may have to endure again.
But, on reflection, his honouring of Gloria and Gild should be celebrated. More so because of what those resources will be put into. A project which will honour the Gods, and our shared history as a people. I hope once it is revealed people will draw strength from what we endured as a people before, what we may have to endure again.
Written By Preston
Aug. 10, 2019, 6:54 p.m.(8/16/1011 AR)
I have said often of late, if you raise your hand against the Faith, you raise your hand against the Gods, and a hand that offends the Gods shall be struck off.
I won't weep for Lord Aramis. He was a heretic and a traitor, to our people and to the Gods. I do not hold his family to blame, indeed his father showed great humility and honour in handing his son over. Nor did we kill him, we were taking him for questioning. But, his death simply saves the executioner a job. And in only a small way pays back the hundreds if not thousands of lives his actions took.
I won't weep for Lord Aramis. He was a heretic and a traitor, to our people and to the Gods. I do not hold his family to blame, indeed his father showed great humility and honour in handing his son over. Nor did we kill him, we were taking him for questioning. But, his death simply saves the executioner a job. And in only a small way pays back the hundreds if not thousands of lives his actions took.
Written By Preston
Aug. 7, 2019, 4:58 p.m.(8/10/1011 AR)
It is always a noble idea, that death haunts us. That we remember each kill. That it changes us. I am never sure though.
I am not a callous person, nor am I old. Yet in even my few years I have fought wars, I have fought skirmishes, I have gone to places long abandoned and fought raiders, I have fought on the road... In truth? I do not remember all whom I have killed. I do not revel in their deaths either. Many I did not even see to know who they are. Many more are dead because I have ordered attacks.
The important thing I think is to be certain in the justness of your actions, and your choices. I know each action where I was sent out, and where now I send men out, is to serve the Faith and the Gods. I will always ensure that my enemy has had a choice. Never have we attacked innocents. Those fights we have fought, we fight with honour and do not revel in the kill nor in the suffering after. The wounded, the captured, all others, are treated honourably. Do those things, hold true to the Gods? You will find your dreams haunted less. But. I know my life in that sense is easy, I do not serve temporal power. I do not fight for borders or silver or such. I never face many of the cases that fall close to the edge of morality.
I am not a callous person, nor am I old. Yet in even my few years I have fought wars, I have fought skirmishes, I have gone to places long abandoned and fought raiders, I have fought on the road... In truth? I do not remember all whom I have killed. I do not revel in their deaths either. Many I did not even see to know who they are. Many more are dead because I have ordered attacks.
The important thing I think is to be certain in the justness of your actions, and your choices. I know each action where I was sent out, and where now I send men out, is to serve the Faith and the Gods. I will always ensure that my enemy has had a choice. Never have we attacked innocents. Those fights we have fought, we fight with honour and do not revel in the kill nor in the suffering after. The wounded, the captured, all others, are treated honourably. Do those things, hold true to the Gods? You will find your dreams haunted less. But. I know my life in that sense is easy, I do not serve temporal power. I do not fight for borders or silver or such. I never face many of the cases that fall close to the edge of morality.
Written By Preston
Aug. 2, 2019, 4:46 a.m.(7/27/1011 AR)
I am somewhat baffled that anyone would be surprised that the Grandmaster of the Holy Knights of the Temple would opine on Gloria and her wants and desires, her opinion on events, on the demands of the Gods. It is quite literally the job of the Godsworn to guide our people on this, and the Faith are the representatives of the Gods here on Arvum. The Most Holy is the Voice of the Gods. It is perhaps more worrying if disciples of the Faith fail to understand this.
These reasons are why Godsworn do not duel often, and never on matters of the Faith - because it is so serious. It is why the Godsworn are inviolate. It is why the Faith is inviolate. To raise your hand against the Faith and its Godsworn is to raise your hand in rebellion to the Gods.
These reasons are why Godsworn do not duel often, and never on matters of the Faith - because it is so serious. It is why the Godsworn are inviolate. It is why the Faith is inviolate. To raise your hand against the Faith and its Godsworn is to raise your hand in rebellion to the Gods.
Written By Preston
July 31, 2019, 4:06 a.m.(7/23/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
It is the right of this Ras to assert trial by combat if he wishes, Lady Brianna - if he claims it despite being weak or malnourished as you suggest, then perhaps he is confident in his innocence and the Gods will provide the answer he believes is just in the trial.
As for Lord Alban, I would be wary too much of casting aspersions on his character as a Knight and an honourable man. Lord Alban stood at Stormwall with the Valardin forces. He joined the rearguard charge to defend the shamans, the wounded and the mercies in the mountain pass. When unhorsed in that charge he pressed on to the fight on foot - if the enemy had not been luckily defeated, he would have died there in that frozen pass. Any who stood at Stormwall get more than a little benefit of the doubt in their virtues. All his actions have proven his love of Gloria, and Gloria's love of him.
As for Lord Alban, I would be wary too much of casting aspersions on his character as a Knight and an honourable man. Lord Alban stood at Stormwall with the Valardin forces. He joined the rearguard charge to defend the shamans, the wounded and the mercies in the mountain pass. When unhorsed in that charge he pressed on to the fight on foot - if the enemy had not been luckily defeated, he would have died there in that frozen pass. Any who stood at Stormwall get more than a little benefit of the doubt in their virtues. All his actions have proven his love of Gloria, and Gloria's love of him.
Written By Preston
July 27, 2019, 3:44 a.m.(7/15/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
The question of questions - an enjoyable phrase to say to a Scholar - is complicated. And it will vary, a Liberal will say everything is free, nothing is forbidden. pragmatist will likely not want to have the debate at all as it only will cause division between the Liberal and the Orthodox, and the Orthodox will say that only questions that seek to improve yourself are useful, questions that challenge the order of our world are dangerous. But, those are matters of paths and views, not of absolutes.
Where it becomes a matter of absolutes are questions that may suggest paths that go to heresy. If one answer continues us on our path to serve the Gods and the other answer separates us from them, then the question can only do harm. This can happen even if the asker is simply musing, but also when the one asking seeks to provoke that separation. So. It is why there is a line at a point, in how far one may tread that path. And why the mirrormasks are so well trained under Blessed Vayne. I do not share his style of worship, but I can recognise the skill involved in his art.
Where it becomes a matter of absolutes are questions that may suggest paths that go to heresy. If one answer continues us on our path to serve the Gods and the other answer separates us from them, then the question can only do harm. This can happen even if the asker is simply musing, but also when the one asking seeks to provoke that separation. So. It is why there is a line at a point, in how far one may tread that path. And why the mirrormasks are so well trained under Blessed Vayne. I do not share his style of worship, but I can recognise the skill involved in his art.
Written By Preston
July 26, 2019, 9:47 a.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
Some questions are forbidden, even to the Disciples of the Thirteenth. Some proposals and suggestions, some queries, transgress those lines we allow and the freedoms granted within the Faith. There is active debate among the Godsworn even on such matters, where our comfort may lie - but the absolute limit was established in the very act of creation of the Orthodoxy, in the actions of Alor Valardin, that there is a line up to which you can go and no further. Be careful child of the Faith that your necessary work in honouring the Thirteenth and your confidence in his methods does not turn into hubris and over confidence in your own cleverness. There are those far older and far cleverer than any of us who will misuse that for their ends.
Written By Preston
July 25, 2019, 6:32 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cabrera
The city is a fascinating place, and a great location for the Faith to gather and to be able to guide the Faithful children.
Written By Preston
July 25, 2019, 1:11 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Athaur
If I may gently observe to the noble Count, sad and blunt as it may be, submit or die is ultimately the choice faced. We can delay that choice, hope more time and interaction will promote the joining of those people to the Compact rather than resistance, but bluntly it is the way it is. Though. I would say Submit is a blunt term for what is often the start of a partnership between the local Lords and their new people. Bending the knee creates ties that bind, but they bind in both directions. And create obligations and support.
The problem is not in the choice, it is when that choice is not truly a choice or when it is denied totally. When conflict is artificially created as a pretext to assault. The Faith has often been at the forefront of major conflict with the Abandoned tribes, I have little interest in seeing our lands, our silver, our people lost to raids or encroachment from tribes who refuse to bend the knee, and we have proven that with blood and steel. But I have no interest at all in paying with the lives of the Faith Militant to kill those who never had a choice to submit, to bend the knee. Those who have not refused to bend the knee because it has not been offered, who are not actively attacking our people and the roads, who have not sworn to dark beliefs have taken no choice that confers guilt.
The terms are stark indeed, my Lord, but there are ways in which they come at the end of a long conversation. Of education. Too often are such choices made quickly, are people not yet ready brought into the Compact or forced to battle when there is no need. Prodigal Houses raised up without proper instruction in the Faith in some cases. I think less haste in these matters would be better for all sides.
The problem is not in the choice, it is when that choice is not truly a choice or when it is denied totally. When conflict is artificially created as a pretext to assault. The Faith has often been at the forefront of major conflict with the Abandoned tribes, I have little interest in seeing our lands, our silver, our people lost to raids or encroachment from tribes who refuse to bend the knee, and we have proven that with blood and steel. But I have no interest at all in paying with the lives of the Faith Militant to kill those who never had a choice to submit, to bend the knee. Those who have not refused to bend the knee because it has not been offered, who are not actively attacking our people and the roads, who have not sworn to dark beliefs have taken no choice that confers guilt.
The terms are stark indeed, my Lord, but there are ways in which they come at the end of a long conversation. Of education. Too often are such choices made quickly, are people not yet ready brought into the Compact or forced to battle when there is no need. Prodigal Houses raised up without proper instruction in the Faith in some cases. I think less haste in these matters would be better for all sides.
Written By Preston
July 21, 2019, 3:01 p.m.(7/4/1011 AR)
It is always helpful, from time to time, to have someone to revel in the Thirteenth and his worship to the point that they forget their obligations to the other Gods, and so the dangers in such can be made clear. No God stands alone. Each, including the Thirteenth, has its place within the Pantheon. One can champion one God without forgetting the others, and our obligations to that. If we should forget that, then you may commit terrible acts and feel justified in doing so. To pursue a just outcome without regard to the means, an honourable battle without regard to the impact, to enrich your domain but without the binding of oaths to keep you honest....
You must study each of them. Not stare solely into the mirror, which may help you understand yourself, but not all answers are within. Some you must find from others.
You must study each of them. Not stare solely into the mirror, which may help you understand yourself, but not all answers are within. Some you must find from others.
Written By Preston
July 16, 2019, 5:52 p.m.(6/22/1011 AR)
The interdiction of trade by the Faith against any group, a noble house or one of these foreign "Empires", is a serious matter. They are heathens of a most serious and dangerous type, to trade with them is to enrich them. To enrich them is to help them. And now to do so makes one an enemy of the Faith.
Some scamp may believe they can escape such, that the Legates are here in Arx. Father Aureth will not notice if you buy this fabric, you think. Just one shipment might slip past Mother Ailith. And it is true, the Legates themselves are here in Arx. But. The will of the Faith is not enforced by them alone. The Templars stand as the arm of the Faith, and we are everywhere. Every parish, every port, every castle. We will see your misdeeds. You see, you do not have to evade one Legate, or 4. You do not have to evade the Dominus. Or indeed the 13 Archlectors and 2 Grandmasters. You must evade a hundred thousand Templars. A hundred thousand Solace. You must evade each Scholar and every Mercy. Is it not easier to live without foreign niceties paid for by the diminishing of our righteousness than it is to live with that guilt and doubt pressing on you?
Some scamp may believe they can escape such, that the Legates are here in Arx. Father Aureth will not notice if you buy this fabric, you think. Just one shipment might slip past Mother Ailith. And it is true, the Legates themselves are here in Arx. But. The will of the Faith is not enforced by them alone. The Templars stand as the arm of the Faith, and we are everywhere. Every parish, every port, every castle. We will see your misdeeds. You see, you do not have to evade one Legate, or 4. You do not have to evade the Dominus. Or indeed the 13 Archlectors and 2 Grandmasters. You must evade a hundred thousand Templars. A hundred thousand Solace. You must evade each Scholar and every Mercy. Is it not easier to live without foreign niceties paid for by the diminishing of our righteousness than it is to live with that guilt and doubt pressing on you?
Written By Preston
July 16, 2019, 8:06 a.m.(6/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
A weed? Never. Humble perhaps. But more the vine. Moving slowly and quietly, unseen and self-sufficient, until you find the tree on which to grow. And in that perfect place, bloom with surprising beauty and grace, in ways no-one expects. And then, perhaps, stab everyone. But certainly never the weed.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.