Written By Rhea
June 17, 2018, 10:41 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Oh! That's all terribly wrong. I was still living in Stonedeep when THAT happened, but I was following it VERY closely (after the fact mostly, because unfortunately news must travel). It was all very interesting. VERY interesting. At least twice as interesting as Archbarker Peanut (sorry, Archbarker, also I've found better dogs). Dominus Fawkuhl was never taken into anyone's custody, he was not stripped of his title (a Convocation is very serious business), and Esra was reconciled with the Faith. Matters of historical record!
Wait, Esra was the Scholar that went crazy, spread his manifesto and was then slain in 'self defense' by a Sword. Oops. Esera!
Oh, and here's what the current Dominus said about the matter. I keep a copy of the proclamation under my bed. VERY interesting, like I said. Not that I'm planning to convert.
"The Excommunication of the High Lords and their voices was a contentious event in our history. It stirred strife and tore a hole between the Faith of the Pantheon and the Council of Regents. Many saw it as a bold, politically driven move by the Dominus of the time. Brother Fawkuhl, then Dominus, made the decision he had to, when he excommunicated those who supported the Teind; it defies the Laws of Limerance that he was sworn to uphold. His actions since then should not overshadow the seriousness of that message. The overstepping came in forcing that same excommunication, the most serious and dire punishment the Faith can inflict, on those who stood against the Teind."
Wait, Esra was the Scholar that went crazy, spread his manifesto and was then slain in 'self defense' by a Sword. Oops. Esera!
Oh, and here's what the current Dominus said about the matter. I keep a copy of the proclamation under my bed. VERY interesting, like I said. Not that I'm planning to convert.
"The Excommunication of the High Lords and their voices was a contentious event in our history. It stirred strife and tore a hole between the Faith of the Pantheon and the Council of Regents. Many saw it as a bold, politically driven move by the Dominus of the time. Brother Fawkuhl, then Dominus, made the decision he had to, when he excommunicated those who supported the Teind; it defies the Laws of Limerance that he was sworn to uphold. His actions since then should not overshadow the seriousness of that message. The overstepping came in forcing that same excommunication, the most serious and dire punishment the Faith can inflict, on those who stood against the Teind."
Written By Orazio
June 17, 2018, 10:35 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Well.
A man takes a bit of time to attend to matters of his own spiritual prayer and meditations, and it turns out that many exciting things happen. I'll not address the matter of Prince Aurelian, nor his impersonator, but to say that I know that seeing justice done must have been a difficult and heartbreaking thing to do, and that I honor that choice, as much as I mourn the hurt it must have caused those who were personally betrayed by someone they believed loved them. May the gods bring balm in time to those wounds.
Now, to the second order of business, namely, the Most Holy's pronouncement and severance of Discipleships for those who remain adherent to shamanic paths and animist traditions. As is often the case with kneejerk outrage, there have rapidly become many misconceptions about what this means and the implications and impact on the Compact. First, let it be understood that while the Faith of the Pantheon has generously tolerated the existence of shamanic paths in the Northlands, a tolerance won by bravery and blood on the part of Redrain and the North, the Faith of the Pantheon holds the Pantheon to be /the/ spiritual guide and authorities of the Compact. The whole Compact. No House is allowed entrance into the Compact without swearing to take on the Compact's ways, traditions, and beliefs - including that of the Faith of the Pantheon.
Traditionally, the Houses of the Compact have been good stewards of this obligation, and have ensured that no one was allowed to bend the knee without truly and fully understanding that to do so meant to no longer be an independent shav tribe, but to be a people of the Compact, and the nobility has traditionally understood why this is necessary - not least of which because the fealty oath itself is sealed by devotion to Limerance and the obligations of vassal and liege are hemmed by Gloria's honor, by the Sentinel's Justice, and by the Virtues of each and every one of the gods. Accepting people who do not wholeheartedly embrace those Virtues is a dangerous thing, for a liege and for the Compact as a whole. Thus, the integration of Prodigals has typically been a thoughtful and careful act, so that these new citizens understand their obligations and requirements.
Sadly, in the last several years, a fad has taken place in all of the fealties of the Compact of embracing large numbers of Prodigals, or even permitting shavs to remain on Compact lands within controlled territories, without ensuring that they are in full understanding of what it means to 'bend the knee'. This has, unfortunately, led to a surge of Prodigals who seem to view Compact membership as a mere convenience, and seem fully inclined to maintain their own traditions, religions, and authorities while paying only the barest lip service to the Compact, and more, seem outraged to discover that this is not, and has never been, the way of the Compact. Sadly, they have been aided and abetted in this outrage by people who have been Compact from birth, and thus truly should know better.
How this impacts the Faith itself is manifold. First, it has created an impression among people who, again, should know better, that if one does not like what a priest of the Pantheon says about a spiritual matter, one can simply find a shaman who will tell them that they are justified or correct - people have behaved as if one can pick and choose whether to be a member of the Faith, or find a random shamanistic path to follow. This is not the way of the Compact, and shall never be the way of the Compact. Further, it is disrespectful to both the Church /and/ those shamans and followers of the animist paths who have painstakingly kept their traditions alive for more than a millennium. Faith - any faith - requires dedication and commitment, and should not be treated as a sulky child treats their parents when trying to wheedle a favorable decision by playing one parent against the other. As the preparation by lieges has not been sufficient to help new Prodigals fully understand what they are agreeing to, the Faith must ensure that a pillar of the Compact's culture remains clear, straightforward, and in line with the traditions that the Faith and Compact were founded on.
Second, it has allowed some disciples who are also shamans in their own right to speak with unwarranted authority on spiritual matters pertaining to the gods. This, unfortunately, has implications for the fidelity of church doctrine and the role of the Disciple in the Church. One should be able to look at a Disciple and see a follower of the Faith who can serve as an exemplar for what devotion to the Church should be. Being a Disciple is not simply about being a good person, or wanting to help - there are millions across the Compact who are very good people who wish to help but who are not Disciples, and the Faith thinks no less of them for it. A Disciple, while not a priest, still serves as a living guidepost and light for those who wish to understand what service to the gods looks like. It requires a firm understanding of Faith doctrine, and a wholehearted embrace of those principles, Virtues, and gods - without the dilution of other traditions and religious leanings which may lead those who look to Disciples away from the true Faith and into apostasy.
Third, there are some who have called this 'religious discrimination'. It is. We are a religion which holds to beliefs and values and doctrines that we wholeheartedly embrace and have sacrificed much of our personal choice to support. We do not accept atheists as Disciples, even when an atheist might be one of the best, purest hearts in the world. And, yes, the Dominus has now proclaimed that we will not accept shamans or those who follow the shamanic paths as Disciples. Their beliefs are not a part of Church doctrine, and to allow them to stand as a Church authority, even in such a minor way, is to suggest that they are - as, unfortunately, the outrage in some quarters about this decision has proved people were beginning to believe. It is to my regret, and with my apologies, that as Legate I ever allowed the situation to progress so far that the Dominus needed to step in and set us right once again.
Fourth, there are those who have suggested that this is the opening act to a new doctrine of oppression against the shamanic paths. It is not. The ancient treaty with the North holds - so long as the shamanic paths police themselves rigorously and without fail for corruption and apostasy, and those who adhere to them also abide by and pledge their faith to the Faith of the Pantheon as they are bound to by oath, the Church has no quarrel with the continuance of ancient provincial traditions. The Faith will continue to support followers of the shamanic paths with education, healing, protection, food for starving, shelter for the homeless, sanctuary for the heart-wounded, and all of the services that we have always provided, and we will always welcome worshipers who come to shrines with open hearts and love for the gods, whatever other traditions they might also respect. Some writers have characterized this decision as putting animists out of the Faith. This is untrue. All of the people of the Compact remain children of the Church, and members of the Faith, whether they also respect their ancient traditions or not - until and unless a person puts themselves out of the Faith through heresy, apostasy, blasphemy, or acts intolerable by the gods. If you are not using your ancient traditions as a way to lead people into darkness, to encourage worship of corrupted things, or to encourage rebellion against your lawful lieges, the Crown, or the Church, then you have nothing to fear from either the Faith or the Compact in paying your respects to the past.
As is characteristic of all of his decisions, the proclamation by the Dominus has been undertaken with thought, care, wisdom, and - first and foremost - with the devotion and love of the gods and the people of the Compact in his heart. It is my sincere hope that his words can be extended the smallest amount of charity in return.
Well.
A man takes a bit of time to attend to matters of his own spiritual prayer and meditations, and it turns out that many exciting things happen. I'll not address the matter of Prince Aurelian, nor his impersonator, but to say that I know that seeing justice done must have been a difficult and heartbreaking thing to do, and that I honor that choice, as much as I mourn the hurt it must have caused those who were personally betrayed by someone they believed loved them. May the gods bring balm in time to those wounds.
Now, to the second order of business, namely, the Most Holy's pronouncement and severance of Discipleships for those who remain adherent to shamanic paths and animist traditions. As is often the case with kneejerk outrage, there have rapidly become many misconceptions about what this means and the implications and impact on the Compact. First, let it be understood that while the Faith of the Pantheon has generously tolerated the existence of shamanic paths in the Northlands, a tolerance won by bravery and blood on the part of Redrain and the North, the Faith of the Pantheon holds the Pantheon to be /the/ spiritual guide and authorities of the Compact. The whole Compact. No House is allowed entrance into the Compact without swearing to take on the Compact's ways, traditions, and beliefs - including that of the Faith of the Pantheon.
Traditionally, the Houses of the Compact have been good stewards of this obligation, and have ensured that no one was allowed to bend the knee without truly and fully understanding that to do so meant to no longer be an independent shav tribe, but to be a people of the Compact, and the nobility has traditionally understood why this is necessary - not least of which because the fealty oath itself is sealed by devotion to Limerance and the obligations of vassal and liege are hemmed by Gloria's honor, by the Sentinel's Justice, and by the Virtues of each and every one of the gods. Accepting people who do not wholeheartedly embrace those Virtues is a dangerous thing, for a liege and for the Compact as a whole. Thus, the integration of Prodigals has typically been a thoughtful and careful act, so that these new citizens understand their obligations and requirements.
Sadly, in the last several years, a fad has taken place in all of the fealties of the Compact of embracing large numbers of Prodigals, or even permitting shavs to remain on Compact lands within controlled territories, without ensuring that they are in full understanding of what it means to 'bend the knee'. This has, unfortunately, led to a surge of Prodigals who seem to view Compact membership as a mere convenience, and seem fully inclined to maintain their own traditions, religions, and authorities while paying only the barest lip service to the Compact, and more, seem outraged to discover that this is not, and has never been, the way of the Compact. Sadly, they have been aided and abetted in this outrage by people who have been Compact from birth, and thus truly should know better.
How this impacts the Faith itself is manifold. First, it has created an impression among people who, again, should know better, that if one does not like what a priest of the Pantheon says about a spiritual matter, one can simply find a shaman who will tell them that they are justified or correct - people have behaved as if one can pick and choose whether to be a member of the Faith, or find a random shamanistic path to follow. This is not the way of the Compact, and shall never be the way of the Compact. Further, it is disrespectful to both the Church /and/ those shamans and followers of the animist paths who have painstakingly kept their traditions alive for more than a millennium. Faith - any faith - requires dedication and commitment, and should not be treated as a sulky child treats their parents when trying to wheedle a favorable decision by playing one parent against the other. As the preparation by lieges has not been sufficient to help new Prodigals fully understand what they are agreeing to, the Faith must ensure that a pillar of the Compact's culture remains clear, straightforward, and in line with the traditions that the Faith and Compact were founded on.
Second, it has allowed some disciples who are also shamans in their own right to speak with unwarranted authority on spiritual matters pertaining to the gods. This, unfortunately, has implications for the fidelity of church doctrine and the role of the Disciple in the Church. One should be able to look at a Disciple and see a follower of the Faith who can serve as an exemplar for what devotion to the Church should be. Being a Disciple is not simply about being a good person, or wanting to help - there are millions across the Compact who are very good people who wish to help but who are not Disciples, and the Faith thinks no less of them for it. A Disciple, while not a priest, still serves as a living guidepost and light for those who wish to understand what service to the gods looks like. It requires a firm understanding of Faith doctrine, and a wholehearted embrace of those principles, Virtues, and gods - without the dilution of other traditions and religious leanings which may lead those who look to Disciples away from the true Faith and into apostasy.
Third, there are some who have called this 'religious discrimination'. It is. We are a religion which holds to beliefs and values and doctrines that we wholeheartedly embrace and have sacrificed much of our personal choice to support. We do not accept atheists as Disciples, even when an atheist might be one of the best, purest hearts in the world. And, yes, the Dominus has now proclaimed that we will not accept shamans or those who follow the shamanic paths as Disciples. Their beliefs are not a part of Church doctrine, and to allow them to stand as a Church authority, even in such a minor way, is to suggest that they are - as, unfortunately, the outrage in some quarters about this decision has proved people were beginning to believe. It is to my regret, and with my apologies, that as Legate I ever allowed the situation to progress so far that the Dominus needed to step in and set us right once again.
Fourth, there are those who have suggested that this is the opening act to a new doctrine of oppression against the shamanic paths. It is not. The ancient treaty with the North holds - so long as the shamanic paths police themselves rigorously and without fail for corruption and apostasy, and those who adhere to them also abide by and pledge their faith to the Faith of the Pantheon as they are bound to by oath, the Church has no quarrel with the continuance of ancient provincial traditions. The Faith will continue to support followers of the shamanic paths with education, healing, protection, food for starving, shelter for the homeless, sanctuary for the heart-wounded, and all of the services that we have always provided, and we will always welcome worshipers who come to shrines with open hearts and love for the gods, whatever other traditions they might also respect. Some writers have characterized this decision as putting animists out of the Faith. This is untrue. All of the people of the Compact remain children of the Church, and members of the Faith, whether they also respect their ancient traditions or not - until and unless a person puts themselves out of the Faith through heresy, apostasy, blasphemy, or acts intolerable by the gods. If you are not using your ancient traditions as a way to lead people into darkness, to encourage worship of corrupted things, or to encourage rebellion against your lawful lieges, the Crown, or the Church, then you have nothing to fear from either the Faith or the Compact in paying your respects to the past.
As is characteristic of all of his decisions, the proclamation by the Dominus has been undertaken with thought, care, wisdom, and - first and foremost - with the devotion and love of the gods and the people of the Compact in his heart. It is my sincere hope that his words can be extended the smallest amount of charity in return.
Written By Belladonna
June 17, 2018, 10:18 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Actually... and here is where I will part of the secret of the creation of seasilk... drape it on a line, or hang it loosely as the case may be, and let it dry in the sun and wind. Once the garment is dry, apply just a little steam to allow the fabric to loosen back to its luxurious state.
What, you didn't think the striation of color was -all- in the dyes, did you? The sun is key!
What, you didn't think the striation of color was -all- in the dyes, did you? The sun is key!
Written By Kenna
June 17, 2018, 10:13 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Air dry it for sure! Try to keep it out of direct sunlight though, the colors will fade faster.
I fully support you learning more about seasilk.
I fully support you learning more about seasilk.
Written By Dycard
June 17, 2018, 10:02 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Three weeks back in civilisation. I've seen Blackshore once more, and welcomed our Highlord and his entourage to our docks. It was a different part of an island we visited but rarely, but I've seen it - and in many ways it already looks a great deal better than the old keep and town did, with the hard work of our people to their own profit as well as ours and a saner, more careful hand at the helm.
The harvest was in and the flowers were blooming in New Hope. The place is well-named indeed.
The harvest was in and the flowers were blooming in New Hope. The place is well-named indeed.
Written By Zebulon
June 17, 2018, 9:57 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ylva
Ylva, while it may be harder to find you now when I take multiple concussive head blows, I assure you that I will still seek you out first to attend to my healing needs.
In regards to this whole discussion, as a sailor, you learn to use the best tool you have on hand, no matter where it came from, even if its not your favorite. An unarmed warrior will grab whatever weapon is near at hand, even if he is unfamiliar with it, should it mean the difference between life and death. That's practical and simple. You don't throw away something of value because it isn't the exact one you were looking for. My faith in the Pantheon is unchanged by whoever tends to my healing needs.
In regards to this whole discussion, as a sailor, you learn to use the best tool you have on hand, no matter where it came from, even if its not your favorite. An unarmed warrior will grab whatever weapon is near at hand, even if he is unfamiliar with it, should it mean the difference between life and death. That's practical and simple. You don't throw away something of value because it isn't the exact one you were looking for. My faith in the Pantheon is unchanged by whoever tends to my healing needs.
Written By Sparte
June 17, 2018, 9:44 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Seasilk. I have no idea how you wash seasilk. Do you have to keep it out of the sun while drying? Does it matter if you scrub it, does it lose shape or discolor? Not what I expected to be learning.
Written By River
June 17, 2018, 9:29 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
After reading some of the words written in the whites recently I can only conclude, that if The Shamans of the city wish to serve in a group of their own, perhaps it is time to find own congregation, and ways to bind themselves together as an organization. I know there must be a way for individuals to still serve others, and if Shamanism is So common, as it seems to be, it doesn't seem to me that finding a new tie to one another is difficult, so long as it falls into appropriate standards. That being said, I believe it is the Pantheon that suffers from this as they have told their faithful to look elsewhere for service. Still, there will be more to rise up and fill the places left vacant. Does it help matters? It does not. Is it a decision I can understand? yes. I think it is a poor decision though.
Written By Cristoph
June 17, 2018, 9:21 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
My sympathies are with those who find themselves barred from disciples suddenly, it's a particular kind of pain when you find yourself on the outs of something you were deeply involved in.
For those who happen to read my journals, I must kindly suggest that they reference the pages of Archlectors Aureth and Aleksei. You may believe in other things, if that is something that calls to you. But if you are to serve the Faith of the Pantheon in any capacity, you must serve it fully and without a devotion to others. I do not think that is unreasonable.
I sense there are some concerns from those who were once Mercies. Your path of healing others does not have to go unfulfilled if you wish to do it within a larger organization. The Physicians Guild of Arx does tremendous work and they are secular. They also have the added distinguishment of being run by Countess Reigna Keaton, a fine and honorable woman who works tirelessly for others.
For those who happen to read my journals, I must kindly suggest that they reference the pages of Archlectors Aureth and Aleksei. You may believe in other things, if that is something that calls to you. But if you are to serve the Faith of the Pantheon in any capacity, you must serve it fully and without a devotion to others. I do not think that is unreasonable.
I sense there are some concerns from those who were once Mercies. Your path of healing others does not have to go unfulfilled if you wish to do it within a larger organization. The Physicians Guild of Arx does tremendous work and they are secular. They also have the added distinguishment of being run by Countess Reigna Keaton, a fine and honorable woman who works tirelessly for others.
Written By Belladonna
June 17, 2018, 8:51 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Yes, right up until the point Dominus Fawkhul pushed Archduchess Esera Velenosa from Sovereign Bridge. At which point he was taken into custody, stripped of his position, and Esera was granted posthumous forgiveness by the Faith, if I'm not mistaken. That the other High Lords sought forgiveness -before- his regrettable break from sanity was discovered is moot.
Written By Preston
June 17, 2018, 8:48 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Asger
The Duke brings up Stormwall and what was seen. I could answer him in three ways. First I could say that what we saw was lightning - this occurs all the time. And often strikes the tallest trees in the forest. And what taller trees are there on the ocean than trebuchets on boats? But, that is a cowardly answer. I could answer that where he puts down actions to the intervention of spirits answering the prayers of his shamans, I put down to the actions of Mangata and of Petrichor, answering the prayers of the many thousands of Godsworn struggling at that time outside his walls. But that is a zealot's answer.
What I would instead answer is that, let us suppose the spirits are real. Rabbits are also real. But we do not worship rabbits. We thank Petrichor for his bounty. Medicinal herbs are real, and we thank Lagoma for her mercy we do not thank the herb. The Rectory is real, but we do not worship its hewn stone. We thank Jayus for his craft guiding the hands of the masons. If the spirits are real, they are - as all things are - creations of the Gods, or of the Abyss. If you deny that they are of the Gods, you accept they are of the Abyss. If you accept they are of the Gods, then we thank the Gods for that and worship the Gods for that bounty.
I am accused often of seeing the world in black and white. Good and evil. It is true. Because we have seen what happens when you allow even a hint of grey. The slippery slope that it becomes. Men like Abbas were born of that grey, where you can cross at will from good to evil providing you can justify the ends. That isn't what we should strive to be. And yes, we will fail. Because we are mortal. But we will pick ourselves up after each failure and strive again to be good, to be pious and to be the greatness the Gods deserve in their followers.
What I would instead answer is that, let us suppose the spirits are real. Rabbits are also real. But we do not worship rabbits. We thank Petrichor for his bounty. Medicinal herbs are real, and we thank Lagoma for her mercy we do not thank the herb. The Rectory is real, but we do not worship its hewn stone. We thank Jayus for his craft guiding the hands of the masons. If the spirits are real, they are - as all things are - creations of the Gods, or of the Abyss. If you deny that they are of the Gods, you accept they are of the Abyss. If you accept they are of the Gods, then we thank the Gods for that and worship the Gods for that bounty.
I am accused often of seeing the world in black and white. Good and evil. It is true. Because we have seen what happens when you allow even a hint of grey. The slippery slope that it becomes. Men like Abbas were born of that grey, where you can cross at will from good to evil providing you can justify the ends. That isn't what we should strive to be. And yes, we will fail. Because we are mortal. But we will pick ourselves up after each failure and strive again to be good, to be pious and to be the greatness the Gods deserve in their followers.
Written By Quenia
June 17, 2018, 8:46 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
The betrayal is a hurt that will take a long time to recover from, I think. I want to take the time to thank everyone who has privately reached out to me. Your support means a great deal. Thank you.
Written By Preston
June 17, 2018, 8:41 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I will consider much of what you have said, for our friendship though quiet this past year was once close. But if I may point out, that Dominus' actions in regards to excommunications were upheld by the Faith. That the High Lords sought forgiveness, and were so forgiven, for their transgression.
Written By Belladonna
June 17, 2018, 8:38 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Just because one person's viewpoints are right, does not automatically make another person's viewpoints wrong, Sir Preston. We are a cohesive group with many beliefs and walks of life. What is right for one person may not be right for another. That does not make them wrong anymore than what is right for -you- making another's choices wrong for not having walked the same path.
I believe you are trying to force an issue with many shades of gray into stark black and white. There is not 'what is right and what is wrong'. There is 'what is right for -you-?'. And that is a question that every person in Arx, Shaman or Priest, Common or Noble, should be asking themselves right now. The Gods give us much.. including the right to -choose- what is right for us as individuals. What is saddening people throughout the city is that they are being told that what is -right- for them is actually -wrong- because it does not follow what someone else thinks it should be.
What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged. I doubt my late husband, a man of devout Faith and member of the Knights of Solace, would have cared if it was a shaman who closed his wounds on the battlefield so long as they did a proper job of it. I know for damn sure neither he nor I would give one fuck what mingled beliefs they held if it meant healing our son of an illness.
I will leave one final reminder. The last time we had a Dominus decide that something was not allowed because it went against the Faith, High Lords were excommunicated and an Archduchess lost her life. Pray we are not looking to repeat history by substituting the Nox'alfar with the Shamans.
I believe you are trying to force an issue with many shades of gray into stark black and white. There is not 'what is right and what is wrong'. There is 'what is right for -you-?'. And that is a question that every person in Arx, Shaman or Priest, Common or Noble, should be asking themselves right now. The Gods give us much.. including the right to -choose- what is right for us as individuals. What is saddening people throughout the city is that they are being told that what is -right- for them is actually -wrong- because it does not follow what someone else thinks it should be.
What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged. I doubt my late husband, a man of devout Faith and member of the Knights of Solace, would have cared if it was a shaman who closed his wounds on the battlefield so long as they did a proper job of it. I know for damn sure neither he nor I would give one fuck what mingled beliefs they held if it meant healing our son of an illness.
I will leave one final reminder. The last time we had a Dominus decide that something was not allowed because it went against the Faith, High Lords were excommunicated and an Archduchess lost her life. Pray we are not looking to repeat history by substituting the Nox'alfar with the Shamans.
Written By Asger
June 17, 2018, 8:34 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
I got a question for the Archlector of Skald, if the faith were to say....Start forcing shamans to turn from their beliefs at the tip of the sword or using other pressures to force conversion would you condemn that? At what point would you speak up against others trying to strip away the beliefs of a people?
Written By Asger
June 17, 2018, 8:11 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
You know I rarely take to the journals because I don't think a man's thoughts should normally be so public for the world to see. In the matter of beliefs it is no secret I follow the spirits, I have communed with them personally on multiple occasions and I have had the blessings of Mangata fall on my shoulders anointing me with the strength and savagery of the sea when I risked my life to clear her shrine of foul influence. I'd like to remind the Templar that many of your number saw the workings and movement of the Spirits first hand when they rose up to protect Stormwall from the invaders and lay them low. They obviously exist, this isn't a northern misguided phenomenon, the spirits exist and they protect us. So why is it to those that acknowledge their existence and offer them the odd prayer, gift at a shrine or beseech them for protection but have made it a lifelong goal to serve your gods and their ideals you would stop them from service? Perhaps if any could answer this, they could answer a heathen's genuine question. Where have the gods demanded their worship to the exclusion of others? If ya had just one god, I could understand being jealous and all that but with multiple ones you already have to acknowledge there isn't one king god and everyone else it a pretender or other spiritual parts of the world don't exist because it might hurt their feelings to realize we are surrounded by intangible protectors. (My bet is that the south is jealous that they long ago threw away their ancestral ties to the spirits and when the forces of darkness come they won't rise up to protect them)
Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 7:44 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I do not know Mistress Shard, but what I can say is that these types of comments are unproductive. Debate is all well and good, but it should be a respectful sharing of ideas and beliefs. Once you go down that road of disrespect and name-calling, you only fuel the flames of conflict and division.
Sir Preston is one of the staunchest supporters of the Orthodoxy of the Faith. His faith is one of absolutes, including absolute loyalty to the Gods and obedience to the decrees of the Dominus. That is his path. While I may not always agree with Sir Preston in matters of philosophy or approach, he is worthy of respect as a leader in his own right within the Faith, and as a devoted servant of the Gods.
It was never my intention to bicker or cause bickering. Only to encourage discussion and thought in hopes of opening our hearts and minds to civil discourse. Since it has now officially turned to name-calling, I am bowing out.
Sir Preston is one of the staunchest supporters of the Orthodoxy of the Faith. His faith is one of absolutes, including absolute loyalty to the Gods and obedience to the decrees of the Dominus. That is his path. While I may not always agree with Sir Preston in matters of philosophy or approach, he is worthy of respect as a leader in his own right within the Faith, and as a devoted servant of the Gods.
It was never my intention to bicker or cause bickering. Only to encourage discussion and thought in hopes of opening our hearts and minds to civil discourse. Since it has now officially turned to name-calling, I am bowing out.
Written By Cullen
June 17, 2018, 7:26 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
A woman of whom I think very highly said that sometimes the best course of action is to say nothing at all when I initially picked up a quill to pen a reaction to the Dominus' decision. However, I think that that with some time to cool down I've only a simple thing to say on it, something that saddens me immensely.
I was preparing to join a Discipleship myself, but I would no sooner give up the spirits than the gods. As an extremely devout follower of both, I count myself fortunate that I hadn't yet become a disciple, and would have had to resign it, like so many friends have had to do so painfully. And now we are weaker when we need to be stronger.
I was preparing to join a Discipleship myself, but I would no sooner give up the spirits than the gods. As an extremely devout follower of both, I count myself fortunate that I hadn't yet become a disciple, and would have had to resign it, like so many friends have had to do so painfully. And now we are weaker when we need to be stronger.
Written By Shard
June 17, 2018, 6:41 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I don't know about the high lord, but being a sanctimonious jackass always convinces me to give up my misguided worships.
Written By Preston
June 17, 2018, 6:19 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
The point where I disagree most is a single word. You said 'rightly'. That they rightly refuse to give up worship of the shamanist ways to fully embrace the Pantheon. It has always been a compromise which allows this blended shamanism and pantheon worship to exist. The fact pure shamanistic worship and rejection of the pantheon was outlawed should show a direction of travel that was desired, and which many over the years have followed.
But. Rightly. That word. Does that mean then that those who instead pledge to worship the Gods alone, and continue their good work within the Faith, are those people wrong? Are all people who worship just the Pantheon, as we have for untold years of our past? I know that extends that single word to an extreme, but it is worth considering. A high lord's words carry direction, similar to a Dominus. If you tell your people one way is right then the other must be wrong, and think of the impact of that. Both on people decisions, but also on those who have already made the decision to put away misguided worships in favour of pure worship of the Pantheon.
But. Rightly. That word. Does that mean then that those who instead pledge to worship the Gods alone, and continue their good work within the Faith, are those people wrong? Are all people who worship just the Pantheon, as we have for untold years of our past? I know that extends that single word to an extreme, but it is worth considering. A high lord's words carry direction, similar to a Dominus. If you tell your people one way is right then the other must be wrong, and think of the impact of that. Both on people decisions, but also on those who have already made the decision to put away misguided worships in favour of pure worship of the Pantheon.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.