Written By Leola
June 17, 2018, 1:49 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
I have written to the Dominus, and the Legate, as to the stance the Lodge should take, as there seems some uncertainty as to the stance the Lodge should be taking in this matter.
To be clear. I do not disagree with the stance of the Dominus. The issue I have concerns the most famous figure in the known history of Petrichor's worship; Blessed Pena, Beloved of Petrichor, the Last Hierophant. Also, the founder of the Shaman's Path of Storms. The Lodge has been studying and seeking to emulate Blessed Pena's work for some time; and it seems to me that we must now cease, or step away from the Faith.
I await their reply, for it does matter to us. My own stance is that I am not a shaman; I have not talked to spirits, I know nothing really of them. Yet I cannot deny the path Pena walked; to remain true to the Faith, I must. This is, then, for minds greater than mine to unravel.
To be clear. I do not disagree with the stance of the Dominus. The issue I have concerns the most famous figure in the known history of Petrichor's worship; Blessed Pena, Beloved of Petrichor, the Last Hierophant. Also, the founder of the Shaman's Path of Storms. The Lodge has been studying and seeking to emulate Blessed Pena's work for some time; and it seems to me that we must now cease, or step away from the Faith.
I await their reply, for it does matter to us. My own stance is that I am not a shaman; I have not talked to spirits, I know nothing really of them. Yet I cannot deny the path Pena walked; to remain true to the Faith, I must. This is, then, for minds greater than mine to unravel.
Written By Aureth
June 17, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I have no public thoughts about Aleksei Morgan. He knows my private ones.
Written By Aureth
June 17, 2018, 1:42 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
For people who are screaming about how people are being forced to give up their religion and maybe this is the slippery slope to the point of a sword:
What? We've been requiring that people give up their religion at the point of a sword for literally hundreds of years. Not all shav'arvani follow your spirit paths. Many, many people out there follow the gods ... or follow their own damn thing that has nothing to do with what you're caterwauling about.
All human souls. All worthy of Death's embrace, made by her hand.
If you're going to work in our house and represent our beliefs, you can't _also_ embrace this other stuff. The Faith of the Pantheon is not a sometimes commitment when you feel like it. A discipleship is not a title to collect to make yourself look more awesome when you sign your name on fancy letterhead.
I understand why many people are hurt, people who have dedicated time and effort and love to the service of the Church, and I don't blame those people at all. But for everyone who is throwing an adolescent tantrum about how this is the beginning of the end and how dare the Dominus do this to us, you're acting like a badly behaved child. Please go take a nap until your wounded feelings have settled down and try again.
What? We've been requiring that people give up their religion at the point of a sword for literally hundreds of years. Not all shav'arvani follow your spirit paths. Many, many people out there follow the gods ... or follow their own damn thing that has nothing to do with what you're caterwauling about.
All human souls. All worthy of Death's embrace, made by her hand.
If you're going to work in our house and represent our beliefs, you can't _also_ embrace this other stuff. The Faith of the Pantheon is not a sometimes commitment when you feel like it. A discipleship is not a title to collect to make yourself look more awesome when you sign your name on fancy letterhead.
I understand why many people are hurt, people who have dedicated time and effort and love to the service of the Church, and I don't blame those people at all. But for everyone who is throwing an adolescent tantrum about how this is the beginning of the end and how dare the Dominus do this to us, you're acting like a badly behaved child. Please go take a nap until your wounded feelings have settled down and try again.
Written By Oswyn
June 17, 2018, 1:36 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
I'll be returning to the Northlands again soon. This will probably require some new socks to help keep my feet warm. My boots should still be in good enough condition for a winter trek, but I should probably talk to someone at the Society to make sure. I hope to not encounter any bears this time.
Written By Gianna
June 17, 2018, 1:31 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Work continues at the College. The mosaic is still being restored, and it will likely take some time for that project to be finished.
I have begun organizing a tour of the Compact to spread word about the Bard's College and to seek out skilled instrument makers. Hopefully, the College can become a regular stop for travelling musicians and singers. Horses and supplies will be required; the logistics of planning are unfamiliar to me; I have mostly traveled alone, or simply joined caravans and the like that I did not have to organize.
The Whisper Ball was entertaining.
I have begun organizing a tour of the Compact to spread word about the Bard's College and to seek out skilled instrument makers. Hopefully, the College can become a regular stop for travelling musicians and singers. Horses and supplies will be required; the logistics of planning are unfamiliar to me; I have mostly traveled alone, or simply joined caravans and the like that I did not have to organize.
The Whisper Ball was entertaining.
Written By Thena
June 17, 2018, 1:26 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
We now have an open bar and some very fine rum and pie available in Solace Square.
Please do not eat in the Archives.
Please do not start betting pools in Solace Square. I recommend the Crossroads Casino for that.
Please do not eat in the Archives.
Please do not start betting pools in Solace Square. I recommend the Crossroads Casino for that.
Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 1:25 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Blessed Aleksei will be sorely missed within the Faith. He has been a guiding influence in my life. I hope that he finds peace on whatever new path lies before him. To leave the Faith from such a high position within its ranks... it must have been important.
Written By Calaudrin
June 17, 2018, 1:19 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
I stepped down as an officer in the Explorers because I'm too busy with the Iron Guard- but shit, does that not seem all that big in the grand scheme of things this week.
Written By Preston
June 17, 2018, 1:18 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I don't know what the reasons are, nor do I care. You took a heavy burden to help the Faith, and were willing to give your life to it. Whatever has drawn you away, I am sure is important. After your penance, you will always be a welcome guest at the Templar compound and I will always wish for you the very best.
Written By Marius
June 17, 2018, 1:18 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
Are you claiming that the leader of an organization's actions does not reflect upon the organization? What a novel idea.
Written By Marius
June 17, 2018, 1:16 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
As with many others, the recent proclamation has brought me some thoughts. While some seem to be in uproar about it, it has brought me mostly confusion.
The word chosen by the Dominus was renounce. To renounce shamanism and it's traditions. This to me would indicate a complete and utter disavowing of the spirits. Is that the line that is drawn? Can you acknowledge the spirits exists, yet devote yourself solely to the Gods and it will still be fine under this 'renouncement'? Is it the act of speaking to the spirits that makes you ineligible for discipleship? At which point is the acknowledgement of the spirits too much for any one to be allowed to be a disciple?
I also note that if this is now a hard line of complete renouncement, I would have expected to see a significantly larger portion of the Faith doing so or leaving their service, including several that has been clarifying this proclamation in the whites since.
The word chosen by the Dominus was renounce. To renounce shamanism and it's traditions. This to me would indicate a complete and utter disavowing of the spirits. Is that the line that is drawn? Can you acknowledge the spirits exists, yet devote yourself solely to the Gods and it will still be fine under this 'renouncement'? Is it the act of speaking to the spirits that makes you ineligible for discipleship? At which point is the acknowledgement of the spirits too much for any one to be allowed to be a disciple?
I also note that if this is now a hard line of complete renouncement, I would have expected to see a significantly larger portion of the Faith doing so or leaving their service, including several that has been clarifying this proclamation in the whites since.
Written By Sparte
June 17, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
After some difficult consideration of the tasks I've taken on and the duties I carry, I have decided I need to step away from the Arvum Philosophical society, better known as The Salon.
I wish the organization success and growth, and I hope it becomes what I envisioned for it. Yet getting behind a group to push only goes so far if even the members don't feel it should be something greater. I will invest my efforts elsewhere.
I wish the organization success and growth, and I hope it becomes what I envisioned for it. Yet getting behind a group to push only goes so far if even the members don't feel it should be something greater. I will invest my efforts elsewhere.
Written By Arik
June 17, 2018, 12:55 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
It is my understanding the challenged sets terms of the duel in the old traditional way of such things.
Written By Belladonna
June 17, 2018, 12:42 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
That was a very well-worded reply, and one that has actually given me something more to think about. You have made your point well Countess... or is it Marquessa now? Admittedly, my social followings have been less ardent of late. In either case, thank you for giving me something more to chew on before making a new conclusion.
Written By Victus
June 17, 2018, 12:36 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
If stoats and weasels are meant to be two different things, why the fuck do they look the same?
Written By Reigna
June 17, 2018, 12:33 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I have purposely waiting to speak about the issue that has been tearing through the Whites these last few days until I could organize my thoughts into something cogent and cohesive. And then the Legate Orazio went and said everything I possibly could have in his eloquent way, with far more effectiveness and authority than I could muster. Still, as my devotion to Vellichor, I will add my thoughts to this topic.
No where in the statement made by the Dominus did he call for the cessation of belief by shamans across the board. No where did he imply there would be condemnation or persecution for those that hold to their beliefs. What he did call for, was for those whose chosen duty it is, to speak for the Faith, to teach others about it, under the employ of the Faith, that their hearts be devout to the gods alone. I fail to understand why this concept is so very difficult to accept. If you choose to work for the Faith, you must embrace it completely, utterly.
That is what it means to have *Faith*. It is beyond belief. It does not require proof. If you are of the Faith you believe completely in its teachings and its principles.
Now, some have taken the Dominus' words to an extreme that requires clear correction. Specifically I speak to the words of Belladonna Pravus, who wrote:
"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."
Because a person cannot be a disciple does not mean they are barred from helping their fellows. No one is denied entry to the Archives to read journals or seek knowledge. No one is being denied the ability to take lessons or learn, or offer their knowledge to others, to participate in the spread of information that Vellichor grants us all. They just cannot hold the title of Scholar of Vellichor if they are not fully dedicated to the Faith. That is all that it is. A title. Because, and this is a very firm point, upon which I have stood, and will continue to stand upon: Titles are supposed to *mean* something. They are earned and must be worked for. They cannot simply be given with no thought or sacrifice unless they are to be meaningless. To be a Disciple is to be, as the Legate of Concepts so eloquently put it, a guidepost and light of the Faith. To be of the Faith is to believe, fully and completely. Whole heartedly.
A healer who feels that unique call to mend the bodies of their fellows, to ease suffering and combat the spread of plague and malady is not barred from treating whoever they seek to aid. They just cannot hold the title of Mercy. The Physicians Guild of Arx is a place to come if you want to share your skills and have a system of support that is secular in nature. Come and speak to me, I am always searching for more physicians to see to the health of our people. ALL our people.
Yes, Skald sacrificed to ensure we all have a choice. But he also told us to embrace the consequences of those choices. That is the part that people seem to ignore, and that tends to make me tut and shake my head. You can choose any path before you, but the results of that choice cannot be dismissed because you do not like them. You cannot fly in the face of tradition and then bemoan and wail the censure you receive. Actions will always have consequences and if you try to shrug out of them, it makes your choice meaningless. Choice is sacrifice.
No where in the statement made by the Dominus did he call for the cessation of belief by shamans across the board. No where did he imply there would be condemnation or persecution for those that hold to their beliefs. What he did call for, was for those whose chosen duty it is, to speak for the Faith, to teach others about it, under the employ of the Faith, that their hearts be devout to the gods alone. I fail to understand why this concept is so very difficult to accept. If you choose to work for the Faith, you must embrace it completely, utterly.
That is what it means to have *Faith*. It is beyond belief. It does not require proof. If you are of the Faith you believe completely in its teachings and its principles.
Now, some have taken the Dominus' words to an extreme that requires clear correction. Specifically I speak to the words of Belladonna Pravus, who wrote:
"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."
Because a person cannot be a disciple does not mean they are barred from helping their fellows. No one is denied entry to the Archives to read journals or seek knowledge. No one is being denied the ability to take lessons or learn, or offer their knowledge to others, to participate in the spread of information that Vellichor grants us all. They just cannot hold the title of Scholar of Vellichor if they are not fully dedicated to the Faith. That is all that it is. A title. Because, and this is a very firm point, upon which I have stood, and will continue to stand upon: Titles are supposed to *mean* something. They are earned and must be worked for. They cannot simply be given with no thought or sacrifice unless they are to be meaningless. To be a Disciple is to be, as the Legate of Concepts so eloquently put it, a guidepost and light of the Faith. To be of the Faith is to believe, fully and completely. Whole heartedly.
A healer who feels that unique call to mend the bodies of their fellows, to ease suffering and combat the spread of plague and malady is not barred from treating whoever they seek to aid. They just cannot hold the title of Mercy. The Physicians Guild of Arx is a place to come if you want to share your skills and have a system of support that is secular in nature. Come and speak to me, I am always searching for more physicians to see to the health of our people. ALL our people.
Yes, Skald sacrificed to ensure we all have a choice. But he also told us to embrace the consequences of those choices. That is the part that people seem to ignore, and that tends to make me tut and shake my head. You can choose any path before you, but the results of that choice cannot be dismissed because you do not like them. You cannot fly in the face of tradition and then bemoan and wail the censure you receive. Actions will always have consequences and if you try to shrug out of them, it makes your choice meaningless. Choice is sacrifice.
Written By Tynan
June 17, 2018, 12:31 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
You will need an open bar too at this rate.
Written By Cedric
June 17, 2018, 12:29 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
The acids from food crumbs, whether dry or tainted with saliva, will hasten the decaying process on papyrus and paper. I would recommend no snacking in the archive - much like there is no snacking allowed in the library at the Ashford House.
Excepting the Duke, of course, who may snack where he wishes in the house. But he does not drop crumbs.
Excepting the Duke, of course, who may snack where he wishes in the house. But he does not drop crumbs.
Written By Edward
June 17, 2018, 12:24 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fredrik
What the great Legate means, Lord Redtydem is that the Faith aren't directly saying the Prodigals have to give up their shamanistic ways, just indirectly that the Prodigals have to accept the subjugation of their culture to what the Faith feels it should be to be acceptable to be members of the Compact- which requires that it give up their shamanistic ways.
Why this is a surprise to anyone is beyond me.
Why this is a surprise to anyone is beyond me.
Written By Kenna
June 17, 2018, 12:23 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I'll bring some pie. It can be a pot luck!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.