14th of Sun’s Smile, 655 A.A

HIS HOLINESS, CAIUS II

High Priest of the Temple of the True Faith, Successor of Clement and Evaristus, High Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Servant of the Servants of Heaven, Servant of the Holy Flame, Apostle of Saint Lucien, Envoy of Aeldin, High Servant to the Prophet’s Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of GOD

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SECTION I - Opening Prayer

SECTION II - Diocesan Restructuring

SECTION III - Appointments to the College

SECTION IV - Curial Appointments

SECTION V - On the Removal of the Excommunication of Heinrik Sarkozic

SECTION VI - On the Faiths of the Automatons

SECTION VII - On Ecumenical Council

SECTION VIII - On the Holy See

SECTION IX - On the Compilation of a Register of Ordainment

SECTION X - On the Lives of the Saints

SECTION XI - Beatifications
SECTION XII - Venerations

SECTION XIII - Canonizations

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SECTION I - Opening Prayer

Steward of our Souls, beneath your stave we present ourselves to You, humbled before the Awesome Power and Everflowing Grace which draws from Your being. As we gather beneath Your Cross, intent on bringing Virtue to the lands of the dark, we ask that You strengthen our blades and hearts with the former, so that Your Justice may be exacted upon those who shirk from it. Guide the many, even those unknowing, who raise their hands to exalt the image of Goodness which You have given to us so that we may revel in Your Majesty. 

Amen.

SECTION II - Diocesan Restructuring

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We thus appoint the following members of the priesthood to shepherd and be pastor of the Church’s Dioceses:

THE DIOCESE OF ST THOMAS OF GAEKRIN, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier

THE MAGISTRY OF ARTIFAI, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Iudas Cardinal Numenost

THE DIOCESE OF OLTREMONT, to be shepherded by Her Eminence, Solene Cardinal Burgundia

THE DIOCESE OF DU LOC, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Enrique Cardinal Du Loc

THE DIOCESE OF MALINOR, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Nerium Cardinal Idunia

THE DIOCESE OF HOLM, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Florian Cardinal Belcrest

Additionally, each Bishop shall be permitted to appoint three Vicars, to aid in the oversight and leadership of the diocese. The Vicariates are as named:

Vicariate of Virtue - To see to the conduct of the diocesan flock, ensuring their well-becoming conduct and rebuking those who willingly invite sin.

Vicariate of Theology - To cultivate literacy within the diocese, sponsoring the publication of theses and other scholarly works, public sessions wherein questions regarding the Faith may be answered, and debate societies to promote higher thought in all matters.

Vicariate of Peace - To assist in managing the relationship between the diocese and the secular authorities within it, typically by attending local courts, aiding the population in mundane tasks, and assisting in regional festivities.

SECTION III - Appointments to the College

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We proclaim the restoration of the College of Cardinals, to resume the responsibilities of electing a new High Priest upon the death or resignation of the incumbent.

IUDAS CARDINAL NUMENOST

Magistry of Artifai

SOLENE CARDINAL BURGUNDIA

Diocese of Oltremont

ENRIQUE CARDINAL DU LOC
Diocese of Du Loc

NERIUM CARDINAL IDUNIA 

Magistry of Malinor

LOTHAIRE CARDINAL MONTCOLLIER

Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin

MARUS CARDINAL ST ARIANNE

Diocese of Oltremont

FLORIAN CARDINAL BELCREST

Diocese of Holm

SECTION IV - Curial Appointments

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We make these affirmations, alterations and additions to the Curia. We decree the Curia to be constituted of the following offices:

Vice-Chancellor, His Eminence, Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier - To serve as the first deputy of the High Priest, aiding them in the administration of the Church.

Auditor of the Tribunal, His Eminence, Marus Cardinal St. Arianne - To serve as the first legal authority of the Church, arbitrating Holy Law and punishing those in violation of it.

Pontifical Secretary, His Eminence, Florian Cardinal Belcrest - To serve as the first secretary of the High Priest, aiding them in the drafting of golden bulls, treaties, and other authoritative documents.

Prelate of the Priesthood, His Eminence, Iudas Cardinal Numenost - To serve as the censor of all acolytes and newly-ordained priests, ensuring the righteousness of their conduct and the purposefulness of their mission.

Ecclesiastical Butler, His Eminence, Nerium Cardinal Idunia - To serve as the personal assistant of the High Priest.

Commandant of the Pontifical Guard, Holy Sir Corswain Royce - To serve as the commander of the armed forces of the Church.

SECTION V - On the Removal of the Excommunication of Heinrik Sarkozic

In the year 120 S.A, the Duke of Adria, Heinrik Sarkozic, was excommunicated by Pontian IV, on the grounds of servitude to the Dragonkin, consortium with Godfreyist heretics, and infidelity. When Heinrik Sarkozic, joined by his people, acting as instructed by the Office of the High Pontiff,  submitted himself before the Auditor of the Tribunal, he was issued the ‘penance’ of death, also  While We reserve no small respect for the efforts of Our forebear in his guidance of the Church, We recognize the mistaken decision to remove the Duke of Adria, though by no means a perfect soul, from the Church. The political environment, and the unique pressures it produced, influenced the guidance of many righteous members of the clergy, leading them to suggest the most drastic course of action.

In review of the alleged sins of the Duke of Adria, and of the punishment which these sins were said to have warranted, it is evident that Pontian IV, himself a member of House Sarkozic, did not act without duress from the powers of then-Canondom, who uniformly acted to subvert the lawful processes of the Church to punish their adversary. In light of this reassessment of the context of the Duke of Adria’s excommunication, We have come to the following conclusions:

I) The charge of servitude to the Dragonkin were exaggerated, as was common of the accusations during the period.

II) The charge of consortium with Godfreyist heretics was true, but owing to the rapprochement of relations with the later Veletz, and the lack of similar charges levied against the King of Aaun for permitted their hosting within his lands, We find precedent for the acceptance of certain political arrangements with heretics by the Church during the period.

III) The charge of infidelity was based on reasonable grounds and was likely true, albeit did not possess sufficient gravity alone to warrant excommunication.

IV) There exists little precedent for the retroactive nullification of an excommunication by a later Pontiff.

In light of these conclusions, We decide to exercise Our rightful and lawful powers to lift the excommunication of Heinrik Sarkozic, returning him and his memory to the Holy Mother Church, and recognizing that he resides with his family, friends, and people within the Seven Skies, beneath the foot of our all-loving Lord.

SECTION VI - On the Faiths of the Automatons

It has come to Our attention that there is a practice of the worship of automatons, wherein divinity is found in the steel-flesh of the product of the labors of the living. While these reports are yet to be confirmed in full, it is nonetheless disturbing, for the image of God imparted upon the natural being of this world cannot hope to be replicated by the hands of His subjects. It is why We are dismayed to learn of a cult that purportedly makes idols of their own craft, thus implying the ability of man to imbue divinity within machine. It is an aberration of any understanding of the Common Truth and a clear violation of even the most fundamental Virtues of the Faith. While We shall continue the investigation into this Faith, there is little truth that may emerge of it that will cause us to refrain from considering it an abominable form of idolatry, unfit to be practiced within the Kingdom of Virtue.

SECTION VII - On Ecumenical Council

While preparations for the crusade against the Black Church, and the course of the war itself that has now come, have delayed Us from fulfilling Our promise of an Ecumenical Council, after consultation with Fr. James Vursur, We have agreed to establish a tentative date for this council, which shall gather all of the ordained clergy of the True Faith. The event will occur in Alba on the first month of Sun’s Smile after the conclusion of the crusade. A drafted agenda has been written for the topics of discussion, which are presently:

I) The Permeance of Excommunication After Death

II) Pontifical Elections

III) The Reorganization of Sainthood

IV) The Definition and Limits of Pontifical Infalliability

V) The Formal Adoption of Faithful Orphans

SECTION VIII - On the Holy See

While We now station Our residence in Alba, the need for a permanent location for the Holy See remains. At an undecided date after the aforementioned Ecumenical Council, We shall field offers for a place where the center of the Church may permanently reside. Any landholder of the Faith may submit their offer, which we shall formalize a method for in a later document. The Holy See, to be constructed by Enrique Cardinal Du Loc, shall serve as the permanent residence of the High Pontiff and the home of scholarly life in a manner guided by God.

SECTION IX - On the Compilation of a Register of Ordainment

Due to the poor records kept by the Church in the preceding years of Our Pontificate, We are left with a dearth of knowledge as to the recognized members of our clergy and monastic orders. After the publication of this document, We shall instruct the Prelate of the Priesthood to develop a new census, wherein we may count the number of clergy at the disposal of the Lord. 

In conjunction with this new census, We shall order the creation of a Register of Ordainment, a list of all known priests of the Faith throughout history. Due to the paucity of records, damaged during the multiple flights from the myriad of continents which the Church has called home, We anticipate this project, which shall assuredly go past Our life, to be incomplete at best. However, it is Our hope that this list shall serve as the authoritative ledger of the history of His Most Faithful Servants.

SECTION X - On the Lives of the Saints

Following the prior discussion of incomplete records, it is to Our awareness that several saints have been raised and recognized since the publication of the third volume of the Lives of the Saints, brilliantly authored by Pontian IV in the year 1907. In order to compile and recognize the achievements of the many saints since, and to assist in the compilation of the other blessed and venerable that have so too found their names etched within the Golden Bulls of the Church, We are authoring a successor volume, the fourth edition of the Lives of the Saints, to complete this missing history and equip the future Church with an updated list of saints. We expected this project to occupy the rest of Our life.

SECTION XI - Beatifications

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We affirm the following beatifications:

BLESSED LEOPOLDINE VIMMARK-ROUSSARD
BORN 1804 IST - REPOSED 1842 IST
A humble wife and beloved member of the Imperial court, Leopoldine Vimmark-Roussard lived a pure and virtuous life in service of her country and family. Her kindness and charity won her the affection of many in the Empire, and she enjoyed the company of loyal friends and loving family. Unfortunately, her life came to a short and violent end when she publicly rebuked the sinful ways of her father, Vladislav, a practitioner of the necromantic arts, in the middle of San Luciano. The necromancer Vladislav, enraged, slew Leopoldine in the city square, though vengeance was later found by her daughter, Henrietta.

SECTION XII - Venerations

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We affirm the following venerations:

VENERABLE ARTORUS ELENDIL
BORN 1299 IST - REPOSED 1401 IST
A descendent of the lost Kings of Ildon, Artorus Elendil gathered what remained of his people after the destruction of their homeland. Due to his righteous and honorable character, he was made a lord during the reign of the Exalted Godfrey, eventually rising to become Duke of Westfall. In his time as the leader of the Adunians, he aided the Ex. Godfrey in spreading the word of God to his people and oversaw their reunion with the Church.

VENERABLE JOHN PREUSSENS
BORN 1703 IST - REPOSED 1838 IST
One of the finest architects in the history of humanity, Prince John of Pruvia’s contributions to the Faith have left a material legacy on several continents, spanning many of the largest cities of humanity. Known for the beauty and resilience in his designs, the three grand cathedrals that bore his making- Cathedral of St. Raguel in Whitespire, the Basilica of the Fifty Virgins in New Reza, and the Cathedral of St. Alexander- survived multiple calamities, standing resolute as a bastion of the Faith’s highest form of material expression.

VENERABLE JOSEFINA BARCLAY

BORN 1965 IST - REPOSED 2042 IST
After the death of her beloved husband in 1992, the young Josefina Barclay swore off remarriage and dedicated herself to the Lord. Serving in His Church, she was known for her virtue and charity in her home city of Kretzen. During the War of Crown and Crozier, she worked tirelessly to feed and house refugees and wounded soldiers from both sides of the war. Her lifelong efforts saw her elevated to become Bishop of Gelimar, a station that she used to advocate for an end to the violence of the period, primarily during the Drusco War and its related conflicts. When not leading charity efforts or distributing food to the poor, she occupied much of her time with beekeeping, often using the honey she made to raise revenues for the Church.

VENERABLE ELIZABETH NOVELLEN

BORN 1755 IST - REPOSED 1831 IST
One of the foremost stateswomen in Imperial history, Princess Elizabeth, Countess of Rosemoor, was a famed writer, activist, and courtier. The dutiful daughter of Empress Anne and Emperor Joseph II, she served with diligence in the Imperial State Army and as Governess of the Imperial Court, which she revitalized with her efforts. Most notably, she was the visionary behind the Rosemoor Movement, an effort to fulfill the equality of Man and Woman, as outlined in the Holy Scrolls. Although betrayal by her brother forestalled the legal equality of women, the dream that she birthed did not die with her. 

SECTION XIII - Canonizations

By vote of Our Curia, We have seen it appropriate to raise two members of our dead and beloved.

SAINT GASPARD OF BLACKVALE
Patron Saint of Landsknechts, Tournaments, and Untimely Deaths

Miracles:

I) In the aftermath of the Siege of Southbridge, while on a hunt in the mountains of the Lower Oltremont, Gaspard van Aert and his party encountered a den of dancing bears. The bears, though creatures of violence, ignored the presence of Sir Gaspard and his men and continued their swaying. When he reached the hearth of the den, he fainted and was pulled into a dark stupor for ten minutes. In his dreams, he was visited by the apparition of St. Andrik Vydra, who exhorted him to pick up his sword in defense of Canondom and drive out the worshippers of Yemekar from the Lower Petra.

II) As he died in his tent at the beginning of the Siege of Haverlock, a bright, white light burst through the torn fabric of his canopy, illuminating his breastplate. Awed by the sign, his junior officers rallied their spirits and aided the Emperor in retaking the city, liberating the Lower Petra from the pagan horde.

SAINT KING URIEL OF NUMENDIL

Patron Saint of Quests, Templars, and the Adunian People

Miracles:

I) The restoration of the Adunian Crown is a feat worthy of being called a mortal miracle. Outside of any royal heritage or help Uther established Barrowton which became the then Kingdom of Barrowton after Uther was crowned Tar-Uriel by High Pontiff Pontian IV. The crowning would seal the new monarch’s title of King and Protector of the Adunians, uniting the Adunic tribes under one banner for the first time in nearly five centuries. This peace was short lived, for soon after the Mori’Quessir besieged and assaulted many realms on Almaris and forced the Adunians from the continent. Coming then to Aevos, Tar-Uriel traveled to the peak of the White Mountain, Alkayaban, where he swore new oaths to his people and took for himself the name Tar-Númenatâr. Tar-Númenatâr then founded his new domain on the western edge of the river Forindun, which he named Númendil. And it was then that those who once were known as the Harren’hil took on the name Númenedain. Numenost the Fair would again become a bastion for chivalry, and continued to grow after the abdication of Tar-Númenatâr into a Holy and Prosperous Kingdom.

II) During Saint Lucien’s War the Druscans captured a group of soldiers from Numendil. It was the darkest part of the night, and truly closer to sunrise than sunset. A  bleary group of soldiers, including His Holiness Carandir, the Duke Viago Vourkehardt, and the Duke’s son, the Sword of Owyn, Ser Emmerich Vourkehardt. Carandir, leading the prayer, invoked the spiritual and wartime guidance of his grandfather Uther. After the prayer each of the soldiers gathered were invigorated with renewed strength, finding within themselves the spirit and power to defeat the Druscan forces within their own fort and take back the captured soldiers.

III) During the tri-confession of the Templar of Idunia, Ser Castamir Mithernion, Dame Elwine Vourkehardt, and Ser Emmerich Vourkehardt, the spirit of Uther manifested to tell the congregation of a new “Macecatcher” upon the shores of Azuras and compelled them to seek out this powerful soul. 
 

THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH OF THE TRUE FAITH

Under GOD maintained by His Holiness Caius II

THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS

IUDAS CARDINAL NUMENOST

Magistry of Artifai

ENRIQUE CARDINAL DU LOC
Diocese of Du Loc

NERIUM CARDINAL IDUNIA 

Magistry of Malinor

LOTHAIRE CARDINAL MONTCOLLIER

Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin

MARUS CARDINAL ST ARIANNE

Diocese of Oltremont

SOLENE CARDINAL BURGUNDIA

Diocese of Oltremont

FLORIAN CARDINAL BELCREST

Diocese of Holm

THE CURIA

LOTHAIRE CARDINAL MONTCOLLIER
Vice-Chancellor of the Church of the True Faith

MARUS CARDINAL ST ARIANNE
Auditor of the Tribunal of the Church of the True Faith

FLORIAN CARDINAL BELCREST
Pontifical Secretary of the Church of the True Faith

IUDAS CARDINAL NUMENOST
Prelate of the Priesthood of the Church of the True Faith

NERIUM CARDINAL IDUNIA
Ecclesiastical Butler of the Church of the True Faith

HOLY SIR CORSWAIN

Commandant of the Pontifical Guard of the Church of the True Faith

DIOCESES OF THE TRUE FAITH

DIOCESE OF ST THOMAS OF GAEKRIN

Encompassing the Imperial Crownlands, including Rittersburg, Alba, and Avistra.

MAGISTRY OF ARTIFAI

Encompassing the entirety of Idunia and its sworn vassals.

DIOCESE OF HOLM

Encompassing the lands of Myrine, Blackvale, Rethel, and Lorraine.

DIOCESE OF OLTREMONT

Encompassing the western Imperial Heartlands, including the lands of Cascanova, Reinmar, Kvasz,  and Valwyck.

DIOCESE OF DU LOC

Encompassing the whole of Kurai-Kuni.

MAGISTRY OF MALINOR

Encompassing all lands outside of both the Faithful Humanity and Kurai-Kuni.

10th of Harren's Folly, 646 A.A

On the Excommunication of Edmund Jagiellon

Lo Unto the Petrans (and those good peoples beyond),

Dark tidings necessitate the authorship of this letter, a confirmation of the exercise of the Rite of Excommunication, an act that We, endowed with this most awesome and terrifying power, have not chosen to undertake without long and thoughtful prayer. As informed to Us in a series of reports and consultations over the course of a year, a conspiracy within the Petra, organized by Daemon, born of House Valkonen, gathered to supplant the natural governing order of the Commonwealth, that being its democratic institutions and liberal rule of the House of the Petra, to replace these longstanding, wholesome, competent bodies with the rule of darkspawn.

It need not be assumed that this wicked scheme shall shock the attentive audience within the Petra. Before Our personal intervention, several faithful and righteous Petrans, led by their Archduke, had begun to combat this conspiracy. It is not to Our surprise that they acted with decisiveness, for their adherence to the Faith, and commitment to Governance of Virtue, are values that both their cultural orientation, as well as the guiding hand of Cardinal St. Tylos, have fostered in that holy land of St. Rhosyn, she who gave her life saving others from the Ibleesian terrors that now strike at the realm of the living. Contrary to the whispered reputation it has been unduly bestowed, the Petra remains a bulwark against the corrupting influences that undermine our united Faith.

However, even the most readied defenses cannot save those who neglect their safety. One such soul in the Petra, Edmund Jagiellon, was found to have conspired with Daemon, aiding him in his schemes to bring the rule of the darkspawn to his home country. Thrice he was given the opportunity to confess to his sins, each time presented with the growing volume of evidence. Thrice he lied before the Vicar of God, his liege, and even the woman who bore him. When called to perform penance for his sins, to see his soul cleansed in the Eyes of the Lord, he refused this too.

By Our will, execution is the only remedy for the unrepentant sinner whose crimes will bring death to the innocent.

Owing to the man’s association with allies of those who lurk within the dark, We cannot be assured that Edmund Jagiellon is removed from this plane at any point in time. Having lived as a proud ally of the devilspawn, he may have unnatural means of bodily restoration. In order to prevent his return to Humanity, should this be the case, We, the High Priest of the Church of the True Faith, with the power invested in us by the Lord, declare Edmund Jagiellon EXCOMMUNICATED and ANATHEMA.

THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH OF THE TRUE FAITH

Under GOD maintained by His Holiness Caius II

Edictum Lothairus

 Cardinalis Montis Collieriensis

I - Opening Prayer: On the Epistle to the Dwarves

Blessed are You, God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who blessed Your Tribe, Humanity, with prophecy. Bless and guide Your Tribe in combat against their adversaries, the Tribe of Urguan, the Tribe of Krug, the Saulites, the spawn of Iblees, the spawn of Azdromoth. The Tribe of Urguan, what boast do they? The riches of Your Skies are above all riches. Our God is above all Urguan’s stone idols. So it has been said, “So to you Sons of Urguan, who have fallen to other faiths, I admonish: GOD is able to do all things. For His power is not parted among His many servants, but imitated, and in His multitude of ways, He is above them all.” Blessed are You, God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who has blessed the Tribe of Urguan with strength of will. May they return to You in our time. May it be so. Amen.

II - On the Boundaries of the Diocese

In Prima Aurea Bulla Burgundia, His Holiness, Caius II, did decree that the Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin is “Encompassing the Imperial Crownlands, including Rittersburg, Alba, and their surrounding territories.” In order to provide a map of the lands of the Diocese, we have made use of preexisting maps of the region, and then onto we wrote names of locations and traced, in red ink, the rough borders of the Diocese. We then had this map copied for all published copies of this Bull to have. While this is not a perfect map of the Diocese, with borders rough and hand-drawn, we do hope that it shall be of use to laity and clergy alike within the Diocese.

III - On the Seat of the Diocese

Let it be henceforth established that the Seat of the Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin shall be the Cathedral of the Fifty Skulls, in Saint Godwinsburg, in the Archduchy of Alba. This shall be so until changed by decree of the bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin, or holder of an otherwise authoritative office.

IV - On the Ecclesiastical Coat of Arms Blazon of the Diocese

V - Vicariates of the Diocese

Our authority as Bishop St. Thomas of Gaekrin allows us to appoint three Vicars, as decreed in His Holiness, Caius II’s Prima Aurea Bulla Burgundia. By our authority as Bishop St. Thomas of Gaekrin, we decree that the Diocese’s Vicars might use the honourific addition Reverend in their title, exempli gratia: Reverend Father, Reverend Deacon, or Reverend Sister, et cetera. 

The following are the three Vicariates we have authority to appoint, as described by His Holiness, Caius II’s Prima Aurea Bulla Burgundia, and the Vicars we duly appoint to such:

VI - Call to Clergy Meeting for the Diocese

Finally, we wish to call all clergy, monastics, deacons, and acolytes who shepherd the flock of the Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin to meet. The meeting shall take place in Saint Godwinsburg, in the Cathedral of the Fifty Skulls, near the latter end of the upcoming year, on Harren’s Folly, 646, which is the goodly Holy Day Feast of Godfrey's Coronation. (Monday the 23rd, 5:30 PM EST). Watching this meeting will be open to the laity and to clergyfolk from outside the Diocese, but the focus of the meeting is certainly on the shepherds of the Diocese, and the public and clergyfolk outside the Diocese are encouraged to remain orderly and quiet.

The meeting will begin with lighting of Holy Day candles, for the Feast of Godfrey's Coronation. Following that, the meeting shall begin. The topics discussed shall include recording and maintaining all temples and monasteries in the Diocese, maintaining the authority of the Church in the Diocese, conducting regular sermons and masses for the laity of the Diocese, and working with secular authorities for the best functioning of the lands within the Diocese. This is also a time for clergyfolk to discuss and raise other topics or news of the day that the Diocese’s clergyfolk must pay heed to. 

The meeting will conclude with a simple meal of bread, cheese, and wine, in honour of the Holy Day Feast of Godfrey's Coronation.

In the words of one wiser than I:

Remaining the least of His children,

Your servant,

Rabbin, Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier

Bishop St. Thomas of Gaekrin

14th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 645 A.A

On the Cursed Children

After a period of thorough investigation, it has been determined by Us and Our most knowledgeable scholars of the Faith that the Cursed Children, while not inherently of a nature that will necessarily lead them to partake in the practice of the accursed Warlocks, are of a culture that aligns their pursuits towards those most unacceptable to the health of the Faithful society. While We harbor sympathy for the plight that these creatures face on the condition of their accursed birth, We cannot ignore the ability that they have had, being permitted to dwell among the Faithful, to take up more wholesome practices. As evidenced numerous times, the hand of well-meaning which has been extended, if not with an entirely-open palm, has been struck away before trust could be cultivated. The decisions taken by the broad community of the Cursed Children have, in Our eyes, deemed them unfit to dwell within the society of the Faithful, neither as equals nor as lessers. 

Upon the promulgation of this document, all Cursed Children are to be given a period of one Saint’s Week to withdraw themselves from the Borders of the Virtuous, defined as all lands within or sworn to the Princes of the Faith. Those who resist or attempt to remain are to be summarily executed. Those who are found, whether within or outside of the lands of the Faith, are to be summarily executed. Those estates, cities, and societies which harbor them shall be the subject of crusade.

Let it not be said that We are hypocrites, decrying the free-will exercised by the Cursed Children and their society while condemning them wholly to damnation on account of their birth. Those who are Faithful, who will aid in the fight against their wicked creators, shall be conditionally permitted to prove their devotion to the light through service to the Lord, which in turn shall provide their souls, destined for damnation, a means to be saved by miracle of God, for their Virtue and faithfulness to Him shall certainly not receive punishment. All those who align themselves with the good of the world are to write to Us posthaste, so that they may be, after a brief period of testing, conscripted into the Wayward Legion. While service to the Church shall not confer the status of subject within the Imperium, as according to secular law, it will remove the Church’s writ of execution.

THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH OF THE TRUE FAITH

Under GOD maintained by His Holiness Caius II

7th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 645 A.A

The Cause of Annulment

With sorrow do We announce the dissolution of a bond of sacred and Holy matrimony, a union of two souls that, though thought to be compatible, have been shown to lack the favor of the Lord. It is not a deed undertaken lightly, yet with the authority bestowed to Us by the Lord, He of the highest arbitration, We find no means of reconciliation to be possible or sufficient. Thus, in a decision made with prayerful contemplation, We find the marriage of Johannes Horen and Vera FitzWilliam to be made invalidly by means of deceit prior to the union that, had it been known at the time of the arrangements of their marriage, would have otherwise been sensible cause for withdrawal. 

Although this annulment has been permitted, We shall remind both parties that they are not to enter into wedlock again, under any circumstances, with any partners, without Our consultation. 

A Requirement of Penance

In the process of the discovery of the deceit which Vera FitzWilliam had performed to the detriment of her husband, it was found that she engaged in illicit relations with a peer of the Empire. The identity of the sinning peer, while provided secondhand, is to await confirmation until penance may be issued.

Unwed at the time, Vera FitzWilliam’s sins theoretically avoid the qualification for adultery, but in continuing an affair with the aforementioned peer, she far exceeded the threshold necessary for it to be deemed fornication. For this most licentious of sins, We summon Vera FitzWilliam so that she may do penance beneath Our watchful eye

THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH OF THE TRUE FAITH

Under GOD maintained by His Holiness Caius II

The Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin

Penned in the Year of Our Lord, in His Age of Ascension, 642, upon the 10th day of Harren’s Folly

By Rabbin, Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier, Bishop St. Thomas of Gaekrin

St. Jude, pray for us!

✠ ———————— ✠

I - Opening Prayer - On Diligence

Lord, bless and guide Your Tribe, Humanity, the descendants of your Exalteds, with diligence. Bless them to be strong and wise, to wield heavy swords of gold and flame and to always study Your words of sweet and fiery truth. Bless them as they plant and build in Your name and for Your sake. Guide us into a bright future of virtue, for all of your people, Humanity. Guide us as we teach to our youth the goodliness of diligence, for they might pass on Your commands generation after generation. Blessed are you, God, Who commands us to be diligent. 

II - Introduction

III - To the Clergy of St. Thomas of Gaekrin: A Call to Census

My Brothers and sisters, God bless you! I shall make an effort to see that the clergy in this Diocese feel supported and unassailable. To begin such, with haste, I shall endeavour to know well the clergy serving within this Diocese. Yet, with the less-than-ideal record-keeping of the past decade and the changes to ecclesiastical borders, I have little clue who serves within our Diocese. I hope to rectify this as soon as possible. The Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin is, by decree of his Holiness, Caius II, in the first Golden Bull of his reign, “the Imperial Crownlands, including Rittersburg, Alba, and their surrounding territories,” but not “the Imperial Heartlands, including the lands of Metz, Lorraine, Reinmar, and Valwyck.” If you serve in this Diocese, as priest, acolyte, or monastic, prithee do, at your convenience but also with some haste, send to me a letter by bird. In this letter, write to me your name, your position in the clergy, your primary flock, be it city or vassal, you attend to, and, if you are ordained, who ordained you and when. If you are an acolyte, please impart to me whom you study under. This information shall be of great use to me until the time that a more formal and broader census can be conducted. 

IV - Looking Forward

So I shall conclude this brief letter with just a few more words. The next few years shall be a time for settling into new ways. For all, the new pontificate, and, for us in St. Thomas of Gaekrin, my new duties as bishop. In the coming few years, I do so hope to have published our first Diocesan Minor Bull, within which I shall appoint Vicars and likely call to meeting the clergy of the Diocese, among other such things. Just as I hope to keep the flock accountable to the Church, so too must the flock hold me accountable to them. Thus, if any concerns do arise, please do send to me a letter. Until the next letter, take with you all the greatest blessing: the blessing of the soul’s peace.

In the words of one wiser than I:

Remaining the least of His children,

Your servant,

Rabbin, Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier

Bishop St. Thomas of Gaekrin

11th of Sun’s Smile, 642 A.A

HIS HOLINESS, CAIUS II

High Priest of the Temple of the True Faith, Successor of Clement and Evaristus, High Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Servant of the Servants of Heaven, Servant of the Holy Flame, Apostle of Saint Lucien, Envoy of Aeldin, High Servant to the Prophet’s Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of GOD

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SECTION I - Opening Prayer

SECTION II - Diocesan Restructuring

SECTION III - The Restoration of the College

SECTION IV - Curial Appointments

SECTION V - On the Styling of the True Faith

SECTION VI - On Sigismundism

SECTION VII - On Reforms to Holy Law

Section VIII - On the Holy See

Section IX - On the Moricuesir and Cursed Children

SECTION X - On Romance Literature

SECTION XI - The Penance of Hadrian Horen

SECTION XII - Beatifications
SECTION XIII - Venerations

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SECTION I - Opening Prayer

O’God above all things. We supplicate ourselves to You in all times, be they of steady waters or of twisting gales, for it is in Your doing that we unwaveringly devote ourselves, finding the solace of reverence and worship not in that which You may do for us, but that which you have done and will do. As we find guidance within the Scrolls and orient our beings towards that higher purpose which You have given us, the Life of Virtue, ignite in our hearts the vibrant flame of purpose, so we may be enlivened in our service and never falter from the goodness which you command us to make manifest upon this world. Burn away those urges which would lead us towards the dark demesne of insouciance, for we celebrate all that is Holy and made within Your image and love it with all our hearts.

Amen.

SECTION II - Diocesan Restructuring

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We thus appoint the following members of the priesthood to shepherd and be pastor of the Church’s Dioceses:

THE DIOCESE OF ST THOMAS OF GAEKRIN, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier

THE MAGISTRY OF ARTIFAI, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Iudas Cardinal Numenost

THE DIOCESE OF PETRUS, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Godfrey Cardinal St. Tylos

THE DIOCESE OF OLTREMONT, Sede Vacante

THE DIOCESE OF DU LOC, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Enrique Cardinal Du Loc

THE DIOCESE OF MALINOR, to be shepherded by His Eminence, Nerium Cardinal Idunia

Additionally, each Bishop shall be permitted to appoint three Vicars, to aid in the oversight and leadership of the diocese. The Vicariates are as named:

Vicariate of Virtue - To see to the conduct of the diocesan flock, ensuring their well-becoming conduct and rebuking those who willingly invite sin.

Vicariate of Theology - To cultivate literacy within the diocese, sponsoring the publication of theses and other scholarly works, public sessions wherein questions regarding the Faith may be answered, and debate societies to promote higher thought in all matters.

Vicariate of Peace - To assist in managing the relationship between the diocese and the secular authorities within it, typically by attending local courts, aiding the population in mundane tasks, and assisting in regional festivities.

SECTION III - The Restoration of the College

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We proclaim the restoration of the College of Cardinals, to resume the responsibilities of electing a new High Priest upon the death or resignation of the incumbent.

 IUDAS CARDINAL NUMENOST

Magistry of Artifai

GODFREY CARDINAL ST TYLOS

Diocese of Petrus

ENRIQUE CARDINAL DU LOC
Diocese of Du Loc

NERIUM CARDINAL IDUNIA 

Magistry of Malinor

LOTHAIRE CARDINAL MONTCOLLIER

Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin

Two vacancies within the College remain, to be filled at Our leisure.

SECTION IV - Curial Appointments

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We make these affirmations, alterations and additions to the Curia. We decree the Curia to be constituted of the following offices:

Vice-Chancellor, His Eminence, Godfrey Cardinal St. Tylos - To serve as the first deputy of the High Priest, aiding them in the administration of the Church.

Auditor of the Tribunal, Vacant - To serve as the first legal authority of the Church, arbitrating Holy Law and punishing those in violation of it.

Pontifical Secretary, His Eminence, Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier - To serve as the first secretary of the High Priest, aiding them in the drafting of golden bulls, treaties, and other authoritative documents.

Prelate of the Priesthood, His Eminence, Iudas Cardinal Numenost - To serve as the censor of all acolytes and newly-ordained priests, ensuring the righteousness of their conduct and the purposefulness of their mission.

Ecclesiastical Butler, His Eminence, Nerium Cardinal Idunia - To serve as the personal assistant of the High Priest.

Commandant of the Pontifical Guard, Holy Sir Corswain - To serve as the commander of the armed forces of the Church.

SECTION V - On the Styling of the True Faith

The styling of the True Faith, when used as an adjective, is a matter of uncertainty. We confess the inelegance of the forms ‘Faithful’ or ‘True Faithful’, which are unwieldy and possibly-vague descriptors. Owing to the difficulties of finding a suitable endonym, many continue to refer to the Faith as ‘Canonism’.

It is common colloquial practice for adherents of the True Faith to refer to themselves as ‘Canonist’, or to refer to the body of the faithful as ‘Canondom.’ While We would prefer elongated forms that do not conflate the Church’s Canonist past with its present (i.e ‘an adherents of the True Faith’; ‘the Faithful’), it is inevitable that even the most devout will, at times, articulate their thoughts in the briefest, most comprehensible manner possible.

Until a suitable endonym has been found for the True Faith, We shall permit the continued usage of ‘Canonism’ as a general term, so long as those employed the term remain knowledgeable that the highest ecclesiastical body in the Empire is the Church of the True Faith, and that they, as its flock, are adherents of the True Faith.

SECTION VI - On Sigismundism

The varied nature of our faith begets volatility among those who consider themselves interpretive authorities of the contents, translations, and higher purposes of the Holy Scrolls, and also of the canonicity of the texts that form the corpus of our literary tradition. Before the widespread literacy that is now commonplace within Humanity, it was in the halls of monasteries that theology, philosophy, science, and history were transmitted and shared. Before the mass-politics of electoral democracy, it was within the heart of the temple that lively debate and discussion was had among those removed from the trappings of political power.

However, as the doctrine of the Church calcified throughout the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, and the exercise of rhetoric became a vehicle by which one could achieve political power and actualize their agenda, the animating essence of disagreement, debate, and discovery, which propelled the investigation of our faith and the practices derived from it, ceased to be a permitted, much less predominant, facet of one’s vocation as a priest. The brightest minds in the world shirked from the Church, for it was a place that refused to entertain all but the most superficial variance in the practice of our faith, nor did it allow room for its great theological minds to whet their logic, their reason, their studies, on the grindstone of civil, structured, and educational argument.

It was in this context that many of the adherents of Owynism, the last-permitted interpretation of the Holy Scrolls that could be said to seriously challenge Church orthodoxy, finally suffered persecution during the Twentieth century by the more dogmatic factions within Canondom. In reaction to this, and the failings of that Church, Owynists regained power during the Pontificates of Caius, Deunoro, and Leviticus (though only the latter of these could be considered an Owynist). It was promised that a change in the existing dogma within the Church would end the ongoing persecution, that the removal of the believers of Sigismund, who could not be trusted to act in the interests of Canondom as a whole, would alleviate the growing tensions within the Church.

Initially, this experiment boded well, and the peace was maintained between the two camps. Caius and Deunoro, though themselves not Owynist, shepherded the Faith wisely and moderately, allowing the tensions that had been boiling during the controversial reign of Sixtus VI to dull to a simmer. Even the ascension of Leviticus, a man far less accommodating of Sigismundism than his immediate predecessors had been to Owynism, directed his attention towards the reclamation of the Church’s power and the waging of war against its immediate enemies. When the foes of the Faith were felled, the suppression of Sigismundism became a temporary necessity, for it became the exercise not of those truly devoted to the Scrolls, bearing an understandable, if errant, interpretation, but rather the rallying cry of elements that sought to plunge humanity into war and chaos once again.

However, as the Sigismundites reconciled themselves to the Empire, and moderated their principles to accept a Church led by the most righteous, our energies were nonetheless expended to eliminate their presence, even though it was soon proven to be a fruitless endeavor. As they continued to prove themselves to be no great enemies of the Faith, and their mark was made as allies and vassals of the Faithful in the war in the south, they earned their place within the Empire and saw themselves held in the high esteem of the people. Their continued repression became an impossibility due to their own moderation, yet as the forests of Valwyck saw the sword of the Church held over it, while their children bled alongside the Faithful in the battles south, the misallocation of the resources of the Church became evident.

From this moment forward, We shall permit the adherents of Sigismundism to keep to their faith within their lands, clans, and homes. They shall be permitted the rites and ceremonies that have been denied to them, and will be permitted to send their sons and daughters before Us to be made priests of their flocks. So long as they do not seek to spread their interpretation of the Holy Scrolls outside of their natural communities, nor call for a rejection of the Mother Church on the grounds of its rightful and truthful recognition of the absence of the Fourth Exalted, We shall allow them free association and worship.

SECTION VII - On Reforms to Holy Law

We intend to host a session in the near future in order to establish the basic principles that We will enshrine in the new Holy Law. After this council, we shall appoint a drafting committee, which will present a new draft of Holy Law to the wider council. In the interim, we affirm that the 𝐂𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐗 𝐈𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐈 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐗, to be understood and interpreted in good faith, in respect to the doctrinal differences, remains in effect until this process is concluded. 

SECTION VIII - On the Holy See

The itinerancy of Our predecessor befit the nature of the Church he administered, one that came into a new land with a flock scattered widely across a foreign, unfamiliar continent. It was necessary that the Church refrain from committing itself to a single home, and thus remain able to respond immediately to any crisis of the Faith where it arose. 

Now, as We organize a permanent administration of the lands of the Faithful, and delegate the stewardship of the flock to Our legal bishops and vicars, it is necessary to establish a residence to serve as the Holy See. This matter will be debated at a future council, wherein the people of the lands of the Faith will be allowed to put forward their own proposals for the future home of the Church. Until then, We have established Our residence at the Monastery of the Wayward Heart, where the business of the Church shall be conducted in the interim.

SECTION IX - On the Moricuesir and Cursed Children

The place of the abominable species, both familiar and unfamiliar, is a constant question of the Church, one that has been answered varyingly by Our predecessors. While it is Our intention to convene an early council to determine the standing of these peoples of infamy, We do not wish to do so while unarmed by the knowledge of their cultures, practices, behaviors, and other such indicators of the true nature of their intentions, and the feasibility of their place within the lands of the Faithful. To begin the process of reaching a final conclusion of the natures of the Moricuesir and the Cursed Children, the following activities are permitted of all priests of the Holy Mother Church of the True Faith in legal contexts:

I) Interviewing the Moricuesir and the Cursed Children,

II) Studying the history, cultures, and deeds of the Moricuesir and the Cursed Children,

III) The collaboration with secular scholars in obtaining information on the Moricuesir and the Cursed Children.

SECTION X - On Romance Literature

The proliferation of literature in the ‘romance’ genre, promoting amorous relations in a conduct unbecoming of the model life of Faith, has brought it to the borders of the Kingdom of the Virtuous, seeking to infiltrate the minds of the Faithful and infect them with indecency. It is the responsibility of the Church to promote Virtue and combat Sin, and there is no clearer case of the necessity of intervention, to levy the authority of the Office of the High Priest over the Faithful, than this one. From the time of this document’s promulgation, all romantic literature is to be banned from the lands of the Faithful, with any extant copies burned. Those found in possession of romantic literature, whether as a recipient, author, or distributor, will be forced to undertake penance to be cleansed of the moral filth with which they stain themselves.

Exceptions to the rule include literature that depicts the Virtue of the Family, to be found in the example of a loving, kindly husband and wife, or for knight’s tales that depict scenes of chaste, tasteful, and dignified courtly affection between those of pious disposition and exemplary conduct.

SECTION XI - The Penance of Hadrian Horen

No man, no matter how high, escapes the judgement of the Lord. 

Verily, brother, the Lord GOD is the wisest GOD, and he knows all things, in darkness, in light, in the din of the market, in the silence of the mind. What judge is there but the all-seeing? Who shall advocate against surety? (Spirit 2:16-18)

Hadrian Horen, a man of wealth, power, and accomplishments, is a sinner, as are we all. Although he fights for the cause of the righteous, bringing the steel of the Empire to bear against the pagans of the south, his hands are stained with the blood of Our predecessor, His Holiness, Bernard II. His role in the opposition to, and the death of, Our predecessor’s most Holy command cannot be washed by the rains of the Goldleaf, which fall over that gentle place now removed from the barren wastes of the heathenry, brought by the victories of his armies.

It is not Our intention to see the strife between the Church and the Empire continue, though the pronouncements of Our predecessor must remain recognized. For his rejection of the authority of the Church, Hadrian Horen is called to rectify the standing of his soul and return himself to the light through deeds of penance:

I) To construct a temple, large shrine, or large cross on every region of conquered paganlands.

I-A) To allocate one of these sites as an extraterritorial demesne of the Holy See, under the sole sovereignty of the reigning High Priest of the Holy Mother Church of the True Faith.

II) To visit the home of the hobbits, the people from which Bernard II came, and fast for seven days and seven nights, remaining in a state of prayer and contemplation. The journey may be undertaken with an armed entourage for his protection, but it must be done afoot.

SECTION XII - Beatifications

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We affirm the following beatifications:

BLESSED ANASTASIA O’ROURKE
BORN 1770 IST - REPOSED 1828 IST
An officer of the Imperial State Army around the time of the Tenth Norlandic War. Made blessed in recognition of her steadfast opposition to the sudden emergence of the Red Faith within the city of Providence, most notably for personally preventing the conversion of citizens and municipal officials who had shown an ill-advised interest in its rites and teachings. As well as for having suffered martyrdom at the hands of a rogue mage. This martyrdom serves as a miracle enough.

BLESSED GASPARD OF BLACKVALE
BORN 1817 IST - REPOSED 1860 IST
The progenitor of the House van Aert and famed captain of Philip III, though of a far more goodly and pious nature than his wicked liege. Played a principal role in the reconquest of the Lower Petra from the occupation of the worshippers of Yemekar restoring the lands to the rule of the Faithful for the rest of Almarian history. Made a martyr by a stray Urguani cannonball, which decapitated him mere minutes before the final assault on the city of Haverlock, the site of the Novellen Empire’s final great victory, wherein the liberation of the region was complete.
 

SECTION XIII - Venerations

It is through Our Apostolic Right, bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted that We affirm the following venerations:

VENERABLE ADALIA OF THE PETRA
Born in the year 1966 IST and reigned as Queen of the Petra from 1977 IST until her repose in 2006 IST. Made venerable chiefly for her pious conduct during the Struggle for the Heartlands, reciprocating the efforts of the Holy Mother Church to bring that conflict to a peaceful conclusion during a tumultuous time when others were eager for needless violence, as well as demonstrating general piety throughout her life.

VENERABLE CATHERINE OF FURNESTOCK
Born in the year 1838 IST as a Princess of the Holy Orenian Empire, and later throughout her storied life created Duchess of  Westmark, invested as a Dame of the Order of the Petrine Laurel and appointed Chancellor of the Commonwealth of the Petra, which she had helped found. Reposed in 1926 IST. Made venerable for her lifelong pious conduct, her work for peace and stability in greatly troubled times, and in recognition of the Covenant of Saint Julia, known throughout Petra as Saint Julia’s Promise, which was first disclosed to her through the intercession of that saint, which she dutifully safeguarded and made known.

VENERABLE NÚMENATÂR OF NÚMENDIL
Born in the year 1847 IST and originally known as Uther Pendraic, Lord of Barrowton until his ascension as whereupon he took the name Tar-Númenatârof Númendil upon that Kingdom’s creation in 1906 IST. Abdicating from that position in 1938 IST, he served as a renowned elder and guide until his repose in 2042 IST in defense of the innocent. Made venerable in recognition of his redemption of the Idunian people, whom he helped to convert to the True Faith; for establishing them in a pious kingdom of their own; and for the extraordinary deeds and sanctity that marked his life, including his valor as a Templar in the struggle against the Dark.

VENERABLE ROBERT STROHEIM
Born in the year 1878 IST and known under a variety of names throughout his life, most notably Robert while undertaking his duties in Minitz and Reinmar and Father Gregor while undertaking his duties as a priest. Reposed in 1992 IST. Made venerable in recognition of his service to the world of Canondom; having been among the first of the Templars that would go on to spread the blessing of St. Michael to those faithful to the Lord and a chief supporter of the efforts of St. High Pontiff Caius I’s pontificate, most notably his many crusades against the Dark.

THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH OF THE TRUE FAITH

Under GOD maintained by His Holiness Caius II

THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS

GODFREY CARDINAL ST TYLOS
Diocese of Petrus

IUDAS CARDINAL NUMENOST

Magistry of Artifai

ENRIQUE CARDINAL DU LOC
Diocese of Du Loc

NERIUM CARDINAL IDUNIA 

Magistry of Malinor

LOTHAIRE CARDINAL MONTCOLLIER

Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin

VACANT

Vacant

VACANT

Vacant

THE CURIA

GODFREY CARDINAL ST TYLOS
Vice-Chancellor of the Church of the True Faith

VACANT
Auditor of the Tribunal of the Church of the True Faith

LOTHAIRE CARDINAL MONTCOLLIER
Pontifical Secretary of the Church of the True Faith

IUDAS CARDINAL NUMENOST
Prelate of the Priesthood of the Church of the True Faith

NERIUM CARDINAL IDUNIA
Ecclesiastical Butler of the Church of the True Faith

HOLY SIR CORSWAIN

Commandant of the Pontifical Guard of the Church of the True Faith

DIOCESES OF THE TRUE FAITH

DIOCESE OF ST THOMAS OF GAEKRIN

Encompassing the Imperial Crownlands, including Rittersburg, Alba, and their surrounding territories.

MAGISTRY OF ARTIFAI

Encompassing the Crownlands of Idunia and its surrounding territories.

DIOCESE OF PETRUS

Encompassing the lands of Petra and Adria.

DIOCESE OF OLTREMONT

Encompassing the Imperial Heartlands, including the lands of Metz, Lorraine, Reinmar, and Valwyck.

DIOCESE OF DU LOC

Encompassing the whole of Kurai-Kuni.

MAGISTRY OF MALINOR

Encompassing all lands outside of both the Faithful Humanity and Kurai-Kuni.

⋅──────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰──────⋅
CENSUS FIDELIUM
An act of the Prefect for the Priesthood
⋅──────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰──────⋅
From the desk of
James Vursur
Prefect for the Priesthood, Magistaire Malinor

at the pleasure of His Holiness,
BERNARD II
Pontiff of the True Faith
⋅──────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰──────⋅

TO THE CLERICS OF THE TRUE FAITH

GREETINGS and blessings to you and to your varied ministries. As the church enters a new era, we find it wise to to take stock of our current resources in order to better marshal them for the proclaiming of the Truth and the defense of the Faith.

THEREFORE all Priests, monks, nuns and religious are asked to promptly fill out the following form to be added to the Prefects registry.

⋅──────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰──────⋅

NAME:

VOCATION:    

TRIBE / CULTURE:

BIRTH YEAR:

ORDINATION DATE:

ORDINATOR:

CURRENT DIOCESE:

ASSIGNMENT:

WRITTEN WORKS (please link):

OOC:

USERNAME:    

DISCORD:

⋅──────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰──────⋅

EXAMPLE:

⋅──────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰──────⋅

Thank you for your cooperation.

James Vursur
Preserve and Cherish

APOSTOLIC LETTER OF THE SEE AT LEMONSHIRE

PENNED BY THE HIGH PONTIFF BERNARD II

FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE TRADITION OF OWYN

FOR THE PRINCIPLES OF APOSTLE OF LUCIEN

High Priest of the Temple of the True Faith, Successor of Clement and Evaristus, High Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Servant of the Servants of Heaven, Servant of the Holy Flame, Apostle of Saint Lucien, Envoy of Aeldin, High Servant to the Prophet’s Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of GOD does decree…

It saddens me to see you have fallen wholly into egomania. In one statement you are wholly correct, Hadrian. It is the duty of the Vicar to guide his flock. It is the duty of the Church and its shepherds to guide the flock when it has gone astray. As you have. You have committed crimes against VIRTUE and refuse to recant out of pride. You think, we have done this to brew civil war. But yet again you are clouded by your scheming nature and ego. I fully knew when the decree was published; that many would fall on to the worship of the tall-man. I knew quite well; that many would refuse to answer the call out of fear. Most, even. For it is not easy to do the difficult task of enforcing virtue and righteousness. Especially in times of war, when the unity of the polity is placed as the highest virtue by many. And the fruit of virtue wholly forgotten in favor of power-politic and demagogues. The mission of the Church and that of the priesthood is to enforce VIRTUE. No matter the consequence. You have committed crimes against the Way of Heaven and for this each man must repent. It matters not if he is the Emperor or a gutter rat from the sewers. Such is the duty of the High Pontiff; to chastise all men. No matter status. Even yourself. Against hope I had hoped and prayed you would see the error of your ways, but it is not to be. I knew very well you would not accept the penance, though I had hoped otherwise. And that indeed, upon doing so; you would lean on forth at the chance to enslave the Church once and for all to the secular. But the Temple will not be a slave to the secular as long as I live. Only to GOD. Mayhaps, I have doomed the Temple in what I have done. But better a priesthood that died in martyrdom for their conscience and the truth; than as the slave of the secular as was the case during the age of the Ruskans and many others. This indeed is what a priest must do. Not care for the consequences in this life, but follow the fruit of virtue. Not be fearful of threats but to say the truth and to live in accordance with the TRUTH. Seeing as you have refused to recant, and have decided to usurp the Authority of the Laurel; you are hereby EXCOMMUNICATED and declared ANATHEMA. He who does not follow the Way of Heaven does not bear the Mandate of Heaven. By the Authority of Our Laurel we relieve all men of oaths sworn to you; and bid them to overthrow you in favor of your lawful heir, or by some miracle convince you that you can be wrong and come forth to repent. But that would indeed be a miracle. For your idolatry of the worship of the tallest among you is strong. And despite the efforts of the physicians, your four humours have never been restored to balance. We are not particularly cowed by your threats, save them for lesser men. Death is not the end, only the beginning. All that lives must die or it never lived in the first place. And the blood of the martyrs is the foundation of the Church. If we die for doing our duty; then it is simply a blessed thing. Though I do not think my death is a certainty, although it may very well come sooner than later. Once more I bid men to do according to their conscience. Fight for the fruit of virtue, or not. Do as your conscience bids. Now while it may be politically savvy for me to say; go on forth; join with the Suticans, Dwarves and Orks and fight against Oran. I will not do so. For the war itself; is not condemnable. So to these would be lepers and degenerates of the south, do not bother contacting me. I will not host myself in exile among a den of lepers and egomaniacal magi. The Church must stand for virtue. Even if it stands alone. Even if it is against the whole world. It is an impossible fight, and martyrdom will come easily. But nothing good in life comes easy. Do according to your conscience and soul, that is what I bid most of all. I shall conclude this with a simple prayer as is often my habit; 

May the Creator protect us

And in turn we protect others

Let Him be our shield,

So that we may be His hammer,

ridding this world of darkness.

He who stands with me shall be my brother, 

Amen.

APOSTOLIC LETTER OF THE SEE AT LEMONSHIRE

PENNED BY THE HIGH PONTIFF BERNARD II

FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE TRADITION OF OWYN

FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE SOUL

High Priest of the Temple of the True Faith, Successor of Clement and Evaristus, High Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Servant of the Servants of Heaven, Servant of the Holy Flame, Apostle of Saint Lucien, Envoy of Aeldin, High Servant to the Prophet’s Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of GOD does decree…

That the Seneschal Hadrian son of Tiberias of the House of Horen must subject himself to penance administered by the High Pontiff or face the penalty of EXCOMMUNICATION and thus the loss of his MANDATE to RULE.

Hadrian son of Tiberias is called unto repent for the following crimes;

• When Father Florian rebuked the unlawfulness of Zeno whom was violating our direct command and otherwise being clearly in violation of the CITRINE CREED. (This man known as Zeno is henceforth DEFROCKED and EXCOMMUNICATED thus rendering his ordination into the PRIESTHOOD of OUR MOTHER CHURCH by Godfrey null and void.) Hadrian began to beat Father Florian bloody and bid his retainers to do the same alongside him in a violent concert.
• For putting Father Anselm unto death; which no matter the cause he has no lawful bidding to do without the leave of the Church. Especially not in this case, when it was merely done at his whim due to the imbalance of his four humours.

For these grave violations of the SANCTITY of the PRIESTHOOD you are called forth recant of your sin. Failure to do so will incur in your immediate EXCOMMUNICATION and declaration as ANATHEMA; The loss of your MANDATE to RULE; the MANDATE of HEAVEN; for the LORD GOD does not take lightly violations of the laws of heaven and most importantly of all you place the salvation of your IMMORTAL SOUL at PERIL. Subject yourself to this penance and restore your four humours to balance.

We shall conclude this simple decree that cuts to the point of the matter with a saying from a brave man of yore; I will say a prayer for all men who do their duty according to their lights.

PENNED BY THE TRUE PONTIFF

FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE TRADITION OF CANONDOM

The True High Priest of Canonism, does decree...
(any further titles are secular and cause for Egoisms)
It saddens me to see the Church of Canondom fall to Secularism yet again, prior to a war no doubt, clearly the act of the Fake-Tiff whom truly does not wish to guide and support the many Kingdoms of Canondom, but seeks to rule as the King of the Canonist states. Power. Secularism. This is a rot upon the Church that makes our Divine Faith a joke, not even to mentioning the fools for Cardinals and Bishops that are chosen, that should be Defrocked for their lack of doing... Anything. Laziness. Sloth. Sins that bind to the highest levels of this False-Church of Truth Faith. Three Scrolls? How foolish of a statement to say that Sigismund were not an Exalted, whilst referring to Godfrey as one too, he is no Exalted either, and you are no Pontiff, Half-Man. For your sins of Secularism you, Fake-Pontiff BERNARD II, is hereby Excommunicated and declared Anathema. Your secularism is a ROT that spread deep within the Church that you are meant to run fairly between lands, the Church is apolitical, yet you call for the EMPIRE OF MAN to revolt against their Emperor, those are the words of a war-lord, not a Pontiff. Never speak of having the Mandate of Heaven.
You are no trve Pontiff.
The Emperor Hadrian is hereby UN-Excommunicated, for such claim was made in the vein of Secularism.

Second Bull of the Magistracy of Artifai

Penned by the Magister Artifai, Iudas Wick

For the Redeemed and Faithful Harrenites of Idunia, the whimsy they protect,

and the pious of the world

In memory of Blessed Alaric of Svargard

——————————

“I am the Lord GOD without peer, and My Word is the holy word, and My path is the virtuous path, and all the blessings of the Virtue shall fall before the righteous who tread it.” - Virtue 2:7

Table of Contents

Section I: Opening Prayer

Section II: Coat of Arms

Section III: The Unification War

Section IV: Diocesan Restructuring

Section V: Closing Prayer

————————————————————

SECTION I

Opening Prayer

Aeradar,

Master of the Universe,

King of Kings,

Light our paths,

And show plainly our iniquities to the world.

That you may bathe us again in Your virtue.

AMEN.

————————————————————

SECTION II

Coat of Arms

As those of keen eyes might have noticed at the top of the missive there is a new coat of arms for the Magistracy of Artifai. This will serve as the Coat of Arms for the Magistracy of Artifai for the duration of my tenure in the role, as such, I wish to familiarize those of my magistracy with the regalia as they will be seeing this attached to my missives.

• Starting from the middle, the fire represents the Mercyflame, the eternal seat of Aeradar. The Flame is warmth, mercy, and destruction, pious wrath.
• The Aengul on the left is Saint Malchadiel, patron Saint of the Idunian peoples and the font from which the blessings of courage that empower the Idunian knights flow.
• The Aengul on the right is Saint Artifai, the messenger of Aeradar who came to Harren to bid him to take the mantle of his father and who came to Owyn thereafter, to bid him as well to take the mantle of prophethood.
• Lastly, the cloth over it all represents the tabernacle and the blanket of mercy that Aeradar affords all people.

————————————————————

SECTION III

The Unification War

War is turmoil. Yet, war has also been waged in great piety before, just as it is now. I urge you my fellows, to look upon the words of Owyn, the virtues of Horen, and the actions of Godfrey. Be strong during these times, and look to your fellows for strength and support. We only grow stronger through this ordeal, and it is by Aeradar’s will that descendantkind will be unified under this Holy Imperium. I encourage those of this magistracy to seek out a priest for the fortification of their spirit before battle, and I encourage priests that are willing to follow the virtuous into battle that you may guide their spirits upon the fields of holy conquest.

————————————————————

SECTION IV

Diocesan Restructuring

In accordance with new ordinations and the wonderful influx of new clergymen to the Magistracy Artifai I have deemed it fit to arrange the parishes of the Magistracy in a way that benefit the Flock in the best possible way:
 

Saint Malchadiel Parish consisting of Angrenost and Ildon to be shepherded by Mother Seojin shall be halved, with the lands of Ildon to be shepherded by one Father Mirion

Saint Arpad Parish consisting of Adria and Garenbrig to be shepherded by Father Maurus shall be halved and renamed, with the lands of Adria to be shepherded by one Father Mirion. The name henceforth shall be the Saint Arianne Parish

Thus, the new parish shall be:

Blessed Alexios Parish consisting of Adria and Ildon to be shepherded by Father Mirion

————————————————————

SECTION V

Closing Prayer

Aeradar,

watch over our soldiers

as they fight to keep us safe.

Bless their souls

and may their swords swing true.

Give them the strength to do

what needs to be done.

Amen.

D E V S ✠ M A G N V S

PENNED BY THE HIGH PONTIFF BERNARD II

FOR INFORMING THE FAITHFUL OF THE RESULTS OF THE CONCLAVE OF 2056

TO INFORM THE FAITHFUL OF THE FIRST GOLDEN BULL DECREED BY BERNARD II

In memory of Saint Lorina of blessed memory

Shepherd of the Church

THE CONCLAVE OF 2056

Let it be known that the High Pontiff Leviticus I has abdicated. He has gone on a pilgrimage, to make use of his prophetic gift as he did before his ascension unto high office. Let it also be known that he shall be forever-known as an Elder and Doctor of the Church. Pontifex Emeritus. The electorate has gathered in sight of this to elect a new High Pontiff of the Church. Seven priests of Our Mother Church entered the hallowed halls and cast their votes;

AVARTAGH LEMONHILL

[REDACTED]

AVARTAGH LEMONHILL

AVARTAGH LEMONHILL

AVARTAGH LEMONHILL

AVARTAGH LEMONHILL

JAMES VURSUR

White smoke pillared forth from the Temple . . . and all across the lands of the faithful was the cry heard; 

HABEMUS PAPAM ! ! !

High Priest of the Temple of the True Faith, Successor of Clement and Evaristus, High Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Servant of the Servants of Heaven, Servant of the Holy Flame, Apostle of Saint Lucien, Envoy of Aeldin, High Servant to the Prophet’s Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of GOD does decree…

┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓

SECTION I - OPENING PRAYER

SECTION II - INTRODUCTION LETTER

SECTION III - CONCLUSION OF THE SUMMIT OF LEMONS

SECTION IV - STRUCTURING DIOCESES AND APPOINTMENTS

SECTION V - APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES

SECTION VI - ON MILITARY ORDERS

SECTION VII - ON THE MATTER OF MANKIND

SECTION VIII - BEATIFICATIONS

SECTION IX CANONIZATIONS

SECTION X CONCLUDING WORDS AND PRAYER

┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛

SECTION I 

OPENING PRAYER

Holy Lord of the Skies, King of Paradise, guide us Thy children toward Thy path of divine victory. See that the fruit of our labor, in diligent virtue, be reaped as sowed on the tree of holiness, for all work done in Thy graces is done for the betterment of the Faith. 

See in us not fear or doubt in Thy blessed mystery, but in the promise of Paradise, shining brightly beyond, in the Skies Thy abode, where the good shall come to rest. 

Amen.

SECTION II

 INTRODUCTION LETTER

Providence has seen fit to thrust the heavy burden of the laurel upon me. I shall bear this hefty duty to the best of my capabilities, and continue the dream of restoration begun by my predecessors in the laurel; Saint Caius, Deunero and Leviticus and as well those men of yore whom struggled for centuries so that this dream may be made manifest. Some of you may have known me as Avartagh Lemonhill, but providence has decreed it proper for me to ascend to grasp the papal tiara as Bernard II. Bernard is no longer a well-known name in the households of the faithful, so some of you may be pondering whom I have named myself after. Bernard I was a High Priest of the Church of the True Faith in our ancestral home of Aegis many long years ago. He was a hobbit as I am, and hobbits in those days were guardians of the faith. It is my wish and will to continue this legacy to the best of my capablity. Before I conclude this letter; I wish to inform the faithful that I have a policy of open-doors. If you have an inquiry regarding any proper matter, do not hesitate to send a letter regarding it to either myself or the bishops of the temple. I will try to answer any questions the faithful may have to the best of my capability.

SECTION III

 CONCLUSION OF THE SUMMIT OF LEMONS

The ecumenical council that was hosted at the Temple of Saint Artifai has come to its conclusion. It was agreed that a revision of DOGMA, LAW, THE CHRONICLE OF SAINTS and other matters of import was required by the priesthood. These revisions shall be promulgated by missive in the coming years after the mindnumbing labor of penmanship has concluded. 

However, there is one conclusion that I shall promulgate immediately by this decree, for it is of importance to our Church. It was agreed that the following Creed; the Citrine Creed, penned by Bishop Alexios of blessed memory and revised by the clergy, shall be the foundation of our faith. Every priest is required to affirm and swear by it; or they shall face defrocking and entrance into a state of excommunication. All laity are expected to abide by this creed as well. Any who refuses to do so; shall find themselves out of communion with the Mother Church.

THE CITRINE CREED

I confess one Lord and GOD, The Singular, Almighty, Most-Merciful Creator, fashioner of the heavens and firmament, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Master of the Universe, Singular, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omnibenevolent. I kneel to His will, and I keep faith with the covenant and our forefather Horen. GOD alone do I confess, worship, and seek after.

I confess the one Holy, Apostolic, and True Faith of the Temple. I bend to the successors of Saints Evaristus and Clement - the Pontificate, the Episcopacy, and the Presbyterate who bear their laurel and cloth themselves in their authority. I profess that the Pontiff is the High Priest and Vicar of GOD, able to speak on His behalf. I acknowledge the Holy Scrolls and believe in the Four Sacraments and their efficacy as holy mysteries. 

 I believe in four sons of Man, the Fathers of Mankind. I confess two Sons of Spirit - Owyn and Godfrey. I await with anticipation the coming of the Third Son of Spirit and the healing of the world, and place my faith in the mercy of God for hope of my ascension to the Seven Skies. 

AMEN.

SECTION IV

STRUCTURING DIOCESES AND APPOINTMENTS

To inform those faithful not-in-the-know; it has been decided at the summit that the hierarchy from now on shall be the Pontificate, the Episcopacy and the Presbyterate. There no longer are Cardinals. There are those who bear magisterium; the bishops. Magisterium is anyone assigned to govern something in confidence by the High Priesthood. Be that territorial or non-territorial. This shall be clarified in further detail when the HOLY LAW is promulgated by the printing press. 

It is through the Apostolic Right bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Prophets, that We elevate and consecrate the following members of the Order of the Ordained Presbyterium into the Order of the Episcopate;

THE APOSTOLIC SEE OF LEMONSHIRE 

Encompassing the entirety of Blackvale, Myrine, Reinmar, the Raevlands and the Aesterwald. To be shepherded by High Priest Bernard II.

DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS OF GAEKRIN

Encompassing the entirety of Alba and Rittersberg. To be shepherded by Bishop Shaulbert.

DIOCESE OF ST. RHOSYN OF THE PETRA

Encompassing the entirety of Petra, Ardrossil, Dorhael and all the lands westwards of Tir-Glas to be shepherded by Bishop Godfrey.

MAGISTRACY OF ARTIFAI

Encompassing the entirety of Alduun, Kazan, Angrenost, Ildon, Adria, Garenbrig and Viru to be shepherded by Magister Iudas.

DIOCESE OF SAINT GAIUS MARIUS OF NUREMBERG

For the organization and subsequent proselytization of all wayward tribes of Horen out of communion with the Mother Church. To be shepherded by Bishop Viktor.

DIOCESE OF DU LOC

Encompassing the entirety of the Shugonate. As well as the governance of stately affairs on behalf of the High Priesthood. To be shepherded by Bishop Enrique.

DIOCESE OF ST. AVENEL OF BELVITZ & ST. PIUS OF SUTICA

For the organization and subsequent proselytization of all wayward tribes of Malin out of communion with the Mother Church. To be jointly-shepherded by Bishop James and Magister Nerium.

DIOCESE OF ST. ROBERT OF METZ

For the organization of the governance of [REDACTED]. To be shepherded by Bishop Adolpha.

SECTION V

APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES

It is through the Apostolic Right bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Prophets, that We appoint Pontius de Senna, Magister Iudas, Bishop James, Bishop Nerium, [REDACTED], Bishop Adolpha and Bishop Shaulbert to be members of the COMMITTEES for the penning and promulgation of the agreed revisions.

SECTION VI

ON MILITARY ORDERS

Let it be known that by our decree all existing Military Orders are declared defunct. For a long-time they have already been derelict de jure; now it has been declared de facto. As is the maxim of the law. Let it also be known that all existing Military Orders are to be reorganized into [REDACTED]. If you wish to know more about this matter; then do contact us or our Secretary Sister Oonah by courier or bird.

SECTION VII

ON THE MATTER OF MANKIND

What does the word MAN mean? Many don’t know the true meaning of the word. Often it is used exclusively in reference to the tribe of Horen. But the stance of the Elders of the Church since the days of yore in Aegis; though it has been forgotten by many is that MANKIND refers to all those begat by the Primordial Man and Woman. Horen, Malin, Urguan, Krug. Thus also their tribes, and in those days of Aegis did all the tribes pay their due obeisance to the Almighty. Or as the faithful of those times most oft called our Creator; the God of Aegis. Now; the tribe of Horen has a special duty. Horen sealed a covenant with the God of Aegis. Thus it is the duty of our tribe to be priests. To proselytize and to uphold the fruit of virtue. Though Horen is the youngest of the brothers, it is his duty to guide them unto the right path if they have fallen wayward. For too long has the tribe of Horen and the Church neglected its duties in this regard. It is our DUTY to proselytize among the rest of MANKIND; and to bring the truth to them. Not by the sword. But in peace by argument and prayer. It is the intention of my Pontificate to restore this blissful state that our ancestors saw in our ancestral land of AEGIS. As it was the dream of my predecessors. This is a dream worth pursuing. Once more shall ALL of MANKIND pray to the God of Aegis. Thus in pursuance of this dream; do I invite the waywards tribes to enter into communion with the Mother Church. Or if you are uncertain, come engage in dialogue with the clergy. Mayhaps by argument and prayer you may be convinced of the righteousness of our cause, and thus find the salvation of your eternal soul. Furthermore; do I encourage the priesthood to engage in peaceful proselytization; by good works and proper argument shall we compel mankind towards the truth. Not by the bloody sword and the hot fiery embers of war. Only if that cruel necessity is a must; will it be pursued. The proselytization must be pursued in PEACE. I shall conclude this call to proselytize unto ALL of MANKIND; and not only among the tribe of Horen with a brief ancient prayer from Aegis;

May the God of Aegis bless you and keep you, 

The God of Aegis makes his face shine to you,

Let us be gracious that the God of Aegis turns his sight on us in our time of need,

And does give us peace.

Amen.

SECTION VIII

BEATIFICATIONS

It is through the Apostolic Right bestowed unto Us through the Laurel derived from the Exalted, that this Holy Church recognizes the following persons as most blessed of Virtue and apt for veneration;

Blessed Alexios of Veletz

For his immense wisdom, outstanding virtue in life and struggle for the truth. Furthermore an investigation shall be opened unto the alleged miracles performed in his life and the possibility of his canonization considered.

Blessed Alaric of Svargard

For his outstanding virtue in life and for his sacrifice of martyrdom. The martyrdom of Alaric of blessed memory at the hands of knaves and schismatics shall not be forgotten. Let it be known that the blood of the martyrs is the foundation of the Church.

Blessed Oijin of Sakuragakure

For his outstanding chivalry (BUSHIDO) and virtue in life and for his sacrifice of martyrdom. The martyrdom of Oijin of blessed memory shall not be forgotten. It was thanks to his sacrifice that the blight upon the land of Braevos known as Gashadakuro (Shinji) was vanquished for once and all. Many owe their lives today to his sacrifice. Thus let it be known that the sacrifice of a brave, gallant and virtuous soul shall never be forgotten. Let it also be known that the blood of the martyrs is the foundation of the Church.

SECTION IX

CANONIZATIONS

SAINT LORINA OF LEMON HILL

Sancta Lorina, Ora Pro Nobis!

Patron Saint of the Blind, Shepherds, Beekeepers and Gardeners

Symbol: Lemons.

MIRACLES

There are five miracles attested to Saint Lorina which shall be explained in detail in her hagiography which shall be promulgated in the coming days through the usage of the printing press.

SAINT GAIUS MARIUS OF NUREMBERG

Sancta Gaius Marius, Ora Pro Nobis!

Patron Saint of the Teutonic Cross, Military Orders, Chroniclers, Hanseti and Northeron

Symbol: the Black Cross, Zweihänder or Winged Helm

MIRACLES

The miracles of Saint Gaius Marius of the Teutons shall be explained in detail in an upcoming hagiography which shall be promulgated by usage of the printing press.

SAINT TONITO OF DU LOC

Sancta Tonito, Ora Pro Nobis!

Symbol: The Trebleclef 𝄞

Patron Saint of the Bards, Martyred Pacifists, Teachers and the Harrenite Conversion

MIRACLES

1. In life, Tonito would host a concert in the Barrowton Chapel during the Mori invasion in hopes of using music to bring the developing Adunian diaspora closer to faith and offer solace in the trying times of the Mori invasion. Gathering other musicians in Barrowton, Tonito would host a large audience that gathered in the ruined chapel and sang religious hymns and of the bravery of the Barrowton defenders. During the concert, Tonito had ascended up into the skies drawing the attention of the audience further from the unplanned spectacle of divine intervention. When Tonito descended back into the chapel, the faithful were reaffirmed in their beliefs and the non-believers turned into believers. A handful of the audience would even commit themselves to the lessons Tonito had to offer in regards to faith solidifying a future generation of clerics of the Owynist Rite.
2. An anxious, nervous choir member of The Bene Lissë Choir of Saints Avenel and Amyas had lost their voice after strenuous practice before the weekend sermon. After prayer for intercession over the urn of Tonito’s ashes, the choir member was reinvigorated with the confidence of a templar and relief to their throat allowing them to perform without mistake that morning.
3. A small band of excommunicants had planned an attempt to overtake Lemon Hill while the armies of the Holy League were on campaign. Alone and unwilling to spill blood upon the holy site, the priests and acolytes would outstretch their arms and bear themselves before the entrance of the monastery allowing no entry to the excommunicants unless they would come in seeking to remedy their fallen course with the church. The apparition of Tonito appeared alongside in a similar stance as the defending priests, shaking the excommunicants and scattering them upon witnessing divine intervention side against them. One of the excommunicants remained frozen in place however until finally speaking up that he would wish to submit back into the good graces of the Church. He was allowed into the monastery and offered a path of penance.
4. It was the day of Saint Tonito’s funeral in the Temple of the Clown King Saint Caius in Numendil. Most of the mourners had parted away from the Temple, excluding; Callahan, Jurkha and Atsuko. These three were conversing when a warband of Orks arrived within the hallowed halls of the holy place. The tribe of Krug was at war with Numendil; and these Uruks wished to slaughter the three of them. Death was certain. There were over two dozen warriors of Krug against three of the faithful. But, thanks to the intercession of the recently martyred Saint Tonito their lives were saved. One of the many miracles he whom bore the prophetic gift bore witness to. Callahan prayed to Tonito; and his old mentor provided him with a vision of inspiration. Callahan invoked the name of Wud of Raguk, a hero among the tribe of Krug. The righteous among them now wished to spare the faithful. The unrighteous disagreed, and the horde of Uruks began infighting and killing each other, while a righteous uruk led the faithful unto safety.

SAINT GERARD OF LEMON HILL

Sancta Gerard, Ora Pro Nobis!

Patron Saint of Discipline and Loyalty

Symbol: Horse

MIRACLES

The miracles attested to Saint Gerard shall be explained in detail in a hagiography promulgated by the printing press of the Holy See in the near future.

SECTION X

CONCLUDING WORDS AND PRAYER

As I bid in my introduction letter; I have an open-door policy. Do not be afraid to ask inquiries in good faith. As is proper; I shall now conclude this missive with a prayer.

O’Lord we beseech you to grant us clarity in these times of confusion,

O’King of Heaven bless our labors so that they may be fruitful,

O’God of Aegis guide us to seek the ways of righteousness,

King of Kings help us to follow the fruit of virtue that you have set,

Give us the Faith to bear all sufferings of everyday life and to become worthy one day of entering the Seven Skies, humbly and without fear.

Amen.

D E V S ✠ M A G N V S

PENNED BY MAGISTER AND REGENT AVARTAGH LEMONHILL

SECOND SESSION OF THE SUMMIT OF LEMON

FOR RECONCILIATION OF THE TRUE FAITH

TO PRESERVE THE DOGMA FOR CENTURIES

We shall continue from where we left off at the first session of the summit very soon! It shall once more be held at the Temple in Idunia and I do invite all priests of the Church to attend this gathering and select laypersons. For those of you waiting for me to speak the date and time of the gathering; it shall be held upon the Sun’s Smile. [16th of November AD 2025 5 PM EST] See you then, brothers!

D E V S ✠ M A G N V S

Issued and averred by the office of the

 MAGISTER MILITUM

THE CITRINE CREED

I confess one Lord and GOD, The Singular, Almighty, Most-Merciful Creator, fashioner of the heavens and firmament, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Master of the Universe, Singular, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omnibenevolent I kneel to His will, and I keep faith with the covenant and our forefather Horen. GOD alone do I confess, worship, and seek after.

I confess the one Holy, Apostolic, and True Faith of the Temple. I bend to the successors of Saints Evaristus and Clement - the Pontificate, the Episcopacy, and the Presbyterate who bear their laurel and cloth themselves in their authority. I profess that the Pontiff is the High Priest and Vicar of GOD, able to speak on His behalf. I acknowledge the Holy Scrolls and believe in the Four Sacraments and their efficacy as holy mysteries. 

I believe in four sons of Man, the Fathers of Mankind. I confess three Sons of Spirit - Horen, Owyn, and Godfrey. I await with anticipation the coming of the Fourth Son of Spirit and the healing of the world, and place my faith in the mercy of God for hope of my ascension to the Seven Skies. 

AMEN.

THE PLAGUE ON MANKIND - SEEK AND DESTROY

The enemy is at the gates. The enemy is always at the gates. We, those of faith, are a people under siege. Under siege by the daemons that walk this earth, with the desired goal of manipulating what is good, twisting what is right, and ruining what is wholesome. The daemon is abounding, it gains strength where it sees weakness, it targets that which it views as prey; our weakest citizen, our children, our elderly, our lone wanderer.

The daemon crawls from the depths and parades as a storekeeper, a tavern goer, a stable boy; it waits within this role until it can leap to destroy the unsuspecting, it rouses when it sees the slight turn of resistance. It is unending because it feeds off of allowance. The daemon abuses tolerance, the daemon abuses forgiveness, the daemon abuses repentance. The daemon does these things because it, unlike the man, does not care for truth, love, or honor. It knows only that these are things it can strangle for all their worth, so they, like a parasite: a worm in an apple, wiggle their way into the heart and soul of the nation.

The daemon is, without the Lord, a terrifying prospect; but watch as the presence of the Lord your God is enough for these festering pests to flee.

The daemon is a coward, the daemon is weak in the face of armed resistance, the daemon strikes and expects no action in return. Action driven by God is the enemy of the daemon; the daemon grovels and begs unto wicked blue spirits for its defense because, despite its frame, it is weak-willed. The daemon is without the Lord, and those without the Lord do not prosper. The daemon fears the sword far more than man because man will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, the daemon only has to look forward to abuses by its wicked master.

Watch then, ye faithful; an ever-present eye upon the beast, not simply in word but in action. Watch that these daemon not pervert your goodness, your wholesomeness, your loves, your hopes; destroy the daemon wherever they may roam. The daemon desires to make life hell because its true form exists in hell, and it wishes to inflict suffering on others so that it might gain satisfaction. Deny this. Ruin its satisfaction, slaughter it at every turn. Tolerate it not. Accept it not. Forgive it not. Destroy it at every turn, for now you understand that it knows of your love and joy and wishes it corrupt. Pity it not, suffer it not.

The wicked flee, the righteous are as bold as the Lion.

THE SOLDIER FOR GOD

For too long, those of the cloth have not taken up the sword as well as the cross; these both have their place, the faithful must carry their cross to fight the daemon within and carry a sword to fight the daemon manifested. The True Faith, in this era of change, shall undergo this process. The Truth Faith will be mobilized for the defense of Mankind both within and without. In the coming era, men of the cloth will be intentionally and meticulously assigned to the armed forces of the Imperium and its subjects as Chaplains. These Chaplains will see to their respective units that they remain both vigilant of manifested threat, and vigilant of the threats within: those that would damn their immortal souls.

Archchaplains will be assigned to the various kingdoms, consisting of nothing more than priests and warrior-monks who, in their knowledge of their respective lands and cultures, will be able to oversee and designate chaplains to specific units. These men of the cloth will report to the Magister Militum in matters of importance, whether an excess in attacks by daemon or an excess of ill-virtue within their ranks, so that it might be a matter swiftly handled.

Archchaplains will serve as Church-Militant diplomats, respecting the authority of their respective assignments, following the secular laws of the kingdoms they serve, for they are nothing more than priests aiding in the defense of their respective kingdoms from spiritual corruption and manifested evils. Allowing for the building of a strong community of faith.

AVE IMPERIUM!

H V M A N I T A S    I N V I C T A

“Für Gott und Kaiser,”

HIS EXCELLENCY, Captain Aetius, Legate of Legion II.

Magister Militum of the True Faith.

HIS EMINENCE, Avartagh Lemonhill, 

Magister and Regent of the True Faith.

 VAE VICTUS

First Bull of the Magistracy of Artifai

Penned by the Magister Artifai, Iudas Wick

For the Redeemed and Faithful Harrenites of Idunia, the whimsy they protect,

and the pious of the world

In memory of Josefina, Bishop of Gelimar 

——————————

“For I have placed into your heart a wealth of virtue, and I have created for you a garden of abundance.” - Virtue 2:7

As was decided in the Second Council of Lemons the magistrates of the Faith have been drawn up, and overseeing the Magistracy of Artifai is myself. For those unfamiliar the Magistracy of Artifai will preside over the Easternmost parts of Idunia, this includes Alduun, Angrenost, Garenbrig, Kazan, Adria, Ildon, and Viru. The rest of Idunia, which include the lands of Petra, shall be under the purview of Magister Godfrey as he is more familiar with the folk there as are they with him.

Thus as my position as magister, I appoint the following priests to the parishes of the Magistracy of Artifai:

Prophet Owyn Parish consisting of the capital of Alduun and Kazan to be shepherded by Father Angrûth

Saint Malchadiel Parish consisting of Angrenost and Ildon to be shepherded by Mother Seojin

Saint Arpad Parish consisting of Adria and Garenbrig to be shepherded by Father Maurus

Saint Francisco Parish consisting of Viru to be shepherded by Lector-Magister Enrique

It is expected that each of the attending parish priests faithfully tend to their flocks and administer to them the rites, sacraments, ceremonies, and other liturgies. As Magister Artifai I will not be lax in my duties either, and I fully intend to visit each parish and still conduct rites for the people. I encourage the laity too, to engage with the priesthood and come forth if they have any desire to learn more. Send word either directly to myself or to the goodly parish priests that serve you, question them and your faith for it is through challenge that strength may grow.

Lastly, as Magister Avartagh Lemonhill said in his Bull, the consecration of temples in Idunia is an issue that should be tackled posthaste. Again, contact either myself by bird or courier, or the priest of your parish that this may be rectified.

Concluding Prayer:

Aeradar, King of Kings, Master of the Universe

Watch over your Flock from your seat in the temple

Guide them by Your virtue and Your word

That the Harrenite may yet stay redeemed

And that all you have created, fantastical and mundane

May yet prosper in Idunia alongside her peoples.

AMEN.

D E V S ✠ M A G N V S

THE FIRST BULL OF  THE MAGISTRATE OF LEMONSHIRE

PENNED BY THE MAGISTER AND REGENT AVARTAGH LEMONHILL

DEDICATED to the LEAL, FAITHFUL and VIRTUOUS peoples 

Of the Empire of Man

And the pious of the world;

In memory of Alexios of blessed memory

Shepherd of the Church

Though the spring flower withers and the fruit of the tree falls to the ground, My Word lasts into the eve of the world, and the fruit of virtue cannot rot. - Virtue 1:2

Magistrates have been formed by the High Priesthood to act as administrative divisions of the Church; and the recent ecumenical council has counseled all appointed magisters to pen missives to inform their flocks of the current state of affairs in their respective magistrates; thus I put this to work to pen, to inform my new flock that I am their shepherd.

For those unaware, the Magistrate of Lemonshire consists of all the Crownlands; excluding Rittersberg and Alba. This includes Reinmar, Myrine, Blackvale and the Raevlands. The rest of the Crownlands are under the magistrate of Magister Shaulbert, whom is a well-known shepherd among his flock in Alba. For the time being I have dubbed the new magistrate as Lemonshire. However, if you deem the name unfitting; my dear parishioner; then tell me so in person or by letter. If your suggestion is fitting and proper, perhaps it shall change into that in the next missive for this magistrate. Before I go on to talk about the current state of these lands I have noted during my survey and pilgrimage; I shall scribe down the formation of three parishes and the appointment of three shepherds to govern those flocks.

Saint Joren Parish consisting of the Raevlands to be shepherded by Magister Viktor Valkonen

Saint Caius-Brandt Parish consisting of Reinmar to be shepherded by Father Martin

Saint Edmond Parish consisting of Blackvale and Myrine to be shepherded by Father Anselm

The general state of the magistrate seems to be in good order, besides for the lack of populace in certain settlements. Though there are a few things of note I will inform my flock of in the order I have seen to be proper.

Much to my sorrow; I have noticed that almost every TEMPLE in this MAGISTRATE lacks a TABERNACLE. So, I hereby as your SPIRITUAL FATHER do INSTRUCT you to build TABERNACLES in your TEMPLES. If you need guidance on how to do so; ask it of me. And I shall give you a guiding hand. I wish to see tabernacles in every TEMPLE within the MAGISTRATE within two saints weeks. That should be enough time to gather the materials and artifacts. It need not be the most elaborate thing; but a tabernacle dedicated to the LORD GOD ought to be in every temple.

Another matter I have taken notice of are consecrations of temples. Many of them shall be handled by the parish priests and myself in the near future. Though I would prefer if my flock would send me letters to inform me if a temple in their local community remains unconsecrated, so that status of it may be known among the priesthood.

Now the final and last issue of note which is by the far the largest. Tarnavon and the surrounding lands are entrenched believers of the Khazavite Heresy and exalt Sigismund falsely as a prophet and Son of Spirit. This is a heresy begun by Simon of Khavaz. Thus anyone who professes such a horrid thing is not in communion with the Church. Let it also be known that the heresiarch Basim is not a priest of the Church, and any sacraments administered by him are not seen as legitimate before the eyes of the Mother Church and the priesthood. However, to you my flock, I bid you not take up swords against them. Offer them mercy and kindness instead. If you are a scholar, have peaceful dialogue with them, and mayhaps they shall have a change of heart and abandon their ways of falsehood. Be an exemplar of virtue; for the fruit of virtue never rots and being inspired by your faith may cause them to abandon their ways of falsehood if The Lord wills it. The Emperor has bid us not to put them to the sword, but to let them practise their ways in their homes as long as they keep the Emperor’s peace. I counsel you as your SPIRITUAL FATHER to PEACE. Thus I forbid any acts of wanton violence against them. Nevertheless, I do not ask you to tolerate their heresy. While private worship is allowed. Any preaching, or spreading of such heresy, is not allowed and will be dealt accordingly by the correct authorities. If any of those professing the Khazavite Heresy in one form or another wish to abandon their falsehoods; I recommend contacting either me or Brother Viktor whom is a Raev of the True Faith himself. I shall leave the administration and proselytization of his kinsmen entirely to him; should he not require my help.

As another additional note; I am compiling the events of the first session of the ecumenical council down; so the laity of all the world may know what has occurred and been decided upon there.

If any of you have anything you wish to talk to me about; do by all means pen me a letter and I shall try to address any matters you bring up to me to the best of my abilities. I shall now conclude this missive with a PRAYER, for that is proper and good.

May there always be work for your hands to do.

May your purse always hold a coin or two.

May the sun always shine upon your window pane.

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near to you and

May the Creator fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. Amen!

And so I have placed into your hearts the blessings of abundance: the virtuous wealth of the spirit. -Virtue 2:5

D E V S ✠ M A G N V S

PENNED BY LECTOR-MAGISTER ENRIQUE DU LOC PIÑIEDA

SECOND SUMMIT OF LEMON

FOR RECONCILIATION OF THE TRUE FAITH

TO PRESERVE THE DOGMA FOR CENTURIES

Now that we have all had time to settle ourselves physically within the lands of Azuras, and that regular secular business is conducted, we seek to progress with settling ourselves spiritually in the form of the continuation of the Summit of Lemon, which has been on halt since the early stages of the Drusco crisis. 

However, with the promulgation of this notice we wish to make it crystal clear - that we have a shared ideal to instate some form of long-lasting structure over the church and give room for other rites aside from Flammenist and Owynist sects to exist, while remaining committed to our core principles of faith and to the furtherance of said principles throughout humanity, and all other faithful of the Church of the True Faith. We invite discussion over bureaucracy, procedure, and principles of Holy Law but preemptively rebuke disruptive speech and unproductive argumentation in bad-faith for the purpose of furtherance of any specific political or spiritual ideal.

We invite all interested clergy and select laypersons (whom will be personally informed if they should be present, if they are not assigned security personnel in service to the Crown) to make themselves known at or in advance of [Sunday, Nov. 2, 5PM EST] for the kick-off of the Second Summit of Lemon. The goal of this meeting is to establish committees of interest and guiding principles for the reconstruction of Holy Law, to permit for semi-asynchronous continuation of debate, discussion, and discovery after the Second Council of Lemons Kickoff Meeting. The Second Council of Lemons shall be held at the Temple in Idunia, prepare yourselves for the pilgrimage there if you do not reside nearby.

Please be advised that all registered participants must swear by the Citrine Creed or their vote will not be counted and their participation will be rejected pre-emptively.

D E V S ✠ M A G N V S

Requiescat in Pace

18th of Snow’s Maiden, 2042

I write with despairing news. A friend, colleage, once-ally, though recently at odds, has been found murdered in the Holy See. Hoof marks mar the carpet in the Holy See in great magnitude, and the corpse of the good Cardinal Alaric lay beaten, broken, stabbed, skewered at the foot of the Altar of Flame which illuminates the Holy See. This is a developing incident, and more facts are sure to arise in the coming days. There has been much dispute among the clergy over the past few years, and I had never hoped to come to blows in this manner. I pray for calm in these moments, as we all mourn the loss of the good Cardinal Alaric.

 Let us all keep the family and kin of Cardinal Alaric in our thoughts and prayers as we step back to remember what unifies us, as opposed to what divides us in this moment. For, at the end of it all, we should all hope that we embrace in the Seven Skies as brothers. Details regarding funeral proceedings will be discussed with next of kin, and agreed upon before any further information about such is released.

Signed,

Lector-Cardinal, Enrique Cardinal Du Loc Piñieda

PAPAL WRIT OF NOBILITY FOR THE

 BARONY-PORT OF CODSBURG

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LET IT BE KNOWN.