"To be without a shepherd is to be left to the wolves."

The Church of the Canon finds that many denizens of the world sometimes have difficulty contacting clergy to arrange a time for ceremonies that clergymen must administer; masses, weddings, funerals, baptisms, confessions, etc. In order to make it easier for the layman to make contact with a priest and organize a date and time for the ceremony, they may file a request for ceremony. All serious requests will be completed, even if the High Pontiff himself must administer it.

The request will be assigned to a priest best suited for your location ((and timezone)), and they will contact you and make arrangements for the ceremony. To file a request, please post it below with adherence to the following format.

IC

Name:

Race: (Any race may receive a ceremony lest they are heathens or heretics)

Ceremony: (Mass, Wedding, Funeral, etc)

Location: (Where you would like the ceremony to be held)

Other: (Anything you'd like to add, if you would like a specific priest to perform your ceremony please make not of it here)

OOC

Minecraft Name:

Skype Name:

Forum Name:

(These are optional but will help our priests get in contact with you)

CANONIST FAQ

Authored by Cardinal Fabian the Lesser

Imprimatur High Pontiff Sixtus IV

Introduction

Who is God?

What is Canonism?

What are the Holy Scrolls?

Who are the Exalted?

What does it mean to be a Canonist?

How did the Church of the Canon come to be?

What is the Scroll of Virtue? What does it mean to be virtuous?

Who can read the Holy Scrolls?

The World and the Descendants

Who made the world?

Did Aenguls and Daemons create the descendants? How did the descendants acquire their different traits?

What about races that aren’t descended from the Four Brothers?

What is the relationship of humans to God? Are humans better than members of other races?

The Seven Skies and the Void

What are the Seven Skies? What about the Void?

Do Aenguls and Daemons go to the Seven Skies when they die? What about non-descendants?

Who lives in each of the Seven Skies?

What are the Seven Skies like?

Who lives in the Void?

What is the Void like?

Why do people go to the Void?

What about the Problem of Evil? If God is infinitely good, why does he allow people to suffer in the Void?

Church Administration and Sacraments

What are priests, bishops, and cardinals? What is the High Pontiff?

What are sacraments?

What is excommunication?

What is marriage? What is sexual immorality?

How do I address members of the Church?

What are heathens, heretics, and apostates?

Saints and Symbols of Canonism

What are Saints and Blessed?

Do Canonists worship Saints?

Do Saints and Blessed reward veneration?

What is the Cross of Lorraine? What does it represent?

What is the significance of the number 7 in Canonism?

Why do bishops and cardinals carry shepherd’s staves?

Introduction

Who is God?

God, sometimes called “the Creator,” “Godani,” or “the Lord,” is the single omnipotent, omnipresent, omnibenevolent creator of the universe. It is He who drives the motion of all things, and who is the source of all goodness and righteousness. He spoke the Holy Scrolls to the Exalted, and He rewards virtuous mortals in the Seven Skies. God has no aspects, no internal divisions, and no physical form.

What is Canonism?

Canonism is the religion of the Holy Scrolls, or “the Canon”, which are the Word of God delivered to the world. Followers of Canonism are members of the Church of the Canon, which was called the Temple of the True Faith in times of yore.

What are the Holy Scrolls?

The Holy Scrolls are a set of four scrolls containing the Word of God as delivered to His prophets over the course of history. The first scroll, the Scroll of Virtue, was delivered to Exalted Horen at the beginning of the ages and defines the universal laws of morality. The second scroll, the Scroll of Spirit, was delivered to Exalted Owyn during a time of sinful heathenry and defines the nature of God. The third scroll, the Scroll of Gospel, was delivered to Exalted Godfrey during his uniting of the human race and recounts the history of the faith. The final scroll, the Scroll of Auspice, was delivered to Exalted Siegmund after he divided Church and State, and prophesies the coming of the last days.

Who are the Exalted?

The Exalted are the four prophets of Canonism, who are the fulfillment of a promise by God to humanity in the first days. Horen was the first human, who sired three sons by his wife Julia. These three sons failed in their assigned tasks in certain ways which led to the spread of sin and strife. Merciful God, however, promised Horen that he would sire three “sons of spirit”, who would repair the damage done by his three sons of flesh. These sons were the Exalted Owyn, Exalted Godfrey, and Exalted Siegmund.

What does it mean to be a Canonist?

Canonists embrace the truth of the Holy Scrolls which were delivered by the Exalted, and the Church which was established by Exalted Owyn. Canonists worship only one god, the God of the Holy Scrolls, and accept only the High Pontiff as inheritor of the spiritual leadership of the Exalted. By following the laws set out for them in the Scroll of Virtue, and by obeying the Church which guards those laws, Canonists seek to honor God.

How did the Church of the Canon come to be?

The first iteration of the Church of the Canon was called the “Temple of the True Faith”, and was formed by the passing on of the Scrolls of Virtue and Spirit by Exalted Owyn. The receivers of these scrolls were the twins Evaritus and Clement, the first priests of the Faith, who jointly held the title of High Priest. Over the course of a thousand years the Temple of the True Faith carefully guarded the first two of what would become four Holy Scrolls, awaiting the next prophet.

This prophet was Exalted Godfrey, who formalized the Temple’s role by making it the state church of his united human empire and delivering the Scroll of Gospel into its reliquary. Though at the time the Temple was under the authority of the Holy Emperor, it was later made independent by Exalted Siegmund after his delivery of the fourth and final scroll, the Scroll of Auspice. To honor this culmination of God’s prophecy for humanity, the Temple was rebranded as the Church of the Canon

What is the Scroll of Virtue? What does it mean to be virtuous?

The Scroll of Virtue is a set of moral laws delivered by God to Exalted Horen. These moral laws reflect the will of God, which must be obeyed by all sapient creatures. They prohibit murder, thievery, sexual immorality, miscegenation, judging one’s own virtue, lying, disloyalty, apostasy, blasphemy, covetousness, sloth, wrath, ambition, pride, and indulgence.

To be virtuous is to obey the commandments laid out in the Scroll of Virtue. Additionally, for humans, it means to obey the covenants established by God and the Exalted.

Who can read the Holy Scrolls?

The Holy Scrolls are written in an ancient form of Flexio, the language of the Aenguls and Daemons before their spread across the Planes. This language is appropriately nuanced for such immortal beings of pure spirit, and therefore requires careful interpretation and years of study. Any translation of the Holy Scrolls into the common language loses important context which is only available in the original Flexio. Thus,  the Holy Scrolls in their long form are only available to priests in training who will be instructed in the method of reading the text.

The World and the Descendants

Who made the world?

Canonists believe the whole universe was created by God, while the various lands and creatures were shaped by Aenguls and Daemons at His instruction. God enlivened all creatures; no being lives except that a spirit was placed into it by Him.

Did Aenguls and Daemons create the descendants? How did the descendants acquire their different traits?

No. Although Aenguls and Daemons created animals and plants, God personally created the first man and woman, who bore the Four Brothers. The Four Brothers were each born somewhat different from one another, but they gained their most particular traits in three separate events. First, when the first woman would not leave her children to enter the Sixth Sky, God uncovered the flaws of the Four Brothers so that she would understand His glory and the importance of obedience. Second, when the Four Brothers fought Iblees they acquired various curses which altered their appearances and disposition. Finally, God sent the Aengul Aeriel to alleviate the curses of the four races by granting blessings particular to each.

What about races that aren’t descended from the Four Brothers?

Any sapient creature which is not an Aengul, Daemon, or member of the four descendant races is an abomination, likely created by the corruption of a descendant by one of Iblees’ servants. Because they are debasements of God’s creations, abominations may lack many of the moral and intellectual faculties of true descendants. They are to be treated at best with pity, and at worst with extermination. Under ideal circumstances, abominations are regarded as victims of Iblees’ wickedness, and allowed to exist provided they do not reproduce or make use of their unnatural abilities.

What is the relationship of humans to God? Are humans better than members of other races?

When each race received a blessing from the Aengul Aeriel, God prevented the humans from receiving one, and instead brought Horen up into the Seventh Sky to reveal the Scroll of Virtue and make a covenant with him. This covenant is the foundation of humanity’s special relationship with God: that all humans must remain pure of faith, and that the four prophets would be  humans descended of the line of Horen.

Contrary to some erroneous beliefs, individual humans are not necessarily inherently better than members of other other races. God created all four brothers, and all four brothers were cursed when they consorted with Iblees. All living beings descend from these brothers, flawed and accursed as they were. However, humans do have a special relationship with the Creator which is to be respected. Horen’s covenant is that all humans would follow the faith; thus, the true racial blessing of humans is that they were the first to receive God’s word. Accordingly, humanity as a race must take a role of spiritual leadership. To be lax in our duties in spreading God’s word and virtue would be a sin.

The Seven Skies and the Void

What are the Seven Skies? What about the Void?

Canonist cosmology holds that there are 9 primary planes of existence--the Seven Skies, the World, and the Void--and a number of other limbos which are mere distractions. The 9 planes are not strictly spatial, but are instead states of spiritual nearness to God. A person who was virtuous in life travels nearer to God in death, while the sinful reside in the Void with Iblees, where they  await the final battle. Humans who have the opportunity to convert to Canonism but do not are guilty of the grave sin of apostasy, as Owyn swore a covenant with God that humans would remain pure of faith. Non-humans are not obligated to follow the Holy Scrolls or worship the Creator, but they must obey the moral laws of the Scroll of Virtue.

Do Aenguls and Daemons go to the Seven Skies when they die? What about non-descendants?

Canonists believe the Seven Skies are seven distinct states of reward for virtuous mortals. Aenguls and Daemons may enter and reside in the Seven Skies, but their state of virtuousness or sin is irrelevant, because they do not possess souls as mortals do. Wicked Aenguls and Daemons will be destroyed in the last battle between God and His enemies. It is unknown whether non-descendants may enter the Skies, although God is merciful; it is likely that an abomination who forsakes sin and worships the Creator will have its soul purified upon death.

Who lives in each of the Seven Skies?

• Seventh Sky: The Throne of God

• Sixth Sky: The Righteous in Ministry (Exalted and their Wives)

• Fifth Sky: The Righteous in Faith (Saints)

• Fourth Sky: The Righteous in Virtue (Blessed)

• Third Sky: The Justified in Ministry (Canonists who spread God’s word)

• Second Sky: The Justified in Faith (Canonists)

• First Sky: The Justified in Virtue (Virtuous Pagans)

The First Sky is the abode of virtuous pagans; humans who never received the chance to convert to Canonism but still acted morally, and any non-humans who obeyed the Virtue. The Second Sky is the abode of Canonists who obeyed the Virtue, but did not spread the word of God. The Third Sky is inhabited by Canonists who obeyed the Virtue and spread the word of God, particularly priests, but also crusaders, charitable noblemen, and pious believers. Above the Third Sky are those who distinguished themselves among other believers; the Fourth Sky is inhabited by the Beatified, who obeyed the Virtue to a notable degree, and the Fifth Sky is inhabited by the Saints, who dedicated their lives to faith. The Sixth Sky is the abode of the first man and the first woman, and four Exalted and their wives, who honored the Word of God by receiving the Holy Scrolls. The Exalted sit beneath the Throne of God which is in the Seventh Sky. Only Horen was blessed to enter this Sky, and only temporarily, to witness the magnitude of God’s plan at the beginning of time.

What are the Seven Skies like?

The Seven Skies are a place of endless reward, where mortals are healed of their flaws and released from the desires of the flesh. All exist in harmony, rejoicing in the infinite kindness of the Creator. Other than this, the Holy Scrolls do not describe the rewards of the Skies in particular detail, although we know that they are by definition greater than any possible in this world.

Who lives in the Void?

The Void is the prison of Iblees, who was corrupted by its touch at the beginning of all things. He resides there, bound by chains of his own making--the chains of faithlessness and sin. Also in the Void are the various Aenguls and Daemons which serve Iblees, and the souls of mortals who rejected the Virtue in life. God does not send people to the Void; they send themselves, by turning away from God.

What is the Void like?

The Void is a place of emptiness and despair. Whoever has entered the Void has unequivocally forsaken God, and has therefore forsaken all good things. Although it is often depicted as full of fire and brimstone, the only substance in the Void is that of other beings existing in torturous separation from the Creator.

Why do people go to the Void?

God is not only a being, but a state of infinite virtue emanating from His throne in the Seventh Sky. Whoever is virtuous is alike to God, and thus is near to him. Whoever is unvirtuous is unlike God, and thus is spiritually distant from Him. The Void exists as the farthest spiritual distance from God, a place completely deprived of His virtue or His mercy. Thus, whoever is unvirtuous cannot enter the Seven Skies upon their death, because the Seven Skies are close to Him and the unvirtuous are far. If a soul leaves the World and cannot enter the Skies, where else is there to go except the Void?

What about the Problem of Evil? If God is infinitely good, why does he allow people to suffer in the Void?

The Problem of Evil is a complex question which is tentatively addressed here.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/143408-the-nature-of-evil/

Church Administration and Sacraments

What are priests, bishops, and cardinals? What is the High Pontiff?

A priest is an adult male member of the Canonist faith who has received the sacrament of ordination from a bishop of the Canonist faith. He is he permitted to perform the sacraments of matrimony, baptism, consecration, and penance, and is engendered to act as a pillar of virtue and aid the faithful in virtue however he can. Priests are celibate; they cannot marry or engage in sexual activity. This is an administrative law, rather than one deriving from the Holy Scrolls. It is intended to prevent the establishment of family dynasties within the church, or the inheritance of church property by sons of priests, as has been attempted in the past.

A bishop is a priest of sufficient age who has been assigned authority over a diocese or group of priests by the High Pontiff. He is permitted to perform all the sacraments of a priest, as well as ordination.

A cardinal is a priest who has been selected by the High Pontiff to join the Holy Synod, which elects a new High Pontiff on the death or abdication of the title’s previous holder.

The High Pontiff is the undisputed head of the Church of the Canon, the Vicar of God, and the inheritor of the spiritual authority of the Exalted.

What are sacraments?

Sacraments are rituals particular to the ordained clergy of the Canonist Church. They produce an spiritual mark upon whatever they are performed upon. Baptism inducts a person into the covenant of Horen and God, joining them with the Canonist Church. Matrimony unites a man and woman in an indissoluble union before God. Consecration dedicates a particular relic or house of worship to God’s name. Penance offers God’s mercy to a person who has committed a sin and confesses it. Ordination endows an individual with the ability to perform God’s sacraments, making them a priest.

What is excommunication?

Excommunication is a severe punishment administered by the High Pontiff to unabashedly sinful individuals; it separates an individual from the body of the Church of the Canon and therefore from the mercy of God. Excommunicated individuals cannot receive sacraments, particularly penance, until they are reunited with the Church. An excommunicated individual will almost certainly enter the Void upon death, because they cannot be forgiven of their sins without penance.

What is marriage? What is sexual immorality?

Marriage is an everlasting union of two individuals before God for the purpose of procreation and love. Each party makes certain vows of fidelity and love to the other, and are thereafter referred to as husband and wife. Children of a married couple are considered “legitimate” and possess certain rights beyond those  children of an unmarried couple, who are considered “illegitimate” or “bastards”. All couples should seek to emulate the marital virtues of Horen and Julia: love, fidelity, obedience, trust, and godliness.

Marriage is indissoluble. The Church of the Canon does not recognize any divorce, although it does grant annulments. Annulment is a process by which one party to a marriage requests further inquiry into whether all requirements for marriage were met at the time of the ceremony. If these requirements were not met, the marriage is considered null and both parties are free to marry another, or attempt the marriage again under better circumstances. Children of annulled marriages are considered legitimate.

Sexual immorality is any voluntary sexual act which takes place outside of a lawfully contracted marriage. A marriage between two non-Canonists is considered valid insofar as it adheres to Canonist requirements: an adult man and an adult woman of the same race, who are not kin and have no mental afflictions which would preclude them from the ability to make moral decisions, willingly uniting to the exclusion of any other union. A marriage between two Canonists must be contracted by a priest of the faith, or it will not be considered valid. A marriage performed between a Canonist and a non-Canonist is invalid.

A marriage contracted between two non-Canonists, one of whom later converts to Canonism, is still valid.

Sexual immorality also refers to any voluntary sexual act which results in climax and cannot result in procreation, or a sexual act deliberately interrupted to prevent climax for the purpose of avoiding procreation, even within the context of marriage.

How do I address members of the Church?

Because the Canonist faith is ubiquitous in human society, it is not necessary to use a special form of address when speaking to a lay believer. Occasionally, particularly pious commoners address each other as “Brother” or “Sister.” This is not mandatory.

Priests are addressed as “Father,” because they govern their parish as a father governs his family. Priests, as a rule, do not use surnames.

Bishops are addressed as “Bishop” or “Your Excellency”. Cardinals are likewise referred to as “Cardinal” or “Your Eminence”.

The High Pontiff may be referred to in many ways, reflecting the position’s long history and occasional change of title. Some of these are “Your Holiness”, “Your High Holiness”, “Vicar of God”, “Holy Father”, or simply “High Pontiff”.

What are heathens, heretics, and apostates?

A heathen is an individual who does not follow the Canonist faith. They may not believe in God’s existence, or they may worship other beings. It is forbidden for a human to be a heathen, but other races are permitted to practice their faith provided they do not proselytize Canonists.

A heretic is one who believes in and worships the God of the Holy Scrolls, but accepts false doctrines regarding His nature or the nature of His faith. All who worship the Creator exclusively but do not adhere to the dogma of the Church of the Canon are heretics.

An apostate is a member of the Canonist Church who has renounced his faith. Any person who has received the sacrament of baptism, even in infancy, is a member of the Canonist Church. Unrepentant apostasy is punishable by death, because apostasy is a violation of humanity’s covenant with God.

Saints and Symbols of Canonism

What are Saints and Blessed?

Saints and Blessed are residents of the Fifth and Fourth Skies, respectively. They are believers in the True Faith who distinguished themselves in life through faith or works, and have been rewarded by God. The process by which a person is recognized as a Saint is called canonization, while the process for Blessed is called beatification.

Do Canonists worship Saints?

No. Canonists do not worship anyone but the one God of the Seven Skies, who created all things. What Canonists offer to Saints and Blessed is called “veneration,” which is sincere respect for their holiness and virtue. It is distinct from worship because the venerator does not believe the Saint has any power outside of that granted by God, and does not offer his submission or obedience to the Saint. The difference between veneration and worship is the difference between honoring one’s elders and obeying one’s father.

Do Saints and Blessed reward veneration?

Yes! Often, when Canonists pray, they ask a Saint or Blessed to offer up a prayer to God for them. This is called “intercession”, and usually occurs when the saint has a special interest in the matter prayed about.

What is the Cross of Lorraine? What does it represent?

The Cross of Lorraine is a variation on the normal two-barred cross, consisting of one vertical bar pierced with two horizontal bars in the upper half. The upper horizontal bar represents the Seven Skies, the lower represents the World, and the emptiness beneath them is the Void.

What is the significance of the number 7 in Canonism?

Seven is a number of great significance to Canonists because it appears frequently in positive contexts the Holy Scrolls. Each of the first three scrolls contains seven books, there are Seven Skies, and God has seven primary attributes.

Why do bishops and cardinals carry shepherd’s staves?

The crooked staff carried by a bishop or cardinal is called a “crozier”. It is representative of their guidance of the faithful, as a shepherd has over his flock. These croziers are often decorated with gold or silver, two substances which are harmful to many of God’s enemies.

Clerics, Soldiers and Laborers

“Ask not what GOD’s will is; for it is perfection. Ask only how your will can serve Him.”

To join the Church of the Canon and swear one’s life to it is to swear one’s life to not only the Church, but GOD himself. Service to GOD and Church is a great virtue, for a man who forsakes his secular desires and acts only for GOD’s sake truly embodies selflessness and humility.

There are many ways to join the Church and assist in its mission to bring GOD’s peace, mercy, charity and love across the mortal realm. From the farmer to the Knight, no man is exempt from true service to GOD.

Joining the Clergy

Joining the Clergy is a vow that can only be released by the High Pontiff himself. There are three sects of the clergy, divided by their individual vows.

I. The Priesthood, who are recruited as acolytes and may be promoted to the rank of Bishop. They are an eclectic group whose charge is the spreading of GOD’s word to their flock at their assigned parish.

II. The Sisters of Saint Tobias, a group of nuns whose directive is the management of the poorhouses and orphanages named subsidiary of the Church. Their primary headquarters is located on the Isle of Yale.

III. All monks are members of the Brothers of Saint Daniel. Their directive is purely theological study, as well as the spreading of GOD’s love and charity. Monks are not tied to any specific parish or diocese, and most often are in a state of constant pilgrimage, worshipping praying at wayshrines and Churches as they wander.

Joining the Protectors of the Church

Since the beginning of the faith men have raised their swords for the sake of GOD, purifying the impure and protecting the exalted and divine. There are three separate ways one may use their skill as a soldier to serve the Mother Church.

I. The Inquisition is a body which is revived at any given time that the Church sees a great theological threat to mortal kind. Any man may join the Inquisition in a voluntary capacity, whether or not they have oaths to a secular Lord or not.

II. The Holy Knights of Visiga are a group of Seven Knights, each of them, granted an estate in the Holy Lands for their service as the direct bodyguards of the High Pontiff. They are sworn to protect him and serve him and his word without question, as well as being charged with the guardianship of an Ashen  Urn, within which the ashes of a blessed person resides.

III. The Lord Vicar’s bannermen are a group of soldiers who serve the Lord Vicar of the Holy Land. The Lord Vicar rules the Holy Land in the name of the High Pontiff, and as such the protection of the land itself falls onto him and his soldiery. Joining the Lord Vicar’s soldiery is a matter entirely between the individual and the Lord Vicar.

Serving the Church as a Layman

A layman is a person who has not taken oaths as a clergy member. The Church shall always welcome those who seek to serve the Church either temporarily or in a voluntary capacity. The layman can take certain oaths in service to the Church without being bound to clerical or knightly commandment. He may also offer his assistance in a voluntary capacity.

I. A layman may join the Children of Saint Tobias, whose sole directive is to assist the Sisters of Saint Tobias with the management of charitable events, along with the poorhouses and orphanages considered subsidiary of the Church.

II. Laymen may serve the Church by becoming a citizen of the Holy Palatinate. They shall be afforded all the rights and privileges of a citizen, and be permitted to assist in the gathering of necessary resources or materials for the Church of the Canon.

+__________+__________+__________+__________+__________+__________+

APPLICATION

Despite the specific options laid out above, a person may also offer his services in a way separate than what is specifically detailed.

IC

Name:

Race:

Service: (Nun, Monk, Priest, Holy Knight, Vicar Bannerman, Charity Worker, other)

Why do you wish to assist the Church?:

Anything else?:

OOC

Minecraft Name:

Skype Name:

[18/06]

THE TROG

As of this week and hereafter, the Rexes Trog (market) has been opened. It offers space to both uruks and non uruks to peddle their wares and barter with others and shall serve as a hub for any such similar business. Uruks may apply for a stall, and attain one for no cost, whereas non-uruks will have to pay a small fee ((75 minas)) for a space.

FESTIVAL OF THE WORLD CACTUS

Such an unwonted eventuality like the flowering of the World Cactus will not go uncelebrated. In ONE Cactus weeks a festival will held. Grog and green will be plentiful, as will festivities and food.

All we be allowed a taste of the infamous Thunder Krug.

ANG GUND GRIISH

 OOC

THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON THE 24TH OF JUNE AT 3 EST, BE THERE OR BE SQUARE.

IF YOU ARE A NON-ORK AND LOOKING FOR A STALL, FILL THIS OUT:

https://goo.gl/forms/KAAT8EICGvLe3Ijj2

Clans are a cohort of Orcs whom have taken a particular ancestor as their namesake. This can be due to blood relation, or simply admiring what the Orc did in their lives. A standard clan is led by a Chief, and consists of Elders who are veteran members of the clan as well as grunts. However, varying lower tier ranks can be involved, as well as the ranks of Clan Father and Clan Mother. Clans are for life, and abandoning your brothers is a disgusting dishonour.

New clans can only be formed at the digression of the Rex, who has to sign off on it and give his blessing. To be considered eligible for a new clan, there must be a minimum of five members. 

-Wargoth-

Wargoth clans are the most fabled and prestigious clans who have become staple in the Iron Uzg. They are active and contribute in not only man-power, but resources and inteligence as well. To be a Wargoth clan, the respective clan must be well established, well known, have high numbers and contribute to the Iron Uzg's efforts as a whole. A Wargoth is an Orc to be respected for they have gone through gruelling trials and tribulations to have their clan achieve that rank. However, the title of Wargoth is not permanent, and it can be removed should the clan fall out of favour and cease to contribute or fall too low on numbers.

-Warchief-

Established clans that are yet to prove their worth are Warchief clans. They are a valued cog in the ever turning wheel of the Iron Uzg, but have not truely earned their keep yet. To become a Warchief clan, a clan must have been around for some time and contributed a great deal, but do not have the prestige and renown that a Wargoth clan has, nor do their overall contributions match that of a Wargoth clan. However, if a Wargoth clan falls out of favour, they will become a Warchief clan.

-Chieftain-

Chieftain clans are new blood clans, whom were recently made. They are faceless and unknown, yet they should not be discouraged. All clans begin at this level, and must prove themselves and work their way up. 

- Gangs -

Gangs develop from within a clan and hold to a specific clan, or from different clans that are not loyal to one clan. These are groups of orcs that typically hunt and patrol together. They learn each others strengths and weaknesses in combat and find ways to fight together as efficiently as possible. Gang-mates are typically very loyal to each other regardless of whether they get along. A Gang name’s is also a descriptive name that can not be identical to any known clan or gang  names. The gang name is pronounced in singular when speaking of a specific Orc, and plural when referring to the gang or several gang members. As clan names are usually well known, clan names and gang names are rarely mistaken with each other. The name of a Gang is also a great source of pride for the gang members.

Gang names are typically descriptive, like 'Da Gashbluudz,' or 'Elfkillaz', but it is not uncommon for them to involve the name of a clan if they stem from it, for example 'Braduk Boyz'. They may also take a theme, like a pirate gang or slavers gang. Additionally some gangs may have similar or matching armour/warpaint to signify their allegiance to one and other. 

To form a gang there must be a minimum of three members, with one being elected as the 'Gangmaster'. A Gangmaster holds no authority outside of his gang, but if he earns renown, he is to be respected regardless. Rivalry amongst gangs is staple, as it provides incentive for the Orcs to achieve glory with their gangmates, however this is typically similar to a sporting contest rather than an actual feud.

Gang registration 

Gang name:

Gang members (RP names: 

Clan based or independent:

- Warbands -

A Warband is comprised of at least two but possibly more clans who form together for a common goal, whether it be for military purposes or simply to increase their overall strength by becoming a unit. The clans will keep their individual cultures and will technically remain independent, yet they are a single Warband, and will treat the other clans making up the Warband as their own. 

The leader of a Warband holds no specific title but is often referred to as a Warlord. This Warlord is chosen purely by physical strength, with the Chiefs of the clans klomping to determine who will be in charge. A Warband's name is that of its leader, eg; 'Kahn's Warband'. It may be dissolved at any point, and formed at any point. It is no secret that a Warband will be incredibly powerful, yet they do not seem to last long as personal egos and agendas often get in the way.

~*[The Overhill Family]*~

The Overhill Family is a halfling family that has mainly made appearances throughout the halflings' transitions through Vailor.  They go by the traditional halfling values of being proper, and believe that nothing can surpass a good smoke and a good ale. Not only that, but, descendants of The Overhills are almost always trained the ways of Shogging at a young age and are proud of their skills.

Overhills are doubtful to bigguns if they enter the village with no business. Due to their lack of knowledge on bigguns, the Overhills are gullible enough to believe any strange rumors they heard about the large folk.

The Overhills are normally relaxed people and live their lives creating goods or recipes to share with others. The Overhills all farm, as most halflings should, and create a variety of foods, pipeweed, etc. It won't be uncommon to smell a pleasant aroma drifting out of the Overhill's burrow! However, The Overhills usually stay doing agricultural jobs such as farming, fishing, lumberjacking, etc. But you have the freedom to choose and be what you want in the family, as long as you aren't improper!

~*~
The Overhill Appearance!

Most Overhills have the same appearance and general body type. The Overhills have dark brown hair, however, it will never go dark enough to become black. Their eyes vary from shades of green to shades of blue, sometimes both due to a common halfling 'disease'. The height of Overhills varies as well, but most don't go higher than 3 feet 1 inch, and not lower than 2 feet 6 inches when they stop growing. The frame of Overhills is not slim/skinny, but not extremely muscular (for a halfling, of course), rather average unless they work excessively in the fields. But of course, many Overhills could get a beerbelly due to their sheer consumption of alcohol. Then, like most common halflings, they have curly hair and hairy feet.

~*~

Overhill Religion
Halflings are usually lax when it comes to religion, and so are the Overhills. The most common religious figure in the Overhills is the one and only Lord Knox, however, you won't be frowned upon if you believe in other gods. But, believing in any biggun religions is not encouraged, and extremely frowned upon (Aspects do not count).

~*~

A Notable Family Creation

Overhill Hard Cider

(Image found on google images)

The Overhills have engaged in a practice of brewing Hard Cider from fresh Willow Hollow Apples. This is an alcoholic drink that Overhills enjoy drinking daily, and have the secret recipe locked up, hidden in their burrow.

~*~
Current Family Members

Berilac Overhill

~*~

Application if you wish to join!

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The Brandybottom family was founded by Gilbert Brandybottom(Formally Gilbert?) in Athera when he and his brother, Wilbert Brandybottom (Formally Wilbert?) were given a new name by the town mayor Fumble. Of All of the original Brandybottoms all but Gilbert have died or gone missing, leaving Gilbert to wonder if he has any relatives still around. The Brandybottom's may be offsprings of brandybucks, but this is currently unknown to all.

The Brandybottoms are a merry munch that like to fish, farm, cook, eat, sing songs and drink ale! They value family and friends above all else and believe all halflings should be proper. They believe in stealing from bigguns, but only to benefit the village and have been known to do so from time to time. They're fond of adventure and are always looking for something exiting to happen to them!

The brandybottoms either have Blonde or brown hair with blue eyes, it is not uncommon for a brandybottom to have eyes of different colour. Brandybottoms can grow facial hair but tend to shave, except in the winter. The brandybottoms are usually quite tanned, due to lots of time spent farming and being out on the sea fishing. Brandybottoms are of average height for halflings, standing at around 3-4 feet.

The Brandybottom family started with Gilbert, Wilbert and Filibert in Athera when the trio of hobbits stumbles into the merry town of Gimblewood. Although they never had their own burrow in Gimblewood they all still lived happily sleeping under trees or in taverns. The Brandybottoms were given their name by The Mayor Fumble and a young halfling lass called Lorna. Gilbert himself spent time in Athera Farming and fighting off pests who found their way into Gimblewood.

Of the Brandybottom trio only Gilbert made it to Vailor and eventually settled well in Willow Hollow, where he found three of his brothers, Biggs, Moro and Luther. At this time in Brandybottom History the family found great success and happiness after Gilbert built his own burrow and the three brothers did well to represent the family. In Willow Hollow Gilbert Brandybottom was Elected the youngest Mayor of the halflings and continued to serve in this position until his wife-to-be, Bellisima went missing before their wedding. After the failed wedding Gilbert stepped down from his position and left Willow Hollow to venture and explore the lands.

And Now in Axios, Gilbert has concluded his journey by returning to the halfling town of Reedsborough. Like the transition from Athera to Vailor, Gilbert is once more the only Brandybottom to remain at large in the realm. Gilbert now wanders the town chatting to halflings and bigguns alike, looking for more of his family members!

Brandybottoms acknowledge Farmer Billy Bob as an excellent farmer so they often speak of him. They do not particularly worship him though, they only respect him as a farmer. They tend not to tell people of their fondness of Billy Bob due to the harsh treatment other halflings have received for worshiping him.

Gilbert- founder- Alive

Biggs- Gilbert's Brother- Missing

Luther- Gilbert's Brother- Missing

Moro - Gilbert's Brother- Missing

Wilbert- Gilbert's brother- Deceased

Filibert- Gilbert's Father- Deceased

MC name:

Character Name:

Character Age:

Have you read the halfling lore?:

Relation? (Eg, brother, son, mother):

Timezone:

The Wanderwine Family

The Wanderwines are the copper-headed travelers of the Halfling race. Ever wondering what lies over the crest of the next hill or what sits in the next locked safe, this family never seems to stay in one place for long. Founded in Athera by Perdric Wanderwine, a notorious spinner of yarns and purloiner of unprotected goods, the family moved on to great things, such as aiding in the Defeat of the Boggle Wolf, raiding the castle of The Sky Giant and even a (very) short stint as mayor!

Culture and Tradition:

Wanderwines have an affinity for stealing…or rather, borrowing. While many Hobbits won’t shy away from thievery every once and awhile, these mischievous folk bring it to an entirely new level. To them, every heist is a work of art, to be lovingly planned and thought out from every angle. However, woe betide one who steals from a Wanderwine, lest they wake up to an empty house.

While many of the Wee Folk retain a strong sense of community, the Wanderwines hold family ties above all else. Due to the unscrupulous nature of many of its members, the family will look after their own and form tight-knit sects wherever one may find them. Friends of the clan may find themselves ‘adopted’’ by the family, being dubbed cousin, uncle or grandfather by members.

Appearance:

The Wanderwines boast an imposing height of roughly two-and-a-half feet, quite useful when wiggling through an open window, or escaping a hungry Orc. Their feet may appear large by any other standard, but among Hobbits, they are a bit on the small side.

They have a light to mid tan complexion, veering towards the whiter spectrum. Atop their heads and feet sit a wooly tangle of ginger hair, ranging from dark red to coppery orange. It isn’t unheard of for members of the family to bear small amounts of facial hair, as lovingly groomed moustaches and goatees are common among the male members.

Religion:

The Wanderwine Family doesn’t have any central form of religion, but there is an ever-expanding list of superstition that many members of the family hold dear. Different sects may have their own unique set of taboos, but there are three rules that every proper Wanderwine abides by:

1. Listen to your elders, they’re older and smarter than you are!

2. Never ever EVER steal from another Halfling.

3. If something is stolen, leave something in return.

Remember, each Wanderwine is unique in their own beliefs! They hold no official deity, but there is a strong undercurrent of Knoxism running through many members of the family.

History:

Being a relatively new family, the Wanderwines don’t have much in the way of an official history. Instead, each member records their own interpretation of their life which is held as gospel. Once finished, these biographies are kept in a safe, secret location known by the oldest and wisest of the family, to be retrieved only when they are needed.

Personal Sagas will be recorded below for any who are interested!

(Family Tree coming sooooooon)

Past and Present Members:

All members tagged missing exist chronologically, but don’t have players to play them! PM ForeverGinger if you are interested in playing a missing family member!

Elders:

Perdric Wanderwine (Active)

Ringo Wanderwine (Missing)

Wanderwines:

Lilly Wanderwine (Active)

[More to come!]

Application:

Reply to this topic with the following application if you want to create your own branch of the family!

Username:

Character Name:

Physical Description:

Lineage (Shoot ForeverGinger a PM if you need assistance linking your character to an existing family member):

[Additions will be made, so be on the lookout for more Halfling shenanigans!]

Honouraries, or an Honourary Orc is a non-Orc who has adopted the ways of Orcish culture so much so that they are accepted as genuine members of the Iron Uzg. They are permitted to serve in  clans the Krughai, practice Shamanism and over time, may hold positions of authority. Only the Rex can allow people to have the opportunity to become Honourary Orcs, and subsequently, Honourary Orcs. This status is revokable at any time.

-Becoming an Honourary Orc-

To become an Honourary Orc, the aspiring pinkskin must first seek out a member of the Iron Uzg. Whether it be a pre-existing friend, someone they strike a deal with or whatever the cirumstances may be, the pinkskin needs to have a third party (IE the Orc) support his quest on becoming an Honourary and as such, take it to the Rex. 

Once an agreeing Orc has been located the pinkskin must then be seen around the Iron Uzg for a great deal of time to make sure he is known. Ridicule and overall bullying is allowed and even encouraged, to weed out the weak who may attempt to join Orcish society. Once the aspiring pinkskin has made a name for himself to the Orcs, then he/she and his sponsor Orc may approach the Rex.

If the Rex agrees, the pinkskin will complete several rituals, first the Rex, the sponsor Orc and the pinkskin will undergo a type of bloodpact, sealing them all together. Then, the pinkskin will complete a harsh 'baptism by fire and blood' ritual, which involves the pinkskin walking through a wall of fire and imersing themselves fully in a pool of blood. Once this is completed, the pinkskin is a pinkskin no longer, and has become an Honourary Orc.

Should the Honourary Orc commit crimes against the Iron Uzg or betray them, the sponsoring Orc will be held equally as responsible if not more so.

-Privileges of an Honourary Orc-

- Residence in the Iron Uzg

- Permission to join clans

- Obligation to serve in the Krughai

- Permission to learn Shamanism

- After a great deal of time, eligibility to hold titles of Authority

-Whitewashism-

Whitewashism, or the act of being a Whitewash is defined by an Orcs absence of living with in Iron Uzg territory, An Orc who is considered a Whitewash are regarded as sub-Orcish, and receive no respect nor acts of kindness from a normal Orc. It is not uncommon for Whitewashes to be purged in mass huntings to cleanse the realm of their blight and ease Krug's rage at his betrayed sons. However, it is not unheard of for Whitewash Orcs to rejoin Orcish society should they prove themselves to the Iron Uzg. Only the Rex can officially deem an Orc Whitewash, and only the Rex can accept them back into Orcish society. However, general common sense is present amongst Orcs, who if they see another Orc possessing Whitewash qualities, may and are permitted to act on their own accord.

-Being a Whitewash-

To be deemed a Whitewash, an Orc must be disassociated from the Iron Uzg. Whitewashable acts are;

- Living with foreigners in foreign nations 

- Mating with non-Orcs

- Practising magic outside of Shamanism

- Practicing Necromancy

- Worshipping non Immortal, Ancestral or Elemental spirits

Should an Orc posses one or more of these qualities/traits, then they are considered Whitewash. 

-Returning to the Uzg-

Only the Rex can permit Whitewashes to return to the Iron Uzg. It is no easy feat, and comes with numerous trials and rituals. The Orc must prove that they have forsaken their disgraceful habits and ways, and  have become iron, no longer are they silk. 

((image courtesy of  http://www.deviantart.com/art/Turtle-tribal-tattoo-79848067 )) 

As the orcs of the War Nation go about their usual business of the day, Malog’Yar ascends the plateau of San’Vitar, carrying the black and white flag of his clan. Most would likely pay no heed to this until the mighty blast of the Horn of Yar resounds from atop the hill.

Once Malog has the attention of the city, he makes his announcement, “Bruddahz agh ziztahz! Mi annownze diz dey dat da Yar Klan am rekruutin agen! Aneh bruddahz whu am intrezt’d en joynin, ur juzt wunt tu helb mi rebuld diz klan, kom blah tu mi ur Thurak! Zpirutz bi wif latz awl, bruddahz! Glureh tu Yar! Glureh tu da War Uzg! Glureh tu Krug!”

The Yar Clan was founded in late Anthos by the shaman, Malog, in honor of his great great great grandfather, Yar. The duhnah skhelll, a giant man-eating desert tortoise, is their symbol, and is used by this clan to represent wisdom and lethality. It waits patiently under the sands for its prey to approach, and devastates it with powerful jaws. While still valuing strength as all orcish clans, the Yar Clan has always placed a special emphasis on wisdom and spirituality. Yar himself was regarded as the wisest in his village, and was their spiritual leader and guide throughout his life. A member of the Yar Clan is expected to seek a firm understanding of life. He must strive to be as Yar was: a source of wisdom for his people.

Mind you, this is not to say that Yars aren’t expected to fight. They are still orcs, and will fight ferociously alongside their brothers in other clans in times of battle; however, they must also be able to think, and discern what is wise and honorable. A Yar is also expected to have an acute awareness of the spirits, even if that particular orc does not happen to be a shaman. The Yars remember at all times that the eyes of Krug and the spirits are upon them. Whether hunting, fighting or whatever they do, they must keep this fact in mind, and live for the spirits. Not every Yar will be a shaman. Not every Yar will become famed as some kind of great orcish thinker, but every Yar can bring some honor to the orc for whom the clan was named by exercising wisdom to the best of his or her ability.

((A lot of the following information is taken from our original post. New information will be marked with *))

Clan Founding in Anthos:

 

 

 

Malog’s head was boiling over with frustration. He needed to clear his mind. Nux’Ugluk’s decision to side with the Kaxils enraged him to no end. He decided to go out to the desert and meditate, “Purhapz da zpirutz wull gib mi gydenze,” he thought.

 

As he sat atop a large dune, he peered down at an adolescent scaddernak scurrying over to a small cave. The beast was not fully grown yet, but was still easily big enough to kill a small group of Uruks. The cave’s entrance instantly snapped shut on the encroaching scaddernak, severing both of its pincers and three of its left legs. The creature lay helpless with half its legs gone, as a hulking mass shifted out of the sand. The sand gave way to a massive shell, and what seemed to be a cave proved to be a mouth. When the dust cleared, an enormous tortoise nearly the size of a modest gatehouse stood looming over the crippled scaddernak. The words “Duhnah skhelll” passed Malog’s lips as he watched in amazement. The duhnah skhelll lifted one of its tremendous legs, and smashed its prey. It then proceeded to swallow the scaddernak whole.

 

Malog took this as a sign from the spirits, and hurried back to Gronkkston.

He gathered his supporters from within the Ugluk clan, and told them what he saw. He then told them about his ancestor, Yar, a wise and powerful shaman. He had decided that if he couldn’t regain the Ugluk clan, he’d lead his followers away from the dangerous path down which that clan was being led. He had decided to lead them down the path of wisdom; the path of honor. He blew the great bronze horn he’d previously constructed atop the massive hill near Gronkkston, announcing the formation of the Yar clan. After blowing the horn, Malog then spoke forth the law code of the Yar Clan.

 

Law and Punishments:

Clan Punishments:

Customs/Culture:

Yar Clan Chants:

These are the traditional Yar war chants written by Malog to raise morale in battle. It is not uncommon for the Yar Clan to recite these chants when a battle is progressing particularly slowly.

Blezz'd ob Yar:

Harvuzt:

Rayz da Luzk:

The Cubs' Chant

Current Members And Ranks:

Wargoth:

Malog'Yar

Wargoth's Mate:

Durah'Yar

Elders:

Thurak'Yar (Malog's Chief Advisor)

Zar'rok'Yar (Also among the Skhelll Workers) (deceased)

Skhelll Choppers:

Gurak'Yar

Vorgo'Yar (deceased)

Skhelll: Trappers:

Daros'Yar

Skhelll Workers:

Phaedrus'Yar (deceased)

Members:

Important Yar Links:

The Story of Yar:

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/106182-a-continued-genealogy/

Information On The Duhnah Skhelll, the Yar Clan’s symbol:

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/86197-wild-life-and-monsters-of-anthos/?hl=%2Bwildlife+%2Banthos

*Horn of Yar Rebuilt In San’Vitar and Later, Vailor:

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/120865-a-relic-rebuilt/

Spoiler

*Yar and Nargii: 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/124212-yar-and-nargii/

*Yar Runes:

"After residing in Felsen for some time, I've realized how hateful people can truly be, bubbling with rage, stirring with anger. However, something I've come to terms with is that human beings, men of faith, the true children of GOD, and anyone whom breathes-- Not just the followers of GOD himself, mind you, -- do not have an instinct to fight. We have no instinct that tells us, "Engage in a conflict with another living creature, just for the fun of it." We are provoked to fight, although, it is rare for someone to actually want to fight, just for the pure purpose of fighting in itself, without some other motive."

"Now, I find it quite ironic that we, the children of GOD, are prone to violence, when all we seek is to be at peace with ourselves. What I find even more ironic is that I, an eighteen year-old boy, am writing a paper on the subject, as I probably know next to nothing of how violent the, "Real world" actually is. The most experience I really have is witnessing groups of sword-wielding men go off to purge Kha, and my parents fight with my sisters in my own home, as they happen to be doing right now, as I write. I simply find it silly that we must resort to such violence, when there are so many other routes to go about in order to achieve what we seek. From all the heretics? We could simply isolate ourselves. From the Kha? Fend them off from our great city, and simply not allow them to enter. It is as easy as that, just do not go near such vile, horrid creatures. In short, I simply find it quite humorous how we tend to argue over whom is more peaceful, which ironically, results in the violent deaths of many. Again, what would a child such as I know about actual violence? Almost nothing, but from what I've observed, the world is simply a cruel place, where all suffer at our own hands, rather than at the doing of an external force, as many of us believe. If we all were to cease, and just ignore each other, rather than try so hard to make everyone miserable, we could focus on advancement as a race, as a society, and as children of GOD. And, to be honest, we all come from the same god, no matter whom one is to worship-- We are all children of GOD, though those whom worship him, the TRUE children of GOD, are the ones whom will advance. But not through wars, conflicts, or death, but through peaceful teachings and encouragement. It is easy to spread the word of GOD, and recruit new members into our church, but it is hard to fight them with brute force, attempting to eliminate them- But that is the decision that we seem to lean towards, rather than extending a hand, so we can all co-exist. . ." 

from Beelzebub

There once was a boy, he was named Adam.

Adam loved to sit on his chair.

Adam's mother warned him.

"Stop! The more you sloth upon that chair, the more you shall become but a potato!"

Adam said "No!" and continued to sit upon his chair.

He cried and cried, and whined and whined. He would not move.

Adam loved to sit on his chair.

"Why should I move?," Adam asked.

Adam grew fatter and fatter.

He began to bald.

Adam grew larger.

He sat upon his chair all night.

Adam's mother warned him once again.

"You shall become a chair-potato, Adam!"

"That is what happens to boys who idle upon chairs!"

He did not move.

Adam grew spotty.

He became very pudgy.

He slumped to the side and released a large sigh.

He was a big chair-potato.

Adam's mother found him upon the chair.

"Now, he is more useful!"

Adam's mother brought him into the kitchen, and he was cooked.

And his family feasted for many days!

    Corruption, The Beginning and The End

What man have you shilled to become politically superior? Shilling takes the form as the pretense of optimistic behavior to one whom may think you are there companion, though in the shadows you gamble them into your service unknowingly. What may bring about such severity in the human being that they succumb to the petty contretemps that takes every weak human, and the unfaithful? Corruption. That simplistic word is what destroys the heart, and the soul of every strong nation, organization, and personal being. It might as well be also what forges it, for all but the pure must fight this disease, and bring about true piety, candor, and strength. If we do not, what are we but the spawn of Iblees itself bred in the form of nothing more than a decadent rat.

With that, Peredono of Valenza would retract his quill from the long written sheet, enveloping it immediately with the seal of the Ashford faith onto it, and sending it by bird to greet the Pontiff.

Upon walking in you see the bishop sitting on his throne, he towers over you, but speaks in a humble tone

"Hello my child, how can I serve you today"

((To Clarify this is a post to set up an in game meeting with me should you have any concerns that deal with the Archdiocese of Metz or diplomatic issues between the church and the empire of Oren, alternatively you can find me in game where a meeting can be arranged likely quicker, if you wish to have a meeting please make a small RP post about walking in, and then fill out this OOC form.

MC name:

Skype[To make setting up a time easier. You may PM if you wish]:

Timezone:

Time available in your timezone:))

Hymn of St. Godfrey

“God protect the good Saint Godfrey,

Sovereign ever good and great,

Save, O save him from mischances,

In prosperity and state!”

May his laurels ever blooming,

Be by patriot virtue fed,

May his worth the world illumine,

And bring back the sheep misled,

God preserve our good Saint Godfrey!

Sovereign ever good and great.”

Hymn of the One True God

“I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,

Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

God to shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that there may come to me abundance of reward.

God with me, God before me, God behind me,

God in me, God beneath me, God above me,

God on my right, God on my left,

God when I lie down, God when I sit down, God when I arise.

God in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

God in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

God in every eye that sees me,

God in every ear that hears me.”

Hymn of St. Thomas

“O God, St. Thomas, upon you be peace,

Our ever-proud souls refuse to be seized,

The den of humanity is our sacred home,

And the throne of our suns will never go down.

The mountains of Oren are towers in height,

Which talk with the zenith of the highest skies,

A land that is splendid with brilliant sun,

Turning to a sky or almost a sky.

The flutter of our hopes and the beats of our hearts,

Depicted on the flag that united our land,

Did we not derive the black from every man's eye,

And from ink of martyr's blood wrote to the tall sky?

Spirits defiant and past so glorious,

And the martyrs' souls are our guardians,

St. Thomas protects us with his great shield,

So why won't we prosper and why wouldn't we build?”

Penance Rites (During confession)

“O, Creator the Father of mercies,

has reconciled the world to himself

and sent the Holy Light among us

for the forgiveness of sins;

through the ministry of the Church

may God give you pardon and peace,

and I absolve you from your sins. Amen"

A note is pinned to the door of the church in felsen

“My name is not important, I would be hunted down for what I am about to commit to paper. My message is not hard to understand."

"I feel we the Church are a back thought in what is supposed to be a /Holy/ Orenian Empire. We hold mass and no one comes, we look for community and the pagan vassals insult us. It is not fair to the members of the Church who have made this Empire strong in the past. that we must burden the hatred of the Pagans who wish us harm for the greater “good” of the Empire."

" I wish to hit them from their high horses and convert them, for it is right and it is just. They spit at us in the streets. I look to the High Pontiff to remedy this, to make the Church great again and no longer just a show for an Empire that has lost its way from the true meaning of Holy and understanding of the Creator, an Emperor caught up in war."

“I fear for our peoples, maintaining community among the masses while these pagans practice their rituals without fear under the guise of their leaders being baptized is blasphemy of the highest order and people I speak to don't understand. They see the war draining us, but it is no excuse to forget about Him. The pagans see us as weak. I can only look on. This is not the Church I joined but it is the Church I now have to stand by as I am a loyal man in service."

“I fear for myself, I fear that the Creator will not grant me absolution when my time comes, for I have let these Pagans spread within the land under command to not convert, when I should have spoken on the issue. I am not alone in my fears."

"I beg of you, help us stop the spread of Paganism within Orenian lands, let us convert them the way we know how, I know nowhere else to turn."

"Deus Vult"

Once more I am writing to inform the readers that I was wrong.
In the light of His holiness, I once again admit what I have previously written, is incorrect.
 

I mistook my stances and ideas as something that are able to be destroyed along with the body of a man.
A man that took the entire blame upon the mere accusation of a parasite within the intestines of the Holy Empire of Oren.
 

With this I also would like to send my sincere apology and grievances to those that had suffered at the death of Father Augustus of Alsace.
He took it upon himself to prove the point of idealism within the realm of GOD and man.
The point that you may kill a man but you can never kill our ideas and will to put forth these ideas into action.
 

I was never sentenced to trial, nor killed. Thus it is time to return.

Thomas Aquinas

Put forth by Adrian of Kaedrin, Bishop of Courland

“So it was that Horen’s people were scattered in all directions, and it fell upon Horen’s sons to gather them.” Godfrey 3:7

It has come to the attention of the Church that there is not a true defined number of faithful, baptized and unbaptized, in the Diocese of Courland. To get a greater understanding of the practice of faith in the city a census has been issued so that a true count of churchgoers, neophytes, and baptized faithful is gained.

Answer to the best of your ability:

God-Given (MC) Name:

Chosen (RP) Name:

I was baptized in:

Choose mark an X for your  answer for each question:

If your appropriate answer is not-stated, fill it in.

I am - ( ) Baptized ( ) Unbaptized

I - ( ) Regularly attend mass ( ) Do not regularly attend mass ( ) Have never attended mass.

I am a(n) - ( ) Noble ( ) Merchant ( ) Worker ( ) Professional Soldier ( ) Clergy ( ) Unemployed

I live - ( ) Riga ( ) Saltstone ( ) I am homeless

If not already baptized, I - ( ) Wish to be baptized ( ) Do not wish to be baptized

I - ( ) Identify as a Canonist ( ) Follow the Creator, but in another tradition ( ) Do not acknowledge the Creator ( ) Acknowledge the Creator but follow a different deity

I am - ( ) married ( ) in courtship ( ) not in a relationship

Declaration of Ecclesiastical Regency

Issued by the Pentarchy, approved by the Pontificate

His Holiness Everard II, Archbishop of Visigia, Prince-Bishop of Luciensport, Huss, and Dibley, Successor of the High Priesthood of the Church, Supreme Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Keeper of the Canon, High Servant to the Exalted's Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of God, hath on this day, in preparation for the upcoming Pastoral Tour, barred himself within his compartments in the Luciensport Cathedral. His Holiness commits to a Saint's Week of pious fasting and prayer in the isolation of his quarters. During this elated time period his Eminence, Bishop Adrian of Kaedrin, Vice-Chancellor of the Church, shall take up the reigns of governance in the High Pontiff's absence. When the week is at its end his Holiness shall emerge rejuvenated and ready to embark on his expedition across the Orenian territories.

DEUS MAGNUS

Put forth by Rafael of Cordobe, Bishop of Carnatia

“So it was that Horen’s people were scattered in all directions, and it fell upon Horen’s sons to gather them.” Godfrey 3:7

It has come to the attention of the Church that there is not a true defined number of faithful, baptized and unbaptized, in the Diocese of Carnatia. To get a greater understanding of the practice of faith in the city a census has been issued so that a true count of churchgoers, neophytes, and baptized faithful is gained.

Answer to the best of your ability:

God-Given (MC) Name:

Chosen (RP) Name:
I was baptized in:
Choose mark an X for your  answer for each question:

If your appropriate answer is not-stated, fill it in.
I am - ( ) Baptized ( ) Unbaptized

I - ( ) Regularly attend mass ( ) Do not regularly attend mass ( ) Have never attended mass.

I am a(n) - ( ) Noble ( ) Merchant ( ) Worker ( ) Professional Soldier ( ) Clergy ( ) Unemployed

I live - ( ) In Lesser Kvaz/Kvaz ( ) A Keep in Greater Kvaz (Carnatia) ( ) I am homeless

If not already baptized, I - ( ) Wish to be baptized ( ) Do not wish to be baptized

I - ( ) Identify as a Canonist ( ) Follow the Creator, but in another tradition ( ) Do not acknowledge the Creator ( ) Acknowledge the Creator but follow a different deity

I am - ( ) married ( ) in courtship ( ) not in a relationship

I hope some of you took the time to read my stories about my time in the southern lands (https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/136957-the-returned-missionary/#comment-1297443) .Now I would like to extend an invitation to any member of the clergy or faithful man who would like to join me for my second missionary journey in the south. This time our goals will be the following:

-Create a parish in Dunamis lands and hold regular mass there.

-Reach out to other vassals of the Caliphate who might be willing to hear about the Canonist faith.

-Set up at least one other parish in the southern lands.

This is an informal invitation if you would like to join answer with a small letter including your name, race, affiliation with the church of canon, and reason for wanting to join me!

God Bless

Penned by Abbot Josef of Yale

I bring you stories and news from the mysterious lands that I have passed through on my missionary journey into the southern lands. I started my journey in the cloud temple docks where I took a carriage into the Caliphate of Khalestine. This being my first time seeing these lands I was a gasp at the mostly barren and sandy lands that make up this southern nation. Here I met with a member of Dunamis, an infamous mercenary group that lives on the outskirts of the Caliphate, who brought me to their large keep. I will not lie I was filled with freight due to the many stories that have been spread throughout the Empire speaking of the sinful and murderous members of Dunamis, which I would soon find out were mere rumors. Upon entering the keep I was greeted by the leader of the Hordes of Dunamis, Richard Revlis. He was friendly and even seemed intrigued as to why I had come so far just to spread the faith that I hold so close to my heart. I was no longer afraid and realized that I did not stand their alone as I continued my journey with God at my side.

For the next few weeks I stayed in a large and well furnished room on the top floor of the fortress often spending my time speaking with the members of Dunamis in the halls. Many of the members were already of the Church of Canon but had not seen mass or confessed in years. So, I began to hold confessions and even brought some of the members to a mass I held in Riga. In just a few weeks I made a great amount of progress and was confident that my journey was going to be successful.

A few more days pass and Richard called for all of the members of Dunamis to have a confession. For hours I served as their confessor before ending with a group prayer. When I was done Richard made his way to the front at my side and made the announcement that all of Dunamis would now be following the Canonist faith. I was in awe that in such a short amount of time I was able to make so much progress. He also announced that I would be building a abbey for them to practice regularly in, something that I requested of him previously.

I write about this journey so that all of you might welcome the new members of our church! Treat them like brothers as they are faithful and wish to do their best to serve God.

Penned by Abbot Josef of Yale

BOOK I: GOVERNANCE

Confirmed by his holiness, HIGH PONTIFF EVERARD II;

16th of the Grand Harvest, 1534

SECTION I: Jurisdiction

• The divine given rights of this Codex concern only those of the Canonist Church.

Be they peasants, nobility, or clergymen, all are equal under GOD, and are thus subject to his laws under the Exalted Codex. The Codex applies to all Men and Women of the faith; It elaborates on the procedures and laws of the Church as a whole. This Codex serves as an alternative code in which to live by.

• Those still within their fledgling years are not considered fully Men and Women under the codex; Their care and well being are in the hands of their parent or guardian. Those minors are considered the responsibility of the parental figure and the actions of the minor represent the actions of the parent, whom will be held responsible in their stead.

• The only recognized secular court as it stands is the Imperial Court of Oren. Noblemen conducting spontaneous trials of clergymen will not be tolerated under Canon or Imperial law.

• All subjects of the Empire who transgress upon the established theological and Canon laws of the Church shall be subject to trial supervised by the Tribunal of the Church save for landed noblemen, (such as the violation of Sacraments, etc.)

SECTION II: Distribution of Judicial Powers

• The priests of the faith are nominally held to a moral standard. Besides those of flesh, judicial powers also extend to the procedures of the codex and future lawful decrees.

• Judicial authority is extended upon aggregates of the faith, those being that of the Synod, the Curia, and the Auditor’s Tribunal.

SUBSECTION I: Aggregational Conditions

• Aggregates of persons or of things must be directed to a purpose befitting the Church’s mission, which transcends the purpose of the individuals (works of piety, of the apostolate or of charity, whether spiritual or temporal.

• An aggregate of persons, must be made up of at least three persons.

• Aggregates must be Collegial. They must decide its conduct by participating together in making its decisions. They must all have equal right, and be in accordance with the laws and the statutes of the Faith.

• The clergy are to uphold the proceedings of a trial that abides by the codex. Through the power of the Auditor of the Tribunal, his underlings, or, of course, the Pontiff himself.

SECTION III: Ecclesiastical Office

• An Ecclesiastical office is any position within the clergy of the church given by divine appointment by GOD through his Vicar and His Ministry, the Pontificate.

• The responsibilities as well as the rights to carry out their office are defined by the original intent of the office, and the reigning Pontiff’s authority.

• It is the responsibility of the regional Bishop to appoint clergymen to ecclesiastical offices within his own dioceses.

• Senior Ecclesiastical officials must first be indicted by a Grand Jury before proceeding to trial under secular or consistorial court. Then a similar discussion, (such as a diet,) is performed a Grand Jury can be waived with permission from the Pontificate.

SUBSECTION I: Loss of Ecclesiastical Office

• Clergymen can lose their ecclesiastical office via a multitude of reasonings by resignation, by removal, or by deprivation.

• Resignation: Faithful clergymen whom simply cannot attend to their responsibilities may tender their resignation for a just cause. Resignations must be brought to the authority who appointed said clergyman to the position.

• Removal: Clergymen of the faith may be justly removed from official positions as well the clergy itself via a decree by a legitimate authority. Clergymen are to be removed according to those breeches.

• Defection

• Loss of communication (inactivity)

• Heresy

SUBSECTION II: Free Conferral

• Unless the law expressly states otherwise, it is the prerogative of the diocesan Bishop to make appointments to ecclesiastical offices in his own particular Church by free conferral.

SECTION IV: Power of Governance

• Those who are in sacred orders are, in accordance with the provisions of law, capable of the power of governance, which belongs to the Church by divine institution.

• Lay members of GOD's faithful can cooperate in the exercise of this same power in accordance with the law.

• A lower authority, however, is not to interfere in cases referred to higher authority, except for a grave and urgent reason; in which case the higher authority is to be notified immediately.

SUBSECTION I: External and Internal Forums

• Governance is exercised in two separate mediums, External Forums: The practice of Governance in the public and verifiable sphere, and the Internal Forums: Where the act of Governance goes on without publicity.

SUBSECTION II: Delegatory Power

• Delegated power is any power given that does not require an office

• Delegates have the responsibility to prove said delegation.

• Delegates are required to work towards a mandate, if a Delegate exceeds the limits of his mandate he is to be reprimanded. The limits of a mandate are determined by the immediate superior of the Delegate, and the Canonist Pontiff.

• Executive power, and power delegated for all cases, are to be interpreted widely; any other power is to be interpreted strictly. Delegation of power to a person is understood to include everything necessary for the exercise of that power.

SUBSECTION III: Legislative Elaboration

• Legislative power is to be exercised in the manner prescribed by law.

• A lower legislator cannot validly make a law which is contrary to that of a higher legislator.

SECTION V: Sanctuary

• The Right of Sanctuary occurs if one goes to a Church before one is arrested.

• He or she shall be protected for up for 3 days, to confess his sins in the church.

• Those pursuing one must wait outside the Cathedral and may guard the Cathedral to insure the accused does not escape.

• A legal coroner must come to confiscate one’s goods, and he will assign one a port of exile which one may take exile for one’s crimes.

• The Right of Sanctuary can be waived by the immediate clerical official of the region.

SECTION VI: The Legitimization of the Baseborn

• Ducal houses and greater must have their bastard legitimized by both the Emperor and the Pentarchy of the Holy Synod for their stance to be recognised by GOD.

• All other individuals and houses must seek their local bishop and liege lord for legitimization.

• The father of the child must bring up the issue to the respective authorities.

• Bastardization works in a similar manner to that of the rulings above