[!] A Congregation Of Clerics [/!]

[Xerxes_XIII 2 200]

Rising from his seat against the wall, the Easterner allows the shuffling of his movements in the tangible silence to signal his wish to speak next. With his large red coat draped over one forearm, Haruki lets his voice echo through the chamber, tone soft and kind, but distinctly commanding. His posturing furthers the impression that whilst he is a man of peace and kindness, he does not lack a sense of pride and authority.

 

"Though I am long since a cast-off of the Order, I would like to speak. I will spare the lengthy and dull story of my departure, but suffice to say that it was not my pride that set me away. I, unlike some, do not seek to judge the Order. Misguided though it may have been. Alas, I digress.

 

It is this humble healer's opinion that the Order should not be rebuilt nor repaired. Let it crumble, and if in time our Patron wills that it may rise from the dust and debris, so be it. It is not our place to craft the army of our Patron; I would argue that not even the Itharel claim that right. When we are needed as one, we shall be called for.

 

Allow the Order and it's concepts to fade. Tahariae's power will continue to grace those who are loyal, but I see no need for those chosen few to organize themselves as anything more than friends sharing a common purpose. Order is not the place of our Patron, it is that of his Brother.

 

Strive to bring forth Justice and Purity through your own actions and through your influence upon others. Justice is a concept that is best brought about through the actions of a single man, rather than many. Purity is most easily achieved through many viewpoints converging and clashing, so that the fluff may be cleared and a true goal may become clear to some, if not all.

 

I will close with this, friends. Many times it is said that we must work together... I am of the opinion that now we must work apart. Thank you."

 

The man dips his head politely to the room, before seating himself once more.

[Eledyr 85]

*Listens to Ivanus speach with great interest, not interupting him*
I was not there when what you speak of took place and I do not know anything about the order's structure or the way it works.
But if what you say is true then do you not think that it is our job, as clerics whom all serve the same light, to give this order a new chance. 

*Takes a deep breath before he continues*
I believe that what this order needs most of all is a reform, A new leader must be chosen and the existing clerics should come forth so that the order has an idea of whom their brothers are. I also suggest that all training of pupils is put on hold untill you manage to find a way to make the order work. As for those whom no longer wish to be an active part of the order, as myself, I wish you all the best of luck. However we must never forget that we are all followers of the same light. Therefore I deem it our duty as master clerics to help this order find it's way once more.

And I do agree with you (looks at Haruki)...at least for a part.
The order should not return to what it once was. However I think that it would be a waste if we clerics did not share our knowledge with eachother. I am sure that there is a lot to be learned from one another. I also think that it is beneficial if we could keep track of eachother. So that when an evil arises we can band together and fight it off together!

Therefore I suggest that the hierarchie within the clerics be diminished. We ar all equals, no one is worth more than the other and ones wisdom and value is not determined by his age or magical prowess. I suggest that we form a 'council' of sort. One wich every cleric takes a seat. Everyone would go their own way but when a meeting is called we would assemble. This way we can fight evil individualy but also count on the help and knowledge of those whom share the same goal.

[AndrewTech 3334]

High Cleric Mandru listens to all. He frowns towards Jakir's apprentice, though he nods in thanks for his opinion.

Lenia was missing... poor Mandru fears that he might have caused her insanity. She was, indeed, a faithful servant to Tahariae... and it was a shame what had befallen her.

He hopes that he too will not fall so far...

 

 

Rising from his seat against the wall, the Easterner allows the shuffling of his movements in the tangible silence to signal his wish to speak next. With his large red coat draped over one forearm, Haruki lets his voice echo through the chamber, tone soft and kind, but distinctly commanding. His posturing furthers the impression that whilst he is a man of peace and kindness, he does not lack a sense of pride and authority.

 

"Though I am long since a cast-off of the Order, I would like to speak. I will spare the lengthy and dull story of my departure, but suffice to say that it was not my pride that set me away. I, unlike some, do not seek to judge the Order. Misguided though it may have been. Alas, I digress.

 

It is this humble healer's opinion that the Order should not be rebuilt nor repaired. Let it crumble, and if in time our Patron wills that it may rise from the dust and debris, so be it. It is not our place to craft the army of our Patron; I would argue that not even the Itharel claim that right. When we are needed as one, we shall be called for.

 

Allow the Order and it's concepts to fade. Tahariae's power will continue to grace those who are loyal, but I see no need for those chosen few to organize themselves as anything more than friends sharing a common purpose. Order is not the place of our Patron, it is that of his Brother.

 

Strive to bring forth Justice and Purity through your own actions and through your influence upon others. Justice is a concept that is best brought about through the actions of a single man, rather than many. Purity is most easily achieved through many viewpoints converging and clashing, so that the fluff may be cleared and a true goal may become clear to some, if not all.

 

I will close with this, friends. Many times it is said that we must work together... I am of the opinion that now we must work apart. Thank you."

 

The man dips his head politely to the room, before seating himself once more.

 

 

 

Mandru frowns ever so deeply at this former cleric's suggestion. 

 

​"If we destroy this Order, we might as well surrender to the dark forces out there!" He points towards the door.

 

"Only, if Tahariae himself willed such a thing, or his Holy Itharels voted for it, would I support such a radical act."

 

[Xerxes_XIII 2 200]

 

 

Mandru frowns ever so deeply at this former cleric's suggestion. 

 

​"If we destroy this Order, we might as well surrender to the dark forces out there!" He points towards the door.

 

"Only, if Tahariae himself willed such a thing, or his Holy Itharels voted for it, would I support such a radical act."

 

 

"Destruction is not what I propose. Decomposition is, to put it unpleasantly, my suggestion. The Order has begun to crumble and die. Perhaps we are meant to let it do so.

 

Now, in reference to the statement that the 'dark forces' would be unobstructed were we to disappear... I find it, to use your words, radical. We are not the only ones who offer protection to this world, and I find it unjust to place such value upon ourselves. We are a small part of something much larger, not an integral piece of scaffolding. Were we to vanish, dark forces would make headway, but other forces of light would rise forth to push them back.

 

It is my belief that the formal Order should be abolished, but the Order formed by our united dedication to Tahariae should remain.

 

Regardless, perhaps my argument came off stronger than intended, and for that I apologize. I have simply found that I am of far more use to the world on my own than with the Order, and I do not see why this wouldn't apply more widely."

[AndrewTech 3334]

"Destruction is not what I propose. Decomposition is, to put it unpleasantly, my suggestion. The Order has begun to crumble and die. Perhaps we are meant to let it do so.

 

Now, in reference to the statement that the 'dark forces' would be unobstructed were we to disappear... I find it, to use your words, radical. We are not the only ones who offer protection to this world, and I find it unjust to place such value upon ourselves. We are a small part of something much larger, not an integral piece of scaffolding. Were we to vanish, dark forces would make headway, but other forces of light would rise forth to push them back.

 

It is my belief that the formal Order should be abolished, but the Order formed by our united dedication to Tahariae should remain.

 

Regardless, perhaps my argument came off stronger than intended, and for that I apologize. I have simply found that I am of far more use to the world on my own than with the Order, and I do not see why this wouldn't apply more widely."

 

Mandru nods slowly.

"I understand; and I assure you, I'm considering /all/ possible options. Even that one.

There is nothing to be forgiven!" He chuckles. ​"I value the opinions of each and every one of you... even those of you whom wish to oust me."

 

[Jake the Dog 290]

chuckles lightly from the back. Resting his feet up on the table he is at. "I'll be here till the end my brothers and sisters. But I was never a talker. You need only ask, and I will fight. But when it comes to leadership my days are done. I simply walking in the light now. And will do so till the day I die." Jakir closes his eyes. Whistling a soft tune, people might remember as the Clerical hymm. As he goes back to hearing the rest.

[ThanksChris 605]

Keaton sighs quietly, looking to Mandru as little input is given towards his opinion. He remains respectful in his tone, but seems to have more of a sense of urgency than before. 

 

"What is it you propose we do then? It is to you that we are supposed to look for guidance, and I trust that you are capable. As I said, I am not asking for your resignation, unless you do not believe that you can help to organize the reforms that the majority seem to believe are necessary. I only ask that you consider our proposals that the Order could use a healthy bit of consolidation, and guide us in this time of disorder.

 

That we organize our members, not necessarily in a hierarchy mind you, but that we at least have an idea of who our brothers and sisters are, and what their particular responsibilities should they have any are. And that we offer our knowledge and assistance to one another, and are able to agree upon our goals, and moral principles. Perhaps once these more simple goals are reached we may once again put our influence to good use in assisting the good men and women of the world. Of course I am sure there are more ideas to be thrown around, but these ideas, in my humble opinion, are integral to the revitalization of our Order.

 

I stand by my opinion that we are stronger united, and I wish to seek Tahariae's light with my brothers and sisters by my side. I respect that others will have mixed opinions, however I urge that we attempt to stand together, my friends."

[Xerxes_XIII 2 200]

And I do agree with you (looks at Haruki)...at least for a part.

The order should not return to what it once was. However I think that it would be a waste if we clerics did not share our knowledge with eachother. I am sure that there is a lot to be learned from one another. I also think that it is beneficial if we could keep track of eachother. So that when an evil arises we can band together and fight it off together!

Therefore I suggest that the hierarchie within the clerics be diminished. We ar all equals, no one is worth more than the other and ones wisdom and value is not determined by his age or magical prowess. I suggest that we form a 'council' of sort. One wich every cleric takes a seat. Everyone would go their own way but when a meeting is called we would assemble. This way we can fight evil individualy but also count on the help and knowledge of those whom share the same goal.

"Knowledge of our Order should be shared as tales among friends. Let us tutor those who seek our knowledge so that it may not be forgotten, let us be bound together by our faith so that in times of great need we may come together.

 

This is my simple request. We need not be an army, an organization, or even a council. To achieve the will of our Patron all we must be is true to our faith. A family bound by our Patron rather than by our blood. Our History will not be forgotten, as it will be passed on through our generations. Our actions will be for the same purpose, but not take place as one.

 

I feel that this is the best way to sum up my proposal. I say that we should become a family of sorts. Connected by nature, but also allowed the benefits of separation."

 

Haruki gives a moment of pause, brushing off his vest before adding as an afterthought,

 

"If I may be so bold... My discussions with Hosper and Jakir suggest that perhaps they may agree, if only in part, with my words. If either are present, I would perhaps appreciate your input."

[Quavinir_Twiceborn 1050]

!Quavinir stands slumped against the wall, appearing not to be very happy, as he remains silent.

[AndrewTech 3334]

Mandru decides to clear his throat.

"Can I help the order in these harsh times? Perhaps. I lead the council of light for years... I kept us together during the Setherien conflict. For 25 years, I have watched over this great order.

But it's too much for any one man to handle... I need helpers, sergeants if the order is to indeed survive. I'm not as young as I once was... I have not the energy that many of you elves and younger men have.

But who is fit to lead? And can the order even be saved right now? No no... Demolishon is a plausible option, but I wish to hear ALL of your opinions. And I am slow to consider demolition as well; for thousands of years this order has gone on, from Jacob and Rachel to the Itharel and yours truly.

I believe this is what one might call a doldrums in our order's activities..."

[Xerxes_XIII 2 200]

Keaton sighs quietly, looking to Mandru as little input is given towards his opinion. He remains respectful in his tone, but seems to have more of a sense of urgency than before. 

 

"What is it you propose we do then? It is to you that we are supposed to look for guidance, and I trust that you are capable. As I said, I am not asking for your resignation, unless you do not believe that you can help to organize the reforms that the majority seem to believe are necessary. I only ask that you consider our proposals that the Order could use a healthy bit of consolidation, and guide us in this time of disorder.

 

That we organize our members, not necessarily in a hierarchy mind you, but that we at least have an idea of who our brothers and sisters are, and what their particular responsibilities should they have any are. And that we offer our knowledge and assistance to one another, and are able to agree upon our goals, and moral principles. Perhaps once these more simple goals are reached we may once again put our influence to good use in assisting the good men and women of the world. Of course I am sure there are more ideas to be thrown around, but these ideas, in my humble opinion, are integral to the revitalization of our Order.

 

I stand by my opinion that we are stronger united, and I wish to seek Tahariae's light with my brothers and sisters by my side. I respect that others will have mixed opinions, however I urge that we attempt to stand together, my friends."

 

"I believe, friend, that it is impossible for us to stand apart. Bound as we are by Tahariae's gifts, I believe that we shall forever know each other as brothers and sisters, cousins, uncles and aunts. There needs to be no head of this family, nor any structure to its members. When the time calls for it, I believe that standing together will be the only thing we are able to do. As is our nature as kin."

[ThanksChris 605]

Keaton nods after listening to both Mandru and Haruki.

 

He first addresses Mandru.

 

"Indeed, it is not expected that you institute these changes all on your own. That is why I propose that should we seek these reforms we meet as a single entity to discuss our organization and issues as we are on this issue right now. We are all here to assist you, just the same as any other fellow under Tahariae's light. While I believe that hierarchy has a tendency to cause disagreement, I do believe that perhaps we do require certain individuals to bare responsibilities, such as the recording of our members, and the guidelines we see fit to institute, as well as what else we might discuss. By meeting this way, we can slowly but surely bring the necessary changes about, with Tahariae's guidance."

 

Afterwards, he turns to Haruki. 

 

"There is much wisdom in your words as well. I believe that we all must seek the light in our own way. But I have seen such issues arising as we do not have the strength to address as individuals. Beasts, and wicked creatures of great power lurk these lands. Large clans of necromancers and other misguided men practice their dark ways freely, with our ranks unable to conjure adequate response. I cannot attest to what issues a healer might or might not face, however I would be open to hear the opinion of any. While we all may have our various styles of living, and we all might seek to fulfill Tahariae's covenant with our own methods, we share common goals, many of which could be better realized as a unified body. I see the meaning in what you have to say, my friend. I can only attest to that which I have heard from my fellows, and experienced firsthand."

[Gone 869]

Cheza slowly moves about the edge of the room, carefully going around those standing against the walls and nodding to them as she listens to the words said. Once she's standing near Mandru she seems to take comfort in her teacher's presence and pulls down her hood. The young elf clears her throat softly once there is a pause from the others and finally speaks.

 

“Some of you speak of uniting a stronger order, some speak of staying apart. I can see good and bad in each of those opinions.

The main thing I personally worry about comes from my own personal experiences. I have been beaten, whipped, stabbed, had bones broken, skin flayed from my flesh, even had an eye stabbed out of my head...”

 

She raises a hand up to hover just below her right eye, which is purple unlike her left one which is a bright red. As her hand lowers Cheza smiles to them all.

 

“All that done to me simply because I am proud to call myself a cleric. Even one I once cared about turned on me and tried to force me into leaving this order. So I worry, if we stand as a united order, show our strength, what would we have to face? Who would turn upon us for our beliefs and how would we defend ourselves without harming the very people we wish to help and protect?”

[Quavinir_Twiceborn 1050]

Quavinir sighs, looking at Cheza as she explains her persecution. The eunuch steps forward.

"Clereecs... Despite meh not sareveeng zeh Creator, or Tahariae, I aesk eef I vould beh aloud to voice my opeenyuhn een zees mattare? I aem a maembare of zees ordare aftare all..."

[Rig 17591]

Aegor speaks, "For those who wish a diminished order, if we are so bastardized we would've died out long ago. Our people keep us alive, it's our duty. It's not easy, but it will always be ours. I started this meeting because the order has split, Mandru, it is grand of you to be here, but we need a leader, or leaders who are going to rebuild us from the ground up, and have us do our duty. 

Many speak that somehow we get hurt from this duty," 

he turns, gesturing one of his armored hands towards Cheza, "Yes.. this happens, I myself have gotten into scrapes, but we are meant to do the better no longer how hard or arduous a task it is, we are clerics, as I will say many a time, it's our duty to serve the descendants," he turns to face the Itharel known as Ivanus, "If you are such, then you lead, if you wish, if you do the job well do it, but the leader's job is to /lead/. Leaders who don't lead lose their group to arguments within or civil war. The hardship with our duty never ends, united we stand, or separately we will fall," he slides back into a seat, crossing his arms with a light metal clicking. He would suddenly also say, "Feel free, Quavanir llir."