The Lectors of Owyn

[Chaqery 427]

Spoiler

 

 

 

Table of Contents

Section A- Introduction

Section B-  In Relation to Baseline Canonism

Section C- Lector Dogma

    Subsection 1C- Additional Principles

    Subsection 2C- Following the Dogma

Section D- Lector Hierarchy

Section E- Signs of Owyn

Section F- Litanies

 

<:: Section A- Introduction

 

The Lectors of Owyn are a militant-sect of the Owynist faith whose duty is to not only inspire Westerland troops on the field of battle, but also to minister to the spiritual and medical needs of the Kingdom against humanity’s foes. Owyn is patron of Purity, War, and Fire, and to pursue his creed is to live a life dedicated to battle for the good of all Mankind. Service in the Lectorship demands that its followers fight all forms of evil in the world with the strength of their arms as well as their faith and many of its priests accompany the armies when they march off to war, following and honouring that creed.

 

It is thanks to these tireless servants of God that a rousing speech by a Lector of Owyn has restored the troops' faith, brought hope to a seemingly lost cause, or prevented a mutiny when the words of even the most respected commanders had fallen on frightened and angry ears. Owyn is the patron of the Westerlands and its people (of a combined Kaedreni/Waldenian culture), the reason why the people of the Kingdom often refer to themselves as Owyn's People and venerate the sigil of the Flaming Sword.

 

<:: Section B- Owynism In Relation to Baseline Canonism

    ((In an effort to keep the faith focused on in-character. roleplay and not out of character shenanigans.))

   Those wishing to learn more about the dogma behind Owynism are encouraged to seek out members of the Lectorship.

 

<:: Section C- Lector Dogma

 

“GOD is our father and our guardian.

But we must also guard GOD.

For He is all Humankind, and Humankind is no more than its faith and diligence in GOD.

An injury to that faith is an injury to GOD and to all of humankind.

It is through affirmation of that faith that our greatest duty lies, but sometimes mere affirmation does not suffice and we must act against those who would harm the faith of Humanity through heresy by Impurity of Thought and Action.

Exalted Owyn teaches that we are engaged in an unending war for the soul of humankind.

Though it may seem the fight will never end, there is victory even in the defeat we see threatening all around.

There is no greater proclamation of faith than to offer up our very lives to guard the soul of humankind.

In this we win a victory greater in magnitude than the harm that any heretic can inflict, and so every battle is a shining triumph that the traitor and the apostate can never take away from us.”

   

This is the creed of Lector doctrine. Its core principle- unending conflict- guides us in all that we do. It is imperative that every Lector learn these words by heart. From this rote memory basis can further lessons be taught, and so proselytes and initiates may reflect further on the deeper meaning and implications.

 

<:: Subsection 1C- Additional Principles

 

• A Lector uses their faith and strength of will for inspiration and service, never for political or personal gain.

• The Hammer of Retribution is the symbol of the members of the Lector Order.

• If a Lector raises his hammer, he must be ready to extinguish a life. Idle threats are not acceptable.

• Lectors respect each other, and all laws and figures of authority whom they serve.

• Lectors must put the needs of the community above the needs of individuals.

• A Lector must protect the weak and defenseless from evil.

• Lectors must always cooperate in battle or crisis.

• Lectors must not have wants; self-reliance must be shown.

• A Lector will not kill an unarmed human (non-magic using) opponent. They must be taken prisoner and made to repent if their actions are deemed heretical. Upon confessing and repenting for their heresy, they may be put to death if deemed appropriate by local rule/law.

 

<:: Subsection 2C- Following the Dogma

 

“Agents of Darkness care nothing for why a mortal might fall into their service – they will trick, coerce and snare whoever they can, for each fallen soul makes them a little stronger. The faith of mankind is different. We’re not tricked into the love of God. Our faith is no snare, nor can a man be coerced into a life of holiness. We must fight through our doubt to see the truth, just as a man must fight to crest the summit of a mountain. Take away that doubt, take away that struggle, and we’d be no better than the raving fallen who gibber at the sight of visions and cheap magic.”

- Angelus Custos, Purity and Strife: Owynism in Practice

 

Phase I: Self Discipline

Self-discipline is one of the key concepts of Lector behavior, and proselytes are taught this from very early on . The lessons start off similar to what might be taught to an ordinary student; however, as the student progresses, so do the complexity of the lessons.

 

Conquer Arrogance

Lectors are required to learn that, although we carry the fiery spirit of Owyn into battle, we are no better than those who do not. Lectors are taught that we are only Lectors because some had taken the trouble to teach them, not because we are superior to others, and that an Arch Lector is only an Arch Lector because he had disregarded his own sense of self-importance and embraced the will of the faith.

 

    Conquer Overconfidence

Many young Lector students, while learning the ways of the Order, began to believe that they can accomplish anything. Many young Lector die taking on tasks that are far too difficult for them, not realizing that the blessing of Exalted Owyn are only truly limitless to those who have limitless belief and understanding.

 

    Conquer Defeatism

Young Lector also learn that defeatism is just as dangerous as overconfidence. Although it might have seemed contradictory to the goals of conquering overconfidence, a Lector would first plan for success, then for failure. Lector who always plan for failure expect to lose, and usually only use minimal effort—enough to say that they tried.

 

Conquer Stubbornness

Lectors must always be ready to accept defeat if the cost of winning is greater than the cost of losing. Lector are taught that it is always best to end things to your advantage than to win or lose. Sometimes it is better to live another day.

 

    Conquer Recklessness

Many young Lectors lacking in self-restraint are always ready to take up their hammers and plunge straight into battle. They perceive a goal and rush towards it, without any consideration for unseen dangers or other options. And so we must remember that speed does not necessarily lead to success.

 

    Conquer Curiosity

Many inexperienced Lectors use the resources of the faith to satisfy their curiosity, probing into the darker secrets of our world. In this way, an open mind becomes like a fortress with it’s gates unbarred and unguarded. The influence of evil can be subtle, but it must be protected against at all cost. Faith and devotion to GOD and Exalted Owyn is enough.

 

Conquer Materialism

Through service to the Westerlands and Exalted Owyn (and in keeping with the beliefs of Owynism) a Lector may find that he has amassed a deal of personal wealth. It is a firm Owynist belief that the magnificence of God and his chosen prophet Owyn can be best emulated by the amassing of wealth- after all, the attraction to wealth is parallel to the attraction of faith. Abusing status as a member of the Lectorship is however condemnable by death. Greed is unacceptable in Owynist dogma, and Lectors who find themselves amassing wealth must always be charitable. The good of the Kingdom of Westerland is always to be put before the good of the individual Lector, and should the faithful be called upon to assist the Kingdom, they must comply in good spirits.

 

Phase II: Responsibility

Once a Lector has mastered self-discipline, they can begin to accept responsibility for their actions. Lectors who shun responsibility are never trained, and Lectors who embrace it are never denied training.

 

    Practice Honesty

Honesty is the first responsibility that aspiring Lectors are taught. Lectors are permitted to stretch the truth if the situation requires it of them, however this is to be done as sparingly as possible. An honest Lector is always truthful with himself, the faithful, and the Creator.

 

    Honor Your Promises

Lectors are taught that if we make a promise, we should always be prepared to keep it, or else to make amends. Thus, a Lector should never make a promise he or she is not certain they can keep. Lector are encouraged to consult Exalted Owyn via prayer before making a promise.

 

    Honor Your Inferiors

An Arch Lector is required to know that he must treat his subordinates with respect. He should never reprimand them public, nor punish them for disagreeing with him. On the other hand, an Arch Lector should praise his subordinates, especially in the presence of others. This builds the subordinates’ confidence, and strengthens the bond between not only the Arch Lector and their subordinates, but between the subordinates and their faith in the Order.

 

    Honor Your Superiors

By the same token, those lower in rank are expected to show great respect to their superiors, especially in front of others. Proselytes are taught never to disagree with their superiors to the point of argument, and that when they are in discussion with others, apprentices should only address their superiors when they had been addressed themselves. This spares the superior having to apologize for his subordinate's behavior.

 

Honor the Lector Council

Although the Lector High Council is the ultimate authority of the Lector Order, it is not possible for the High Councilors to be everywhere at once. Therefore, when the Council sends a Lector on a mission, the Lector speaks for and is a representative of the Lector Council. The Council is forced to answer for the Lector's words and answers, and so the Lector must be careful not to put the Council in a difficult position, as to do so would be to show terrible disrespect for the Council.

 

    Honor the Lector Order

Every action a Lector makes reflects on the Order. Good deeds boost the Order's reputation, but poor behavior can cause irreparable damage. Lector are taught to remember that each person they meet might not have set eyes upon a Lector before, and that the acts of the particular Lector would influence that person’s perception of the Lector Order as a whole.

 

    Honor the Law

One of the most important roles of the Lector is to protect the peace and justice of the Westerlands, and so no Lector is above the law. Lector are expected to follow the law the same as they expect others to.

 

Phase III: Public Service

Although the Lector exist to serve the faith, they are funded by the Kingdom because they serve the public interest. This shoulders the Lectors with a duty to the people of the Westerlands- to serve as spiritual, and when called upon military, leaders and advisors.

 

    Duty to the Westerlands

Although the Lectorship and the Kingdom are dissimilar, and the Lector Order has no authority over the Kingdom, the Lectors serve the Westerlands, and are expected to uphold its laws and ideals, and to protect its citizens. Members of the Lector Order are often called upon to serve the Westerlands military in a battle chaplain or medic function.

 

    Render Aid

Lectors are obliged to help those in need of aid whenever possible, and are expected to be able to prioritize quickly. Lector are taught that while saving one life is important, saving many lives is even more so. This principle does not mean a Lector has to abandon other goals in every circumstance, but merely that a Lector must do his or her best to make sure that they aid those who are most in need of assistance.

 

    Defend the Weak

Similarly, a Lector is expected to defend the weak from those who oppress them, ranging from small-scale suffering at the hands of an individual to large-scale endangerment of an entire population. Coddling is unacceptable however, and the approach that Lectors take to defend the weak is oftentimes to inspire and train them to be strong instead- life is harsh at the edge of the world, and the people of the Westerlands must be strong in body and spirit. Lectors are taught to remember that all may not be as it seems, and that they should ensure that they understand the entirety of the situation before acting, even if they clash with a Lector's moral or ethical code. Lectors are also warned not to act in areas out of their jurisdiction, and to always consider the consequences of their actions.

 

    Provide Support

At times, it is necessary for a Lector to stand aside and let other people defend the weak, even if the Lectors feel that they can do a superior job. Lectors are taught that they should assist by word or action as required by the situation, offering advice when requested to, warning when necessary, and arguing only when reason fails. Lector should remember that while they carry the strength of Owyn with them in their words and deeds, if the weak can work to improve their lot and become strong enough to defend themselves, then the whole of the Westerlands benefits from it.

 

<:: Section D- Lector Hierarchy

 

Proselyte

Those pilgrims who make their way to the Cathedral of the Dawning Flame and express interest in serving the Lectorship are given the rank of Proselyte. Proselytes rarely have any free time between the daily prayers and strenuous chores they perform. What little they do have is often spent in contemplation of sacred texts. There is also the Master of Proselytes who leads weekly lessons in history, theology, and literacy. Once the Master of Proselytes feels a candidate is ready, a ceremony is held to elevate them to the rank of Novitiate- part of which involves a ritual shaving of the head.

 

Novitiate

Upon reaching the rank of Novitiate, students are assigned to a Lector or Arch Lector who serves as their “Father” and teaches them what they need to know (how to be a warrior, how to serve in alongside the military and inspire them to greatness) using whatever, often brutal, methods he prefers. When deemed worthy by their mentor, the Novitiate is given a trial. The content of these trials varies, but is always kept secret. If the Novitiate succeeds (and indeed survives) at this trial, they are elevated through another ceremony to the rank of Lector.

 

Lector

Lectors, referred to typically as “Brother”  are given something that has been missing for some time in their training thusfar: Freedom. Brothers of the Lectorship are expected to put their education and training to work improving the lives of the people of the Westerlands. Frequently they participate in giving sermons at the Temple of the Incandescent, while also overseeing the training of Novitiates and even making pilgrimages to holy sites or the rumored locations of relics that might be important to the faith.

 

Arch Lector

The Arch Lectors represent the ultimate rank that can be achieved within the holy sect. Ostensibly, they must be the wisest, most devout, and most accomplished members of their faith: eminent personages even among the great and the good. They must lead the Lectorship through perilous times. The future and direction of the sect is in their hands. Needless to say, such responsibility is a heavy burden. Arch Lectors are often already aged when they attain their position. However, this is not a position that a priest can achieve simply by serving his time and keeping out of trouble. Sometimes younger, energetic priests are recognized for their talents, and given the rank of Arch Lector. In a harsh environment, groups cannot afford to squander what talent they have, and the Westerlands is not the sort of place in which complacency and seniority trumps skill, devotion, and talent.

 

Lector High Council

The Arch Lectors form the Lector High Council (often shortened as just the Council), the ruling body of the sect. Charged with determining the direction of the Lectorship, the Council convenes regularly to discuss important matters of faith, serve as judges in disciplinary action required within the sect, and to elevate a Lector to the rank of Arch Lector. The Council is headed by the Lord Arch Lector, a title equivalent to Arch Lector in authority whose role is to direct the Council meetings and will typically serve as advisor to the King. The King of the Westerlands may of course desire that another Arch Lector serve as his advisor, and thus serving as Lord Arch Lector does not guarantee this particular honor.

 

<:: Section E- Signs of Owyn

 

Lectors of Owyn have two primary salutes. The first is the “Five finger” salute, representing the covering of the eyes from the light of the holy fire of Owyn. The faithful holds their left hand on their chest, right arm held up, hand raised to head level with the fist open, and all five fingers extended and spread as if blocking out a blinding light. This sign is reversed (palm facing the face, rather than facing the person saluted) to be used as a taunt and insult to Owyn’s enemies. This salute is very popular with insolent children.

 

Owyn’s second sign is a ward, and involves making a sword (representative of Owny’s flaming sword) on the trunk. The faithful closes their hand as if holding a sword and with the  knuckle of their thumb touches the navel, the “V” of the collarbone, the right chest, and the left chest. It is commonly employed as a shield against the forces of evil or heresy.

 

When seeking the guidance of Owyn, the faithful will close their eyes, take the same “five finger” salute and run it sideways across their eyes before reopening them in the hopes of seeing something they missed the first time around.

 

When a Owynite slaps his fist, it’s an invocation of anger, but when he pounds his fist in his palm, he’s urging restraint.

 

<:: Section F- Litanies

   

    Each Lector, upon his ascension from Novitiate adopts a blessed litany. These litanies are often personal creations and so it is said that no two Lectors burn the same with the fires of Owyn.   

    Instead of wasting their breath on wordless battle cries, the Order announces its presence on the field through the incantation of faith.

   

    For example...

   

    Siege Commander: “A fortress is built with blood and toil.”

    Soldiers, in unison: “Only by blood and toil may it be taken!”

   

    The chanting of this phrase would signal to the rest of the battlefield the intent to siege. Below are listed examples of recited litanies.

   

    The Litany of Intercession

    Crush your foes, holy Owyn,

    As you did when you lead your people

    And smote them from skull to greaves!

    Take pity upon me, wretched and lost as I am

    And rescue your faithful servant.

   

    The Litany of the Zealous Convert

    To the darkness I bring fire.

    To the ignorant I bring faith.

    Those who welcome these gifts may live,

    but I will visit naught but death and eternal damnation on those who refuse them.

   

   

 

The Litany of Salvation

    Lost in darkness, I long to see your light. Remember your covenant, mighty God,

With the peoples of your son Horen-- that the sun might not set upon us

While we hold you in our hearts.

 

The Litany of Damnation

I am the hammer.

I am the sword in His hand,

I am the point of His spear,

I am the gauntlet about His fist,

I am the bane of His foes and the woes of the treacherous,

I am the end!

This is oblivion!

 

+++

Those wishing to join the ranks of the Lectorship are encouraged to make a Pilgrimage to Bastion and seek out the Arch Lector. He may also be reached through personal missive ((forum PM)) or via messenger bird ((Chaqery in game)).

 

[cablam 477]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.