An Open Letter to Aeriel's Chosen

[Kalehart 1096]

 

[!] Letters are pinned to noticeboards scattered throughout the realm, the paper somewhat cheaply embroidered with inky, simple patterns at its edges.

 

(OOC Note!)

Spoiler

I just want to put this here to be very clear that I have no OOC issues with the Ascended and hold no ill will towards them. My time spent in their ranks was a lot of fun and I'm somewhat distressed to be in an RP situation that makes this letter necessary, but all things being as they are I hope we can have some interesting RP in the future. Peace!

"

An Open Letter to Aeriel's Chosen,

penned by Benjamin Kalehart.

 

There was a time not all too long ago when the Ascended were but the trembling embers of an Order that had waned into near obscurity, their toes trodden on and their purpose robbed by the servants of the other light-seeking Aenguls. This time has passed, and in an age where the ember flares with life and the Caretaker's fire casts itself to set upon the realm, I wish to share with you dear reader, a brief retrospective on my time as an immortal member of Aeriel's Chosen; the Ascended. Whilst the contents of this letter will be critical in nature, I the author will denounce any acts of violence against my former kin; flawed they may be, but my arguments you shall see apply to them as well as those they hunt.

 

To start, I think we'll discuss the philosophical point which I believe separates them from many; the value of a soul and its purity. The soul is an abstract concept better left to people more scholarly than I, but suffice it to say that it is the essence of what makes one themselves- the spark behind consciousness, if you will. Within Aeriel's teachings it is believed that a single broken soul mended is worth ten thousand destroyed. The problem with this in the eyes of some, myself indeed included, is that this writes off these corrupted, damaged, or altered souls as lesser; proposes that because of someone's nature they are inferior, that they are less worthy of peace. A Descendant might be tortured with fire the same way some corrupt beings may be with Aeriel's flame, why is their suffering any more abhorrent? Both are gifted with that consciousness that even a fragment of soul will provide, and both suffer the same.

 

These are incorporeal problems, however; matters of rhetoric and debate that will never truly be solved. The light will always struggle with the dark, each side committing their offences and justifying them however they might. Let us speak of more material things; indeed, let’s focus specifically on that; materialism. Aeriel’s has never been a brood known for subtlety or reservation, decadence is something of a trademark of Aengulic work, but that does not stop it from being something worth misgiving. Let me not have this be construed as greed, as they are I think no more inclined to seek wealth than any are; rather, they are as enamored with this mortal plane as any other Descendant, basking in its pleasantries and taking solace in its comforts. This author argues that there can be no truly incorruptible good so long as one is caught up within themselves. As a direct comparison, there are rare creatures known as Augurs which act in my mind as a much more selfless, genuine source of what some would call ‘good.’

 

The Order’s base is a shockingly busy place at times, buzzing with activity and chatter much like that of a family; people wear intricate armor and engage in idle pleasantries, shenanigans and nonsense. This, for a mortal, would perhaps be a suitable life- one’s time is limited, happiness ought to be seized where it shows up, but for a vast band of people imbued with the literal power of a deity, it seems wasteful. Every moment could be spent aiding those who suffer, and though their time has no limit, that of those they seek to protect does.

 

If one seeks to truly fight for good, then it requires a humility that I don’t believe exists. To exist for the good of others, to serve a purpose so vastly beyond yourself… This requires sacrifice. As Ascended I was granted so much without earning it; I have lived beyond my years, been untouched by illness or time, fatigue or injury… All whilst I whiled away my time similarly, on idle things. Wasting the gifts granted to me in favor of enriching my life, not dedicating myself to serving others as a true, unbridled force of good would do. I clung to the power Aeriel gave me, leaching from it to sustain my own life because I, as all mortals, am drawn to selfishness. There was a time when the Ascended were considered demi-Aenguls, as if they were removed from mortality so much that they might act as an extension of their patron’s will… Alas, they are not. The Ascended are people as any other, holding flaws and vices just the same, and these people are gifted with boons that many would kill for. Held aloft in the arms of an Aengul and proclaimed superior whilst others are lesser for choices not all that different from their own.

 

With such boons should come a price, lest the ranks of the gods be filled with the greedy and the fearful. Judge not those who you share so much with, and serve your purpose with purity of intent; Aeriel has granted these gifts so that you may use them selflessly, not so that you may enjoy them idly. There are those who live up to these values among them, but the question lingers: how many are truly so pure of heart as to not covet that which they are bestowed?

"

 

[Drak3 442]

"Holi.... Skah...."

 

Says a Half Orc Ascended.

[Kaiser 2347]

A paper is hung among the others

 

"Another to be disconnected, it seems. Each day there's something on these news boards about the Ascended, though I suppose when it rains, it pours. The Ascended order is pure at heart to begin, I'd hope, and I may concede the philosophical and moral question of purging a being who may wish to be removed from their harrowing state themselves is complicated, it changes little when they do nothing though, or work against the interests of the righteous. My homeland is still filled with necrotics, a city of the dead, a haven for the evil, and the Ascended barely give my people a glance. And now talk of Ascended breeding with monsters from the abyss? A world gone mad, a world I feel I do not belong.

 

I propose two thoughts for you, a friendly suggestion, and a question, Benjamin Kalehart, if you come across this paper. Firstly, I suggest you hide. You may advocate nonviolence and understanding against your kin, but I'd place a hefty bet they'd not advocate, or act upon, the same if they were to get their hands on you. Secondly, dwell on this thought; What use is a guard force, magically gifted by a deity or otherwise, if they do not guard? Or worse, if they themselves are perpetuating the crimes? 

 

-R. Bauer."

 

((On an OOC note, it seems to not bode well that anyone making roleplay posts about a specific group has to firstly explain that it is all 'RP' and thus put off a witch hunt. I don't know the community for the Ascended OOCly but it makes me wonder...))

[Blundermore 2741]

((The ascended Have no interest in pursuing an OOC witch hunt against any members whom have been disconnected, especially those who asked for it. The OOC disclaimer was aimed towards those whom would purposefully use the post to fuel otherwise OOC Agendas disguised loosely as IC, something that has been happening far too often lately.))

[Gone 869]

Magara reads over the open letter before setting it back down where she found it and walking away with a sigh. "Well that explains why the three letters I sent to those Ascended asking for a healer to come help us all got taken from the birds but ignored... They too busy twiddling their thumbs in some fancy tower while us normal folks had to frantically work to save that man from dying."

[Parker 390]

"Oh dear. . . " a mali'aheral muttered. "Stay safe Ben."

[Delmodan 855]

The Hierophant's gaze peers up towards the parchment placed upon the board, reading it several times before exhaling softly. "Any that walk upon the path of a deity has willingly chosen to serve and follow the duty of that deity above all else. Though many have shown their flaws to overshadow this truth and thus ones that far off the beaten path." The elfess murmured before continuing on towards the wood elven city.

The Keeper halts in her movement upon her golden irises catching the glimpse of parchment baring the Order of the Mongoose's name and that of the one who created it. Her facial features remain expressionless while reading the contents of the letter then continues on without uttering a word. Not holding care for internal affairs with that of another Order. 

[Swgrclan 2682]

"Forsooth! The Godsmen are privy to base mortal indulgences and are granted comfort in committing lethargic sin through their disfigured, deity-borne moral posturing. Their sins culminate and now they are bursting are the seams," The Ashkeeper claims in reflection to the open letter's contents. "Dark will again be ours."

[TeaLulu 1783]

10 hours ago, Blundermore said:

((The ascended Have no interest in pursuing an OOC witch hunt against any members whom have been disconnected, especially those who asked for it. The OOC disclaimer was aimed towards those whom would purposefully use the post to fuel otherwise OOC Agendas disguised loosely as IC, something that has been happening far too often lately.))

5

 

((Or maybe it's just time for the Ascended to accept that they're not very well liked in RP? You've got a long, long history of crying wolf against anyone who talks bad on the Ascended in RP, and have long claimed that it's just "OOC being dragged into RP" I think y'all need to maybe take a step back and stop taking everything as a personal attack...))

 

The hobo librarian adds the posting to the competitors in the highly dangerous and convoluted paper airplane obstacle course now present in the library!

[Cat Evocation 3728]

A golden haired elf would stand clad in armour, hood shrouding his features besides the gleam of glasses being struck by sunlight at an odd angle. His gauntlet gripped the open letter looking over it. "Another one gone, Kaleheart of all people.. The ascended need to learn that they are not accepted anyone, and shall descend the likes of playing god... We can leave that to the pious clerics and paladins." Uttered the figure. He would then set off, seeking forth the author of such an open letter.

[Guest]

"Humbleness and piety should be an example for all, those who are dishonest and consort with abominations will get their karma." Mithras says this, remarkably unphased by the news. "Ever since Areon Baldwin there've been issues with people of our like doing filthy things in the dark with foul creatures, shouldn't phase anybody. Those who stray are punished." 

[GDPR 014 48]

"Good that folks have some sense." A lone artificer mumbles, proceeding to toy with the trinket he was previously tinkering. "I wonder how long they'll last, these Ascended. They're not very competent, I suppose that's why I've more respect for you and your paladins." He'd shift his glance to Leric. @Leric (Td)

 

 

[Leric 1097]

2 hours ago, ArcanicFable said:

-Snip-

"Whilst the name Ascended puts a rather bitter taste in my mouth after recent events, there are some amongst their ranks that I do rather like. Their foolish flaw is how their leaders have so wantonly accepted people into their ranks, taking in those who are far too childish in order to properly fulfill a duty as taxing as this. There are many within the various Holy Orders that do not take their duty as seriously as they should in this eternal war with those of the malignant arts. Whilst there is a time to enjoy those small things in life, it should not entirely comprise the responsibilities of a warrior, for they have far more important matters to attend to. Standing idle and flaunting your magical cock to those willing to gaze wondrously upon it is not something that should be done, nor approved of. There is always work to be done and little rest to be had." he'd ramble on to Avenel before readjusting his helm, watching the Magi tinker with one of his more recent inventions. 

[BonesOfTheEarth 2252]

A lich roars in laughter from the depths of hell, seeing the work he could not complete himself come to light

[mitto 2312]

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.