Balthasar 2089 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2023 The Empty Chair of Saint Daniel It had crawled upon him slowly, the disease, he had made attempts to hide his ailing state for some time now, but by now he was sure everyone knew. He had taken the liberty to go on pilgrimages to explore the warmer corners of the world, leaving the Mother Church in the tender care of the Vice-Chancellor and the Curates who had done a wonderful job in his absence. Today the Vicar of God found himself in Florentine, specifically the Reden River, he had come here to fish: there was an abundance of carp in the river and it would make a fine meal for the evening. His own life had been long and filled with history. The ancient Priest reminisced about his youth in Providence, where he had met many children of his age, they had formed bonds there, but he had always had a closer relationship with his sister, fondly recalling breaking into the Basilica and lightly vandalizing the meeting hall's wall with a "Adrian was here!" His sibling followed his lead and inscribed "Katerina was here!" Beside his own. To his knowledge, it remained there until the Basilica was destroyed many years later. Then the line pulled! And the old man began to pull and heave, grabbing the line and slowly lifting the line up, an adequately sized carp had fallen for his snare. A smile formed on his features and he unhooked the thing and inspected it… God had given descendant-kind dominion over the animals, so we may fill our bellies. He had pondered over this question much in his youth, but these days he hardly had time to do anything but to lead the Church. He quickly killed the fish and tossed it into a basket nearby, there was no reason to prolong its suffering. To his left was Jan Ivanovich, a man who had served by his side since he was but a child, after his father’s unfortunate demise in Hanseti-Ruska. Jan had been a most troubled child, but through trial and error the man had become a presentable one, with a wife, children and men serving underneath him - Then Jan caught his own carp, reeling the line in he discovered a tiny fish had fallen to his bait, a frown appeared over the mans face and he threw the fish back out into the river. The Vicar threw the line back out and his mind began to wander once again, something influenced the boy to join the Church. Was it his parents, had his pranks made him repentant or did God influence him to join? This was one of the questions Adrian or Pontian, as he was known now, had never been able to answer to others or himself truthfully, there had always been a harmless lie buried beneath his answers - Fiodor would become his teacher in the Church and mentor soon thereafter. The boy had never known his father and cursed him to this day for abandoning him and his siblings, the young Acolyte grew close to Fiodor and truly considered him the father he never had. This however he would never be able to confess to the man himself - Fiodor would very soon after ordaining Adrian become High Pontiff Tylos II, this never quite changed Adrian’s views of the man. The rod tugged at him, another one already? He reeled in the creature, a tiny thing, a fool to fall for his bait, was it the same one who had fallen for Jan’s bait? It didn’t matter. He let the poor thing go and threw the line back out. Had he been a fool, he thought. Had he made the right decisions over the years? As a young priest he entered Providence with such zeal and fervour, ready to take on the problems of the world, his dealings with the dictatorial city government, the Penton Chancellor of Oren and the atheistic citizens of Providence, each and every one of these had been an undertaking and strides to improve the Church's situation in the Empire and later Kingdom. Assuming the Holy Office at a reasonably young age, making the right decision had always been on his mind, it had been challenging and never seemed to become easier as he grew into his position. It was however in the past now, there was nothing he could do about it. His plan as the Holy Father was simple: modernize the Church, have stable relations with Canondom and have lasting peace. None of these had been easy and it wasn't even assured that these things would be completed ever, it had taken a great toll on him and by now it showed. Canondom was often at odds, but now in his venerable age, they made him proud. Haense which had wanted war for so long was for now at peace, Balian which in his own opinion had struggled was making great strides in the right direction, Aaun had neither a long history nor a rich unifying culture, though this seemed to make no difference as their unifying factor was their belief in God. In their own way, he was proud of the various nations for their progress towards good. He was content, much had happened over his thirty four-year long reign, but most important of all, a new generation of priests secured to succeed the old. The continuation of the Canonist Church was paramount to all other plans. Then the weather began to worsen, he felt it in his bones. Then the cold struck at his heart and he lost his grip on his rod and he clutched at his chest. This was the sickness; his weak heart. He knew now that his time on this plane was over. He had declined Emir's offer of aid, resisting any form of medicine, natural and not-so natural. For just a moment a blinding light appeared at the surface of the water. So strong was the light that he could not see it, but he knew within his pained heart that it was the Maker; God. The Vicar smiled, but then it was over, the sensation was gone. Finally the High Priest toppled over. Jan, his loyal friend rushed to his side “Holy Father!” he blurted out, never a man with an abundance of words, he scooped the Vicar from the ground, but it was already too late, the High Pontiff was dead. A few moments later, the Pontifical attendees were present and the body of High Pontiff was moved to the Holy See, where it would soon be laid to rest. Spoiler Now look upon me, my children and know me, be ye not afraid, blessed art thou my children! This marks the end of Pontian IV, aka Adrian Sarkozic. This is my longest played character. I've had a wonderful time, there's been ups and downs, a lot of stress and sleepless nights because of what's happened in-game, but in the end I'm happy and thankful to have been given the opportunity to lead the Church and bring my own ideas into fruition. I maybe haven't been on the best of terms with some of the more unorthodox players, but I've got nothing against ya'll OOCly, I've attempted to separate RP and OOC as best I can, my DM's are always open. Lastly I want to thank everyone for their help and roleplay over the course of this character (its been over a year btw). Special thanks goes to the members of the curia, past and current, there's no way in hell I could've done this without your help 70 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Child Neglecter 2138 Share Posted April 14, 2023 As the soul of the Vicar lay within the winds that blew over the Holy Court of Balian, the Auditor shook his head - sombre, for once, eyes that seemed dead and lacking in their typical intrepid frenzy stared unto a future without the High Pontiff - His Holiness, Pontian IV. Or, as he had more familiarly known him by, Adrian. "You were the strongest in your fervour against our enemies. We will always act in alignment with your will, Your Holiness, now and forever."A head full of grey laid itself in waiting; now, in the time of mourning, so too did the Auditor rest, for once. Spoiler It's been a good run Balthy, I've been glad to be a part of the Curia alongside you. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crevel 4727 Share Posted April 14, 2023 "It's joever..." Father Petyr remarks to himself as he goes into mourning for the High Pontiff. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olox_ 3417 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Jan Jazloviecki sighed with sorrow at the news and went to light up a candle for his Holiness in the Merryweather Chapel 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazedpudding 2124 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Josefina Barclay mutters a prayer for the Pontiff, with whom she had conversed briefly with once upon a time. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandhi 2708 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Sir Ludolf lowered his head in prayer for the Pontiff. "You were a true servant of GOD - a pillar of our faith." 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valannor 6345 Share Posted April 14, 2023 In the honor of His Holiness' passing, a rare honor was extended unto him from the pristine white walls of Caras Anor... The Keeper Alatariel lit a candle in his honor, to burn for a week in silent vigil. He would be remembered, both in deeds, and in veneration. Spoiler o7 Balthy, you were a damn decent Pontiff. Thanks for rolling with us and having a fun time. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimus420 1732 Share Posted April 14, 2023 From the moment of His Holiness’ passing, Jan Ivanovich remained by his side, uttering not a word or sound. He sent word for his bannermen to accompany him and the Pontifical attendees to the Holy See. Along the ride to the Holy See, Jan’s mind was wrought with sorrow and misery. Pontian was a mentor and much more of a father to Jan since the death of his real father. The Holy Father taught Jan the scrolls, patience, piety, and many more skills he uses to this day in life. Now he was gone, the Count of Vaška went to say his final farewells to Pontian before he was laid to rest. After the goodbyes were said where he and his Bannermen stood watch one last time through the night. Through the night, the Count’s mind was plagued with grief and confusion but he bore no visible emotion to keep the morale of his men high, despite such a loss. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyselia 2182 Share Posted April 14, 2023 "Though y have niet met w father, y know him to have held a gentle soul. Jest unfortunate that he could niet see w truth before his passing - Adria was of such welcome to him in w earlier years." Suzana noted to her housecarl, Hans ( @persz ) as they made their way for her daily prayers. "Y shall task meaself with returning Adria's holy repute to w light of canondom as his funeral favor. There z many wrongs to right in w coming years." Her voice faded to whispers as they crossed the arch of the white chapel, harkening herself unto the pews with a head bowed in reverence. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andustar 2121 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Albéric du Lac acknowledged the High Pontiff's death with a solemn prayer at the roadside, knelt before a saintly shrine. "May you find safe passage unto the Seven Skies, Your Holliness." 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissToni 3487 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Katerina would welcome the man into the seven skies. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sander 3156 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Arnaud de Novellen's jaw dropped as he read the news, dumbfounded at the High Pontiff's passing "He.. He seemed alright last Saint's day... How..." He sighed "There goes a good man and a good servant of the Lord... May he find rest in the Seven Skies." 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon 3965 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Tylos II welcomed his adoptive son TM into the Seven Skies. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionn__TWG 2616 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Tylos III stood beside Tylos II as they welcomed their successor to the Skies above with open arms. "Ein most worthy retirement, Adrian. Und nein better place to spend it." 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattiii 1109 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Franz Sarkozic lowered his head somberly, allowing a tear to fall upon reading the news, it staining the parchment that lay on the table. “One of the great Sarkozic’s, his name and work shall surely go down into the annals of history.” 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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