To the Interdicted and Excommunicated, 2020

[tasty_cheesecake 2298]

Spoiler

 

 

 

THE MOST RIGHTEOUS, His Eminence Lector-Cardinal Enrique Cardinal Du Loc-Altamirano Piñieda, Bishop Altamirano, Vice-Premier of the Pontifical States, Commandant of the Pontifical Guard, Justice of the High Court, Border Czar of Numendil and the Pontifical States, Knight of Barrowton, Lector of Owyn, and Last of the Santegians.

 

On behalf of His Holiness’ Pontifical Curia and the College of Cardinals

 

 

12th of Horen's Calling 2020

 

“Saint Edmond, model of all knights, possesses me not with fear; grant me peace and strength in the hour of battle. Let God think not on my faults but on my potential. I swear that if I come through this day with courage, I will strive to embody the honour that thou didst: I shall show clemency to the prisoner, give succour to the widow and spare the peasant.”

 

Amen.

 

 

There grows atop Mont Lemon a fruit that, among the kin of Barbanov, does not sit well. A festering animosity to the Holy Mother Church and her Faithful has been smoldering in the halls of Valdev’s royal court for decades; ever since it was reminded to the world that GOD, not man, is sovereign-absolute. But when precisely this fel seed had come to sprout and bear its wicked fruit, we may not without great speculation say. Perhaps it was first a covetous jealousy that bid forth the sprouting abomination the Defiler had sown; a paranoid guarding of earthly holding brought forth by illusions of threat from unexpectant enfranchising of Holy Mother Church in temporal administration throughout the lands of Horen. A new and terrible deception cleverly crafted by the Father of Lies to sow heresy, disunity, greed and, ultimately, war. Or perhaps it was an older thing, only the little fruit of a dark creeper that had long infested the hearts, and courts, and crowns of the Crow, that compelled of him, by those ancient bindings, to wage a battle continuous against an ever-encroaching advance of Virtue in the world, so to stifle it and extinguish the danger poised it. We pray it be the former, rather than the latter, a grim thing indeed, that a nightmare so terrible, a corruption so rife as to be the Kingdom of Saul upon the earth, suffering all men of goodly virtue to endure its long, slow, and persistent tyranny. Such an entity, we would deign, such an enemy, has not at all any right to live, that no-thing in its purpose and its nature that be a stumbling block to the Virtue of all men be suffered to breathe. 

 

All the same there has been a secret war being waged. Let only the fool deny it. Let it be on the lips of every trueborn son of Horen, lest he deny it. May the daughters of Holy Mother Julia lament it, and her Sons of Spirit contest it, let Malin detest it, may he suffer to remember it, that Man n’ere ever forget it, there has been a war. 

 

LET US THEREFORE EXPLORE THE FACTS, 

 

That there be total and complete transparency in what has been a conflict cloaked from head to toe in mystery and inveigled by lie, and by rumor, we shall demonstrate plainly this WAR UPON THE CHURCH, how it had begun, and from who it had stemmed. Most gravely, we shall stress the circumstances that have rendered the Church a VICTIM OF UNJUST AND UNHOLY WAR, such that the Holy Pontifical States observes to have been WAGED UPON IT MALICIOUSLY AND WITHOUT CAUSE, demonstrating therefore The Church’s stance as A VICTIM AGGRESSED UPON, that is by no means an INITIATOR OF CONFLICT OF ANY SORT, and only in her innocence acknowledging the existence of a war initiated by the Kingdom of Haense.

 

I.

First, that it came to pass that the Holy See would become involved in the land of the Vale, following violence perpetrated against citizens of the Holy Pontifical States and the general Canonist faithful, seeking judicial recompense.

 

II.

Second, that the policing action in the land of the Vale was accomplished immediately thereafter with resounding success, with articles of peace drafted only an evening before the first recorded deployment of the Vinovian warband who, acting upon faulty intelligence and ignorant of the wholesale cessation of hostilities, begin immediately declarations of allegiance to the land of the Vale as mercenaries contracted by the Vale for their own defense, with Vinovian emphasis strongly placed on opposition to the Church.

 

Later it was confirmed by personal testimony of captured Vinovians, from their attempts of broadening the scheme with others, and by their later public emphasis that the true target had always been the Church, regardless of the Vale, which was mentioned insofar as a plausible public-facing justification to obfuscate a scheme to usurp the Holy See. Their stated premise had been from the beginning that the Holy See was an imperialist and corrupt power which had too much sway in worldly affairs.

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/244556-vinovian-company-marches-on/

 

III.

Third, that the Vinovian enters thereafter into a full military allegiance with the desert nation of Krugistan, capitalizing off of growing ethnic tensions with the Canonist Princedom of Hyspia which were by those peoples under continuous assault. This is done, as shall be established, with the full foreknowing of the Carrion authorities, in what can now be plainly discerned as a tacit betrayal of not in the least Mankind at large, but of a nation that had been nominally their closest ally. It is demonstrated, here, a wholesale disregard for kith and kin, as well as the total absence of Virtue and Honor in this rabid, ruthless, pursuit of the complete eradication of the Canonist Church. 

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/244563-the-twin-hordes/

 

IV.

Fourth, that the “Vinovian Company” which we have alleged to be agents of the KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA, in what the Experts suggest is possibly the most shameful blunder of the Secret Department to date, make known as a matter of public record, with clear and undeniable papertrail, their affiliation and aligned interests to the KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA, which pledges thereafter in contract a commitment to armament, military advisory attache and general martial instruction. It is here that we establish beyond even the shadow of a doubt the fellowship of the Vinovian Company and the KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA, which demonstrate a master-and-servant military relationship, whereupon the conscious of the conscious of the Kingdom is captured, this commitment to the armament of what we were to believe to be a simple bandit terror cell with no true national affiliations beyond false claims of contract by the Vale, the identity of their true contractor now safely able to be identified as the KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA.

 

It is to be known that two senior members of the Aulic Council of Haense, the Lords Palatine and Marshal, had been present in the signing of the contract with Vinovia, which at first expressed far more dramatically an alliance, and was only diminished to martial training at their pestering of the Koeng. These councillors expressed their confusion at this signing, but the Koeng had made a mind to make a pact with the Vinovians of his own accord and prior to the meeting, to the confusion of any who saw. What explanation could there be, except for that he had been well informed as to their true scheme, if not a key part in it, for it is of no doubt that none more than Karl would stand to gain from their success.

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/244567-treaty-of-the-crow-and-eagle/

 

V.

Fifth, that not so much as a Saint’s hour from the formalization of the public-portion of the Hanseti contract, the consecrated Holy ground of Lemon Hill was trespassed upon by a now infamous force of Vinovian invaders headed publicly by the once proclaimed “royal ally of House Barbanov” Banjo Ferry Would-be, the details of which by now are well known to all within the lands of Horen that do not dwell in caves or large boulders of blissful primitive-ignorance. To address anymore what has been exhaustively proven to the intelligence of even the most noble of troglodytes. It is the discernment of the Priesthood of Owyn that so immediate an attack to the signing of a mercenary contract leaves absolutely no room for speculation after the assignment bestowed unto that warband by their masters. Plainly, this was the first battle of a war, and nothing short of it.

 

VI.

Sixth, that Vinovian violence began thereafter in earnest, waged by the means of general barbarity, prioritizing violence upon agents of the Church or else citizenry of the allies of the Pontifical States, as attested to in widely distributed ‘victory tracts’ disseminated by the Vinovian Company. In these pamphlets, the Vinovians disseminated openly schismatic rhetoric; wholly unsubstantiated accusations of impiety, warmongering, and propagation of tyranny; and more pressingly (as has been recently parroted by the ‘Covenant of the Father’s Virtue’) an alleged intention of the Church to press for the formation of an Empire through blood and sword, for which there is absolutely no evidence. This fact alone demonstrates as supreme truth the damage, even continuous damage, of the covert war waged by this Hanseatic League upon the Church, and for much worse, these efforts are continuous even to today, despite the insistence otherwise by the Hanseatic council and crown-prince-apparent, the excommunicant Joren Manfred. 

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/244648-a-demand-for-justice/

 

VII.

Seventh, upon Karl’s sudden sickness and departure, his heir apparent did declare his coronation without sanction of the Holy See. The Curia bid he delay, so that discussions may be had to first purify a crown undoubtedly made impure and possessed by paranoia to oppose the Church at all costs. This was after short debate admitted and agreed to by the Crown-Prince-Regent, and he had declared before the gathering of princes and faithful that he would adhere to the demands of a Curial Rule over Haense to oversee the purification. 

 

After this admission, however, Joren had acted quickly to secure pacts and agreements from his neighbors, most notably an alliance which declared itself the Horenic Covenant. This coalition was declared without invitation to major strongholds of the faith, such as Hyspia, Numendil, or any of the Pontifical States; yet it presumed itself the authority to speak on the basis of the united princes of Canondom. This coalition was expressed to several members of the Curia at a meeting at Lemon Hill to be enacted for the express position of opposing the Church, and to apply pressure against it. 

 

It was only after this emboldening that the Crown-Prince-Regent Joren had decided that he would refuse to meet the Curia within Lemon Hill, which was previously agreed to decide details of the purification of the crown. He refused for over Saints’ Hour, denying his own Cardinal-Patriarch, before finally relenting and marching an army into the Holy See. At this meeting, he was read the observance of facts and the terms needed to rectify, and asked if he would accept the sentence; and he denied it under the pretense of the safety of his tribe.

 

 

---

 

We challenge any to cite what exactly would harm the dignity of the Haeseni people? Would it be that their king would take a pilgrimage to redeem a crown that his predecessor had made impure by orchestrating an attack against the Church? Would it have been the demilitarization of vacant lands which border the Holy See? Would it have been the cancellation of profane coronation rituals? Would it have been the construction of new holy sites? Would it have been the condemnation of witchcraft within the courts?

 

What tyranny is so feared? Would they call it tyranny done against Balian, whereupon now their nation thrives? Or the alleged tyranny against Aaun, where their royal house came to Lemon Hill to denounce the attempted claimant, and instead petitioned to start again within the Pontifical States to outstanding success and prosperity?

 

What has occurred that is so terrible and wrong that it means that the flock cannot dare even present their concerns, and instead strike against the shepherd? Why do you strike out against the shepherd, then demand apology, and refuse reconciliation? There is no nation unrepresented within the Synod of Lemon Hill, nor any nation that the Holy See would not entertain to express concerns e’er they arise.

 

IN CONCLUSION,

 

With great care taken in the contemplation of these facts, the Church of the True Faith, robbed of any due recourse, her demands wholly rejected by the representatives of Haense and their would-be King, are loath again to recognize a state of war, and unapologetic in interdiction of the governance of Hanseti-Ruska for its wanton and continued hostilities against the Priesthood, the Holy Pontifical States, and the Kingdom of God. 

 

So it is discerned, and thoroughly concluded by the College of Cardinals, by the abundance of evidence of high crime, that the KINGDOM OF HAENSETI-RUSKA has wittingly and treacherously entered into a state of OPEN WARFARE with not merely the temporal holdings of the Holy Church of the True Faith, but upon the very spirit of the Church itself, by an act of heinous and sudden aggression.

 

We then regretfully observe and recognize A STATE OF WAR, perpetual and continuous, from the first that hostility against the Priesthood were perceived, to the time of the unsuccessful mercenary incursion into the slave and dutiful territory of the Holy Pontifical States, in who’s Most Holy and Sovereign Name reigns Sovereign over all Men therein, the Lord, God of Horen, King of Heaven and of the earth, Creator of the Universe, Pantokrator, and upon the land consecrated to His Name that is the Temple upon Lemon Hill.

 

WHEREAS Joren Manfred of the House Barbanov-Bihar has endorsed the spirit of paranoia which possesses his crown, has denied the reconciliation delivered to him by the Pontifical Curia including his Cardinal-Patriarch, and has now fostered other princes of the faithful to raise arms in his defense rather than accept peace; Joren is judged to have committed crimes against the Covenants of Instruction and Purity, crimes against the legitimate Ecclesiastical Authority, and crimes against the Unity of the Church. THEREFORE Joren Manfred of the House Barbanov-Bihar is observed in a state of EXCOMMUNICATION, and furthermore declared ANATHEMA for his egregious pursuit of WAR AGAINST THE CHURCH.

 

In solemn diligence, the Church of the True Faith shall move to demilitarize the opponent which seeks to usurp the Holy See, in state of CRUSADE against the KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA; until the wicked power which possesses the crown may be put to rest, for the good of the flock of the Tribe of Joren.

 

No nation shall be presumed an enemy of Lemon Hill and ally of this wicked power ‘less they have openly declared such.

 

No occasion of injustice or tyranny shall be tolerated from the Crusade, which is motivated by the charge of the Temple, which is the charge of the Shepherd, which is to care for the scattered flock.

 

Rules of Engagement shall be hereafter promulgated for the proper ordering of the armies. Until then, the allies of the Priesthood and the princes of the faithful are called to cease any and all support to the Anathema until he may repent.

 

 

---

 

Targeted tile: Midlands 41 

 

Proposed warpath:  

 

 

[helldiving 5793]

Haakon shares the news with the Sólvikingr over Sólgaard, and soon enough, a convoy of Norns was bound to Vjardengrad. 

 

Spoiler

 

[Rig 17580]

Meracahe sat within a glade washing his bloody hammer with a rag, "I hope they fight honorably. This shall be a good bout."

[Laeonathan 5889]

The Celianorian Lord sat in his basements as the news of the attacks of Haense and the subsequent defense of the Pontiff reached him. Raziel Amethil turned upwards, taking a close look.

 

"And so it begins. My best luck to you, Anorhil- and whoever represents Callahan, currently. Haense had it coming since they consorted with the Lich and... had a Dark Mage as a King a century ago. Creator bless you, and may  Haense repent," He spoke to his servitor Golem before returning to instructing the work to continue.

[brujera 1152]

Margarete of Österland sits within the walls of the Castle Morvelyn, when her maid tumbled through the doors of quarters, with a loud bang, holding out the missive. Startled, Margarete sprang from her stool, dropping an embroidery pon the oaken floor beneath her feet. As she read the words scripted on the parchment, her shrieks were heard throughout the halls of the residential wing.

 

"We are at war, Josef!" Margarete crowed from their adjoining room. @mojanghunter

 

Madness ensued throughout the Pruvian apartments. Birds were sent, and letters hand delivered to business associates across Aevos and Aeldin. Like the dance of cogs in a grandfather clock, the House of Preussens began their preparation for a war of faith.

 

"Send for the smiths, August!" @Radzig

 

Continuously throughout the week, the bells of St. Catherine's abbey rang on the hour every hour, and the flag of  House Alstion danced lambently across the blue skies of Eastern Aevos.

[wowj 9747]

The Acting Honktiff, Reverend Fatha Ted Brae, honked his nose thrice, holy war was now.

HONK !
HONK !

HONK !

[Malta 2811]

The Skipper, an elusive figure clad in teal cloth from head to toe, sits idly in a thicket beside one of the many midland roadways. Silently he ruminates, fitting a bolt into his crossbow. 

"We did not forget Breakwater."

[Javert 9615]

"Alas, we make away to the field of battle yet again. But this time, I fear the war shall not be so swift." Spoke Prince Thorin of Ravenmire with a heavy sigh before steeling his resolve. He made way to the armory, wherein he would begin to take stock of the equipment required for the Royal Ravenmirian Army. "Blood for the Raven."

[Orlanth 4667]

"Heh." smirked Calias Mareno to his friend the Skipper. "We're going home :)"

[Morigung-oog 5697]

The Sohaer nods in solemn understanding and readies her Sillumir as to ensure that the conflict did not spill over onto Silver soil.

 

“There was once a time where I would have jumped at the promise of conflict, promises of glory… It is peculiar the lengths one will go to, the degree they would change to protect those under their wing, is it not?”

[ratlordmagic 1484]

“Oh, I think I get it now!” Exclaimed Miroslaw Jazlowiecki. “They put names and words in all capitals to show that they’re lying! Because the only way everything in this is true is if you’re looking at it directly backwards. This was a blatant attempt to usurp a sovereign state’s temporal power by a political church that is making less and less effort to hide their imperial ambitions by the day.”

[PrimnyaQuorum 3999]

Deep beneath the ground, drums echo
Dum

 

Dum

 

Dum

 

DUM

 

A Banner is lit ablaze - a pyre not eternal, but durational.

 

Admists the cackle and rage of the condemned souls, a balance is steadily sought...

[Sarven 2619]

"Ah, peace war in our time" Theodemar remarked, the black smith polishing off another spear-head as he had his apprentice read the missive

[winterblood 11181]

"if only my kin would have heeded my many warnings of the encroaching shadows," lamented Zofiya as she contemplated a pyre in an ashen temple of the eastern coasts.  "Now mankind is to tear itself apart, as Mordring's armies seek to invade the realm. . . I will do what is needed, to ensure mortalkind are to not witness devastation akin to the Westerlands' fall again."

[Kardika 1057]

A Brave Salvian dons his cape and mask as he makes for the stables... "The Tsardom shall Fall..." he promises