Of the War in the Badlands, 641 A.A

[Nectorist 12869]

Spoiler

I remain more comfortable still in armor than in the priestly robes, much less those of the High Priest. Few contemplations of the faith can excite me as much as my new axe in my hand. As much as I have been raised as an acolyte, I have been raised as a knight. The blood of warriors, of soldiers, courses through me: few priests count among that number, and no Pontiffs, if our family tree is correct. I will soon convene a council to handle all other matters, but as I said at my enthronement, nothing may come before joining my uncle's war.

 

However, this is a sport that I pursue, a dead dream from a time when I wished to be a knight. That path is dead now, dead as many are, and what remains is a life of ceremony, of books, of papers, of debates, of meetings, and of prayer. When I wield my axe, it will be against the creatures of the dark, of foes so wicked and so powerful that they cannot be compared to war. I will come to enjoy it all, to inhabit it as easily as I do in my plate, but for now, I enjoy the last glimpses of when I dreamed to be a knight like my father was.

 

Of the War in the Badlands

Issued on the 20th of Owyn’s Light, 641 A.A

☩ ☩ ☩

It has often been the mistake of previous administrations, when in time of war, wherein the greater collections of human, Faithful, powers are aligned against pagan, wicked-doing forces, to pursue a policy of neutrality, or mere soft support. We cannot help but question the wisdom of this policy, for is it not the place of the shepherd to help guide his flock through the tempest? Should the Church not join the Faithful in the advancement or defense of the borders of light, allowing the opportunity for the pagan lands to be cleansed, settled, and whole again?

 

Although We permit, and have at times concurred with, specific reservations regarding the conduct of the war and unnecessary outgrowths resulting from the character of a war waged, in part, due to the actions of those in communion with the Church, the recent relocation of the peoples of Belethia removes the need of any and all doubt. Beneath the merciful governance of the righteous, the Belethians shall be raised to the favor of their brothers and sisters of Humanity once again, and we all shall accept them as members of the Faithful, should they act with dignity and virtue. 

 

That leaves still the matter of the other foes who, in their aim to defend the realms of darkness, have kept their arms within their hovels, fearing to take to the field yet still defying the Kingdom of the Virtuous. The murderous uruk, the scheming half-man, and the Ibleesian score, all gather beneath the banner of evil, and shall fight unto the last to see the demise of all that is righteous. What few good souls remain in the south, trapped beneath the oppressive weight of the wicked, must be freed from the shackles of the corrupting rot, lest they too fall victim to the beck and call of sin.

 

Knowing their charge, the soldiers of the Faith have gathered beneath the banners of Empire, of their lords and regiments, of their towns and guilds, to bring justice to the pagans of the south. Men and women bleed in the name of a better world, shaped by the good of Humanity. The gallant knights of Idunia, the stalwart housecarls of Reinmar, the pious swordsmen of Alba, the common soldiers of Rittersburg, the trusty spears of the Petra, and the fierce lancers of Valwyck, bleed on the sands of the uruklands to bring faith, civilization, law, and peace. It is a mission that the Church blesses, commends, and will help enact.

 

It is not Our intention to see Humanity bleed alone, unaided by the Mother Church from whom it wishes to guide it. Among the field of cloth that gathers for the offensive to the south, the banner of the Church, carried by Us, shall number among them. In this militant era, many within the Church have committed themselves to the practice of warfare, We among them: it would be a waste to not apply the talents which the Lord has given us in this most righteous of endeavors. 

 

All able-bodied men and women of the Church, regardless of station, are ordered to accompany Us as we join the armies of Humanity and their allies in the first offensive to the south. The Church marches again.

 

HIS HOLINESS, CAIUS II

 

High Priest of the Temple of the True Faith, Successor of Clement and Evaristus, High Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Servant of the Servants of Heaven, Servant of the Holy Flame, Apostle of Saint Lucien, Envoy of Aeldin, High Servant to the Prophet’s Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of GOD

 

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