Minuvas

"One would usurp the Sutican Crown with this Savoyard mockery and expect them to be devout Canonists, lining the streets with crucified individuals in one breath and in the other - openly tolerating devilry. I hope the good Father would pay more concession, next time, to seek out the full tenets of Canondom other than hostility and aggression and pray for mercy and patience. Obedience is a admirable trait as well. One cannot be blind to recognize that the Church's spiritual authority originates certainly in the seven skies, but it is exercised through temporal authority. It is foolish to presume that this authority given to the secular realm by the Holy Father binds no requirements upon us as adherants of the faith. This authority is not some sort of separate and distant responsibility distinct from the Church. Chief among this temporal authority granted by GOD , and affirmed by the Holy Father is the Emperor, and his obligation as first among equals in the Canonist realm. Though in recognition of this temporal authority, we are obligated to respect the wishes of all Canonist Princes in their realms - and appeal to their better senses when they act in disunity with the spiritual authority that has enobled them. Father Paul is not wrong to chastise the Canonist realm, snakes lurk among the grass in all of them - he was simply naive in believing Savoyards would not abandon him after he was used to weaponize the faith in their favor" He would remark to those about Providence who would ask his opinion on the subject.

Surrounded by a bevy of Elves, from young children to even Elder ones, a friend remarks "What do you think about this?" The Elf shrugs "I am an Imperial, my duty is to Empire, and Emperor" and with that he returns to sipping his wine around a fireplace adorned with an Orenian flag and a statue of the late Emperor John VIII. He looks to the Elves gathered about him "Now than, let me tell all you children about one of the bravest Elven Soldiers to ever serve the Imperium, a Knight by the name of Dame Viktoriya...this is her story of how she fought back the demons of Ibleese in a town called Helena..."

Would look to Father Hans Braun @Chopper774"Father, when might you begin getting us a written copy of Saint Pius' works to discuss with the children?" The Elf would comment to the Priest.

"Oh? Was this the man he met the other day? Yes, a most faithful servant. He was rather helpful in assuring Canonist law was followed in his Church, I thank him for his support" Minuvas would remark, unsurprised by the missive

"Saint Pius, pray for us!" Minuvas would remark while he prayed at the Shrine of St. Pius at the Ravenmour. The Elf would wonder if the Saint had realized that a Shrine built and a Bridge dedicated to him had been built in the growing Elven community within the greater Alpine. Seeing nearly 3 Elven Baptisms a saints week these last three saints weeks.

"Must be a dwarven custom to protect those who don't want their protection" Remarks the Elf from his Ministry Office. The monotonous sound of hundreds of stamps thudding in unison as they approve a host of mundane and unimportant documentation passing through the Imperial bureaucracy.

"Here you go my kin. This is why we can never return to Haelun'Or." He lays this in a stack of missives about acid baths, dark magic, and now..purity points. He didn't need to hide such literature from his family, and let them read it themselves.

Would carry the note as he looked around at the recent flocking of Elves that have stumbled into the Ravenmour, huddle refugees from Ando'Alur , Stygian Hollow or Haelun'Or. He hands one of the Elves curled by the fire a cup of tea and gets a good look at them. "Hrm..." He casually remarks, tucking the picture into his doublet and walking the Ravenmour again.

A Certain Wig-Wearing Elf would make the sign of the lorraine from his estate office, mulling over the missive by a bubbling brook that flowed nearby "Well this certainly might explain all the recent Mali that have him been flocking to Imperial lands. Ando Alur and now the Silver State? My kin have a long road of difficulties ahead of them I pray they receive mercy and kindness wherever they travel. Behind their walls they at least had each other, now they must live like we Imperial Elves have for centuries - adapting, surviving, and trying not to get killed by their human rulers. Perhaps this might usher in a new era of a great human and Elven integration? One can hope." "...Vestir'Aurubus, my kinsmen." He would add, as he rubs the ears of his dog.

"Vampires! Are such things real? This only makes investigating that strange den near our home all the more important, and warding our own family against such perversion." He sets his quill down before motioning to the family Priest, " Patter Braun, please arrange for me to be tested for vampirism immediately - as a sign of good example for the rest of our kin. It would do good I think for the family to see that Canonism is strong in this family, exampled by its head." He remarks to his kin and family Priest, Hieran ( @bufffsanta) , Hiryon ( @Tetho), Father Hans Braun ( @Chopper774).

A certain Wig wearing Elf in Imperial doublet reads over the words with a frown "Most unfortunate business that, those Ame in the Princedoms" he remarks to the Wood Elves in the family sitting about the family dinner table. "Come, let us remember the words of the Blessed Pius of Sutica as we reflect on these words, and pray for these Mali." Minuvas would then lead his family in a Canonist prayer.

[Just for clarification this was not a missive. Just a dialect/player-guide option for Elves who have backstories of being in the Empire for a while. Not that I wish to ruin people's throwing it into a fire, or a trash bin, or a voidal maw, etc ]

The Dialect of Imperial Elves [Flexio/High Imperial + Ancient Elven] Four centuries of co-existence in the Empire has seen the merging and bastardization of the Elven language. It is not a completely different language than Elven, but key phrases and words have changed, altered, or fallen into disuse over time. Canonism and non-cloistered living amongst humans has resulted in a pidgeon dialect that may be considered abhorrent to many Elven cultures. The language is rooted in both Elven and High-Imperial/Flexio, meaning both well-read humans and Elves might find that the language catches their ear with some air of familiarity. Many words might be spelled the same, but due to years of Raevir, Waldonian, Auvignian, and other common human dialect influence - have taken on new pronunciations. An Imperial Elf, would describe the language as "Elven, with an Imperial dialect" - other Elves may have more colorful names for it. Imperial Elves who are otherwise not educated in the historical and ancient Elven tongue would recognize Elven, and understand many of the words of the language when written but might be confused or misled by more complex sentences in which certain words are no longer used. Pronunciation differences make vocal communication between the two languages very difficult without taking the time to study the other language. Other Elven sentences that derived their meaning not from a literal translation but from cultural inference such as "Bring me to the Orcs" would be completely lost on Imperial Elves, who are no longer able to relate to these subtleties. Common Phrases like "Health and Progress" have also lost their cultural context, with ideas of the advancement of Elven purity a long forgotten memory to those Elves who have grown up in Imperial cities. Below are replaced, modified, or removed Sentences/Words of the Imperial Elven Dialect. If the word or phrase is not listed, an Imperial Elf would either use the common tongue equivalent or be fully comfortable using the normal Elven word with different pronunciation. In the Imperial Elven household it would not be uncommon to hear a mish-mashing of common tongue with the Imperial Elven dialect. Unless indicated otherwise here, other Elven words/sentences have not changed, but would sound differently when spoken by an Elf who has never left Imperial borders. In many cases the language has been simplified - losing a great deal of its Elven grace. The words are grouped alphabetically by what they mean in the ancient tongue. In addition, common addresses in the Human tongue have also been added that did not exist in ancient Elven. Replaced/Altered/Removed Phrases. Ancient Elven/Imperial Dialect: Imperial Dialect meaning. karin'ayla / Ave: 'Good Day', a very informal greeting. Likes saying 'Whats up?' ker'ayla / Noctes'ayla: Means 'Good Night' an informal farewell, like saying 'Later!' van'ayla / Vale: 'Farewell', more formal than 'Noctes'ayla'. aylan nae osulier / Amplexor: Greetings, more formal than Ave. Vos Ayla Geht?: How are you? Vobis Nae: Nice to meet you. maehr'sae hiulun'ehya / Servus und Progress: Literal meaning is closer to "I serve and I progress". It is commonly shortened to 'Servus', it is the most formal greeting possible - and carries none of the cultural significance that maehr'sae hiulun'ehya does to other Elves. Dacael Savus Lye'Domi - GOD Save the Emperor! Vestir'Aurubus: It means literally, 'To Hide Ones Ears'. Developed during the years of Elven persecution in the Empire, it is a common way to express that you must tread carefully, blend in, or hide in plain sight and fend for yourself. It can also take in the form of an insult between Imperial Elves to call another Elf a coward. Example: As a warning."Minuvas, now is not the time to argue publicly with the ArchChancellor - you have offended too many, and you must vestir'aurubus before you draw more attention" As an insult "Hmph, you do not even stand for your own house, vestir'aurubus Melphestaus. I'd ask you not to show your face here again, but it is clear you do not have the resolve" Curta'Aurbus: Means "His/Her/Their ears have been clipped". This is a phrase used to describe mistreatment, or that an Imperial Elf has had something taken from them against their will. Shortened in slanged to "curted" which simply means "clipped" Example: "Ah yes, Minuvas...they say his fortunes are curta'aurbus, seized by an Imperial tax that seems peculiarly aimed at the Thill..." or used as slang "His home was curted, the deed seized without the common practice of law even applied". Thilln ito nae'leh: In ancient Elven this phrase means "Are you pure?", but in the Imperial Elven Dialect it has taken on the looser meaning of "Do you judge Elven purity?". It is often asked to ascertain whether or not another Elf believes in the purity beliefs of the Elven princedoms. An Imperial Elf would confidently answer "No" and expects other Elf culture groups to most commonly reply "Yes". Drael Skies / Drael Skies Ascenda: "Three Skies" or " May you ascend the Three Skies". As Canonist Elves believe they can only reach the third level of the Seven Skies, this is a common departing phrase to the recently deceased or a way to give someone 'blessings'. Example: "May our Patter'Maln rest peacefully in the embrace of GOD. Be in peace now, drael skies ascenda Minuvas" group of Imperial Elves says in unison around the body "Drael skies! Drael Skies!" Valah'sicut Amir: This used to be an insult, meaning that an Elf had betrayed their Kin and taken up human culture to avoid persecution. As racism has waned steadily downard in the last 400 years, it has instead become a very strong compliment in the last century. Literally means He/She/They have been accepted by the Humans. To tell another Imperial Elf "They are Valah'Sicut Amir" means they have been accepted by humans, as 'one of their own', and they are counted as friends. Example: "My son, I am proud of you. You have worked hard, proven your merit by worth to become valah'sicut amir. None here judge you any longer, go now and lead alongside the humans" Ti'Absolu: Is a way to exclaim, "Yes, naturally" or "Yes, of course", "Yes, obviously". Example: "Will your son be getting married in the Canonist Church?" the Elf Scoffs in return "Ti'Absolu, why wouldn't he?" Thiln Equs Excrimenta: This is a strong insult directed at Elves outside of the Empire, it literally means "Their purity is horse-****", but is often directed at another Elf to indicate he practices the 'ancient' way of purity or hostile to Imperial Elves. Its most appropriate translation is "He/she/they are no friend of ours". Example: "That Elven Prince thiln equs excrimenta my children, and should be avoided if possible" Valah histor'fogir: The literal translation is 'Human History is Foggy', but this is a way to express to another elf that your deeds will likely be unappreciated/forgotten (by the humans). It is sometimes meant to chide the hubris of young elves, or to remind them that their human friends will one day pass without them. Example: Used to provide guidance "But father, does the Count not remember how we came to his side in the last conflict?" , "Valah histor'fogir my son, that was the old count. A new count sites on the throne." As a reminder of the short lives of humans "Valah histor'fogir, my child. You have come full circle to see the grandson become the grandfather, do not let this trouble you - we all live with our sins, ensure that this generation is better than the last and mourn not the fact that you must build a relationship anew". Replaced/Modified Words. Ancient Elven/Imperial Dialect: Imperial dialect meaning. A acal / Aurumcal: valuable, golden, cursed (Note: Connotations of this as a sign of disrespect in Imperial Culture is lost.) ahe: Means 'Sinner' in the dialect. In ancient elven this prefix is attached to mean 'cursed', and the meaning is similar - taking on the culturally appropriate word of a canonist sinner. When attached to a name or word, it means 'The Sinful', i.e: Minuvas'Ahe, 'Minuvas the Sinful'. ahernan /Grati'ahern: thank you often shortened to "Grati" B Barorir: Noble title of 'Baron' C (a)caele / Dacaele: Combination of the Flexio word Deus and Elven word caele, to mean GOD. It does not reference the Seven Skies, which the common word "Skies" or 'Siebaeir Skies' is used for. Comir: Noble title of "Count" Caetunzir: Citizen. D Diraar / Dir'Miles: Means 'Soldier', not necessarily Guard or Sentinel and may require further explanation between speakers. Duame: Means 'Dame' a common address for a female knight. Domir: Empire Or'Domir: The Orenian Empire E Erhaxtir: Means "Exalted", shortened as it is in the common tongue to Ex. Erhax'Patter: The Holy Father of the Canonist Church. Literal meaning, "The Exalted Father". F No Replacements G No replacements H hae / Haer: her haelun / Halter: Bastardization of haelun and the flexio Mater for 'Mother'. I laurir / Prauciur: Bastardized word of Elven and Auvignion ''Preciuex', which means grand, beautiful, and noble. It can also reference a Noble "Peer", described as "The Prauciur". Idux: Formal title of "Duke" J No Replacements K kae / kego: me or I depending on context. kalem: Malin's year, the length of a High Prince's Reign. Stricken from the Imperial Dialect, this measurement would not be understood by an Imperial Elf. karim/ Santim: Bastardization of the human word "Saints Day" , means a 24 hour day. L Llir / Amir: Bastardization of the Auvignion 'Ami' and Elven llir to mean friend. Lye'Domi: The Emperor. Literal meaning "The Lord of Us (All)". Lye'Imperi: An Imperial. Literal meaning "All of Us". M maln / Patter'Maln: Bastardization of Maln and Flexio Pater, meaning 'Father'. Malin: References the proper noun for the Descendant Elf. No longer understood to mean the word "King". Magnir'Honesta: Imperial styling, "The Most Honorable". N Nae/ Sae: You O No replacements P Patter: When used without 'Maln', it is an informal way to address a Canonist Priest, as 'Father'. Denotes that the 'Father' is not of your blood. Patter'Episco: A Bishop of the Canonist Church, often shortened to 'Episco'. Patter'Cardinalir: A Cardinal of the Canonist Church, often shortened to 'Cardinalir'. Q R S sohae / sacardae: Bastardization of Sohae and sacerdos, means 'Priest' in the dialect. Sihae: Means 'Sir' , a common address for a Knight. T talonii: this word has lost its common usage, and the common words for "House", "Family", or "Blood Line" are instead used. thill: No longer means pure. Simply means "High" as it relates to Elven races. This certainly creates cultural conflict as an Imperial High Elf will refer to themselves as a Mali'Thill, Tributo'Imperi: An Imperial Vassal (Can also mean "Subject", or "Protectorate". It tends to refer to anyone who is an oathbound subordinate territory to the Empire.) Ti / Tisc: Yes. U Uirtu: Means "Your Excellence", as a way to reference individuals. V Viz'Comir: Noble title of "Viscount" Velulaei: Canonism has stomped out this 'Dark Elf Moon God' word from their vocabulary, and it is now in disuse. Numbers: Ancient Elven/ Imperial Dialect 1: oem / une2: niut / secund3: hael / drael4: vailu / fearlu5: kulin / kunf6: banih / banix7: laier / siebaier8: esun / uncht9: moiel / moien 10:: Telu / Tselu FAMILY WORDS Halter: mother Patter'Maln: father Halter'Magnir: grandmother Patter'Magnir: grandfather Zohnir: son (Any race) Lari: daughter (Any race) Brothus: brother Svestonn: sister Onncle: uncle Onnt: aunt Malphew: nephew Maliece: niece Malsoun: cousin (either gender) Other Notes: Unlike in Ancient Elven, the Imperial dialect capitalizes words at the start of sentences, and follows other normal human grammatical rules. Plural: In most instances one can simply attach an 's' at the end of a word to make it plural, in some words that are more Flexio in origin - an "i" is attached at the end. Due to the complex mashing of languages, most times both forms are acceptable. Thus "Onnts" and "Onnti" for example - both mean "Aunts".

The Imperial high Elf Minuvas, wearing his wig with Imperial doublet , swings his swagger stick under his armpit before remarking "I wish our cousins in Elvenesse success".

The only authority on this subject is his holiness, not the brotherhood. The Brotherhood was more concerned about trying to judge with it's eyes and it's ears than through its spirit. They looked but they failed to see. I am unsure of what I witnessed in the Basilica, but in that uncertainty is wisdom - to humble yourself to ponder whether what you are seeing can be explained by the senses or by GOD. Only therefore, can men of great spirituality of the Church settle this question definitively. In this instance, the brotherhood has only arrogance - confident in it's proclamation, pride in it's certainty. This being, possibly Ex. Owyn, possibly a deceiver wielded a blade untampered by some kind of dispelling oil. A radiant halo of light illuminated it's head, it appeared from the nothing, and vanished as easily when it was escorted from the Basilica. It smelled of incense, and it's very voice echo'd with authority. It demanded nothing, subjecting itself to the secular experiments of the brotherhood. It offered no violence. Healthy speculation is warranted in this regard. The Holy Father should appoint a clergyman to investigate this further and provide a thorough answer to which only the vicar of GOD can answer, not some half-cock test of 'witchery' because it bleeds. For who can discern the will of the Divine but the vicar of GOD the Holy Father, and the Emperor, twin brothers in service to GOD. What the Brotherhood is scolding is faith. If Owyn were to descend, why not at a place where those who venerate him have gathered? He made no demands, save that we listen - instead we cut him and tried to dispell him a way. Let us pray we did not deny ourselves one of the seven skies. I encourage my Canonist brothers first to pray, that why their faith is so weak that they could not believe that Owyn could not walk amongst us, and that they for themselves could discern with mortal eyes and mechanisms the work of GOD. Ye of so little faith that you would cast stones at the faithful for the crime of believing of even the possibility that GOD has not abandoned us from his prophets. He Remarks publicly.

Hears of his brothers quest, makes the sign of the lorraine, and prays for his safety.

His father takes the letter, proud of his accomplishments, penning a short response. "GOD guide you. Return to us shortly"

"No Respectable Orenian should be doing business with a company that beds with Ferrymen." He would remark to himself, reading this ridiculous buffoonery of a missive. "It would seem that there's business that needs settling..." The High Elf sheathed something on his belt, the glimmer of a small blade.

Would come upon the text as a personal treasure, a High Elf Canonist himself. He would read it numerous times into the night, drawing spiritual guidance from it.

Minuvas would remember the Elf's citizen application and meetin him in person for the first time, he always paid special attention when a Mali was entering the Empire. So few Mali born, even less called to the light of the Empire, this was a loss surely in some small way to the Empire.

Reads the missive, deciding to pen a letter to a certain Duke.

Receives the missive with amusement. "Yes, the Dame looks rather hollow in Haenseti colors. She was always more regal in Imperial colors. These proposals all make sense; because we do them in the Empire. She is right to try and drag them from their primitive ways. Their Kingdom has more laws about what you can wear on your head than how to help a royal citizen achieve anything of merit. So embarrassed of her mother land, calling it a 'neighboring' nation as if one can tip toe around referring the greatest force in all of Almaris as if it were a slumbering cat. Oh Dame, how It does strike the Patriots heart so deep to see you fall." Remarks to himself, from his office.

Flips through pages, nodding along "This is not terrible for a new author. " and sets his quill to to parchment to write the author.