Ramon

"You took a stand for what is right despite all odds and met a valiant end, I'd say." A certain John offered his son Robert upon his welcoming to the Skies after the latter had been BUTCHERED at the recent battle. "And now have earned your rest. I am rather proud of you, you know? More than I could be of any Alstion yet alive, safe perhaps Josey." After having spoken to him offering his (terribly fat even in the afterlife) son an embrace. Content they'd indeed been reunited. "Most did greatly disappoint. But not you. Not even once."

Full Name of Man - Godwin Leopold Alstion Date of Birth of Man - 1980 Name of Woman - Augustina Therosia de Joannes Date of Birth of Woman - 1992 Location of Ceremony - Chapel at the Monastery of Saint Caius the First Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2022 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Godfrey Bishop Casica

"This particular Layman might just be onto something," Bishop Godfrey started to realize after having read through the missive thoroughly. It having given him much to think on. "..I suppose I'll bring it before the General Chapter of the Society of Saint Caius I for their thoughts, ja."

A REPLY TO LEMON HILL To: Marc of Lemon Hill @sergisala 24th of Horen's Calling, in the year of our Lord GOD 2021 Dear Father Marc of Lemon Hill, It was NOT Joren Manfred but King Karl IV of Hanseti-Ruska that was excommunicated for the reasons you did make mention of. That is for allegedly conspiring with the Vinovians to attack our Holy Mother Church. That same Karl that has long since passed unto our Lord's judgement. Joren Manfred was "excommunicated" and "anathematized" not for this reason, for indeed the present Church itself would be likely to acknowledge that in this regard he is totally innocent, for he had no presence within the government at this time, and did not know of its going ons, but rather for refusing to shoulder the "penance" that they had chosen to levy on him for his brother's sins, supposedly so as to help cleanse the Haeseni Crown of its impurities. However, while I initially agreed with such a sentiment while still a Cardinal prior to my resignation the last year following the declaration of this unjust war on Canondom the present administration has initiated, I have found now, upon further study, that the the Canon Law is clear on it that one may not excommunicate or anathematize someone for the sins of others, or for being negligent in allowing it to occur. And so I do not recognize any such thing to be the case. Still, I agree some concessions had need of being made. But ecommunication, anathematization, and initiating war on nigh all the Princes of Canondom is beyond absurd. Look for my reasoning on this particular matter to the following: §1 No one is punished by ecclesiastical penalty unless they commit a breach of canon law. §3 No one has committed a breach of canon law if they did not voluntarily commit the criminal act, or by negligence allow it to occur. THE PURIFYING FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH; THE JURISDICTION OF CANON LAW, CODEX IURIUS CANONICI DANIELUS PONTIFEX The present administration has, as far as Holy Tradition and the Laws of GOD are concerned, not a foot left to stand on. I, nor any of the Canonist nations, are presently in schism, and I would have it stay that way. Though not wishing to be in schism does not need to mean I need turn a blind eye to blatant injustice. His Holiness and the Curia are not infallible. And I believe I would be doing an injustice to our Lord, my ancestor Saint Tylos, my flock, and all the Canonist faithful were I to play pretend at it that they are. This is the first and last reply I shall afford you, kind regards, His Grace, Godfrey Bishop Casica, FSSCI

THE FORGOTTEN CALLING A Rebuke of the Church’s Secular Drift and a Plea for a Return to Sacred Integrity AS ISSUED BY GODFREY BISHOP CASICA ON BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. CAIUS I ON THIS 23TH DAY OF HOREN’S CALLING, 2021 IST. FOREWORD Whereas, in these tumultuous times, the sacred unity of Canondom is increasingly threatened by divisions within the Church itself, where, in its supposed zeal to preserve and expand its authority, it has turned its aggression upon its own flock, intensifying conflict not only among the faithful but also with pagans and apostates, who, under the Pontifical banner, have been set loose upon the world of Canondom without remorse; and whereas, the bitter feud between the Owynist and Sigismundite sects has further deepened these tensions, sowing confusion and turmoil within the lands beholden to the One True Faith, thereby undermining the Mother Church’s sacred mission of keeping the peace and fostering Canonist unity; And whereas the growing influence of secular ambition, particularly within the Pontifical States, has blurred the lines between spiritual and temporal authority, distracting the Holy Mother Church from its true calling and creating a dangerous entanglement of power that further fuels these divisions, we, as the Society of Saint Caius the First, feel compelled to speak with urgency and serious concern for the preservation of all good Canonist values; And whereas, while we remain at present ever steadfast in our devotion to His Holiness and the One True Faith, we cannot turn a blind eye to the errors in governance that have plagued the Holy Mother Church in recent times; it is with deep humility that we raise our concerns, not in the spirit of schism, which leads to spiritual destruction, but in hope of restoring the Mother Church to its true mission of spiritual guidance and the maintenance of peace; Therefore, we issue this missive not with rebellion in our hearts, but with the deepest love for the Holy Mother Church and the world of Canondom. Hoping to detail herein our stances, and the failings of the present administration, so that those yet seated in positions of authority upon the Pontifical Curia and within the College of Cardinals may come to reflect on their course of governance and return their souls to our Lord’s service. For their spiritual correction and an end to the bloodshed we pray. Amen. TABLE OF CONTENTS ┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓ Stance I - On The Administration’s Dubious Loyalty to Canon Law Stance II - On The Administration’s Unjust War on all of Canondom Stance III - On The Corrupting Influence of the Secular States Conclusion - Renovatio Ecclesiae ┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛ STANCE I ON THE ADMINISTRATION’S DUBIOUS LOYALTY TO CANON LAW Canon Law, divinely inspired and meticulously codified, has long been the foundation upon which the Church governs itself and the Canonist flock. It is meant to provide for order, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to truth. It is binding for all those baptized into the Covenant of Horen as Canonists, and the metric by which the Priesthood should determine how to govern properly. And therefore not to be wantonly disregarded by laity and clergy alike. As much clear from the very exordium the reader is greeted with from the very moment they find themselves a copy in hopes of consulting it. This exordium consists of two parts, one written by Bl. High Pontiff Daniel VI, and the other by St. High Pontiff James II, the first of which, that of the Blessed High Pontiff Daniel, we shall now seek to quote herein in full: ‘From the very beginning of the World, when God did blow His breath into the Aenguls and the Daemons (Gospel 1:6), he created Law. He bestowed upon his creation rules to obey, objectives to seek, and bound them to obedience. The Law given to the Aenguls and the Daemons, which is unknown to us, was the first institution of Divine Law. In his transgression of this law, Iblees committed sin and made God exceeding wroth, for God rebuked the Daemon: “Why have you done that which I have forbidden?” (Gospel 1:21-22). God demanded Iblees’ repentance, which the Daemon refused. Thus law was broken, and punishment delivered to the transgressor. It is by Divine Institute, granted by the Exalted who are our prophets, that the Mother Church is structured. By the will of God, a single High Pontiff is chosen as His shepherd, and provided with instruction to guide His flock. Canon Law derives from these Divine Institutes, which teach the ecclesia how to govern the Church to which they give their lives. The sun has risen at the zenith of empires and set at their bloody destruction; tyrants have abused and persecuted their people; and schismatics and heathens have clamored for the destruction of the faithful. Yet, governed by her laws, the Mother Church has stood indivisible. DEO GRATIAS. High Pontiff Daniel VI Helena, 1735’ Despite the clearly intended sacrosanctity of Canon Law, however, the present administration has shown a blatant disregard for these sacred tenets, choosing instead to act with what one might readily consider impunity and arrogance of which they need to repent. The most blatant of such examples being His Holiness’ allowance of Anorhil, King of Numendil, to sit on the Curia and style himself a priest, while Canon Law is clear on it that rulers of a state shall not serve as an ecclesiastical official under any circumstance unless the state in question is a holy land under the control of the Church: §8 An ecclesiastical official shall not serve as the ruler of a state, unless such a state is a holy land under the control of the Church. TEMPORAL AUTHORITIES; ECCLESIASTICAL OFFICIALS WITH TEMPORAL AUTHORITY; CODEX IURIUS CANONICI DANIELUS PONTIFEX Canon Law further specifies that it is universal and binding for all and that no power shall contravene or alter it except through the Ecumenical Council: §4 The laws of the Canon are universal, and bind all men for whom they were issued. APPLICATION OF LAWS; FOUNDATION OF LAW; CODEX IURIUS CANONICI DANIELUS PONTIFEX §9 This codex is definitive and binding. No power shall contravene or alter it, unless it be instituted in ecumenical council. APPLICATION OF LAWS; FOUNDATION OF LAW; CODEX IURIUS CANONICI DANIELUS PONTIFEX And while it does provide for it that no appeal may be made against a legitimate decree of the High Pontiff, for it is the word of GOD, it does specify that it need be a legitimate decree which, in the event that it is explicitly against the written Canon Law, as is the case here, it obviously would not be: §4 No appeal is allowed against a legitimate decree or judgement by the High Pontiff; it is the word of GOD.’ HIERARCHICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH; THE HIGH PONTIFF; CODEX IURIUS CANONICI DANIELUS PONTIFEX To His Pious Majesty’s credit, he did, when confronted hereon, after a long, long meeting eventually agree to step down from his curial and priestly duties, although His Holiness’ blatant disregard for Canon Law on this matter remains questionable all the same. Likewise, the Curia’s near-unanimous and continued support for him on this matter, for they voiced disapproval of this law before he decided upon such, as well as that he was to leave, and as of yet still keep him on the Curia despite such being in breach, no doubt by now to support them in their present war, is very questionable. Though especially damning is the justification they privately dare use for such. Claiming that because a new Edition of Canon Law was not approved at the last Ecumenical Council, convened by Saint High Pontiff Caius the First, which rejected the would-have-been Third Edition written during the Pontificate of Sixtus VI, we are, as of right now, without a Canon Law to follow entirely. This is of course a blatant falsehood. For though the Ecumenical Council agreed to reject the Sixtus VI Edition, and agreed that the James II Edition had need of updating, instructing the Curia of Saint Caius’ time to look at this, it maintained that the Edition we have quoted is in effect in the interim. Such, for lack of minutes on which to quote this Council, still empowered by the following as written in the past and currently valid edition of Canon Law: §7 Later laws harmonise with earlier. The revocation of a previous law is not assumed unless expressly provided. APPLICATION OF LAWS; FOUNDATION OF LAW; CODEX IURIUS CANONICI DANIELUS PONTIFEX This clearly leads one to the conclusion that without an officially approved replacement the existing Canon Law stands as the governing legal framework. Though it begs the question that, if there is no Canon Law, by what basis the Holy Mother Church has proceeded to posthumously excommunicate King Karl of Haense and declare war on as good as the entirety of Canondom for failing to follow it? While we pray this not to be the case, we believe this to possibly expose the sheer hypocrisy of the present Curia, seeking to wield Canon Law when it suits their political aims while disregarding it when it proves itself inconvenient to their ambitions. To this end we are of the belief that amends need be made. That Tar Anorhil need step down from his duties in the Church at once, and that the Pontificate needs to issue an Encyclical publicly reaffirming Canon Law as binding. STANCE II ON THE ADMINISTRATION’S UNJUST WAR ON ALL OF CANONDOM The concept of just war is not meant to glorify conflict, but to impose moral limits on its necessity. It asserts that war, though sometimes naturally righteous and unavoidable, must only be waged for just cause when all peaceful options have been exhausted prior. Just war is not a call for reckless aggression, but rather a framework that is meant to ensure that acts of violence, should they come to pass, are guided by the principles of justice and a desire to restore the peace. It demands that the suffering of innocents is avoided at all times and that all casualties of war are carefully weighed and limited. The goal, when one partakes in just war, should not just be to secure victory, but to do so in a way that upholds Canonist dignity, ensuring that the violence used is restrained, actually necessary, and aimed at restoring peace, rather than exacerbating the present altogether damaging cycle of destruction. Although we agree with the Curia that the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, on account of the past King’s dealings with the Vinovians, needed to make some concessions to make amends, we also believe that such demands for justice needed to be meted out in moderation, something for which the present administration seems to have had no regard. Especially in the face of known treaties and already existing tensions, its role should have been one of peacemaking and reconciliation, rather than deliberate provocation. Had it done so, it could have worked towards easing the growing divisions, and the Owynist and Sigismundite divide, for which there were good chances, ensuring thereby that its actions aligned with the Mother Church’s mission. Such a moderation was not observed. Instead demand after demand was levied, never put up for discussion with Haense, and thus naturally refused, and King Joren of Haense immediately excommunicated and his Kingdom declared war on in response, with the administration’s full knowledge that other Canonist nations such as Reinmar, Petra and Balian would be obligated to rally their banners to honor their defensive alliance with them in response. Likewise, the Church’s administration is noted to have made quick work of signing off on the inclusion of the Dwarves of Urguan, Uruks and Norlanders into this war that they call just. Ignoring therein not only that the Urguanites and Uruks are pagan, but also that, as by standard dogma of our Faith, knowing of the Virtue and yet refusing to convert, Norlanders are considered to be apostates: Humans who have the opportunity to convert to Canonism but do not are guilty of the grave sin of apostasy, as Owyn swore a covenant with GOD that humans would remain pure of faith. Non-humans are not obligated to follow the Holy Scrolls or worship the Creator, but they must obey the moral laws of the Scroll of Virtue. THE SEVEN SKIES AND THE VOID; WHAT ARE THE SEVEN SKIES? WHAT ABOUT THE VOID; CATECHISM OF THE CANONIST CHURCH §8 A human who professes a pagan faith despite knowledge of the Covenant of Purity has committed the crime of apostasy. THE TOPICS OF CANON LAW; CRIMES AGAINST THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH; CODEX IURIUS CANONICI DANIELUS PONTIFEX We consider the Church’s partnership with them and decision to set them loose upon the Canonist world to be a clear affront to GOD. Of all the Canonist nations, only Numendil is supposedly spared, though one could argue that its people are far from unaffected either. Their loyalties and piety seemingly abused so that they might be pulled into this war without question, setting them loose upon their own former friends and allies, particularly those of Reinmar and Petra. In some cases even being forced to fight their own kin. While there is much more to why this war is far from “just”, we think it better to encourage the laity to read up on the law for themselves, for the present Church administration does not seem to either keep or teach His laws. What is certain, however, is that this abominable nonsense needs to come to an end. Thus we are of the belief that the Holy Mother Church needs to declare an immediate peace of GOD, send back the pagans and apostates so blatantly held within their service, and agree to sit down with the Canonist Princes again, this time, for the good of Canondom, and to thus work towards justice. STANCE III ON THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF THE SECULAR STATES The Church, in its rightful place, must remain a moral authority above the fray of earthly governance. Its role is not to be a mere tool of secular rulers, nor should it act as a political entity unto itself, dictating the affairs of nations to serve its own temporal interests. Immediately after the fall of the Kingdom of Aaun, we witnessed the rise of the Church, but surprisingly as a secular entity, with no anticipated issues in its internal or external governance. However, with time, its true state became evident. Though the saying 'everything falls into place with time' is often used positively, in this case, it became clear that the current Church States cannot function in their present form. The current Church administration has entangled itself in secular politics and it now operates more as a state than as a religious institution. If the state could become the Church, it would try, but knowing it cannot, it does not even make the attempt. However, this matter warrants a separate discussion. Nevertheless, through this writing, we can touch upon the things that continue to cause problems for our Holy Mother Church, and maybe even a possible solution. An independent Church ‘state’ could, if done right, be beneficial to the Church and its mission. The problem of reliance upon secular states to provide territory to serve as the Holy See and primary seat of the High Pontiff and Curia has led to the Church being placed in difficult positions in the past, negatively impacting its ability to carry out its duties freely. An independent Church state in theory solves this problem, though this depends heavily on said state’s constitution. Truth be told, a righteous Church State would be one that mirrors the virtues it preaches. Humble, pious, and devoted solely to the spiritual well-being of its flock. Rather than lording over vast territories like a temporal kingdom, it would be modest in size, holding only the land necessary to sustain its sacred mission. Its vassals would not be secular nobles or ambitious rulers but rather devout monastics, holy orders, and layfolk who have dedicated their lives to the faith, tending to small farms and humble homesteads in service to GOD. Such a state would be governed not by earthly politics and military ambition but by the guiding principles of Canon Law, ensuring that its influence is one of moral authority rather than coercive power. In this way, it would stand as a true bastion of faith, unsullied by the corruption of worldly rule, fostering a society where devotion, charity, and spiritual enlightenment flourish above all else. The implications of taking secular vassals under a Church-state is that they would inevitably look to their own independent secular goals and simply wish to utilize the Church as an umbrella instead of loyalty to the faith. This is problematic as the attention required to manage such affairs, including the interactions between the vassals and foreign groups, is ultimately a needless and damaging distraction from the Church’s foundational responsibilities to GOD, and the faithful. Furthermore, the interactions between a vassal of the Church and a foreign, particularly a Canonist entity, compromise the neutrality that the Church relies upon in its goal to unite the faithful and fulfill duties such as mediation in disputes and acting fairly in a judicial capacity. The Church must seek to be above such squabbles, not embroiled in them, and the taking of vassals simply negates the benefit of an independent Church-state allowing it to act with as little secular influence and conflicts of interest as possible. The problem with taking vassals is embodied by the inherent instability and conflicting interests that arise when multiple factions, each with their own ambitions, are brought under a single authority. While vassalage can provide military strength and political influence, it also fosters internal strife, disunity, and the constant threat of rebellion. A ruler who relies too heavily on vassals must navigate a delicate balance between maintaining control and appeasing the ambitions of those who serve under them. In the case of the Church, the issue is even more pronounced, as its divine mandate is meant to transcend worldly politics, yet by engaging in feudal dynamics, it risks becoming just another secular power, rather than a guiding spiritual force. One obvious example is the dispute between the Duchy of Alba, a vassal of the Church States, and the Kingdom of Balian. When this seemingly minor issue is examined more closely, it reveals deeper structural flaws that undermine stability and reinforce the concerns presented in this writing. The conflict not only exposes the very, very precarious nature of the Church's vassalage system but also highlights the contradictions of a religious and spiritual institution engaging in feudal disputes. Another situation that exemplifies this issue is the decision of the Church States and its premier to appoint as 'protectors' individuals with a well-known history of disloyalty to the Church. The passage of time does not alter facts; rather, it only amplifies their significance, much like wine that matures with age. Likewise, the undeniable reality remains that the Church's image is tarnished by figures whose affiliations of yore, including ties to the now-defunct Veletz, cast a long, long shadow over its credibility. It is deeply concerning that such individuals, despite their strength and prowess with the sword, are entrusted with safeguarding a spiritual institution. True authority in matters of faith is not won through bloodshed but is granted by divine will alone. The path to salvation is not paved by steel, nor can it be measured in the number of slain foes. The Church, as the shepherd of souls, must stand apart from those who wield force as their primary means of governance, lest it risk becoming indistinguishable from the very warlords it ought to condemn. Rather than fostering unity among the faithful, such entanglements fuel discord and raise questions about whether the Church’s role has shifted from spiritual guidance to temporal power struggles. It is our belief the Church needs to take concrete steps to rectify these issues. Though we understand this, unlike the rest, cannot just be solved in one go. CONCLUSION: RENOVATIO ECCLESIAE Whatever the outcome of this damning situation, the Church will come to emerge severely spiritually weakened, perhaps even beyond repair. Once a beacon of light in a dark and turbulent world, it has now become a mere mindless host for those who consider themselves above the Laws of GOD. The betrayal of the Canonist people, beginning with the Church's decision to unleash Dwarves, Orcs, Norns, and other pagans upon them in this supposedly righteous war of theirs, will not be forgotten. Even if the current Church administration secures whatever earthly gains it seeks, it will find itself ruling not through faith, but through the looming threat of violence at the hands of non-Canonists, just as history has shown time and again to be the fate of those who abandon principle for power. Such a Church ceases to be a spiritual authority and instead becomes an institution of coercion, hollowed out by its own hypocrisy and unfit to shepherd the Canonist faithful. The wounds inflicted by the ambitions of certain members of this generation of clergy, should they persist in error, will scar the faith for years to come, casting even the most blessed pontificates of the past into the shadows of this present disgrace. Renewal of the Church is more than necessary. Thorough reform and either the repentance and correction or complete purge of compromised individuals may mend some damage, but the stain upon this era will never fully fade. The sheer recklessness with which the present administration has acted, either blind to the long-term consequences of its actions or deliberately working toward the Church's destruction in service of a remnant of former schismatics, present apostates and pagans who now cry under their banners, is most damning. And something for which they must seek repentance, in the hope that GOD and the Canonist faithful shall forgive them. Let it be clear that our stance on these things is final and absolute, and this shall be that which we shall keep proclaiming. It is not subject to change, nor will we entertain supposed justifications or feeble attempts at rebuttal. We will not dignify any response unless it is one of acknowledgment and agreement. Anything else is mere noise, unworthy of our time, unworthy of the Canonist faithful, and beneath the dignity of those who stand for truth. Everything will pass, but the soul, honor, and dignity remain forever.

"The present administration's handling of the Mother Church is most regrettable, ja," Bishop Godfrey mused after Father Witmar had presented him with a copy of the missive. "This unjust war of theirs on the entirety of Canondom is certainly the most damning, though far from the only problem." He further offered before shrugging and returning his attention to the Society's present task at hand. "No matter. We shall address our problems with them very soon." @rep2k

"Yeah, it's society time," Cardinal Godfrey spoke. Very much content their little fledgling religious society was getting onto its feet.

Full Name of Man - Therin Thelonius Adil Temesch of the Petra Date of Birth of Man - 1993 Name of Woman - Nóruiel Nydia Anoriel Arthalion Date of Birth of Woman - 1996 Location of Ceremony - Church of St. Edmond, Vallagne Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2019 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Godfrey Cardinal Casica

Full Name of Man - Franz Edmund von Augusten Date of Birth of Man - 1992 Name of Woman - Aloisa Marlene von Alstreim Date of Birth of Woman - 1998 Location of Ceremony - Chapel of St. Michael, Rikardsburg Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2019 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Godfrey Cardinal Casica

Cardinal Godfrey made sure to keep a copy of what Alaric had written on hand. To read through thoroughly some other time.

dark elves the only good elves on lotc

"A truly blessed work," Cardinal Godfrey commented from his hospital bed within Vallagne's hospital. Still recovering from that terrible, terrible fishing accident (who knew Godfrey wasn't exactly a fisherman?) that had happened just a month prior. He was glad his former acolyte Witmar kept writing dissertations and theses as reading them helped keep him at least somewhat busy. "The library at Reinmar will be completely full of Witmar's work should he keep this up."

Cardinal Godfrey held little stakes in Hanseti-Ruska, and in truth really knew no one from there but his fellow Cardinal Alaric. Though upon hearing of King Karl's untimely passing all the same made sure to light a candle in his memory. As well as to set out to pray for the good Lord's blessings as far as the new ruler's reign was concerned.

"The Mother Church ought to put Ravenmire down like one would a sick dog, really. The longer they dwell the more degenerate they get." Cardinal Godfrey of Casica ranted without much care for anything as was his usual spiel. Poor Bishop Josefina the one who was forced to listen to it all @alien_mc

yeah i agree we must kill the penguins starting with @Borin

"I love monastery consecrations" Said Bishop Godfrey. "Ought to make sure I can attend."

"Wow, Kretzenfest, wow!" Bishop Godfrey said. Presently stuck in Vallagne because all the gates were closed :(

"I was rooting for Cupcake." Bishop Godfrey admitted. Nevertheless content that the High Duma had been a success.

PEACE & BLESSINGS ✦• ─────────── • ‡ • ─────────── •✦ PRIMUS MINOR BULLA CASICA The First Diocesan Bull of Casica • HIS GRACE • GODFREY BISHOP CASICA ✦ • ─────────── • ‡ • ─────────── • ✦ Atstana de Regne Petrère, 160 ᴀʀᴘ TABLE OF CONTENTS ┏─ • ─────────── • ‡ • ─────────── • ─┓ SECTION I ✦ Opening Prayer SECTION II ✦ The Saint-Mother’s Wake SECTION III ✦ Preservation of the Monastery of St. Juli’el SECTION IV ✦ Consecration of the Monastery of Ven. Rhosyn SECTION V ✦ Call to the Service of our Lord God ┗─ • ─────────── • ‡ • ─────────── • ─┛ SECTION I ✦• ──────── • ‡ • ──────── •✦ OPENING PRAYER O LORD GOD, Who didst grant to Saint Emma strength and constancy, During the various challenges which she endured for our holy faith; We beseech Thee to preserve, through her intercession, Our faith from all wavering and doubt, so that we might serve Thee, With a sincere heart faithfully. Unto death. Amen. ‡ SECTION II ✦• ──────── • ‡ • ──────── •✦ SAINT-MOTHER’S WAKE It ought to come as no surprise to most that have a keen eye for detail that the infrastructure meant to be leading to many of the holy sites that dot the lands of the Commonwealth of the Petra, which are the lands that make up the Diocese of Casica, had in times past for a long time gone without maintenance and in many a case where new roads needed paving instead remained unchanged. This of course having the unwanted consequence of making travel to and fro both confusing and perilous for many a pilgrim who, where one would normally expect a proper road to grace their feet, were due to these circumstances oft forced to traverse the dangerous wilds instead. Thankfully, with the help of the Lady Chancellor, Amélie Auclair, whose initiative it was to introduce a bill to see about remedying this, which I had been given the honor of reviewing and co-signing before it got introduced within the Garmont Assembly, this problem has now largely been resolved. For this bill, now long since passed, has made the proper maintenance of previously existing roads possible, as well as the paving of new ones to new sites, to the point that we can now earnestly say that things have come to a proper whole. With the success of this project, through the name of the originally proposed bill dubbed the ‘Saint-Mother’s Wake’, now readily apparent, it is with great joy that the Diocese declares this new, whole route of pilgrimage to be truly blessed and ready for the faithful’s use. It is, however, deemed necessary to stress that, though the way may assuredly be free of the threats of the mundane wilds now, the threat of Darkspawn, and other nefarious individuals, ever eager to prey on the innocent, has not faded. It is thus encouraged that pilgrims travel both properly armed in groups of at least two. Just as it is encouraged for the Knights of the Pétrine Laurel and Pétrine Swords of St. Emma (and any of any of the Holy Orders, granted they request permission first) to be sure to properly patrol the roads on a regular basis. More precise information to be found below. ‡ SAINT-MOTHER’S WAKE ✦ Pilgrimage Sites • ──────────────────────────────── • ✦ Monastery of St. Juli’el of Paradisus | Julian Monastic Abbey ✦ Monastery of Ven. Rhosyn of Falkenstein | Dioceasan Seat ✦ Emmaleine Cathedral of our Blessed Sword-Saint | Cathedral / Ceremonial Site ✦ Arnaud’s Rest | Pontifical / Royal Tomb ✦ The Aldtree | Consecrated Holy Site ✦ Azor’s Monumental Brass | Covenant War Memorial ✦ Seven’s Cradle | Courteis Hale Burning Memorial ✦ Mother’s Vigil | Mother Rhosyn’s Memorial SECTION III ✦• ──────── • ‡ • ──────── •✦ PRESERVATION OF THE MONASTERY OF SAINT JULI’EL Many of the Pétrine faithful are no doubt familiar with the monastery closeby Vallagne by the name of the Monastery of Saint Juli’el, from which the reposed Venerable Cardinal Rhosyn of blessed memory and the Order of Saint Julia, more commonly known as the Julians, were once based. This building without a doubt being among the most important of religious and historical buildings that the Commonwealth of the Petra has ever been graced with and thus being of significantly great value to both its culture and spirit. Without the Julians, in whose name it has been maintained up until the present, however, it has gone quiet. And though the building itself shall undoubtedly be saved for as long as is possible by my direction, and with ample help from the Crown, whose faithful decision it was to spare it from being paved over in favor of the construction of manors as part of some foolish plan upon my formal request, and with the help of some truly faithful in the government, a dormant monastery is of little true use. Thus it is asked that any remaining Julians report themselves to me, should they desire to see about becoming either its Abbot or Abbess, and breathe new life into the society, or, should none report themselves within a period of five years, any other ambitious monastic do so to establish a new society there instead. This, of course, only being allowed provided they respect the building's history. ‡ SECTION IV ✦• ──────── • ‡ • ──────── •✦ CONSECRATION OF THE MONASTERY OF VEN. RHOSYN Much akin to the completion of the Saint-Mother’s Wake, it is a true pleasure to announce to the faithful that the monastery close by Courteis Hale, amidst the Canton of Solland, has for a while now finished construction and, with the paving of a proper road in its direction, is now finally nearing the time for proper consecration before it might be properly made use of for religious purpose. This same monastery that I have chosen to name for the Venerable Rhosyn of blessed memory, and thus from henceforth to be known as the Monastery of the Venerable Rhosyn, soon to become my personal seat and base of operations, this being made so with the hope of ensuring that future bishops use it for the same purpose also. The Diocese’s eternal thanks go out to its architect Friedrich von Augusten and those of the Commonwealth that pitched in funding for its construction. There’ll be more information on when the consecration will take place soon. ‡ SECTION V ✦• ──────── • ‡ • ──────── •✦ CALL TO THE SERVICE OF OUR LORD GOD Finally, to conclude this first Diocesan Bull, of which, our Lord willing, there shall be plenty more to come in the foreseeable future, there is yet one final issue to address. This being an issue that requires no elaborate explanation. It is quite simply that the Diocese has a need for more priests from the confines of the Commonwealth itself, and that, in my mind, it’d be preferable for a future successor to this office to actually hail from the Pétrine Commonwealth to make the most out of ties between the Mother Church and the nation. It is for this reason that I shall, once the Monastery of the Venerable Rhosyn has been properly consecrated, establish a seminary there and take Acolytes as students if any would be willing to. Any of those interested in taking the cloth are as such requested to write to me. ‡ IN NOMINE DEI HIS GRACE ✦• ────── • ‡ • ────── •✦ Godfrey Leopold von Brandthof Bishop of Casica

Full Name of Man - Erwin Leofric Barclay Date of Birth of Man - 1981 Name of Woman - Wilhelmina Esther Barclay Date of Birth of Woman - 1975 Location of Ceremony - Temple of Waldenic Martyrs, Reinmar Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2003 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Bishop Godfrey -- Full Name of Man - Thomas Neil von Theonus Date of Birth of Man - 1980 Name of Woman - Ivy Galken Date of Birth of Woman - 1979 Location of Ceremony - Chapel at Theonus Keep Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2012 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Bishop Godfrey -- Full Name of Man - Clemens Henri von Theonus Date of Birth of Man - 1980 Name of Woman - Nicoletta Grace Haverlock Date of Birth of Woman - 1977 Location of Ceremony - Chapel at Theonus Keep Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2015 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Bishop Godfrey

"We're undoubtedly looking towards a prosperous future." Bishop Godfrey mused after the formation of the Fraternal Society had been made public. "May Saint High Pontiff Caius ever pray for us."

"A very great thesis, Witmar, as usual. You seem to be on some kind of streak." Bishop Godfrey encouraged his former student, now an ordained priest, after reading what was his third thesis in little more than about a year.

"To desperately cling onto all the wrong ways of old can have disastrous consequences, is what the Lord has sought to teach us now, I think," John of Aaun, who had long since predeceased Catherine, though remained even in death a religious zealot (and in part oddly optimistic), offered as he welcomed his godchild into the Skies. Perhaps, if the Lord would have it so, even being among the first that would have come to greet her. "We have been humbled for it all, that much is for certain. And I am sorry, I suppose, that you seem to have suffered over it, same as many have. Just as I am TRULY sorry for dying just after your wedding, by the way. Totally my bad that happened. Though we have all eternity to discuss it, daughter. As well as to pray. That those who come after us will learn from it all and refrain from making the same mistakes. Because if the Lord is merciful, as He tends to be, and grant that they do, then, by His grace, that vision He did bestow in my final moments may yet one day come to hold true. And say it does, then, well, all the sacrifices made by any we may have known will not have been in vain, and all may benefit."

"I've always hated the practice of forced theses instead of simple exams, or that of a choice being given," Godfrey admitted in private to his other Acolyte and friend Witmar before showing him Josefina's thesis. "But hers very much seems quite alright. She's come a long way in a very short period of time."

"I say they ought to investigate that 'Lamentation' fellow also. No good law abiding Canonist would have a name like so." Godfrey commented after having been presented with the missive at the Monastery of Saint Juli'el by one of his Acolytes. "I can't say I trust the whole affair. But it is in the hands of the courts of the Holy Mother Church now."