Castus

The Archbishop Castus II, who has taken the new regnal name High Pontiff Regulus, stretches his perpetual grimace into a slight smile.

((FM please pin, then remove this OOC)) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKWRuFjIRFo History of the Church The Church of the One True Faith has existed since the founding of the human kingdom by Horen I, however a formal Head of the Faith was only appointed during the reign of his son, Owyn I. Since then the clergy has experienced turbulent times and periods depending on the political situation of humanity at the time. Initially known as the Temple of the Faith, the Church as it is today was formed by King Horen I after he was contacted by the Aenguls and granted the divinity of his line. He served as Head of the Faith until his second son, Owyn, came to power after slaying his traitor brother Harren the Bastard, the forefather of the Adunians, and banishing his ilk from the lands of man. With this righteous action he returned the realm of man to the doctrine of human supremacy over nonhumans and lowly pagans. Under Owyn the first head of the Church was appointed, however the nascent clergy was unsophisticated and simple, possessing of little hierarchy. For several centuries the Church kept the Faith powerful and prevalent under the Horen dynasty. Eventually, the divine Horen dynasty grinded to a halt, their last scion being dethroned only to be replaced by the House of Perea. For several unstable years under the Perea line and subsequently the Sheffield line, the Church grew redundant and was mistreated by the three usurper kings, who are now dubbed heretics for their crimes against and lax adherence to the Faith. Throughout this period, the Church was kept unified by High Priest Everard, who is in modern times praised for his ability to maintain the Church and keep it intact. With the undead onslaught, the Kingdom of Oren fractured into three realms, Hanseti, Renatus and Salvus. Only Renatus continued to adhere to the principles of the faith after the Church was absorbed into it, and for eighteen years between the split and the regency of Renatus there was no formal head of the faith. King Ezekiel of the Tarus dynasty surrendered his realm to a regent lord who finally appointed a Prince-Archbishop. When the regency ended and the dynasty of Horen was restored, the King and later Emperor Godfrey I was proclaimed the first man of divine nature by the Church. This was due to his great deeds, as Godfrey did what others could not - he unified the quarreling human kingdoms by the sword and the cross. The appointing of a Prince-Archbishop, James Hightower, ushered in the age of the Iniquitous Pontificate. This was a dynasty of three heads of the Church who are now, in modern-times, denounced and derecognized as being sinful. This served as a dark age of the Church in which the legislative, ecclesiastical body swiftly lost respect and power, gaining a reputation for gross corruption and excess. This ended with the anointment of the conservative Velwyn Ashford to the position of Head of the Faith. Taking the papal name of Lucien, Ashford successfully rebuilt the reputation of the Church. His own successor, Goddard, exponentially increased the Clergy’s political power. Heads of the Faith i. The Diarchy - High Priests Evaristus I and Clement I The first heads of the Holy Faith appointed by the successor of Horen, Owyn I. ii. High Priest Sixtus I iii. High Priest Alexander I iv. High Priest Pontian I v. High Priest Stephen I vi. High Priest Paul I vii. High Priest Paul II viii. High Priest Sixtus II ix. High Priest Liberius I x. High Priest Mark I The last leader of the Faith under the divine line of Horen, he was removed forcefully after the deposition of the king. xi. High Priest Bernard I The first recorded leader of the Faith under the usurper Perea and Sheffield dynasties, before which the Church was held in high regard by the line of Horen. xii. High Priest Everard I The progenitor of House Hightower, Everard I was the last High Priest of a unified Oren. He died a martyr, attempting to prevent the non-believer Sheffield king from abolishing the Church entirely. After his reign the kingdom splintered, causing the Church to be absorbed into the Phoenix Kingdom of Renatus and lose a great deal of power and influence. The First Interregnum caused by the split of Oren into Hanseti, Renatus and Salvus. xiii. Prince-Archbishop James I The first of the Iniquitous Pontificate not formally recognized by the Church today on account of their sinful or schismatic nature, James I was the son of Everard I and was appointed to the position of Leader of the Faith by the Lord Regent Reynard Lycian. xiv. High Pontiff Pius I The second of the Iniquitous Pontificate, Pius I was born of the noble House Silverblade under the name of Gideon. Instated by the newly-crowned Godfrey of Horen. Famed for his lechery and libertinism, Pius was known to have impregnated several noble ladies and was notably violent and bloody in his behaviour. xv. High Pontiff Adeodatus I The third and final of the Iniquitous Pontificate, also of House Silverblade, born as Boiendl. Having been significantly less problematic than his two predecessors, Adeodatus’ reign was stagnant however peaceful. He was known to be unremarkable when concerning the Church’s cause, and under the pressure of the nobility he resigned in favour of Velwyn Ashford. xvi. High Pontiff Lucien I The first officially recognized High Pontiff, Lucien I was Velwyn Ashford, a member of the Order of the White Rose who was a prominent reactionary and human supremacist. A pious High Pontiff who believed wholeheartedly in fulfilling God’s work, Lucien’s reign was uneventful however during it the Church’s good reputation was restored. xvii. High Pontiff Owyn I The successor of Lucien I upon his exile, Owyn was one of the more notable heads of the Faith. Despite his short reign which lasted only seven years, he acquired large tracts of land and political power. In modern times as then, he was reputed as corrupt and power-hungry, and is more notable for his achievements in secular policy than in the faith. He is not formally recognized today by the Church on account of his sinful and corrupt nature. The Second Interregnum caused by the abolishment and later reestablishment of the patriarchal throne. xviii. High Ecclesiarch Radomir I The only head of the Faith and the Church being called High Ecclesiarch, he was the first of the Ruskan Orthodoxy to reign over the Faith. Born as Franz Joseph Carrion, Radomir was a reformist who aimed to distance the Church from the dark times of Owyn. While he accomplished little in terms of forward progress, he did much to recover the Church from the illegitimate Pontiff who proceeded him. He went missing and was known to have resigned. xix. High Pontiff Lucien II High Pontiff Lucien II reigned as High Pontiff after Radomir. He was the first High Pontiff elected by the Ecclesiastical Synod, the college of Bishops convened to choose a successor to Radomir in the wake of his leave. Lucien II was a Lucienist that sought to expand the Church's presence in Oren. He oversaw the establishment of the Order of St. Lucien and the assimilation of the Teutonic Order into the Church, as well as reviving a tradition of regular mass and fasting in the significant cities. xx. High Pontiff Regulus A relic of Godfrey's era, the imperial traditionalist Regulus was unanimously chosen by the Ecclesiastical Synod to take control of the Faith after the death of Lucien II. During his reign, many doctrines were established and clarified including the replacement of the Divines with the Exalted, a schism was mended before it began, the patron saints were restored, and the word of the Creator was first sent to foreign lands. His station was brought under heavy scrutiny after its lead role in overthrowing the Carrion dynasty and replacing it with the Chivay dynasty. Regulus retired and abdicated his title shortly after Emperor Peter I's coronation. Sects of the Faith Regardless of beliefs and doctrines, all sects are beholden to the Church of the One True Faith. Any significant, schismatic doctrines that may harm the unity of the Church must be quickly dealt with so as to avoid dissidence and fragmentation. All sectarian orders must be subject to the Church, and sects can be abolished by the head of the Faith. Differences in doctrine must be minor and accepted by the Church as constructive as opposed to schismatic, however typically the majority sect controls the Church. Imperial Traditionalism (1372) is the conservative belief in the equality of the divine bloodline and the Church as contemporaries and the prophets of God. It teaches that those acclaimed as divine and the Church must work together as equals to fulfill the work of God. Lucienism (1424) is the belief of the supremacy of the Church over all mortals, including those acclaimed as divine. It was a little-known doctrine that was once particularly popular in the region of Kaedrin, but it has now spread by the influence of the Order of St. Lucien. Ruskan Orthodoxy (1421) is a Raevir cultural practice that does not differ from Imperial Traditionalism in its interpretation of the Church’s supremacy. It does, however, preach that birds are the eyes and servants of God and the Church is the centre of the universe. Ruskan Orthodoxy also maintains that Raevir is its holy tongue, whereas the other sects claim that the ecclesiastical language is Flexio. Ranks of the Clergy High Pontiff The High Pontiff is the absolute, autocratic leader of the Church who fills the papal throne, and fulfills the role of the previous position of High Pontiff. He cannot be de jure affiliated with any one sect. He wears the white of the head of the Church. The High Pontiff is to be addressed as ‘Your Holiness’. Chancellor of the College of Bishops The Chancellor acts as a second-in-command to the Pontiff, assisting him in the managing of the College of Bishops and the writing of bulls. They are chosen among the most senior Bishop/Archbishops. They are head of the College of Bishops. The Chancellor wears red and is to be addressed as ‘Your Eminence’ when the College is called. They normally wear their normal purple bishop robes. (Or red if archbishop.) Archbishop Archbishop is currently the second-highest rank within the Church of the One True Faith. An archbishop manages and is responsible for the worshippers in an archdiocese, an immense tract of land, and is also customarily a metropolitan. Metropolitans are bishops over a major city of the region in question. While both archbishops are technically equal contemporaries, the Archbishop of Renatus holds the informal position of primus inter pares. Archbishops are to be addressed as ‘Your Eminence’. They wear red. Bishop Bishops are vassalized to archbishops, and they maintain dioceses. The Bishop is the basic administrator of the Church. They manage their entire diocese, responsible for picking priests within the diocese. They also are a member of the College of Bishops. They can only be ordained by High Pontiff after the College of Bishops agrees upon the choice. Bishops wear purple and are to be addressed as ‘Your Grace’. Priest Also known as clerics, priests are the backbone of the Church and represent the majority of the Clergy. They preach in settlements, give sermons and morally guide communities, and may take on other professions as long as their loyalty remains chiefly to the Church. They also must serve the parish they were assigned to by the bishop. Serving as holy men, they may be mobilized by their superiors or sent on a variety of different clerical missions by them. A priest can be ordained by any bishop, provided they swear the Oath of Ordination. They are required to wear their uniform at all times, and they wear white. They are to be addressed as ‘Father’. Deacon Deacons are portrayed as novices. They act as the servants of the parish priests and help the parish priest with the parish. Married men can be permanent deacons. They are replacing the term novice and it is the initial step to become a priest within the Church Roster of the Church High Pontiff: Regulus Chancellor: John of Darfey (Non-Denominational) Archdiocese of The East - Archbishop John of Darfey I. Diocese of Greater Abresi - High Pontiff Regulus II. Diocese of the Heartlands - Archbishop John of Darfey (Traditionalist) Archdiocese of The North - High Pontiff Regulus I. Diocese of The Wastes - High Pontiff Regulus II. Diocese of the Steppes - High Pontiff Regulus III. Diocese of Eastcoast - High Pontiff Regulus (Non-Denominational) Archdiocese of the South - High Pontiff Regulus I. Diocese of Valles - High Pontiff Regulus II. Diocese of Susson - Bishop Virosi III. Diocese of Shadowcastle - Archbishop John of Darfey (Orthodox) Archdiocese of the West - High Pontiff Regulus I. Diocese of Kralta - Bishop Iosif II. Diocese of Rosemoor - High Pontiff Regulus (Non-Denominational) Archdiocese of the Outlands - High Pontiff Regulus I. Diocese of North Mali - High Pontiff Regulus II. Diocese of South Mali - High Pontiff Regulus Priests: Valahan Maximilion Yetsil Harold Deacons: Sterling Virosi Oath of Ordination “I swear to be true to the Church, God and his realm, to the Archbishops, and most bindingly to the Head of the Faith, and not to maintain silence about any evil that I may know or have heard or may hear which is being contemplated against the Church, its realms, the clergymen or the Head of the Faith. I swear also not to eat or drink with heretics, apostates or sinners, and not to have anything in common with them. I also swear upon the Creator’s name that I shall be a celibate and not marry. I shall obey the orders of my bishop. On this I kiss the cross.” Patron Saints of the Faith Saints are those recognized by the Church, posthumously, to be worthy of the moniker of a paragon of virtue and piety. The following is a list of patron saints - saints that are patrons of a specific sphere of influence, having emulated such a field in their lifetime. It is important to note, however, that saints are never worshipped, only praised for their deeds on this earth. Patron saints all have symbols, as detailed next to their names. St. Thomas of Gaekrin - White rose Known in life as Thomas Chivay, prince of Kaedrin, Grand Marshall of Oren, and leader. Patron saint of leadership, generals, noble purity, and vassals. St. Lucien of Savoie - Kaedreni cross Former High Pontiff Lucien I who united the Church during the reigns of Godfrey and Horen, who separated Church from state upon the death of the last prophet-emperor, Godfrey. Patron saint of the Church, piety, and family values. St. Hadrian of Leuvaarden - Open book Known in life as Count Hadrian de Sarkozy of Savoie, a learned man, privy seal to Horen V, and effective politician. Patron saint of statesmen, politicians and learning. St. Owyn of Banard - Skull Son of Horen, Owyn I cleansed the Harrenite bloodline and removed his bastard brother from power, establishing the state of Oren and ruling as its first monarch. Patron saint of kings, incorruptibility, racial purity and war. St. Daniel of Al’Khazar - Staff The first King of Al'Khazar, who abdicated to his steward to avoid a civil war. He then traveled around Aegis traveling and preaching the good word of the Creator. Patron saint of peace and travel. St. Godfrey of Horen - Dragon Known in life as the Emperor Godfrey Horen who united humanity under his empire and established the most powerful state in Asulon which continues to this day. He was the last prophet of the Creator who restored the faith, and his laws maintained law in his lands for his whole reign. Patron saint of the Empire, humanity and justice. St. Tobias of Aldersberg - Coins Known in life as Tobias Goldman, a wealthy merchant who achieved fame by his manipulation of the Aldersburg economy. Patron saint of merchants, wealth and benefactors. St. Godwein of Huntshill - Anvil Known in life as Godwein Stafyr the stoic, privy councilor of Oren, who was well-reputed his dedication to his post. Patron saint of the earnest, labourers and diligence. St. Siegmund of Raev - Crow Known in life as Emperor Siegmund Carrion who reunited the fractured states back into the Imperium of Oren after the departure of Horen V. Patron Saint of valor, health, wisdom and civil society. St. Hunwald of Kralta - Pickaxe The miner Hunwald of Kralta who was known in life for his hard work in the mines, emerging each day clothed in the black dust of the earth. Patron saint of the poor, miners and of the land. St. Bogdan of Ruska - Pigeon The Archbishop Bogdanistan who was known in life for the establishment of the Ruskan Orthodoxy, who upon death, ascended to the Seven Skies on the wings of a great flock of pigeons. Patron saint of the strelt, ascension and birds. St. Edmond of Lachsin - Knight on Horseback Known in life as Sir Edmond Brunswick, veteran of many wars who served the empire loyally and demonstrated all the virtues of a good knight and soldier. Patron saint of loyal soldiers, officers, and knights. St. Everard of Al'Khazar - The Red Cross High priest of the Church after Daniel abdicated. The atheist and immoral Kings of Al'Khazar Pompey and Edward waged an unholy crusade against the Church, and it was by the will of Everard that the Church stands still. Patron saint of the persecuted, traditions, the elderly, and priests. Hymns, Creeds and Sayings of the Faithful Hymn of St. Godfrey “God protect the good Saint Godfrey, Sovereign ever good and great, Save, O save him from mischances, In prosperity and state!” May his laurels ever blooming, Be by patriot virtue fed, May his worth the world illumine, And bring back the sheep misled, God preserve our good Saint Godfrey! Sovereign ever good and great.” Hymn of the One True God “I summon today all these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul. God to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me abundance of reward. God with me, God before me, God behind me, God in me, God beneath me, God above me, God on my right, God on my left, God when I lie down, God when I sit down, God when I arise. God in the heart of every man who thinks of me, God in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, God in every eye that sees me, God in every ear that hears me.” Hymn of St. Thomas “O God, St. Thomas, upon you be peace, Our ever-proud souls refuse to be seized, The den of humanity is our sacred home, And the throne of our suns will never go down. The mountains of Oren are towers in height, Which talk with the zenith of the highest skies, A land that is splendid with brilliant sun, Turning to a sky or almost a sky. The flutter of our hopes and the beats of our hearts, Depicted on the flag that united our land, Did we not derive the black from every man's eye, And from ink of martyr's blood wrote to the tall sky? Spirits defiant and past so glorious, And the martyrs' souls are our guardians, St. Thomas protects us with his great shield, So why won't we prosper and why wouldn't we build?” Informal Expressions “Deus Vult!” God wills it. Used as an expression of joy, praise or thankfulness for an event or person that was just mentioned. “Deus Magnus!” God is great. Used as a battle cry or farewell. “Unum Deum Creatorem, et Ecclesia Eius!” There is no god but the Creator, and the Church is his will. Used as a declaration of faith.

((When a Kingdom aims to conquer or rule over others, it becomes an empire. Over the last 6 months, the Grand Kingdom of Urguan has ruled over the Kingdoms of Adunia, Savoie, Ruska, Oren, Galahar, and the Ironsail Republic. The Grand "Kingdom" of Urguan has taken more imperialistic action than the Holy Oren Empire ever had, and this trend has continued to the modern day with the recent attempt on Oren and her allies, although with markedly less dwarven success. The removal of "Grand" is necessary both to humble in reflection of recent actions, and to end an era of unhealthy dwarven imperialism which has led to a world war on your race. If you cannot humble yourselves and take penitence for your actions, perhaps we have sought peace too soon.))

The Archbishop Castus stands resolute on the high cliffs of Abresi, overlooking the harsh waves battering against the rocky shoreline. He had heard the bells ring from the watchtower in Valtheim, and he had come. He rests his weight on his hard oaken staff, the iron Kaedrini cross topping it catching the early morning light. His purple and white robes ripple in the deafening sea-winds and his gaze is fixed ahead. The Archbishop watches as the fleet is seen breaking the mist in the distance, and a rare half-grin graces his stone-carved features. "Deus Magnus"

A messenger boy arrives at Castus's residence amidst the ominously harsh weather, calling the synod to deliberate upon the selection of the next Pontiff. Castus' face is cast in stone as he hears of the grave news. He makes the sign of the lorraine cross over his chest, mounts atop his mule, and makes quick travel to meet with his fellow clergymen. The function of the Church must not suffer at the hands of death. The Creator willed the High Pontiff's passing, and the Creator shall imbue his successor with the constitution to manage the Faith.

Castus smiles as the he hears of the news, and whispers, "Deus Magnus." ((Quality bull +1))

Castus frowns , "The condemnation of a church leader is a most serious proposition. This being said, the character of St. Owyn is in question. This places us in a most difficult position in the eyes of the flock, for to canonize a man is to claim that he is in favor in the eyes of the Creator, and to recognize him as a most pure and irreproachable soul. I would motion that we put this to a vote of the bishops to determine how to deal with the legacy of St. Owyn of Ruska. The legitimacy of the Church is in question."

The Archbishop's Notary Seal has been pressed into a dripping of wax at the bottom of the document.

"Blasphemous cretins..."

Castus nods, "I second the motion. The style of 'Holy' must be preserved as a legitimate honor bestowed only by the Creator through the Church, and not by the misguided man."

Archbishop Castus will speak with this so-called "holy order" to discover if they truly follow the Church of the True Faith.

The Archbishop Castus II wonders what a tiger is, and where he could find such a thing.

Castus nods, having just conducted a marriage ceremony.

Hail Queen of Festina, she will bring us many "Fade to Blackpowder"s.

((It was officiated, blessed, and handled by myself. The marriage is now recognized and completed, and ceremonies concluded.

Castus nods sourly, leaning towards Bishop John to speak, "It is a small wonder that people are unable to do any good for this world without creating for themselves these titles of grandeur and majesty. Why do we nations subject ourselves beneath a silly elf? This is demeaning."

The Archbishop Castus gestures for his scribe to take down notes of what Bishop John says, and then instructs him to make several edits. Castus then motions for the notes, and begins speaking, "I am concerned that requiring unanimous vote will result in much corruption and coercion by future clergy. For legal consistency, sustained virtue, and efficiency of function, I would suggest the amendment of the suggested canon laws in this manner, Can. #. The reestablishment of the College of Bishops retaining the following powers. §1 The College of Bishops has the power to veto any decision made by the High Ecclesiarch if they are within a single vote of unanimity. §2 The College of Bishops has the power to elect a High Ecclesiarch. §3 The College of Bishops has the power to revoke the title of High Ecclesiarch if they see him unfit in the eyes of the Creator and are within a single vote of unanimity. §4 Only the College of Bishops has the vested power to change existing, or write new Canon law. Can. #. The High Ecclesiarch, cannot revoke the titles of Archbishops or Bishops without the approval of a significant majority of the College of Bishops, herein noted to be exceeding a proportion of 7 of 10. Can. #. The High Eccelsiarch, cannot appoint Archbishops or Bishops without there being approval of a simple majority of the College of Bishops. Can. #. The High Eccelsiarch, cannot change canon law without there being approval within a single vote of unanimity within the College of Bishops. Can. #. The High Eccelsiarch can revoke, and appoint prelates and exarchs as he sees fit from existing clergymen. Castus looks up from the amended notes, "As you've heard, my suggested changes are primarily in regards to voting majorities necessary. I motion that we not require unanimous vote, as this will only slow ecclesiastic proceedings and create an opportunity for puppet clergy to be pushed to halt proceedings. A single vote from unanimity provides a similar breadth of approval, without the absolutism that will lead us to inefficiency. Similarly, I have made slight changes to the wording, which I feel will benefit the apprehension of the laws by ordinaries and future synods which must interpret them."

The Archbishop Castus II takes heed of the Bishop John's glance, and raises himself slowly from his chair at the head of his halls, holding the sides of his flowing robes in hand. He takes three careful steps as he descends from his elevated seat, and with a deliberate pace the hunched scholar moves infront of the High Ecclesiarch-elect. Castus's beady black eyes stare intently into the pontiff's eyes, searching them as if to assure himself of his choice. He sets his jaw in a slight movement, as if in affirmation, and bends slowly to place a knee on the ground. He takes the hand extended towards him by the head of the church, and leans down to press his lips against the cold metal of the ancient church heirloom. His head lowers to look to the floor in acceptance of the High Ecclesiarch-elect supremacy, and the archbishop gestures towards the elevated chair he had just stood from, and goes to take the pontiff's seat in the lower chamber.

Castus relaxes back into his chair, his mouth stretching into a quivering smile. He gestures a hand to the new High Ecclesiarch and brings his hands together in a light applause.

Castus nods in relief, glances between the two men, pauses for but a moment, and casts the final ballot.

The Archbishop Castus II nods as he hears the results, and writes a single word on a new ballot.

Castus sighs, "I did not ask for his judgement, simply for his counsel. I'm sure you'd agree that his opinion is a valued one within the synod."

Castus nods simply, "If it is so. Let us hear Bishop John's counsel on the matter, brother."

Castus nods, "Yes, yes. He would make a selection, then leaving 3 candidates instead of 4. The losing candidate would make his selection, and the one with the least votes is too removed from the running, then limiting the number to 2 candidates which the remaining senior clergy would decide between. Of course, that all ends up somewhat drawn out. In a situation like this, decisions need be made. Perhaps a specific electorate could be created, but how would we filter admissions of individuals into this group?" The Archbishop takes pause to consider, then turns to address Bishop John, "Your grace, how do you think we should proceed in such a matter? You posses a time-honed sagacity, and are well versed in these matters, your counsel would be most valuable."

The Archbishop raises an eyebrow, thinking that a logical solution can still be implemented, "It would be most reasonable to do as Bishop John suggested to me in private counsel. With only the senior church officials, eliminate one candidate each round of voting whose vote count is the lowest, until two remain." Castus glances around at the sudden appearance of clergy that no one had ever seen before, and gives a small sigh. The ecclesiastic scratches several quick letters on a piece of paper, and slides it to one of his laymen to bring to the scribe. As Castus hears this, he gives a light chuckle, "To be both a Prince-Bishop, and a Duke, you must somehow hold two conflicting and binding oaths of fealty to the Church and to the Kingdom of Oren. This cannot be so, the Creator frowns greatly upon dishonesty and oath breakers, as I'm sure a royal with many names like yourself must know." Adjusting himself in his chair, Castus turns to the other Archbishop in the room, and shrugs, "There is no need for an electoral college if we simply limit the election to the senior clergy."