Balthasar

To Roland, @Josgrumlir To Helane Temesch, @fugaces

Adrian Cardinal Albarosa having fallen asleep during the initial conclave finally awoke and slipped his sealed piece of paper into the voting box

To the good Acolyte Goderyc, @Gambit

Skin: Black Lung Discord: Balthy#6909 Bid: 37$

Skin: Black Lung Discord: Balthy#6909 Bid: 32$ Skin: Devilish Purple Discord: Balthy#6909 Bid: 23$

Skin: Devilish Purple Discord: Balthy#6909 Bid: 15$ & Skin: I’m a Survivor, Black Lung Bid: 10$

I want to reserve a commission!

Skin I'm Bidding on: Blue-Pilled Bid: $25

DISCORD NAME: Balthy#6909 SKIN IM BIDDING ON: Blue-Pilled MY BID: $15

PEACE AND BLESSINGS PRIESTS MANUAL TO TEACHING ACOLYTES 12th of Sigismund’s End, 1870 | 10th of Jula and Piov 423 E.S. By dictation of His Eminence, Cardinal Adrian de Sarkozy Scribed by Brothers Jan Pieter Schanserd & Hugo Neri PREFACE Having been raised to the role of Prelate of the Clergy in the year of our Lord 1866, I have noted a lack of documents meant to properly train our new acolytes. As Prelate, I wish to leave something useful for the Holy Mother Church. This document shall serve as the official curriculum for teacher-priests. It is disappointing that the majority of acolytes are left to learn on their own and I believe a major part is due to the teacher not knowing what to do with their acolyte. This document is expected to receive additional volumes as time passes and the kinks may be ironed out. It is my hope that the rest of my brothers will find my work useful and that in the future my successor continue the work of teaching. MINOR & GREATER ORDERS The first step for every man and woman in the Church is as an acolyte. Acolytes mainly assist the celebrant in the ceremonial duties, such as reciting a prayer in common, lighting candles, handing over sacramental objects etc. But most importantly, the acolyte is there to learn. Before even receiving the first minor order, they have most likely already decided their path. These paths involve becoming a; monk, nun or priest, (acolytes are called postulant or novitiate for monastics). All acolytes are tonsured, where a few tufts of hair are cut in the sight of a cross or a small shaved spot on the back head, the size of a coin. Monastic tonsure is when the entire head is shaven and a ring of hair is kept. The second minor order is granted to those of mature age, but have discerned not to have a calling for the priesthood and on their own will be ordained subdeacons for their commitment, investment and virtue as an award for their service, provided that they are married already, unmarried or do not intend to marry. The uniforms of both minor orders are normally that of a black robe, symbolizing the suppression of their will, desires and tastes; it is their show of obedience to God and the Church. The Greater order is that of full deacon, priest and bishop. Deacons are those most commonly making the transition from acolyte to priest, however, permanent deacons are possible. They enjoy the authority to perform funerary rites, baptism and give blessings. Otherwise, the deacon assists the priest as their concelebrant, often receiving extra work from their diocesan bishop, such as cleaning, and performing charity. Deacons are styled as “Deacon” not “Father” as priests are. Priests have completed their theological studies and their deaconship, they have been deemed fit for clerical duties. Ordained priests have the authority to celebrate all sacraments and services except for ordination, which is reserved for their superior. The final greater order is that of bishop. Bishops are consecrated, where at least three bishops come together to raise the priest to bishop. It can be either a private or public ceremony. The ceremony consists of much prayer and the taking of oaths. It is not much different from the priestly ordination it, however, entrusts more duties and authority to the bishop. HIERARCHY The Church hierarchy from first glance might seem a little complicated, but it is fairly simple. The two side ‘orders’ which are the Order of St. Nicholas and the monastics are placed roughly equivalent to their mainline church counterparts. They can’t truly be compared equally, for all their duties are different and unique. A priest's job is different from the monk and the knight. Despite this, a rough chart, which simplifies the hierarchy, has been made. As mentioned before it placed the side roles in roughly equal authority and respect. Diocesan bishops may appoint a vicar, which one might consider the voice of the bishop, should they be absent. CONDUCTING ONESELF Many inducted into the priesthood have been educated for many years and are well versed academically. Yet as representatives of the Church all ecclesiastical members of the Church must behave themselves properly. Men and women of faith should strive to live by the Seven Virtues, you must display; faith, charity, temperance, diligence, patience, fidelity and humility. While the Church does not dictate what company you keep and where you spend your free time, it does however remind you that your actions have consequences and as representatives, your actions reflect upon the Church, be they good or bad, usually the bad reflects more than the good. When approaching a controversial situation or event, the Church highly recommends taking a more neutral stance and sticking to the Church teachings and doctrines. It is important that you remain impartial, you must consider both sides equally before committing to one. As a priest, you must be capable of coming to the best solution for both parties when possible. HOLY SCROLLS The most important knowledge and weapon for a priest are the four Holy Scrolls, each Scroll given by God to His chosen prophets; the Exalted. They are Horen, Owyn, Godfrey, and Sigismund. They were given in the same order. For anyone to advance within the Church, reading the Scrolls is a must. Priests must be able to defend their faith with words and know what to cite and where it can be found. When faced with an atheist or heretic you, the priest, must be able to prove their beliefs wrong and yours right. In the same way we see their misguided beliefs as strange, they may often see us in the same light. It is recommended to read the Scrolls once the information contained within becomes dim, leaving you the priest defenceless! Once a month, once a year or every day. It matters not, as long as your wits are kept sharp. The Holy Scrolls, as previously mentioned, are four in number and make up the laws, teachings and history of Canonism. Allow me to cite High Pontiff James II as his explanation is well written and brief; Exalted Horen received the Scroll of Virtue at the dawn of time. It contains seven canticles enumerating virtuous living, with seven commandments, sometimes called the Septalogue. Exalted Owyn received the Scroll of Spirit during his time as seneschal to King Harren. It contains seven epistles, addressed respectively to the Harrenites, the Godwinites, the Jorenites, the Elves, the Dwarves, the Orcs, and the Magi. Each epistle addresses one of the facets of GOD’s divine nature by admonishing the intended recipient. Exalted Godfrey received the Scroll of Gospel in a dialog with GOD. It contains seven books, each describing a chapter in mankind’s history, with the last predicting the arrival of the final Exalted. Exalted Sigismund received the Scroll of Auspice while gazing into the face of GOD. It records three visions, describing the beginning, middle, and end of the final days of the world. Many recommend that newly inducted Canonists begin with reading the Scroll of Gospel, which contains ancient Human history. Alternatively one may begin with reading the Gospel and then begin reading the other scrolls as they are mentioned. There is however no consequence to reading them from top to bottom. SACRAMENTS Sacraments are ceremonies or rituals that are highly regarded in the Church. It imparts a spiritual mark upon whatever or whomever they are performed upon. Each sacrament is important. Baptism inducts a person into the Church as a believer, penance offers mercy to a sinner and ordination raises a man to a clergyman, etc. Sacraments were divinely instituted by God through His servants; Tesion baptized Horen, Owyn ordained Evaristus and Clement etc. It is through sacraments we join his Church and are allowed by God to join him in the Seven Skies and share in eternal life. These five sacraments are the most common; Rite of Ablution; This sacrament exists in two, one for baptism and one for confession - The first is administered to a penitent, inducting them into the faithful and saving them from eternal. It may be used on babies, teens and adults. While the actions and words vary from priest and rite, it is most common to pour holy water upon the head with a silver horn, like Tesion to Horen in the Grotto of Gamesh. Baptising and absolving them of sin - The Second is confession which is only to be administered to a penitent after confession and the terms of penance are delivered. Once done, the sins of the penitent are absolved by God, the priest acting as the intermediary. Rite of Consecration; Once more this sacrament exists in two. One for the consecration of sacred places and the other for the blessings of holy water - The blessings of water are fairly simple. One petitions God to purify the waters, so the faithful may cleanse themselves. Often a silver horn or a holy icon are used in this ritual. The silver horn plays an important role in these types of rites - When performing a consecration of a place, one harkens back to the time of Exalted Horen, when those without Virtue found themselves unable to enter Exalted Horen and Saint Julia’s tabernacle. The rite should elaborate on how the Church and its temples are a haven for the faithful against the iniquitous. The rite specifically makes a place an official place of worship for the faithful. Rite of Matrimony; Said to be the holiest of sacraments because God himself has instituted the sacrament when he gave unto Ex. Horen St. Julia. While relationships grow and wane over time, the act of Holy Union binds the two together forever. The husband and wife swear in front of everyone and God to remain faithful to each other and God. Rite of Ordination; Performed upon acolytes by at least a bishop, and witnessed by another clergyman. It raises the acolyte to priest and empowers them to celebrate all sacraments, excluding that of ordination. It inducts the acolyte into the ancient Priesthood of Owyn, imitating how Owyn ordained Evaristus and Clement. There are two other services; funeral and mass, which have not been named above. At funerals, we come together to remember the deceased and to cherish the memories they’ve imparted to us and to see the deceased properly laid to rest beneath the ground. The second is mass which is where a priest will read from the scrolls and give a sermon. How they are celebrated varies wildly from both priest and rite. Some may be long and ceremonial yet others might be short and to the point. Whatever the case, the point of mass is to teach your parish. There exist other rites with different services, but those mentioned above are the most common ones and the most common methods of celebrating them. They may also over time become out of date and be replaced by newer variants. VENERABLE, BLESSED AND SAINTS Certain individuals are elevated to a higher position in the Seven Skies for their service to the Church and GOD, and the miracles they perform. Venerable individuals are those who assuredly attained a place somewhere in the Seven Skies. A blessed person has been deceased for at least five years and attained a place in at least the Fourth Sky, they have lived a virtuous life. A sainted individual has performed at least two confirmed miracles and lived an exceptionally virtuous life and attained a place in the Fifth Sky. These individuals are automatically received in the proper Sky, the Church does not dictate who belongs in which Sky. When the Church declares a deceased venerable, blessed or sainted through proper investigation they have merely revealed themselves to us from the Seven Skies and thus been declared legitimate in the eyes of Canonism. Faithful do not worship these hallowed dead. We may pray to them and have them intercede on our behalf. We may pray for them for help, to help others or to pray for God’s assistance. They are verified to have performed miracles, who says they will not do so again? CANON LAW Since time immemorial, rules have existed. God laid out his rules plainly for Iblees to see and the Deceiver broke those rules and when he was offered repentance, and it was denied, Iblees was cast into the Void as punishment. In this fashion, the Church has laid out its laws and in similar imitations, the Mother Church offers repentance and punishments through the Tribunal. The laws of the Mother Church are eight books with several chapters and titles each. The laws range from the mundane to the advanced. The laws of the Church are often overlooked, but they are important as they bring morality and order to the world. These laws are laid out with the blessing of venerable centuries. Through the devoted efforts of the High Priests and High Pontiffs, the priesthood, and the laymen, this reliquary has grown, documenting our triumphs and our defeats, and providing the wisdom of ages to its inheritors. All clergymen of the Mother Church are bound by law, same as any other baptized into the Church. Not only this but they are bound in duty to teach all Canonist folk of the Canon Laws and their importance. Thus, it is incredibly important that not only Priests but also Sisters and Brothers of the Church monastic know every rule that dictates the Canon Law. The Canon Law is written and set out in the combined efforts of the High Pontiff and the Auditor of the Tribunal, wherein they receive aid from the respective Inquisitorial and Adversarial Judges of the Tribunal itself. The Tribunal stands by the motto of Dura Lex Sed Lex; the Law is harsh, but it is the Law. The Tribunal represents the very scales of balance of the Holy Mother Church, and enact words and actions of justice throughout all the realms encompassing their pious judgement. The Canon Laws can be found most commonly in their book form, as the Codex Iurius Canonici Danielus Pontifex, Second Edition. Sources: The Holy Scrolls, Codex of Ecclesiastical Laws of The Church of The Canon, A Priests Service Book, The Catechism of the Canonist Church, Dogma and Principles of the Canonist Church,

To Cyrus Theodoros, @MCVDK

To my Acolyte Anna, @amyselia

My country is one of the biggest fish exporters, in my professional opinion, it's salmon

To the ardent Acolyte Maya, @zuziee Your writings on how one is to practice temperance are uplifting. I see that there is not much for your teachers to teach you. Your thesis is ideal, you raise a question and answer it. Judging from your writings you understand the Holy Scrolls well enough. I hereby approve your thesis. Please find a superior clergyman, so you may be ordained and truly begin your journey in the Mother Church. May His Light guide your path, Prelate Adrian Helen de Sarkozy Cardinal Albarosa

To the Good Lady de Bar, @ShannonLeigh To the Imperial Princess Anna Ulyssa, @amyselia

PEACE AND BLESSINGS SERVING GOD 9th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1867 | 7th of Vzmey and Hyff 420 ES By imprimatur of His Holiness, Tylos II By dictation of His Eminence, Cardinal Adrian Helen de Sarkozy Scribed by brothers Jan Pieter Schanserd & Hugo Neri The Church of the Canon is tasked with spreading the word of the almighty Creator; God. The structure of the Church is not so simple, there exist many organizations and roles laymen and ordained priests may take. The Church will find the best-suited role for your talents and knowledge. To commit body, mind and soul entirely to God and forsaking one's earthly desires is the greatest of paths a man can take. To forsake your earthly desires and live a simple life of servitude to God is to embody selflessness and humility. Again, there are so many ways to join the Church and assist in its mission of peace, mercy, charity and love across the Continent. From farmer to prince, no man is exempt from true service to God. CLERGY The clergy is one of the most common ways to join the church, but it is also one of the more difficult. Potential priests must first undergo training as an acolyte and then prepare and release a thesis, displaying their knowledge of the Scrolls. Help is offered to those acolytes requesting it. Priests can be both men and women. Deacon is a role for those wishing to serve in the clergy, but who are unable to fully devote themselves to the Church due to their secular profession. Deacons assist the priests but are unable to perform sacraments without the blessing of their superior unless they become ordained. This is a perfect role for those wishing to assist the Church, but not entirely devote themselves to it. Ordained priests are assigned to a diocese where they are entrusted to teach and guide the local parish. Particularly exemplary priests may be promoted to the position of bishop, archbishop or even cardinal. Each role is respectively higher in the Church hierarchy. A bishop manages a diocese and an archbishop manages several, including other bishops. A cardinal is a priest who serves on the College of Cardinals, who elect the High Pontiff. Cardinals are not required to be bishops, but they are usually respected individuals, known well throughout the realms. The High Pontiff also selects amongst the Clergy and other noted individuals a group of advisors, known as the Curia. MONASTIC Taking on the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and stability is what the monastic monks and nuns of the Church do. Both perform similar duties. Traditionally, nuns manage poorhouses, orphanages and clinics in the name of the Church. The monk's traditional directive is the theological study of the Scrolls, along with writing theses and missives. However, the spreading of His love and charity is not barred to them. Monks usually wander from parish to parish in a constant state of pilgrimage, praying and resting at wayshrines and churches as they come. However, abbeys and priories have often been formed, as a community for monks and nuns. Do not let tradition hold you back. If a sister wishes to join a priory and study the Scrolls, the Church will not stop her and if a monk forms a hospice, he will be allowed to do so. Both orders may be ordained, to perform sacraments for their own closed communities. MILITANT Those more martially inclined will always find work in the Church. The Church of the Canon is one of peace and mercy, but there are always those in the world who do not share those beliefs. Since the founding of the faith, men have raised their swords in God’s name, purifying the impure and protecting the Exalted and Divine. The Supreme Order of Exalted Owyn currently serves as the armed militant wing of the Church. Missions that the Order carries out include expeditions, the hunting of heretics, the safeguarding of the clergy and its missionaries, the escorting of pilgrims to holy sites, and charitable work. LAITY A layman is a person who has not taken any oaths to the Church. The Church will always welcome laymen who seek to serve the Church. The layman can take certain vows or oaths in service to the Church, without being bound to the clerical or knightly commandments. They may also offer their assistance in a voluntary or temporary capacity. Laity will often find work as laborers, offering their skills and knowledge of their trade to the Church. For example, those skilled in medicine will easily find work with the nuns and their clinics, others might find honest work with grazing animals or wineries that the Church operates. Even those without any schooling will find good work, perhaps as groundskeepers, maintaining the churches and cemeteries of their assigned parish. APPLICATION IN-CHARACTER Name: Age: Race: Service: (nun, monk, priest, militant, etc.) Where do you wish to serve?: OUT-OF-CHARACTER Username: Discord:

Cardinal Adrian was confident that Vuillermoz was adherent to the scripture. However the Cardinal would be thrilled to visit the Viscounty

PEACE AND BLESSINGS SURVEYING ALBAROSA 16th of Horen’s Calling, 1864 By dictation of His Eminence, Cardinal Adrian de Sarkozy Scribed by Brothers Jan Pieter Schanserd & Hugo Neri PREFACE Upon replacing the former Cardinal Francis, God bless his soul. His Holiness, the High Pontiff saw fit to entrust young me, with the task of surveying the archdiocese of Albarosa. Specifically to note the Virtuous presence, in the Archdiocese. I intended to send this report to the Curia, for them to see only, but after deliberation, I have decided to release this report for all to see. Come join me on a tour of the borders of the Orenian Empire! RIVIA My compatriots and I left New Providence. Immediately after crossing the bridge away from the Capital, we took a right, heading west. We travelled on horseback on the Imperial Highway, which was paved in stone and maintained here and there with patches of gravel. We passed by a few ranches and finally crossed another bridge. Taking a right again we would enter the domain of house Antler. The Antlers have a sizeable estate to their name. The Brascan bridge lies by the estate, leading travellers north back to the Capital. Finally arriving in the Viscounty. We encountered a large fortress, nestled upon a hill. We were denied entry, however, the hamlet below was not. In the village three houses with long towers flanking the hamlet from all around, no chapel or shrine exists in the village. Having been denied entry to the castle I cannot comment further on it. After sending a letter to the Viscount, I received a well-written letter in response from his son. My mind has since been put at ease, I hope I have put theirs to some ease as well, in my reply where I answered his questions. REDENFORD Returning to the Imperial highway, we left Rivia behind us and passed Darkwood manor, which belongs to house Darkwood, the manor itself is a reminder of the colonial style from the reign of Philip II and prior. Going past the manor we encountered fields of wheat belonging to the massive Cheval Hall. The castle itself belongs to the ducal house Helvets. From past proclamations, I believe both Darkwood and Helvets have personal shrines within their estates. If they have been torn down or not, I cannot be certain. Letters have been dispatched to both houses, I have received nothing in reply. Upon arriving at Redenford, we found a city flattened to the ground and replaced with carriages and horses. Only the city hall and scattered estates remain, which were sold by the city, they are most likely abandoned. I have no ledgers, but I cannot imagine the common man would live in such conditions. All records indicate that Redenford exists and thrives, but alas physical proof says otherwise. ALDERSBERG I had dismissed my retinue in Redenford, I would make the last visits alone. I arrived late in Aldersberg. There I was greeted by the Count Edward and his betrothed wife Anna of Sunholdt. They gave me a tour around their home and showed me their shrine to Saint Tobias. After the tour, I was given a good meal and we had a brief talk about the future of the Church in Oren. A good and virtuous man and woman. OLD SEDAN After my dinner with the good people of Aldersberg, I decided to go further west, alone. I passed by the Asor estate, intending to visit, only something else on the opposite site piqued my interest. Pillars of stone, tipped with fire rose from the mountain, I climbed the mountain only to find myself at the Temple of Khamer’Parbat. Had it not been for the man beneath the temple explaining his theories that Owyn was a samurai (I do not know what a samurai is), and that Saint Julia was a dark elf, I concluded that this temple was one belonging to the Owynists. They have their odd scriptural differences, but they are good, virtuous men. I must confess, I would have damned the temple as heretical, were it not for the good preacher below. I returned to the surface and rested until dawn and returned to the Arentanian highway. Encountering a crossroads. I went south towards old Sedan. The ruins of Sedan were still there untouched. Opposite the ruins, a palisade had been erected. A sign named it Guardian’s Rest. With no other soul present and the gates wide open, I entered. Grazing animals roamed inside, tents and wooden shelters were sparse and two things piqued my interest. A white working table with runes inscribed upon them. Towards the end of the fort, stands a long obelisk, flanked by other floating obelisks. It can only be sorcery. Even as I write this there was a sense of calm about it. I will have to return with more learned clergymen. HALSTAIG Satisfied with my investigations in the fortress and Sedan, I retraced my steps back to the crossroads and began on my journey to Halstaig. The lands before entering the Grenz are flat and excellent for grazing. I am surprised no village or outpost has been raised in the area. When I encountered the county I was met by a sign, welcoming me to the estate. I knocked and shouted, to see if any were at the estate, it appears most estates are empty this time of year. The estate itself is reminiscent of the colonial-style, white stones are the majority, but yellow and green stones were laid all around the centre of the estate as if it were a protective border. I’ve sent a letter to the Countess, but again I have received nothing back. NEW ESBEC I had planned to skip Esbec, as it is no longer a town. I had heard rumours of it being cleared and being built anew by the Mercatorii. I visited when I first heard of these rumours years ago, only to find they were true, the Mercatorii were indeed clearing and rebuilding it. But as I entered Esbec from its rear, it seemed abandoned again. Dead animals had been slaughtered and old signs warning the random visitor of work being performed. Two gatehouses had been built and a few houses on the outskirts of town, but construction has halted. No one has been in Esbec for some time. ARICHSDORF I dared not show my Canonist face in the city that has essentially replaced Esbec. Their people are good and hard workers, even if misguided in faith. Their lord, Baron Manfred is no friend of Canonism and he wears that badge with pride. He has threatened and harmed clergymen from both sides of the war. Forgive me for this diversion, but when I was an acolyte and travelling between Karosgrad for my clerical studies and to Providence to visit my family. It was outside Providence I first encountered the Baron. He saw my vestments and raised his loaded crossbow at me, a thirteen-year-old boy, at the time. He demanded to know if I were of Haense or Oren. I told him the truth and he released me. I have no doubt he would have killed me if I were from Haense. It is not right for men and women of faith to fear for their lives like that. I believe clergy to be ‘above’ nationalities, clergy are persons of faith, not warriors or spies for the enemy! DOBROV After visiting Arichsdorf, I ventured towards Dobrov. On the road to Dobrov, I encountered a monastery. I neither saw nor met any people. The monastery is not one belonging to the Mother Church, we have no information about it. The doors were unlocked, which is excellent news. It permits pilgrims and travellers to rest and pray. The monastery is square, with an opening in the centre, allowing a large tree to grow there. A strange building as there were no sleeping quarters, no place to eat or prepare food. Outside there were trapdoors, which can only lead underground. Content with my findings I continued onwards. I intend to return another time with more clergy, so together we might discover the truth. My horse began to tire and I decided to go speak with the owners of the Gendik-Komnenos farmhouse, to allow my horse to drink and rest. What I found was horrible. The house was burned to the ground, at first I thought raiders from Haense had committed this act, how wrong I was. I would dig no further, were it only that! At the entrance to the house was a pentacle drawn in blood and brimstone. The blood was not human, it stank of evil. This most of all I must return to another time. Finally nearing Dobrov. I encountered an acquaintance on the road, warning me of the place, he jested to me that Dobrov was nothing but a crater. I initially agreed, but when I arrived in Dobrov I was proven pleasantly wrong. The crater which eradicated the beautiful Ostromir fortress had healed well. A lake had formed, trees had grown and the fauna thrived with life. Again to my surprise I even met living Descendant beings! I greeted them but moved along as their conversation was rather tense. I am glad that the condition of Dobrov has improved, but there is still something bothering me about the region, it’s as if there’s something at the corner of my eye, but when I turn there is nothing to be seen. I have penned Count Fyodor a letter. My letter remains unanswered. Dear reader, it appears you have read through my public report to the Curia. The goal of this public report is so the Empire may see firsthand that the Church of the Canon has not abandoned Oren. The clergy in Oren are proud of their Imperial heritage and we all truly want to improve relations. It is like the Viscount Rivia’s son said to me, “The reign of Everard VI has left a rotten taste in the Orenian mouths”. I agree with his statement. But Everard VI has passed to the Seven Skies and Tylos II has assumed the Holy Office. The Mother Church holds no enmity towards Oren any longer. To conclude, I believe I misunderstood the state of the Canon in Oren. The common man and noble have no qualms with the Church and seem to be glad to have new clergy, together we can change the state of the faith and begin our repairs. Forgiveness and honesty is the way. God bless Oren

Father Adrian had barged into Cardinal Francis' office earlier the same day, he brought important news, only to learn from the elderly housekeeper that the Cardinal was deathly ill. The news had to wait. Having made his way to the hospital, it was already too late. The Cardinal had passed to the Seven Heavens. Adrian had not known Francis well at all, only making his acquaintance when he was transferred to Providentia. Nonetheless, Francis was a good and virtuous man. Adrian paid his respects.

PEACE AND BLESSINGS ACOLYTE’S THESIS ON MASS 10th of Horen’s Calling, 1861 The Basilica of Bl. George of Leuvaarden Mass is when we, the faithful, are called together to worship God in community. The main objective in mass is to connect with the audience and inspire them through His word, so sermons may differ from priest to priest. Oftentimes priests will take inspiration from recent events and sometimes they take inspiration from the Exalted or even the Lives of the Saints. As long as the One’s Virtue is spread. I like to think that mass is also a very good opportunity for other lay-people to make acquaintances and connect socially, if not through faith. As much as it is an opportunity for the laity, it is equally a chance for the priesthood to form a bond. The priest is there to help his flock and guide them in the direction the Canon requests of us. I have explored the Canonist nations of this world and have found many of its citizen’s knowledge of the Canon lacking. I took the initiative before proceeding to write my thesis to interview the common people. It appears either people have only an idea of what mass is, having never attended it or they know what it is, but blank out because the celebrant’s sermon is simply too long and dry! I do not doubt that the intentions of the Celebrant are good, but in their desire to teach their intentions become misinterpreted or not interpreted at all. I cannot in my humble station demand a priest to change their way of life, when what they do is not wrong. I believe there are remedies we may be able to perform, to lessen the strain on both parties. Again, I do not demand all priests to adjust to my proposal, but I believe it is for the better if the Priesthood shorten their sermon, cutting off some fat and getting to the heart of the sermon, the teaching part. Rather than recite an entire book from one of the scrolls, the priest might want to consider a story that in principle teaches the same as the book does. Another problem we face is that the laity considers themselves as nothing more than dummies, they sit through mass without saying more than “amen”. Priests must interact with their parish, form relationships and make them feel like they belong with the Mother Church. Coming to Church for any type of sacraments is a chance for others of Virtue to come and bond. I feel there must be new reasons for the parish to come to Church, other than a wedding, a death or baptism. Something separate from a sacrament. Signed, Acolyte Adrian Helen de Sarkozy

This really cool. If you had some male variants, I could see myself buying a skin or two!

PEACE AND BLESSINGS REBUILDING THE ABBEY 23rd of Godfrey’s Triumph, 2A44 The Abbey of St. Catherine It has been nearly a decade since I was given my Knightly Quest, to slay a troll which roamed the Orenian countryside, for some reason it had roamed too close to the Abbey of Saint Catherine. The Order of Exalted Owyn was summoned immediately to slay this creature, they did so successfully. This was not the end of the trolls, as one more was tracked back east to the farms. Tracking it was no issue, there was blood, carcasses and huge footprints leading to its lair. Three squires were given their trials. Venture out to slay the troll and return as Knights. Being one of the squires, I know this fight was brutal, it broke us all physically and we bear the scars of our quest to this very day. We returned to the Abbey and were treated by the nuns and returned to our duties after healing completely. As soldiers and knights, we often forget the aftermath of our missions. Entire buildings have been completely destroyed, families separated, livestock and tools in shambles. We do not think of this, we just continue on our merry way thinking all is well. It is not well, for even to this day the Abbey of Saint Catherine is still scarred, it still bears the aftermath. In two Saint’s Days I will be returning to the Abbey and rebuilding what was broken. Materials, tools and food will be provided for the Faithful that wish to volunteer a day’s worth of labour. Signed, Holy Ser Albanus Cuptor

PEACE AND BLESSINGS ON HUMAN UNITY 11th of the Grand Harvest, 2A35 A rendition of the Order of Exalted Owyn’s new fortress in Dobrov. It was Horen who was raised into the seventh sky and made a covenant with God. Horen’s kind, also known as Humanity is by divine right instructed to spread the word of the Canon to the other descendant races, because they have found other idols of worship, this is true even today. It was because of Horen’s steadfast faith that this is so. This is why and how Humankind is believed to be the chosen race. It wasn’t until Exalted Godfrey Horen, that Human unification became a major Human ideal. He united Seventis, Salvus, Hanseti and Renatus, offering all Human states a choice, vassalize under him peacefully or be conquered. While Exalted Godfrey was most assuredly a man who lived by the sword, he is also a man of great virtue - restoring the Church in Oren. While rulers have had unification in mind. Their justifications, good and bad, virtuous and not. We will be moving on to other more common and understandable reasons for unification, and considerably less secular. One prime example is the Westerlands, formed by the Company of the Westerlands, headed by Leopold Horen, who had been relieved of their vows to the Orenian Empire. They formed their home in the boreal forests in west Tahn. Rather than bicker with other states, the now Kingdom of the Westerlands sought to destroy the undead scourge which had manifested in the frozen wastes. They had allied themselves with the Humans of Lorraine and Haria. But they also received much help from non-Humans, such as the High Elves and Dwarves. Considering it was an Owynist nation, this was a good thing. The Westerlands remained neutral in secular affairs. King Leopold wished to join the fight against Courland, but it was unanimous, the rest of the state did not wish to join, it had other more important matters to tend to - So he resigned and took men and went on a crusade, never to be seen again. Caius, his son, took the reins and dedicated his energy to fighting back the undead, the fight went well. He was a benevolent and youthful king, one good to his people. It seemed the Westerlands would win this war against the dead, but with a wounded and ill king, things began to turn against them. Men had died, the military was unorganized and factions began forming within the Aulic Council. When the West needed help none came until it was much too late. Bastion fell and Caius disappeared. The dead had won the siege of Bastion. Whatever civilian population remained fled or was cut down to be raised as undead minions. The region would be re-settled by a small Adunian population, with the same goal as the Westerlands much later. Moving onto a recent example the city state of Luciensburg was invaded by the Ratiki or Ratmen, as they’re more commonly known by. We would again see Humans from various ethnicities and backgrounds band together to fight back against the Ratling invaders. In the end all the fighting was for naught, as the city exploded from some void ritual. The refugees have moved into a Camp until a new living can be found for them. In essence it is the Church’s mission to spread the faith and help the virtuous with the end goal of accomplishing what Horen’s Covenant with God. And it is the Supreme Order’s mission to defend the church, its adherents and enforce the Canon Law. Human unity can take on many forms, but in the end I believe that a Canonist prince of true virtue may rule well until God takes them into the Seven Heavens. It is the duty of the common man to live life virtuously, obey God and their master. Signed, Albanus Cuptor

Albanus Cuptor prepared himself mentally and physically for the challenge he would face in the coming month. He trained with his many weapons and ensured that they would not fail him in the fight against the trolls.

Name: Normund Discord: Balthy#6909 Do you accept the Son of Man into your heart? [this implies agreeing to a strict PK clause!]: I accept the Son of Man into my heart!