Balthasar

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

The Galbraith-sealed letter eventually reaches the young Cardinal's private chambers. But it was not received in the place it was delivered to. Nonetheless, a letter is promptly sent in response. Bearing the purple seal of the Albarosa. Delivered by courier, who no less demands compensation for his work! A matter to deal with later. 20th of Sigismund's End, 1863 Barony of Rivia To His Lordship G. Galbraith. It warms my heart to hear from Rivia so promptly and to read its contents gladdens me even more. Having finally returned from my travels around the borders of Oren, your letter had difficulties finding me! The Cathedral of Saint Thomas, along with Redenford have been demolished and flattened. It was a terrible sight to behold, but I am confident that something greater will arise from its ashes, much like a phoenix. I take no offense that you are the one to reply to my letter, is it not the father who should teach his son? I feel that it is good learning experience for yourself - I will pray for your father's wellbeing and if there is ever anything me and my ministry may assist you with, we are only a bird away! You have truly put my mind at ease. To hear that your house is still faithful to the One God. Speaking as a fellow Orenian, I share your thoughts of High Pontiff Everard VI, bless his eternal soul, was a flawed man, we are all flawed especially in the eyes of God. But I comprehend. It is my wish to repair relations and restore the Church in Oren to the ways it was before High Pontiff Everard VI. I cannot do this alone and I will need the support of the nobles and commoners. I have already spoken to the nobles that have decided to return my letters, only to find that you are clearly not alone in your beliefs, but they have given the Church their support. I do not assume this will be easy at all, it will be a hard fight. In regards to the Anathema, their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress. It is my understanding that the lifting of their excommunication has been discussed many, many times and that His Holiness has penned letters to them. I am however not at liberty to divulge the nature of these letters, I am not their author and do not wish to spread unnecessary rumors. If I might put your mind at some ease, the college of cardinals will have a papal consistory at the ending of the year. The Anathema will be a subject of discussion. Your hopeful friend, Adrian Helen de Sarkozy

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

DEATH OF A PHOENIX 11th of the Sun’s Smile, 1850 The Imperial State Army marshalled its men and met the enemy at the border of Dwarven territory. The State Army made the first move, advancing towards the fort where they believed captives were being held while raining arrows down upon the enemy. At first, the tide of battle seemed to favour the Empire, until suddenly, a horde of Dwarves and bandits emerged from the cover of a nearby hill, and none of the Imperial soldiers saw them until it was too late. The ambushing party ravaged the Imperial archers and forced them into retreat, and it was at this moment that the rest of the Dwarven forces charged. Within moments the battle was over. The living had retreated, were dying or worse; captured. Among these prisoners of war was Robert of Esbec. At first, they were moved to the Spire overlooking the battlefield. Inside they were threatened with death, slavery, and brandings. However, it was ultimately decided that they would be brought before the Grand King of Urguan. And so, these poor fellows marched reluctantly to Kal’Darakaan: the City of Ancient Might and home of the Dwarves. There, it seemed as if the entire Dwarven nation and more had come to court just to see the beaten Orenians. The Grand King spoke about the injustice served upon him, and that he would serve the same in kind. They were given a choice; deny the Empire and the Emperor. But to abandon their family and their homeland was unthinkable, and so, none of the valiant soldiers accepted. When the King bore witness to the steadfast rejections, he then decreed that the left hand of every Orenian captive was to be severed, save for a few who were to be delivered into the hands of others. Some seemed to accept their fate. Others did not. Robert was appalled by the declaration. Then, he felt a hand upon his shoulder, and he turned about to see who it belonged to. It was not a dwarven hand, but a Hyspian one. The stranger raised his axe, but Robert denied him the satisfaction of an easy maiming by smashing his own face into the Hyspian’s nose, forcing him back. Robert distanced himself from the man, but the Hyspian promptly smashed him onto the ground with his shield. At that point, it seemed as if everything was over for the Imperial Private. The triumphant Hyspian stepped onto his chest and heaved his axe into the air, when all of a sudden, Robert’s clenched hand flew forth, striking his assailant in his ‘two bells’, and the Hyspian fell back for a few moments. But Robert had barely managed to stumble to his feet before he was once again shoved, and this time, he stumbled into an Ireheart. The dwarf’s hand was quick, cutting a ghastly line of red across Robert’s exposed throat. Hot blood spurted from the open wound, splattering across his uniform, and dripping down onto the floor below. There he stood, unsure if what had just happened had really happened. His hand grasped at his throat in a vain effort to stop the bleeding. Then, Robert fell. And thereupon the stones of the Dwarven halls, the Esbecian breathed his last, painting the floor a grisly crimson. Robert de Sarkozy was dead.

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

The Ministry of Dulocian-Truth produces new media against the popular idea that this event was a suicide; Jacque of Hogslow didn't take his own life, a preposterous idea! He in fact died by accident. The evidence is clear, he was standing on the chair to get closer to the sealing, to tie up his government issued lantern to better illuminate his darkened house, he however made a fatal mistake, he lost his balance and fell. His head into the knot, it tightened as he fell of the chair.. and poor Citizen Jacque died. The Ministry of Dulocian-Truth urges ALL Citizens to use the bowline knot, in stead of the hang knot! All GOOD citizens will be issued a manual of knots to prevent further accidents. SIGNED, MINISTER A. LOVEGOOD

WELCOME TO DU LOC With our GREAT FREE CITY having been formed from the ashes of old Luciensburg. The good LORD MAYOR has ordered the Ministry of Dulocian-Truth to produce a piece for all LOYAL citizens to enjoy, a reminder of the LAWS OF DU LOC! Remember the Ministry of Dulocian-Truth knows best, but the LORD MAYOR knows better! NO SPOOKS NO WIGS NO RATS NO TAXES https://streamable.com/l9ifc2 SIGNED, MINISTER A. LOVEGOOD

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!

Do you have the guts to tell us what you did on tumblr? I know I do

OOC ((MC Name: Vylkmir)) ((Discord: Balthy#6909 )) ((Timezone: BST/GMT )) IN-CHARACTER What is your name? My name is Amandil Findegil'Sehn Why seek membership to the Mages Guild? I am keenly interested in learning more about the Void. It is important for us to expand our knowledge of the mundane and the 'unnatural'. The void is the stepping stone to such learning. What arts, if any, do you currently practice? I've nothing but of the mundane to add - Irrelevant to the guild. What position do you desire to attain upon acceptance? I would like to be admitted to the Ordo Astrologicus When should you be contacted for an interview? Whenever is convenient for the guildmasters

What makes an Adunian an Adunian is not just that they are of any old half-elf and half-human stock. They are able to trace their heritage back to Harren's Humans and the specific Elves (I'm mobile and cant be bothered to find the right name) they interbred with.

The flames inside the Temple of Saint Lucien were all unlit in mourning of the High Pontiff Jude II. Bishop Guy kneeled at the center of the apse, with a dim candlelight in frontof him. He prayed for His Holiness, Jude II and the rest of the Cardinals. Hoping His Holy Light would guide them well in the coming days.

A courier would find Stefan Varoche and offer him a letter sealed in wax. If he should accept and break it open it would read, rather breifly: "Salutations! The Abbot and Bishop are patiently awaiting your arrival to Luciensburg. The fastest way to the city is by taking the road from Eastfleet south and merely following the signs. May His Holy Light guide you safely to us." (DM myself at Balthy#6909 or the abbot at GangstaGibbs#6958)

PEACE AND BLESSINGS THE ABBEY OF THE FLAMING COVENANT Located in the Diocese of Sanctia, Luciensburg Hark ye, sinners! Repent for thy sins - the path to the Skies is narrow and easy to stray off. If life in the hereafter with our LORD is eternal, then so is damnation for those who deny GOD and HIS GRACE from their lives. The Monastery of the Flaming Covenant is modeled after Saint Humbert’s REGULA SANCTUS UMBERTIUS TITANUS [aka Rule of Saint Humbert] and the Abbey-Seminary of Saint Robert under Abbot Odus Cardinal Saint-Robert and while there is a specific emphasis on Owynist Rite, the monastery allows acolytes the freedom to pursue their monastic life in one of The Four Schools of Ecclesiastical Thought: [Sybillism, Flamenism, Epulonism and Augarism]. Self defense is also promoted in the monastery through the use of blunt weapons [maces, staves, etc.] to avoid the wanton loss of death but also protect the faithful and defenseless. We are always seeking those who would wish to take on the monastic life full-time and join our Holy Mother Church becoming a monk or nun opens up a world of scholarly learning and physical work to better oneself spiritually and mentally. We are also training priests under the clerical teachings of Flamenism. Potential priests will join the monks as an acolyte, who will then teach the acolyte. They must obey the same rules and procedures as they do while under their wing. The Monastery prides itself on having a large and ever-growing library of religious and historical texts. In addition to this, it operates a clinic named the Hospice of the Shining Sacrament, which is located within the monastery area. Both of these institutions are organised and led by the members of the monastery and the greater Church. Those with remarkable skill and piety are however permitted to hold specialized roles, in the Hospice for example. RULES ☦Any form of narcotics are prohibited on the Abbey grounds. Except for medicinal and alchemical uses. ☦Heretical texts and speech are forbidden on the Abbey grounds. ☦No violence to the faithful may be done on the Abbey grounds. Except for combat training ☦Sexual acts and pornography are strictly forbidden on the Abbey grounds. MONASTIC LIFESTYLE The Abbey shall live by the Rule of Saint Humbert to see to his vision of how monastics should live. “Monastic life can be separated into two functions, the first of which are dubbed the Virosites those who have established themselves in permanent communities among brothers in a monastery after the famed monk Bl. Fabian Viroi. The second of which are the Vytenites who wander from community to community preaching, performing acts of faith, or aiding those in need which are named after wandering priest Bl. Vytenis of Visiga. The distinction of monk and friar can also be used between the Virosites and the Vytenites. To the Virosites, do not grow sloth for the work of God is endless. Do not bar entry to the needy and the willing. Repay the gifts which are bestowed unto you with faith and works. With this I charge you To the Vytenites, do not grow wild on your travels and stay true to God’s will. Do not neglect your brothers and return to them often. Spread the Canon, to believers and not for this is your gift unto others. With this I charge you.” Acolytes and others apart of the priesthood must refrain from personal honorific titles [i.e knighthood] or monetary rewards unless said monetary rewards are donations for the Church. One should expect to take a vow chastity, obedience and poverty upon ordainment and acolytes are expected to practice this lifestyle. HIERARCHY Postulants - those who wish to enter the monastic life temporarily and swear an oath to follow the rules of the monastery while staying. They may leave whenever they wish. Usually postulants are those performing penance or in a trial-period prior to becoming fully fledged acolytes, to see if one is committed and if it's truly what the postulant wishes to do for life. Acolytes - All of those who join the Church full time begin as acolytes learning the word of GOD. They take proper oaths and any serious breach of the rules of the Monastery will lead to expulsion from the monastic community. Otherwise, acolytes may be reprimanded and punished for breaking rules of lesser degree. Monks - called Brothers are those who have taken formal and permanent vows tying themselves to God as his servants in the world. They are bound to their monastic vows for life and live together among other brothers within a monastery. They must do what their superior instructs them without question as long as the superior is just and represents the will of God. Nuns - called Sisters are the female equivalent of monks. Nuns live in separate quarters from their male counterparts and are prohibited from engaging in any intimate relations with the monks of the monastery to prevent dynastic religious families in the monastery. Nuns may preach, conduct sermons and are held to the same responsibilities to the Abbot such as their monk counterparts. Abbot - The head of a formal community of monastics within the Abbey and referred to as father. They are given supreme authority over their monastery and thus are given supreme responsibility over it as well. They are required to maintain, feed, and provision the monastery as well as scheduling tasks for the monks which reside under their authority. They may delegate responsibilities to individual brothers as they see fit. The Abbot is elected by the monastic members and affirmed by the Bishop of Sanctia APPLICATION Name: Race: Gender: Intent on joining (Temporary/Full time): If temporary, how long do you intend to stay?: If full time, do you agree to taking on all aspects of the monastic life? Do you agree to follow the rules of the Monastery? Failure to do so will result in immediate eviction. You will receive medical training, combat experience, theological lessons and good work ethic. Be willing to help operate Church-owned businesses, study Canonist doctrine and defend the faithful from savage brigands and abnormal monstrosities.

Guy de Soissons placed his seal of approval, quite literally on the thesis. Now the ordination of a man of God could take place.

Bishop Guy said a prayer over his bed before bed, one for all Humankind. Acolyte Elim Temmeck de Langford-Sadre had produced a well constructed thesis, which he eagerly had accepted and stamped with his own seal - Soon there an ordination would take place. An ordination all would be welcome to observe, to learn more His followers.

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