Viggen92

The aging monk fell to his knees on the cold stone floor of the main hall. His hands were clasped together before him and his eyes were shut. The simple robes he wore offered little comfort to the harsh cold weathers of the north. He then began praying, speaking the words aloud for all around him to hear. He prayed for courage; he prayed for mercy; he prayed for peace.

A Monk's Short Thesis on Humility

6th of The First Seed, 1795

Humility is the seventh and last of the virtues that are listed in the Scroll of Virtue, which Exalted Horen received at the throne of GOD in the Seventh Sky. 

We need to remind ourselves that we mustn’t stand above anyone else; we must learn to set aside our pride for it makes us oblivious to our own capability of wrong-doing. And how can we follow our great virtues, if the sense of right and wrong is obscured and clouded? If we do not humble ourselves before GOD, how can we have compassion for one another? If we see ourselves above GOD, how can we find confraternity with our fellow men? Our pride cannot get in the way of compassion, nor in the way of fellowship. Our pride cannot obscure our faith, for faith is a necessity - without it, the world as we know it shall crumble and we shan’t reach the Seven Skies upon our death. 

A way of thinking has swept in over the Capital of The Holy Orenian Empire, Helena. This way of thinking clashes with the morals that The Scrolls, and GOD, teaches us, as this way of thinking advocates a secularism that is anti-canonist. Such would have no place in Orenian politics, hadn’t pride and a lack of faith clouded the human mind. Those with such a way of thinking do not fear GOD, our Lord and Creator, thus their sense becomes clouded and they are led astray by their pride. They see themselves as equal or above GOD - but GOD knows no peer. With humility and faith they could be guided back to the righteous path, the path that our Lord wishes for us to take in order to reach the Seven Skies and achieve complete harmony. 

Written by

Brother Ademar

“Very well, brother. We shall begin quite simply. What is your name?”
Ademar Castelo

“And your age?”
60

“I know it may be clear, heh, but it is for the sake of records. What race of the descendants are you of?”
I am human.

“You are able to read and write, yes?”
Yes, I am.

“And with that, are you at all familiar with the Holy Scrolls and Catechism of our Church?”
Indeed.

“You are of course baptized?”
Yes, of course.

“Good, good. Are you married? Do you have children?”
I am married with children, although, my wife I have not seen in many a year.

“In what way of the clergy do you wish to serve? As a Priest, a Monastic?”
A Monastic.

“While this may not be accepted by the Prelate, depending on the needs of the Church, in what Diocese would you prefer to serve in? You can simply name a city or Kingdom.”

Oren preferably.

“A rather personal question, why have you chosen to walk this path in God?”
I have chosen to walk this path since I just recently retired from the Palatine Guard Order of All-Saints, now being Grandmaster emeritus. Now I remain an advisor to the Knight-Regent, however I also seek to become a man of cloth and humble myself before GOD. Thus, I chose this path, the path of the Monk.

“And at last, are you truly devoted to this way of life? Prepared to take any vows involved with ordination and commit oneself to this lifetime bond with the Lord Almighty?”
I am.

“Wonderful, then that should be all.” he says as he gestures you out of the office with a smile, “This shall be brought to His Eminence, Manfried. You shall hear word of your acceptance and placement soon enough.” he nods before saying finally, “God bless you.” as you walk out and say so in return.

Goggoth read the missive using his functioning eye. He nodded a couple times to himself, humming. "'Em Orcish spirits... Hmm" The 'Ker then went to pocket the missive in his jacket, letting out a sigh as he leaned onto his homemade cane. He shut his eyes as he tried to process the text but quickly gave up due to the fact that he was getting hungry. "Time for a sandwich!" He called out into the morning air, though suddenly he frowned "Where did they go..? Could've sworn they were here..." Another sigh left the 'Ker as he noticed the satchel that rested on a rock on the other side of a brook. Goggoth clenched his fists and prepared to overcome this obstacle in order to reach the precious food. As he took his first step into the cold water he slipped on some loose dirt and fell onto his stomach in the water. Drenched he slowly stood up and found himself on the opposite bank. He opened the satchel and found it empty. The one-eyed 'Ker let out a sound that reminded of a war cry and darted into the woods with the empty satchel in hand. After a while he stumbled upon a branch and the missive that he had in his pocket fell out and looked like a soggy mess. Goggoth eyed the small pile of soaked paper for a quick moment before he shrugged and kept running, leaving it on the ground.

The Grandmaster prepared to attend the coronation to provide protection for the High Pontiff.

"Praise be to the banner that Archangel Michael sent unto us for this battle!" Cheered the Grandmaster after they had landed safe ashore.

Grandmaster Ademar got down onto one knee, his hands resting upon the hilt to his sword as the point was aiming the ground. He lowered his head before the altar, shut his eyes, and prayed in preparation for the upcoming Holy War. “GOD wills it.” He said aloud after he had concluded the prayer.

Holy Ser Ademar mumbled a prayer for the soul of the dead priest, signing the Lorraine cross upon concluding it.

The Knight Code of Chivalry

Issued by Grandmaster Ademar Castelo The Light of Horen, of The Palatine Guard Order of All-Saints, on the order of Cardinal and Holy Sir Johan Vuiller Horen’s Giant, Knight-Regent of The Palatinate State of Aqulia. Head of house Vuiller, Protector of the people of the Canon, Knight of the  Order of the Black Sepculchere.

A Holy Knight shall remain loyal to his liege both in thought and in practise.

A Holy Knight shall stay true to GOD and at all times keep the faith.

A Holy Knight shall uphold and preserve the tenants of the Canon.

A Holy Knight shall at all times live by honour and glory.

A Holy Knight shall never back down from any quest begun.

A Holy Knight shall protect the weak, and defend the honour of his fellow Knights.

A Holy Knight shall never turn his back to a foe, nor flee from battle.

A Holy Knight shall always speak honestly.

A Holy Knight shall never draw blade upon a fellow Knight outside lawful combat.

A Holy Knight shall show mercy should an opponent be deemed deserving. 

A Holy Knight shall refrain from the use of arcane arts and witchcraft.

A Holy Knight shall live by these Knightly values, even if it should mean their demise.

Welcome all to the wedding of Ademar Castelo and Georgina Izabella Surány!
 

All is welcome to attend our marriage, and is more than welcome to stay and celebrate with us in the palace after the ceremony had been concluded. We shall feast on food and wine to celebrate the newly formed bond of matrimony. Two souls linked together, two lives destined to be each other’s future. A conclusion to solitude, a start of companionship. To that we raise our glasses high!

Date and Location: The wedding ceremony will take place in the Church of Fonsi, Vitenna, next Saint’s day! (OOC information: 6pm EST, Friday)

Signed by Mister Ademar Castelo and Miss Georgina Izabella Surány

[!] On the 10th of The Deep Cold, 1760, Valentín Castelo died in tuberculosis at the age of 87. He was found dead, lying motionless with his eyes closed and his hands clasped together as in prayer, on the streets of Curon the night of the wedding of his Granddaughter. [!]

The Last Will and Testament of Valentín Castelo

As I am writing this, age is draining my life. I fear my days are numbered and that the time I have left in this world is running short. With every movement of my hand and fingers as I write this down, it is as if a bit of my soul is transferred down to the paper through the letters I form. The last bit of my life I will live in celibacy, dressed in humble clothes, in order to come closer to God, our Lord and creator. I shall live a Monk and serve Him. It is in times as these that I pray. 

I pray for the well-being of my friends and loved ones; I pray for the prosperity of mankind; I pray for my own repent, for the forgiveness of our Lord for all sins I have committed, both the subconscious and the conscious; I pray for a better world that is full of faith; I pray for an end to all evil and sin. For this I pray with heart and soul, in hope for others to join me.

Once I have left this world for the journey to the next, my last will shall be made public. Thus, it is my wish that all that I still own is to be inherited by my grandson, Ademar Castelo.

“What is your baptismal name?”

Valentín Castelo.

“Hm, and how many years have you lived?”

87.

“I see, interesting. And where were you born?”

Stettin, Marna, Atlas.

“Aha, and your ethnicity?”

Heartlander.

“Are you able to read and write?”

Yes.

“I see. And your family? Are you married, do you have children?”

I am no longer married, my wife is deceased. I do have children.

“How do you wish to serve GOD? As A Monk? A priest? A layman?”

A Monk.

“And finally, do you have any issue with taking up oaths of chastity and devote yourself to our Lord GOD?”

I have not.

Valentín Castelo salutes his former lords. “Grand be the time we shared, now we all shall move on.”

I think it’s safe to say that you made everyone’s time on lotc more enjoyable as well! And also an awesome post, my guy, wish you the best in the future outside the pixel life. That being said, peace man and good luck!

Ave!

The old man, who had considered Ser Stefan a friend, sat down in the church of Saint Tobias in Rubern. With hands clasped he mumbled a prayer for the fallen knight. After the prayer was read he signed the Lorraine across his chest to honour the man, wishing he could have taken Stefan's place. Wishing he, who had already lived for eight decades, could have lied dead instead of the until now prospering knight of Lorraine. "May you find peace with the Lord.." He mumbled before he got up to leave.

The old man took a seat on a bench beneath a bush of the Royal Gardens. His armour made itself heard as his rear landed on the wooden surface. He eyed the healthy, green grass and all the different species of flower, the rich amount of pollinators humming about the blooming trees and the colourful birds chirping on the branches. A sigh escaped his lips, “This is the King’s doing” he thought to himself. “Our King made Suffonia into a place of life and prosperity, his legacy shall never be forgotten.”

He leaned himself back against the rest, tilting his head upwards. His gaze lingered upon the blue midday sky. The sun lit up parts of his wrinkled visage as the rays found their way through the leaves and the twigs. After but a short moment, a large formation of clouds caught his attention. He then began to speak with his hands clasped together.

“I know you must be up there with the Lord, having your eternal rest. For that is what you deserve after all you have done as a leader and as a man. You deserve your peace, your rest. Long you lived and long you fought. Fought for a place in our world for us, men of Suffonia. To me, you were not only a grand Regent, you were also a grand friend. A place of my mind shall always be dedicated to the memory of you, King Edward.”

Soon the sun took cover behind the clouds and cast a shadow upon the man that was beneath the bush. The old man slowly rose from his seat, his armour sounding once more. He steered his steps back towards Castelo Manor.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF HELENA

To the Officials of the Church of Helena, 

We the Council of Warwick of the Kingdom of Suffonia do hitherby denounce the “QUARTUS BULLA AUREA SANCTUS HELENAM; The Fourth Golden Bull of Helena” issued by the head officer of the Church of Helena and further denounce and disregard any administrative claim of the Church of Helena over the lands and estates of the Kingdom of Suffonia, including but not limited to the so called inclusion of the Suffonian lands in to the diocese of Curonia for the duration of the tenure of the said Head of the Church of Helena continues.

Signed and Executed Unanimously by the Council of Warwick

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Prince John Nicholas of the House of Suffolk,Chamberlain of Suffonia and Second Lord of the Royal Exchequer

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Prince James Percival of the House of Suffolk,High Treasurer of Suffonia and First Lord of the Royal Exchequer

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Prince Edmund Ralph of the House of Suffolk, Justiciar and Constable of Suffonia.

HIS GRACE, Alexander of the House of Merentel, Duke of Westmark, Count of Alannor and Baron of Hallowfell

HIS LORDSHIP, Eadon of the House of Aliquam, Count of Domus

HIS LORDSHIP, Valentín of the House of Castelo, Viscount of Halburg, Lord Speaker of the Council of Warwick, Grand Knight of the Order of King Edward 

HIS LORDSHIP, Maxim of the House of Petrovya, Baron of Granatovya

HIS LORDSHIP, Saerus Joseph of the House of Gladridge, Baron of Glading

“The man tries to murder his wife, the Princess of Curon? That must be a sign of her incompetence as a Curonian leader, must it not?” An old man thought to himself as he eyed the label of a Haenseni bottle of vodka. Its bitter taste left a distinct imprint on his tongue long after the sip had been swallowed. He wondered if Curonian liquor would taste akin to this, or if it would be far worse.

Valentín Castelo grieved his former friends of Haense even though they were not dead, yet. For mayhaps it comes to the point where he must end their lives, if not someone else will. He sat at the table of his kitchen, the Haenseti King’s address spread out upon the oak wood surface of the board. “You are right in one thing, King Andrik” Thought Valentín “You have indeed fought for the cause of existence, but who has not I ask? I fear your mind has been clouded with all that Emperor Peter III spread throughout the realm. I also fear you fail to realize what is the truth, GOD does not keep Haense among the favoured.” Quietly the old man would mumble a prayer before folding the piece of paper in two, putting it aside.

The old man, who had never before hesitated upon coming to the Empire’s aid, now was ready to draw arms for the cause of the so-called rebellion. “If that does not speak in the favor of AIS, that a man that has been loyal to the Empire and her Emperor for over five decades, now would doubt the leadership enough to fight against its cause. Either he had grown a feeble and clouded mind, or the Empire truly is not what it once was.” He thought to himself as his gaze eyed the address which he held in his steel-clad hand.

Welcome all faithful Canonists to the wedding of Ser Valentín of House Castelo and Sienna Mora!
The ceremony will be a simple one, you may stay after the wedding is concluded and enjoy drinks at the nearby tavern, should you like.

Date and Location: The wedding will take place in the Warwick Cathedral, Suffonia, next Saint’s day! (OOC information: 6pm BST/ 1pm EDT, Sunday)

Signed by Ser Valentín Castelo, Viscount of Halburg.

“Let us show the brutish, barbaric excuse of a people some manners by silencing them with fine Imperial steel!” Exclaimed the Elderly Knight with his right, gauntlet-clad hand made into a fist.

REQUEST OF REAFFIRMATION OF KNIGHTHOOD

Name (and House if applicable): Valentín, of House Castelo

Degree of Knighthood (Squire, Knight Errant, Knight): Knight

Age: 56

Liege Lord: Emperor Alexander

Date of Accolade (if possible): 1700 (ish)

Chapter/Order (if applicable): Nauzican Brigade

Ser Valentín reads a prayer for his old friend. “You fought well, Fred, and you shall never be forgotten” He ended the prayer.