Lochwar Temple - Thrall's Gate

[Minuvas]

In what appears to be a strange turn of Events, The Temple is littered not only with armored Exemplars walking about the Temple - inspecting all security measures.

The red men clad in thick armor, seem to be additionally accompanied by small groups of Cerulean Fleetsmen.

[lockethrowsknives]

Standing just inside the palisade of Thrall's Gate, Lieutenant Coadjutor Zadrithurn Norentun eyed the crowd carefully. Originally intended to be a simple address to his Exemplar, this speech had turned into a minor event. He noted with satisfaction the few other guests he had hoped would show. It was a small bunch, but enough. Raising a hand he quelled the soft murmur of discussion. The sound of his cloak clicking in the wind and a few creaks of plate armor were all that could be heard for several heavy moments. Then he spoke; his tone firm, but as a serious address to peers, not as a parent scolding a child.


"Friends and patriots; Varanites! I am glad to see such a gathering of fine citizens here at Thrall's Gate on this brisk day. What I have to say to you all is quite simple, so I shall be as brief as possible.

I have been linked to this city of Cear for my entire life. My father was one of the first men of Old Varana brave enough to move out to the new provinces and show the men and women here how to live justly. He raised me to do the same. And in my time of pursuing this most basic of goods, a concern has taken me that has been most acute as of late. There is no doubt that these provinces so far from Old Varana are not yet to the standard the Emperor wishes them. Certainly, much work is to be done, and is being done. The Fleet, the Churches and ordinary citizens... they are working for this. But it occurs to me that we as Varanites have assumed a distinctly flawed vision of the matter. This time of building and of reform, it is an age of ignorance, not an age of heresy.

Yes, we have seen incidents of terrible blasphemies, both against the True Gods as well as the good Emperor Marcus IV. Yet we must take perspective, patriots. These things will happen, but make no mistake in the matter, these things will be crushed. Heresy and defiance shall never stand against the might of the Emperor and of the True Gods. Indeed, may any blasphemer burn in his own misguided embrace of the burning lands! Indeed, these concerns worry me little, as I have unending faith in the limitless capabilities of forces of Varana to crush resistance.

It is ignorance that concerns me, brothers. This Dasaria is a Provence of man, of the essentially civil. We come to them in a state of misguidedness and of disorder, yes. It falls upon the cultivated man of Varana to right these wrongs, to repair the ills done these people by their former rulers and to bring them into the brotherhood of truly just men. Quite simply, those men and women of this provence who do not yet fully embrace Varana simply do not understand Varana. They do not yet comprehend our wisdom. To quote the late Patriarch Heticus, "If you bring Lochwar upon the mind, not by the forceful hand of the lash - or the mace, you will find that His purpose, His image will linger far greater in the voice of man." These men need to hear our voice.

We must do more to reach these undereducated or underexposed. We most provide them with training, with education, with preaching. They must be shown the Varanite example so that they might be given the opportunity to embrace it. Inherent to loyalty is a sense of belonging and of desire to attain that which is just and pure. Our Emperor is both just and pure, and all must know it! Academies, militia, orders and guilds are the way to this education, to this integration. We as responsible citizens are the key to sculpting Cear into a gem of Varana.

So I am calling upon you, noble citizens, to embrace this mandate. We must not lot fear dilute our morals. We are Varanite to the core. Varanites embrace strength, uniity, discipline and loyalty to the Emperor. We find these qualities in the True Gods, in the examples of Lochwar, Tharon and Etoth. Minor incidents of violence must not shake our resolve to forge this Empire in the image that Marcus IV and Lochwar set before us. Man is Varanite; Varana is our ideal. Let us embrace all with it's wisdom so that true threats - those of heresy, barbarism and racial impurity- may be dealt with swiftly. What these times call for is solidarity, brothers. Solidarity."


With that, Zadrithurn nods curtly and gives a slight wave of his hand. An Exemplar moves to his side and he mutters a few words to the soldier before heading off to the Church. The majority of the crowd, soldiers and Thralls Gate inhabitants, begin to disperse, leaving the few others to their own devices.

[Minuvas]

Minuvas overwatches as the Exemplars practice their Marching Routine, armored Neophytes were also amongst their rank.

A well trained, and professional looking Drill-team was important to showcase the discipline of the Church.

He watched as the Instructor barked the orders "Column Left.....March!"

A slight pivot that was off by perhaps just one beat, maybe a little less. Immediately, Minuvas speed-walked towards the Neophyte who misstepped by but a fraction.

He gripped him by the chest and flew him to the floor "Ungrateful maggot! Undisciplined - what makes you mistep? Are you lusting for the woman in town? She has probably had her fill of the men in town, while you train here - she's out having it all. " as Minuvas was lurched over the Neophyte yelling, it wasn't long before 2 or 3 more instructors were soon above the Neophyte as well.

Some barking insults, Some just making lard barking noises.

Minuvas picked the Neophyte up, and threw him back into the formation.

The marching continued, and the well-drilled teams could be seen from the road.

[Minuvas]

The Small, seemingly private, ceremony conducts within. By those in attendance, it is clear that the Nobility make up the majority of the small crowd.

Minuvas stood before the pillar, there was no actual body in the Temple - seeing as it had been changing hands between the Guard and the Family. Minuvas unrolled the studded book upon the podium, as he spoke with a calm but strong tone.

"It seems often, in these rough lands we must gather - gather to honor another one of the deceased, taken so early, and without warning.

The Governor's niece, Drema, was a woman of true nobility honoring her good Uncle's name. A woman of beauty, a woman of true wit and grace. Of all things Varanite, the Governor and indeed - we Citizens of Varana could be most proud of.

As a servant of the Emperor, who is a servant of Lochwar - we can be assured that our Lord in the Heavens above seeths with the fury to bringing whatever foe did cut the life of the good lady so early, to almighty justice.


We honor her this day, and the Church sends its grievances to the Governor and his family. Let us pray this day, for we know that Lady Drema sits with Peralia and the Gods as she walks amongst the great realm of Lochwar.

Hear our prayer, oh Lochwar, bring to us the justice that our lands so vastly need.

Bring us the redemption, and let your sisters bring calm sleep and meditation to the Governor himself - as he will need your strength in the days to come. But most of all, give him your wrath - so that he shall spare no ounce of pity upon the assailants when the time come.

We pray for this and your blessings, oh Lochwar.

Lochwar, hear our prayer.

Praise be to the Lord God
May he tip the scale of these assailants to vile afterlife, in the great court of Etoth.

Lochwar be with you all"

After speaking, Minuvas walked into the crowd - to speak with the Grievers.

[Lochwar's Devout]

A bald elf elangantly adorned whispers a small prayer as Minuvas moves about the crowd. "Vengence is my name, Master Lochwar. Guide my sword and make me your weapon." He slips from the crowd of mourners and moves toward Caer.

[Minuvas]

It was a sermon like any other day, the crowds always came out when they knew it was Father Minuvas who would be speaking...

"And so, let us pray to the great and mighty Lord Lochwar.

Lochwar give unto us your strength.Let he who extinguished the fire, bring us warmth."

The procession chanted back "Praise be to Lochwar"

"Let he who smothered the blinding light, give us clarity"

And so they said back "Praise be to Lochwar"

"Let he who smothered the Hydra, He who is King, give us Wisdom"

And they said resoundingly "Praise be to Lochwar"

Minuvas reached over and grabbed the Goblet, earlier in the sermon it was filled with blood from the followers in the Church. Just about half-way into the sermon, followers are asked to come up to the Altar and prick themselves lightly - drop a few speckles of blood into it. Known ceremonially as the "Crimson Sacrifice".

His back turned to the flock, and he held the goblet towards the massive statues in the visage of Lochwar. "Your people give unto you, our Lord - our Master, our Protector and our Judicator. Accept this offer, drink in your peoples hopes - their dreams - their wishes. Bathe in their strengths, and purify their weakness'" And so he took the Goblet to his chest, and did a practiced routine of pacing about the people as they onlooked.

Half-way through the room, although few could hear or notice it, Minuvas stuttered for just a moment - stared straight. A small wisping sound was heard from across the room, but save perhaps those with Elven ears would have heard it.

He continued, until he reached the foot of the Statues once again. Pouring half the cup at the feet of each Statue, which seemed to drain somewhere below.

Minuvas stood before the Altar, he began to speak again "And So...." he paused "And so, let Lochwar bring us the Iron..." he paused again. His hand went down and stared forward. Regulars of the Church knew Minuvas interrupted his sermons for nothing.

Perhaps by chance of luck, or Lochwars will himself - one of the Exemplars saw the trail of blood now trickling down to the floor of the leg of Minuvas. His armor had disguised it earlier, but clearly he was bleeding.

"The Priest Executioner has been wounded!" Shouted one of the Exemplars, and Immediately the Blades of the others were drawn as they formed a shield-wall behind the priest. The ranking Exemplar began to bark orders "Get the people out now,get them all out damnit!"

Minuvas stuttered, as he spoke "I..am fine. The sermon, must continue!" His eyes began to roll about, the pool of blood seeping from his back became larger.
"Remove his armor! Take the Armor off!"
Without hesitation, one of the stronger Exemplars grabbed Minuvas, and braced him against the floor.He broke the Chain links that attached the back plate over the shoulders of his armor. A crossbow bolt, carefully designed with a small shaft and a large arrow-head had viciously dug its way into his back.

"The Father needs Medical attention, get him out of here!" The Exemplars moved in a circle formation, swords drawn - as one in the middle carried Minuvas over his shoulder - who had now blacked out at this point. They slowly made their to his Private quarters, locking and guarding the door behind them.


Minuvas lay in the bed, at first he did not know what was occurring. There was heat, unbearable and exhausting heat. In this place, the Angels of Lochwar flurried about. Their leathery black wings, and horns - the smoke that protruded from their nostrils. They flew about, examining Minuvas.

Before him - a mighty Iron throne, it extended further into the black cloudy sky than he could see. There were Skulls, of all creatures piled high next to the throne. The rivers that ran across the land, to which all seasons seemed represented were red with blood.

Was he in Paradise? Had he died? So he thought. He did not remember being judged by Etoth, but then again - he had never died before and he had only the scriptures to go by what death was like.

"No, you are not dead". Said a voice in his head. It was strong, so strong that it made Minuvas fall to one knee in submission. The voice was heavy, cruel, but powerful.

The voice laughed, and all that was in the realm began to shake. Minuvas could tell there were numerous creatures other than the Angels flying about who were watching him, but they seemed too afraid to come from wherever they were hiding.

The Angels, landed around Minuvas. One, significantly taller and larger than the rest approached. "But let me taste of YOUR blood, Minuvas. Let me see if it is you who are strong" A steel lash of the beasts claws scraped the face of Minuvas, a splatter of blood hit the ground - it boiled into the floor itself.

A deep rumble came again "Your faith is true than, Minuvas. But your flock is weak, your flock is faltering, your flock is fickle. I am not like my brothers, nor my sisters... When my sheep are poor quality, I not only butcher the sheep - but I kill the Shepherd. I do not tolerate -- weakness."

The room blew a heavy wind accross his face, as if it were breathing " I know of your ambitions, I know that you have killed your own Crimson brothers to achieve your status. It feeds me, I drink in this. I know all of your greatest plots, and I know whether they will fail or succeed."

It laughed heartidly "I can already sense that you to ask me, do not be the fool. I enjoy watching you work. No, you are not dead - yet. There is use for you still."

With that, a force booted Minuvas off his feet into that black sky - it swirled, he yelled but no sound came out. As he flew into the sky, the next thing he saw were the eyes of the Exemplar looking at his face. He lunged briefly at nothing, screaming. Sweat on his head, as he breathed heavily.

"Come Quick! The Father lives!"

"Praise Lochwar!"

Minuvas looked about, and pointed at the Mace on the table across from his bed. "Get the father his mace! He wants his mace!"

The mace was put into his hands, and without another word. Minuvas drifted off into slumber.

Days later, he would ponder greatly on what had occurred.

[Minuvas]

The Private Quarters of the Priest Executioner were officially closed for business. There would be no personal meetings - and all Citizens and Officials were barred entry.

Minuvas had rescinded himself behind the Iron Doors, and two Exemplars kept watch at the door entrance at all times. Even some of the local officials who had come accustomed to speaking to the Priest after his sermons, discussing local politics and good fortunes - had been denied entry.

The Exemplars did no negotiations with those who wished to enter.

Only the sound of silence could be heard from behind the grates. Every now and then, the flipping of a page in a book pierced through.

The Neophytes seemed unaware of his intentions, and the Exemplars - even if they did know, refused to discuss the matter.

[Minuvas]

The old man got on his Knee's before the Neophyte "Please, we are starving - the food in our Homes , surely Lochwar must be -"

The Neophyte scoffed "Lochwar provides for those who have learned to provide for themselves. I cannot give you the grain we have stored, we barely have enough for the clergy staff as it is..."

The Villagers in attendance did plead "But you do have Food! Some of us have stocks that will not last us half the winter"

The Neophyte said again "That is not my concern, Citizen...this is a direct order from Father Minuvas himself"

The Villagers began to push up against the Neophyte infront of the storage house "You have food, and you refuse to share? This is an outrage, we shall take it from you - if you will give us none of it!"

The long shaft of a spiked mace fell before the man's face who made that comment, the Exemplar now flanked before the Neophytes in full armor. "You shall do no such thing, if you so much attempt to lay a hand on the Grain of Lord Lochwar himself, your neighbors will surely have no problem taking what is yours when I slay you."

The Citizens began to get angry, continuing to push lightly up against the Exemplars - who unlike the Neophytes remain unmoved. Their maces laid in a horizontal position to create a barricade.

Minuvas emerged from the Temple, to the slowly forming riot.

"Citizens...Citizens. Do you come now to scoff, at the Lord of God's? Stand before his very doors and BEG of him?

Has he not kept your streets safe, has he not blessed your homes with many children and kept your women fertile.Has he not kept your sons safe in times of war? Does he not line your pockets with gold?

Do not come to this Church to assign blame, or cast your stones - you need only look at yourselves if you are lacking in food.

Now, do not think that this Church shall abandon its followers. We have a way to provide food, we need only submit ourselves to prayer. Now end this aggression, for what energy you will need for the winter - you waste on harassing the House of his Lordship Lochwar, an offense which he may not take kindly.

Now, I am on orders from the Preferatii's and the Empire itself - the wisdom of those who guide us know what is necessary. The Empire has survived such things before, and it shall survive them again. But it did NOT survive them by us questioning the will of our Imperial Leaders, or our God's.

Go now, rescind yourself to prayer and be shameful for your actions here today. Mayhap consider how you as a community can stick together and find strength through Lochwar, but he is not a dispenser of miracles to give them out every time we ask them. He will ensure our glorious continuation.

Lochwar be with you all Citizens!"

The crowd begrudgingly broke up, not before giving a few scowls at the Exemplars guarding the storehouse doors.

The One Neophyte turned to Minuvas said, "You have a way to provide these Citizens with food for the coming winter? Surely, you must have inherited the Miracles of the Patriarch himself!"

Minuvas looked to the Neophyte and barked "I have no way to provide these beggars with food, they should have saved up their grain and not eaten like gluttons when they had the chance. Double-bolt the storage door, and tell the rest of the Neophytes they are on double-shift until the growing season starts again. If any of you so wishes to complain about his duty, or about how you aren't eating enough - they'll lose their rations for the day and be put on a third shift." Minuvas turned in swift military fashion, his Royal Red cloak floating into the wind - as he entered back into the Church with the Exemplars walking behind him.

That night, back in his office, Minuvas immediately wrote to the Governor to ask for assistance in protecting his already diminishing food stores.

[Minuvas]

A small sign has been nailed to the door of the Church Granary, which is already showing signs of diminishing food within.

It Reads, In Crimson-Red Lettering;

""But let every man prove his own worth, then shall he rejoice in himself - not in the deeds of another"

~Canas Conscriptus Paragraph 6:4

[vastgoten]

Marrent wanders back and forth, his shoes echoing in the vast hall. Then the neophyte Trissta approaches.
- You called fro me father. You had a special assignment for me? Keeping her eyes low as tradition calls.

- Ah, Neophyte Trissta. Good. Yes I do have a special task for you. The visitors has increased. Many lost souls are coming for guidance. I have so much work to do. You shall greet newcomers to this temple and let them know that we are here to serve Lochwar and the empire, so that they may feel assured taht they are safe. Marrent did not even look upon the woman but was asured that she was listening intently.

- I am honorued father.

- You should be. And also, since the churchgoers are increasing the risk of enemies slipping by our exemplars also increase. Make sure that you watch visitors and what their intentions are. With all the recent sneaking around I am sure our enemies are waiting for just the right moment. This is important! Marrent turned towards the nephyte and dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

- I understand father. Thank you father. I shall not fail you in this. With a bow she backed away taking position close to the entrance of the church.

Marrent watched her leave. Then he turned towards the archive, harshly corrected a thrall to be more careful with the books. and hurried forward to adjust the books in the shelf.

[vastgoten]

A Neophyte knocks softly on Marrent Arghivius door before morning prayers, the tone in her voice seems curious, but quakes with excitement.

Brother Marrent Arghivius? News from the Church has arrived. It is addressed to you personally.
As Marrent open the door and take the rolled pair of parchment from her quivering hands he note the large wax seal.

It's the seal of the Provincial Patriarch, she whispers.

Marrents reply is terse, as if trying to disguise the excitement in his morning throat, and is accompanied by a quick closing of the door on the waiting woman. Of course it is, Neophyte.

The first scroll begins...

Marrent Arghivius, Faithful Worshipper and Servant,

Your letters have reached Old Varana, and it pleases us to hear unadultered tales of what goes on in the frontier. The lack of information regarding the whereabouts of Father Minuvas is disturbing at best, but we have faith that you will find something.

Having considered the plight of the parish at Thrall's Gate, I have sought a new appointment from the Priest Patriarch in the Province of Dasaria. After hearing of your successes since your bout of early rashness, I think you will find his decision both wise and uplifting.

May the Lord of the Gods see to your success,
Father Denner, Priest Executioner

The second scroll begins...

By Order of the Provincial Patriarch,

The Neophyte known as

Marrent Arghivius

has shown the requisite

Loyalty, Fealty, Faith, and Devotion to Lochwar

deserving of promotion in the

Order of the Priesthood

to the rank of

Priest

bestowed with all of the offices and responsibilities that such title affords.

Given under my hand this glorious day of the King of the Gods,

Patriarch Heticus of the Province of Dasaria

[Hermur]

Fellow followers of Lockwar, the king of Gods. It is truly dire times against our church. You see last day It was a great attack by Goblins and Orcs trying to destroy our great temple. I alone with help of some Talon soldiers succeded to repell this attack and I slayed many of this abominations in the name of our god. But i fear that this is not the end.... There was a mighty orc leading them and he warned me that they could not be stopped they are to many and all of the empire shall fall. I told this to a Captain of the Talons he just laugh and said this is nothing.... NOTHING! An attack against our most holy temple is NOTHING?!? I pressed on and demanded action but he just sent me to the city of Caer to talk another officer of the Talons but again I was rejected even if i found Orc traces just outside the city. This man sent me away to the soldiers of the fleet. They fild a report and ask some question but without proof they could not take action.

Fellow Followers of Lockwar I must protest to this. Maybe if one of higher stature than an initiate like myself can talk to the leaders of the our beloved empires warmachine, then they maybe listen. I have done what i can but rest assured that my eyes and ears now looks in the shadow for movements of the enemy.

My opinion is to keep a low profile on the attack to the public. They should not be troubled and live they life in darkness of this important matter. This is also the wish of the Talons.

Long live the empire and Lockwar the king of gods!!!

Your humble servant
Thaum Cedros, initiate of Lockwar and a devoted monk to the temple of Thralls gate

[vastgoten]

Father Marrent Arghivius hurries out from his quarters. He then sets his pace to be more dignified as he approaches the monk in the temple. He puts his arms on Thaums Shoulders gently forcing him to a kneeling position. He turns in a circle stating that he addresses all in the temple servants but stops again facing the monk as he speaks, arms are stretched out symbolising that he is among his brothers and danger is far away.

Brother, I hear your words. your anger shines through like the black soul of a God itself. The temple is aware of the attack. Blessed be you with whom fists many blasphemical skulls were crushed! Calm yourself, this is not the place for you emotions, the temple is safe and sound. Reach inwards and find the voice of Lochwar. Hear him. These upstart tribes of lesser races will be dealt with. I assure you, I will address the Talon captain myself on this matter. However, in these dire times I am not sure to whom we can turn for comfort except ourselves nad our might lord himself, blessed be his name!. I am troubled brother. But we must all continue our hard work, strengthening the words and laws of Lochwar. Come brothers and sisters, we must all pray to the dark lord!

Turning towards the altar surrounded by kneeling temple servants Marrent silently mumbles a prayer lost to all not present at the time. When Done Marrent raises his head, devotion again burning in his eyes.

We are strong, remember that Brothers and sisters! Lochwar himself has shown his existence to us in this barbaric province! Remember that! We have a mission! Do not Falter in your faith, Lochwar rules all domain and we will all face him in the afterlife, judged by Etoth, the brother god! He will know who has been true and who has not!
Temple security is the highest priority at the time. Be careful of what and to whom you speak. I don’t want to hear any rumours that could disturb our temple status.
Proceed with your duties and serve our lord. The day of reckoning will come! The faithless will perish! And we shall be triumphant!

Father Marrent then leaves and returns to the backroom of the temple. The temple servants hurries back to face the hardships of the day to come.

[vastgoten]

Father Marrent hurries down the hall into the back area of the temple, ignoring the many questions the neophytes threw after him. He sat down at his desk. Brother Adolphus silently observing him, waiting. Father Marrents head bowed in silent prayer.

Then his eyes met Adolphus.

We must act. The sudden appearance of this one – he who claims to be Canas will cause much trouble, not only in military questions but in spiritual as well. Our church can not, and will not sit idle.
Something must be done… and soon.

Brother Adolphus agreed. Chaos is not our ally. Order and true fatih must be protected.

May Lochwar guide us and help us. Marrent waved towards the door and Adolphus bowed and left the room.

[Minuvas]

A foot, heavy with thudded metal walks eerily through the halls of the Neophytes of Thrall's Gate.

The blazing red armor of a staunch figure enters the room. He is scarred, marred by a far-away campaign.

He looks for Father Marrent.

*ooc: I have returned from Military Service, and look forward to getting back into the swing of things*