Lochwar Temple - Thrall's Gate

[Mon-da-oth]

Reginald claps politely at the end of the sermon and waits until the crowd has cleared the temple while the neophytes return to their duties. He carefully glances around the temple before he makes his way to where Sister Tristan stands awaiting visitors. Stepping very close to her he whispers to her hoping that his words do not make it to others. "I can not be certain that I have not been followed here, nor that the spy still isn't nearby. Please tell Father Marrent this and that Reginald Schudotter wishes to see him."

The scowl on Sister Tristan's face tells him that he did indeed get too close for her liking and he offers her an apologetic bow. "Forgive me Sister for my rudeness." he says in a louder voice with a slightly hesitant smile. "I will offer my tithe at the altar and give my prayers until such time as you can forgive me."

[vastgoten]

Two or three hours later, a neophyte approaches and make a slight bow.

"the Father will recieve you now."

[vastgoten]

Father Arghivius reviews his temple as it is filled with curious people all whispering and gossiping about recent event.

Gathering himself Father Arghivius takes a deep breath before placing himself in the pulpit making his presence known as he glares upon the church goers with stern look. The temple falls silent:

“Children of Varana –

We are those upon whom the future of our culture depends. If we wish for civilisation and greatness, hear me! Lochwar has guided the mighty Empire in building the greatest nation even known to mortal children. This is in itself proof of what we can all have and be part off if we are ready to follow His words!
Ignorance of this or the teachings of the Gods is an explanation to why someone would fall into barbaric customs without educated supervision." The priest pauses.

"It is an explanation – NOT an excuse. This temple stands with open arms to anyone who wishes to learn.
To anyone who wishes be given guidance
To anyone who wishes education for their children.
To anyone who wishes to donate, be it their time in labour or in wealth.
To anyone who wishes to break free from barbaric and chaotic life plaguing many of this province.
To anyone who strives to further the cause of the Empire, the enlightened civilisation of Varana.
To anyone who seeks the blessing of strict leadership, vengeance or achievements in the fields of competent furthering ones own cause.

Now this – to pay fealty to Lochwar is to bow head before the Lord of Gods. To serve him in any way is an honour and a reward for any mortal!
But to those that can not see the truth – to those who can not accept civilised ways – to those who do not deserve to belong to the Empire. Your time here is limited. How do you suppose to spend the time left? In a fruitless, uninspiring and meaningless state?

Or! Will you defeat your own failure and seek penance and make right what you once made wrong.

The Lord of Gods works amongst you, to recognise and acknowledge this with gratitude is to start the path toward your ambition and importance. “

*With another pause the priest makes sure everyone has had the time to consider his words*

“Let it be known that the inquisition has assumed responsibility for the daily security of Thralls Gate, with the temple as its representative, to better allow our brave Talon troopers to do what they do best, smite the Enemies of Varana!

As such all law enforcement and other activities relating to security of the town and its immediate surroundings will be overseen by Exemplar Coadjutor Konoxus. The Laws of the Empire will be sacred to all who wishes to pass or live within Thralls Gate.”

*Producing the weekly announcements Father Arghivius lets the murmurs settle before he continues*

“This week the Lord has given the temple a new servant in the form of Admittant Ralhour. May your path be guided by Him in all things!”

*Clearing his throat he continues*

“No one can escape the vengeful fate that all who opposes the Holy Church of Lochwar can expect. In servitude to the Empire and Lochwar the temple has successfully apprehended the heretic and murderer Corona Starfire. His body is out to public display as a reminder to all who are misled and falters from the righteous path!”

Amen!

[vastgoten]

*from the pulpit*

Sons and daughters of Varana!

We all know that these are times for testing. We all know that the hardships are a terrible burden for us all to bear. We all know that the blood of our next will flow again and again before all his is over. To escape this prison of torment, we must all stand united my children. We must all accept that none of us is enough exceptional to be an exception for our province to rise from the soil and tower us over the false prophets and his armies.

To do this, to rise up and crush the opposition, we must stand united. We must all recognize our own faults. We must all accept to carry our own individual burden of sins. Because we have brought this on our selves! Do not think otherwise. The only way to free us is to admit this and cut out the root of our problem. We must accept the guidance of our superiors in all cases, we must recognise the need for redemption - But we must not blame others for our own failures. Look to yourself and question what you have done lately to support the cause?

Lochwar puts no one above this and all true to themselves and Varana will know and accept that failures come – but to accept this and submit to reprimand and correction is to open the window and let the old fly an the new to breath.

*clearing his throat he continues with a heart-rending face as he looks over the congregation*

Today we are struggling against many foes. Have you considered why the enemies grow stronger – why we are not more united? Look around you and see to yourself. Why have you not recognised what must be done? Why have you not approached your better and asked for guidance.
Ask yourself – who should I follow. It is those you choose to follow that will shape the future of this province. It is those you choose to follow who will be critical in defeating the false prophet and bring peace back to the lands again. Ask yourself if only steel wil be sufficient. Ask yourself – who are most suited for battling the risen first Emperor of Varana! Ask yourself who would have the unsurpassed knowledge to oppose such a threat!

*Father Arghivius pauses and produces the weekly announcements.*

This week our coffers have been rewarded by a donation by Citizen Farmer. For his donation the neophytes will pray for his success once per day for a period of two weeks.

Let it be known that all who gives to the temple of Lochwar in Thralls gate can be sure that he or she most certainly is a supporter of the Empire and our sacred ruler Emperor Marcus the fourth.

Amen.

[vastgoten]

*from the puulpit*

Children of Varana,

The time for petty squabble must come to an end. The enemies of Varana deserve no mercy. Know that their time is short in our lands.
We have for a long time ignored the fact that order, discipline and submission are pillars of the civilised society. You must all accept and even yearn for guidance by your superiors and heed the advice of those of better status then you. Because those who are given prominent positions within the society are blessed by Lochwars cunning mind and of great value to our beloved Empire. I am not only asking soldiers to do what is accepted by them but the bureaucrat to understand that his work is just as important as the soldiers to keep stability and peace in our province. To fight with the pen is perhaps not as glorious as with the sword but the prayers of this temple goes out to you as well.
To those who ignore to see the importance of my words Lochwar will send his wrathful retribution. Murder and theft are not the only crimes – to spread corruption and slackness among the clerks and bureaucrats of the Empire can sometimes even be just an awful offense. Do not think that you will not be noticed or hunted down. Your time will come as well.

Accept the position given to you by the gods and do your part to support the Empire and the true pantheon at all costs. We must stand united against those who resist our divine cause.
My children, step up and come forth, don’t shy away but speak up your love for the Empire. Remember that the Emperor is of a divine lineage and blessed by the Lochwar himself. To serve him is to serve the Lord of Gods himself!

*The priest pauses for a while allowing the crowd to ponder his words*

“Death will come to many of us. And we must remember to pray on the souls of the fallen. I would remind you all to celebrate the day of Culnul respite as Peralia will allow those we love to enter her domain in the after life with the blessing of Lochwar.

Praise Peralia, mistress of the sweet death!
Praise Lochwar. Lord of Gods!

Long live Emperor Marcus the fourth!

Amen!

[vastgoten]

*From the pulpit*

Taking unusual long time to begin Father Arghivius looms over the crowd below his pulpit. He lets them wait either on purpose or because he simply feel unsure. The murmurs come to a halt as he raises his hands, hushing them gently.

“Today we celebrate the Iron fist. Today we celebrate the path of the Tyrant!” he begins with a fiery voice.

“The time for mediocre actions has come to an end. Today we must select those amongst us who are worthy and capable of leading our Varanite blood to a new and stronger future. The time for democracy and slow chains of command has come to an end.”

The priest stops to gather himself and then starts with a low voice gaining in strength for every word and sentence spoken.

“The Varanite Empire is not a playground for experimental rule. The Varanite Empire has ruled under the guidance of the Lord of Tyranny himself. The Varanite Empire has proven this to be the most efficient way to build a realm undisputable by other Nations. The Varanite Empire has successfully grown to be the largest and mightiest Empire ever known to mortals of this realm! *ending he almost roars*
“The Varanite Empire is not ordinary! The Varanite Empire is a body who breaths Tyrrany and use the Iron fist to secure undying loyalty and sovereignty to spread the light of civilisation and the true pantheon that is Varana!”
*again lowering his voice*

“I ask myself, where are the true defenders of Varana? Where are the Varanite Nobility to uphold firm leadership and act as role models for those of lesser dignity. Show yourselves and receive the blessing of Lochwar, lord of gods!”

“Do not sit inactive excusing your behaviour with vague explanations. Decide to act. Every true Varanite can contribute in many different ways!”

“Join the Legion – and if you lack proper training or skill, request to form a militia to support and scout for the Varanite military.”

“Form groups of influential merchants, nobles and officers to discuss how you can help shape the province to become the jewel of the Empire.”

“Submit yourself to the true pantheon and join the official churches so that your faith will serve Varana.”

“Use your skill to blend with darkness to support and inform our leaders of any enemy movements from within or outside our borders.”

“Never hesitate that there is a place, a role for you to play in protecting and serving the greatest Empire of all times!”

*The priest takes a deep breath letting his gaze wander the crowd, after several seconds of pausing he speaks up with a cruel hoarse voice*

“Either you are with us! OR you are against us!”

Amen!

[Redleafe]

The tall brooding figure recalled his first days upon arrival to the Cear Region from his homeland of Arabel in the Rell province. Only two days arrived, his intent was to devout his militant backround to the ongoing spread of the Lochwarian religion within the Dasarian Province. He sought the cloth for further instruction, word of the Iron Fist Minuvas had reached the heart of Varanites across the empire. The untimely death of the priest was saddening, but if anything Bhurjnhammer Wainwright felt his path was before him and reaching out to Minuvas's successor in Thrall's Gate was just that. He stood silently in the temple of Lochwar as he listened to the passionate words of a man who had seemingly bled the colors of the Varanite empire, the words of Lochwar channeled through him.

“Do not sit inactive excusing your behaviour with vague explanations. Decide to act. Every true Varanite can contribute in many different ways!”

“Join the Legion – and if you lack proper training or skill, request to form a militia to support and scout for the Varanite military.”

“Form groups of influential merchants, nobles and officers to discuss how you can help shape the province to become the jewel of the Empire.”

“Submit yourself to the true pantheon and join the official churches so that your faith will serve Varana.”

“Use your skill to blend with darkness to support and inform our leaders of any enemy movements from within or outside our borders.”

“Never hesitate that there is a place, a role for you to play in protecting and serving the greatest Empire of all times!”

*The priest takes a deep breath letting his gaze wander the crowd, after several seconds of pausing he speaks up with a cruel hoarse voice*

“Either you are with us! OR you are against us!”

Amen!

Bhurjnhammer began to grit his teeth, serving the church and empire teased his thoughts. Grasping the hilt of his heavy mace on the side of his hip he exited the temple to catch his breath. He would devout himself to the Exemplars.

[Althalus]

The Regent waits until the crowd has hushed significantly, murmurs about someone new at the podium. He is dressed not in his armor, but in his robe of office, different than the familiar robe of Father Marrent. The Regent's gaze sweeps the congregation, spotting the Lord Secretary at the back of the room. He nods to him respectfully before addressing the flock:

Our Church has lost a good friend, and a singularly exceptional leader. Of Father Marrent I will say no more except to ask that you keep him in your prayers, and remember.

For those of you who do not know me, I am Regent Griffon, commander of the Exemplar of our Church. While Father D'Alendel is engaged with meetings with our Lord Inquisitor, I felt that our regular sermon should not go ungiven.

The Regent considers a moment, and then with another silent sweeping gaze, silences the murmers from the Hall.

You have heard in the past, sermons on what it means to be a citizen of Varana. I am not some preist who is accustomed to speaking on the subject, to impress or sway. What I am is a soldier who is devoted to the protection of this Temple, it's perishioners, and indeed the loyal citizenry of this great Empire. I am no different that any of you sitting in these pews today, listening to my voice. I am a man; a citizen. It is from this position I speak.

Tyranny. This word is both railed against and embraced. It is cause for concern for some, and joy for others. For some it means slavery, and for some it means protection. I pray at this altar three times per day. Let me share with you what Tyranny truly is. Tyranny, is how the Fleet in Cear and the Watch in Ravenwatch protect you. Tyranny lets you embrace Nuarari each night, knowing that you will awake in the morning. And now. Right here and right now. Tyranny is what keeps at bay the Horde that is Canas' army which seeks to slay every man woman and child *pauses for only a moment*, of pure Varanite blood, or loyal Dasarian blood. Canas' army does not distinguish between the two. Canas' army does not care for which flag you raise, or what Gods you pay homage to.

The Regent steps from the podium and walks down between the pews, putting hands on shoulders and noding to the folk, feeling the weight of their eyes upon him.

It is easy to forget this in the Peninsula. It is easy to forget the lessons learned from the battle at Two-Bridges...and the attacks on Cear itself. One might say it is human nature to forget. I say however, that we CAN NOT!
We cannot forget that as we get dressed to come to Church and pay our respects this morning that the 10th Legion is bathed in the gore of our enemies. Fighting and dying so that you can make business as usual.

The Regent looks about.

The Fourth Legion behind them waits for the 10th to falter...to be our last line of defense so that they too can throw their might once again against the Wall that is Canas' horde, to keep you safe. The Princeps' Knights struggle to keep supplies lines open against such a horde so that the 10th Legion can eat and rearm and look forward to fighting another day against what must seem like unsurmountable odds in the name of our Emperor Marcus the IV.

The Regent looks into eyes and faces as he walks slowly back to the altar.

I am simply a soldier in His faith. I am his Axe. And I will lay down my life with my last breath and cut of my blade, being his Axe in your defense. And what do you do for me? What do you do for the Legionaire? How do you help them?

The Regent lets his question hang around the room uncomfortably long.

I will tell you what you do. You are the embodiment of His faith. All of you could strike me down and many like me should you rise against. It is time to prepare for war.

The Regent holds up his hand when the murmers come, requesting silence.

Canas is not yet upon we folk here. But let me assure you, he is coming. Toil. Prepare. Train. Unpack the stored blade, the bow or the pitchfork. Be ready to defend your lands from Canas' army. Do not leave this to the Legions and for the sake of your duty to the King of Gods, do not leave it until it is too late. We must show the Emperor himself that not one man or woman or child will allow Canas to take us. Canas' horde does not see that you are not soldiers. It does not see that we are are children, or blacksmiths, or coopers or wainwrights. It sees only the death of all our people.

This does not mean we forsake out day to day duties. It means we do not do so blindly.

If Canas' army gets this far, and his undead soldiers kick open the door to your homes, Lochwar has not forsaken you, he has challenged you. He has informed you. It is time for you to stand and fight. It is time for you to look into the empty orbs of terror and stand. I wish it were not so. But this I swear to you. To my dying breath I will hack and cleave and rail against them, so that Etoth may judge me well and Lochwar will take me and say "You are truly a citizen who is worthy to stand beside me."

To that effect, the Exemplar will be holding a basic defense session on each Four-day starting this upcoming Four-day. Bring what weapons you will use to defend yourselves, your families and your lands and they will be inspected and honed.

The Regent motions to the Neophytes who begin the process of collection for the Church.

The donations collected today will be given, in their entirety, to support the effort of the 10th Legion near Lendose and the fight against the armies of our Enemy in YOUR names. Let us observe:

Lochwar, bless us, your faithful, that we might be strong in the face of this adversity, that we might strengthen the Empire, and that we may serve you and your chosen Marcus the IV in all things. Lochwar eternal.

The Regent steps off the altar and into the crowd instead of back into his office, talking and smiling now to those in attendance.

[Alterity]

Instead of Regent Griffon, it is Novitiate-Captain Methos Rift the stands upon the podium to address the gathered crowd. One can easily tell he knows battle, as a tower shield is strapped to his back, the shield as wide and tall as the man. The shaft of a great axe sticks up his back, the blades resting relatively centre on his back. Holstered on his belt are several throwing axes, and a large battle axe. He is prepared for battle, a man of the sword. He is an axe… Of Lochwar.

As he reaches the podium and faces the crowd, the crowd hushes. His face his hard, his lips curled in a half smile, his eyes piercing those he gazes upon.

“Citizens of the Empire…”

“For those of you that do not know me… I am Novitiate-Captain Rift, of the Exemplar Order. Both Father D’Alendel and Regent Griffon are preoccupied, but we felt the regular sermon should not be forgotten. In the future you may hear my voice in sermons again, or you may not. Only time will tell.”

“Like Regent Griffon, I too am a soldier. I do not speak here today on the matters of proper prayer or the Treaties between all man and Lochwar. I am not a priest, and those matters are best left to those fit to speak them.”

Methos’ sharp eyes survey the crowd, locking onto different sets of eyes, some that cower from his glance, and others that look on defiantly.

“Citizens! This very night the forces of evil assaulted the Church of Lochwar! If you head outside the northern walls you will see the bones of the defeated enemy. Lochwar protects the faithful citizens, and he protected his temple, he protected his followers and we drove the hordes of undead from the walls of our sacred Temple!”

Methos raises a hand to silence the growing murmur in the crowd, and his voice takes on a stage whisper, almost intimate to each individual, but carrying to the furthest pews.

“Citizens, Lochwar will not falter before these heretics, we will slay the infidels, we will kill the followers of Canas, and exterminate his hordes of undead. Lochwar’s might is supreme, as it was in all wars past, and in all wars future.”

“I know this Citizens, as an Exemplar of Lochwar, for I am his axe, his weapon. My blood is filled with his zeal! For Lochwar I am a wall, and a blade, both impenetrable and deadly! I shall slay the rebel, crush the enemy, smite the heretic and find the betrayer! Join us citizens! For Lochwar protects the faithful, his power is a bulwark against the heresies that surface in the world, his might a shield against our enemies! “

“To join us in our fight against the enemies of the Empire, and the enemies of Lochwar, shows strength and piety Citizens. Bring your swords Citizens; bring your spears, your plows, your scythes. We will hone your blades and teach you defense! When Canas comes you must be prepared citizens, and we will teach you that. We will teach Canas what it means to defy Lochwar the King of the Gods!”

“As Regent Griffon said last sermon, To that effect, the Exemplar will be holding a basic defense session on each Four-day starting. The donations collected today will be given, in their entirety, to support the effort of the 10th Legion near Lendose and the fight against the armies of our Enemy in your names.”

“Remember citizens Lochwar protects the faithful, he protects the strong, the loyal, the fervores, the pious and the disciplined."

[Alterity]

*From the pulpit* Welcome to Admittant Dulinn Somborell, she travels from afar and has been blessed by Lochwar's might in both the skills of healing, and in martial combat. May her blessed skill bring us light in the dark times ahead.

[Dulinn]

A tall woman with piercing green eyes makes deliberate strides through the doors of the temple. Her lips curve in a polite half-smile to the attending neophytes, and she bows to them in greeting. As she passes, the militant movement of her body is offset by the swishing and flowing of red robes and long red cape. A dark mace hangs from her side, acting as a pendulum with the movement of each step. She approaches the altar and falls to her knees. Red lips whisper a prayer.

[Alterity]

Many heard the loud cracks of a whip coming from, few knew what the poor thrall had done wrong. The few that investigated found a citizen being whipped, without a sound, the male and the female took the beating. They thanked the Exemplar afterwards, as they were named Initiate and Novitiate respectively. The Rite of Blood has been passed. Few could figure out how wind moved about the Temple, although those of the Temple knew it was a new disciple, finish the Rite of the Dark Touch.

*from the pulpit* Lochwar grows stronger citizens! Welcome Initiate Evangeline, and Novitiate Nathe, as well as Disciple Mallika to the fold. Lochwar can only become stronger citizens, join our ranks, and serve the mighty arm of Lochwar!

[bluenaga]

A tall woman in red and black robes approaches the altar. She bends down on one knee and solemnly bows her head. After a few seconds, she gracefully rises and turns towards the congregation. She looks, in turn, into the eyes of those seated within the closest pews. The shuffling sounds of the attendees cease and a silence akin to death creeps through the temple. She waits until it is complete.

“My brothers and sisters in faith,” her voice, deep and clear, reverberates through the halls and stirs the dust off the rafters, “I have come to announce a great victory for Lochwar and His Empire.”

The dust showers down, illuminated by the torchlight, creating a pale aura around the altar and its worshipers. “As you may have heard, there was a great battle fought upon the walls of Lendose. Canas had sent General Zumen and his troops to destroy the fortress. That day, we lost many good and faithful Varanites. Brothers and sisters, Fathers and Mothers, Friends… all taken, but know that their lives were not vainly lost.

“For on that day, General Zumen was, not only defeated, but killed! He will no longer plague the skies with his abominable creations. He will no longer curse the air of Varana with his blighted words. He will no longer be physically capable of serving his cursed master.

“He will face Etoth and by Lochwar’s Will that creature will pay for his betrayal to our Dark Lord. He will feel the pain of all those that he stole away. His body lies desecrated on the battlefield. It rots and will be given no final rites!

“So shall it be for all those who stand against our Lord. For the faithless and the cowards. For it is one thing to say you are dedicated to our Lord and another to show how you have sacrificed for Him.

“For those who have given lives and profits find themselves in abundance of His graces. While those who just speak and give nothing shall be given nothing in return.

“So stand and praise the Dark Lord, your Patron, Lochwar! Give to His Temple and His Legions your bodies and your profits. For it is by His Will that this creature was silenced. It is by His Will that Varana is ever more the great and powerful Empire that She has always been.”

The woman pauses for a moment, and then she speaks softly, “It is by His Will that we are able to have this moment at all. I am Evangeline Webber, His Maiden and His Mace.” She turns and kneels before the altar. Ignoring all others, she falls into a deep meditation.

[vastgoten]

As the night has set upon the town of thrall’s gate a figure makes his way inside the gates. Wearing a long robe any curious enough would have a clear sight of his face.

Father Arghivius comes to halt at the cage of Corona Starfire, he pauses as he remembers the day he had captured and ordered the execution of the Relite. It had brought him much trouble to capture Corona but in the end his net had caught him helplessly. With witnesses as the commodore of the Curelean fleet and Sir Phelan of the Argentum Vigilo there had been no question about his fate. Sometime Marrent had wondered if it had been worth it. Still the temple used his deed as a sign of strength – which is natural of course, albeit Marrent had wondered if they would cut him down knowing who put him there in the first place.

“Life surely has its ways to turn things on their end” he hissed and cracked a cruel grin at Corona.

Turning toward the door of the temple of Lochwar he made sure any Exemplar or other servant wishing to stop him from entering would have the time to do so.

Slowly he steered his way toward the entrance of the temple.

[vastgoten]

At the door Marrent paused slightly, he believed he had given anyone wanting to hinder him entering the temple enough time.

With head bowed mumbling a short prayer he let the door slide open and gracefully steped over the treshhold.

"I believe no further introduction is necessary" he states with a slight smile  toward sister Trissta.

"I have come to speak about serious matters Neophyte Trissta."

 "Please tell Father Aed  that I have come to hear his word as well as offer my humble advice on matters most important to those of faith."

Remaining standing by the door Marrent makes no sudden movements, he carries no weapon nor any armor. His black robe is ornated with silvery whirling patterns, without other possessions he appear wealthy in a plain fashion. Nor does sign of dust from a long journey accompany him. A stern face seem carved in stone. His body unnatural still his gaze travel along the faces wandering in the temple as if looking for someone or something in particular.