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[Isk]

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*located around moongates and population centers this freshly created poster has the creation mark of Isk on the back side with a reference date suggesting it is backlash for the sermon delivered two weeks ago*

[Bartholomew]

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Bartholomew headed into Vesper to purchase a few odds and ends when he came upon a poster tacked to the north end of the bridge into town. There seemed to be a small gathering murmuring and looking to each other. They pulled back, some dispersed leaving the area briskly, as Bartholomew approached. With curiosity, Bartholomew stood before the poster looking it over and reading the print. He looks slowly at those who still remain seeing the apprehension in their faces. Slowly a smile comes over his face and Bartholomew laughs turning to the people there while pointing at the poster.
“Well,” Bartholomew spoke quietly, “I’m glad to see that my sermons have roused some interest. Maybe this will get the sheep to respond as obviously the big pig has spoken.” Laughing loudly Bartholomew heads on his way to complete his errands.
On his way back to the Church Bartholomew couldn’t help himself but to break out in laughter thinking of the poster. Thinking to himself he pondered, “Couldn’t Isk have at least colored my robe and put a skullcap on the poor pig so as to dress it more realistically? Well, at least the start of a debate is here, could not ask for more.”
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Bartholomew; Celebrant of Virtue {HCV}

[Lodi]

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"Nice play Rufus"

Those were the words offered to Rufus as the two stood opposite each other after the Regency meeting had ended. Underlying the simple statement were Lodi's thoughts about the past 24 hours.

The poster from Isk that Lodi could only assume had the Regent's blessing. Is Isk not his loyal subject after all. Isk who was so quick to draw blades yet again over a chair though he was vastly outnumbered, just as he was last week. The poster was an attempt to undermine Lodi's hand selected High Celebrant. A smokescreen from the master propogandist. He didn't fear the poster though. It only served to prove that Bartholomew's call for a cleansing struck a nerve within the most corrupted member. The same group that took exception to a previous sermon. How quick they are to defend themselves even when they are not named. "Nice play Rufus"

Then there was the empty promise Rufus made to Molly. All friends under the banner of Light, he had said. Yet he fell short of promising any actual aid. The words did seem to placate Molly though. "Nice play Rufus"

Suggestions of action against the Ebon Skull. A well timed decision, or was it merely an empty statement. It seemed, a well timed public statement to fend off any attention given to the corrupted Regency by the Church. Can't attack the Regency's corrupted Virtue if they are actively engaged with the Ebon Skull. That would only make us look like the corrupted. "Nice play Rufus"
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Lodi
Administrator
Holy Church of the Virtues
ICQ - 35574276

[Rufus Oryan]

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At the Regency meetings end, Rufus slowly exited the building in Serpent’s Hold. He strolled along the streets for about an hour or so. It had been some time since he walked the streets of the isle. And last he walked it; Huma Dragonbane was Regent of Britannia. He thought of Huma often; his mentor; the man who would stick to his decisions and have an air of confidence around every word that left his mouth, and he had once instilled such confidence in Rufus. While Rufus passed through the town’s streets, he pondered on the night’s events. The organized peoples of Serpent’s Hold; peasants they seemed to be. They cried that the Regency cared not for them…and Rufus could not stand such ideas. While his feet and mind wandered, he pondered on contacting them, and allowing the provisions they could suggest. As Rufus made his way to the bank, just to stand and admire the few people that stood about, he thought of the Ebon Skull’s presence within the Regency meetings. They brought an unsettling aura with them, and it quickly spread about the room. The loyalists and those in attendance quickly became unsettled, and all were prepared for whatever disrespect or disregard they would bring about.

Rufus leaned against the wall for a moment, remembering Isk swinging his axe without hesitation to cease the disrespect of the Regency. Rufus saw him nay as a violent man…but one who stuck to guidelines and beliefs. The fast paced moment where the room’s Lightbringers unified to fight the Skull flashed in Rufus’s head…What a meeting it had become. The actions led the Loyalists and visitors into the discussion of action against the Evils…and soon action shall begin. Even Lady Molly continued to extend the hand of the Royal Court of Light in matters of Friendship. And under the banner of Light their friendship should exist…

Rufus smiled for a moment, for no apparent reason. He took in a deep breath, the scent of the Isle filling his nostrils, Rufus mutters a few words with is eyes closed. The ethereal mount sparkled in its essence…a gift Rufus picked up. And within in moments, he had found himself at the steps of the Nujel’m summer home. It had been a few nights since he and Sarah shared words, and upon him entering the house, they quickly settled their disagreements. The night was so eventful…

While the blankets rested on their bodies, their arms wrapped around one another, enjoying the comforts in love and sleep, Rufus’s mind still wandered. Even in his dreams there was no rest. Nights before he held conversation with Bartholowmew. The zealot was constant in his push and disregard for Rufus’s personal beliefs. Perhaps he was too ignorant to understand life…and he would remain that. But Rufus would learn from his counterpart…he would take in his words, and accept them. The echoes went about his dreams. Bartholowmew was well versed in his ideals, he knew virtue truly…or understood the principles, he could voice it…twas all. Rufus could apply all he believed to life, and reinterpret it to the people…but he did not force his beliefs to anyone…but still Bartholowmew was convincing. Rufus’s eyes opened slowly. He slid from the bed, and slowly walked down the stairs…

Late into the Night, Rufus sat up, beside him, the Book of Balance; the leading document in a substantial portion of his religious beliefs, and in his hand, A book by Huma Dragonbane, The Principles of Virtue.


Rufus pulled another book to his lap and scribbled notes under text already present for a moment,


"-ARTICLE 2.
It is the entitlement and birthright of every person born in this realm, which includes its islands and seas, to be part of the Britannian nation. That is also the entitlement of all persons otherwise qualified in accordance with law to be citizens of Britain. Furthermore, the Britain nation cherishes its special affinity with people of all walks of life, and celebrates the diversity of our realm as a resource for those loyal to the King and his Regent. -"

To truely learn and be the enlightend, I must assimiliate belief structures and ideals as I meet them. I must accept that which will bring about the enlightenment and positivity unto the people. But One cannot denouce his own belief, and understand the individualism is key in existance. And to simply exist is a gift in itself. It is with the acceptance of the ideals of the peoples I encounter, that I shall reinforce anskitan tradition and push for enlightenment and acceptance of the conundrums that life presents. It is my singular assimilation of what I come to meet, and with that I shall temper all my decisions with the ideals of both factors. I can add these happenings and outcomes to real life experience, thus be felt by the people in turn…I accept the ideals of the Holy Church of Virtues...but refuse to lose my own...
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"Balance - the harmony between the Principles of Order and Chaos...Harmony, Dedication and Rationality, the three Principles of Balance, are our highest ideals."