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The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 25 Mar 2004 05:55 PM |
((this post is a combonation of Vidus Khain's background, some IG occurances, and Dina's amazing post. Just to clarify where I'm drawing all the information from.))
The priest scowled. Rumors of this "Dina," this elf, no less, had reached his ears quickly. Rumors flew wildly in the streets of Port Royale, and he had heard the masses talking of her vow to unite the elvish people.
Treachery!
Such was the way with elves. The priest knew it from experience. Just yesterday he had helped rescue the human, Sinjin was his name, from the heathen influence of false god Aros. The young man’s interest in elven witchcraft had nearly cost him his mind. If it weren’t for the priests fevered prayers to Midoran, young Sinjin would still be in the grasp of that foul magician.
And yet he denied Midoran’s salvation! He actually claimed that Aros had saved him. He is still confused. That one, I fear, will fall.
When he first arrived in Port Royale, the priest was prepared for what he would find. Debauchery. Immorality. Humans and elves cavorting together in pagan rituals with no regard for the one true god’s will. And then he found young Sinjin, surrounded by elves and half-breeds, claiming to be a priest of Aros.
A human, as a priest of Aros!
The very thought was intolerable. So the priest did what he did best. He reached out for the lad. He tried to reason with him, to show him the path of Midoran as his the one true way to salvation.
But it did not work. The priest had witnessed young Sinjin, in a blur of “holy” fervor for his devil-god, attack one of his fellow revelers. She looked human herself, and left shortly after the attack. But the attack only reinforced what the priest already knew.
The ways of the heathens are violent. They know nothing of peace
And now that elf, this “Dina,” was stirring the heathens to war. He had heard the rumors, and suspected that an army of elves was already forming in the dark forest of Ferein.
But will they march on Midor?
The priest remembered his history well. The elves abandoned Aristi when Gukathul’s plague struck. The elves, the dwarves, the gnomes…all of them abandoned the human’s. They fled the just punishment of Midoran. Were it not for the Order’s intervention, no one would have been left alive in Aristi. The holy followers of Midoran swept into Aristi, removing the taint of sin from the long suffering people. The sinners were cast out, and only the holy remained.
And the other races fled. They are jealous of Midoran’s grace. They know their false gods will not provide the true Justice of Midoran.
The priest had come to Port Royale only recently. With a small pittance from the church in Midor, he intended to convert the residences of Port Royale back to the true faith.
There is much work to do. The elves and dwarves and gnomes of this city will not accept the morality of Midoran. They will cling to their alien beliefs and godless ways.
I must rally my human brothers to me. I must make them see that Midoran has forgiven their ancestors transgressions. They fled Aristi, and in doing so, tried to flee the justice of Midoran. They were no better then the elves, in that regard.
But now, I bring them a new light. They are forgiven for their generational sins, and Midoran calls them back to the fold.
He would begin his preaching in Port Royale proper, amongst the destitute and dying, the immoral and hopeless.
They will come to me. They must. These are the outcasts of this city. They will be the easiest to turn. They must see the Light.
Great faith would be required to complete his work. The priest knew that the bonds the elves cast over the humans, such as poor, young Sinjin, would be difficult to break. The young man still claimed allegiance to Aros, despite the fact that Midoran has spared his wrath. For all true believers of Midoran would be impervious to the devil-god Aros’s influence. Midoran allowed this Aros to take young Sinjin’s mind as punishment for his heresy.
The priest had pled for the lad, asking Midoran’s forgiveness, and it had been granted. But Sinjin rebuked the gift, and walked off with that half-breed, the same one that had slapped him across the face merely for preaching the Truth. Young Sinjin had left, all the while claiming that Aros had healed him.
The grip of the devil-god, that vile magician, must be broken over that lad. I will see to it personally. Do not worry, young Sinjin. Midoran has not given up on you. And neither shall I.
With that, the priest stepped up to the bridge in the southern part of Port Royale. The slight height advantage would allow his clear, strong voice to be heard by people a fair distance way. At that moment, Vidus Khian began his ministry in Port Royale. False gods, strayed humans, and elvish war mongers would all be dealt with in time.
But the message must be heard.
"Come, people of Port Royale, and hear the words of Midoran, the Just Hand. He brings word of your forgiveness, and your salvation!"
“Do not fear", come closer, and I shall show you the Light ….." |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 25 Mar 2004 06:49 PM |
| My goodness.. He's a wacko! I like it. |
Three sisters, born of the Sea
A sad fate t'was in store for thee
Oh Vaisha, Vahlah and Vallaesha |
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Re: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 25 Mar 2004 08:35 PM |
My goodness.. He's a wacko! I like it.
((Actually, I believe he is what you would call a zealot for Midoran's religion. And I don't think he's going agasint the Church dogma.
After all, it's not Vidus's fault that human's have superior morality :P
Scary, huh?))
Mykal |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 25 Mar 2004 09:29 PM |
OOC
.......... He's a zealot that needs some sla....I mean teaching about Midoran like temperance and slap..I mean temperance and justice....
Sla..I mean see him in game *wicked whistle*
:P |
Frodo : What are we holding on to, Sam?
Sam : That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.
-The Two Towers |
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Re: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 25 Mar 2004 09:50 PM |
*sneaks up to the door of the Midor temple and begins to etch some words into the door*
"Midor sucks"
*smiles and walks away* |
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Re: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 26 Mar 2004 09:59 AM |
((Calia, please forgive any inaccuracies, but I'm working from memory of our conversation here. The tone is correct, but the specific words may not be.))
Elves!
Vidus was frustrated, having just left the Broken Mask and a lengthy debate with a priest of Aros. Vidus had originally sought solitude in the Mask. He had been writing sermons that he would deliver in the upcoming days and weeks.
The humans in Port Royale need guidance. They need the hope that I can give them.
But he was having difficulty concentrating, for the table behind him was full of elves. There were around nine of them ,perhaps a few less, but Vidus did not look back to count.
Let the elves have their meeting. That should not distract my holy work.
For hours they spoke, always in their own tongue. The liquid syllables flowed over Vidus, inundating his mind to the point that he could not concentrate on his sermons. He tsked loudly enough for them to hear him.
Perhaps they will speak with civil tongues if they are reminded they are in a human city.
But the elves were single-minded, as most elves were, in the priest’s experience. They continued to talk, though Calia did look rather surprised to see Vidus. “You!” she shouted, but Vidus ignored her. But eventually he could ignore them no longer.
Midoran, grant me the grace to stand against this heathen force. Let your strength flow into me, so that I may be a doer of your works.
He slammed his sermon book shut, which caught the attention of the elves. He stood and turned to face the group. “Greetings..Calia, isn’t it? I trust you are well.”
“I am, yes.,” the elf replied. “Lord Aros saved me.”
The audacity of this elf! To claim that for her false god the victory that was Midoran’s.
But wait…she is an elf. The devil-god would protect her. But what of the lad Sinjin?
“And what of young Sinjin,” asked Vidus, concern in his eyes.
The elf girl again had the audacity to claim that Sinjin, a human, had been healed by the devil-god Aros. The victory was Midoran’s alone! “That is good,” said Vidus evenly. “I prayed for Sinjin. I prayed so hard that my heart broke. And Midoran has mercy on the lad, and released him from his punishment.” Vidus smiled, “After all, no true follower of Midoran is subject to the enchantment of a false god.”
With those words, a male elf left to his feet. He had a savage look to him, as all heathens do, and Vidus feared for his life.
Midoran deliver me.
Vidus stood quietly, listening as the elf spoke of Vidus’s ignorance. “You think to preach to me, boy." Vidus was incredulous. “I speak the truth of Midoran. Nothing can compare with that.”
A beautiful elf in dark clothing seemed to materialize next to Mykal. “I think everyone should calm down,” she said. Vidus looked at her and was sickened. Not at her, for she was flawless in every way. Nor was he sickened by her words, because they were wise. No, what sickened Vidus was the carnal desires that rose deep in his heart. This elf woman stirred things in Vidus that should have been placated by his holy vows to Midoran.
Temptress!
She look at the male elf and Vidus, “We should have no preaching here.”
“Yes, you are right, Lady..?”
“Dina Ismle,” she responded simply.
Dina…could it be the same Dina about whom I have been hearing? Is this the one that seeks to unify the elves?
Realization crossed Vidus’s mind, and his blood ran cold.
She seeks to unify the elves, not in the dark forest of Ferein, but here, in Port Royale! Does she intend to bring her army here?
It made sense. Port Royale was a much easier target then Midor. And it’s people would be more receptive to Elvish rule then Midoran’s.
This cannot be allowed to happen.
Vidus looked past Dina and noticed another beautiful elf holding a long spear. Her blonde hair and flawless features did not move Vidus as did Dina’s, but the spear did cause him concern. He turned his attention back to the angry male elf. “Are you going to kill me now, then?”
The elf’s dark look did not change. “There will be no killing,” said another elf from the table. Vidus recognized her from the pagan ritual he has interrupted the other day. This was the one that walked away with poor Sinjin. The half-breed, Macha Sparrowsong.
Vidus pointed, “Tell that to the one with the spear.” He smiled, “But go ahead and kill me if you must. You will only prove my point. Heathens know nothing but violence.”
Yet another elf, whose name Vidus did not know, touched the shoulder of the spear-wielding one. She lowered her spear. “That is better,” said Vidus, smiling.
By now the elves were moving to another table so as to avoid contact with Vidus. Calia, however, was different. “I will debate you,” she said, her voice strong with false confidence.
“One cannot debate the truth, Calia.” But she had already sat down at Vidus’s table.
She spoke at length with Vidus, about half-orcs and prostitutes, among other things. She spoke of meeting Aros face to face, and she questioned the holy writings of Midoran.
Vidus sighed, “I have explained this to you already, Calia. We know our faith through the teachings of Midoran and his holy books.”
“But have you met him, the person that wrote the holy books.”
Vidus shook his head, “Of course not. The books are old.”
“But they guide your church, right?”
Vidus could sense he was being set up. He nodded slowly, “They do.”
“Then a corrupt man in good standing with the church could write these holy books, how can you trust that?”
Ah, she is trying to close her trap.
Vidus smiled, “There is a difference between a man in good standing and a saint. Only saints, inspired by Midoran himself, can write holy books.”
“But what if the saint is corrupted?”
“Saints are incorruptible, or they would not be saints, would they?”
Calia persisted, “But you have never met the people that wrote the books. How do you know that they are right?”
“Calia, you need to understand that when Midoran speaks through a saint, the truth is present. Truth does not change.” Vidus smiled at Calia, “Or does Aros preach changing truths to you?”
He continued, “I never said that Aros did not exsit. Just that he is not truly Divine. Not like Midoran. Tell me, Calia,” Vidus leaned forward in his chair, “Why do you think Aros appears so often to his followers?”
Calia responded immediately, “I do not know, but I am grateful he does.”
Vidus snorted, “He is afraid that his worshipers will forget him if he does not appear regularly. He knows he does not teach Truth, like Midoran does, and so is forced to reinforce the faith of his followers.”
Vidus leaned back, satisfied with his answer. It was not something he had considered before, but it made sense. Why else would this devil-god walk so freely among the elves?
“I have been a priest of Aros for one hundred years, stated Calia, “and I only met him for the first time recently.”
“One hundred years is a long time,” Vidus leaned forward again, “Perhaps he felt it was time to reinforce your faith.”
At this, Calia changed tactics. “Let me tell you a story,” she said, and proceeded to speak of a young girl she had met recently. The girls mother was a prostitute. The money she earned from her dubious profession went towards supporting her daughter, and eventually paying for the daughters education.
Vidus was nonplussed. “Shall I respect this woman for choosing to be a prostitute? Does that commend respect? What of the woman that chooses morality but still is able to support her family? Where is the respect for that?”
“There is more,” Calia continued, ignoring Vidus’s comment. “The girl told me that her mother went to the priests of Midoran. She told them that if they could only provide months rent, to help her back on her feet, then she would give up her life and return to the church.”
Vidus was disgusted. “This woman sold her body for money, and now she wants to sell her soul. It seems everything about her is for sale.”
Calia frowned, “I gave her one thousand gold.”
“Wonderful,” sneered Vidus, “Perhaps she will be a worshiper of Aros for that amount.”
“She attends the Midoran church now,” insisted Calia, as if that would make up for her past deeds.
“I need to think on this,” Vidus stood. “I hope I have planted a seed in you today, Calia. Perhaps we can talk another time, and I can see if that seed has grown.”
Vidus left the elves behind. He felt dirty, but such was the life of a missionary. He had done good work today. He had preached the word of Midoran to a priest of Aros. And the teachings of that false god could not withstand the Light.
That woman sold her soul to the highest bidder. If she could only show her faith in good times, and not bad, then she has no faith. She is condemned.
He found a secluded area and began composing a letter.
Your Grace, the White Bishop of Midor:
Things go slowly in Port Royale. The elves are everywhere, and they corrupt the minds and hearts of the populace with teachings of their false gods. I have written already to you of young Sinjin. There are far more here that are like him. They are tolerant of heathen ways and gods.
I require further support if I am to continue my ministry. Once again, I hereby request ten thousand gold for the construction of a mission in Port Royale proper. You cannot deny me this request again, your Grace. The people here are desperate to hear the words of Midoran. By all that is holy under the Just Hand we cannot deny them no longer.
In His Word,
Vidus Khain
P.S. I have heard recently of a tavern owner that was once a prostitute. She accepted money from a priest of Aros, which caused her to turn away from her vile ways. She claims to be a servant of Midoran, but I have my doubts. If a woman can be turned by money one way, she could be turned another. I shall keep an eye out for her. If I meet her, I suspect I shall have to exile her as a heretic. We cannot tolerate the buying and selling of our fatih!
Vidus put down his quill and sighed. That woman...Dina, would need to be dealt with.
Be careful, Khain. She will lure you from your faith, if you let her. You must control your desires.
Vidus stood, the evening air growing cold. No more preaching today. Now was a time for prayer, in the hope that prayer would deliver him from the dark elf's spell.
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Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 26 Mar 2004 11:45 AM |
*** OOC
This story is progressing nicely. Vidus is proving to be very interesting.
*** |
Three sisters, born of the Sea
A sad fate t'was in store for thee
Oh Vaisha, Vahlah and Vallaesha |
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Re: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 26 Mar 2004 11:57 AM |
This story is progressing nicely. Vidus is proving to be very interesting.
OOC: I dunno...all I need is a Hunchback in the story and I could be sued for copyright infringement. :) |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Prologue: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 26 Mar 2004 02:05 PM |
"Your Grace, you must listen to me”
It was always a bad thing when a priest is summoned to for a personal audience with the White Bishop. His Grace was not one to hand out praise on a personal basis, meaning any face to face meeting was usually a sign of bad news.
“No, Father Khain. The church will not spend from it’s own coffers to support your foolish endevoer.” The White Bishop leaned back in his throne. One man on either side of the throne stared unblinkingly at Vidus.
“But Your Grace, surely you see the opportunity here. The people of Port Royale…”
“…are not your concerns.” The White Bishop relaxed. “Vidus, we have known each other since the seminary If you had taken a different path, it may very well have been you in this chair rather then myself.” Vidus cringed internally, he hated being reminded of his failures. “But now you must turn away from your foolish endevours and work to serve the church.”
Vidus stared at the tapestry behind the Bishop. “But Bishop, don’t you see? This is Midoran’s calling. He wants me to go convert our long lost brothers.” The Bishop sighed heavily, this line of conversation was very familiar. “How can the church deny my holy mission?”
“Because it is not a holy mission,” the White Bishop said patiently. “Vidus, you have been saying Midoran speaks to you since the seminary. It is not healthy. Our lord Midoran does not show himself. Even I have not seen his Presence.”
He does speak to me, Bishop. You are just jealous that he speaks to me rather then you.
The White Bishop sighed heavily. “Vidus, I am tired of having this conversation. And I see that I cannot dissuade you from leaving. The temple will miss you. Your sermons are always well received.”
Vidus knew this was true. He had always spoke well, and when it was his turn to preach in the temple of Midoran he always drew larger then average crowds. If only Carmen would let me preach of what I know rather then his regular dogma. Vidus was occasionally able to slip in his own message into the sermons on chastity, or the Virtues, or any number of approved topics the clergy approved sermons on. And usually the day after I say such things the temple is almost overflowing with people wanting to hear more. The White Bishop and his clergy stifle our faith.
The White Bishop continued, “Here is what I am willing to do. The church will pay for your passage to Port Royale, and you will receive a small amount of gold for your expenses.”
Vidus smiled, A small amount of gold? Perhaps it will be enough to build a mission in Port Royale! The White Bishop continued, “You may start your ministry in Port Royale, but do not expect much help from Midor. If Midoran truly wishes those people converted, then he will see you through.”
Vidus’s hopes were dashed. No support from White Bishop. How was he to conduct such a large ministry without support? “How convenient for you,” said Vidus bitterly.
“Careful, Vidus. We are no longer in the seminary. Do not forget to whom you are speaking.”
The old priest scowled, “Of course not, Your Grace. Forgive me, I had forgotten myself.”
The Bishop nodded, “That is better. Be pleased, Vidus, that I am allowing you this. There are those in the clergy that would rather restrict you to the vestry in the temple.” He smiled at Vidus, “You should prepare for your trip.”
“I am already prepared,” said Vidus, his eyes downcast. “I wish to leave at once.”
“In the morning,” said the White Bishop gently. “Go and rest now. You have much to preparation left. You must pray before you leave. Pray that Midoran will guide your words on this new mission. And I shall pray for you.”
Vidus froze. HE will pray for me? HIM? How dare he… He fought back the thoughts; it was not right for a priest to question the Whit Bishop.
He bowed, “Thank you, Your Grace.” Vidus waited, and after a few moments of silence realized tha the already had been dismissed. He turned and walked out of the chambers.
So the church will not support me? They defy the will of Midoran. I would have never thought this day would come. Very well, I will show them the way. I will bring glory for Midoran, and the Temple of Midor will quake at my footsteps.
Smiling, Vidus returned to the temple to pray. He felt a deep peace in is soul, the peace only the just could truly feel. |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: Prologue: The Ministry of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 26 Mar 2004 02:23 PM |
This is excellent story telling.
Please keep it up.
- Paul |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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