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The continuing misson of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 26 Apr 2004 02:03 PM |
It was good to be home.
The priest stepped off the ship eagerly, his old bones moving with a speed they had not had since he had left these blessed shores. Six months in the wretched Port. he thought bitterly. Six months I slaved, and now I have been recalled by the Conclave
But Vidus knew that his journey was of the upmost importance. Ever since Merrick's trechary was revealed, Midor has been without a White Bishop. Kruvioius Seyon, the Lord-Bishop of the Midoran temple, had performed the duties of the White Bishop on an interum basis, but the power vaccum loomed over everything he did.
Vidus had heard word of the Conclave, the ruling body of Midoran clergy, had recently conviened to choose the new White Bishop The Conclave was surprisingly short and, in the end, Carmon Verit I was anointed the new White Bishop of Midor.
Carmon, mused Vidus. He still thought of Verit by his birth name, Cassius. Cassius and Vidus had trained for the priesthood together at the Midoran Academy. They had been close friends and intense rivals, each hoping to achieve more then the other in all endevours. Vidus had believed he would one day ascend to the throne of the White Bishop, a dream Cassius often laughed at. Vidus had, in Cassius’s opinion, opinions that did not meld well with accepted Midoran theology.
Both developed into fiery speakers whose sermons even impressed the Academy's Lord-Bishop. By the time they graduated, many in the Order thought it was only a matter of time before one of them became the White Bishop.
Vidus shook himself out of his reverie. The past is the past, he thought darkly, best not to dwell on it. The years following Vidus’s entrance into the priesthood were promising. He often delivered his sermons to full audiences at the Great Temple of Midor. All were impressed with his grasp of Midoran theology and the unshakable quality of his faith. Cassius did much the same thing, sometimes even delivering sermons jointly with Vidus.
But as the years wore on Vidus grew increasingly frustrated by what he perceived as obvious favoritism and politics within the church heirarchy. This perception grew even more intense as he observed Cassius, the friend from his youth, willingly plunge into the political quagmire that was the church. Vidus refused to participate, and as time passed, was invited to speak at the temple less and less. His influence within the church dwindled as Cassius’s swelled. All, in Vidus’s view, the result of politics. Not faith.
Vidus’s entire life appeared wasted. Dedication to his faith and the One True God had not helped him achieve meaningful reform within the church structure. Favoritism and politics ruled the Conclave, giving an inordinate amount of power to a select few One of these few, to Vidus’s dismay, was Cassius.
And still, Vidus spoke out. He lamented the lost pride of humanity and the dissolution of the culture. Elvish influences were causing humanity to turn away from their noble history. The cause of the Order was being lost to a new wave of self-loathing. Many felt that elves were true examples of Good in Vives. Vidus preached on, trying to turn the hearts of the people form false idols towards back towards the holy word of Midoran. He attempted to expand his mission to Port Royale before realizing two things. The first was that the citizens of Port Royale were far to gone for him to save them alone More importantly, Vidus realized, was that the citizens of Midor itself were beginning to feel the external influences of the other races. His place was at his home, where he could at least try to protect his people.
Even if I am the only one that realizes the danger.
At least his recall at the hands of the Conclave allowed him the chance to perform his work in Midor. But the personal summons from the White Bishop was of greater concern.
He stared up at the imposing structure that was the Great Temple of Midor. Why would Cassius, he mentally corrected himself, His Holiness summon me personally? He had his suspicions, none of which were positive. The White Bishop knew of Vidus’s open distaste for Midoran politics, especially Cassius’s rise to power. Cassius, now Carmon Verit I, would easily ask Vidus to step down from the priesthood. Vidus was strong willed, but even he would not defy such a request from the White Bishop.
And so, fearing his mission was at an end, Vidus Khain entered the Great Temple for what may be the last time as a priest of Midoran. |
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 continuing misson of Vidus Khain, priest of Midoran
Posted: 26 Apr 2004 02:30 PM |
”Please, Father Khain, have a seat.”
Yes, it’s the same old Cassius. Still friendly to a hilt. But what is he really thinking?
“Your Holiness, I have come as summoned.”
The White Bishop smiled. “Stand up.” Vidus rose. “It is good to see you again, Vidus.”
I am sure it is, Cassius. You are holding the scepter of the White Bishop now, while I am still a priest. But not for long.
“ I am pleased to see you again, Your Grace.” Vidus spoke in his most neutral tone. He would not give Cassius the pleasure of any weakness.
“I imagine you wonder why I have summoned you, Vidus.” The White Bishop motioned, and the guards surrounding his chambers left.
I have a strong suspicion, Carmon. Why do you send your guards away? Do you wish to enjoy my humiliation in private? Very well, then, but I will not go down easily.
‘Your Grace, I do not wish to rest on formality. I know why you have summoned me for this…personal audience.” Verit’s brow furrowed in surprise. “Just say what you must and be done with it.” Vidus squared his shoulders and gave the White Bishop an even gaze.
“My friend, whatever do you mean?” Verit smiled at the priest, his raised throne making him look much larger then Vidus. “Why do you think I summoned you here?”
He is toying with me…why? This is unlike the Cassius I knew
“You have summoned me here to relieve me of my responsibilities, your Grace. I can think of no other reason why you would wish to speak to me.”
There, you have had your fun. Now be done with this humiliation.
The White Bishop’s laughter echoed off the polished marble walls. “You are mistaken, Vidus. I have not summoned you here for punishment. Quite the opposite, in fact.”
What is he playing at?
“You see, Vidus, certain members of the Conclave have heard your words, and of your mission in Port Royale.” Verit leaned back in his throne, “You have finally been noticed, old friend.”
Vidus was unable to keep the confusion from his face. “I have not brought you here to expel you, Vidus,” continued Verit. “There are several in the Conclave that have requested your elevation to the status of Bishop in Midor.” Verit stood and approached Vidus. Standing next to him, it became clear that the two were actually of similar height. “Midor needs you, old friend.”
Vidus stared at the White Bishop, too stunned to speak. Bishop? It was too much. Something else had to be happening. Why else would the Conclave want to elevate him to the status of Bishop? But still, rejecting such an offer from the White Bishop himself was tantamount to suicide and would result in Vidus’s eventual exile.
“I…I am honored, your Holiness,” he managed to say. “I will not fail you.”
Three days later, in the main hall of the Great Temple of Midoran, Vidus Khain stood before the alter dressed in pure white. Before him stood the White Bishop Carmon Verit I, Lord-Bishop Kruvious Seyon, and Lord-Bishop Elwayn Barnamas. That day, at a public ceremony, Vidus Khain was ordained a Bishop of Midor.
Now, he thought as the holy oil was poured over his head My work can truly begin. By Midoran’s grace, I will save Midor from that which troubles it.
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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 continuing misson of Vidus Khain, Bishop of Midoran
Posted: 27 Apr 2004 10:38 AM |
From the ordination sermon of Bishop Vidus Khain
"It is good to be home.
"Home. That is a word that has many meanings. To some, home is simply where you live. To these, home is transient. It has no real purpose other then a marker of where you are now.
"To others, home is where loved ones can be found. To these people home is not so much a place but a feeling. A feeling of love and security that only family can bring.
"To you, the people of Midor, I say this. Home is both of these things. Home is where you live and where your family resides. But I caution you in limiting your definition of family.
"Family is not simply your father and mother, brothers and sisters, or even your children. We are all a family….the family of humanity. Look to your left. Now look to your right. Here you will see he faces of family. For we are brothers and sisters in faith, and together, we make this place our home.
"Midor is our home! Think about this for a moment. It is our home! Do not forget to love it, it is our home! Do not fail to defend it; it is our home! Threats come to Midor from both inside and out. But our faith in Midoran, and the holy Order of Midoran, will deliver us.
"You may have heard rumors of dark elves lurking in Midor recently These creatures have attacked innocents and threatened our very way of life. I tell you now, all of these that have befouled the gates of Midor have been captured by the Order of Midoran. Do not worry, people of Midor, for you are protected by the holy graces of the Order.
"Even as we speak, the captured elves are being questioned. Soon, their secrets will be revealed to the holy Order, and we will be able to defend our homes with even greater effectiveness.
"But the question remains…why did these dark creatures come to Holy Midor? The answer I will share with you now, my friends, for there should be no secrets in a family. The mage Xaranthir holds in his possession several foul items that the elves with to possess. His presence in this city is a threat to all this family holds dear; all the while he resides within the walls of our blessed city, by his very presence he takes advantage the protection this city…this family affords.
"And worse, the mage Xaranthir is a follower of the false god Theus! Imagine, the holy protection of Midoran wasted on the unfaithful. I hesitate to call Xaranthir a heretic…he has yet to do anything to violate Midoran law, and we must respect that.
"However….
"I call upon this mage to make a choice. No man can serve more then one master, even a mage as powerful as Xaranthir. Even he must choose, and choose soon. Does his loyalty lie with Midor, or with himself? Does his desire to serve his heathen god put him in conflict with Holy Midoran and His will?
"I say now, Xaranthir, make your choice! The people of Midor will only stand idly by for only so long. The Order will not watch one man, a man not even of the faith, bring danger to Midor. The dark elves will continue to raid our fair city, and only the protection of the Order will keep them at bay.
"My people, consider these words. We are a threatened family. The Order watches over us, and Midoran’s grace will protect us. But Midoran also expects his people to take up the burden of protecting themselves, when necessary. The actions of this mage will be watched closely. Decisive action will be taken by the Order if necessary.
"Know this, my people, and take comfort. Midoran watches over us and gives us the strength to act when those of weaker faith may fail.
"May Midoran bless and keep you, my brothers and sisters. And may He also give us the strength to protect our family, so that we may serve him until the day we go to him in glory." |
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 continuing misson of Vidus Khain, Bishop of Midoran
Posted: 27 Apr 2004 06:21 PM |
Blanche was stoic. Yes, stoic. She didn't want to cry for it would have prove that she was sad about the promotion of Vidus...She didn't want to move for it would have prove that she was against it. No, it was better to stay ... stoic.
And now he was threatening mister Xaranthir! How could he? He helped Midor when the battle was on. He helped her when she needed it. And now he was almost an heretic because he worships another god? Why can't they grow up a bit and look around, she thought. Oh, only Midoran had that divine spark in himself, that holy presence... but what about the other gods that grant power to their cleric? If they were only false god...why she saw their priestess and their priests bring back to life those who were fallen! And Syn...She saw him with her own eyes...
She was stoic. No emotions. Only her eyes were moving from side to side, trying to stay calm and not cry. He would have love that anyway. She knew father Khain too much to let her break into tears in front of him, even in the crowd.
Arian was by her side. The one she would look upon her, her friend, almost her shadow. Arian was praying...for one time in her life, she was praying so hard that her beads were printed in her hands.
"What are you doing, Arian?" said Blanche, without saying a word, just moving her lips.
"I just wish this is a stupid nightmare and I can slap him, that...oh Midoran forgive me..." said Arian, the same way as Blanche.
They both sighed and looked back to their Bishop. This will be a long day. |
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 continuing misson of Vidus Khain, Bishop of Midoran
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 11:43 AM |
"So you are telling me that he was buried in the Mausoleum despite my explicit instructions to the contrary?" The paladin stood stoically before the Bishop of Midor, his face masking all emotion. "I instructed Mother La Belle to store the remains, not to bury them as if he were a true paladin."
Sir Gered Belmont was careful not to sigh. The bishop had been shouting at him for almost an hour not, and he was beginning to repeat himself. "Yes," Gered would say, "we buried him on orders from Mother La Bele." "No," he would say again, "I saw no need to get confirmation of these orders." "Yes," he would repeat mechanically, "it was a dwarf, a halfling, and two humans that performed the burial." "No," he sighed internally, "I was not aware that the Conclave was to meet regarding this matter." The Bishop would fume, and the cycle would start over again.
I know why I did what I did, thought Gered. And I would do it again. He was a brother paladin, no matter what the records say. "Pay attention, Sir Belmont," snapped the Bishop. "I have more questions."
"That will be all, Sir Belmont," came a commanding bass from behind the Bishop. "You may take your leave." High-Captain Phillippe Jongras strode purposefully into the chambers. Gered sighed in relief. "You are dismissed, Sir Belmont. Wait for me outside."
Gered wasted no time leavening the Bishop's chambers. He took position outside the door, acting as an honor guard for the High-Captain until he was finished speaking with the Bishop. It was his duty, after all. He could hardly help the fact that he could hear the conversation in the next room clearly.
"What is the meaning of this, Phillippe?" spat the Bishop.
"I have something you should see," said the High-Captain evenly. The sound of rustling papers was brief but distinct. "This should clear up this matter."
"What," said the Bishop disbelievingly, "this cannot be right."
"It is right. It bears the signature of the High-Paladin himself. Or do you wish to question his authority as well?"
Annoyance was gone form the Bishop's voice. "I do not," he said tightly. "If this is the will of the High Paladin, then I cannot interfere." More paper rustling. "Is that all, Phillippe?"
"Just one more thing, Bishop Khain." The High-Captain's said in a calm tone, "I have word from Lord-Bishop Kurvious. He gives his compliments to Mother La Belle for what he believes was an excellent service. He also wishes to speak to you later regarding," the High-Captain paused, "an incident at the funeral proceedings?" He raised an eyebrow, "That must have occured after I left. Well, I will not inquire further. That is business between you and the Lord-Bishop.
"Good day, Bishop Khain."
"Good day, High-Captain."
The High-Captain swooped out of the room. It was all Gered could to to keep up with his fast pace. "Sir Belmont, send word to the Divisional commanders. Sir Mykal Vecar has been posthumously granted the rank of Captain in the 1st Templar Division. He has also been awarded the Midoran Cross for valor in the service of Midoran." The High-Captain stopped and turned towards Gered. "He was a paladin, Sir Belmont. By the High-Paladin's decree. Now go, spread the word."
Gered saluted the High-Captain and rushed off. He was barely able to contain his grin. Bishop Khain must be very angry now, but there is nothing he can do. The Paladins of the Order have won this day.
The thought of retrebution from the Bishop did not cross the young knights mind. Such things, to a paladin, would never occur in the Church. But paladins are an idealistic lot, and Bishop Khain's capacity for holding grudges had not yet been tested. Gered absently hummed a tune as he made his way to the docks. First, he would go to the Acadamy. There, several paladins-in-training could act as runners to spread the news. In three days time, the ranks of the Order of Midoran would be informed.
Praise Midoran. Who in Justice grants us victory
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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 continuing misson of Vidus Khain, Lord- Bishop of Midoran
Posted: 14 Jun 2004 04:33 PM |
*From the ordination sermon of His Grace Vidus Khain, Lord-Bishop of Midor*
Know this, enemies of Midor! Justice knows your face, though you think we cannot see. Righteous knows your heart, though you shield it from yourself. And retribution shall find you, though you may try to hide.
Midor shall not rest until it's streets are cleansed! It shall not stop until it is made white with true purity! It shall not stop until the stain of darkness is washed clean! No blemish shall remain, no evil tolerated, and we shall continue to march until we see our enemies burning in the clear night!
Fear not, people of Midor. I shall protect you from the evil in this world. Rest easy, children of Midoran, for you are under watchful care...
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High-Paladin Rayinor Liam frowned. What was the new Lord-Bishop really saying, he wondered. It was the duty of the Order of Midoran to protect Midor, not some Lord-Bishop acting by the edict of the White Bishop. What about the Order.
If this be the will of Midoran, sighed the old High-Paladin, then so be it. With that, old paladin returned to his study. Soon he would meet with Lord-Bishop Khain to discuss the security of Midor. But now was a time for reflection.
The old man opened the sword case gingerly. The greatsword housed within the case was a masterwork, the blade of the finest steel, the hilt inlaid with polished obsidian and gold. The symbols on the hilt no longer had any meaning in Midor, but Rayinor knew them well. Sculpted in gold on the hilt was a lion and an eagle head, each looking the opposite direction. In silver, the only silver on the sword, a dove was carved above the two other animals.
Rayinor stared at the hilt for quite some time, lost in thought. Finally, he closed the sword case. "Of days gone by," he muttered in silent prayer. "And hopefully, days yet to be reclaimed.
"Sia du morehin, Aristi. Vendos pallimanos ta."
A knock on the door caused him to turn. The Lord-Bishop has arrived. But now, after his medidation, the High-Paladin felt prepared for the task ahead. With a final prayer to Midoran, he took his seat at the desk.
"Come." he called...
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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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