What is a demon?
The definition behind this term and its significance has been debated and speculated on forever. The Ninth Creed of Unionism gives a general statement on what a demon "is" in religious terms, with the following:
"It is the Daemons of our past, our present and our future, the evils within and without, the evils we invite and the evils that claw at our very doorstep every morn and every dusk. It is the duty of every man woman and child to purge the evil and Daemon scourge from the world, be it an act of kindness or the sword of deliverance. For Daemons are merely creatures of will, and will hath no hold over Humans of virtue."
The Virtuous Emperor Handorien the First's writing of the Ninth Creed gave an outline on what a demon could be, but some wonder if demons are referred to in the literal sense or as the sinful nature of living beings. After study and consideration of the Creed, it is my belief that demons are mentioned in a literal and scholarly sense as living forces in the world.
The Great Way of Unionism has its enemies in both the physical world and the world beyond, with the beginning statement of the Creed:
"There are those who would destroy the steps to the Imperial Throne. Those who would see us all cast out of paradise and paradise twisted to a tormented plain of destruction, where our loved ones will anguish and we will watch for all eternity."
This statement refers to demonic forces and their active attempts to drive away Humanum and those seeking redemption, proving that demons are indeed referred in the scholarly and literal sense rather than ones sinful nature. Emperor Handorien has allowed for the people of Regalia to inform themselves on the true evil that is the demonic presence, and be ready to fight off these enemies that would block the Great Way.
The Diet of Calemberg confirmed the supernatural statue as what the Elves know as Estel, albeit revealing it as a heretical construct created by Elven mages in the days of their former Empire. This use of heretical magic in the creation of the statue raises a particular question mentioned in the second half of the Ninth Creed.
Can magic's inherent nature change based on its intended purpose?
The Ninth Creed also mentions mages and those practitioners of the magical arts, with the following statement:
"Those who would dabble in the arts of Daemons, so called mages, charlatans and deceivers of honest men and women."
This piece in the Creed would state that Mages are a disgraced people that would tear at the seat of the Imperial Spirit much like demons. However, there is the question on if Mages are seen as a force of evil due to the intent and purpose of magic being used in the Empire. Mages in the sewers have often struck out at the Empire with what was granted to them, not realizing a possible chance of redemption in service to the Spirit.
As a collared Mage, I have understood how the Empire can see Mages, as magic itself has yet been a force used in favor of the Empire. I have decided to forsake any possible path of damnation and instead serve the Spirit, hoping to put my knowledge and magical skill to use against the Empire's enemies. There is a chance and possibility for the fallen such as Mages to renounce any evil intent and join the cause of Humanum, according to the Seventh Creed:
"Let the gentiles who accept our word and confess their sins to Melennar be welcomed with open arms, not as a brother or equal, but as a lesser mirror of ourselves, yet to be brought into the fold with due time."
There are those mages in the Empire who have already taken these steps and bring forth their service to the Great Way such as Consul Reichstrat Consul Selwyn Crassian and Principal Secretary Nadina Haaven of the Black Hand. They have renounced their former gods in favor of the true Imperial Spirit, as can be done for others.
Conclusion
The forces of demons have sought to destroy the Imperial Seat and block the Great Way for Unionists. Unless identified and combated against, these beings may succeed and overtake Humanum in ignorance and sin. Mages must renounce their connections to these demons and false gods to instead serve the Imperial Spirit, and find a chance at redemption in the next life.
For the reluctant and secular, this can be a chance to find some degree of acceptance into Regalian society and walk the streets without fear of being discovered for heresy. While I was not a religious individual in the past, I've found an opportunity in Imperial service and fulfilling the cause of Humanum. It is a question of faith and chance, but one we must take for the good of both yourselves and the Great Way.
Signed,
Relveth Vinthracia
