Nailed to the doorway of every cathedral, church, and chapel from Daendroc to Drixagh, from Ithania to Rivellia, is the following note, printed in the local language and Common alike.
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Union. These past days have brought a dark cloud over our glorious Empire; hiding us from the radiance that is the Imperial Spirit. The past week has seen new troubles arise that we had never anticipated. From the troublesome pride that lead various men to strike out against those whom had prior not been our enemy, to the acts written into law that grant immense powers to a select few without question, to the lingering threats on distant shores, it may seem that the hangman stands beside us, rope in hand. However, dear faithful, do not cling to fear, for through the Spirit, we have hope.
Hope is the bond that ties man together with their fellow man to achieve greatness for themselves and their community. It was hope that lead and inspired our distant ancestors to survive the ravages of the Cataclysm. It was the hope of a great future that lead the first colonists from Ceardia to the distant shores of Ithania and Daendroc after the Cataclysm so many years ago. It was hope for Paradise that lead the Ivrae's to found the Empire, and faith in the Spirit that lead to the spreading of the good news of hope for all races to the far shores of the world. It was hope that has united us together for centuries, that one day we may leave behind a world of sin and pain and enter the ever-lasting love and light of the Imperial Spirit in Paradise. Let us not forget that which has made our glorious Empire strong together, unity under the will of the Emperor and the Spirit.
With Summer and the Cycle of Dominion quickly approaching, we have found our Empire once again beating the war drums and preparing for holy war. We have heard of the news of foreign nations beating their chests; challenging the Divine Providence that Regalia will one day rule over all, as stated in the Creeds. It is in this time that we must stand firm alongside each other, man beside man, woman beside woman. When United together, no army can stand against the will of the faithful, a fact that has been proven time and time again, from the Masaya to the Elves, and even when infernal demons rose up to try and claim power from beneath our feet. It is the brave men and women of Regalia that stand strong, united under the guidance of the Emperor and Spirit, who are victorious in the field. And though through the hubris and stubborn pride of two incompetent men the Northern territories have become a hotbed of trouble, let us not give up hope that we will overcome this obstacle as all others. The Sancella stands with the North, even if we are driven away with sticks and stones. We will not abandon our fellow man to suffer, nor will we turn a blind eye when they call out for help.
The past week has seen one of the Creeds removed, an action that the Spirit has ordained to be necessary in such a time as this. My heart truthfully goes out to those good Unionists whom have lost their place in the Empire, and my prayers of wrath upon those who strike out against the Spirit and the Empire. Let it be known, that all true Unionists will continue to be accepted to join with their brothers and sisters for Mass. The Sancella recognizes that you wish to further the Great Way, but we also must remember what the change means. While Humanum once again has become Humans, those who have lost their place must strive to work hard and demonstrate that they are worthy of the name Humanum. Do not take this as a defeat, but let it serve as an inspiration of what can be obtained when one devouts their whole self, body and soul, to the Spirit and to the Great Way. Hope that one day nelfin and dwarf may redeem themselves to the Spirit, and let their actions show that they wish to see Paradise achieved. Serve as a beacon to which others may follow through the darkness of sin, and never give up hope that one day you may do your part to help usher Paradise into this world of pain and sin.
We must also not give up hope for those who have found their families schismed by recent changes in law, done without regard for the good of the faithful and greater Unionism. The Sancella will still recognize those marriages completed by the Sancella between two Unionists, regardless of race. The Sancella will still also recognize the marriages done by traveling Dogartans, for I recognize the services done by the traveling Brothers when a proper Curate or Reverend is not available. It is not in the nature of Unionism to cause division, but to come together, and this law has made us weaker as a nation, and as a fellowship of faithful. While the Sancella cannot grant citizenship rights, we still recognize the marriages, and will continue to perform them for those individuals who have been so lucky as to find love in their life among prior Humanum, whether it be a human and a nelfin, or a dwarf and a human. Marriage is about bringing two devout souls together in Harmony with the Spirit, and the Sancella has held that stance for centuries. And though Humanum may no longer stand, it greatly shames our illustrious empire to deny those who wish to bring more faithful into this world from doing such, and to bring greater civil strife into a time where enemies are besetting us upon all sides is almost as great a blunder as the fools in the north who have added unneeded enemies to our list. We must remain united on this day, to stand strong against outside foes who wish to end all chances of Paradise.
I realize today may seem darker than the darkest night, and that the stars do not seem to shine. But do not give up hope that we cannot persevere through this night and see the ever-warming rays of dawn on the horizon. Stand strong faithful brothers and sisters, and be prepared to fight every new evil that dares threaten our way of life. We are united best when we all are devoted to the Great Way; and when we are united, we are at our strongest. Peace be with you.
Your servant forever in the faith,
Holy Father Aethelred von Ultor
Holy Father Aethelred von Ultor
