NationStates Jolt Archive

Report from the Istar Union Globe-Times: By Teri Masisas
Hiddumont, 18 2190 A.B. (After Beldinas)

The Holy Empire of Istar, after learning of attempts by missionaries from outside the Empire to convert the people away from the Church (which failed by the obvious bombardment of rotten food at the missionaries during their public apperances, they later left). The Church has declared that the religion that they had attempted to promote, "Christianity" would be under investigation to see whether or not this is a religion the Church will allow to practice (like the worship of Neutral Gods) or ban it outright with punishment to burn at the stake (like the worship of the Dark Gods).

During this investigation all vestages of Christianity are herby (as declared by the Holy Church) banned in the Holy Empire with the full authority and approval of the Kinpriest Velorn X, beloved ruler of the Holy Empire until this issue is resolved. Very few (willing) naysayers to this desision by the Kingpriest were willing to speak, but I do quote a person who was not willing to have his name published, "I think that the Kingpriest has made a bad move on banning the worship of a Deity that I view as something pure and good, though not something I myself would worship as I am loyal to Kiri-Jolith for all my days."

~End of Article

"we urge against the banning of Christianity for many reasons, one of witch is the fact that there are many very large nations that will try to crush you"

--Jonathan Bren,
Thelas international relations office

It is believed that the Church has only begun the debate on the Christian Faith and whether or not it should be banned or free to practise. Meanwhile the wizards in the Tower of High Sorcery in the city of Istar have remained silent on the matter.

~Minor Mention in the Istar News Network Broadcast

We'll take the Christians off of your hands.

The Empire of Xanthal wishes it known that it will support Istar if it's government decides to ban Christinity. The Empire has already cleansed religion from it's midst, but we did it through education, not legal prevention.

All Christians can come to my nation

Dictator
The Red Bat
Dragonia

A request to any interested the Catholic Church ((OOC: being it's the largest Christian Church)):
From the Church of the Gods of the Light:

This is a request from a Holy Church with a certain amount of doubt about your religion, to clear this up we request a representative from your Church in order to better understand the Christian Faith so that we may make an unbias desision regarding a potiental ban.

~Signed,
Kingpriest Velorn X,
Holy Empire of Istar

There are so many sects of christians and subsects of even the large churches that it would not be fair or just to make such a desion based on one group even if it is a large one.

Archbishop Vorn, Head of the Teritoran Catholic church.

There are so many sects of christians and subsects of even the large churches that it would not be fair or just to make such a desion based on one group even if it is a large one.

Archbishop Vorn, Head of the Teritoran Catholic church.

OOC: They are trying to get an idea about the MAJORITY of Christianity, they don't know much about it, anyone going to play the role of the Catholic Church?

OOC:Of course but he is giving them a word of warning.

The decision to ban Christianity is an excercise of Ishtar sovreignty. Although i strongly disagree with this decision and hope that the Holy Church in their good time repeals it, i bear no ill will towards Ishtar as a result.

OOC: awaiting someone to play the part of the Catholic Dignitary...

Istar reverse your ban on christianity immediatly or the Holy Imperial Empire will make you reverse your ban.

OOC:I will do it before one of the extemist nations does it

I am willing to send Father General Kern of the Dorn order.

Archbishop Vorn

Belem, if you so much as fire a shot on Istar soil, I will reduce your nation to a smoking crater.

bring it Bryn

OOC:I will do it before one of the extemist nations does it

I am willing to send Father General Kern of the Dorn order.

Archbishop Vorn

Of course, he will be most welcome in the Holy Empire.

~First Son Palas

Then I will send him. I am sure he will have nothing to worry about in your land.

Then I will send him. I am sure he will have nothing to worry about in your land.

OOC: except for the cults of evil and sin that are plotting the destruction of Istar he has nothing to worry about... nothing whatsoever... :twisted: Post his arrival at the Istarian National Airport

The Empire of Xanthal wishes it known that it will support Istar if it's government decides to ban Christinity. The Empire has already cleansed religion from it's midst, but we did it through education, not legal prevention.
Education would not eliminate religion. Very many educated people have believed in various religions throughout history, and this has continued in modern times. Unless, that is, one of the goals of your education system is to convince the pupils that no such thing as a divinity can exist, which is equivalent to indoctrination.

Istarian National Airport, Father General Kern of the Dorn order Plane had just arrived and he was disbarking along with 2 Church knights, 10 church soldiers and two aides.

Istar: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=82471

War were declared. {sic}
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=82471

Istarian National Airport, Father General Kern of the Dorn order Plane had just arrived and he was disbarking along with 2 Church knights, 10 church soldiers and two aides.

Inside the terminal a small group of Sworne Acolytes awaited them. "Greetings," the oldest of the Acolytes said, "I am Davde, I am here to take you to the Great Temple of Paladine where the Kingpriest awaits your apperance." the Acolytes behind him in their simple grey habits remained silent.

Father General Kern of the Dorn order nodded. "And I am Father General Kern, leader of the Dorn order, sent by archbishop Vorn, head of the Catholic church in Teritora. Led the way."

Davde then lead the father to his limo while the other acolytes lead the guards and assorted clerics to various "Honor cars" and the drivers inside sped off down the streets towards the city of Istar that was only a half-mile away, the city shinned like a jewel in the light of the dawn, a city without a single flaw, a city worthy of the title "The most beautiful city in all the World"

Father General Kern commented as they approached the city. "Not a bad looking city."

OOC: Did you read my description in Dark Plots?

IC: Davde almost laughted at the foolish forigner, "This is the most beautiful city in all the world as you will see." the cars then approached the golden gates of the city, a huge arch straddled the road, twined with bas-reliefs of roses and dragons divine triagles and dragon wings, atop it blazed three golden torches with the flames allowing a golden plaque to be readable at all times of day.

Calsa, A gomo duruc, du nosom forbo ciforud.
Calsa du forbo sebais mif usas.
Calsa, bosodo arburteis, du Istar

Translated...

Welcome, O noble visitor, to our beautiful city.
Welcome to the city beloved of the gods.
Welcome, honored guest, to Istar.

The golden gates were open and the cars sped through into the city that was the center of the world.

OOC:Yes but Teritora is an anceint land with 5,000 years of history. It would depend on taste.

Father General Kern replied. "That is a matter of opion."

Davde then noticed that the car was driving through the slave trade sector of the New City. Several blocks worth of the barter and sell of Minotaur slaves was displayed before them as the cars sped along towards the center of the city, the Great Temple of Paladine. "If your curious it is Execution Day so the Bargion will be filled with people who are watching the execution of the nation's criminals." Davde infored the Teritorian Priest.

Father General Kern stared at the Davde. "right..."

We of Letila, decendents of the glorious nation of Terra Pvlchra, feel that this measure is quite extreme. We urge you to rconsider.

The Empire of Xanthal wishes it known that it will support Istar if it's government decides to ban Christinity. The Empire has already cleansed religion from it's midst, but we did it through education, not legal prevention.
Education would not eliminate religion. Very many educated people have believed in various religions throughout history, and this has continued in modern times. Unless, that is, one of the goals of your education system is to convince the pupils that no such thing as a divinity can exist, which is equivalent to indoctrination.You're a smart one. Indeed, the discouragement of religion is one of the goals of our education system.

The cars after a 20 minute drive reached the Great Temple of Paladine in the center of Istar. As the Acolytes stepped out of the cars to lead the men to one of the more hidden entrances (and away from the crowds who were cheering the executions), one of the acolytes hummed a little and said in a soft voice, "Paradise." as he looked up into the sky at the Basilica with it's frosted white dome that rang the sound of hundreds of wedding bells in the sunlight.

The Oligarchy of Manganland is pleased by the efforts of Istar to eradicate the evil ignorant influence of Christianity. We hope you find happyness on your new path.

Chancellor Alexander Mangan
The Logical and Utterly Wise Oligarchy of Manganland

If you are going ban all Christianity, your name would be inappropiate. The Holy Empire of Istar cannot be as Holy is associated with Christianity.

If you are going ban all Christianity, your name would be inappropiate. The Holy Empire of Istar cannot be as Holy is associated with Christianity.

OOC: Uh... the Holy part comes from the fact that it is the Church of the Gods of the Light the rules Istar. It's why it is called the Holy Empire of Istar dear...

Your evil, necromantic deity is as far from holy as one can get. His pantheon, however, is definately alligned with Good. Now begone, foolish wench!

Your evil, necromantic deity is as far from holy as one can get. His pantheon, however, is definately alligned with Good. Now begone, foolish wench!

Diplomatic words indeed and watch the spelling errors.

The cars after a 20 minute drive reached the Great Temple of Paladine in the center of Istar. As the Acolytes stepped out of the cars to lead the men to one of the more hidden entrances (and away from the crowds who were cheering the executions), one of the acolytes hummed a little and said in a soft voice, "Paradise." as he looked up into the sky at the Basilica with it's frosted white dome that rang the sound of hundreds of wedding bells in the sunlight.

"Well its impressive, not the largest building I have seen and I like better the Basilica of St Peters but this place has its own appeal."

To the government of the Holy Empire of Istar,

We are concerned by the developments in your country. We feel it is likely that the Christian faith has been misrepresented to your government, because it seems unlikely that any objective evaluation of Christianity would result in it being banned. In order to counter-act that misrepresentation, the Imperial Government of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria would like to send Jacques Cardinal Conomos, Archbishop of New Rome, to Istar, to plead the case for allowing Christianity in your empire. While we are sure that Father Kern of Territora will do his best to convince you of the merits of the Christian faith, we feel that an empire such as yours deserves a representative of a higher position. We are not sure whether you are aware of Church hierarchy, but a priest is a lower order of clergyman than a cardinal, by a significant degree, and we feel it would be remiss of us to leave the fate of Christianity in your country to a single priest.

Please advise whether you would receive Archbishop Jacques Cardinal Conomos.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

The Acolytes pretended not to of heard him as they used the servants entrance to enter the Temple unmolested. In they went into a garden where golden starbloom shrubs blazed around lime and almond trees, where a fountain graced with a statue of Branchala playing his flute sprayed arches of water that looked like diamond ropes. A lizard the lenght of Davde's arm, bred to look like a silver dragon, it even had horns, and the tiny stubs of wings rising from it's shoulders, froze admist the path of crushed rose quartz, sqealed and then sped off into the shrubs looking for insects to eat.

The Basilica rose in the Temple's midst, its crystal dome gleaming brighter than mere sunlight could begin to explain. Around it the other buildings, the vast chancery, the sprawling cloisters where the priests lived, even the Imperial Manse looked like tinker toys. The Temples central spire, a needle so high it looked like it cut the sky, flashed with golden fire above them. The doors of the Basilica shined at the Acolyte Davde opened them and lead them in.

After a few minutes of walking down a path of marble lined with statues of Kingpriests long dead and either glaring or looking warmly at the viewer in their own personal way. Daved and the group reached two Platinum door, inlaid with the falcon-and-triangle in lapis. On the otherside was a warmly lit antechamber, with a curtain of sapphire velvet on the far wall. Running down the rooms length was a table of lacquered wood draped in satin and laden with rich foods and drinks.

"This is the guest table where the guests of the Kingpriest may eat and drink before meeting with him." Davde explained, "Rest here while I announce your arrival to the Royal Court." he then broke from the group and passed through the curtain.

OOC:He is a Father general, that means he is the head of a entire reglious order inside of the church. He isn't a mere priest.

Father General Kern nodded as two church knights and the church solders moved to places that they could better protect the Father General.

OOC: Pantocratoria, post him being in the Antechamber, we will say he was brought in by another group of Acolytes.

Any Protestants seeking refuge here are welcome to come if they desire. We can also accomodate a limited number of Catholics here as well.

OOC:He is a Father general, that means he is the head of a entire reglious order inside of the church. He isn't a mere priest.

Father General Kern nodded as two church knights and the church solders moved to places that they could better protect the Father General.

OOC: No offence intended, I just wanted in. 8)

OOC: No offence intended, I just wanted in. 8)

OOC: You are in...

Dressed in his red cardinal's robe, Jacques Cardinal Conomos stood, waiting, in the antechamber. He observes Father General Kern enter the antechamber, and approaches him. Unlike Father General Kern, he is unaccompanied and unprotected.

"Father General Kern, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." says Cardinal Conomos, extending the hand on which he wears his ring for Kern to kiss. "I'm Cardinal Conomos, the Archbishop of New Rome in Pantocratoria. My government has asked that I plead the case for Christianity here in Istar along with you."

Father General Kern kisses the ring. "It is good to see you your grace. Archbishop Vorn could not come here as he is currently dealing with that Radical upstart in Kecha who is trying to use the Church for his own ends. I hope this goes well."

Davde then poked his head through the curtain, "Follow me."

"As do I, Father General." says Cardinal Conomos. "Impressive building, eh? Pagan idolatory aside, obviously. I do hope we're admitted soon. Do you suppose we'll be admitted together?"

"Ah, I spoke too soon!" says Conomos as Davde pokes his head through the curtain. The Cardinal follows Davde through the curtain into the room beyond.

Father General Kern. "I do not see why not. We are both here for the same reason."

"Ah, I spoke too soon!" says Conomos as Davde pokes his head through the curtain. The Cardinal follows Davde through the curtain into the room beyond.

Father General Kern and his guards follow as well.

Davde lead the men into a small prayer room before the Throne Room of the Kingpriest, a statue of the god Paladine in his Warrior form, dressed in armor and holding the Sword of Justice and the words "Dumas tek altoh uma" engraved in the pedestal it was on (Translation: So the God judges all). After chanting a purification prayer in the Church Language Davde then lead them into the Throne Room, the holiest place on earth, a sight that Davde had never seen in his life.

The Chamberlain opened the doors and said "Gomudo, laudo, e lupudo." (translation: Enter, behold, and adore). The sheer wonder and beauty brough a gasp and tears from Davde who chanted, "Blessed Paladine!" Mosaics of interwoven dragon wings covered the floor, strands of real gold as thin as spiders web hung from the ceiling and created the effect of a shimmering fog in the room. Censers filled the room with smells of jasmine and rose, paintings of the Gods of the Light were on the walls and were painted so well that the paintings looked alive, the room was filled with so much light from the roof of the Basilica that the candles in the room looked a waste, the Royal Courties that stood on around the room wore enough gold and precious stones to feed a small empire for a year, the marble seven-stepped dais, in the center of the room however drew the most attention. For atop the platform stood a golden throne behind a violet window, the throne was wreathed with white roses and more censers gave of electrum that gave off tendrils of smoke. An elf sat on the satin-cushioned seat.

Velorn X, Kingpriest of Istar, Paladine's Voice on the Earth, was a glorious man. An old elf of over 500 years of age with long silver hair and a long silver beard that went down to his waist, he was tall and slender and wore blue silk robes and a medallion with the symbol of the platinum dragon on it. The symbol of Paladine, the Supreme God of Light. Velorn wore the golden breastplate and sapphire tiara that had graced the Kingpriests since Guchonia VII, the last of the Kingpriests of the Beldinas Dynasty, Velorn raised a hand that was covered in rings and rare stones and said. "Udos cala die masha tubr oas inas." (Welcome honored guests to my Court).

Cardinal Conomos bows to Kingpriest Velorn politely.

"Pardon my ignorance, but by what title would it be appropriate to address such an esteemed individual as yourself, sir?" enquires Cardinal Conomos in a soft, inoffensive voice.

The First Son Palas, the Commander of the Revered Sons of Paladine (in the name of the Kingpriest), a short fat older man of 70 years with whispy white hair and a fat baby face and dull eyes chose to speak. "There are two prefered titles, "His Holiness" and "Your Majesty", though outdated but still used is, "Your Eminence". The First Son's deep voice sounded through the Throne Room, he and the First Daughter stood on the second Highest Step on the Dais, the place of honor, no one except the Kingpriest was allowed to stand on the Highest Step next to the throne, the punishment being death.

Father General Kern studed the court as he waited for the Cardinal to finish as it was the Cardinals right to go first.

The bulk of the Imperial Court consisted of Important Merchants, A few knights from the Order of the Divine Hammer, representatives from the Churches of the Neutral Gods, the White Robe Wizardess representative from the Order of High Sorcery, and representatives from the High Churches that ruled the provinces of the Holy Empire in the name of Church and Kingpriest. The Supreme Priests, the commanders of the worship of the Gods of Lights stood on the steps of the Dais (unlike the rest of the court that stood around it) that had been designated to them by the Kingpriest. The First Son and First Daughter of Paladine stood on the second highest step, they managed the Orders of Paladine and the day to day affairs for the Kingpriest (who was the Supreme ruler of the Empire, the Church, and the worship of Paladine on the Earth).

OOC: For an explanation of the Imperial Court

"Your Majesty," says Cardinal Conomos, choosing his words carefully. "First allow me to complement you on your magnificent basilica, and to thankyou for allowing me to enter your court, to come into your esteemed presence, and to plead the case for my fellow Christians. May I present to Your Majesty Father General Kern?"

Cardinal Conomos turns to Kern.

The elvish Kingpriest turned his attention to the Teritorian Priest. Meanwhile First Daughter Illista addressed the Cardinal. "Cardinal Conomos, I have been reading the report given to us by Denubis, the Head Priest of the Sacred Chancery, the Library of the Church, and there are a few points that the report makes that do need to be addressed." Illista was a tall well-built woman of 50 years of age, her raven black hair streaked with white was done up in a bun, she was wearing silver silk robes, golden sandles, and enough jewels to feed a city for a month.

"Your Highness," says Cardinal Conomos. "I shall be of whatever assistance I may. Please, ask any questions which you feel need to be addressed."

Father General spoke. "Your Majesty. I am Kern, Father General of the Dorn order."

Illista smiled warmly as she walked down from the dais and towards the Cardinal and said, "Please, call me Illista."

The Cardinal bows his head to Illista.

"Very well, Illista." he says. "Now, with what concerns of yours may I be of assistance?"

Kingpriest Velorn nodded and then said, "Greetings, to bring you to speed, the Courters were debating whether or not Christianity should be added to the list of banned religions like the worship of Takhissis for example. The First Son seems to be at the center of what I will call the Pro-Ban group and Sir Jadis Marthsevial, commander of the Order of the Divine Hammer seems to be the center of the Pro-Christian group."

The Cardinal bows his head to Illista.

"Very well, Illista." he says. "Now, with what concerns of yours may I be of assistance?"

"The first point in this report is that after deep research by Denubis into the older texts is that Christianity seems to only be an outcropping of Judiaism, a religion far older than Christianity and has suffered persecution by the Christian faith, is any of this information inaccurate?"

"Thankyou for bringing me up to speed, so to speak, Your Majesty." says Cardinal Conomos. "Perhaps the First Son could explain his reasons for being so adamantly opposed to the practice of the Catholic faith here in Istar?"

christianity is not an outcropping of the jewish faith, and is based on the worship of the pagan gods Asceplius, and Dionysus. christmas actually takes place on the came day as the festival of Dionysus.

"The first point in this report is that after deep research by Denubis into the older texts is that Christianity seems to only be an outcropping of Judiaism, a religion far older than Christianity and has suffered persecution by the Christian faith, is any of this information inaccurate?"

"Well, Illista, it is inaccurate to say that Christianity is merely an outcropping of Judaism, but it is certainly correct to say that it grew out of that ancient faith. Sadly, it is true, Christians have discriminated against Jews in the past, in some of the most deplorable crimes in history. And yet, while these crimes against the Jewish people were perpetrated by Christians, they were not Christian acts. When discrimination against Jews has taken place supposedly in the name of Christianity, the perpetrators have twisted Christianity to suit their own bigotted purpose. Christians are called to live in peace and fraternity with peoples of other faith, so that they may serve as examples of righteousness to them." says Conomos. "I could go into the theological differences between Judaism and Christianity, but I suspect you'd prefer if I kept my answers as brief as possible..."

"Thankyou for bringing me up to speed, so to speak, Your Majesty." says Cardinal Conomos. "Perhaps the First Son could explain his reasons for being so adamantly opposed to the practice of the Catholic faith here in Istar?"

The First Son then answered, "For the only truth is the Gods of Light, all others are either false or evil and must be eradicated at all costs. Already the nation of Belem which is managed by a Catholic Government has threatened war with the Holy Empire, because of a debate on whether or not Christianity should be banned in Istar."

I concur, by allowing christianity onto your holy empire, you will not only appease the tiny minority, you will seem more of a modern nation. you will seem more capable of having a trade relation with... ...my country for example...

"Thankyou for bringing me up to speed, so to speak, Your Majesty." says Cardinal Conomos. "Perhaps the First Son could explain his reasons for being so adamantly opposed to the practice of the Catholic faith here in Istar?"

The First Son then answered, "For the only truth is the Gods of Light, all others are either false or evil and must be eradicated at all costs. Already the nation of Belem which is managed by a Catholic Government has threatened war with the Holy Empire, because of a debate on whether or not Christianity should be banned in Istar."

"Ah yes, Belem..." says Cardinal Conomos. He looks at the First Son with the slightest touch of humour in his eyes as he continues. "That's what extremists who oppose all other religions fanatically are like, and unfortunately, every religion has them."

"Thankyou for bringing me up to speed, so to speak, Your Majesty." says Cardinal Conomos. "Perhaps the First Son could explain his reasons for being so adamantly opposed to the practice of the Catholic faith here in Istar?"

The First Son then answered, "For the only truth is the Gods of Light, all others are either false or evil and must be eradicated at all costs. Already the nation of Belem which is managed by a Catholic Government has threatened war with the Holy Empire, because of a debate on whether or not Christianity should be banned in Istar."

Father General Kern spoke harshly. "I would call the goverment of Belem a catholic goverment, Its insulting. They are fantical frunge Funtimentists, not true catholics."

"Thankyou for bringing me up to speed, so to speak, Your Majesty." says Cardinal Conomos. "Perhaps the First Son could explain his reasons for being so adamantly opposed to the practice of the Catholic faith here in Istar?"

The First Son then answered, "For the only truth is the Gods of Light, all others are either false or evil and must be eradicated at all costs. Already the nation of Belem which is managed by a Catholic Government has threatened war with the Holy Empire, because of a debate on whether or not Christianity should be banned in Istar."

Father General Kern spoke harshly. "I would call the goverment of Belem a catholic goverment, Its insulting. They are fantical frunge Funtimentists, not true catholics."

OOC: not hinduism...

Illista nodded and added, "I cannot claim that this Church has been perfect either in it's human management in the past. But a strech of the first point made by Denubis is that the Catholic Church lead several Crusades against the "Holy Land" and against Islam and that the Pope Urban who had declared the Crusades was later cantonized as a Saint, but I am not sure if the Saint part is accurate or not."

"Ah yes, Belem..." says Cardinal Conomos. He looks at the First Son with the slightest touch of humour in his eyes as he continues. "That's what extremists who oppose all other religions fanatically are like, and unfortunately, every religion has them."

The Royal Court broke out in laughter at that, the First Son turned a rather lovely shade of red and the Kingpriest snorted, desperatly trying not to laugh.

bump

Illista nodded and added, "I cannot claim that this Church has been perfect either in it's human management in the past. But a strech of the first point made by Denubis is that the Catholic Church lead several Crusades against the "Holy Land" and against Islam and that the Pope Urban who had declared the Crusades was later cantonized as a Saint, but I am not sure if the Saint part is accurate or not."

"Yes, that is also true. However, it should be noted that while the Crusades were a holy war conducted in the name of Christianity, they weren't a war of outright aggression. The Christian Byzantine Empire had originally ruled the Holy Lands until they were conquered by Moslems... I believe they called themselves 'ghazi warriors'. The Crusades were a response to this initial Moslem aggression." says Cardinal Conomos. "Which isn't to excuse them, they were conducted in a most inappropriate fashion. But I hope that at least puts them in a context for you. The Crusades weren't wars of unprovoked Christian aggression; they were however, an inappropriate response."

"Ah yes, Belem..." says Cardinal Conomos. He looks at the First Son with the slightest touch of humour in his eyes as he continues. "That's what extremists who oppose all other religions fanatically are like, and unfortunately, every religion has them."

The Royal Court broke out in laughter at that, the First Son turned a rather lovely shade of red and the Kingpriest snorted, desperatly trying not to laugh.

Father General Kern smiled. He had dealt with the first sons type before. He now had a little better idea what he would be dealing with.

After chuckling at the humiliation of the First Son Illista then conseded the Cardinal's point and then asked. "Another point made by Denubis is that the Christian Faith has suffered from severe disunity over the millenia to the point where more often than not the various churches fight each other than those of other beliefs over the tinest differences in doctorine."

Father General Kern spoke. "It is true the Christian faith is not united even though most still do belong to the catholic church But Reglious fighting is not that common, rather rare anymore. Most do not fight with each other over their differences."

"Father General Kern is, of course, correct." says Cardinal Conomos. "And it should be pointed out that since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has made a lot of effort to bring the schismatic churches back into the fold through ecumenical councils. Even though the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches and the Anglican Communion and lots of others remain separate, they are now at least talking to each other again in the hopes of one day reuniting."

Illista nodded agian but before she could speak Stefara, the High Hand of Mishakal (Supreme Priestess of the Worship of the Goddess Mishakal) chose to ask a question, "A point made by Denubis is that the Christian Bible has been used, and in fact is, to keep women subservient to men and that the Christian Bible is in fact gender bias to men." Stefara was wearing Skyblue silk robes and the medallion of twin tear drops, the symbol of Mishakal, and of course a small amount of perfumes and a lot of jewels.

"Well," says the Cardinal, realising he is in a trickier position. "Men and women are certainly equal. But women cannot become priests, if that is what you are referring to. The reasons for this are largely theological... shall I go into them?"

"Well," says the Cardinal, realising he is in a trickier position. "Men and women are certainly equal. But women cannot become priests, if that is what you are referring to. The reasons for this are largely theological... shall I go into them?"

"No, I was refering to the more theological views in both the old and new testaments about women, not nessisary on the idea of women joining the priesthood." Stefara explained to him, then she snapped her fingers and a minotaur-slave then walked towards her, bowed and Stefara then snached up a glass of water claret from the tray he was carrying (Stefara was on the lowest step so the minotaur did not have to violate the law and walk on the dais without permission).

"Ah," says Cardinal Conomos, feeling more confident. "Those views you refer to are merely interpretations of scripture. Interpretations are subject to change with the age in which they are made. Scripture can be twisted to serve almost any purpose or agenda, and there are those who do twist scripture to suit their requirements on a regular basis. Is there anything specifically which concerns you about Christianity's attitude towards women?"

"Ah, then I have none." Stefara said after she took a deep drink of her water claret, "This is quite good, do you want a drink?"

Father General Kern frowned. "What is that?"

"Water Claret of course, a little strong but not even the minotaur kitchen slaves of the Great Temple can be trained to be perfect." Stefara answered.

Father General Kern frowned and shook his head. "I prefer wine."

Stefara clapped her hands and another minotaur slave (carrying a tray of wine glasses filled with the best Lattakay Port Wine, sweet and reminds the drinker of rasberries) walked towards the Father and handed him a glass and walk away without a word, the subservience had been well grounded into him since childhood.

Father General Kern took a sip of the wine. "Not a bad vitage, pretty good for a non Teritoran wine."

Father General Kern took a sip of the wine. "Not a bad vitage, pretty good for a non Teritoran wine."

OOC: just so you know the Istarian people usually perfer light and sweet wines to the stronger stuff.

OOC:Okay. So you know the Teritoran people are primary wine drinkers and they got a wide varity of it including a extremely famed type made only in Teritora called Draco thu Throdo.

Everyone politely pretended not to hear what he had just said.

"So, Your Majesty, are there any other concerns you or other members of your court may have about the Christian religion which I could attempt to resolve before you make your decision?" asks Cardinal Conomos.

"None." the Kingpriest said then added, "Any advice from the First Son and Daughter?" Both Illista and Palas began whispering to the Kingpriest, judging from the dirty looks Velorn was giving Palas it was obvious that there would be a new First Son within a few days, finally Velorn said, "I agree with Illista's wisdom, By the order of Paladine's Voice on the Earth, in Paladine's name with Istar's might, etc. I declare this into Imperial Law. The Christian religion will not be banned... but it will be restricted and carefully watched by the Holy Church, so declare I, the Kingpriest and Lord of the Holy Empire of Istar, this Court is adjourned." the Kingpriest then rose and left the Throne Room through a private side door flanked by two Scatas, the courtiers then filled out of the room in clusters, talking about the desision of the Kingpriest.

Cardinal Conomos looks pleased. He leaves behind some of the courtiers when it seems polite for him to do so.

He is quickly followed by Father General Kern and his guard.

The room had now been vacated, except for one man. This man was an envoy from Daussmannia, come to the Empire on a courtesy mission. Seeing that the room was empty, and no witnesses were there, he quickly ran up to the imperial Dias and jump up and down on the top two steps for a minute. His temptation abated, and filled with a guilty pleasure, he silently slipped out of the room. :roll:

"When the head officials of the Daussmannian foreign ministry found out about this serious breach of protocal, they wisely decided not to risk an international incident by telling this to Istar, but rest assured that the knave was soon recalled and thrown in irons for a year."

from the Private Informational Archives of the Supreme Governing
Chamber of Daussmannia,
Clipped out of His Majesty's Daily Intelligence Report :mrgreen: