NationStates Jolt Archive

From an unknown location a message is sent, spreading like willdfire on the world news wire.

"I come back from the shadows to clear up mistruths; to set the record straight. We, the Templars, have not abandoned our people or our duty. We have faced an evil greater than any one issue, greater than any one country. But we, in this task, have lost strength. In our Crusade to rid the world of sins against our God we have lost our ability to lead. And so, with the graciousness of the Sultanate of Elephantum, we will relocate to Antartica to regroup. We thank all freinds who are with us in spirit, and will help us in the coming months. Expect further news soon."

In a similarily suprising move, it has been discovered that a Peice of the True Cross is being shipped from an undisclosed location to Jerusalem, entrusted into the care of Elephantum. According to reports it comes with a note, enscribed "With the thanks of The Lord and his servants come this sacred object, in the understanding you will give it it's proper place."

Archbishop Paulo DeGizzione, head of the Jerusalem archdiocese, led the special consecration ceremony. A fragment of the Cross, the real Cross, was to be placed here, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. (ooc: I think it is on my side of the city, if not I can find a different one) Never in his career had he expected to have something so sacred in his hands. He expected to stay a priest in Italy for the rest of his life. However, he had been moved to Jordan, and ordained as a bishop. The most obvious choice for the Archbishop position, he had made a rise to power few had matched. Rumor had it he would be the next Pope, but as the current one shows no signs of leaving, that fact was debatable.

The piece of the cross would be held in a special vault, decorated with Biblical scenes, only to be revealed on special holidays, or at orders from the Pope. Most people would not see it until this coming Easter, although several senior church officials had a private viewing.

Surely this was worth the sacrifice of a barren Antarctican wasteland.

The Empire, a long time ally and supporter of the Knights Templar wishes to offer its official congradulations on their return to the world. Should any Knights require assistance or sanction, the Empire will greatly extend its hand.

The Order thanks it's friends, and looks forward to fruitful relations in the future. From this time on, the Templars are only an Order, and have helped to build the new nation of The Confederate States of the Order, or CSO. In order to lead the people of the CSO on the path of glory, the Council of Templars has created the Tribunal, consisting of 50 nobles to lead the country. The Leader shall be King. 18 year old Gabriel Adolphus as been named High Prince, for his virtue, bravery and piety existing in the re-location of the Order. Coronation of the High Prince will commence within the year; currently the Order must focus on expanding, resolving the situation in Israel and honoring the Unification Ceremony of Elephantum.

***Official Statment from the Order of The Knights Templar***