Sanguis Astroism/Writings/Tenants of Astroist Warfare

-by Turin Erickson, Last true King of Iashalur, Light of The Austere Star

In the golden age of Sanguis Astroism the idea of warfare between Astroist populations was neigh unthinkable. For too long we believe naively that this would last and the day when faithful would draw the blood of faithful on the feild of battle would never come. However Leopold's betrayal of the church proved that wrong. Astroist armies clashed, Astroist peasants were slaughtered by the hundreds. Thousands more perished from starvation brought on by the destruction of food stores and sabotage by enemy agents. I write the following treatise in the hopes that such brutality will henceforth be reserved only for war with heathens, heretics and apostates. There can be no doubt that one day astroists will fight one another, perhaps even a theocracy will war with a fellow theocracy. When that day comes I pray that the people fighting look to this treatise.

For the purpose of this document "astroist populations" refers to regions in which 60% of the peasants or more are members of Sanguis Astroism ore Ecclesiastic Sanguiastroism.

The First Tenant, Declaration of War

A theocracy or other realm which holds Sanguis Astroism as its state religion should not move troops into the lands of an astroist adversary until war has been declared. Sneak attacks are dishonorable and fitting only for war with unbelievers.

Any ruler that violates this tenant will be demoted to the rank of Knight Penitent they must make an immediate pilgrimage to Caiyun and donate 100gold to the temple or face excommunication, upon completing their pilgrimage and donation they will be restored to their previous rank.

Second Tenant, Champion Warfare

Upon declaration of war Astroist realms may seek to resolve the conflict by means of a duel to the death between two chosen champions. If this option is pursued first both parties must agree to terms should their champion be defeated. Once terms are agreed upon by both realms they should be announced to all rulers of Dwilight. Both rulers must then swear an oath by the Bloodstars and with all fellow rulers as witness to abide by the results of the duel. Once this announcement is made the duel may commence. Once the duel is concluded both parties must abide by the agreement they made prior to the duel or face excommunication. In the event that there is disagreement over the tenants of the agreement following the duel the rulers may request arbitration by the college of lights, swearing to abide by their ruling.

Champion warfare may also be enacted on a regional level. When a region is subject to takeover or enemy occupation the region lord, or one of his knights may issue a challenge to the opposing army. The challenge may be a duel to the death or to surrender, it is the challenger's choice and any counter challenge should be considered and impious act resulting in a demotion to knight penitent. The highest ranking military officer on the field must put out a call to all forces in the region requesting a champion, he may also volunteer to act as champion himself. If no champion volunteers then the occupation will proceed as normal. If one is found the commanding officer and the region's champion must swear an oath by the Bloodstars and before all present in the region. The Commanding officer will swear to cease all hostilities, withdraw all troops from the region for no less then one moth should his champion be defeated. The region's lord must swear to surrender his land to the enemy if his champion is defeated. Once all oaths are made the duel may commence.

If either the commander or the region lord fails to honor the agreement they will be demoted to the rank of Knight Penitent they must make an immediate pilgrimage to Caiyun and donate 100gold to the temple or face excommunication, upon completing their pilgrimage and donation they will be restored to their previous rank.

No Astroist Duke, General or Ruler may forbid regional champion warfare or order their subordinates to violate the agreement made therein. Such an act is grounds for excommunication.

Third Tenant, Acceptable forms of Looting

Destruction of food supplies and general violence against Astroist peasants is unacceptable. Only the looting of tax gold is permissible agains Astroist populations. Destruction of military infrastructure and fortifications is also acceptable.

Any individual violating this tenant they will be demoted to the rank of Knight Penitent they must make an immediate pilgrimage to Caiyun and donate 100gold to the temple or face excommunication. Upon completing their pilgrimage and donation they will be restored to their previous rank.

Any Ruler, or military commander who orders his knights to violate this tenant will face immediate excommunication.