Difference between revisions of "The Church of Qyrvagg/Apologetics"

From BattleMaster Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Finally... done marking all the verse references. Now maybe someday someone will use them.)
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
==Amekal's Doctrinal Explanation==
+
===Explanation===
−
Well, I suppose now is as good a time as ever to give a bit of a lesson, then.
+
When reading these works, it is necessary to understand both their purpose, their context, and how they are viewed by the Church. Firstly, the purpose of each document is explained by it individually, but the Triatome and the Epistles are different. The Triatome is irrevocable and completely true. It is infallible. BUT, it may speak metaphorically at times, and it may require interpretation beyond the surface level. The Epistles are wise, but not infallible. The Apologies are also not infallible, but are also considered wise. They are to be regarded as thoughts about the Triatome and the faith in general; advice and elaboration. But, they are not infallible, and they may become invalidated when times change. the Triatome is eternal; epistles are often situational. Both have purposes, both are important, both are different.
 +
Next we must explain context. Each document does have a different context, usually explained beside it. It is important to read that, and keep it in mind when reading the various documents. There are absolute truths, but there are also relative truths. Some things are always true, some things are only true in certain contexts.
 +
Lastly, we must explain how these documents are viewed by the Church. All believers are greatly encouraged to read them, meditate on them, discuss them and, most importantly, pray about them. They are also encouraged to seek guidance from the Elders on these matters. But, most believers are, unfortunately, not well versed in these documents. Thus it falls to the priesthood primarily and the Elders to know what is taught in them. Elders and Priests are expected to know what is taught in these documents, and teach from them. Acolytes are encouraged to learn them as well, but it is not absolutely necessary. All parts of the Tome of Wars have verse references for ease of referral and citation, developed over the years by the priests in the Grand Temple of Irombro.
  
−
As I believe you all know, Qyrvagg is the God of War and Battle. He is the supreme deity in Qyrvaggism, and beneath him are 2 others, Sartan and Eshen-Hosral. Sartan is the Demi-God of Virtuous Courage, of honor. Eshen-Hosral is the Demi-God of armies, of actual militarism. Beneath these demi-Gods are two different groups. The Avatars, and the Prophets. There are two Avatars: Tialok, the Phoenix Guardian, and Solecos, the Annointer of the Prophets. On equal level with the Avatars are the Prophets. The Prophets are led by the most recent incarnation of Prophesy, currently the THIRD, being me. Beneath the Prophets is the High Council, which is the Grand Priest(Bethany), the Master of the Holy Hosts(Baiko), and the Treasurer(Gwinny). Beneath them are the rest of the Elders, the High Priests(Ralph, Marc, and Neocron), and the Arch Priests(Krager, Herkan).
+
===The Triatome===
 +
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/The Book of Amekal|The Book of Amekal]] - An explanation of doctrine, beliefs, and traditions of the Church of Qyrvagg during the time of Amekal.
  
−
We believe that war is preferential to peace, for that is what Qyrvagg has shown the Prophets in their visions. In war, humanity is refined, or destroyed. War brings out the best in us, and the worst. It is when all is lost and hope is gone that virtue or vice becomes highlighted. That is when heroes fulfill their purpose, and cowards fulfill theirs. Metaphysical victory for the true hero, betrayal and death for the coward.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Chronicles of Amekal|Chronicles of Amekal]] - An basic accounting of the early days of the Church of Qyrvagg.
  
−
Qyrvaggism states that war is better than peace, combat better than beaurocracy. Naturally, traders and beaurocrats are necessary for the proper functioning of a realm.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/The Book of Guides|The Book of Guides]] - Amekal's explanations, vision by vision, of the Visions of the Prophets.
  
−
I will send this in several messages, to make it easier to read. The next shall come shortly.
+
===The Epistles===
 +
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Epistle to Enweil|Epistle to Enweil]] - A letter sent to all of Enweil, believers and non-believers, combating the Warmonger Heresy.
  
−
Now, I shall elaborate on several specific points of doctrine.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Epistle to Elaine|Epistle to Elaine]] - A letter of encouragement sent to a struggling believer, as well as an explanation of the Virtues of Battle.
  
−
War is meant to be waged in full ferocity and might. Qyrvaggism supports full and open warfare. That means espionage, assassination, conventional battles, and looting. WITH ONE EXCEPTION- Murder of the peasentry and torching of food supplies. It is wrong to starve the innocent peasentry, unless it is a realm which openly hates the realm which supports Qyrvaggism(when both sides support Qyrvaggism, or both do not support Qyrvaggism, Qyrvaggism supports the war itself, neither side specifically). We will steal tax gold, knife opponents, incite rebellions, fight in open combat, level fortifications, but we will not massacre innocents.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Second Epistle to Enweil|Second Epistle to Enweil]] - A letter sent to the Judge of Enweil in response to his threat to ban Qyrvaggism, due to clashes between Eretzian priests and Qyrvaggian believers. This was an early letter. Insight can still be gained from reading it, but the primary topic of it is now null. Instead, it is recommended, if you wish to see Qyrvaggism's views on foreign religions, see the Epistle regarding other religions.
  
−
Duels are an honorable practice, to be encouraged and done freely. In times of war, much consideration must be put into duels, for it could immobilize much-needed troops. In times of peace, duels are often the only way to give glory to Qyrvagg through combat.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Epistle to the Hosts of Luz de Bia and Avalon|The Rueffilan Epistle]] - An evangelistic letter to Luz de Bians and Avalonians, combating some doctrine of the Order of the Druids, as well as elaborating on growth through conflict.
  
−
War is not a last resort. War is to be waged readily and joyfully, though not suicidally or stupidly. Remember: war is preferential to peace.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Epistle to the Path of the Great Dragon|First Draconian Epistle]] - A letter attempting to reconcile the PGD to the Church of Qyrvagg, explaining why it is that the two religions are seen, by Orthodox Qyrvaggians, as, really, one religion.
  
−
Traders and beaurocrats are necessary. They are not professions to be longed for, they are not proffessions Qyrvagg endorses. But they are necessary for the effective functioning of a realm. Administration is a necessity.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Second Epistle to the Path of the Great Dragon|Second Draconian Epistle]] - A second letter, further establishing similarities and shared beliefs between the PotGD and the CoQ.
  
−
War should never be waged in hate. As soon as you hate your foes, you are doing wrong deeds. For in hating foes, you have destroyed whatever virtue you may have found in combat. Hate is the enemy of wrath. We do not hate our foes. We fight for the joy of combat, for the danger, for the test, for the glory of Qyrvagg. We do not fight for hatred or animosity's sake. Respect your foes. Congradulate them on their victories, participate in the banter of battle. Never hate your enemies. Defeat and slay your enemies, but do not hate them. Lay them low, and offer mercy.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Epistle Regarding Other Religions|External Pastoral Teachings]] - This epistle explains the Church's views on other religions in general, and also aids in understanding various other aspects of the faith.
  
−
Qyrvagg's powers are not limited to warlike practices. We do not know the full extent of Qyrvagg's powers, for he has not shown us. It is known that, in rare and extreme cases, Qyrvagg can raise the dead. We do not know his full power.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Epistle to Heen|Epistle to Heen]] - This epistle was sent to Heen in the hopes of gaining converts, and can provide a good summary of Qyrvaggian doctrine, as well as show how it works out in deed.
  
−
There must be no ulterior motives. One must not be a follower of Qyrvagg so that one may win battles. One fight battles, and thus become a follower of Qyrvagg. Seeking power and miracles is wrongdoing. Faith must be for the sake of devotion to Qyrvagg and the virtues of battle, nothing else shall suffice.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Deathbane Declaration|Deathbane Declaration]] - A letter from Amekal, to the Church, declaring Holy War at the start of the Third Invasion.
  
−
The virtues of battle are, in order of importance, loyalty, courage, honor, strength, obedience, and fellowship. Loyalty is how we serve humanity and Qyrvagg, through unswerving devotion. Loyalty is dangerous, and requires courage to be effective. Courage without honor is empty and meaningless. Honor without strength of arm and heart cannot feed courage. Strength without obedient direction goes to waste, and shall never enforce honor. Obedience cannot be found without fellowship and community.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/Amekals Final Words to the Church|The Last Testament of Amekal]] - The last words of Amekal, Third Prophet of Qyrvaggism
  
−
There. A summary of our doctrines.
+
:[[The_Church_of_Qyrvagg/First_Letter_of_Sendan|First Letter of Sendan]] - Letter Declaring the rules for claiming a region.
  
−
Now I shall tell you of our history.
+
:[[The_Church_of_Qyrvagg/Epistle to Aurelias Tian|Aurelias' Epistle]] - Letter to Heenite baron, describing the faith in contemporary times
  
−
It all began long, long ago, at the battle of Nem-e-Kabu. There, a mighty warrior named Sartan ascended to the level of deity, for his bravery in combat. He became the 4th God in the Pantheon of Ibladesh.
+
===The Apologies===
 +
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/On War and Combat|Apology On War and Combat]] - The final and complete explanation of the Church of Qyrvagg's view on war. This is the final attack on the Warmonger Heresy, to once and for all put it to rest.
  
−
But what the Ibladeshian priests did not record are the others elevated. Each one of their Gods has an entire pantheon of demi-Gods. Sartans were Qyrvagg, his younger brother and shield bearer, Eshen, and Hosral.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/On Nationalism and State Religion|Apology on Nationalism and State Religions]] - The final and complete explanation of the Church of Qyrvagg's current view on state religions, and the relationship of Church and State.
  
−
A while later, Ibladeshian missionaries ventured to the Far East Island, and founded a realm called Sartania, which was devoted to the God of War: Sartan. But it became corrupt. Its Pontifex, Gheros, was a pacifist and money-launderer. Its general/duke was a de facto dictator, and inneffective. Its banker was silent, its people weak-minded and undevoted to Sartan.
+
:[[The Church of Qyrvagg/On the Nature of Human Beings|Apology on the Nature of Human Beings]] - The final and complete explanation of the Church of Qyrvagg's current view on the exact nature of the human being and the soul thereof.
  
−
It was in this land of spiritual depravity that hireshmont was cast ashore, literally, as a child. he was raised in the temple courts. When he came of age, his noble status was discovered. Having always been a devout follower of Sartan, he was fanatically devoted to Sartanianism, to the Sartanian Sect. But he was quickly dissilusioned and became angry, for the Sartanian government did not adhere to Sartan's doctrines. Then, Hireshmont's mind was taken by Qyrvagg to view a mighty deed.
+
===Other===
 +
:[[Sendan_Interpretations|Book of Sendan Ch1]] - Chapter One is the book of Sendan a new look on early Qyrvagg.
  
−
The souls of the few, though valiant, followers of Qyrvagg(we have not found them all yet. SOmewhere, out there, are secret QYrvaggians, others like us. I believe the Path of the Great Dragon may be like that) took up arms against the numerous and weak souls of Sartan's followers. In the great battle of Hakan-del-Zir, Sartan was overthrown. Eshen and Hosral became one, Eshen-Hosral, and Qyrvagg Ascended to the role of God.
+
:[[The Book of Flames]] - An ancient text found by Arch Priest Plagueis, which reveals details about an ancient almost Qyrvaggist belief.
−
 
 
−
I will continue in the next message.
 
−
 
 
−
When Hireshmont saw this, he began to gather followers to reinstate Sartan to his role as God of War. He formed a secret denomination of the Sartanian Sect, called the True Sartanians. He tried to explain to Gheros and others what had happenned, they did not believe him. Sartan abandoned the land, and abandoned Hireshmont.
 
−
 
 
−
Baiko, I'm sure you remember that. You remember the Trials, or at least the early parts of them. You remember how Hireshmont stayed behind to defend the faith.
 
−
 
 
−
After days of sleepless debate, Hireshmont demolished Sartanian theology, and outlined the basics of Qyrvaggism. He tried to get caught by Sartanian troops, he even let assassins assault him. But the Sartanians bungled the whole affair. 200 troops policing a small townsland couldnt catch one rogue Prophet, even with 2 days of searching. Two assassins failed, one accidently stabbed herself.
 
−
 
 
−
Hireshmont took that as a sign from Qyrvagg to flee, so he fled. Before he did, he laid a curse upon Pontifex Gheros. He proclaimed that she would fall from her position on the winter equinox, by the vengeance of QYrvagg.
 
−
 
 
−
IT CAME TRUE(OOC- I almost died laughing when it did come true!). On the winter equinox, or within a few days of it, Gheros was found guilty of money laundering, to the tune of 200-300 gold per week, sent to a secret family account. She was removed from office.
 
−
 
 
−
The judge, Sparticus, aided in maing the former Marshall, Sito, the new Pontifex. Sparticus was just, and sympathized with the True Sartanians. Sito did as well. QYrvagg blesses those who do not despise his name.
 
−
 
 
−
Anyways... after Hireshmont fled to Oligarch in the East Continent, Qyrvagg sought a new Prophet. He found one. Another member of my family, Hridrion, who was only 13, and dwelt in Valentia. But Hridrion was stricken by a snake soon after recieving the role of Prophet. SO Qyrvagg called me from the Barony of Makar, and I went to Valentia.
 
−
 
 
−
Baiko had been saving money in Lasanar, and she brought that cash to valentia. We intended to found the Church there, and found another sympathizer, by the name of billy. Together the Temple would be made.
 
−
 
 
−
But billy was a duplicitous traitor. He became power hungry, and frame us as traitors. The megalomaniacal King Kokomaro had us banned for heresy(thats 2 prophets sent into exile because of heresy!), and for attempted rebellion. Okay, so we were heretics. But we were not rebels.
 
−
 
 
−
We trekked south. AFter weeks of trekking through Fronen, Melhed, and Avalon, we arrived here in Riombara. We quickly set to work constructing the Temple, in Irombro. Duke Marc became our first patron.
 
−
 
 
−
Bolkenia was the next location. Bethany aided greatly, and helped implement QYrvaggism into a complete, institutionalized religion. The rest, well... look around you.
 
−
 
 
−
==The Visions of the Prophets, in Brief==
 
−
* To put it bluntly, the Visions of the Prophets are often difficult to interpret. Thus, I, Amekal, have taken it upon myself to offer a much shorter, simpler version of each Vision, an interpretation, if you will.
 
−
** The Battle of Ascension
 
−
*** Essentially, Sartan was defeated because his followers were not devoted to him, or to the virtues of battle. It was a spiritual battle, and hints at other groups of Qyrvaggians we know nothing about(QYrvagg's host BEFORE the Church). Qyrvagg ascends to power, the new pantheon is put in place.
 
−
** The Trial and Escape
 
−
*** A figurative representation of Hireshmont's Trial in Sartania. TO make it brief, Hireshmont demolished the Sartanian chief priests in several days of theological debate.
 
−
** The First Incarnation
 
−
*** Solecos passes the Prophethood to Hridrion. Prior to the Vision of The Amekanun, it was unknown exactly how this was done, what exactly IS the Prophethood? Now it is known that it is The Amekanun, or, more correctly, the conduit, the spirit, through which it passes.
 
−
** Doom of Chance
 
−
*** The death of Hridrion, the Green Serpent represents cowardice, and the effects it has on people.
 
−
** Second Incarnation
 
−
*** The Prophethood(The Amekanun) is passed on to Amekal.
 
−
** Call to Valentia
 
−
*** Amekal is called out of the Barony of Makar, to Valentia, the Church's Second Home, after Sartania.
 
−
** The Temple
 
−
*** In this vision, the Temple is first seen and planned, though those are not the deminsions used, they were metaphorical. ALso here, Qyrvagg calls the Church to move to Riombara, through a vision of a Riombaran Disciple of Qyrvagg. It is unknown if it depicted a specific person or not. If so, that person is yet to be found.
 
−
** The Gifting of the Weapons
 
−
*** Three parts are crucial to this. Firstly, the Second Avatar is first discovered: Tialok. Phoenix Guardian of the Church. Tialok is to DEFEND the Church. Secondly, a tool is given to UNIFY the Church, the Flamebanner. Lastly, a powerful talisman to LEAD the Church, the Staff. Defense, Unification, and Guidance, this is the calling of the Prophet. Even here, in this Vision, the coming of The Amekanun is foreshadowed. The scene at the beginning of the vision, the slaughter of the acolytes, is believed to be a warning against standing against the Amekanun, against denying the true prophecy, against heresy. Heresy will destroy the Church by weakening it.
 
−
** The New Temple
 
−
*** A message of rebirth, this Vision calls for the True Beginning, the official beginning of the Church.
 
−
** The End of a Prophet
 
−
*** Regarded by some as one of the most important of all prophecies(the other two are the Gifting of the Weapons, and the Amekanun), this vision recounts the death of Amekal, for the first time. Also, this is the first time that the Amekanun is mentioned by name. It was originally believed that Amekanun was merely a name for Amekal, to signify his new rebirth in Qyrvagg, we know better now. The Amekanun is the driving force of the Church. The encounter between Hridrion and Amekal has mystified me, and many scholars for a long time. Its exact meaning is unknown, though the saying, "Prophets never die" has become commonplace, and is taken to refer to the eternal life side-by-side with Qyrvagg, when the Prophet becomes the Amekanun. The man in chains is Hireshmont. HEre, Qyrvagg announces that the Prophet must not be his own self, but must be a conduit for the Amekanun.
 
−
** The Amekanun
 
−
*** This is the vision which many say has left the greatest mark of QYrvaggian theology. In this vision, the Amekanun is firmly established. It is the Child-Spirit of Qyrvagg, which dwells in the Church, flowing through the Prophets, from Qyrvagg(the Father). When a Prophet dies, the conduit is closed, until Solecos(The ANnointer) opens a new one. In that time, the Prophet has taken his seat at Qyrvagg's side, and is channelled back to the Church through the new Prophet, becoming one with the Amekanun. With the passing of each prophet, the Amekanun grows stronger. This Child-Spirit flows from QYrvagg to the Church, enriching it. Those who bear this spirit may accept his blessings, his aid in battle, his aid in peace, is aid in all walks of life, for his power is great and manifold. The afterlife here is also depicted, those who have lived life well, following the virtues of battle(consciously or unconsciously) will dwell in bliss in Qyrvagg's great city. For they no longer need conflict, for they have already been refined by trials.
 
−
 
 
−
=Epistles=
 
−
==Epistle to Enweil==
 
−
Greetings, troop leaders of Enweil.
 
−
 
 
−
I am Amekal Vellos, Third Prophet of Qyrvagg. I have heard news that Qyrvaggism has finally come to you, and I rejoice! You may finally see the truth of the Church of Qyrvagg!
 
−
 
 
−
Unfortunately, it seems that the same heresy as always has popped up. We have named it the Warmonger Heresy. It is the false belief that Qyrvaggism necessarily is a religion of blatant bloodshed and warmongering. This is false. We seek the betterment of humanity, through conflict. Conflict need not only mean war and bloodshed.
 
−
 
 
−
Now, we do take joy in battle, we rejoice in combat, for it is a time, a great testing, of our devotion to Qyrvagg: will we in glorious battle die for him. In war, as in all conflict, the Virtues are tested. The Virtues which I speak of are loyalty, courage, honor, strength, obedience, and fellowship.
 
−
 
 
−
Yes its true, Qyrvagg is the God of War and Battle. But more importantly, Qyrvagg is the God who blesses his followers, the God who is our friend, he is the Supreme God. He is the true victor of Hakan-del-Zir, the battle of souls.
 
−
 
 
−
So I beseech you, nobles of Enweil, do not fall into the trap of believing that Qyrvaggism is merely a religion of warmongering. That is false, it is a heresy we have many times fought against.
 
−
 
 
−
Look to our doctrines. Yes, on face value, it seems we are warmongers. But Qyrvaggism is a religion of more than face value. There is depth, if you choose to see it. Look beneath the surface, look at our actions. And know then the truth, that the Church offers what no other religion, no other God, can offer: true discovery of the self, true benefit to humanity, true guidance from the heavens, true assistance of the deities. In short, we offer not bloodshed and warfare, we offer truth, and whatever comes with it.
 

Latest revision as of 22:57, 23 April 2010

Explanation

When reading these works, it is necessary to understand both their purpose, their context, and how they are viewed by the Church. Firstly, the purpose of each document is explained by it individually, but the Triatome and the Epistles are different. The Triatome is irrevocable and completely true. It is infallible. BUT, it may speak metaphorically at times, and it may require interpretation beyond the surface level. The Epistles are wise, but not infallible. The Apologies are also not infallible, but are also considered wise. They are to be regarded as thoughts about the Triatome and the faith in general; advice and elaboration. But, they are not infallible, and they may become invalidated when times change. the Triatome is eternal; epistles are often situational. Both have purposes, both are important, both are different. Next we must explain context. Each document does have a different context, usually explained beside it. It is important to read that, and keep it in mind when reading the various documents. There are absolute truths, but there are also relative truths. Some things are always true, some things are only true in certain contexts. Lastly, we must explain how these documents are viewed by the Church. All believers are greatly encouraged to read them, meditate on them, discuss them and, most importantly, pray about them. They are also encouraged to seek guidance from the Elders on these matters. But, most believers are, unfortunately, not well versed in these documents. Thus it falls to the priesthood primarily and the Elders to know what is taught in them. Elders and Priests are expected to know what is taught in these documents, and teach from them. Acolytes are encouraged to learn them as well, but it is not absolutely necessary. All parts of the Tome of Wars have verse references for ease of referral and citation, developed over the years by the priests in the Grand Temple of Irombro.

The Triatome

The Book of Amekal - An explanation of doctrine, beliefs, and traditions of the Church of Qyrvagg during the time of Amekal.
Chronicles of Amekal - An basic accounting of the early days of the Church of Qyrvagg.
The Book of Guides - Amekal's explanations, vision by vision, of the Visions of the Prophets.

The Epistles

Epistle to Enweil - A letter sent to all of Enweil, believers and non-believers, combating the Warmonger Heresy.
Epistle to Elaine - A letter of encouragement sent to a struggling believer, as well as an explanation of the Virtues of Battle.
Second Epistle to Enweil - A letter sent to the Judge of Enweil in response to his threat to ban Qyrvaggism, due to clashes between Eretzian priests and Qyrvaggian believers. This was an early letter. Insight can still be gained from reading it, but the primary topic of it is now null. Instead, it is recommended, if you wish to see Qyrvaggism's views on foreign religions, see the Epistle regarding other religions.
The Rueffilan Epistle - An evangelistic letter to Luz de Bians and Avalonians, combating some doctrine of the Order of the Druids, as well as elaborating on growth through conflict.
First Draconian Epistle - A letter attempting to reconcile the PGD to the Church of Qyrvagg, explaining why it is that the two religions are seen, by Orthodox Qyrvaggians, as, really, one religion.
Second Draconian Epistle - A second letter, further establishing similarities and shared beliefs between the PotGD and the CoQ.
External Pastoral Teachings - This epistle explains the Church's views on other religions in general, and also aids in understanding various other aspects of the faith.
Epistle to Heen - This epistle was sent to Heen in the hopes of gaining converts, and can provide a good summary of Qyrvaggian doctrine, as well as show how it works out in deed.
Deathbane Declaration - A letter from Amekal, to the Church, declaring Holy War at the start of the Third Invasion.
The Last Testament of Amekal - The last words of Amekal, Third Prophet of Qyrvaggism
First Letter of Sendan - Letter Declaring the rules for claiming a region.
Aurelias' Epistle - Letter to Heenite baron, describing the faith in contemporary times

The Apologies

Apology On War and Combat - The final and complete explanation of the Church of Qyrvagg's view on war. This is the final attack on the Warmonger Heresy, to once and for all put it to rest.
Apology on Nationalism and State Religions - The final and complete explanation of the Church of Qyrvagg's current view on state religions, and the relationship of Church and State.
Apology on the Nature of Human Beings - The final and complete explanation of the Church of Qyrvagg's current view on the exact nature of the human being and the soul thereof.

Other

Book of Sendan Ch1 - Chapter One is the book of Sendan a new look on early Qyrvagg.
The Book of Flames - An ancient text found by Arch Priest Plagueis, which reveals details about an ancient almost Qyrvaggist belief.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.battlemaster.org/index.php?title=The_Church_of_Qyrvagg/Apologetics&oldid=138975"