The Church of Sartan/Tales and Visons

Sartan works in mysterious ways. He only guides people towards their destination and most of the times those people only figure out later that Sartan had guided them towards where they are now. He usually doesn't reveal any information anyone doesn't need right at the moment, making the guidance even more mysterious. Here are the Tales and various Visions of Followers and Realms listed describing the guidance and blessings they have received from Sartan. Other various Tales concerning the Church of Sartan like the finding of Artifacts are also listed here.

Sartan will be the guidance to all who seek His refuge

The Day Jannes Danlawer saw the Light in Sartan

Today, I joined The Church of Sartan. In the first days walking around the realm, everything was new. When I was walking through the gardens of Niel, my attention was drawn by a Beautiful structure: this Temple. I visited it several times, to study the sign at the entrance. One line wasn't clear to me: "Sartan will be the guidance to all who seek his refuge". I was wandering how a God could be the guidance, till a recent event. I was in Obtal, patrolling the north, when the militia revolted. My men and I were camping, when suddenly all the militia surrounded our camp. We fought like wolves, but victory couldn't be gained. It was a lost fight. We were fighting in a circle, when I received a blow of a sword in my neck. I lost conscience, but before I faded away, I saw that one of men, Galfridu, came near, placing one foot next to me, the other foot at the other side of me. He stood strong, defending me from the mad militia. Before I Lost conscience, I saw fire in his eyes.

After several hours, I woke up. Galfridu was lying on me, pierced by many arrows. But he saved my live. While I was lying there, I remembered me the line at the sign: "Sartan will be the guidance to all who seek his refuge" It became clear to me. The fire I saw in the eyes of Galfridu, the many wounds he received, and the many enemies he killed (there were lying almost 10 dead militia guards next to me), it had to be a intervention of Sartan.

I stood up, searched the rest of my unit, buried my dead men, and started to travel back to Niel, with the intention to join this order, and to become a good follower!

Tales of the Injured of battle

The Vision of Selene Octavius As Selene lay wounded she had a vision: She was standing amidst a ruined city, its walls crumbled and its buildings destroyed. As she looked around she realised with horror that it was Niel she was standing in, a Niel that had been destroyed. As she looked at the burnt out buildings around her she became aware of a presence, of something watching her. Drawing her sword she spun around and stopped at the sight before her. Her sword dropped from her hands and clattered on the ground as she looked in shcok upon a pile of corpses, corpses of Sartanian soldiers and nobles, with horror she recognised her own body lying upon the pile. But this was not what had made her turn around, rather it had been the figure she now noticed standing by the base of the pile. The first thing she noticed was the light. It was as though the sun itself shone right in front of her, the light dazzled her, making it near impossible to see. Yet she noticed the outline of a figure within the light. The build of the figure was such that it had t be a man though she could not see his face. The man spoke to her in a deep and echoing voice which seemed to shake the air. "I am Sartan, your Lord and God. You are my chosen servant." Selene knelt in amazement. "Oh lord." she said "Thank you for granting me the honour to see you." The man smiled "Child, I know what emotions your words mask. You wonder as to why you see your fellows and yourself dead, you wonder why I appear next to the corpses of my followers. Well, I shall tell you. "What you see is a future which may come to pass. It is possible that Sartania will die, my chosen land annihilated and my followers put to the sword. It is possible that my holy city of Niel will be destroyed. But this future is not certain and I do not wish it to occur. Therefore I have chosen you. You are entrusted with preventing the death of Sartania, with saving what you can from your enemies. In the course of this duty I charge and allow you to do whatever is neccessary." Selene was speechless. Eventually she stammered "Th-thank you my lord. I shall do as you command." "See that you do. To help you with your task I give you my blessing, you may be wounded in battle but you shall never die from battle wounds as long as you live. Now awake and save my people." Selene sat bolt upright and awake in her bed. "Fetch me my scribe! I have an important letter to send." Her 2nd Vision As she dozed fitfully during the day Selene had another vision. Once again she was standing in the streets of Niel but now the city was fully repaired but empty as the grave. As she looked around Selene could hear and see no one. Not even a solitary bird sung or a dog barked. The city was still. Again she felt the feeling of someone watching her, prepared this time she turned around and once again beheld Sartan. Once again all that could be made out was a fgure bathed in dazzling light, light which shone from him and from around him. It was so dazzling it was impossible to tell anything other than that the figure was male. Yet this time somehow the figure felt filled with sadness. Without knowing why Selene wanted to weep. Sartan spoke “Why have you failed me Selene, why have you abandoned the task I set you?” “But my lord,” said Selene in surprise “I did my best, I even went before the Pontifex of Arcachon in rags to beg him to spare Sartania, but he would not listen. I have done all that I can.” “Foolish child. I commanded you to save Sartania, not surrender it.” he chided. “But how else could I save it lord. Our enemies are too many. Our army is vanquished. We prepare to make a last stand but we have no hope of victory. Our only chance lay in surrender.” “Ah, the foolishness of mortals.” said Sartan. “Of course you cannot hope to win by force of arms, you know that. But surrender would be a living death for my land. No, to save Sartania you must forget the land. Look to the people, they are what give life to Sartania, not fields or buildings. You must help save its people and my church. As long as they endure then my land can be reborn. This city where you stand is the most sacred to me, but not as sacred as its people. Indeed, the whole world is sacred to me, even Arcachon. As long as people serve me then that land is sacred. I expect you to fight until the death of this Sartania but not until your death. You must urge others to do the same. When you can fight no more then you must go to other lands. In exile you must help my church sink its roots deep and go strong. This was not the first time Sartania existed and it will not be the last. For millennia people have served me and I have had lands dedicated to me, even though they knew me by different names and those places are long gone and forgotten. So go now and take heart. Spread news to my people that it is their duty to thrive after the death of Sartania, thrive and grow strong. Now, Selene, awake.”

Domus Sanctus Ecclesia

"Domus Sanctus Ecclesia... Domus Sanctus Ecclesia... Domus Sanctus Ecclesia..."
For days Roberd heard nothing else. Everywhere he went he was haunted down by these words, slowly being whispered in his ears. Even while preaching to the masses in Pates. He would almost say the words himself, it was impairing his concentration. So he decided to meet an old friend, Marcus Curio. Currently one of the clergymen of the temple of Pates.

As Roberd arrived at the temple in Pates he was greeted by many people. Some even bowed before the High Priest. But Roberd always gave them a sign with his hand to get on their feet again, as he was taught by Sartan to remain unpretentious to mankind. With a loud voice he spoke: "Can someone bring me Marcus Curio?"

Within minutes Marcus got the news that Roberd was looking for him and so he made his way to the main hall where Roberd was waiting for him. Roberd saw Marcus approaching. "Marcus my friend, good to see you again" And they gave each other a friendly hug.
"Roberd, what brought you to the temple of Pates today?"
"Important matters my friend. Is there somewhere we can speak in private?"
"Sure, follow me."

Marcus was one of the most important people in the temple of Pates, and besides his own bedroom he had a little room next to the library. Although it was a small room, nobody besides Marcus ever came there. It's where Marcus spends most of his time, reading and translating ancient texts.
"OK, here we are. What is it where you want to talk about Roberd?"
"Domus Sanctus Ecclesia. Does that say anything to you?"
"Ahh.., the language of the Gods, interesting."
Marcus was looking around him, for a book to help him translate the words.
"But why these exact words Roberd? Was it written on an ancient artefact or something?
"No, I keep hearing them in my head, already for three days now."
"Yes..."
"That's all you have to say..?"
"No Roberd, I think I found the book I was looking for."

While Marcus was leafing through the pages of the book, Roberd continued: "All I could think about was the Magna Aenilia Ecclasia. I want to know what it means and why I'm hearing it. I can't live with it if the MAE was right about everything, Sartan can't be one of the Aenil, it can't." Marcus was totally engrossed in the book while Roberd was gabbling about the MAE when suddenly Marcus loudly answered to Roberd with: "Sssstt... My friend I think I found where you were looking for."
"Marcus, can you tell me what it means?"
"Yes, look here.." He pointed at some text in the book. "Domus Sanctus Ecclesia. It has nothing to do with the MAE, it's ancient for 'Home of the Hollowed Church'."
"So, Niel right..? Did something happened with Niel?"
"How should I know? But the texts are very old, I think Sartan is trying to say something to you Roberd. I think it's about Ibladesh. Most of the texts come from the East Island. Consult Deus my friend, consult Deus."

---

At a shrine in Pates Roberd placed some candles and lighted them. Marcus told him to consult Deus; God. Marcus used many words from the ancient language, it brought him closer to Sartan, that's what he always said. But Roberd had to find out what Sartan wanted from him. He now knew what 'Domus Sanctus Ecclesia' stood for, but still not why he was hearing the words.

The light of the sun was shining upon Roberd and you could ask yourself why he lighted those candles as their light had gone in vain. But always when Roberd pray to Sartan, asked for His guidance or anything else, he always lighted at least one candle, so the flames of Sartan may reflect their glory upon Roberd as he spoke. No, ancient words didn't brought Roberd closer to Sartan, it were the flames, who connected Roberd with His greatness.

Roberd got down on his knees and closed his eyes:
"Sartan, I ask you for Your guidance. Come to me with the Your desire for my future. Sartan, help me to spread Your Fragrance everywhere I go. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me and be so in me, that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your Presence in my soul, let them look up and see no longer me, but only Your greatness."

It was silence, as nothing happened. Nothing at all. Roberd stood up, opened the book of prayers and sought to confront Sartan with His own words. Leaving through the book, he found a prayer which he could alter with the words of Sartan. And again, he got down on his knees and closed his eyes and prayed:
"Sartan, my Lord, in Your unending love and mercy for us You turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life. I pray and beg before you that You will deliver the souls purgative, to the lands of Domus Sanctus Ecclesia. Welcome them into Your domain and bless them with eternal light and peace. Raise them up to live forever with all Your saints in the splendor of Your holiness."

Again, no response. Roberd stood up, opened his eyes. But a bright light shined in Roberd eyes and with a quick reaction Roberd placed his right arm before his eyes, and with his left hand reaching out to the light, trying to block its sight on him. Then the most consolatory voice Roberd had ever heard spoke to him:
"My light is only bright, because you live in the dark."

Roberd removed his arms before his eyes and looked around him, but Sartan was nowhere to be found. Roberd himself was standing on water, in the most beautiful place he had ever seen in his life. There were no words to describe the beauty surrounding him. And Roberd yelled into the void, looking up and with his arms spread out in the skies reaching out for anything at all: "Sartan, where am I? What is this place?"
"Welcome back in the domain of the wicked my son, the Day of Domus is near."
And with that said, the beauty surrounding Roberd slowly faded away..
"No Sartan! I still have so many question..."

And as Roberd had returned to the shrine, he thought about what Sartan had told him. "Welcome back in the domain of the wicked..." and "..the Day of Domus is near." What was he trying to say? Then Roberd remembered that time that sir Wixalot ascended him, and it was if all the pieces were falling on their spot. And all Roberd could say was: "No, it can't be the same. That is impossible!"

- Roberd Galvez
High Priest of the Church of Sartan

The Songstress' Salvation

Now she had been at her lodgings, alone once more. She trembled as she felt a chill run down her spine, she had been praying to the thing that had brought her here, a warm soothing light that had guided her onto the path of justice and honor. She had referred to it as the holy light of salvation, the deity-less justice. A faith unheard of in any realm; it had guided her across the sea, away from her family, away from those she felt had been dishonorable in their endeavors to destroy the church of Ibladesh. She had felt deep shame when her family began backing the war effort against Ibladesh in secret. She had wanted to rebel against them and fight alongside the noble warriors of Ibladesh, her heart had sunk when she had heard Ibladesh had fallen and it’s ancient libraries purged. She had heard of a hunt, a hunt to destroy every last noble that had belonged to the fallen theocracy. Her heart had all but shattered when she heard of such a depraved thing. It was then, in the hour of her twilight, when she was willing to commit herself to death’s cold embrace so she would not have to bear the weight of her family’s sins, that the holy light had come for her. It’s warmth had scared her at first, but she had dropped her main-gauche in the initial shock. She had tried to find it so she could end herself but the dagger was nowhere to be found.

A calm soothing voice called out to her, and her heart skipped a beat as she trembled, all but paralyzed by fear. “Viridiana Sovari, Scarlet Lady, it is not your time yet. If you truly wish to make a difference, flee to the Far East. There you will find a realm that is built upon the pillars of faith, justice, honor and valor. Go there and find your true destiny, fight in the name of Sartan, fight in my name and find friendships that will last you a lifetime and beyond.” Her eyes wide open she had looked around the room, bewildered she had been stumbling around before the voice called out to her again. This time Viridiana had been struck by awe, she had found her main-gauche in its sheath, but she could not find the will to pull it out. Her eyes filled with tears as she trembled, slowly getting up and packing her things. She had left a letter and ran off the next day, taking only her duelist’s outfit, a small silver and gold chain with a silver moon surrounded by a golden wreath of flames signifying the sun and a small sum of money that she had saved up, she would have to earn her living from now on. But it should be enough to get her to the far east.

---

Viridiana snapped out of her memories to find her candle having gone out, surrounded by darkness she suddenly realized that it had been Sartan, not some holy light of salvation that had called her. Tears welling up in her eyes, she realized Toupellon had not been the realm Sartan spoke of, it had been Sorraine before it had even been formed. A sudden familiar warm feeling surrounded her, as Sartan’s voice once more echoed through her mind. "You have traveled far and fought valiantly for your beliefs. Now you once more stand at a crossroads, will you stand by Sorraine as my songstress or will you choose to hold your grudge against my chosen king." "But... that man threatened my people, he threatened to let all that is unholy happen to them.. let it happen to me. How can I trust in a man who has shown me such injustice. Such... cruelty and such foolish greed!" She exclaimed, her hands clutching her chest as if she was in great pain. Suddenly the warm voice seemed to fill her entire being, the pain in her chest fading a she closed her eyes and a warm glow surrounded her body.

Viridiana’s voice slowly rang out, a warm melody filling her room before spilling out into the night. Sartan had told her that she would do well as his songstress, and so she sang, pouring her heart and soul into the melody and lyrics provided to her by her god. For in that instant she had made up her mind, she had given herself, heart, body and soul to his embrace and he had embraced her.

“ Star of the Ibladeshi, shining on,

Ever more standing with thy youngest son,

Brightly warding those faithful knights,

And thy banners upon glorious whites.

Shine of silver, shine on us all,

Never allowing the righteous to fall,

Bring to bear thy blade of gold,

May peace reign as was foretold. “

As she snapped out of the trance-like state she had been in, she wondered how many had heard her song of love, her song of devotion. She had sung with all her heart fully devoted to nothing but Sartan, a song she had never sung before, the melody had filled her mind and she had sang the lyrics as they came to her.

She formed a small prayer to her newly discovered guardian deity; “Thank you oh mighty lord of war, for thy guidance in my time of need. Without thee I would have deserted this world, without thee I would not have found such friends. I would be without purpose, without heart. May my blade be guided by your will, I will pledge myself to thy service formally once given the opportunity.” Her voice low as she said her prayer.

Her body still aglow, she heard Sartan's voice. "It is done, Viridiana, seek out Selene Octavius and ask her to guide you in your endeavors for the Church of Sartan. Tell her that you would be her songstress and that you would wage war upon my enemies in my name. And remember, my songstress... I will always... always.. watch over you.." Sartan's voice trailed off into the distance and her body's radiance faded with it.

The Church of Sartan
Writings	Sartan's Morale Code of Conduct • Book of Prayers				Image: Symbol of the Church
Descriptions	Hierarchy • Temples • Views • Organisation
Noble Narrations	Tales and Visions • Sermons
Believers	Nobles • Religious Spread