York Journal/Issue 1

York Journal Issue 1

Welcome to the first issue of the York Journal.

Liberation of Winwich

Author: Relkin Sypher

April 21 2007

The people of Winwich have thrown off the shackles of Norland and rejoined Minas Ithil. While joyful, Minas Ithil now faces the task of repairing all the damage Norland has done to the people of Winwich.

Freeing Winwich

Author: Relkin Sypher

Together with her ally Talerium, Minas Ithil has defeated Norland in Winwich and even now is removing Norland's government officials from the region. The people are reported to be welcoming the liberating forces. The battle took place over 2 days with Minas Ithil and Talerium being defeated in the first day twice but on the second day rallying and defeating the remaining Norlanders.

Interview with Anton founder of Athonlaurism

Author: Relkin Sypher

1. Can you give me a short description of what Athonlaurism is?

Athonlaurism is the Bright Path. It is the worship of Arelien, Goddess of the Sun and patroness of just war. She is one of the Three High Gods, along with Her elder brother Mistarin, God of wisdom and balance, and her younger sister Elanzil, Goddess of conquest and vengeance. She is first and foremost a warrior Goddess...but She is not bloodthirsty, and does not believe in battle for battle's sake.

2. What are the major tenets of Athonlaurism?

There are four primary tenets of the Bright Path. First, the duty of the strong is to protect the weak. Second, seek justice, but tempered by mercy. Third, do not seek vengeance, but forgive, and be forgiven. Fourth, do not be quick to violence, but use it only when speech has failed.

3. Is Athonlaurism the religion of Minas Ithil?

Absolutely not. While I am still a part of Minas Ithil, and do not wish to leave, as Arelien's Eyes of Flame on Atamara, I do not answer to any earthly authority. If King Dead Angel3 does something that goes against Arelien's teachings, I will rebuke him for it, and if, by some strange chance, he starts to act, and take Minas Ithil in a direction that goes, totally contrary to Her teachings, I will use my influence to attempt to change it.

I would also like to state that I am somewhat skeptical of so-called "state" religions, and find it difficult to believe that there are Gods who watch only over certain realms and peoples. The Gods give little thought for our earthly politics; anyone claiming that the Gods favour only their realm, over all the others, is likely to be lying, whether to you, or to himself.

4. What are your views towards other religions here in Atamara?

Unfortunately, most of my interactions with other religions have thus far been bad. However, since the religions I am most likely to encounter are those actively seeking to suppress others, I recognize that that does not mean that all are bad. To date, I have encountered priests of the state religions of Norland and the Barony of Makar, both of which advocate slaughter of the innocent, and are thus anathema to Arelien. I have also encountered Magna Serpaensism, but I have not yet learned enough of them to formulate an official Church position toward them.