Stavroula's Edicts

Three edicts written and published on Lord Habbsberry's request as part of an agreement to elect Stavroula to the position of Silgate's High Priestess.

[Stavroula's Edict of Assent to Practice Necromancy]

I, Priestess Stavroula, warden of the pale tomb, have been made aware of Lord Penns of Suthia creating undead thralls without the authorization of a grave cleric. This coincides with a subsequent meteoric rise of necromancy practitioners in his domain, whom Lord Penns has advocated for.

The boundary between life and death is of the highest sanctity and must be respected. Wholesome mortal resurrection may occur where certain necessary criteria are met and the individual died of untimely, unnatural causes (Section 5, Chapter PARTICULARIA). The standard of permissibility is considerably higher for reanimating corpses devoid of a soul, requiring that it is 'strictly necessary' and 'for a good cause' (Section 32, Chapter PARTICULARIA).

We consider that, under the present circumstances, utilizing necromancy in the fight against Sidax will reduce unnecessary and avoidable loss of life. Furthermore, reports from the field indicate Sidax's soldiers may be employing similar methods.

To this end, the Church of Denizen mandates this power be used to create soldiers for the retaking of Aresgate henceforth. All past misuse of necromancy will be pardoned if this condition is fulfilled to satisfaction for the duration of the war. The provision granted by this edict only extends to Lord Penns. Any other individual wielding necromantic magics should first consult with a fully-ordained priest of Denizen before raising the dead.

[Stavroula's Edict of Redemptive Purification]

I, Priestess Stavroula, emissary of the endless sleep, have been called to adjudicate on the matter of Baron Simmins of Silgate, his extramarital affair, and his wife's subsequent application for divorce. As they were wed under Asclepius I have conferred with an ordained Shepherd, Caduceus of the Temple of the Pantheon, to provide advice.

The Church of Asclepius in Oswia operates under the theology established during the reign of King Oswald the Second. This reformation saw a broader acceptance of divorce for followers of the God of Life and granted Shepherds of Asclepius broad, discretionary powers to dissolve marriages. Unharmonious, toxic unions do not reflect the bond between Asclepius and Abednego as married couples ought to and so this reform has been praised.

However, a potential remedy exists for the scenario at hand. The Rite of Purification is a necessary ritual undertaken by all clergy of Asclepius, invoking Abednego's cleansing flames. The Rite may be performed on a layperson where they seek to atone for a grave transgression, such as infidelity. Enduring Shadrach's burning venom renders one free from all prior sins, displaying fervid piety both to one's spouse and to Asclepius. The Rite may be performed by any Shepherd of sufficiently high rank but I strongly recommend Shepherd Caduceus of the Temple of the Pantheon for his experience and skill of application.

Should the ritual be undertaken, I will be satisfied that Baron Simmins has demonstrated appropriate contrition and will not permit the divorce.

P.S. In the event that Baron Simmins undergoes the Rite and later repeats his indiscretion, I declare that this constitutes grounds for immediate termination of the marriage and entitles his wife to 70% of his estate for daring to profane the mercy of Asclepius and Abednego.

[Stavroula's Edict of Condemnation (prewritten by Lord Habbsberry, edited by Stavroula to her tastes)]

I, Priestess Stavroula, humble servant of our patron of truth Denizen, have come to the inescapable conclusion that the supernatural disaster that afflicted our fair province of Feylin in the autumn of last year was in fact not the fault of Lord Dolph Habbsberry, as has been alleged by certain individuals of ill repute, but in fact the fault of the Dust Primordians of the Undersky Mountains, and in particular their representative, the scion Rikkard LeRou.

Both of the artifacts of power that our two peoples had agreed to exchange had been tainted by contact with his person. I discovered, through communion with the gods, that Primordius had become displeased with Rikkard's lackluster service and general bad attitude, and had seen fit to lay a curse upon him. In fact, Scion LeRou was cursed even further after we, the Knights of Mobius, rescued him and Lord Habbsberry from the magical vortex that entrapped all of Silgate, due to Rikkard making an attempt on our dear lord's life. Primordious clearly favors our lord and would not see him come to harm.

As a result, I am recommending to Lord Habbsberry that Rikkard LeRou be detained and put to trial if he ever musters the courage to return to Feylin and face justice. His people share some blame for appointing such a despicable representative, but Denizen has asked us to show grace, so I will not be recommending do not approve of any retaliatory actions towards them.