Cosmic Devotionals

[Simple]

Osrona - 1800 A.C.


A publication is posted upon the billboard outside of Osrona, a devotional for all to read and learn from. The first of many to come, readable to all who travel and live within the City of Magic. 

My steadfast devotion has led me to creating a publication of sorts. There is much to learn from the Cosmic Codex, and I feel it my duty to spread both wisdom and knowledge to my brethren, to my people.

Personal circumstances have led me to question the notion of perception. Not perception itself, but rather... how others perceive you and your character. To answer this question, we must first delve into the teachings and personal life of Saint Mikhail himself, the figure who vanquished the darkness of Elaide and brought upon centuries of prosperity to our collective people.

In Esshar's darkest hour, he cast aside his pride and exercised a great deal of humility. Proclaiming and begging to the divine for intervention, a plea that would not go unheard. It was through his brave humility that we are here today, though some could debate that.

As individuals we must comport ourselves in kind, remembering fully that Saint Mikhail did not care about how others perceived his begging, nor did he let pride and fear cloud his judgement. He was dedicated in protecting his people, steadfast in his devotion, and the rewards reaped benefitted millions.

Do not mistake this for justification for evil doing, as the corrupt have no excuse for their actions. This is simply applicable to those who fear peer pressure, who feel too prideful to act to their greatest potential. The perception of others is a self imposed shackle which stifles freedom and individual expression.

In the words of Saint Astraya, the woman who led the Church through one of our most bloody Inquisitions: "Allow your courage to speak louder than any words." The strongest thing you can do is act upon the teachings of light.

To be humble, to be brave, to be honest. To protect the weak, to uplift the downtrodden, and to vanquish the darkness in the same way that Saint Mikhail did all that time ago.

This is the first of many devotionals to come, and we will broach a wide variety of topics throughout the years. My office, my ears- they remain warmfully open.

Geztelle ven Pelleaux
-Stellus, Speaker of the Cosmos

This thread will be updated with devotionals from the office of the Stellus yearly. The topics will change, depending on both the circumstances she encounters, as well as the issues presenting Osrona as a whole.

[Simple]

Osrona - 1805 A.C.


While there hadn't been another devotional since the first, with war looming on the horizon and declarations coming from all sides, a new message is pinned upon the notice board on the southern entrance of Osrona. Directly from the office of the Stellus, and not to be mistaken as an official decree of Osrona, but more so personal insight and words, given her family and Church were both directly mentioned.

It goes without saying that Osrona stands upon the precipice of uncertainty, our enemies conspiring and marshaling their strength together beyond our very borders. For months now we have sustained vicious barbaric assaults, and while we have established a forward base upon Baleford Bridge, there still remains the ever looming threat in the distance. 

While I wish only to bring my people good news, it is unfortunate that through this devotional I must delve into the topics that impact us the most at present. The rhetoric used by the enemy is quite flawed, citing a breaking of oaths and lying that never occurred whatsoever.

Osrona has acted in accordance with its right as a sovereign state, and while our enemies point to the execution of Orodyn Vartuul as a sign of Osronan aggression, the statement could not be further from the truth. The Gala of Archmage Amori's ascension was meant to be a time of peaceful festivity, yet Orodyn threatened his life at that same gala.

I do not know about you readers, but I believe if I had marched myself into the Fireblooded temple and went for Dragonlord Varceal's throat unprovoked.. I would have been dealt with in kind.

The truth of the matter is that they do not hold valid reasoning for their declaration of war. We have not went back on our promises, nor have we slighted or done anything to bring any of them harm.

In fact, we have only shown them respect and kindness. While other territories have captured ours on sight, brutalizing them and robbing them in wanton fashion, our gates have been open to all. We have treated everyone equally, as is expected for any decent human being.

Let me ask you this- if Lannis Grimmore genuinely cared about his people, why has he not been here among you and assisting you? Why has he resorted to conspiring with those who seek nothing but our damnation and weakening? Why in our time of need did he side against our rightfully chosen Archmage?

I think when you look at it with stable and clear mind, the answer becomes crystal clear-

Power.

That is his motivation, my friends, my family- power itself. He does not care for your lives, nor does he care about those who support him. When I met with him, when he begged for forgiveness and made a blood pact- he stated that the reason he deserves to lead Osrona was his birthright. Are those the words of a leader, or an unruly child? I will let you decide for yourselves.

He claims that the nobility is corrupt, whilst citing his 'pure blood' as a reason for ascension, does this not reek of hypocrisy? 

This war is nothing more than a united pact of vengeance and aggression, seeking to install a puppet who will only weaken Osrona overall. Words that come across like sweet honey, but do not be fooled by the viper who slithers in the dark.

Just as the Saints of old have done before me, I shall stand upon the field of battle to protect our city, as well as our values. Values which would be torn asunder should the Grimmore take control, should the bandits who have done nothing but hurt us for years occupy our city.

I stand behind Archmage Amori, the first commoner to ever rule our city, whilst a noble blooded, tainted snake attempts to use his birthright to steal it from him. This will not stand, we will not falter.

The proud blood of the Astyan people runs through our veins, and we will not cow or hide from threats made by those who would seek our undoing.

The Church stands ready, and we shall ensure that righteousness prevails.

-Geztelle ven Pelleaux - Stellus of Osrona, Speaker of the Stars