Isaella - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T21:29:19Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 15 January 2026
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	While she is most famous for that defining moment and its aftermath, her life leading up to that point is hardly uneventful. She spent most of her formative years in the western and south-western Empire, walking the trods with her parents through much of [[the Brass Coast]] and the southern [[the Marches\|Marches]]. She grew up an [[honesty\|honest]], forthright woman whose no-nonsense approach won her many admirers. She left her parents' striding at 17 to dedicate herself to fighting the enemies of the Empire, and over the next five years was involved in most of the major conflicts of the time both as a commander of thorns, and a true hero of the Empire.		While she is most famous for that defining moment and its aftermath, her life leading up to that point is hardly uneventful. She spent most of her formative years in the western and south-western Empire, walking the trods with her parents through much of [[the Brass Coast]] and the southern [[the Marches\|Marches]]. She grew up an [[honesty\|honest]], forthright woman whose no-nonsense approach won her many admirers. She left her parents' striding at 17 to dedicate herself to fighting the enemies of the Empire, and over the next five years was involved in most of the major conflicts of the time both as a commander of thorns, and a true hero of the Empire.

	Never particularly political, she often questioned the decisions of the [[Senate]] and [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]]. She was several times approached about serving as [[General]] of the [[Navarr_military_concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], but never showed any interest in high office preferring to fight her enemies face-to-face with shield and spear. There was never a shortage of volunteers to fight in her warband - her courage, and uncompromising nature inspired all those who fought alongside her.		Never particularly political, she often questioned the decisions of the [[Senate]] and [[Synod]]. She was several times approached about serving as [[General]] of the [[Navarr_military_concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], but never showed any interest in high office preferring to fight her enemies face-to-face with shield and spear. There was never a shortage of volunteers to fight in her warband - her courage, and uncompromising nature inspired all those who fought alongside her.

	In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.		In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.
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	According to the research, the story of ''Isaella's Resolve'' begins with [[Cardinal]] Raelyn of the Swift Dance Striding. A close friend of Isaella in her youth, she was chosen to serve as Cardinal by the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies\|Assembly of Courage]] in 198YE. She served competently - though without distinction - for three years until 201YE. She was replaced by an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Illuminates\|illuminate]] named Hadrian - an ally of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Hadrian was a strong advocate of the Emperor in the early years publicly supporting the efforts to expand the depth and scope of the Empire's logistical strength. It is unclear what role the newly crowned [[the Throne\|Throne]] played in Hadrian's appointment - but he was one of Nicovar's close supporters. To the end he supported his friend against all attempts to remove him, defending his actions in impassioned speeches and resisting all attempts to [[revocation\|remove]] him. Hadrian stayed in post as Cardinal throughout the Emperor's reign, resigning his post only after Nicovar was murdered. Raelyn was appointed by the Courage assembly as his replacement.		According to the research, the story of ''Isaella's Resolve'' begins with [[Cardinal]] Raelyn of the Swift Dance Striding. A close friend of Isaella in her youth, she was chosen to serve as Cardinal by the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies\|Assembly of Courage]] in 198YE. She served competently - though without distinction - for three years until 201YE. She was replaced by an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Illuminates\|illuminate]] named Hadrian - an ally of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Hadrian was a strong advocate of the Emperor in the early years publicly supporting the efforts to expand the depth and scope of the Empire's logistical strength. It is unclear what role the newly crowned [[the Throne\|Throne]] played in Hadrian's appointment - but he was one of Nicovar's close supporters. To the end he supported his friend against all attempts to remove him, defending his actions in impassioned speeches and resisting all attempts to [[revocation\|remove]] him. Hadrian stayed in post as Cardinal throughout the Emperor's reign, resigning his post only after Nicovar was murdered. Raelyn was appointed by the Courage assembly as his replacement.

	The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.		The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.

	It was Raelyn who answered those questions. She had been close with Isaella when the pair had first come to Anvil with their striding, and although they had grown apart over the years, their friendship remained strong. She was the last priest to spend time with the thorn before her trial, and it was assumed that if anyone could persuade the Navarr to see sense it would be her. However it appears Raelyn did not even try to persuade the thorn. When pressed on the matter afterwards she would reply only with the old Navarr axiom, “actions have consequences”.		It was Raelyn who answered those questions. She had been close with Isaella when the pair had first come to Anvil with their striding, and although they had grown apart over the years, their friendship remained strong. She was the last priest to spend time with the thorn before her trial, and it was assumed that if anyone could persuade the Navarr to see sense it would be her. However it appears Raelyn did not even try to persuade the thorn. When pressed on the matter afterwards she would reply only with the old Navarr axiom, “actions have consequences”.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T13:04:23Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 15 January 2026
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	While she is most famous for that defining moment and its aftermath, her life leading up to that point is hardly uneventful. She spent most of her formative years in the western and south-western Empire, walking the trods with her parents through much of [[the Brass Coast]] and the southern [[the Marches\|Marches]]. She grew up an [[honesty\|honest]], forthright woman whose no-nonsense approach won her many admirers. She left her parents' striding at 17 to dedicate herself to fighting the enemies of the Empire, and over the next five years was involved in most of the major conflicts of the time both as a commander of thorns, and a true hero of the Empire.		While she is most famous for that defining moment and its aftermath, her life leading up to that point is hardly uneventful. She spent most of her formative years in the western and south-western Empire, walking the trods with her parents through much of [[the Brass Coast]] and the southern [[the Marches\|Marches]]. She grew up an [[honesty\|honest]], forthright woman whose no-nonsense approach won her many admirers. She left her parents' striding at 17 to dedicate herself to fighting the enemies of the Empire, and over the next five years was involved in most of the major conflicts of the time both as a commander of thorns, and a true hero of the Empire.

	Never particularly political, she often questioned the decisions of the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] and [[Imperial Synod]]. She was several times approached about serving as [[General]] of the [[Navarr_military_concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], but never showed any interest in high office preferring to fight her enemies face-to-face with shield and spear. There was never a shortage of volunteers to fight in her warband - her courage, and uncompromising nature inspired all those who fought alongside her.		Never particularly political, she often questioned the decisions of the [[Senate]] and [[Imperial Synod]]. She was several times approached about serving as [[General]] of the [[Navarr_military_concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], but never showed any interest in high office preferring to fight her enemies face-to-face with shield and spear. There was never a shortage of volunteers to fight in her warband - her courage, and uncompromising nature inspired all those who fought alongside her.

	In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.		In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.

Twiggy at 22:08, 14 August 2025

2025-08-14T22:08:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:08, 14 August 2025
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	Isaella then instructed the people of the Emperor's guard - her own soldiers - to arrest her and deliver her to a magistrate. The Imperial Synod attempted to plead [[clemency]] on her behalf but she refused. According to one version of the story, she is said to have shamed the Synod by pointing out that they could have stopped Nicovar at any point but chose to allow him to continue his rampage in service to their own political goals - and she would not take their "mercy" because they had shown none to Nicovar, or to the Empire. She was duly found guilty of treason and executed.		Isaella then instructed the people of the Emperor's guard - her own soldiers - to arrest her and deliver her to a magistrate. The Imperial Synod attempted to plead [[clemency]] on her behalf but she refused. According to one version of the story, she is said to have shamed the Synod by pointing out that they could have stopped Nicovar at any point but chose to allow him to continue his rampage in service to their own political goals - and she would not take their "mercy" because they had shown none to Nicovar, or to the Empire. She was duly found guilty of treason and executed.

	The official account records that when her body was laid out to await an honour guard of Navarr to take it to the corpse glades of her people, it vanished along with her enchanted shield and the spear with which she struck down the Emperor. The shroud beneath which she rested is said to have gained a powerful spontaneous aura that urged all who held it to do what they knew to be right regardless of consequences - to this day the [[hallow\|hallowing]] previously known as the ''Hallow of True Conviction'' (or more commonly as the ''Hallow of the Yeoman'') is known as the [[~~Hallow~~#~~The~~ Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve\|Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve]] in her honour.		The official account records that when her body was laid out to await an honour guard of Navarr to take it to the corpse glades of her people, it vanished along with her enchanted shield and the spear with which she struck down the Emperor. The shroud beneath which she rested is said to have gained a powerful spontaneous aura that urged all who held it to do what they knew to be right regardless of consequences - to this day the [[hallow\|hallowing]] previously known as the ''Hallow of True Conviction'' (or more commonly as the ''Hallow of the Yeoman'') is known as the [[Auras of Courage#Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve\|Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve]] in her honour.

	Her path to exemplarhood was not smooth - the Assembly of Loyalty in particular opposed her [[Recognition]] due to her obvious betrayal of the Throne she was sworn to protect. Her supporters argued that she was never disloyal - but that her loyalty was to the Empire, rather than to the one who sat on its throne. To this day there are a few members of the Loyalty assembly who despise her name; but they are greatly outnumbered by those who praise her, and recognise her loyalty for what it was.		Her path to exemplarhood was not smooth - the Assembly of Loyalty in particular opposed her [[Recognition]] due to her obvious betrayal of the Throne she was sworn to protect. Her supporters argued that she was never disloyal - but that her loyalty was to the Empire, rather than to the one who sat on its throne. To this day there are a few members of the Loyalty assembly who despise her name; but they are greatly outnumbered by those who praise her, and recognise her loyalty for what it was.

Twiggy at 00:49, 11 July 2025

2025-07-11T00:49:21Z

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	==Virtue==		==Virtue==
	In ~~213 YE~~, Isaella was declared an exemplar of the Virtue of [[Courage]] - despite some extremely vocal opposition from the Assembly of Loyalty.		In 213YE, Isaella was declared an exemplar of the Virtue of [[Courage]] - despite some extremely vocal opposition from the Assembly of Loyalty.

	==Biography==		==Biography==

GuiltyConscience: /* Execution and Resolution */

2025-05-05T16:48:37Z

Execution and Resolution

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 5 May 2025
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	In Spring 379YE, [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Yaelian_Schism\|Yael]] of Felix's Watch arranged for [[historical research]] into the relationship between Isaella and the [[hallow\|hallowing]] that [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Hallowing_of_Isaella.27s_Resolve\|bears her name]]. The results were eventually made public after the Autumn Equinox 382YE on the instructions of Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.		In Spring 379YE, [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Yaelian_Schism\|Yael]] of Felix's Watch arranged for [[historical research]] into the relationship between Isaella and the [[hallow\|hallowing]] that [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Hallowing_of_Isaella.27s_Resolve\|bears her name]]. The results were eventually made public after the Autumn Equinox 382YE on the instructions of Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.

	According to the research, the story of ''Isaella's Resolve'' begins with [[Cardinal]] Raelyn of the Swift Dance Striding. A close friend of Isaella in her youth, she was chosen to serve as Cardinal by the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies\|Assembly of Courage]] in 198YE. She served competently - though without distinction - for three years until 201YE. She was replaced by an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Illuminates\|illuminate]] named Hadrian - an ally of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Hadrian was a strong advocate of the Emperor in the early years publicly supporting the efforts to expand the depth and scope of the Empire's logistical strength. It is unclear what role the newly crowned [[the Throne\|Throne]] played in ~~Hadrrian~~'s appointment - but he was one of Nicovar's close supporters. To the end he supported his friend against all attempts to remove him, defending his actions in impassioned speeches and resisting all attempts to [[revocation\|remove]] him. Hadrian stayed in post as Cardinal throughout the Emperor's reign, resigning his post only after Nicovar was murdered. Raelyn was appointed by the Courage assembly as his replacement.		According to the research, the story of ''Isaella's Resolve'' begins with [[Cardinal]] Raelyn of the Swift Dance Striding. A close friend of Isaella in her youth, she was chosen to serve as Cardinal by the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies\|Assembly of Courage]] in 198YE. She served competently - though without distinction - for three years until 201YE. She was replaced by an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Illuminates\|illuminate]] named Hadrian - an ally of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Hadrian was a strong advocate of the Emperor in the early years publicly supporting the efforts to expand the depth and scope of the Empire's logistical strength. It is unclear what role the newly crowned [[the Throne\|Throne]] played in Hadrian's appointment - but he was one of Nicovar's close supporters. To the end he supported his friend against all attempts to remove him, defending his actions in impassioned speeches and resisting all attempts to [[revocation\|remove]] him. Hadrian stayed in post as Cardinal throughout the Emperor's reign, resigning his post only after Nicovar was murdered. Raelyn was appointed by the Courage assembly as his replacement.

	The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[Imperial Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.		The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[Imperial Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.

Emmanovi: inclusive language

2023-05-26T22:43:40Z

inclusive language

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:43, 26 May 2023
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	In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.		In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.

	Isaella then instructed the ~~men and women~~ of the Emperor's guard - her own soldiers - to arrest her and deliver her to a magistrate. The Imperial Synod attempted to plead [[clemency]] on her behalf but she refused. According to one version of the story, she is said to have shamed the Synod by pointing out that they could have stopped Nicovar at any point but chose to allow him to continue his rampage in service to their own political goals - and she would not take their "mercy" because they had shown none to Nicovar, or to the Empire. She was duly found guilty of treason and executed.		Isaella then instructed the people of the Emperor's guard - her own soldiers - to arrest her and deliver her to a magistrate. The Imperial Synod attempted to plead [[clemency]] on her behalf but she refused. According to one version of the story, she is said to have shamed the Synod by pointing out that they could have stopped Nicovar at any point but chose to allow him to continue his rampage in service to their own political goals - and she would not take their "mercy" because they had shown none to Nicovar, or to the Empire. She was duly found guilty of treason and executed.

	The official account records that when her body was laid out to await an honour guard of Navarr to take it to the corpse glades of her people, it vanished along with her enchanted shield and the spear with which she struck down the Emperor. The shroud beneath which she rested is said to have gained a powerful spontaneous aura that urged all who held it to do what they knew to be right regardless of consequences - to this day the [[hallow\|hallowing]] previously known as the ''Hallow of True Conviction'' (or more commonly as the ''Hallow of the Yeoman'') is known as the [[Hallow#The Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve\|Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve]] in her honour.		The official account records that when her body was laid out to await an honour guard of Navarr to take it to the corpse glades of her people, it vanished along with her enchanted shield and the spear with which she struck down the Emperor. The shroud beneath which she rested is said to have gained a powerful spontaneous aura that urged all who held it to do what they knew to be right regardless of consequences - to this day the [[hallow\|hallowing]] previously known as the ''Hallow of True Conviction'' (or more commonly as the ''Hallow of the Yeoman'') is known as the [[Hallow#The Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve\|Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve]] in her honour.

Dre at 18:51, 3 November 2018

2018-11-03T18:51:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:51, 3 November 2018
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	The official account records that when her body was laid out to await an honour guard of Navarr to take it to the corpse glades of her people, it vanished along with her enchanted shield and the spear with which she struck down the Emperor. The shroud beneath which she rested is said to have gained a powerful spontaneous aura that urged all who held it to do what they knew to be right regardless of consequences - to this day the [[hallow\|hallowing]] previously known as the ''Hallow of True Conviction'' (or more commonly as the ''Hallow of the Yeoman'') is known as the [[Hallow#The Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve\|Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve]] in her honour.		The official account records that when her body was laid out to await an honour guard of Navarr to take it to the corpse glades of her people, it vanished along with her enchanted shield and the spear with which she struck down the Emperor. The shroud beneath which she rested is said to have gained a powerful spontaneous aura that urged all who held it to do what they knew to be right regardless of consequences - to this day the [[hallow\|hallowing]] previously known as the ''Hallow of True Conviction'' (or more commonly as the ''Hallow of the Yeoman'') is known as the [[Hallow#The Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve\|Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve]] in her honour.

	Her path to exemplarhood was not smooth - the Assembly of Loyalty in particular opposed her [[Recognition]] due to her obvious betrayal of the Throne she was sworn to protect. Her supporters argued that she was never disloyal - but that her loyalty was to the Empire, rather than to the one who sat on its ~~Throne~~. To this day there are a few members of the Loyalty assembly who despise her name; but they are greatly outnumbered by those who praise her, and recognise her loyalty for what it was.		Her path to exemplarhood was not smooth - the Assembly of Loyalty in particular opposed her [[Recognition]] due to her obvious betrayal of the Throne she was sworn to protect. Her supporters argued that she was never disloyal - but that her loyalty was to the Empire, rather than to the one who sat on its throne. To this day there are a few members of the Loyalty assembly who despise her name; but they are greatly outnumbered by those who praise her, and recognise her loyalty for what it was.

	==Signs==		==Signs==
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	Perhaps this is why Raelyn waited a year before she first began referring to the ''Hallowing of the Yeoman'' as the ''Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve''. The new name was contentious at first – those who had not approved of the murder were unimpressed by the idea of naming an important hallowing after her, but the name caught on with those who viewed the Empire as delivered of a madman. Over time, as their view became the one that endured, so the name stuck. The Assembly of Courage no doubt played a part in the eventual acceptance of the name; several [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] were made in support of such a change becoming "official".		Perhaps this is why Raelyn waited a year before she first began referring to the ''Hallowing of the Yeoman'' as the ''Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve''. The new name was contentious at first – those who had not approved of the murder were unimpressed by the idea of naming an important hallowing after her, but the name caught on with those who viewed the Empire as delivered of a madman. Over time, as their view became the one that endured, so the name stuck. The Assembly of Courage no doubt played a part in the eventual acceptance of the name; several [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] were made in support of such a change becoming "official".

	Raelyn continued as Cardinal for a further three years after the execution of ~~Isaela~~, before stepping down. She became more reclusive as she grew older, and ~~whileShe~~ still attended Anvil she disavowed the business of the Synod and the politics of the Empire in favour of tending to the spiritual needs of her nation. She was not universally popular among the Navarr – some found her lectures on the importance of facing up to the consequences of their actions to be tiresome – but she never yielded. Actions have consequences, she said. The Navarr should use night to hide them from their enemies – not their Empire. She would only ever give the hallowing of Isaella's Resolve to those she felt needed the Courage to face the consequences of their actions... not to hide from them.		Raelyn continued as Cardinal for a further three years after the execution of Isaella, before stepping down. She became more reclusive as she grew older, and while she still attended Anvil she disavowed the business of the Synod and the politics of the Empire in favour of tending to the spiritual needs of her nation. She was not universally popular among the Navarr – some found her lectures on the importance of facing up to the consequences of their actions to be tiresome – but she never yielded. Actions have consequences, she said. The Navarr should use night to hide them from their enemies – not their Empire. She would only ever give the hallowing of Isaella's Resolve to those she felt needed the Courage to face the consequences of their actions... not to hide from them.

	[[Category:Inspirations]] [[Category:Navarr]]		[[Category:Inspirations]] [[Category:Navarr]]

Rafferty: /* Execution and Resolution */

2018-11-03T18:24:26Z

Execution and Resolution

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:24, 3 November 2018
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	The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[Imperial Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.		The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[Imperial Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.

	It was Raelyn who answered those questions. She had been close with Isaella when the pair had first come to Anvil with their striding, and although they had grown apart over the years, their friendship remained strong. She was the last priest to spend time with the thorn before her trial ~~and resulting execution~~, and it was assumed that if anyone could persuade the Navarr to see sense it would be her. However it appears Raelyn did not even try to persuade the thorn. When pressed on the matter afterwards she would reply only with the old Navarr axiom, “actions have consequences”.		It was Raelyn who answered those questions. She had been close with Isaella when the pair had first come to Anvil with their striding, and although they had grown apart over the years, their friendship remained strong. She was the last priest to spend time with the thorn before her trial, and it was assumed that if anyone could persuade the Navarr to see sense it would be her. However it appears Raelyn did not even try to persuade the thorn. When pressed on the matter afterwards she would reply only with the old Navarr axiom, “actions have consequences”.

	After the execution, Raelyn attempted to explain Isaella's resolve. She was unequivocal in lauding the virtue of her friend's actions – adamant that Isaella had done what had to be done, that she had done what she knew to be right, but that she had done it knowing what the consequences of the murder would be. The Courage of her action was not to murder the mad Emperor – it was to act with acceptance that the consequences of doing so would be her own death. Isaella did not refuse clemency due to a lack of Courage – rather she was refusing it ''because'' of her Courage.		After the execution, Raelyn attempted to explain Isaella's resolve. She was unequivocal in lauding the virtue of her friend's actions – adamant that Isaella had done what had to be done, that she had done what she knew to be right, but that she had done it knowing what the consequences of the murder would be. The Courage of her action was not to murder the mad Emperor – it was to act with acceptance that the consequences of doing so would be her own death. Isaella did not refuse clemency due to a lack of Courage – rather she was refusing it ''because'' of her Courage.

			The thorn's refusal to seek clemency also had practical benefits. Her execution helped to heal rifts between those who lauded Isaella for her Virtue and those who denounced her as a traitor. Even after his death the Emperor still had many supporters in Anvil and beyond.

	Perhaps this is why Raelyn waited a year before she first began referring to the ''Hallowing of the Yeoman'' as the ''Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve''. The new name was contentious at first – those who had not approved of the murder were unimpressed by the idea of naming an important hallowing after her, but the name caught on with those who viewed the Empire as delivered of a madman. Over time, as their view became the one that endured, so the name stuck.		Perhaps this is why Raelyn waited a year before she first began referring to the ''Hallowing of the Yeoman'' as the ''Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve''. The new name was contentious at first – those who had not approved of the murder were unimpressed by the idea of naming an important hallowing after her, but the name caught on with those who viewed the Empire as delivered of a madman. Over time, as their view became the one that endured, so the name stuck. The Assembly of Courage no doubt played a part in the eventual acceptance of the name; several [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] were made in support of such a change becoming "official".

	Raelyn ~~was more reclusive in later~~ years. She still attended Anvil~~, but~~ disavowed the business of the Synod and the politics of the Empire in favour of tending to the spiritual needs of her ~~striding and others in the~~ nation. She was not universally popular ~~there~~ – some found her lectures on the importance of facing up to the consequences of their actions to be tiresome – but she never yielded. Actions have consequences.~~.. the~~ Navarr should use night to hide them from their enemies – not their Empire. She would only ever give the hallowing of Isaella's Resolve to those she felt needed the Courage to face the consequences of their ~~action~~... not to hide from them.		Raelyn continued as Cardinal for a further three years after the execution of Isaela, before stepping down. She became more reclusive as she grew older, and whileShe still attended Anvil she disavowed the business of the Synod and the politics of the Empire in favour of tending to the spiritual needs of her nation. She was not universally popular among the Navarr – some found her lectures on the importance of facing up to the consequences of their actions to be tiresome – but she never yielded. Actions have consequences, she said. The Navarr should use night to hide them from their enemies – not their Empire. She would only ever give the hallowing of Isaella's Resolve to those she felt needed the Courage to face the consequences of their actions... not to hide from them.

	[[Category:Inspirations]] [[Category:Navarr]]		[[Category:Inspirations]] [[Category:Navarr]]

Rafferty: /* Biography */

2018-11-03T18:20:53Z

Biography

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	Her path to exemplarhood was not smooth - the Assembly of Loyalty in particular opposed her [[Recognition]] due to her obvious betrayal of the Throne she was sworn to protect. Her supporters argued that she was never disloyal - but that her loyalty was to the Empire, rather than to the one who sat on its Throne. To this day there are a few members of the Loyalty assembly who despise her name; but they are greatly outnumbered by those who praise her, and recognise her loyalty for what it was.		Her path to exemplarhood was not smooth - the Assembly of Loyalty in particular opposed her [[Recognition]] due to her obvious betrayal of the Throne she was sworn to protect. Her supporters argued that she was never disloyal - but that her loyalty was to the Empire, rather than to the one who sat on its Throne. To this day there are a few members of the Loyalty assembly who despise her name; but they are greatly outnumbered by those who praise her, and recognise her loyalty for what it was.

	==Signs==		==Signs==
	The Assembly of Courage cited the following signs of Isaella's exemplardom:		The Assembly of Courage cited the following signs of Isaella's exemplardom:

Rafferty: /* Execution and Resolution */

2018-11-03T18:20:03Z

Execution and Resolution

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	In Spring 379YE, [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Yaelian_Schism\|Yael]] of Felix's Watch arranged for [[historical research]] into the relationship between Isaella and the [[hallow\|hallowing]] that [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Hallowing_of_Isaella.27s_Resolve\|bears her name]]. The results were eventually made public after the Autumn Equinox 382YE on the instructions of Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.		In Spring 379YE, [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Yaelian_Schism\|Yael]] of Felix's Watch arranged for [[historical research]] into the relationship between Isaella and the [[hallow\|hallowing]] that [[Auras_of_Courage#The_Hallowing_of_Isaella.27s_Resolve\|bears her name]]. The results were eventually made public after the Autumn Equinox 382YE on the instructions of Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.

	According to the ~~document~~, the story of ''Isaella's Resolve'' begins with [[Cardinal]] Raelyn of the Swift Dance Striding. A close friend of Isaella in her youth, she was chosen to serve as Cardinal by the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies\|Assembly of Courage]] in 198YE. She served competently - though without distinction - for three years until 201YE. She was replaced by an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Illuminates\|illuminate]] named Hadrian - an ally of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Hadrian was a strong advocate of the Emperor in the early years publicly supporting the efforts to expand the depth and scope of the Empire's logistical strength. It is unclear what role the newly crowned [[the Throne\|Throne]] played in Hadrrian's appointment - but he was one of Nicovar's close supporters. To the end he supported his friend against all attempts to remove him, defending his actions in impassioned speeches and resisting all attempts to [[revocation\|remove]] him. Hadrian stayed in post as Cardinal throughout the Emperor's reign, resigning his post only after Nicovar was murdered. Raelyn was appointed by the Courage assembly as his replacement.		According to the research, the story of ''Isaella's Resolve'' begins with [[Cardinal]] Raelyn of the Swift Dance Striding. A close friend of Isaella in her youth, she was chosen to serve as Cardinal by the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies\|Assembly of Courage]] in 198YE. She served competently - though without distinction - for three years until 201YE. She was replaced by an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Illuminates\|illuminate]] named Hadrian - an ally of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Hadrian was a strong advocate of the Emperor in the early years publicly supporting the efforts to expand the depth and scope of the Empire's logistical strength. It is unclear what role the newly crowned [[the Throne\|Throne]] played in Hadrrian's appointment - but he was one of Nicovar's close supporters. To the end he supported his friend against all attempts to remove him, defending his actions in impassioned speeches and resisting all attempts to [[revocation\|remove]] him. Hadrian stayed in post as Cardinal throughout the Emperor's reign, resigning his post only after Nicovar was murdered. Raelyn was appointed by the Courage assembly as his replacement.

	The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[Imperial Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.		The Navarr priest appears to have been profoundly affected by the death of Isaella. Several priests had urged the thorn to seek clemency for her actions – but Isaella refused to do so. This refusal angered some within the [[Imperial Synod]] at the time; the emotions of many were raw following Nicovar's murder and many publicly questioned Isaella's true motivation for her actions in light of her clear refusal to claim a virtuous defence.
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	It was Raelyn who answered those questions. She had been close with Isaella when the pair had first come to Anvil with their striding, and although they had grown apart over the years, their friendship remained strong. She was the last priest to spend time with the thorn before her trial and resulting execution, and it was assumed that if anyone could persuade the Navarr to see sense it would be her. However it appears Raelyn did not even try to persuade the thorn. When pressed on the matter afterwards she would reply only with the old Navarr axiom, “actions have consequences”.		It was Raelyn who answered those questions. She had been close with Isaella when the pair had first come to Anvil with their striding, and although they had grown apart over the years, their friendship remained strong. She was the last priest to spend time with the thorn before her trial and resulting execution, and it was assumed that if anyone could persuade the Navarr to see sense it would be her. However it appears Raelyn did not even try to persuade the thorn. When pressed on the matter afterwards she would reply only with the old Navarr axiom, “actions have consequences”.

	~~Only after~~ the execution ~~had taken place did~~ Raelyn ~~attempt~~ to explain Isaella's resolve. She was unequivocal in lauding the virtue of her friend's actions – ~~she was~~ adamant that Isaella had done what had to be done, that she had done what she knew to be right, but that she had done it knowing what the consequences would be. The Courage of her action was not to murder the mad Emperor – it was to act ~~knowing~~ that the consequences would be her own death. Isaella ~~was~~ not ~~refusing to seek~~ clemency due to ~~her~~ lack of Courage – rather she was refusing it ''because'' of her Courage.		After the execution, Raelyn attempted to explain Isaella's resolve. She was unequivocal in lauding the virtue of her friend's actions – adamant that Isaella had done what had to be done, that she had done what she knew to be right, but that she had done it knowing what the consequences of the murder would be. The Courage of her action was not to murder the mad Emperor – it was to act with acceptance that the consequences of doing so would be her own death. Isaella did not refuse clemency due to a lack of Courage – rather she was refusing it ''because'' of her Courage.

	It is hard to credit now, for in modern times the madness of Nicovar has become his legacy, but even after his death the Emperor still had many supporters in Anvil and beyond. Raelyn's philosophical view of Isaella's actions are interesting but the thorn's refusal to seek clemency had practical benefits. Her execution helped to heal rifts between those who lauded Isaella for her Virtue and those who denounced her as a traitor.

	Perhaps this is why Raelyn waited a year before she first began referring to the ''Hallowing of the Yeoman'' as the ''Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve''. The new name was contentious at first – those who had not approved of the murder were unimpressed by the idea of naming an important hallowing after her, but the name caught on with those who viewed the Empire as delivered of a madman. Over time, as their view became the one that endured, so the name stuck.		Perhaps this is why Raelyn waited a year before she first began referring to the ''Hallowing of the Yeoman'' as the ''Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve''. The new name was contentious at first – those who had not approved of the murder were unimpressed by the idea of naming an important hallowing after her, but the name caught on with those who viewed the Empire as delivered of a madman. Over time, as their view became the one that endured, so the name stuck.

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	While she is most famous for that defining moment and its aftermath, her life leading up to that point is hardly uneventful. She spent most of her formative years in the western and south-western Empire, walking the trods with her parents through much of [[the Brass Coast]] and the southern [[the Marches\|Marches]]. She grew up an [[honesty\|honest]], forthright woman whose no-nonsense approach won her many admirers. She left her parents' striding at 17 to dedicate herself to fighting the enemies of the Empire, and over the next five years was involved in most of the major conflicts of the time both as a commander of thorns, and a true hero of the Empire.		While she is most famous for that defining moment and its aftermath, her life leading up to that point is hardly uneventful. She spent most of her formative years in the western and south-western Empire, walking the trods with her parents through much of [[the Brass Coast]] and the southern [[the Marches\|Marches]]. She grew up an [[honesty\|honest]], forthright woman whose no-nonsense approach won her many admirers. She left her parents' striding at 17 to dedicate herself to fighting the enemies of the Empire, and over the next five years was involved in most of the major conflicts of the time both as a commander of thorns, and a true hero of the Empire.

	Never particularly political, she often questioned the decisions of the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] and [[Imperial Synod]]. She was several times approached about serving as [[General]] of the [[Navarr_military_concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], but never showed any interest in high office preferring to fight her enemies face-to-face with shield and spear. There was never a shortage of volunteers to fight in her warband - her courage, and uncompromising nature inspired all those who fought alongside her.		Never particularly political, she often questioned the decisions of the [[Senate]] and [[Imperial Synod]]. She was several times approached about serving as [[General]] of the [[Navarr_military_concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], but never showed any interest in high office preferring to fight her enemies face-to-face with shield and spear. There was never a shortage of volunteers to fight in her warband - her courage, and uncompromising nature inspired all those who fought alongside her.

	In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.		In 205YE, [[Emperor Nicovar]] asked her to become the captain of his personal bodyguard and to the surprise of many, she accepted. She is believed to have thwarted at least one assassination attempt aimed at the Throne in 207YE, although official details are sketchy at best. Finally, in 209YE when Nicovar finally snapped, it was Isaella who struck him down during the siege of the [[Tassato#The_School_of_Epistemology\|School of Epistemology]] in [[Tassato]]. According to witnesses, she tried to reason with him first - asking him to turn aside what he was doing. When he refused, she is said to have killed him in the next breath. With a single blow of her spear, the Emperor fell. He made no effort to defend himself - taken completely by surprise. He was dead within moments.