Maude, and the nature of Hatred - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:58, 1 April 2026

2026-04-01T14:58:13Z

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	In the months since the original work was done, additional research has cast further light on this topic, and on the role of Hatred in the early Empire. This more general discussion of Hatred, and a commentary on the history of Maude, Daughter of Esther, has been compiled by Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.		In the months since the original work was done, additional research has cast further light on this topic, and on the role of Hatred in the early Empire. This more general discussion of Hatred, and a commentary on the history of Maude, Daughter of Esther, has been compiled by Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.

	The original documents sent to the Minister ~~for~~ Historical Research are appended [[#Earlier Documents\|at the end of the essay]].		The original documents sent to the Minister of Historical Research are appended [[#Earlier Documents\|at the end of the essay]].

	==Foreword==		==Foreword==

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

2026-01-15T21:28:03Z

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

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	==Foreword==		==Foreword==
	Investigation into the life of Maude, daughter of Esther, has proved to be a delicate undertaking. Some of those contacted during the compilation of this report - ''Amanda Scriber'', ''John Tallfellow'', and ''Ephas Canterspire'' in particular - found the whole matter distasteful. Even within the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department]] there are some topics which prove divisive, or require careful handling. Few scholars are comfortable with examining the role the malign spiritual presence of Hatred played in pre-Imperial history. That it ''did'' play a role - that it was very nearly included by the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] alongside virtues such as [[Courage]] and [[Vigilance]] - is uncontested however. It's not the place of the Department to dwell over-much on the nature of the Virtues - at least not in this document - but it is difficult to separate Imperial attitudes to the spiritual force of Hatred from a discussion of Maude, Daughter of Esther.		Investigation into the life of Maude, daughter of Esther, has proved to be a delicate undertaking. Some of those contacted during the compilation of this report - ''Amanda Scriber'', ''John Tallfellow'', and ''Ephas Canterspire'' in particular - found the whole matter distasteful. Even within the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department]] there are some topics which prove divisive, or require careful handling. Few scholars are comfortable with examining the role the malign spiritual presence of Hatred played in pre-Imperial history. That it ''did'' play a role - that it was very nearly included by the [[Synod]] alongside virtues such as [[Courage]] and [[Vigilance]] - is uncontested however. It's not the place of the Department to dwell over-much on the nature of the Virtues - at least not in this document - but it is difficult to separate Imperial attitudes to the spiritual force of Hatred from a discussion of Maude, Daughter of Esther.

	Few documents dealing with Hatred, or with Maude, Daughter of Esther, survive to the current day. This is due not only to the legacy of [[Emperor Nicovar]] but also to the obvious fact that such writings dealt with topics of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] and have largely been destroyed. While the satirists of [[the League]] like to imagine a sinister [[Highguard\|Highborn]] "dark library" full of "forbidden texts" the fact of the matter is much more prosaic. Documents dangerous to the spiritual welfare of Imperial citizens are invariably destroyed, not ferreted away by wicked [[archivist\|archivists]] to some secret collection of "banned books."		Few documents dealing with Hatred, or with Maude, Daughter of Esther, survive to the current day. This is due not only to the legacy of [[Emperor Nicovar]] but also to the obvious fact that such writings dealt with topics of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] and have largely been destroyed. While the satirists of [[the League]] like to imagine a sinister [[Highguard\|Highborn]] "dark library" full of "forbidden texts" the fact of the matter is much more prosaic. Documents dangerous to the spiritual welfare of Imperial citizens are invariably destroyed, not ferreted away by wicked [[archivist\|archivists]] to some secret collection of "banned books."

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

2026-01-15T14:49:23Z

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

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	What I think we can be confident of is that Maude never held the rank of "Cardinal of Purity". While there were certainly priests recognised as being experts on the matters of the individual virtues, the title of [[Cardinal]] does not appear in any significant way in pre-Imperial religious documents. The first Cardinals are appointed as part of the work of the early Imperial priests in founding the Synod. While their inspiration is likely to be the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly\|Speaker for the Assembly]] of Highguard, their role was established as part of the [[Imperial Constitution\|constitutional]] mandate to "''establish assemblies that each may know their virtue and select the most virtuous amongst them to lead''". At best, we can assume that if Maude was a respected Highborn priest, and a proponent of so-called "Purity", she was recognised as one of the important voices arguing for the inclusion of Hate in the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven\|Doctrine of Seven]], itself a product of the first years of debate among the priests of the first Imperial Synod.		What I think we can be confident of is that Maude never held the rank of "Cardinal of Purity". While there were certainly priests recognised as being experts on the matters of the individual virtues, the title of [[Cardinal]] does not appear in any significant way in pre-Imperial religious documents. The first Cardinals are appointed as part of the work of the early Imperial priests in founding the Synod. While their inspiration is likely to be the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly\|Speaker for the Assembly]] of Highguard, their role was established as part of the [[Imperial Constitution\|constitutional]] mandate to "''establish assemblies that each may know their virtue and select the most virtuous amongst them to lead''". At best, we can assume that if Maude was a respected Highborn priest, and a proponent of so-called "Purity", she was recognised as one of the important voices arguing for the inclusion of Hate in the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven\|Doctrine of Seven]], itself a product of the first years of debate among the priests of the first Imperial Synod.

	Paradoxically of course, prior to the reign of [[Empress Teleri]] the original cardinals wielded political power more often through the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] rather than the Synod. Possessing powers equivalent to those of a [[Senator]], they appear to have been much more concerned with secular matters and presented a potent, if often fractured, voting bloc. It is a sobering thought to imagine what might have happened if one of the eight original cardinals had been a proponent of this malignant spiritual power.		Paradoxically of course, prior to the reign of [[Empress Teleri]] the original cardinals wielded political power more often through the [[Senate]] rather than the Synod. Possessing powers equivalent to those of a [[Senator]], they appear to have been much more concerned with secular matters and presented a potent, if often fractured, voting bloc. It is a sobering thought to imagine what might have happened if one of the eight original cardinals had been a proponent of this malignant spiritual power.

	==The Practice of Hatred==		==The Practice of Hatred==

Castaras at 21:01, 13 August 2025

2025-08-13T21:01:24Z

Twiggy: /* A biography of Maude daughter of Esther */

2025-07-13T21:25:47Z

A biography of Maude daughter of Esther

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	Some of the biographical information about Maude comes from Highborn archivist Bartholomew son of Idwin. A member of Josiah's Alarum [[chapter]] and an actual descendant of Maud, his report on the life of his ancestor unfortunately appears to be coloured by his respect for his lineage and his chapter. The basic details, however, appear to be uncontested. Maude, daughter of Esther, was born in 32 BE, at the chapter of Esau’s Choice in [[Bastion]]. Records show she died in 38YE, at the chapter of Josiah's Alarum, in [[Necropolis]]. A contemporary of the [[First Empress]], she was a prominent figure in the Assembly of the Virtuous, the Highborn precursor of the Imperial Synod. She is believed to have been heavily involved in the early discussions around the foundation of the Synod, and thus the modern [[the Way\|Way]].		Some of the biographical information about Maude comes from Highborn archivist Bartholomew son of Idwin. A member of Josiah's Alarum [[chapter]] and an actual descendant of Maud, his report on the life of his ancestor unfortunately appears to be coloured by his respect for his lineage and his chapter. The basic details, however, appear to be uncontested. Maude, daughter of Esther, was born in 32 BE, at the chapter of Esau’s Choice in [[Bastion]]. Records show she died in 38YE, at the chapter of Josiah's Alarum, in [[Necropolis]]. A contemporary of the [[First Empress]], she was a prominent figure in the Assembly of the Virtuous, the Highborn precursor of the Imperial Synod. She is believed to have been heavily involved in the early discussions around the foundation of the Synod, and thus the modern [[the Way\|Way]].

	According to Bartholomew, she spent time in her early life as a [[wayfarer]]. There is a Maude daughter of Esther of Esau's Choice among a list of missionaries working in [[Tassato]] and [[the Marches]] during the years prior to the Marcher [[The Marches history#The Cousins' War\|civil war]]. She returned to Esau's Choice shortly before the outbreak of the so-called Cousin's War where she is reported to have taken the role of preacher, spiritual advisor, and teacher to the people of of her chapter.		According to Bartholomew, she spent time in her early life as a [[wayfarer]]. There is a Maude daughter of Esther of Esau's Choice among a list of missionaries working in [[Tassato]] and [[the Marches]] during the years prior to the Marcher [[The Marches history#The Cousins' War\|civil war]]. She returned to Esau's Choice shortly before the outbreak of the so-called Cousin's War where she is reported to have taken the role of preacher, spiritual advisor, and teacher to the people of her chapter.

	Certainly a delegation from Esau’s Choice attended the first summit at [[Anvil]], and it is not difficult to imagine that an experienced wayfarer such as Maude would have been a leading member of that delegation. While Bartholomew paints Maude as a proponent of what would eventually become the [[Assembly]] of [[Loyalty]], much of this is unfortunately speculation on the part of the archivist and not supported by any documentation other than some old, partial records inherited from Esau's Choice now kept at Josiah's Alarum.		Certainly a delegation from Esau’s Choice attended the first summit at [[Anvil]], and it is not difficult to imagine that an experienced wayfarer such as Maude would have been a leading member of that delegation. While Bartholomew paints Maude as a proponent of what would eventually become the [[Assembly]] of [[Loyalty]], much of this is unfortunately speculation on the part of the archivist and not supported by any documentation other than some old, partial records inherited from Esau's Choice now kept at Josiah's Alarum.

Thespaceinvader at 19:14, 8 April 2025

2025-04-08T19:14:15Z

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	Dated shortly before the war with Alderei the Fair, our investigators found a mouldering dispatch from a small but significant military action that must have been coordinated by the nascent Civil Service. It called upon the heroes of the Empire to call their private banners to them, and descend upon a nest of ‘recusants and blasphemers’ that had taken over a series of chapter houses upon what would then have been lands bordering orcish territory in Newland, Casinea. The symbol that these heretics were using was simply the rune Cavul, ‘purity’, daubed in white on black.		Dated shortly before the war with Alderei the Fair, our investigators found a mouldering dispatch from a small but significant military action that must have been coordinated by the nascent Civil Service. It called upon the heroes of the Empire to call their private banners to them, and descend upon a nest of ‘recusants and blasphemers’ that had taken over a series of chapter houses upon what would then have been lands bordering orcish territory in Newland, Casinea. The symbol that these heretics were using was simply the rune Cavul, ‘purity’, daubed in white on black.

	Another correspondence from the early Imperial era, a dispatch from the Granite Pillar, details an engagement with the forces of ‘the fair Boyar’, almost certainly Alderei. It recounts the bloody ferocity with which the ~~schlachta~~ defended a place that they had only recently taken, and contains a testimony from a captain who experienced a malign aura within the ~~schlachta’s~~ camp. Whatever the intended effect of that aura, its effect upon the normally disciplined Highborn soldiers was to drive them to burn the camp with the prisoners inside. The animal used as a symbol for their shrine was the swan, red-beaked and angry and yet immaculate.		Another correspondence from the early Imperial era, a dispatch from the Granite Pillar, details an engagement with the forces of ‘the fair Boyar’, almost certainly Alderei. It recounts the bloody ferocity with which the schlacta defended a place that they had only recently taken, and contains a testimony from a captain who experienced a malign aura within the schlacta’s camp. Whatever the intended effect of that aura, its effect upon the normally disciplined Highborn soldiers was to drive them to burn the camp with the prisoners inside. The animal used as a symbol for their shrine was the swan, red-beaked and angry and yet immaculate.

	From first-century Tassato Mestra, we have a report from militia investigating a series of killings of Lineaged. Again, the calling-card of the murderers was the rune Cavul, here carved into the flesh of their victims, translated this time as ‘the Swan’.		From first-century Tassato Mestra, we have a report from militia investigating a series of killings of Lineaged. Again, the calling-card of the murderers was the rune Cavul, here carved into the flesh of their victims, translated this time as ‘the Swan’.

Rafferty at 13:12, 27 May 2022

2022-05-27T13:12:05Z

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	==The Teachings of Hatred==		==The Teachings of Hatred==
	It is an unpleasant truth that Hatred is a source of spiritual power similar to the seven Virtues. Those who are [[dedication\|dedicated]] to its teachings are capable of using [[liao]] to create [[aura\|auras]] that draw upon this force just as a priest of one of the true Virtues might create a [[consecration]], [[hallow]] or [[anointing]]. The nature of these auras are not as well-documented as those of the true virtues for obvious reasons, but thanks to a combination of Highborn archivists and Varushkan scholars (who wish to remain anonymous), and to the vigilance of the Silent Bell, and the 383YE [[Tend to the Flame\|investigation]] into the sect of Hate in [[Mournwold#Whittle\|Whittle]], some details of the teachings of "Purity" have emerged.		It is an unpleasant truth that Hatred is a source of spiritual power similar to the seven Virtues. Those who are [[dedication\|dedicated]] to its teachings are capable of using [[liao]] to create [[aura\|auras]] that draw upon this force just as a priest of one of the true Virtues might create a [[consecration]], [[hallow]] or [[anointing]]. The nature of these auras are not as well-documented as those of the true virtues for obvious reasons, but thanks to a combination of Highborn archivists and Varushkan scholars (who wish to remain anonymous), and to the vigilance of the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]], and the 383YE [[Tend to the Flame\|investigation]] into the sect of Hate in [[Mournwold#Whittle\|Whittle]], some details of the teachings of "Purity" have emerged.

	At its root, Hatred represents the fundamental urge to regard the world in terms of "we who are pure" and "they who are corrupt". It is the distrust of the outsider, of the stranger. It is the contempt for the different and the strange. The hateful see tolerance as weakness, and strive to defend their way of life against any outside influence.		At its root, Hatred represents the fundamental urge to regard the world in terms of "we who are pure" and "they who are corrupt". It is the distrust of the outsider, of the stranger. It is the contempt for the different and the strange. The hateful see tolerance as weakness, and strive to defend their way of life against any outside influence.

Matt at 11:22, 12 May 2022

2022-05-12T11:22:55Z

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	After the establishment of the Doctrine of the Seven, however, any uncertainty was dispelled. Preaching that "Purity", "Freedom", "Justice", or the rest were equal to the true virtues was clear heresy and treated as such. There are first-hand reports of direct action taken to put-down dangerous cults including several recalcitrant chapters in Newland (later [[Casinea#Casfall\|Casfall]]) in [[Casinea]] at the same time the Empire was campaigning against [[Alderei the Fair]]. Indeed there are reputable reports that some of the warriors who fought under the tyrant-boyar's banner were openly inspired by the force of Hatred turning their zealous ire against all non-Varushkan soldiers intruding into their dark woodlands. In both cases, interestingly, the rune [[Cavul]] or the image of a war-like swan, were used by the cults - a symbology that recurs again and again through Imperial history. The murderer known as "the Swan" who terrorised the [[lineage\|lineaged]] of [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra\|Tassato Mestra]] in the late first century, for example, carved the rune into the flesh of their victims as a "calling card." That same connection was most recently seen fifty years ago when the "Fraternity of the Swan" openly decried the inclusion of the [[Imperial Orcs]] among the Imperial nations; while their organisation was swiftly dismantled, investigations by the magistrates conclusively pointed to [[aura\|auras]] of Hatred being employed by the leaders of the movement.		After the establishment of the Doctrine of the Seven, however, any uncertainty was dispelled. Preaching that "Purity", "Freedom", "Justice", or the rest were equal to the true virtues was clear heresy and treated as such. There are first-hand reports of direct action taken to put-down dangerous cults including several recalcitrant chapters in Newland (later [[Casinea#Casfall\|Casfall]]) in [[Casinea]] at the same time the Empire was campaigning against [[Alderei the Fair]]. Indeed there are reputable reports that some of the warriors who fought under the tyrant-boyar's banner were openly inspired by the force of Hatred turning their zealous ire against all non-Varushkan soldiers intruding into their dark woodlands. In both cases, interestingly, the rune [[Cavul]] or the image of a war-like swan, were used by the cults - a symbology that recurs again and again through Imperial history. The murderer known as "the Swan" who terrorised the [[lineage\|lineaged]] of [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra\|Tassato Mestra]] in the late first century, for example, carved the rune into the flesh of their victims as a "calling card." That same connection was most recently seen fifty years ago when the "Fraternity of the Swan" openly decried the inclusion of the [[Imperial Orcs]] among the Imperial nations; while their organisation was swiftly dismantled, investigations by the magistrates conclusively pointed to [[aura\|auras]] of Hatred being employed by the leaders of the movement.

	Not everything is as cut-and-dried however. There are records of a [[knightly order]] known as the "Order of Golden Zeal" in Dawn in the 53YE. Associated with the [[Hounds of Glory]], these [[questing knight\|questing knights]] were reported to be particularly zealous in fighting against the [[orc\|orcs]] threatening the Empire's eastern borders. While their battlefield fury was often lauded at the time, their enthusiasm for butchering prisoners was considered uncomfortably extreme. The final reference to the Order is in 54YE, where [[Empress Richilde]] herself is believed to have taken steps to disband them although frustratingly no details have survived to the current day beyond a reference to a "House Silvertongue", a name that has been heard recently in the [[Judgement\|Judgements]] of the Dawnish [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|National Assembly]]. ~~Perhaps~~ Ser Thomas Aurelius, who raised [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements\|that judgement]] and its [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_39\|escalation]], ~~would know if it were~~ the ~~same family?~~		Not everything is as cut-and-dried however. There are records of a [[knightly order]] known as the "Order of Golden Zeal" in Dawn in the 53YE. Associated with the [[Hounds of Glory]], these [[questing knight\|questing knights]] were reported to be particularly zealous in fighting against the [[orc\|orcs]] threatening the Empire's eastern borders. While their battlefield fury was often lauded at the time, their enthusiasm for butchering prisoners was considered uncomfortably extreme. The final reference to the Order is in 54YE, where [[Empress Richilde]] herself is believed to have taken steps to disband them although frustratingly no details have survived to the current day beyond a reference to a "House Silvertongue", a name that has been heard recently in the [[Judgement\|Judgements]] of the Dawnish [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|National Assembly]]. Ser Thomas Aurelius, who raised [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements\|that judgement]] and its [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_39\|escalation]], might have known more, but the secret may have died with him.

	These stories, and others like them, recur again and again and there is no doubt in the minds of most serious scholars that the heretical power of "Purity" is a stubborn weed, difficult to root out. To the lay person, it is sometimes difficult to separate the strangling vines of Hate from virtuous Vigilance or [[Pride]]. A healthy awareness of external and internal threats can sometimes be mistaken for a black-souled hatred of all that is different, and vice versa. Likewise, taking comfort in one's cherished traditions can sometimes be mistaken for a Hateful commitment to custom that opposes all influences from outside the community.		These stories, and others like them, recur again and again and there is no doubt in the minds of most serious scholars that the heretical power of "Purity" is a stubborn weed, difficult to root out. To the lay person, it is sometimes difficult to separate the strangling vines of Hate from virtuous Vigilance or [[Pride]]. A healthy awareness of external and internal threats can sometimes be mistaken for a black-souled hatred of all that is different, and vice versa. Likewise, taking comfort in one's cherished traditions can sometimes be mistaken for a Hateful commitment to custom that opposes all influences from outside the community.

Noserenda: /* Hate and the Formation of the Empire */

2022-05-11T19:27:48Z

Hate and the Formation of the Empire

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	It is extremely unlikely that any of the above are isolated examples. While we need not pretend that the claims of the heretics are ultimate wisdom, neither can they be discounted entirely. They are highly unlikely to be everywhere, as their type has claimed since one human first ever lied to another: they might well, however, still be somewhere.		It is extremely unlikely that any of the above are isolated examples. While we need not pretend that the claims of the heretics are ultimate wisdom, neither can they be discounted entirely. They are highly unlikely to be everywhere, as their type has claimed since one human first ever lied to another: they might well, however, still be somewhere.

	While on the subject of historical heresies, I should make mention of an organisation that my predecessor even half a century ago would not have needed to name. That name is the Tribunal of the Virtuous. While not themselves - as far as we know - a heretical organisation, this group had as a founding principle the idea that the Way of Virtue was perfected in the time of Empress Teleri. During my own apprenticeship, their name was somewhat of a ~~boogeyman~~: have a care that your work does not draw too near to the foundations of the Way, I was taught, or some humourless and very well-educated Highborn will be having a quiet word. They were not heretics: emphatically not. They caught heretics, and scotched them.		While on the subject of historical heresies, I should make mention of an organisation that my predecessor even half a century ago would not have needed to name. That name is the Tribunal of the Virtuous. While not themselves - as far as we know - a heretical organisation, this group had as a founding principle the idea that the Way of Virtue was perfected in the time of Empress Teleri. During my own apprenticeship, their name was somewhat of a bogeyman: have a care that your work does not draw too near to the foundations of the Way, I was taught, or some humourless and very well-educated Highborn will be having a quiet word. They were not heretics: emphatically not. They caught heretics, and scotched them.

	But the Tribunal is today a spent force, if even it exists at all. The Young Empress had set herself against them after a series of ill-judged clashes during her electoral campaign, and those who crossed her had a very unfortunate way of finding themselves onto dangerous skirmishes and returning shoulder-high as safely dead heroes. Doubtless they are better off gone - but with them went all of the knowledge of last generation's self-appointed guardians of the Way, and that will have included details that nobody ever entrusted to paper.		But the Tribunal is today a spent force, if even it exists at all. The Young Empress had set herself against them after a series of ill-judged clashes during her electoral campaign, and those who crossed her had a very unfortunate way of finding themselves onto dangerous skirmishes and returning shoulder-high as safely dead heroes. Doubtless they are better off gone - but with them went all of the knowledge of last generation's self-appointed guardians of the Way, and that will have included details that nobody ever entrusted to paper.
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	Among foreign humans, it might be the case that Sumaash priests of Vigilance might have information upon Hatred - but it might well be the case that they do not, or are unwilling to speak of it. More willing to speak, but possibly less capable of answering usefully, could be the Commonwealth. Intermediate between the two might well be the Axou: once upon a time, it was well known that Axos was where heretics fled if they could, and if there were a place where Hatred were practiced to this day, I might think of Axos. Less openly, but possibly more fervently, those who work towards the downfall of the religion and government of the Iron Confederacy might also be a reasonable place to find any of the false virtues.		Among foreign humans, it might be the case that Sumaash priests of Vigilance might have information upon Hatred - but it might well be the case that they do not, or are unwilling to speak of it. More willing to speak, but possibly less capable of answering usefully, could be the Commonwealth. Intermediate between the two might well be the Axou: once upon a time, it was well known that Axos was where heretics fled if they could, and if there were a place where Hatred were practiced to this day, I might think of Axos. Less openly, but possibly more fervently, those who work towards the downfall of the religion and government of the Iron Confederacy might also be a reasonable place to find any of the false virtues.

	I hesitate to recommend the Silent Bell, unless one can find a target for them more specific than ‘cultists in the Empire, mostly southern and western, although possibly also in the north or east’. The Vigilant are ~~alre a dy~~ looking out for cultists in the Empire in general. It is somewhat by way of being our way of life! But if something more specific than this has come to light, the stiletto of the Nine is every bit as sharp as ever it was.		I hesitate to recommend the Silent Bell, unless one can find a target for them more specific than ‘cultists in the Empire, mostly southern and western, although possibly also in the north or east’. The Vigilant are already looking out for cultists in the Empire in general. It is somewhat by way of being our way of life! But if something more specific than this has come to light, the stiletto of the Nine is every bit as sharp as ever it was.

	I remain, Your devoted fellow in Vigilance,		I remain, Your devoted fellow in Vigilance,

Noserenda: /* Maude, Daughter of Esther */

2022-05-11T19:16:25Z

Maude, Daughter of Esther

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	poke around the possibility that early Highborn might have been heretics are likely to be Dawnish or Highborn, and Wisdom help us all in either case.		poke around the possibility that early Highborn might have been heretics are likely to be Dawnish or Highborn, and Wisdom help us all in either case.

	If you want more answers here, you want the Silent Bell, who are far more used to insulting people’s Pride for a living, or the Grey Pilgrims , who might want to set their own house in order before talking about someone else's. Or perhaps there are Eternals who might know more, like the Eternal of Purity her own self. The wizards might tell us that one has got nothing to do with hatred: but the question really is whether the		If you want more answers here, you want the Silent Bell, who are far more used to insulting people’s Pride for a living, or the Grey Pilgrims , who might want to set their own house in order before talking about someone else's. Or perhaps there are Eternals who might know more, like the Eternal of Purity her own self. The wizards might tell us that one has got nothing to do with hatred: but the question really is whether the heretics of old knew that.</ic></div>
	heretics of old knew that.</ic></div>
	<br>		<br>
	Click to expand		Click to expand

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	The original document on which this report is based was prepared for Caleb of the Cenotaph [[Minister of Historical Research]]. It followed on from earlier work relating specifically to a reported past live vision experience of Adelina Barossa, prepared for their predecessor Ioseph of Phoenix's Reach. The investigation touched on matters of the [[Malign_spiritual_presences\|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#hatred\|Hate]], which is also called "Purity" in some documents.		The original document on which this report is based was prepared for Caleb of the Cenotaph [[Minister of Historical Research]]. It followed on from earlier work relating specifically to a reported past live vision experience of Adelina Barossa, prepared for their predecessor Ioseph of Phoenix's Reach. The investigation touched on matters of the [[Malign_spiritual_presences\|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#hatred\|Hate]], which is also called "Purity" in some documents.

	In the months since the original work was done, additional research has cast further light on this topic, and on the role of Hatred in the early Empire. This more general discussion of Hatred, and a commentary on the history of ~~Maud~~, Daughter of Esther, has been compiled by Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.		In the months since the original work was done, additional research has cast further light on this topic, and on the role of Hatred in the early Empire. This more general discussion of Hatred, and a commentary on the history of Maude, Daughter of Esther, has been compiled by Leontes the Scribe, the Imperial Archivist.

	The original documents sent to the Minister for Historical Research are appended [[#Earlier Documents\|at the end of the essay]].		The original documents sent to the Minister for Historical Research are appended [[#Earlier Documents\|at the end of the essay]].

	==Foreword==		==Foreword==
	Investigation into the life of ~~Maud~~, daughter of Esther, has proved to be a delicate undertaking. Some of those contacted during the compilation of this report - ''Amanda Scriber'', ''John Tallfellow'', and ''Ephas Canterspire'' in particular - found the whole matter distasteful. Even within the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department]] there are some topics which prove divisive, or require careful handling. Few scholars are comfortable with examining the role the malign spiritual presence of Hatred played in pre-Imperial history. That it ''did'' play a role - that it was very nearly included by the [[Imperial Synod]] alongside virtues such as [[Courage]] and [[Vigilance]] - is uncontested however. It's not the place of the Department to dwell over-much on the nature of the Virtues - at least not in this document - but it is difficult to separate Imperial attitudes to the spiritual force of Hatred from a discussion of ~~Maud~~, Daughter of Esther.		Investigation into the life of Maude, daughter of Esther, has proved to be a delicate undertaking. Some of those contacted during the compilation of this report - ''Amanda Scriber'', ''John Tallfellow'', and ''Ephas Canterspire'' in particular - found the whole matter distasteful. Even within the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department]] there are some topics which prove divisive, or require careful handling. Few scholars are comfortable with examining the role the malign spiritual presence of Hatred played in pre-Imperial history. That it ''did'' play a role - that it was very nearly included by the [[Imperial Synod]] alongside virtues such as [[Courage]] and [[Vigilance]] - is uncontested however. It's not the place of the Department to dwell over-much on the nature of the Virtues - at least not in this document - but it is difficult to separate Imperial attitudes to the spiritual force of Hatred from a discussion of Maude, Daughter of Esther.

	Few documents dealing with Hatred, or with ~~Maud~~, Daughter of Esther, survive to the current day. This is due not only to the legacy of [[Emperor Nicovar]] but also to the obvious fact that such writings dealt with topics of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] and have largely been destroyed. While the satirists of [[the League]] like to imagine a sinister [[Highguard\|Highborn]] "dark library" full of "forbidden texts" the fact of the matter is much more prosaic. Documents dangerous to the spiritual welfare of Imperial citizens are invariably destroyed, not ferreted away by wicked [[archivist\|archivists]] to some secret collection of "banned books."		Few documents dealing with Hatred, or with Maude, Daughter of Esther, survive to the current day. This is due not only to the legacy of [[Emperor Nicovar]] but also to the obvious fact that such writings dealt with topics of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] and have largely been destroyed. While the satirists of [[the League]] like to imagine a sinister [[Highguard\|Highborn]] "dark library" full of "forbidden texts" the fact of the matter is much more prosaic. Documents dangerous to the spiritual welfare of Imperial citizens are invariably destroyed, not ferreted away by wicked [[archivist\|archivists]] to some secret collection of "banned books."

	What sources remain tend to be dry, academic in nature, and deal in generalities rather than specifics; and what is true of the nature of Hatred is just as true as those historical figures associated with the so-called "false virtue". The primary source for the life of ~~Maud~~, Daughter of Esther, is probably the recent fifth volume of ''[[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2\|Echoes of the Labyrinth]]'', in which a League citizen (now a citizen of Highguard) reportedly experienced the [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]] vision recorded there. The Department tends not to view accounts of past lives as entirely reliable sources of information and always attempts to secure confirmation from contemporary historical documents. Visions are often subjective - even without considering the possibility that someone might simply lie or be mistaken about their experience.		What sources remain tend to be dry, academic in nature, and deal in generalities rather than specifics; and what is true of the nature of Hatred is just as true as those historical figures associated with the so-called "false virtue". The primary source for the life of Maude, Daughter of Esther, is probably the recent fifth volume of ''[[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2\|Echoes of the Labyrinth]]'', in which a League citizen (now a citizen of Highguard) reportedly experienced the [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]] vision recorded there. The Department tends not to view accounts of past lives as entirely reliable sources of information and always attempts to secure confirmation from contemporary historical documents. Visions are often subjective - even without considering the possibility that someone might simply lie or be mistaken about their experience.

	==A biography of Maude daughter of Esther==		==A biography of Maude daughter of Esther==
	Some of the biographical information about Maude comes from Highborn archivist Bartholomew son of Idwin. A member of Josiah's Alarum [[chapter]] and an actual descendant of ~~Maud~~, his report on the life of his ancestor unfortunately appears to be coloured by his respect for his lineage and his chapter. The basic details, however, appear to be uncontested. Maude, daughter of Esther, was born in 32 BE, at the chapter of Esau’s Choice in [[Bastion]]. Records show she died in 38YE, at the chapter of Josiah's Alarum, in [[Necropolis]]. A contemporary of the [[First Empress]], she was a prominent figure in the Assembly of the Virtuous, the Highborn precursor of the Imperial Synod. She is believed to have been heavily involved in the early discussions around the foundation of the Synod, and thus the modern [[the Way\|Way]].		Some of the biographical information about Maude comes from Highborn archivist Bartholomew son of Idwin. A member of Josiah's Alarum [[chapter]] and an actual descendant of Maude, his report on the life of his ancestor unfortunately appears to be coloured by his respect for his lineage and his chapter. The basic details, however, appear to be uncontested. Maude, daughter of Esther, was born in 32 BE, at the chapter of Esau’s Choice in [[Bastion]]. Records show she died in 38YE, at the chapter of Josiah's Alarum, in [[Necropolis]]. A contemporary of the [[First Empress]], she was a prominent figure in the Assembly of the Virtuous, the Highborn precursor of the Imperial Synod. She is believed to have been heavily involved in the early discussions around the foundation of the Synod, and thus the modern [[the Way\|Way]].

	According to Bartholomew, she spent time in her early life as a [[wayfarer]]. There is a Maude daughter of Esther of Esau's Choice among a list of missionaries working in [[Tassato]] and [[the Marches]] during the years prior to the Marcher [[The Marches history#The Cousins' War\|civil war]]. She returned to Esau's Choice shortly before the outbreak of the so-called Cousin's War where she is reported to have taken the role of preacher, spiritual advisor, and teacher to the people of her chapter.		According to Bartholomew, she spent time in her early life as a [[wayfarer]]. There is a Maude daughter of Esther of Esau's Choice among a list of missionaries working in [[Tassato]] and [[the Marches]] during the years prior to the Marcher [[The Marches history#The Cousins' War\|civil war]]. She returned to Esau's Choice shortly before the outbreak of the so-called Cousin's War where she is reported to have taken the role of preacher, spiritual advisor, and teacher to the people of her chapter.
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	Certainly a delegation from Esau’s Choice attended the first summit at [[Anvil]], and it is not difficult to imagine that an experienced wayfarer such as Maude would have been a leading member of that delegation. While Bartholomew paints Maude as a proponent of what would eventually become the [[Assembly]] of [[Loyalty]], much of this is unfortunately speculation on the part of the archivist and not supported by any documentation other than some old, partial records inherited from Esau's Choice now kept at Josiah's Alarum.		Certainly a delegation from Esau’s Choice attended the first summit at [[Anvil]], and it is not difficult to imagine that an experienced wayfarer such as Maude would have been a leading member of that delegation. While Bartholomew paints Maude as a proponent of what would eventually become the [[Assembly]] of [[Loyalty]], much of this is unfortunately speculation on the part of the archivist and not supported by any documentation other than some old, partial records inherited from Esau's Choice now kept at Josiah's Alarum.

	Bartholomew's account then goes on to talk about the "spectre of heresy" - painting ~~Maud~~'s association with the spiritual presence of Hatred as a heresy. This is unfortunately at odds with historical fact. It is generally accepted that at the founding of the Empire the spiritual force of Hatred - or the virtue of "Purity" as it was more commonly known in early Imperial documents - was a significant force recognised by the forerunners of the Imperial Synod. Indeed, it is common knowledge that it was nearly included as one of the Seven. It is easy to feel sympathetic to Bartholomew - it must be difficult to acknowledge that the dangerous teachings of Hatred were once as popular as those of Courage, [[Ambition]], or any of the other true Virtues. How much worse, then, to acknowledge that one's direct ancestor was a proponent of this wicked philosophy?		Bartholomew's account then goes on to talk about the "spectre of heresy" - painting Maude's association with the spiritual presence of Hatred as a heresy. This is unfortunately at odds with historical fact. It is generally accepted that at the founding of the Empire the spiritual force of Hatred - or the virtue of "Purity" as it was more commonly known in early Imperial documents - was a significant force recognised by the forerunners of the Imperial Synod. Indeed, it is common knowledge that it was nearly included as one of the Seven. It is easy to feel sympathetic to Bartholomew - it must be difficult to acknowledge that the dangerous teachings of Hatred were once as popular as those of Courage, [[Ambition]], or any of the other true Virtues. How much worse, then, to acknowledge that one's direct ancestor was a proponent of this wicked philosophy?

	What I think we can be confident of is that Maude never held the rank of "Cardinal of Purity". While there were certainly priests recognised as being experts on the matters of the individual virtues, the title of [[Cardinal]] does not appear in any significant way in pre-Imperial religious documents. The first Cardinals are appointed as part of the work of the early Imperial priests in founding the Synod. While their inspiration is likely to be the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly\|Speaker for the Assembly]] of Highguard, their role was established as part of the [[Imperial Constitution\|constitutional]] mandate to "''establish assemblies that each may know their virtue and select the most virtuous amongst them to lead''". At best, we can assume that if Maude was a respected Highborn priest, and a proponent of so-called "Purity", she was recognised as one of the important voices arguing for the inclusion of Hate in the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven\|Doctrine of Seven]], itself a product of the first years of debate among the priests of the first Imperial Synod.		What I think we can be confident of is that Maude never held the rank of "Cardinal of Purity". While there were certainly priests recognised as being experts on the matters of the individual virtues, the title of [[Cardinal]] does not appear in any significant way in pre-Imperial religious documents. The first Cardinals are appointed as part of the work of the early Imperial priests in founding the Synod. While their inspiration is likely to be the [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly\|Speaker for the Assembly]] of Highguard, their role was established as part of the [[Imperial Constitution\|constitutional]] mandate to "''establish assemblies that each may know their virtue and select the most virtuous amongst them to lead''". At best, we can assume that if Maude was a respected Highborn priest, and a proponent of so-called "Purity", she was recognised as one of the important voices arguing for the inclusion of Hate in the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Seven\|Doctrine of Seven]], itself a product of the first years of debate among the priests of the first Imperial Synod.