Varietes of heresy
Moderators: Haplo, Lead Developers
Edited for grammer and spelling
Varieties of Heresy
By Julina Morocorus
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and down right unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Eight Divines would do I have tried to correct these misguided individuals. For the most part I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity, (remove the comma) or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, who the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshippers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Typically these groups appear normal by day, often seeming to be a typical village or tribe. (a comma instead of period here) But by night they reveal their far more sinister nature.
At sundown the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, (no comma is needed here.) these rituals involve the dawning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, (commas are not required before a conjuntion)but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. As these cults are typically found in groups that are in some way inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry, there is a great deal of evidence for this. However, (no comma needed) these cults are often found in regions that were long ago pacified ( consider ending this sentence here so as to complete this thought before moving onto the next one)and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat in these lands.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. This is only somewhat plausible as it is just as often settled farming peoples that have these traditions.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life has been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the cause of these groups should be avoided by the layman at all costs as the hapless victims of the ritual sacrifice can easily include the hapless(perhaps you should use a different word than "hapless" here since you've already used it in this sentence)traveler.
II. Worshippers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply misguided peasants that are perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the layman that they should be weary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct (which) they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant (the words benign and malignant sound a little too modern) cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of people’s fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one (of) the Deadra.
III. Worshippers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has (, through ) deception and delusion (,) placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord Tiber Septim did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are never benign (once again this sounds too modern) and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leader’s charismatic continence and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough, a strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil, or Skyrim, and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world and are naïve enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, (a semi-colon would be much better here) those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and (the) skooma clouded, (consider removing the comma and replacing it with "and") those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak and through his strength of personality he slowly forces them to follow him- to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, (comma not needed) and with him travel his willing slaves (,) bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, (comma not needed) or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create some stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens that lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s hearts will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and conducting his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from amongst his female followers, (comma not needed) will share his bed.
As time goes on (,) the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave, then sending forth his guard to suppress (,) through general terror (,) those who he believes are undermining his rule, (consider separating this sentence. It would seem less of run-on that way)and finally imposing himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the death of their followers and at last bring an end to their terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies comparatively (and)bloodlessly and helping the victims of these mad men.
I and my colleagues have great difficulty understanding how these mad men begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such mad men could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
IV. Worshippers of Science
There are among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed it is a great aid to our lives; (a period would be fitting here) one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But it (remove "it") when men or mer worship it as a god, their only god, they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshippers peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops these worshippers, scientists they call themselves(this would be better surrounded by paenthesis instead of commas), have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren the gods fearing physical philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the far from mysterious mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightening, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus,(a conjuntion would be better than a comma) magicka(this should end here), (this should be the beginning of a sentence)they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none (,) eventually drives them quite mad, (a period instead of a comma) one need only hear about their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse, (no comma needed) or perhaps even to fly. I believe I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place it in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the dwemer(Dwemer). Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn the entire people of those who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, (end this sentence here) for if it reaches fruition it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not posse (pose)a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all they surely cannot last long prodding at lightening, can they?
(Anyone care to guess about Ms. Morocorus's background and how/why she joined the Imperial Cult?)
Great Book. I almost lost track of what I was tring to do here. It's riveting.
Varieties of Heresy
By Julina Morocorus
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and down right unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Eight Divines would do I have tried to correct these misguided individuals. For the most part I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity, (remove the comma) or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, who the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshippers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Typically these groups appear normal by day, often seeming to be a typical village or tribe. (a comma instead of period here) But by night they reveal their far more sinister nature.
At sundown the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, (no comma is needed here.) these rituals involve the dawning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, (commas are not required before a conjuntion)but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. As these cults are typically found in groups that are in some way inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry, there is a great deal of evidence for this. However, (no comma needed) these cults are often found in regions that were long ago pacified ( consider ending this sentence here so as to complete this thought before moving onto the next one)and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat in these lands.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. This is only somewhat plausible as it is just as often settled farming peoples that have these traditions.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life has been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the cause of these groups should be avoided by the layman at all costs as the hapless victims of the ritual sacrifice can easily include the hapless(perhaps you should use a different word than "hapless" here since you've already used it in this sentence)traveler.
II. Worshippers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply misguided peasants that are perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the layman that they should be weary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct (which) they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant (the words benign and malignant sound a little too modern) cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of people’s fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one (of) the Deadra.
III. Worshippers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has (, through ) deception and delusion (,) placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord Tiber Septim did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are never benign (once again this sounds too modern) and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leader’s charismatic continence and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough, a strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil, or Skyrim, and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world and are naïve enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, (a semi-colon would be much better here) those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and (the) skooma clouded, (consider removing the comma and replacing it with "and") those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak and through his strength of personality he slowly forces them to follow him- to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, (comma not needed) and with him travel his willing slaves (,) bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, (comma not needed) or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create some stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens that lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s hearts will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and conducting his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from amongst his female followers, (comma not needed) will share his bed.
As time goes on (,) the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave, then sending forth his guard to suppress (,) through general terror (,) those who he believes are undermining his rule, (consider separating this sentence. It would seem less of run-on that way)and finally imposing himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the death of their followers and at last bring an end to their terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies comparatively (and)bloodlessly and helping the victims of these mad men.
I and my colleagues have great difficulty understanding how these mad men begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such mad men could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
IV. Worshippers of Science
There are among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed it is a great aid to our lives; (a period would be fitting here) one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But it (remove "it") when men or mer worship it as a god, their only god, they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshippers peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops these worshippers, scientists they call themselves(this would be better surrounded by paenthesis instead of commas), have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren the gods fearing physical philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the far from mysterious mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightening, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus,(a conjuntion would be better than a comma) magicka(this should end here), (this should be the beginning of a sentence)they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none (,) eventually drives them quite mad, (a period instead of a comma) one need only hear about their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse, (no comma needed) or perhaps even to fly. I believe I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place it in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the dwemer(Dwemer). Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn the entire people of those who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, (end this sentence here) for if it reaches fruition it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not posse (pose)a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all they surely cannot last long prodding at lightening, can they?
(Anyone care to guess about Ms. Morocorus's background and how/why she joined the Imperial Cult?)
Great Book. I almost lost track of what I was tring to do here. It's riveting.
Finished Books and Poems
Wanderlust
Travel By My Side
At River's End Vol I
Oath of the Wretch
Emvae's Contract
Ariitha Biethu's Journal
Rewritten Works of Others
Dust to Mounatins
Awaken
Wanderlust
Travel By My Side
At River's End Vol I
Oath of the Wretch
Emvae's Contract
Ariitha Biethu's Journal
Rewritten Works of Others
Dust to Mounatins
Awaken
Hehe, that is the counterpart to my "Varieties of Though". We could connect both together, perhaps that your writing, Writing_Wraith, is meant as a counterwriting to my writing. You could also mention my "Varieties of Thought" as a book of heresy...
[url=http://www.xonder.at/cgi-bin/yabbserver/foren/F_0593/YaBB.cgi][img]http://mitglied.lycos.de/lothiel/ME/logo.jpg[/img][/url]
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The_Writing_Wraith
- Member
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:40 pm
- Location: The Nebraska Wastes
Exactly Darnoc, I read over your "Varieties of Thought" and thought that the priesthoods wouldn't like something like that to go unchallenged. Thus the last section came to be.
If there's a list of other books that might be considered heretical, I'll include them as a list of what to stay away from. Otherwise, I don't think it would make sense to mention only one book directly.
If there's a list of other books that might be considered heretical, I'll include them as a list of what to stay away from. Otherwise, I don't think it would make sense to mention only one book directly.
In the 550's Byzantine Generals Narses and Liberius were winning battles into their 80's. Retirement programs, though no longer including raping and pillaging, have clearly improved since.
Posted in attachment so I don't have to re-bold all of my changes. There are parts that I changed without denotation, so use the copy here as the basis for the changes you make.
Also, I'd like it if you made examples for each scenario. For example, the "worshipers of destruction" portion could include the author's interactions with the "End of Times" cult from Tribunal. I think it should include concrete, tangible examples for its audience: less educated people.
Also, I'd like it if you made examples for each scenario. For example, the "worshipers of destruction" portion could include the author's interactions with the "End of Times" cult from Tribunal. I think it should include concrete, tangible examples for its audience: less educated people.
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Only the prospect of death makes life worth living.
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The_Writing_Wraith
- Member
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:40 pm
- Location: The Nebraska Wastes
Varieties of Heresy
By Julina Morocorus
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and down right unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Nine Divines would do, I have tried to correct these misguided individuals. For the most part, I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, whom the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshipers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Often these groups appear normal by day, seeming to be a typical village or tribe, but by night they reveal their far more sinister nature.
At sundown, the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast, the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, these rituals involve the dawning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. Indeed these cults are typically found in groups that are inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry. However, these cults are often found in regions that were pacified long ago and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat anymore.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. The existence of such cults among settled, farming peoples seems to discredit this theory.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life has been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the motivations of these groups, they should be avoided by the layman at all costs.
The Wulfserks of southern Skyrim legend are one of the best known examples of such a cult.
II. Worshipers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world, there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply a group of misguided peasants perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However, there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the layman that they should be wary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically, cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct which they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of people’s fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one of the Daedra.
Recently a colleague of mine discovered rumors of such a group in Mournhold, calling themselves the End of Times Cult. Weather these cultists are a danger to others remains to be seen.
III. Worshipers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described, the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has, through deception and delusion, placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord, Tiber Septim, did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are insidious in the extreme, and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leader’s charismatic continence and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough. A strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil or Skyrim and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world, those naive enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and the skooma clouded, those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak, and through his strength of personality, he slowly forces them to follow him- to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, his willing slaves in tow, bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create a dark stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens that lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s hearts will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly, those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and conducting his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from his female followers will share his bed.
As time goes on the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave. Then sending forth his guard to suppress those who he believes are undermining his rule. Finally he imposing himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has inevitably been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the death of their followers and at last bring an end to their terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies relatively bloodlessly and helping the victims of these mad men.
My colleagues and I have great difficulty understanding how these madmen begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such madmen could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
The infamous Bedabi who led his followers into the wastes of the Alik’r to die is perhaps the most notorious of such madmen.
IV. Worshipers of Science
There are those among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed, it is a great aid to our lives; one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But when men or mer worship it as a god- their only god- they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshiper’s peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops, these worshipers- scientists they call themselves- have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren, the gods-fearing natural philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightening, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus, magicka, they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none eventually drives them quite mad. One need only hear their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the Dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse or perhaps even flight. I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place my faith in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the Dwemer. Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn the entire race of people who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, for if it reaches fruition, it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not pose a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all, they surely cannot last long prodding at lightening, can they?
It is advised that the layman avoid Cordanus Krauserus’s work and his associates as they are amongst the worst of these scientists.
The choice of “she†was intentional in the third section, as was most of the third section in general. There is also a reason it is the longest and most vitriolic one as well. When I wrote this, I had in mind that the author was actually the victims that particular type of cult. She was later rescued from them by an Imperial Cult member, she then joined them herself and has sense focused on helping and protecting others from such groups.
Are the used examples acceptable?
By Julina Morocorus
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and down right unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Nine Divines would do, I have tried to correct these misguided individuals. For the most part, I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, whom the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshipers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Often these groups appear normal by day, seeming to be a typical village or tribe, but by night they reveal their far more sinister nature.
At sundown, the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast, the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, these rituals involve the dawning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. Indeed these cults are typically found in groups that are inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry. However, these cults are often found in regions that were pacified long ago and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat anymore.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. The existence of such cults among settled, farming peoples seems to discredit this theory.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life has been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the motivations of these groups, they should be avoided by the layman at all costs.
The Wulfserks of southern Skyrim legend are one of the best known examples of such a cult.
II. Worshipers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world, there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply a group of misguided peasants perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However, there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the layman that they should be wary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically, cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct which they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of people’s fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one of the Daedra.
Recently a colleague of mine discovered rumors of such a group in Mournhold, calling themselves the End of Times Cult. Weather these cultists are a danger to others remains to be seen.
III. Worshipers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described, the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has, through deception and delusion, placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord, Tiber Septim, did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are insidious in the extreme, and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leader’s charismatic continence and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough. A strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil or Skyrim and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world, those naive enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and the skooma clouded, those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak, and through his strength of personality, he slowly forces them to follow him- to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, his willing slaves in tow, bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create a dark stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens that lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s hearts will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly, those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and conducting his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from his female followers will share his bed.
As time goes on the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave. Then sending forth his guard to suppress those who he believes are undermining his rule. Finally he imposing himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has inevitably been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the death of their followers and at last bring an end to their terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies relatively bloodlessly and helping the victims of these mad men.
My colleagues and I have great difficulty understanding how these madmen begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such madmen could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
The infamous Bedabi who led his followers into the wastes of the Alik’r to die is perhaps the most notorious of such madmen.
IV. Worshipers of Science
There are those among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed, it is a great aid to our lives; one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But when men or mer worship it as a god- their only god- they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshiper’s peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops, these worshipers- scientists they call themselves- have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren, the gods-fearing natural philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightening, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus, magicka, they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none eventually drives them quite mad. One need only hear their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the Dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse or perhaps even flight. I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place my faith in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the Dwemer. Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn the entire race of people who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, for if it reaches fruition, it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not pose a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all, they surely cannot last long prodding at lightening, can they?
It is advised that the layman avoid Cordanus Krauserus’s work and his associates as they are amongst the worst of these scientists.
The choice of “she†was intentional in the third section, as was most of the third section in general. There is also a reason it is the longest and most vitriolic one as well. When I wrote this, I had in mind that the author was actually the victims that particular type of cult. She was later rescued from them by an Imperial Cult member, she then joined them herself and has sense focused on helping and protecting others from such groups.
Are the used examples acceptable?
In the 550's Byzantine Generals Narses and Liberius were winning battles into their 80's. Retirement programs, though no longer including raping and pillaging, have clearly improved since.
Ok, although it isn't really clear that the author was actually involved in such a cult . . . editor's note regarding this perhaps.
Also, in the first concrete addition, the sentence you added doesn't entirely make sense. In the second addition, you use "weather" instead of "whether."
Other than those minor corrections, everything looks good.
Also, in the first concrete addition, the sentence you added doesn't entirely make sense. In the second addition, you use "weather" instead of "whether."
Other than those minor corrections, everything looks good.
Only the prospect of death makes life worth living.
-
The_Writing_Wraith
- Member
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:40 pm
- Location: The Nebraska Wastes
Garriath, would it be reasonable to assume though that the End of Times cult might not be seen that way by an outsider who has heard about it second hand? They're a fairly recent development so I thought someone distant from Mournhold might not yet know much more than that they exist and are recuriting. Also bare in mind the author is more than a little prejudiced.
Varieties of Heresy
By Julina Morocorus
editor’s note: At the age of seventeen Julina Morocorus was the victim of the charismatic Curolinus Lusarino’s cult. She was later found and rescued by the Imperial Cult. Since this time she has spent her life helping and protecting others from the dangers of such groups.
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and down right unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Nine Divines would do, I have tried to correct these misguided individuals. For the most part, I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, whom the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshipers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Often these groups appear normal by day, seeming to be a typical village or tribe, but by night they reveal their far more sinister nature.
At sundown, the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast, the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, these rituals involve the dawning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. Indeed these cults are typically found in groups that are inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry. However, these cults are often found in regions that were pacified long ago and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat anymore.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. The existence of such cults among settled, farming peoples seems to discredit this theory.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life has been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the motivations of these groups, they should be avoided by the layman at all costs.
The Wulfserk Cult of southern Skyrim legend is one of the best known examples of such beastmen worshippers.
II. Worshipers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world, there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply a group of misguided peasants perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However, there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the layman that they should be wary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically, cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct which they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of people’s fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one of the Daedra.
Recently a colleague of mine discovered rumors of such a group in Mournhold, calling themselves the End of Times Cult. Whether these cultists are a danger to others remains to be seen.
III. Worshipers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described, the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has, through deception and delusion, placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord, Tiber Septim, did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are insidious in the extreme, and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leader’s charismatic continence and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough. A strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil or Skyrim and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world, those naive enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and the skooma clouded, those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak, and through his strength of personality, he slowly forces them to follow him- to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, his willing slaves in tow, bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create a dark stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens that lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s hearts will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly, those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and conducting his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from his female followers will share his bed.
As time goes on the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave. Then sending forth his guard to suppress those who he believes are undermining his rule. Finally he imposing himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has inevitably been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the death of their followers and at last bring an end to their terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies relatively bloodlessly and helping the victims of these mad men.
My colleagues and I have great difficulty understanding how these madmen begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such madmen could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
The infamous Bedabi who led his followers into the wastes of the Alik’r to die is perhaps the most notorious of such madmen.
IV. Worshipers of Science
There are those among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed, it is a great aid to our lives; one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But when men or mer worship it as a god- their only god- they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshiper’s peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops, these worshipers- scientists they call themselves- have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren, the gods-fearing natural philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightening, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus, magicka, they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none eventually drives them quite mad. One need only hear their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the Dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse or perhaps even flight. I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place my faith in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the Dwemer. Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn the entire race of people who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, for if it reaches fruition, it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not pose a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all, they surely cannot last long prodding at lightening, can they?
It is advised that the layman avoid Cordanus Krauserus’s work and his associates as they are amongst the worst of these scientists.
Varieties of Heresy
By Julina Morocorus
editor’s note: At the age of seventeen Julina Morocorus was the victim of the charismatic Curolinus Lusarino’s cult. She was later found and rescued by the Imperial Cult. Since this time she has spent her life helping and protecting others from the dangers of such groups.
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and down right unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Nine Divines would do, I have tried to correct these misguided individuals. For the most part, I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, whom the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshipers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Often these groups appear normal by day, seeming to be a typical village or tribe, but by night they reveal their far more sinister nature.
At sundown, the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast, the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, these rituals involve the dawning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. Indeed these cults are typically found in groups that are inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry. However, these cults are often found in regions that were pacified long ago and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat anymore.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. The existence of such cults among settled, farming peoples seems to discredit this theory.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life has been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the motivations of these groups, they should be avoided by the layman at all costs.
The Wulfserk Cult of southern Skyrim legend is one of the best known examples of such beastmen worshippers.
II. Worshipers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world, there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply a group of misguided peasants perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However, there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the layman that they should be wary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically, cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct which they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of people’s fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one of the Daedra.
Recently a colleague of mine discovered rumors of such a group in Mournhold, calling themselves the End of Times Cult. Whether these cultists are a danger to others remains to be seen.
III. Worshipers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described, the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has, through deception and delusion, placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord, Tiber Septim, did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are insidious in the extreme, and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leader’s charismatic continence and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough. A strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil or Skyrim and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world, those naive enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and the skooma clouded, those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak, and through his strength of personality, he slowly forces them to follow him- to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, his willing slaves in tow, bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create a dark stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens that lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s hearts will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly, those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and conducting his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from his female followers will share his bed.
As time goes on the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave. Then sending forth his guard to suppress those who he believes are undermining his rule. Finally he imposing himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has inevitably been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the death of their followers and at last bring an end to their terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies relatively bloodlessly and helping the victims of these mad men.
My colleagues and I have great difficulty understanding how these madmen begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such madmen could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
The infamous Bedabi who led his followers into the wastes of the Alik’r to die is perhaps the most notorious of such madmen.
IV. Worshipers of Science
There are those among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed, it is a great aid to our lives; one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But when men or mer worship it as a god- their only god- they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshiper’s peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops, these worshipers- scientists they call themselves- have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren, the gods-fearing natural philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightening, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus, magicka, they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none eventually drives them quite mad. One need only hear their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the Dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse or perhaps even flight. I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place my faith in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the Dwemer. Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn the entire race of people who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, for if it reaches fruition, it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not pose a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all, they surely cannot last long prodding at lightening, can they?
It is advised that the layman avoid Cordanus Krauserus’s work and his associates as they are amongst the worst of these scientists.
In the 550's Byzantine Generals Narses and Liberius were winning battles into their 80's. Retirement programs, though no longer including raping and pillaging, have clearly improved since.
-
Anonymous
Sorry to bring this up, but there is a minor word misuse in this book. Let me quote for context:
And yes, I just joined and this is my first post.
Lomgren
(whose name was originally made up for a game several years ago, and then he finds out it is a common Swedish name)
In place of dawning, the word used should be donning. I just wanted to point this out - it seems a lot of people get confused with homonyms, no offense meant.At sundown, the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast, the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, these rituals involve the dawning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
And yes, I just joined and this is my first post.
Lomgren
(whose name was originally made up for a game several years ago, and then he finds out it is a common Swedish name)
First note: - I found this a damnably interesting read, especially the last bit about scientists, so I’m motivated to make a couple of suggestions.
1st para - down right should be downright, 2nd sentence speaks of groups (cults) then 3rd sentence speaks of individuals (could be changed to misguided creeds or misguided sects or misguided factions, etc). Perhaps remove the last comma.
I. Worshipers of Beastmen (should be worshippers)
3rd para – last usage of the word “their†could be replaced by “aâ€Â.
4th para – hopefully you have replaced “dawning†with “donning†by now.
5th para – single sentence para which could be merged with the previous para.
6th para – In the 3rd sentence, perhaps you could insert the word “also†between “are oftenâ€Â.
8th para – final usage of the word “has†should be “haveâ€Â.
9th & 10th para – could be comfortably merged with the previous para.
II. Worshipers of Destruction (should be “worshippersâ€Â)
11th para – final sentence, should be “the layman that he†or “laymen that theyâ€Â.
12th para – an “apocryphal prophecy†is a prophecy which is erroneous, fictitious or of questionable authorship or authenticity. While the writer’s opinion on these cults’ prophecies is clearly that they are indeed “apocryphalâ€Â, from the context of the sentence I would think that words such as “catastrophic†or “calamitous†or “cataclysmic†might be more appropriate than “apocryphalâ€Â.
13th para – it seems more likely that the writer is describing cults which belong to a number of different peoples rather than cults belonging to a single people. So the apostrophe, nominating possessive, is probably more appropriate at the end of the word, i.e. “of peoples’ fearâ€Â. On the other hand, if we are speaking of only one people then it’s fine.
III. Worshipers of Mortals (should be “worshippersâ€Â)
14th para – maybe “deception OR delusion†is better than “deception AND delusion†as the former takes into account the possibility that the mortal is not necessarily deluded. Misplaced apostrophe in the last sentence, “one of their leader’s charismatic†should be “one of their leaders’ charismaticâ€Â. Incorrect word choice, “continence†(self-restraint) should be replaced by “countenance†(appearance).
15th para – “new friend has few septims†should be “new friend has A few septimsâ€Â. Final sentence, put a space BEFORE the dash as well as after.
16th para – “warrens that lie†should be “warrens WHICH lieâ€Â.
17th para – While his “chosen†in this context clearly refers to more than one individual, the “chosen†are expressed as a singular unit and so “hearts†should be “heartâ€Â, i.e. the collective heart of the “chosenâ€Â. Similarly, “for they feel as though they†should be “for it feels as though it†… etc. Actually, there is much to be argued on this point, and so it can be safely ignored. Word choice “and conducting his punishment†could be “and dispensing his punishment†as the former makes it sound like they are punishing him (an esoteric cult indeed, somewhat like Christianity for example) … although, if that’s what you meant then so be it.
18th para – Strange sentence “Finally he imposing himself upon his chosenâ€Â, needs re-expression. Perhaps “imposing†could be replaced with “imposesâ€Â. Word choice “inevitably†should be “inexorablyâ€Â.
19th para – 1st sentence, “death†should be “deaths†and “their terror†should be “the terrorâ€Â. Last sentence, “mad men†should be “madmenâ€Â.
21st para – merge with previous para.
IV. Worshipers of Science (“worshipPersâ€Â)
22nd para – need spaces before the dashes as well as after.
23rd para – see previous note, but only for dashes with spaces after them. Interestingly this para is an accurate observation of real life too!
24th para – “lightening†should be “lightningâ€Â.
25th para – great writing and quite true.
26th para – “condemn the entire†might be better served by “condemn AN entireâ€Â.
27th para – “lightening†should be “lightningâ€Â.
28th para – merge with previous para.
1st para - down right should be downright, 2nd sentence speaks of groups (cults) then 3rd sentence speaks of individuals (could be changed to misguided creeds or misguided sects or misguided factions, etc). Perhaps remove the last comma.
I. Worshipers of Beastmen (should be worshippers)
3rd para – last usage of the word “their†could be replaced by “aâ€Â.
4th para – hopefully you have replaced “dawning†with “donning†by now.
5th para – single sentence para which could be merged with the previous para.
6th para – In the 3rd sentence, perhaps you could insert the word “also†between “are oftenâ€Â.
8th para – final usage of the word “has†should be “haveâ€Â.
9th & 10th para – could be comfortably merged with the previous para.
II. Worshipers of Destruction (should be “worshippersâ€Â)
11th para – final sentence, should be “the layman that he†or “laymen that theyâ€Â.
12th para – an “apocryphal prophecy†is a prophecy which is erroneous, fictitious or of questionable authorship or authenticity. While the writer’s opinion on these cults’ prophecies is clearly that they are indeed “apocryphalâ€Â, from the context of the sentence I would think that words such as “catastrophic†or “calamitous†or “cataclysmic†might be more appropriate than “apocryphalâ€Â.
13th para – it seems more likely that the writer is describing cults which belong to a number of different peoples rather than cults belonging to a single people. So the apostrophe, nominating possessive, is probably more appropriate at the end of the word, i.e. “of peoples’ fearâ€Â. On the other hand, if we are speaking of only one people then it’s fine.
III. Worshipers of Mortals (should be “worshippersâ€Â)
14th para – maybe “deception OR delusion†is better than “deception AND delusion†as the former takes into account the possibility that the mortal is not necessarily deluded. Misplaced apostrophe in the last sentence, “one of their leader’s charismatic†should be “one of their leaders’ charismaticâ€Â. Incorrect word choice, “continence†(self-restraint) should be replaced by “countenance†(appearance).
15th para – “new friend has few septims†should be “new friend has A few septimsâ€Â. Final sentence, put a space BEFORE the dash as well as after.
16th para – “warrens that lie†should be “warrens WHICH lieâ€Â.
17th para – While his “chosen†in this context clearly refers to more than one individual, the “chosen†are expressed as a singular unit and so “hearts†should be “heartâ€Â, i.e. the collective heart of the “chosenâ€Â. Similarly, “for they feel as though they†should be “for it feels as though it†… etc. Actually, there is much to be argued on this point, and so it can be safely ignored. Word choice “and conducting his punishment†could be “and dispensing his punishment†as the former makes it sound like they are punishing him (an esoteric cult indeed, somewhat like Christianity for example) … although, if that’s what you meant then so be it.
18th para – Strange sentence “Finally he imposing himself upon his chosenâ€Â, needs re-expression. Perhaps “imposing†could be replaced with “imposesâ€Â. Word choice “inevitably†should be “inexorablyâ€Â.
19th para – 1st sentence, “death†should be “deaths†and “their terror†should be “the terrorâ€Â. Last sentence, “mad men†should be “madmenâ€Â.
21st para – merge with previous para.
IV. Worshipers of Science (“worshipPersâ€Â)
22nd para – need spaces before the dashes as well as after.
23rd para – see previous note, but only for dashes with spaces after them. Interestingly this para is an accurate observation of real life too!
24th para – “lightening†should be “lightningâ€Â.
25th para – great writing and quite true.
26th para – “condemn the entire†might be better served by “condemn AN entireâ€Â.
27th para – “lightening†should be “lightningâ€Â.
28th para – merge with previous para.
Yes, "worshipers" is not a misspelling, but "worshippers" is more commonly used.
Whenever I check spelling I use [url=http://www.dictionary.com]dictionary.com[/url], if I find multiple forms available I take the options to google and see how many hits I get.
worshipers gets 336,000 hits
worshippers gets 796,000 hits
I acknowledge that while the majority isn't always right on many things, the tricky thing about language is that the majority is always right in the end. The english language is constantly changing and spelling is part of that continual evolution. Rules come and go but majority decision eventually makes the final decision.
When you write for yourself it doesn't matter which spelling you choose (or even if you pay any mind to spelling at all), but if you write for others then sometimes it's useful to find out which is the more widely accepted form - because then you'll get a wider understanding and greater durability.
Haj
In your sig you have LDS ... if it isn't a mixed-up acronym for LSD then what is it? Is it a joke about how William Shatner rarely knows what he is talking about?
Whenever I check spelling I use [url=http://www.dictionary.com]dictionary.com[/url], if I find multiple forms available I take the options to google and see how many hits I get.
worshipers gets 336,000 hits
worshippers gets 796,000 hits
I acknowledge that while the majority isn't always right on many things, the tricky thing about language is that the majority is always right in the end. The english language is constantly changing and spelling is part of that continual evolution. Rules come and go but majority decision eventually makes the final decision.
When you write for yourself it doesn't matter which spelling you choose (or even if you pay any mind to spelling at all), but if you write for others then sometimes it's useful to find out which is the more widely accepted form - because then you'll get a wider understanding and greater durability.
Haj
In your sig you have LDS ... if it isn't a mixed-up acronym for LSD then what is it? Is it a joke about how William Shatner rarely knows what he is talking about?
"Worshiper" is in Webster's, so that's what it should be. I'll grant that language always changes; jargon, slang, pronunciation, etc always affect the spoken word. However, because Tamriel is set in older times, it would be fitting to go with the older (and technically correct) spelling.
About the sig:
LSD, of course, is commonly known as acid, a powerful hallucinogen. LDS, short for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is commonly known as Mormonism. Captain Kirk screwed up and said that Spock overdosed on Mormonism at Berkeley . . . a funny concept, especially since there are a lot of Mormons where I live.
About the sig:
LSD, of course, is commonly known as acid, a powerful hallucinogen. LDS, short for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is commonly known as Mormonism. Captain Kirk screwed up and said that Spock overdosed on Mormonism at Berkeley . . . a funny concept, especially since there are a lot of Mormons where I live.
Only the prospect of death makes life worth living.
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Kasan Moor
- Developer
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- Location: Netherlands
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The_Writing_Wraith
- Member
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*cough**cough* No, I sort of forgot this place existed. Much appoligizing to all concerned, I shall now make the appropriate revisions and proceed to make sure everything else in this section that I've done is brought up to date, and then maybe all even work some more on that one history I need to flesh out more/finish. This post will be edited shortly, please stand by....
And here it is, all remaining non-merged paragraphs have been left that way due to structural reasons (intro, body, transition, theories, example) rather than grammatical ones. If this is a problem, I'll change it but I'd like to keep it this way.
Varieties of Heresy
By Julina Morocorus
editor’s note: At the age of seventeen Julina Morocorus was the victim of the charismatic Curolinus Lusarino’s cult. She was later found and rescued by the Imperial Cult. Since this time she has spent her life helping and protecting others from the dangers of such groups.
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and downright unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Nine Divines would do, I have tried to correct these misguided sects. For the most part I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, whom the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshippers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Often these groups appear normal by day, seeming to be a typical village or tribe, but by night they reveal a far more sinister nature.
At sundown, the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast, the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, these rituals involve the donning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. Indeed these cults are typically found in groups that are inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry. However, these cults are also often found in regions that were pacified long ago and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat anymore.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. The existence of such cults among settled, farming peoples seems to discredit this theory.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life have been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the motivations of these groups, they should be avoided by the layman at all costs.
The Wulfserk Cult of southern Skyrim legend is one of the best known examples of such beastmen worshippers.
II. Worshippers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world, there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply a group of misguided peasants perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However, there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the laymen that they should be wary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy focusing on some catastrophe or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically, cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct which they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of peoples’ fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one of the Daedra.
Recently a colleague of mine discovered rumors of such a group in Mournhold, calling themselves the End of Times Cult. Whether these cultists are a danger to others remains to be seen.
III. Worshippers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described, the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has, through deception or delusion, placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord, Tiber Septim, did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are insidious in the extreme, and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leaders’ charismatic contenance and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough. A strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil or Skyrim and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world, those naive enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and the skooma clouded, those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has a few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak, and through his strength of personality, he slowly forces them to follow him - to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, his willing slaves in tow, bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create a dark stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens which lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s heart will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly, those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and dispensing his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from his female followers will share his bed.
As time goes on the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave. Then sending forth his guard to suppress those who he believes are undermining his rule. Finally he imposes himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has ineexoraly been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the deaths of their followers and at last bring an end to the terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies relatively bloodlessly and helping the victims of these madmen.
My colleagues and I have great difficulty understanding how these madmen begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such madmen could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
The infamous Bedabi who led his followers into the wastes of the Alik’r to die is perhaps the most notorious of such madmen.
IV. Worshippers of Science
There are those among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed, it is a great aid to our lives; one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But when men or mer worship it as a god - their only god - they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshiper’s peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops, these worshippers - scientists they call themselves - have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren, the gods-fearing natural philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightning, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus, magicka, they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none eventually drives them quite mad. One need only hear their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the Dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse or perhaps even flight. I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place my faith in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the Dwemer. Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn an entire race of people who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, for if it reaches fruition, it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not pose a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all, they surely cannot last long prodding at lightning, can they?
It is advised that the layman avoid Cordanus Krauserus’s work and his associates as they are amongst the worst of these scientists.
And as a side note, I vow never again to write later than 12:30 a.m. so my grammar and word choice will be reasonably coherent and understandable. I couldn't even figure out what I ment to say in a couple of spots before I followed Haj's suggestions!
And here it is, all remaining non-merged paragraphs have been left that way due to structural reasons (intro, body, transition, theories, example) rather than grammatical ones. If this is a problem, I'll change it but I'd like to keep it this way.
Varieties of Heresy
By Julina Morocorus
editor’s note: At the age of seventeen Julina Morocorus was the victim of the charismatic Curolinus Lusarino’s cult. She was later found and rescued by the Imperial Cult. Since this time she has spent her life helping and protecting others from the dangers of such groups.
In my years of service to the Imperial Cult, I have had the misfortune to encounter all manner of strange and downright unwholesome cults. As any servant of the Nine Divines would do, I have tried to correct these misguided sects. For the most part I have been successful.
This work focuses upon those whose faith in their heresy rarely falters, those who seek to deny the very existence of any divinity or those who worship powers who demand such bloody sacrifice that they must surely be the products of some maddened mortal mind. Those, in short, whom the typical layman should avoid at all cost.
I. Worshippers of Beastmen
There are, typically amongst some of the more primitive peoples, groups dedicated to the worship of what we refer to as beastmen. These foolish groups center their worship around the veneration of some manner of beastman, be it the werebear of Skyrim or the werelion of Elsweyr. Often these groups appear normal by day, seeming to be a typical village or tribe, but by night they reveal a far more sinister nature.
At sundown, the leader, or icon, of their cult (rarely the leader of their daytime community) is placed within some manner of strong cage or deep pit, where he or she will spend the night. Once their cult leader or icon transforms into a beast, the cult begins whatever manner of ritual they have developed. Often, these rituals involve the donning of the skin of some beast or the re-enactment of a symbolic hunt. No matter what form these rituals take, they invariably culminate in the sacrifice of some hapless victim, typically livestock, to their beastly leader.
I am uncertain as to what these cultists seek to achieve with this, but the theories my colleagues have put forth may offer the layman at least a general sense of the purpose behind these strange cults.
A popular theory holds that such groups do not so much worship the beastmen as hold them in trust for use in war against neighboring peoples. Indeed these cults are typically found in groups that are inferior to their neighbors in either numbers or weaponry. However, these cults are also often found in regions that were pacified long ago and nothing more than common highwaymen pose a threat anymore.
A second theory holds that these groups attempt to gain the power of the beasts in hunting. The existence of such cults among settled, farming peoples seems to discredit this theory.
Yet a third theory suggests that cults such as these attempt to placate the fearsome beasts that roam near their communities. This, again, is only somewhat plausible as a number of these groups live in areas where most hostile animal life have been nearly eliminated.
Whatever the motivations of these groups, they should be avoided by the layman at all costs.
The Wulfserk Cult of southern Skyrim legend is one of the best known examples of such beastmen worshippers.
II. Worshippers of Destruction
Amongst those born into a chaotic world, there are always a few who find solace in the belief that Tamriel will soon cease to be and that the end is near. Often times these cults are harmless, simply a group of misguided peasants perfectly content to spend their days preparing for their perceived end. However, there are other cults that pose just enough danger for the laymen that they should be wary when rumors of such cults are heard.
These cults center on an apocryphal prophecy focusing on some catastrophe or a particularly charismatic leader who claims that the end will soon come. Typically, cult members fanatically devote themselves to a code of conduct which they believe will save them from this end. In the more benign cults, these codes dictate little more than a humble life in contemplation. In the more malignant cults, these codes can dictate suicide and even murder.
It is difficult to fathom why these cults arise, but a fair number of theologians suggest that they may arise during times of crisis as a manifestation of peoples’ fear of the unknown and uncertain future. Another group of theologians suggest that it may be the influence of one of the Daedra.
Recently a colleague of mine discovered rumors of such a group in Mournhold, calling themselves the End of Times Cult. Whether these cultists are a danger to others remains to be seen.
III. Worshippers of Mortals
Of all the heretical faiths I have described, the most insidious by far are those that center upon a mortal mer or man who has, through deception or delusion, placed himself on equal footing with the gods. Rather than lead by virtue and strength as our lord, Tiber Septim, did, these lowly mortals lead by fear and intimidation. These heresies are insidious in the extreme, and a layman must be careful to avoid them lest she fall victim to one of their leaders’ charismatic contenance and his silver tongue.
It begins simply enough. A strange and alluring man wanders into a small village on the edge of Cyrodiil or Skyrim and offers the promise of a better life for all if only they will place their faith in him. He targets the young, those who are not yet wise to the ways of the world, those naive enough to place their trust in a total stranger. He targets the mourning, those who have lost someone and have not yet come to terms with it. He targets drunkards and the skooma clouded, those who make friends quickly so long as their new friend has a few septims to spare. He targets those who are in some way weak, and through his strength of personality, he slowly forces them to follow him - to serve him.
Eventually he will move on, his willing slaves in tow, bound to him by chains of ignorance and false hope. He will continue in this manner until he is stopped by the hand of the righteous, or until he feels he has a sufficient number subjects. If he is allowed to stop of his own will, he will settle somewhere with his piteous slaves and create a dark stronghold for himself. He will make such a stronghold wherever the righteous cannot threaten to expose him, unseen amongst the warrens which lie below decadent cities or far beyond the roads of the countryside.
Once his stronghold is made, this despicable leader will select his chosen. His chosen’s heart will swell with pride at their selection, for they feel as though they have been called by some great power for some high and holy purpose, and they will gladly obey his command, no matter what it may be. Commonly, those chosen from amongst his male followers act as his guard, protecting their master and dispensing his punishment upon the others with great zeal. Those chosen from his female followers will share his bed.
As time goes on the deceitful leader grows more and more tyrannical, first ceasing to allow followers to leave. Then sending forth his guard to suppress those who he believes are undermining his rule. Finally he imposes himself upon his chosen. His tyranny continues, month after month, until at last he submerges into the madness that has ineexoraly been consuming his mind.
I have heard that some sink so deeply into this madness that they order the deaths of their followers and at last bring an end to the terror themselves. I have also heard that such events are often caused by the arrival of an outsider, usually someone who accidentally stumbles upon them. Because of this, any layman who encounters such a group should quietly leave and seek out the nearest Imperial Cult shrine. The Imperial Cult has a long history of putting an end to such terrible heresies relatively bloodlessly and helping the victims of these madmen.
My colleagues and I have great difficulty understanding how these madmen begin down such a path. Many suggest that if such madmen could be found early on, they could be treated and possibly prevented from ever engaging in such practices. I am certain this is impossible. There is only one cure for their madness.
The infamous Bedabi who led his followers into the wastes of the Alik’r to die is perhaps the most notorious of such madmen.
IV. Worshippers of Science
There are those among you men and mer who believe that all gods are false. They would have you believe that we can surpass the realms of magicka by putting our faith in science. Now, science in itself is not an evil thing. Indeed, it is a great aid to our lives; one need only look at the local windmill or watermill to understand that! But when men or mer worship it as a god - their only god - they endanger us all. The layman would be wise to distance himself or herself from the science worshiper’s peculiar faith.
In their cluttered workshops, these worshippers - scientists they call themselves - have lost their senses. Unlike their brethren, the gods-fearing natural philosophers, these scientists rarely leave their cog-strewn dens to look at the world the gods have made for them. Because of this, they seek to unravel the mysteries they see around them.
When others see the clear power of the gods in lightning, these scientists see some great natural phenomena and babble about unseen forces traveling along invisible paths. Where we see the gift of Magnus, magicka, they see some great force that can be explained not through careful meditation but instead through measurements and yet more unseen forces.
This search for mysteries to unravel where there are none eventually drives them quite mad. One need only hear their inane theories to understand this. One scientist went so far as to propose that one day machines like those of the Dwemer would enable travel in carriages faster than any horse or perhaps even flight. I will trust the unfathomable mysticism of the gods rather than place my faith in some rusting, steam-powered monster.
All of this may sound quite harmless, but the layman should keep this in mind when discussing the faith of the scientists: they seek to make us like the Dwemer. Can they not see that the gods condemn those who would turn their backs upon them and embrace the faith of science? Can they not look upon the empty fortresses of their ancient predecessors and comprehend that such a fate awaits all those that would dare travel down that path? Do they not realize that the gods condemn an entire race of people who would tread that path?
This is why you must not allow the scientists to continue with their work, for if it reaches fruition, it will surely doom us all. Do not, of course, harm them physically for they do not pose a physical threat to you. Instead, dismiss them, disbelieve their foolishness and ignore them. Turn your back upon them as they would turn their backs upon their gods. After all, they surely cannot last long prodding at lightning, can they?
It is advised that the layman avoid Cordanus Krauserus’s work and his associates as they are amongst the worst of these scientists.
And as a side note, I vow never again to write later than 12:30 a.m. so my grammar and word choice will be reasonably coherent and understandable. I couldn't even figure out what I ment to say in a couple of spots before I followed Haj's suggestions!
In the 550's Byzantine Generals Narses and Liberius were winning battles into their 80's. Retirement programs, though no longer including raping and pillaging, have clearly improved since.
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Kasan Moor
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Worshipper is probably the British spelling, while worshiper is the American one, or something like that. Personally, I find the double-p version more in line with how most English words ending in consonant are declined (god, goddess; strip, stripper; pat, patting; etc.). Worshiper looks like it would be pronounced "wor shipe r" rather than "wor ship er", if you see what I mean.
Anyway, the only issue I have with the text is the intentional use of she -- right after layman. Maybe I've been influenced by the P.C. fad, but shouldn't the text use laywoman, the feminine of layman, instead?
Dictionary.reference.com agrees that layman is "a MAN who is a cleric" while laywoman is a WOMAN who is a cleric.
Anyway, the only issue I have with the text is the intentional use of she -- right after layman. Maybe I've been influenced by the P.C. fad, but shouldn't the text use laywoman, the feminine of layman, instead?
Dictionary.reference.com agrees that layman is "a MAN who is a cleric" while laywoman is a WOMAN who is a cleric.
Either 'worshipper' or 'worshiper' is correct, in this case, but I would also go with the double-'P' version.
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[06/19/2012 04:15AM] +Cat table stabbing is apparently a really popular sport in morrowind
[August 29, 2014 04:05PM] <+Katze> I am writing an IRC bot! :O
[August 29, 2014 04:25PM] *** Katze has quit IRC: Z-Lined
[06/19/2012 04:15AM] +Cat table stabbing is apparently a really popular sport in morrowind
[August 29, 2014 04:05PM] <+Katze> I am writing an IRC bot! :O
[August 29, 2014 04:25PM] *** Katze has quit IRC: Z-Lined
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Kasan Moor
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- Location: Netherlands