The Church would be more than happy to live in a world where murder and destruction of private property is abhored. Left to our own devices, no one need fear any Church members skills or the influence of any shrine we may erect. Indeed, both are forces for healing and rejuvenation far beyond any other skills in Sapience. Sadly, these noble attributes are scorned as 'weak', as are the feelings of good will that engender their use (free of charge, unlike herbs, vials and most other methods of healing).

The offensive capabilities of shrines are pointed out as being 'hypocritical'...rites of demons and convocation and such. I would point out that few are the Sentaari, or Druid, or Sentinel that have felt their sting. Few too are those of the Occultists, Infernals, and the Serpent guilds as well. Why? Because they live and let live. They have no reason to fear the Church because they leave us alone.

The Infernal guild has declared war on the Church. The Occultists have thrown their support behind them. These 'Kindreds in Cannibalism' use murder to increase their own power by eating the actual hearts of their victims. No other guilds in Sapience are so leech-like and parasitic as these, yet they have the NERVE to accuse ANYONE of anything? Are the other guilds of Sapience naught but cattle for the harvesting? It would seem so.

These truly hypocritical whiners declare war and then complain mightily about tactics used against them, as if the paths and rules of engagement are to be dictated by them alone, the field of battle laid out to their specifications. How convenient for them.

War is in fact an ugly and hateful business. The only 'glory' to be attained is in avoiding it in the first place. That not being possible, the only thing left is to win it. This is done by A.) choosing the field of battle to maximize your own defenses and minimize the offensive and defensive abilities of your opponent and, B.) bringing superior firepower to bear on the enemy to destroy then utterly. This is war, and it isn't pretty, is it?

This doctrine has been called 'teaming', or 'dishonourable', or perhaps just plain 'unfair'. Well guess what? War is Hell, and if it's too hot for you, then get the Hell out. Personal squabbles may be handled in the time honoured manner of dueling. Inter-guild conflicts may be handled by diplomatic measures. But no, war is the solution for those of little wit, so don't cry on this board if you don't like the tactics and brutality of war, it 's what makes war a thing to be studiously avoided.

The Church makes few demands upon the populace of Sapience...leave our shrines and our people alone. Shrine placements may be agreed upon. Handling of disputes may be guidelined. The subject of 'the slaughter of innocents' may be discussed, at least. The Ambassadors of the City-states have precious little to do here, and maybe this is a good time to put 'em to work. If not, then war goes on and on. If you like it that way, we can deal with it. We have been for eons, we're used to it. If you'd prefer a different situation, we're amenable to the idea of discussion. In either case, quit the damn whining about it.

Selah...

Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Miraman, in the year 244 AF.