I choose not to write this privately, as it is something more than just I am curious about, as well as it pertains to much of the recent debate. My comments are as objective as I can make then, as every will make them out to be biased in some nature, but my intentions are honourable; there is no official Church doctrine of beliefs available to the public that I know of where I can find the information I seek. In other words, this is not any sort of the 'targetting' frequently seen on this board.

To the most Holy Righteous Church of the Crysalis Basilica:

That you may act and respond with the grace and benevolence of such an esteemed organization with the authority bestowed upon you by the Divine:

Over the centuries, the Church has grown in power and size, the reaches of its influence representative of the many shrines seen across the lands. One cannot argue that the Church has made many improvements to this continent, the series of highways a prime example of the benefits they have given. Why, then, do many dislike the Church, if such a case can be made on their behalf?

Primarily, the moral aspects of the Church come into place. Reading the many recent posts, and you may correct me if I am wrong, the Church has been granted the power by the Divine to erradicate sinners. The Church was trusted with this responsibility, and the methods of doing so were given by the Gods rather than being found upon spending years upon years researching the abilities like many of the other guilds, the most debatable one being the Holy Rite of Convocation. This, among others, are necessary to continue to do what the Divine has requested of them: to purge the land of all sinners.

My first question is what constitutes being a sinner? Like I stated in my introduction, there is no catalog of Church teachings that I know of. From what I have witnessed, any and all who oppose the Church are labeled sinners, and are duly taken care of. City defenses, currently, are not effective against Church commands; if the Church wishes someone not overly powerful and protected by city defenses to be terminated, it typically is done. I myself have been a sinner, which I humbly admit to, having been carried and killed by Vertigo after I opposed the Church's state of war trying to bring about peace, which I now express my apologies and ask for forgiveness. But what of all those who may not even know they oppose the Church's actions? I ask that a formal post outlining what constitutes a sinner be issued as soon as it can be arranged. Most citizens of Ashtan can only read biased accounts, and perhaps a detailed description from the source could appease any discrepencies they might have.

In response to the Holy Rite of Convocation, there should not be any quarrel about it. If the Church has been given the authority by the Divine to seek justice against sinners, the methods of doing so should not be questioned. The Holy Rite of Convocation is merely a more expedient way of doing so, saving the members of the Church much time to go about and guard the innocent, the weak, and the helpless, like they are frequently seen doing. However, this does not seem quite right. If the Church has the Divine right to correct all those who oppose it, why are there still guilds such as the Infernals in existence?

One would suggest it is the support of the other deities who seek the destruction of the Church, or maybe it was just left up to the Church alone to see this done. Only those true followers of balance can really understand the necessecity of having organizations that oppose the Church remain; it is quite simply out of love for the Church. In an extensive study of history, Chaos scattered about the universe, settling in everything both living and inanimate. This has caused the phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely" to become well-known, whether the power is good or evil, light or darkness, dishonourable or honourable. Seen the fall of every empire that existed, and most recently in the Empire of Selecular, many do understand that giving the Church absolute power would cause its destruction after a short Golden Age of prosperity. Therefore, it is naturally right that opposing organizations should remain in existence.

Is there a point of equilibrium, where the Church would have the influence it needs to see its duties done, yet not become overly powerful and eventually corrupted? Already, I have witnessed some signs of corruption, when I was wrongfully enemied, after being accused by the Church of leading a raid into Shallam and killing its citizens. Luckily for me, I requested of Dekkar to research the events in question, and eventually he had rectified the situation. Maybe this is what the city defenses debate is all about, finding this point of equal power. Maybe this is what the Holy Rite of Convocation debate is all about. Perhaps, a point can never be reached, and war will remain for eternity between the opposing sides, to the misfortune of those hurt by its effects. I bring up again a request that the Council be considered, to maybe search for a point that will satisfy the Church, even though many will never be satisfied.

I thank you for listening to my ramblings, and may you continue to act with the blessings of the Divine.

Yours humbly,
Xephlite Traike Lucoster

Penned by my hand on the 22nd of Ero, in the year 244 AF.