The Sept of Baelor, The Septonate of the Crownlands

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Great Sept of Baelor

The Great Sept of Baelor is named after the Septon King Baelor the Blessed. It is located at the top of Visenya's hill, surrounded by a white marble plaza. It features a statue of Baelor, which stands tall and serene upon his plinth; his face is a study of benevolence. Large gardens, capable of holding hundreds surround the sept.

The sept itself is an impressive marble domed structure, It has seven crystal towers, each of which has bells. Only on momentous occasions, such as the death of a king, are all of them rung. There are several sets of doors leading into the Sept, septons use the Father's Doors, septas the Mother's Doors and silent sisters the Stranger's Doors. Around the doors leading into the building is a raised marble pulpit from which a septon can address a gathering crowd.

Past the doors is the entrance hall of the sept, which is known as the Hall of Lamps. Those entering the hall walk beneath suspended globes of colored leaded glass. Through the double-doors is the sept-proper, with seven broad aisles which meet beneath the dome of glass, gold, and crystal. Its floors made out of marble and great windows of leaded, colored glass, and the seven altars are set about with candles. Different altars are used for different ceremonies, depending on their purpose. For example, marriages are always conducted at the altar between two towering gilded statues of the Father and the Mother.

Below are tombs where kings are laid to rest, cells for penitents, and vaults that hold costly vestments, rings, crystal crowns, and other treasures of the Faith.

Following the burning of the Sept by the Mad King Aerys, various benefactors including the King's own mother Shaera and Steffon Baratheon, both dead as a result of the coming of the new King, Daemon Blackfyre. Marks of the destruction still remained where black smoke had discolored some of the proud white marble. The Sept had been restored but still somehow lacked its former glory. Perhaps the weakness of the faith in the face of such reckless royal action laid bare the Faith's lack of ability to defend itself or the flock it served.



Prelates

Septon Theobald Thorne
Rank: Septon
Charisma: 3

Survival: 3
Capture: 3

High Septon Rules

1. Limitations - The High Septon has a professional points cap of 0 points. He may not raise any of his own troops, but may acquire professional troops from players if he is able to convince them to do so. Mechanically this would not constitute a "loan" of otherwise secular soldiers (unless specifically agreed) but would rather count as the players "donating" some of their professional points cap to the High Septon. As such those troops would become loyal to the High Septon and the "donating" player can no longer control them, but can withdraw their "donation" and this disband the troops. 2. Powers - The High Septon commands the Fellowship of the Seven. This Fellowship will answer his calls to arms and will, within reason, fight his enemies. Act against the Faith, however, and individual Fllowship members may reconsider their support. - The High Septon may excommunicate parties, resulting in: --- A -15 to all NPC rolls regarding that party. --- Refusal to pay taxes to that party. --- If the High Septon excommunicates a party in a region, Lords in that area may join the Fellowship if the reason for excommunication is seen in a good light. Whether the excommunication is seen as good or not may vary from Lord to Lord. If it is seen in a bad light, members may leave the Fellowship or even join the Holy League. 3. Buildings - An Independent Sept costs 20,000 Dragons. In RP terms this is merely an enlarged Sept with some autonomy from the secular authorities, with the following powers: --- A "small garrison" as listed below. --- Characters may take refuge within it for up to 1 ingame year and those seeking to remove them from it must either acquire the High Septon's permission or risk outrage and possible Fellowship expansion should they violate the Sept and force the refugee out. - A Fortress-Sept costs 150,000 Dragons. In RP terms this is a large Sept, perhaps even a small Monastery, with some autonomy from secular authorities. It has the following powers: --- It is a bastion of power and is influential in the local area. If established in a realm where the Fellowship is not strong, it may expand it. --- A "large garrison" as listed below. --- Acts as a Holdfast, with +6 Siege Defence and 6 ingame months survival time. --- Characters may take refuge within it for up to 1 ingame year and those seeking to remove them from it must either acquire the High Septon's permission or risk outrage and possible Fellowship expansion should they violate the Sept and force the refugee out. 4. Faith Militant The Septonate of King's Landing has not established their own competing branch of the Faith Militant to the branch based in Oldtown, but may elect to do so. If it does, 500 Elite Infantry will form a new Warrior's Sons. Faith Militant garrisons exist within Independent Sept and Fortress Septs. For RP purposes, the Heavy Infantry are Warrior's Sons while all other units are either Poor Fellow volunteers or members of the Church that live on the grounds and are armed in an emergency (eg scribes, groundskeepers, gameskeepers, craftsmen). As such, only the Warrior's Sons are actual soldiers. Small Garrison 20 Heavy Infantry 40 Light Infantry 20 Polearm Infantry 20 Archers Total: 100 men Large Garrison 40 Heavy Infantry 80 Light Infantry 40 Polearm Infantry 40 Archers Total: 240 men

[Lucius Malfoy]

Even though rebuilding of the Sept of Baelor was still ongoing, it was still an area where many gathered to pray to the Seven.

One day, the King himself was present, watched over by the Kingsguard, as Daemon prayed to the Crone, whom the Blackfyre prayed to regularly, hoping that the Old Lady would impart wisdom upon her favored, yet humble, servant.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Theobald had finished saying words over a corpse laid out in the small chapel of the stranger. It had been some old knight of the Crownlands who had arranged for funerary services at the great sept. The septon knelt near the king, muttering his prayers aloud so the gods could hear him. At length he stood and bowed before the statue "it is not often we see the king or his family at the sept unannounced" Forde said thickly "if your Grace wishes, I can clear the sept foryour prayers." he offered

[Lucius Malfoy]

Theobald had finished saying words over a corpse laid out in the small chapel of the stranger. It had been some old knight of the Crownlands who had arranged for funerary services at the great sept. The septon knelt near the king, muttering his prayers aloud so the gods could hear him. At length he stood and bowed before the statue "it is not often we see the king or his family at the sept unannounced" Forde said thickly "if your Grace wishes, I can clear the sept foryour prayers." he offered

The gods never need my presence announced. For they know who I am, for it was they who chose me above all others.

Daemon would rise from his spot, glancing at the Crone for a moment before turning his eyes to Theobald.

I believe it would be best to have the Sept cleared, Brother Theobald. I would like to speak with the gods, and their servants, alone and in peace.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The gods never need my presence announced. For they know who I am, for it was they who chose me above all others.

Daemon would rise from his spot, glancing at the Crone for a moment before turning his eyes to Theobald.

I believe it would be best to have the Sept cleared, Brother Theobald. I would like to speak with the gods, and their servants, alone and in peace.

Theobald annnounced to the few in the sept to make haste to clear it as the king desired to make use of the premises. With this accomplished, Theobald turned back to the king. "How may I be of service, your grace?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Theobald annnounced to the few in the sept to make haste to clear it as the king desired to make use of the premises. With this accomplished, Theobald turned back to the king. "How may I be of service, your grace?"

Daemon looks at the Seven for a moment, remembering how many times he prayed to them. Prayed that one day he would sit upon the throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

The Seven have been most gracious to me, Father Theobald. They gave me all the necessary favors that ensured my victory and reign over the Seven Kingdoms, yet their anointed High Septon continues to rail my house, ensuring the continuity of the policies of his predecessor, a zealot who knew no bounds. I was told, by this High Septon, that I should come to the Starry Sept, get on my knees and beg for forgiveness.

The King procures the letter sent by the High Septon and written in his hand, letting Theobald see his words be true.

My sin, apparently, was usurping power from the rightful rulers of the Seven Kingdoms, House Targaryen, who too are still excommunicated. I fear this High Septon has a hidden pro-Targaryen agenda.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Ardrian offered Theobald a deep bow. "Your Holiness, it is with a touched heart and moistened eye that I come before you." He spoke the words stiffly. Where had the gods been when his jewels were stripped from his home, when his bed was fouled and the great tower of his ancestors set ablaze. "I would beseech your guidance in a matter of strife.​"

"Please, my son, do not bow. I am but a humble septon and a servant of the gods." he said in a kindly voice, raising his arms. "You are right to seek out the gods in time of turmoil. How may I be of assistance?"

Daemon looks at the Seven for a moment, remembering how many times he prayed to them. Prayed that one day he would sit upon the throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

The Seven have been most gracious to me, Father Theobald. They gave me all the necessary favors that ensured my victory and reign over the Seven Kingdoms, yet their anointed High Septon continues to rail my house, ensuring the continuity of the policies of his predecessor, a zealot who knew no bounds. I was told, by this High Septon, that I should come to the Starry Sept, get on my knees and beg for forgiveness.

The King procures the letter sent by the High Septon and written in his hand, letting Theobald see his words be true.

My sin, apparently, was usurping power from the rightful rulers of the Seven Kingdoms, House Targaryen, who too are still excommunicated. I fear this High Septon has a hidden pro-Targaryen agenda.

Theobald took the paper and read it, holding it up to the light. "I..see..." He folded it delicately and returned it to the King. "While I do not doubt His Holiness has his reasons for such opinions, I am not bound to share them." he said flatly. "How many battles did the Blackfyre banners emerge from, victorious when they should not have been?" he gave a low laugh. "I am no politician or warrior, I am a septon. It is plain to me that the gods favored you, how else would you now sit the Iron Throne? His Holiness in Oldtown bears a grudge towards the Throne for their treatment of this sept, which is now rebuilt. And does the mother not teach us to forgive and be merciful? The faith and crown are the twin pillars of the Realm. We have already seen the destruction that can be wrought when they are at odds, and only the small folk suffer at that." he shook his head, scowling. "you have committed no sin in my eyes, your Grace."

[Iron Aquilifer]

Ardrian was not always a keeper of the Faith. However, he believed that with the King's plans in relation to this Septon, it would be beneficiary to at least speak some words together


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[Pontifex Maximus]

Ardrian was not always a keeper of the Faith. However, he believed that with the King's plans in relation to this Septon, it would be beneficiary to at least speak some words together


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The man finds Theobald deep in prayer before the small chapel of the Mother. Presently he rises and begins to move towards the newcomer. "A new face" he said plaintively. A small wooden seven pointed star hung around his neck

[Iron Aquilifer]

The man finds Theobald deep in prayer before the small chapel of the Mother. Presently he rises and begins to move towards the newcomer. "A new face" he said plaintively. A small wooden seven pointed star hung around his neck

Ardrian offered Theobald a deep bow. "Your Holiness, it is with a touched heart and moistened eye that I come before you." He spoke the words stiffly. Where had the gods been when his jewels were stripped from his home, when his bed was fouled and the great tower of his ancestors set ablaze. "I would beseech your guidance in a matter of strife.​"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daemon was pleased with the words of Theobald. He could tell that this man's allegiance was to the Seven and not to some political agenda.

It is good to see that there are those who truly follow the Seven, Father Theobald. It makes me sigh with relief, knowing that there are moderates and true Septons as yourself and gives me hope that this zealotry will one day die off. On that day and from then on, good men, who truly listen to the Seven and interpret their will as it truly is, will sit at the head of the Faith and Devout. I only hope that I may live to see that day.

The King begins to wonder if this man had thought of becoming High Septon. True, he had been looking for a suitable candidate to rise up as a moderate leader of the Faith to counter the zealous one in Oldtown.

​I hope the Seven may open the eyes of this High Septon of ours. Just as the Seven have your eyes open to the truth.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"If the gods are good." Theobald replied hopefully, touching his seven starred pendant. "But who knows what Hightower whispers in his ears, and the college of the Most Devout has followed him." his voice trailed off. "If it pleases the gods, then he will see sense." Theobald furrowed his brow. "We must pray for it to be so, your grace." Conflict between the faith and crown seemed inevitable, and it would not go good for the faith.

"If I may, your grace, how will you respond to the High Septon's demands?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daemon remains quiet for a moment before looking at Theobald.

I already gave him my answer; that I will not bend my knee to any mortal. That I will only bend my knee to the Seven themselves. I also reminded him, he who accused me of being a follower of the Lord of Light, that I prayed to the Seven every day, before my grab for power and after. I told him that the Targaryens are exiled and excommunicated and thus they are not the rightful kings. And that Steffon Baratheon is dead. So that I, alone, am the rightful Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, whether he agrees with it or not.

It was quite clear that the King would not ever see the High Septon eye-to-eye. He was the favored of the Seven and it should be the High Septon who should bend his knee and beg for forgiveness.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Then it is worse than I feared, my King." Theobald said gravely. "I fear some...madness...has clouded the High Septon's eyes." Could it be that the holiest of holies truly meant to cast the realm into further chaos with these claims? "Though truly, Your Grace, even on the matter of foreign religions, my views differ from those of the High Septon. If the faith of the Seven is the true faith, is it not evident for all the world to see? If others follow this Lord of Light, then surely they are in error, but if the gods will it then they will see the error of their ways on their own and come to the sept to be named in the light of the Seven. I would not wage a mock war against other faiths. All must exist in harmony before the followers of false creeds will be drawn to the one true faith." Such a view might be considered heresy under the current high septon

[Lucius Malfoy]

The gods of the Old and New Faiths have coexisted within Westeros for many centuries. Even when the Andals came and burned weirwoods, the North endured and was considered a part of the Seven Kingdoms despite their religious differences. The Seven and the Old Faith have been at peace till the burning of Baelor's Sept. It was a foolish decision of the previous High Septon that he proclaimed both Northmen and followers of the Red Faith heretics. I even heard that this predecessor desired the head of Lord Stark.

Daemon was pleased to see that he and Theobald were of the same mind on the matter of the other faiths. The Seven had their place in Westeros, a place that had existed since the arrival of the Andals. It become the dominate faith in the end, over the old gods and the Drowned God, but yet the High Septon before felt that the Seven was threatened by these minorities. And as Theobald said, those who did not follow the Faith will one day relent and return to the flock peacefully.

I fear this High Septon is not loved by the Seven, but blinded by zealotry, believing that he is the voice of our gods when they are silent to him.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"I quite agree." Theobald said coldly. "And his own ambitions blind him as well." He touched his pendant again. "I will pray for the safety of the realm, and a change of heart in the high septon, Your grace. I fear it is all within my power to offer. I am but a humble septon."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daemon finally heard the words he had been waiting to hear. The King would approach the Septon, preparing to give an offer that he doubt the Crownlander would refuse.

I am in need of a true High Septon, the Seven Kingdoms are too, Theobald. Our realm has been ravaged by the machinations of the previous High Septon and now the present one. This must end.

The King gestures to the Seven around them, using them as his witness to this proposal.

Why not gather moderates among the Most Devout, like yourself, and elect a proper leader to become a shepherd to his followers and show the ways of peace instead of zealotry. Free the Seven Kingdoms from this corrupted and blinded man who sits within the Starry Sept. Bring the faithful together and bring peace among your sheep while extending friendship to those who were declared heretics by the zealots with the High Septon.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Theobald's mouth gaped, he had drawn in breath with the intention of making a statement but no sound escaped his mouth, only a stutter. "Y...Your Grace." he began. "I..I am not worthy." he finished. "Besides, the Most Devout are in Oldtown. A conclave of the septons left in the capital might accomplish this but..." Am I the right man for the job he let his own anxieties go unspoken. "This would mean a schism in the faith." he finished bluntly. But would that be so bad? The High Septon himself had made a series of questionable decisions. Perhaps this could be the restitution the faith so badly needed. THe High Septon himself was only just recently chosen, and since the landing of the Targaryens the High Septon had been chosen in King's Landing, not Oldtown. The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.

[Lucius Malfoy]

There must be other, among the Most Devout, who do not follow the High Septon and have returned to their respective Septs. Bring them to King's Landing, call upon them to gather and choose a more worthy holy man among yourselves.

Daemon wanted to get Theobald to seriously consider this idea. He needed a High Septon who would be more moderate and accepting of the Blackfyre reign. If this could be achieved, then surely others would follow.

You must save the faithful from the grips of this blind and corrupt prelate. You must do your duty to the Seven and call the Most Devout who are aligned with your ideals and seek a return to the peaceful ways.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Whatever of them remain in the capital, Your Grace, I shall surely do." Theobald said gravely. "Perhaps it is time for calmer heads to prevail."

ooc:

Theobald calls a meeting of whatever remnant remain in the capital for a meeting of the septons. This can either be RPed out with NPC septons, or in some other manner. The purpose here is obviously to get THeobald elected as an anti-High Septon. Whatever we need to do to accomplish that should be done?