It has been a year since I have set words here. It is good to do so again.
I feel I owe the town of Freehold some explanations upon my return. To answer the most immediate questions, I was not killed at the battle with Nyr but only severely injured. Afterwards, I chose to disappear from sight. I did not plan this in advance, and consequently no one knew I was alive for some time. There are many people in Freehold I would have trusted enough to tell, but I decided not to burden anyone with my secret. I apologize to all of you for the deception and for your unnecessary sorrow.
As with most of my actions, there were multiple reasons for my disappearance. One was simply concern for my own safety after the treatment I received at the hands of the Nyrans during the war. Stepping back from my position also allowed me to focus my attention on certain other matters, including seeking a cure for my condition. And I felt that it was time for the role of high priest to be taken by someone whose ability to lead would be less limited by controversy. Disappearing made it possible for someone to take the position without my overshadowing them. I left instructions for the council in these matters (although I had to ask Jacques to "discover" them and give them to the council). While I would have preferred a replacement to be chosen more rapidly, I am pleased that they have chosen and I have no intention of overruling their choice. While I intend to remain active as a priest of Dalean and will provide whatever guidance I can, the high priest of Freehold will continue to be Wycktyr Barenjaeger.
I owe thanks to many people. The strong leadership within several faiths gave me confidence in leaving the council to make their own choices. But it was Rye'usha Mer-Tornbone, priestess of Embranna, who ensured that temple meetings continued to be held, that the temple taxes were paid, and that the temple's collection of scrolls and books was maintained, available to be read, and secure against losses. In short, she ensured the duties of high priest were fulfilled without receiving the recognition of the title. All long before she knew I still lived. I understand Char will be taking on some of these duties as Keeper for the temple; her keen mind is well suited to the task.
I also owe thanks to Jacques Van'se. He seized the opportunity of my memorial to lead the battle against Eldric, a foe I am afraid has been vastly underestimated by virtually everyone else. The resulting attack was very nearly successful. Again, this was arranged before he had any idea I was still alive. Also, while a number of people promised aid in achieving my cure, it was Jacques who ultimately provided the necessary items.
To those who accepted my challenge of a year ago, it had been my intention (up until a moon earlier) to keep the terms and meet a few days ago. Circumstances conspired to prevent our final meeting. All of you should know that I consider the challenge to have been won by Samuel. I think he achieved something far deeper than anything we have done. It was my honor to be present at the beginning and culmination of his development as a druid. He will be missed, even though he will hover at the edge of our consciousness each time we enter the woods from this day forth.
This is a time of beginnings. The wurld is about to be transformed. More than ever before we need to find a way to work together. Many of us disagree about how things should be done, but I think most of us agree on what we must achieve. This will require all of us, but those who have achieved positions of prominence must make a special effort because they will serve as examples to others. In these I include high priest Wycktyr Barenjaeger and the members of the council of priests, sheriff Zafrin, knight-judge Drakke Dalleway, Ramse, Menua and the other librarians, and the triumvirate of the mages' guild -- Thrawn Northwind, Balin Vail, and Malic. There are others and more will arise in time. We cannot afford to miss wise council because we disagree about how we view the wurld. Already I have seen too much of this. Through harmony we cannot help but find victory. I ask each of you to find, at least, some respect for each other. The wurld really does depend on us.
Daoloth, High Priest of Dalean and Emeritus High Priest of Freehold
Welcome to Freehold's temple. The Temple Of The Moon And Stars is dedicated to Dalean, the Lord Of Night And Dreams. In a town the size of Freehold, though, all of us must act together to overcome the things that threaten us, and so I consider the temple a spiritual resource for all to share in. Accordingly, those of all faiths are welcome to make their prayers here.
The present
High Priest of the temple is Wycktyr Barenjaeger, as chosen according to the
wishes of the Council of Priests. I will still provide whatever guidance and
assistance I can to any of the faithful who wish it of me. The temple's strength
comes from the harmony and wisdom of all of its members.
As
a faithful follower of Dalean, I feel it is my purpose to help with the interpretation
of dreams and to work unceasingly to safeguard the night. The starry sky is
Dalean's gift to us; we must not let fear prevent us from enjoying it. If you
share this goal, I am your ally, whether by fighting at your side or providing
healing after you have fought. Now that there are a growing number of priests
sufficiently advanced to teach, I will be focusing my efforts in teaching upon
the followers of Dalean.
I
try to be available to the townsfolk of Freehold at all times. You can find
me travelling through town, resting in the inn -- or outside on the porch,
under the stars -- or at the temple (which is also my home), located in High
Town. I welcome anyone to approach me at any time; I'm always happy to discuss
theology, lore, or almost anything else.
Always remember
When darkness rises and fear quiets us,
Then we see the stars again, then we hear the silence again.
There are stars in the night which we never saw before.
As darkness grows, they shine brighter, we raise our eyes to the sky.
When crisis darkens everything, the children of Dalean
Will light the stars.
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The Temple LibraryA number of scrolls on religious matters can be found in the temple, as well as the Tome of Stars and the Book of Ameti. Three shorter scrolls of note are the Spiritual Cycle of the Year, detailing some of the holy times of the gods, the Account of Judgement at the end of the Campaign of Blood, and a collection of Writings on Faith by residents of Freehold. |