Bellard of Tempus

[Twisted-Indoctrine]

Standing at 5'11 this aged man nevertheless has powerful bearing. A living tapestry of scars he walks with a limp and his joints pop audibly and presumably painfully with nearly every step. The right side of his face seems entirely paralysed from what appears to be an axe wound that deprived him of that eye as well, while the left side seems little less inviting as the man himself carries a demeanour of seriousness that rarely see's respite. The result is a scarred and perpetually grim, perhaps even bitter looking, face. The hair atop his head recedes now, in his late age.


His religious trappings are scarce seen about him. Like most of the Clergy of Tempus he is less defined by patently obvious paraphernalia of religion but rather by the fact that he looks every bit a warrior. Armed and armoured, a battleaxe is constant companion and dangles comfortably from hoop on his belt while an empty scabbard suggest he may once have owned a sword. His equipment is battered and aged, not unlike him, but remains practical and functional out of religious (quite literally) maintenance and attentiveness. It's difficult to tell precisely how old he might be, scaring and likely stress may well have contributed to balding and early greying of his hair – nevertheless it's clear and present he's older than forty at least.


He speaks with the quiet certainty strangely common to men and women of the North, specifically the Ten Towns region, though which one is impossible to say without speaking to the man. Often he has a leather satchel hanging from his shoulders by his hip. Its size and thickness suggest it holds a book and possibly writing supplies.

[Twisted-Indoctrine]

Opening the largely unwritten tome normally carried at his waist Bellard, brother in the Order of the Broken Blade, continued working on his manuscript in the private quiet of the late night in the inn.


The Tempurian Doctrine
by Brother B. Toren


The Tempurian faith often finds itself butting heads with self-proclaimed “more civil” deity's clergies. This basically observable factor is nigh unto impossible to deny as to those who are not initiated into Our clergy may find the notions such as, for example, actively arming an inadequate enemy as something akin to madness or stupidity. To often our faith is misinterpreted by those who do not take time to pay heed to our readily available teachings, our doctrine and indeed our god often cast aside as mere trappings and patrons of the simpleminded who only know the benefit of force in their dealings. The reality, as it often is in this world and any other one (one would assume), is far more complex.


Tempus, or Tempos should one find themselves explaining themselves or ministering to the sophisticated barbarian peoples of the north, has admittedly a simple portfolio. He is the Lord of Battles and as the moniker suggests battle is his primary demesne of influence and power. Tempus' interest extends far beyond this, however, and while they are more subtle aspects they are perhaps more important in His measure of a man or woman seeking his favour. He eschews the virtues of a warrior – personal honour above all. Moreover there are distinct sets of conduct that are not only expected of Tempurian adherents but, rather, demanded of them should they not wish to incur the wrath of Tempus or his followers – and we are legion.


On Ethics and Conduct


The ethos of Tempus, like many things in this Faith, are simply stated but difficult to interpret and enact. Often their are disagreements, violent ones, within the clergy itself – our Temple as an organization has perhaps been subject to more violent internal reformations (which more often than not are essentially civil wars) than any other in the world. Our god is silent and unspoken, and faceless – he makes no attempt to clarify his portents – it is up to us to rise to the challenge of understanding their meaning, as is fitting. Internal struggles within the Temple are common place and most likely encouraged by the Lord of Battles himself. However somethings are constant throughout the Temple, unquestioned conventions burned into the Clergy by trial of Ages past unto this very day:


“Make Ready for Battle All That Would Make Battle”
The specific wording may vary from region to region but the spirit remains the same. Conflict is eternal and should be risen to. Any that would dare are worthy of respect and of aid. And so we arm any who would make battle, even our very enemies, because Tempus demands it. It seems counterproductive to outsiders and often the governments of states at war but it is important for reasons beyond logistic practicality. The Lord of Battles is just that, the Lord of Battles – butchery is not befitting of his time. The slaughter of an unarmed untrained lesser foe does not venerate Him, it insults Him for such is not battle but slaughter.


Some also question the worth such things, asking that “if regardless of the odds victory will go to the side with Tempus' favour would it not?” The simple answer is no. Tempus favour is not some mere fickle free handout, it is extraordinarily rare – only a few confirmed cases have occurred in all of history that Tempus has shown the victor before the battle itself commences. The reasons as to why He had shown himself in those specific battles subject to much debate among the Clergy and most members have private interpretations of the records. So no, most often Tempus is not content, but proud to leave the fate of the battle in the hands of the mortals fighting it themselves. That in battle, his domain, the combatants are free to decide their own fate. This is perhaps one of the few times in life itself that a mortal is allowed to do so, many of the gods are far more controlling of the outcomes for those entering into the areas of their influence.


In battle “mere mortals” (as many gods would dismiss our peoples) are capable of exceeding themselves and stealing glory from the very hands of defeat, conventional “inevitability and impossibility” are notions that cease to exist entirely. At the very moment locked between life and death, victory and defeat, “mere mortals” exceed the worth of many other gods in the eyes of Tempus – for mortals have risked all that they know and are in that moment and they have not the benefit of immortality or godhood. We, in those brief moments, are life in all its glory; shining brighter than all the stars themselves – a sacred time and the very moments that Tempus himself favours for they are testament to the importance of conflict.


These moments only come about on their own and must be allowed to happen naturally. This is why we arm all, this is why the Lord of Battles is so rare to show favour. If we die in battle after having armed our foes, so be it! So long as we fell in battle things have happened as they should have happened and we need fear not being found wanting by our god in death.



“The Swiftest Way Through a Tight Knot is a Sharp Knife”
Battles are to be swift. Speed and Aggression are of the highest order of qualities a warrior and especially a leader can possess. The more brief and violent the conflict the more fitting it is – for it is the most sincere form of battle. Drawing a battle out purely for blood lust or foolishly to “venerate” Tempus are met with disdain by the Lord of battles himself. Battle is quick, violent, explosive and over – altering this formula for personal desires, pride, arrogance, or misplaced reverence mocks the very notion of battle.


Warriors of all stripes, from the least experienced of recruits or minutemen, to the mightiest of generals or warlords are expected to take the most decisive and expedient course of action to win and end a battle and our jobs as priests of Tempus, and assuming we are ordained to participate, are to ensure that these courses are known and to advise of them so strategies may be formed. Life is precious and not to be wasted, an example; if slaying an enemy warlord should bring dispersion to his host then that is the primary objective. In so doing the remaining forces will scatter and live to fight another day, live to see glory another day, live to another day see the greatest and most sacred yet briefest existing of Tempus' temples: the open battlefield – wherein all men are closest Him and for their efforts welcome there for they are a part of it.


And so the battle is won and the enemy is allowed to disperse as they would. Foolish? Perhaps from the purest of practical concerns: “If we do not slay them the enemy could regroup and challenge us once more,” cry the timid men, to whom we answer “Let them come, again and again.” Do not chastise the timid in this time speaking down at them shows nothing but pettiness on your part – instead inspire them to see the truth of battle. Some men are incurable cowards and will refuse to see the worth of your actions and words, we do not waste our time on the hopeless; ignore them and focus on those who are open to the enlightenment of the ways of Tempus and you will find that these men will invariably be the men of worth.



“Death Before Dishonour”
Be wary of those claiming Honour from outside of this faith for honour is not born of righteousness or loyalty, but of integrity. Many men utter these words describing themselves, few understand the weight of their meaning and the context in which they were formed. To many men would assume honour means standing beside your brothers and sisters and loyally fighting alongside them under their shared superiors. This is not honour, this is loyalty and loyalty is dangerous. Honour is knowing when you MUST stand against your brothers and sisters in arms. Honour is when you do NOT bow your head to your “betters”. Honour does not compromise, honour challenges and engages; it is principle - it is integrity.


Respect is earned not given. Important to remember before and while pledging yourself to anyone or any cause. Never compromise your personal honour for “The greater good,” “family,” or because “I thought we were friends!” These are the phrases of silver tongued liars who do not respect you, but instead value you. Be vigilant always for those moments where the true motivations shin through. Loyalty is blind. Do not be. Do not betray the trust of others, but do not allow them to break your own. If a man has earned your friendship so be it, do not push away those you can trust, but be wary of who you do, especially in battle.


Honour exceeds all other values – it does not bend. If you are lawfully ordered to commit a dishonourable act in battle challenge it. Challenge it in spite of charges of betrayal, treason, cowardice (spit in their face and laugh for daring), sympathy with the enemy or any number of catchphrases they may throw at you to make you reconsider. Personal responsibility, accountability, and integrity are the virtues on which a warrior is judged “I was only following orders” is no justification for murder, cruelty, dishonour, or atrocity in the midst of or after battle. If you fail to rise to the challenge of confronting a superior clearly in the wrong you ARE a coward. Lawful authority is meaningless in light of these facts, you maybe killed as a traitor to whatever organization or nation you served but this is irrelevant – it is only death whereas honour is paramount. Fight any who would unto death and spare no quarter, also entertain not their delusions of a “just” system of “law” should they allow such sacrileges to be considered within the bounds of His Temple – the field of battle.