History

A small Church and organisation it may be at present, The Church of Storm's Height is one that stands a long stance. Originating from the early days of Cuiraécen, it is an order that has seen many a year come and pass by. The reason why it still so small is probaly the dual system maintained from the very beginning. As Cuiraécen is not only the God of Battle, but also the Stormlord, both aspects are tought at this order. The emphasis, as can be seen with the name, is the storm protfolio, however, which migh be a great contributor to the continuing independance of the order. Most temple orders in the honour of Cuiraécen carry the battle portfolio as predominant, and most of them view the CSH not as a contester to their views, and vice versa. The priests at the CSH teach that storms are the agents of change, which make great personal and cooperative accomplishments possible. Great changes in mental (attidute) and in physical (city) forms are only possible through a great beating, sufferering. But this beating is for the better, because the changes it brings about will improve that was struck down. Thus it is a happy faith tough on the one hand (change for the better), but a sad one on the other (hardship, loss of what was). Battle in that way can the best, if not the only, way for a mortal man to bring about Storm, to bring about that beating and suffering needed for the longed for change for the better.

The emphasis on Storm is also a reason for the small domain this Church encompasses. The Bay of Coeranys is a perfect place to view storms, to see what they can do and to see the people stand up after it and go on with their life again, hopefully for the better. As other parts of Cerilia, especially the close at hand more inland Anuirean lands, are closed of to the great storms of the seas, they can not always enjoy the fruit of labouring to strive for a better life after hardship. There the mind on the battle has won the favor over storm in the hearts of the believers and priests of Cuiraécen. So the Church primarily looks towards the countries around the Gulf for expansion, if need be.

Enemies and Allies

As of yet there are no true enemies to be found to the CSH, the Church maintains contact with various people and organisations without moving towards a great conflict. This may change, though, for the call to fend off unholy ideas is heard more often in the halls of the temples these days. Many a priest looks bitter on the growing number of people converted by other beliefs, not native to Anuire. Change is good only when it is for the better, and they view it is not.

As for allies, the Church can count on the support of many an influential man. The rightfull ruler of Oserde, Duke William Moergen, has not forgotten the support the Church gave him in the civil war that ravaged the country some 20 years ago, and they are on good terms. The priests to Haelyn of the Impregnable Heart of Haelyn are friends of those who serve Haelyns father. Especially the two high priests, Wincae Raehech and Hubaere Armiendin seem to get along quite well. Other important parties in Osoerde can be considered friends and allies too, including the new leader of the Royal Guild of Baruk-Azhik, Caen (for short).

Titles/Order

In the CSH there are two distinct orders or systems of titles. On the one hand there is the priestly system, on the other is the military. It is not strange that a priest has two titles, one priestly and one military, actually most of the priests do. The diffenrence in the two comes from the need to strictly adhere to the twofold appraoch of this Church, the main priestly side concerned mostly with the storm portfolio of Cuiraécen, and the lesser field is the battle side of this God. Thus priests who have a keen understanding of the Storms, will rise in the ranks of the priestly system, while others who adhere more to the military can gain high positions in the military ranks. While there are priests who like to stay with one field of interest, and thus have only one title, most priests spend time studying both, thus resulting in two titles. It all depends on how much a given priest likes to rise in one or the other, or in both at the same time.

The titels on the same line, military or priestly, should gain both the same kind of respect (although this is not always the case when seen by the eyes soldier or a scholar). These titles are for priests alone, soldiers will follow the regular army cadre. Paladins will also use the titles from these lists. The rise in ranks is not related to the level of a priest, but rather to the accomplishments, the will to achieve and the vacancy/need for a particular duty at the moment. All others who are close to the priests, but perform no priestly duties are called 'Advisor to ..' with the apropriate title of him or her being advised to. So a lieutenant to Anduiras, Magister of Rohrmarch would be called: Advisor to the Magister Anduiras, Master of Rohrmarch.

As can be seen above, is the Soulseeker, or Colonius higher in position than the deputy Temple Master. This is because the CSH is currently in a major expansion phase and more attention is given to those who like, and are able to win new people for the Church. In days of old a Colonius was a lower position than th e Prior, but times change. Then there is also a special group of people who will not fit in either list: The Praetorians. Praetorians are those most trusted men and women who form the bodyguard of the High Imperator. He picts them every year from the ranks of priests and soldiers to serve as his companions on the road and shield against enemy attack.

Every man or woman of the Church who has noble blood coursing through the veins, will have the additional Lord or Lady preceding the regular title.

Medals

The names of the medals and orders of honour are derived mainly from the aspect of Storm which the Church venerates. Battle is not forgotten however.

Medal of Battle Wisdom
(With a specific ribbon, different each time to distinguish the different wars/battles.)
Attainable by: Soldiers, Priests and Paladins in the service of the CSH.
What to do: Fight and live in a war or major battle for Cuiraécen.
Benefits: Respect of others and increased chances for promotion.
Given by: A Decurio or higher.

Order of Courage
Attainable by: Any person, though usually soldiers and priests.
What to do: Individual or collective feat of courage, usually beyond the call of duty.
Benefits: Even higher respect, a weapon of choice. In case of a soldier, instant promotion.
Given by: Decurio or higher.

Order of Lightning
Attainable by: Any man and woman around.
What to do: Being an important force in the advancement of the CSH/the faith of Cuiraécen in general.
Benefits: An exquisite weapon of choice, extra training if needed and life long food and shelter at one of the temples if needed or called upon (usually the food is given away to the poor or collected).
Given by: Usually a Colonius, sometimes higher.

Order of Thunder
Attainable by: Any person, usually higher priests or Paladins.
What to do: Being a vital force in the advancement of the CSH/the faith of Cuiraécen in general.
Benefits: A weapon with a lighting engraved which glows in the dark and a title depending on the deed.
Given by: Magister/Castellanus or higher.

Order of the High Winds
Attainable by: Priests and Paladins of the CSH, others (priestly) who try to become a clergymember.
What to do: Fulfillment of a quest or other great duty, laid upon the priest's or Paladins shoulders.
Benefits: Magnifiscent weapon: a longsword with a wavy blade (like an oriental kris) with fearie fire cast on it in orange flames, title.
Given by: The High Imperator only.

Order of Storms
Attainable by: Priests and Paladins of the CSH, others (priestly) who try to become a clergymember.
What to do: Unknown, and cept secret by the High Imperator.
Benefits: Full Plate armor with the weapon of the Church on the breast-piece, title, honorary position in certain councils depending on the person.
Given by: The High Imperator only.

Current High Imperator

Wincae Raehech, younger to Blaede Raehech, Marquess of Gulfport is a man of noble birth. The heriditry line of the rulers of Osoerde is present in his blood, though it is a weak line, so would be the clame for the throne. As Wincae was brought up on the grand estate of his father, he learned of the difference between the common man and the nobility. Gradually in the years that followed those troubleless years, he came to the belief of strict right to rule by the nobles. Nobles were given the right by birth to rule and guide the common man, though it had to be a fair and good ruling. When he reached the age of 10, his father took him on a trip through the troubled country Osoerde. His father showed him the various provinces, cities villages and homesteads of farmers. Wincae also learned of the great injustice which was done to the land by his (much older)cousin Jaison Raenech, who had claimed the throne. Jaison proved to be an evil rules, not intent on guiding and ruling the people, but focused more on coersion, fear and military might. This proved to be a vital lesson to Wincae wich shaped his sense of justness and counsciousness. Nobles did not only have the god-given right to rule, they also have the obligation to do so in favor of the people, not in favor of themselves. At the age of 15, some years after the civil war was decided by the right side of goodness, Wincae joined the Church of Storm's Height in order to study the arts of war, rulership, writing and spiritual well being. It was not te plan to join the priest ranks, just to study with them, but Wincae was moved so much by Cuiraécen, that he decided to attain priesthood and becone a servant to his Lord. Obedience and servitude were asked for by his Lord. During the years he rose in ranks steadily, both military and priestly, for he had an interest in both. At the young age of 25, the High Imperator suddenly died and Wincae woke up that day with a new sensation tingling through his body, he knew something was different. Two older priests, a Princeps and a Legatus, came to his room to take him to the High Church in Moriel (he stayed most of his time in Gulfport). They spoke with the tongue of the Stormlord himself when they Invested him with the rule of the Church. The old Imperator had seen the potential and righ attitude to rule in the young Wincae, and had chosen him as his successor.

Now at the age of 30, he has secured a secure place for the CSH in Osoerde as well as for himself. He married in the same year as his rise in power, as he could now offer good life for his wife and soon to be children. He had been in love with the noble Seriena Arden for some time, as she had been in love with him. In the course of five years they were gifted by the generous Lord to conceive four children, of which one was a twin. Three healthy and able bodied young boys and a beautiful daughter (the favourite child to Wincae) are part of the Raehech family now.

Raehech is best known for his wisdom and courage, he likes ruling and is equiped with various skills.

Future Thoughts

Wincae Raehech has many plans with the Church he leads, maybe he is aiming for too many targets at a time, but he is confident that he'll pull it off. First of all he would like to preach the teachings of renewal to the war torn people in Rohrmarch. As first a period of civil war, which tore the country apart for more than twenty years, and than a period of extreme grief followed. The Gorgon tried to sieze the lovely forested lands, but failed, thankfully to a combined stance of free people. He likes these people to view the Church of Storm's Height as a bringer of good news, and one who's ready to defend that good news forcefully. The people of the Iron Hills will fall under this same plan, since they have suffered greatly as well. First two succesive Awnsheg's and then the war in Rohrmarch that threatened their livelyhood as well. They seem to be doing well, as merchants come and go frequently, which is precisely the teaching of the CSH.

In order to gain some financial muscle, Raehech tried to set up shop in another field of business: seabound trade. With the Stormseekers Shipping Company he'll try to pay for the plans ahead.

These plans ahead are probably targeted on the various infidels in the home region of the Church. More than a simple score of people we guided from the path of righteousness to belief other than Anuirean Gods would be worth worshipping. Though no official plans will be revealed until the Day of the Reckoning, whispers come forth from the shadows in the temples that something is afoot. Any observant man or woman might notice the rise in the number of strange Gods worshipped, as the number of their temples increases. They should consider themselves warned.

By Sebastiaan Berendse
148530@student.fbk.eur.nl
last revised: 15th of July, 1997

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