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The Church of Balance
The priests and priestesses of Balance are corseted into a very specific shape, that of an hourglass, in layers of cotton reinforced by vertical lines of whalebone. Atop the corset, a long gown is worn in silver and black, lowered to the floor. The satin gown is as tight to the body as the corset, until it reaches the top of the hip, wHere it splays out, and it is long sleeved. It seems as though it would be incredibly hot in the Southlands weatHer (save Bhyhdall), but they do not seem to sweat, even in the heat of battle. They wear black boots, and they tend to carry engraved silver sabres. They are incredibly pale, their skin almost translucent. They have eyes that between their lids are completely black. They have no hair at all on their bodies, and their forms are carefully sculpted. Among the priests and priestesses, tHere are rare ones who seem to have a gender, and the reason for this is not clear. They have hair of any color, eyes of any color, and their forms tend to be pleasing to the eye. Their skin becomes more becoming to the elvish eye, and their only physical similarity to their brethren is that they retain the corseted form. This is the only document recovered of the Church of Balance, found on the corpse of a priest dressed in the Balance style. The following are the words and writings
of the one who is the Goddess of the Balance, Priscilla Kirana. 2. Your disguise is a blessing. Should it fade, it would be a curse. A public showing of failure. However, like all things in life, even failure has value. 3. While the ultimate purity of those who have not changed, have not given in to the desire for closeness with elves, and who have devoted themselves to the study of elvenkind is very important, also is the view of those who have given in, who have made certain failures in life. We learn from our failures, we grow. 4. Those who pass out of the realm of quiet observer, must live among elves, as one of them. Your task will then be to gain understanding through interaction. To help elves understand balance and themselves more fully, using the tools that are available to you now. Knowledge of emotion and elven thought can be very valuable, and now, this is your task. 5. You may mate. But do not forget that mating is not ownership, that love is important, and because of that, sometimes you must let go. If in doing so you fall victim to the pain of elves, you may find balance in whatever way is most agreeable to you, and I may guide. 6. You will not lead politically, unless it is to benefit the Church. 7. You will not kill without My hand guiding you. 8. You will seek to show elves the value of all of the pains and joys in their lives, and that they should not seek to shelter themselves from those emotions they've deemed negative. 9. You may guide My children, born of My body, but you may not take too much from them. 10. My children are sacred as are those borne of them. They are Varhavia Kirana and Mika Kirana, and should their lives be at risk, you must, if present, step in to allow them flight, at which time you may flee yourself, but in allowing them to flee, you must take on the possibility of your demise. Your death will be blessed. The potential of their offspring may bring you new scripture. 11. You will not lie. EitHer to save face, feelings, or for protection, you will not lower \ yourself to lies. You may refuse to speak, you may mislead from the actual question, but you may not outright lie. 12. Nature is to be treated as a loving companion. If you must kill to eat, if you must pluck a mushroom from the ground to eat, thank the balance for providing, and thank the lost companion for their sacrifice. In this case, sorrow is not necessary, it is simply the cycle of life, and if our appreciation is shown we stand tall. 13. The elves of Tow, who know little or nothing of our Church, are not to be hated. They are simply unaware of what we are, and why My past occurred. They have only the words of those who view the world through blinded eyes. Think of them as your forest companions, though they may be more sentient, and tHerefore open to words and suggestion toward the grey in the world. 14. Ignorance is intolerable. You will spend your life learning about anything and everything, never stopping in your quest to understand and know as many things as your life span allows. Do not limit yourself to one topic. Become an educated devotee' and you will be blessed. 15. Suffering is a constant. As happy as you are, you will never be completely satisfied unless you attain the level of enlightenment of the high priests and priestesses. Only then will suffering cease, and your life and its end be put into a cycle of egoless bliss. You will learn through sermon and meditation that our own delusions lead to suffering. 16. I have left no one behind to take My place. THere will not be anotHer Goddess. The closest one may find will be in My children and their offspring, who have My intentions and desires ingrained naturally. 17. Avoid anything in excess. From intoxicants to sexual conduct, everything should be carefully measured in your life. 18. Abstain from vain talk, gossip, divisive speech, harsh words, and lies. 19. Be mindful, kind, and compassionate. Equally be strong-willed, vocal, and a physical or magical force to be reckoned with. 20. Make your living without violating any of Her precepts. This is the only written word by Priscilla Kirana, though it is rumored that Her high priests and priestesses have many more, sermonize about them, and speak to elves, duxthu, and anyone who is capable of speech about the Church if they are curious. It is certain however, that they will not trust 'new' friends with the greatest of their secrets and precepts.
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