The Synod of Waterdeep

“So, brother, I must know, how did you receive your Ruby Rose?” Varien asked Tiberius. “I am curious.” Tiberius smiled knowingly at Varien. “As you might recall from my book, I grew up in the Temple of Beauty with my twin brother, and watched in awe as brothers and sisters were inducted into the ranks of the Order of the Ruby Rose. I became convinced my destiny lay in fighting for Sune on the field of battle, and when I came of age, I prostrated myself in the grand sanctuary of Beauty’s Temple before the great statue of Sune, and became lost in fervent prayer. After maintaining my vigil in the Temple all night, I received a sign of the Lady’s favour – the amulet I had worn round my neck since childhood was imbued with Lady Firehair’s love, and glowed brightly of its own volition with an inner light. The leader of the Order at the time, Sir Johannus Hoff, then gifted me a ruby rose, cultivated by none other than Nero of the Garden himself.” “So, you were pretty much bred for the role, in other words?” Varien asked. “Indeed I was,” Tiberius said with a sigh. “And how about you, brother?” Varien told Tiberius the tale of his encounter with Sune in the inn back in Phandalin, as he had lit a prayer candle and sought Lady Firehair’s counsel. The candle had flared with supernatural brightness as Sune answered his prayers: “My loving servant, hear me. Lose yourself in the love of the Lady Firehair. Follow your heart to your true destination. He who vexes you follows his own heart’s passion, and passion can be beautiful in hidden ways. Remember my teaching: ‘Encourage beauty wherever you find it.’ Love those who travel the road beside you, and where love cannot take root, let warm friendship blossom. Where friendship cannot flower, choose the fairer path, and uncouple gracefully but with joy for having walked together for a time. And where an uncoupling is not accompanied by grace, raise not your sword, but a rose, and remember fairer times. Love has many splendours, even where love fails. Lose yourself in the love of Lady Firehair.” He told Tiberius that after he had turned back to his bedside, he saw a vibrant, ruby-coloured rose lying upon his pillow. Tiberius listened to Varien’s story intently and was impressed. Varien thought he detected a hint of envy behind Tiberius’s eyes as he related the story of how Sune had granted him a ruby rose manifested out of thin air, perfect and uncorrupted. “It would seem that Sune favours you, brother,” Tiberius said. Varien shook his head modestly. “No, it’s just that unlike you, opportunities were taken away from me by dark forces, and Sune had to bless me herself, instead of blessing via holy intermediaries the way you and your brother have been blessed, through mortal ways. Sune doesn’t care how we got our roses; She just cares that we both got them.” Tiberius chuckled, even as he wiped away a manly tear or two from his shining eyes. “Varien Aether, the theologian! You are a good man indeed,” he said, looking at Varien with newfound respect. “We need good men like you among the Sisters and Brothers of the Ruby Rose, on the front lines, and I know that you could marshal a battalion to follow you with your devotion and wisdom.” There was a soft gonging sound as Nero stood before the assembled delegations. The sanctuary quieted. “Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Church of Sune, and distinguished guests, we have gathered here today in the radiant light of Lady Firehair, the goddess of beauty and love, to witness and celebrate the finest attributes of the heart, soul, and form. This is a day of elegance, grace, and the pursuit of perfection in all its myriad forms.” “In the grand tradition of the Church of Sune, we shall now open the proceedings with a formal declaration of candidacy for the High Priest or Priestess position in the Temple of Beauty, the paramount position of leadership within our faith across Faerun,” Nero continued. He stretched out his hands towards a small dais before him, upon which were arrayed a dozen or so small ivory figurines of rather androgynous shape. Naes Inuus made a show of stepping forward towards the altar, reaching for one of the figurines and kneeling before the altar as he uttered a short prayer of resolute devotion. There was a flash of light and the figurine in his hand suddenly changed into a finely-detailed scale model of himself, down to the clothes he was wearing. Naes reverently placed the small figurine on the pedestal atop the altar and stepped away respectfully, allowing the next candidate the opportunity to come forward. Bob was the next candidate to step forward. He picked up a figurine, knelt, and began to pray. There was a flash, and suddenly he was holding a small version of himself. He stood, letting the tears of evergold flow, while ensuring that the assembled throng saw them as well. He even let a few golden teardrops fall onto his figurine before placing it upon the pedestal. Siegfried moved towards the altar. There was a concerned murmur from the assembly. He picked up a figurine and uttered a prayer. “I condemn my soul to any god who can find it,” he muttered. “Sune, if you want to offer me a job, I’m listening.” Siegfried paused and gripped the figurine anew, but received no outward divine response. He shrugged and with grace, replaced the blank figurine from where he’d picked it up, and respectfully moved back out of the way. As he did saw, he caught the sensation of frission between the two priestesses from the Sea of Fallen Stars delegation, Lady Morlain and Aumreya Ulmdrin, both of whom were now rushing to the altar. There were short prayers followed by flashes of light, and soon miniature versions of the priestesses had joined Naes’s and Bob’s figurines on the pedestal. “I’m not judging, I’m just questioning,” Siegfried half-muttered, half-prayed. “Do you really think either of those two would do a better job than me?” He felt a whisper on the back of his neck. “They have paid their dues and served me well these many years and are afforded such an opportunity,” Sune’s voice was like a crystal waterfall. “Your destiny lies along a different path, Siegfried Alagondar.” “Well, I wouldn’t say no to your company,” Siegfried replied. “Few would,” Sune’s lilting voice was laced with humour. “Okay,” Siegfried shrugged, then straightened up. “Hey, is that what divine revelation feels like?” He stood next to Bob in a show of support. There was a moment of reverential silence. Siegfried approached Raven Sommersrace and Malwe-sha. “So then, we’re agreed: any vote for Aumreya or Morlain is a vote to schism the church?” Siegfried said. “Neither of them may lead. It must be either Bob or Naes.” Malwe-sha nodded. “I fear they would allow their personal feelings to interfere with church business.” Raven nodded in agreement. “As much as I respect and love my dear friend Bob, I respect Naes’s ability to lead as well,” Siegfried said. “Either one of them would be a worthy candidate.” Raven nodded. “You’re right, there are two contenders in this field. One familiar, and one not.” Bob considered the field of delegates and mentally tallied the votes that were likely leaning his way. There were a few question marks as far as he was concerned, but he’d had his fill of politicking today and decided to check in with Varien and Siegfried before the proceedings got further underway. Another murmur swept across the assembly as Varien approached the altar and selected a figurine. He knelt, uttered a prayer, and with a flash of light his figurine turned into a magnificently detailed version of himself, Fiendsbane drawn and glowing, the flames of the Arcetalos blazing around him. Varien felt a thrill go down his spine as a sensation like Sune’s lips brushing against the nape of his neck came over him. Oh, Varien, I didn’t know you cared. Varien looked at the figurine in his hands as he remained on his knees before the altar. He bent forward and gently kissed the figurine on its forehead, and carefully placed the model upon the pedestal. He got to his feet and walked back to his place as the crowd murmured. Siegfried sent a message to Varien. I didn’t expect you to apply for a desk job. But it will help you on your way North. From across the room, Tiberius gave Varien an almost imperceptible nod of approval. As Varien walked past him, Tiberius whispered, “this changes the landscape of the battlefield somewhat.” “Do you disapprove?” Varien asked quietly. Tiberius smiled and gave Varien a wink in reply. Varien also noticed that Mera Cornyrian from Helm’s Hold was now staring at him with a look of fervent devotion. Finally, one of these Westerners is cleaning up their own mess , Bob thought to himself. Nero raised a perfectly-manicured eyebrow as if daring another candidate to come forward. None did. “Hail the Heir of Abbadon!” Siegfried called out in basso profundo . “Hail the Liberator of the Arcetalos! Hail the Slayer of the Balor and Cleanser of Beauty’s Temple!” He clanged the hilt of Azuredge on the marble floor. “The Scion of the North! The Son of Lorelei!” Varien shook his head, letting his dark locks bounce performatively as he ran a polished gauntlet through his hair. Fiendsbane began to glow. The rank-and-file members of the martial orders present began to pick up Siegfried’s chant, especially those who had witnessed some of Varien’s most spectacular battles. Amongst the delegates, Mera enthusiastically joined the chant. Celia Orlyar looked enthralled at the proceedings as a groundswell of support reverberated through the sanctuary. Nero stepped forward, motioning smoothly for calm to quiet the crowd, which obediently fell into a reverent hush. “Delegates, distinguished guests, and candidates, we are about to begin our proceedings in accordance with the holy writ of our Church’s esteemed forebears,” Nero said. “We shall commence with the three-fold competition. First, those who are prepared to shoulder the burden of leadership shall weave words as fine as silk, eloquent and enchanting, to extol the virtues of love, beauty, and the divine presence of our goddess. They shall sway hearts and kindle flames in the depths of the soul with their oratorical skills.” “Next, we shall be enraptured by an artistic competition, where our talented esthetes and craefters shall display their masterpieces. These creations are more than mere art; they are a testament to the devotion and inspiration drawn from Lady Firehair herself. Each stroke of the brush, every note of music, and the poetry written are offerings to the goddess of beauty today.” “Then comes the physical beauty competition, where we celebrate the divine forms that Lady Sune herself has graced us with. Our candidates, draped in the elegance of simplicity, shall parade their physical beauty before us, a reflection of Sune's radiant light. Remember, it is not only the external beauty but also the inner radiance that shines through.” “In our Church, leadership is not just about titles; it is about the devotion, passion, and mastery one displays. We honor artistic achievements, years of dedicated service, and the personal beauty and adornment that is a testament to our love for Lady Sune. We advise and assist our fellow clerics, nurturing their talents and guiding them toward excellence.” “Remember that our titles are not mere labels but reflections of our deepest passions and achievements. They are bestowed upon us by those who recognize our contributions, be they fellow Sunites or companions on our adventurous journeys.” “So, as we gather today in the name of Sune, let us celebrate the beauty that surrounds us in all its forms. Let us honour the artistic endeavors and the devotion that fuels them. And let us embrace the radiant love of our goddess, for in her grace, we find the truest and most profound beauty.” “May Lady Firehair's light forever grace our lives, and may we continue to inspire and uplift each other in the name of love and beauty,” Nero raised his hands to the vaulted roof above. “Thank you, and let the competition begin!” There was a raucous cheer from the assembled throng. What have I done? Varien thought to himself for a moment, his confidence wavering. Siegfried sent a message to Varien. If your artistic display is the blade I will be your canvas. He then leaned over to Thauna Maskalar. “So who are you voting for?” he asked sotto voce . Thauna flinched. “Well, I just don’t know, the choices appeared to have increased somewhat.” “Yes, the candidates are very handsome, aren’t they?” Siegfried replied. Thauna’s eyes twinkled. “They certainly are.”

Naes Inuus, who seemed to be glowing with an inner light, stepped forward to the lectern. “Friends, Sunites, Waterdhavians and Faerunians all, lend me your ears,” he said in a practised preacher’s cadence. “I have lived in the blessed sanctuary of this temple and Church my entire life. As a child I ran carefree among the columns that buttress and support the roof of Beauty’s Temple, and I learned from a young age the importance of a strong foundation of faith, friendship, and fealty to all creatures who carry within them a spark of the divine. Sitting at the knee of Sune’s greatest sages, craefters, and artisans, I was taught to see beauty in all its wondrous varieties, beauty without and beauty within. By the grace of the Lady Firehair I was permitted to rise to the rank of First Heartwarder, always conscious that I stood on the shoulders of graceful giants. I have been blessed and privileged to serve, and it is with a servant’s heart that I approach you, the leaders of our faith from across Faerun, for the opportunity to give back to the Temple that has given me and my kin so much over the years. As the High Priest of the Temple of Beauty I shall be a steady hand, tempered and sharpened through years of debate, scholarship, service and travel from one end of this land to the other, and I shall aim to be a true paragon of virtue and a driver of growth for our faith across Faerun. Under my stewardship, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess the beauty and greatness of our Lady Firehair as we spread the gospel of Sune to all corners and quarters of the world, and the glory of Lady Firehair shall burn away the darkness that blights our lands. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your votes of confidence.” Bob approached as Naes yielded the floor. He stood beside the lectern. “I hail from far to the East, and have seen and learned much in my travels to the West as a pilgrim on the roads that connect our distant realms in friendship. In my travels along the Sword Coast I saw that there was much work to be done, and though I did not start out in my journey to seek lofty positions of leadership, I have become acutely aware that this is Sune’s will for my life, that this is the best way I can serve and make a difference in righting what has gone wrong, and all the while growing closer to our Lady Firehair. He let the tears of evergold began to spill out down his cheeks, glinting in the light from the stained-glass windows. The crowd began to whisper at this sign and wonder before them. Bob stepped away from the lectern as Lady Morlain and Aumreya Uldarin jockeyed for position. In contrast to Naes’s and Bob’s lofty rhetoric, the two priestesses spit barely-concealed venom at each other’s candidacy, citing flaws in their ecclesiastical leadership, their theology, and their sense of style. Each one proclaimed the supremacy of their fine features, which doubtlessly swayed members of the audience. However, it was clear that High and Most Beautiful Priestess Aumreya’s reach was exceeding her grasp – Lady Morlain was a more seasoned campaigner and had a maturity that tempered her rhetoric, while Aumreya’s vain vacuousness was becoming more apparent with every slight, half-compliment, and side-eye. “You hate to see it,” Siegfried said. Lady Morlain was a politician in a red bustier, and Siegfried reflected that, while he had manipulated both Lady Morlain and Aumreya into letting their rivalry drive a wedge into their voting bloc, Morlain had manipulated Aumreya into embarrassing herself on this, the most public platform she’d ever have, while Lady Morlain by comparison remained above the fray. There were several nodding heads around the room as Lady Morlain began to use the late High Priestess Ssaeral Shadowstar as a cautionary example, intimating that she had strayed from the truth path of Sune, and paid dearly for it, and who probably had passed on some of her heretical teaching to her favourite and most famous student (without naming Naes). “And what did you do about it?” Siegfried called out from the crowd in Ilbrar the Iron’s voice. Lady Morlain’s countenance faltered as Siegfried put her on the back foot. “Oh, well, clearly-” Lady Morlain continued. “Don’t claim credit for other candidates’ work!” Siegfried called out in his own voice. In her confusion Lady Morlain stumbled over her concluding remarks. “T-there was sin in the House of Sune,” she stuttered. With a bow of her red-cheeked head, she meekly stepped away from the lectern. Then it was Varien’s turn. “Devotees of the Radiant Lady,” Varien said to the assembled throng. “It is with immense honour and humility that I stand before you today, asking if you will choose me to serve as High Priest of our beloved goddess, Sune, the radiant beacon of love and beauty.” “In the presence of Sune's grace, I am reminded of the profound significance of love in our lives. Love, in all its forms, is the cornerstone of our existence. It binds us together, illuminates our spirits, and empowers us to embrace the world with open hearts.” “As we look upon the world, we witness both its splendor and its trials. It is during these times of uncertainty and challenge that the embrace of love becomes more crucial than ever.” “Not all of you know me I know, but I know uncertainty, I know challenge. Sune's teachings guide us to nurture compassion, to celebrate diversity, and to cherish every soul as a reflection of divine beauty. Should I be granted the honor to serve as your High Priest, I pledge to uphold the teachings of Sune with unwavering dedication. I will strive to create a sanctuary where love reigns supreme—a sanctuary where every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs, feels welcomed and embraced, and a sanctuary free from evils and desecration, which we will leave burned at the gates.” “Together, let us kindle the flames of passion and kindness within our hearts, spreading the warmth of Sune's love throughout our community and beyond. Let us weave a tapestry of compassion that uplifts the spirits of all who seek solace and guidance.” “I stand here not merely as an individual seeking a title, but as a faithful servant ready to devote my every effort to the prosperity and unity of our congregation. I invite you to join hands with me on this sacred journey, where together, we shall bask in the glorious light of Sune's love. Thank you for your trust and consideration. May Sune's blessings grace us all.” Bob messaged Siegfried. Hey, where was my speech? I didn’t know he had it in him, Siegfried replied.   Next was the artistic competition. Naes stepped onto the dais and manifested a corona of beauty that created an aura of divine light around him, which he began to bend around him. Beams of light streaming in through the stained-glass windows were similarly shaped and bent around him in a dazzling display of light-bending. The crowd was left breathless, eyes shining with tears. Bob was up next. He drew out his flute and began a virtuoso performance replete with trills and staccato arpeggios that had toes tapping across the sanctuary. He turned on the tears of evergold to the crowd’s appreciation. Aumreya played to her strengths and performed a titillating striptease. Lady Morlain chose to sculpt clay on a potter’s wheel in a performance that was intended to be sexier than Aumreya’s eye-popping dance, but didn’t quite turn out the way she hoped. Varien affixed silken ribbons to various points on his armour and gauntlets. “I will dance for you,” he said to the audience, and invited Dhaera Darklight and Tiberius to join him as sparring partners. He ignited Fiendsbane for an extra glow and began to weave a kata with sword, shield and ribbon. Tiberius was more than ready for this, holding back as he fenced delicately with Varien. Varien’s dance was an impressive athletic and aesthetic performance with ceremonial sword clanging and shield sweeping. There was a crash of applause from the throng.   Next was the physical beauty competition. Siegfried sidled up to Nero. “I wonder, given that the two previous contests highlighted the physical attributes of the candidates – their rhetorical skills speaking on stage and their artistic talents – whether this display of true beauty should be focused on inner strength, so to speak,” he said to Nero. Nero considered this. “What are you suggesting? Oil them up and have a wrestling tournament?” “Not necessarily,” Siegfried shook his head. “An endurance contest – something that shows the strength of the body.” Nero nodded thoughtfully. “Physical fitness, yes…” He clapped his hands. “Erect the bar for a pull-up competition!” Aumreya’s and Lady Morlain’s faces fell. Soon, a pull-up bar was mounted in the sanctuary. Nero leapt gracefully, grasping the bar, and began to perform technically-perfect pull-ups with practised finesse. Not to be outdone, Bob grabbed the bar and began to go to work. Varien began to perform pull-ups as well, keeping his armour on for good measure. Aumreya’s upper arm strength was no match for the task, dropping off after a handful of pull-ups. Lady Morlain, however, put in an admirable display, keeping pace with Varien throughout the contest. Bob was the last contestant to drop out. There was applause from the assembly. Nero called for quiet. “Delegates, you have borne witness to the achievements of our delegates, from their ability to communicate clearly and effectively, to their bottomless reserves of artistic talents, to the inner strength that drives them to achieve greatness. The future of the Temple of Beauty, and indeed the Church of Sune, now rests with you and your discernment. Cast your votes well.” Curtains were drawn around the altar and each delegate was presented with a single exquisite rose spun from glass in miniature that glittered in the light of Beauty’s temple. One by one the delegates entered the voting shroud to place their rose before the figurine of their chosen candidate. Varen voted for Bob. Bob voted for Varien. There was a moment of silence as Nero tallied the votes. He cleared his throats and announced the results. “High and Most Beautiful Priestess Aumraeya Ulmdrin of Firehair’s House in Seglaunt, one vote,” he said solemnly. Aumraeya burst into tears. “High Priestess Morlain of the Palace of Passion in Raven’s Bluff, two votes,” Nero said. Lady Morlain nodded, accepting the result. Her husband gave her a comforting embrace, his expression stoic. Siegfried supressed a smile. “First Heartwarder Naes Inuus of the Temple of Beauty, three votes,” Nero said with the barest hint of surprise. Naes smiled and gave a self-deprecating bow of humility. “Robert Trevelyan, Chosen Tear of Sune, of Kirkwall, five votes,” Nero announced. There was an appreciative murmur in the sanctuary. “Varien Aether, Scion of Lorelei and Sune’s Holy Rose, five votes,” Nero said. He hid it well, but appeared to be slightly uncomfortable with this turn of events. There was another appreciative murmur that rippled through the crowd. Siegfried whispered into Nero’s ear. “Was the folly of Beauty’s Temple that there was only one high officiant, with no one to keep her in check? With two leaders of equal standing, they could correct one another as iron sharpens iron.” “A duumvirate?” Nero whispered back. “There may indeed be some precedence for this, but not in the Temple of Beauty’s living memory. Still, an intriguing suggestion.” “One star from the East, one star from the North?” Siegfried suggested. “Another star for Sune and you’ve got yourself a constellation!” Nero turned to the assembled Sunites in the sanctuary. “The assembly has spoken, and placed a vote of confidence in two relative newcomers to Waterdeep, if not to our faith. Rather than see only one of their talents amplified, could we not see a new arrangement for a High Priest and High Exultant, one that is less hierarchical, more collegial and consensus-based? After all, part of the problem with our organization is that if we entrench our hierarchies too much, we allow emotions, not just beauty, to guide our theology. Thus, I do proclaim Robert Trevelyan and Varien Aether to be High Priests of Sune in the Temple of Beauty in Waterdeep, and leaders of our faith on Faerun. Brothers, you have both been granted special favour by Lady Firehair herself, and you shall bless our congregations of our faith across Faerun as you have been blessed yourselves.” There was a flash of light as the great statue of Sune in the sanctuary began to move as if alive. Lady Firehair arrived in her holy sanctuary and gathered Bob and Varien to her bosom as a show of her blessing to the proceedings. Sune kissed the two of them warmly, granting each of them a divine boon. The crowd went wild. From the ceremonial chimneys volleyed forth plums of azure and golden smoke, as a signal to the faithful that the synod’s members had come to a decision. There was a roar of cheers from on the streets outside the Temple of Beauty. Naes was gracious in defeat, offering his services as First Heartwarder to Bob and Varien to help the work of the church continue as efficiently as possible. “I look forward to seeing how the faith shall thrive under your leadership,” he told the pair with sincerity. Tiberius clapped Varien on the shoulder. “Truly, Lady Firehair has chosen well!” He shook Bob’s hand warmly and pledged that the Brothers and Sisters of the Ruby Rose stood ready. Likewise, Vanera Ularyn approached the pair to say that the Order of Adon would continue to support the Church in Waterdeep. High and Most Beautiful Priestess Aumraeya Ulmdrin and High Priestess Morlain politely congratulated Bob and Varien and then left through separate exits to lick their wounds in private. “There shall be a long celebration following the synod,” Nero said to Bob and Varien. “But first, my favourite part of the proceedings – the paperwork!” He snapped his fingers, manifesting a quill, and papers and parchment began to whirl about him like a tornado. Bob and Varien looked at each other and groaned.