Toward Remonstration and Reconciliation: A Letter of the Patriarch of the Church of Westrun

To all the Faithful, their Clerics, the Holy Knights, the Holy Brothers and the Sacred Sisters, the Shepherds, the Noble Prefects:

It has come to our attention that certain teachings, advanced from some in the Kingdom of Talir, which has been the Stoutest Daughter of the Church, seek to distort the sacred hierarchy established by our holy Canons. Let it be clearly known and observed that Canon 15, the Stricture of Hierarchy, names the Patriarch as the ultimate spiritual authority of the Church of Westrun. Therefore, all the faithful, from serfs to princes, owe their spiritual fealty to the Patriarchate and must submit body and soul to the teachings and authority of the office.

Any assertion that a differentiated so-called High Priest may exercise the powers of the Patriarch is a corruption of the order given by Worthy Gamasiel the Founder and codified by his successor Worthy Cronos. We realize that such claims are not merely the idle pretensions of a prideful cleric, rather they threaten both the unity of the Church and the souls entrusted to our care.

Therefore, I, Philbert, Patriarch of the Church of Westrun, declare that all Clerics, Orders, and Faithful are to continue observing the canonical hierarchy: first Clerics, then Shepherds, then Prefects and ultimately, the Patriarch. Those who persist in undermining this sacred order shall answer for their words and deeds. Let all those charged with protecting the church remember: unity in obedience preserves the household of God.

This is written with mercy in mind and so that Restoration might occur. Let all who read this letter renew themselves to the constant teaching of the Church and repent of any errors. Those who do so will be restored and find themselves welcomed with open arms. Those who do not will be culpable.

By my hand and seal,

Philbert, Patriarch of the Church of Westrun and Father of all the Household of God

Procession of the Patriarchs of the Church of Westrun Part II

• 5201 Salan - a largely forgettable Patriarch, Salan was a man widely suspected of indulging carnal desires. He was also the first Patriarch to serve with no record of miracles to his credit.
• 5231 Anastorin - was brother to High King Aleranus II. It is believed by many that his appointment was a political one, and owed nothing to his clerical bonafides.
• 5237 Myrmid the Champion - a one-time Paladin who became a cleric and was eventually elevated to the Patriarchate. He went into battle with the forces of the Iron Duke, though no love was lost between them. He was a popular Warrior-Patriarch and beloved of the people. 
• 5242 Elbar - formally established the first three orders of the Church of Westrun, the Most Learned Brothers of Worthy Planos; the Devout Order of Clerics Regular of the Penitent Knights of Poverty; and the Laboring Order of Worthy Gamasiel.
• 5254 Brod the Diplomat - formally established an order of the Church of Westrun in the Observant Society of Worthy Cronos, he moved the Arcade of Formation from Peakshadow to the Theocracy of Talir and appointed the High Priest Elect as its Prime Docent and Holy Guardian -- titles some consider to be mere wordplay to mollify the latter's ego.
• 5273 Otmar - a somewhat prickly man whose poor disposition and distinctive scowl is credited with beginning something of a rift between the Patriarchate and the Supreme Holy Council of Talir. He was the Patriarch who identified and typefied "the Trials" -- a supreme trial of faith which began to afflict many quarters of the church and is experienced even to the present day.
• 5282 Ulric - an accomplished musician of some regard, and a master of eight languages, Ulric was well-educated on a variety of topics. He also contributed, in his early career, several works on Halflings, Gnomes and Elves. He would serve two years as Patriarch before actually joining himself to combat at the Battle of Wanderhalt. In that conflict he proved himself a powerful miracle-worker and Warrior-Patriarch exceeding the reputation of Myrmid. He formally established an order of the Church of Westrun in the Compassionist Society of Worthy Jerebola. He gave his life in the service of the Church and his God, expending his very life energy in working of his last miracle.
• 5287 Philbert - the present Patriarch of the Church.

City of Peakshadow

Located between the Kingdoms of Bolden and Collonia in the Land of Westrun, the City/State of Peakshadow is the capital of the Eight Kingdoms and the largest, grandest city known to the men of Westrun. It is often called the City of the High King.

It is built in four concentric half rings of stone quarried from the Silverlode Mountains and fashioned in better times by the Dwarves of Oromir as a gift to Fergus II.

Journeying toward the center of the city, the ringed walls grow higher so that each overlooks the walls and city outside of it.  The innermost walls stand highest of all. The innermost city is the abode of the High King and his Kathmbir Keep.  The ring about it contains the residences of nobles, the gentry, and wealthiest of merchants. The ring around that is the center of commerce and middle class.  The outer city is the abode of the peasants, commoners and tradesmen that make up the lowest class.

High King Agon Damaskos rules the Eight Kingdoms from Peakshadow. The wizard Tenser is known to reside there in an ivory tower. The College of Vecna was headquartered there, though now it remains a ruins. Peakshadow is also the home to the Grand Cathedral and the residence of the Patriarch Philbert the Impatient.