The Lord did not postpone solving the problem. The loss of gold and the lives of his men was unacceptable.
In his forge, deep within the bowels of the "Honey Mug," work began on a revolutionary project: the creation of special stagecoaches he named the "Golden Turtles." These were not merely armored wagons but true mobile bastions, designed to survive the most ferocious ambushes.
Multi-layered Armor: The body of the stagecoach was crafted from several layers of thick, hardened wood, reinforced with metal plates. These plates were not simply nailed on top but integrated into the wooden structure, forming a kind of "sandwich" capable of withstanding arrows, crossbow bolts, and even axe blows. Special attention was paid to the floor and roof to protect against attacks from below and above.
Musket Ports: Along the entire perimeter of the stagecoach, at different levels, narrow, elongated embrasures—"musket ports"—were cut. They were wide enough for a shooter to take aim with a musket but minimized the area for return fire. Each port was equipped with a heavy, hinged shutter of armored metal that could be quickly closed.
Interior Space: Inside, the "Golden Turtle" was not a comfortable carriage but a combat compartment. Benches for riflemen and storage for ammunition were arranged along the walls. In the center was a sturdy safe, securely attached to the base, for transporting gold and valuable papers. Ventilation was minimal but sufficient for several hours of combat.
Reinforced Wheels and Suspension: The wheels were massive and iron-clad, and the axles were reinforced to withstand the weight of the armor and cargo, as well as the impacts of rough roads. The suspension was made as durable as possible to prevent the stagecoach from getting stuck with the slightest wheel damage.
Maneuverability (Relative): Although the "Turtles" were heavy, they were designed to move fast enough for a convoy while avoiding tipping over on turns. The pulling power was provided by teams of several strong, hardy horses, specially trained for such a carriage.
Crew and Tactics
Each "Golden Turtle" stagecoach was to carry not only gold but also a small, deadly detachment.
Grenadier-Marksmen: The core of the firepower consisted of 4–6 grenadiers or modernized archers armed with muskets and, if necessary, small throwing projectiles. Their task was to create a dense wall of fire from the ports, suppressing the onslaught of bandits.
Convoy Commander: An experienced officer responsible for battle tactics and decision-making.
Driver: A specially trained and highly reliable individual whose task was not just to drive the stagecoach but also to perform maneuvers on command, pulling the "Turtle" out of the line of fire or, conversely, taking the most advantageous position.
The creation of the "Golden Turtles" was a secret project that was quickly brought to life. The first tests were conducted in deep, hidden gorges, simulating attacks. The results were impressive. The armor withstood direct fire, and the fire from the ports effectively suppressed the attackers.
When the "Golden Turtles" first appeared on the roads, they caused a sensation. Bandits, accustomed to easy gold, were confronted with impregnable monsters bristling with muskets. Their carefully planned ambushes turned into catastrophes for them: instead of easy prey, they received a hail of lead and faced absolute superiority in defense. Rumors of the invulnerable "Turtles" spread quickly, forcing gangs to reconsider their plans.
This was not just a solution to the problem of transportation security; it was a new symbol of the Lord's power, a demonstration that he was ready and able to protect his wealth and interests by implementing the most advanced technologies and tactics. The golden streams of the "Honey Mug" now flowed under invulnerable protection, strengthening his financial might and further asserting his status as a true Lord of the Empire.
The Lord's engineering thought and tactical genius found their full embodiment in the operational doctrine of the "Golden Turtles." These stagecoaches were conceived not as single vehicles but as elements of a cohesive, impregnable defense system on wheels.
The "Golden Turtles" never traveled alone. Convoys were always formed, consisting of at least two, and more often three or four, of these armored machines. This group tactic turned the caravan into true mobile bastions, significantly increasing their survivability and firepower.
Forming a Defensive Perimeter: Upon detecting a threat or the start of an attack, the drivers of the "Turtles" were trained to execute an instant maneuver: they quickly formed a tight square or triangle, placing the stagecoaches side by side. This maneuver transformed them into a solid, hard-to-penetrate wall of armor.
All-Round Defense: The small musket ports, located around the entire perimeter of each "Turtle," allowed for a circular defense. When the stagecoaches closed ranks, their combined ports provided crossfire, leaving no "dead zones" for the attackers. The grenadiers and modernized archers inside each machine could concentrate fire on any point where bandit activity was detected.
Mobile Strongpoints: In the event of a prolonged battle, the "Golden Turtles" turned into self-sufficient fortresses. They could hold a defense for hours until reinforcements arrived from the "Death Squads" or the "Legion of the Dead," who regularly patrolled the trade routes. The supply of ammunition and provisions inside the stagecoaches was sufficient to sustain a fight.
Psychological Effect: For bandits accustomed to quick raids and easy prey, encountering a group of "Golden Turtles" was a psychological shock. Instead of attacking a vulnerable caravan, they found themselves facing steel monsters bristling with muskets, capable of instantly transforming into an impregnable defensive position. The thought of storming such a "fortress on wheels" quickly discouraged any desire to attack.
The result was not long in coming. The number of successful raids on the Lord's gold convoys dropped sharply, and those that did occur turned into a bloody massacre and complete failure for the bandits. Rumors of the "invulnerable moving fortresses" and their deadly fire spread even faster than news of the gold. The roads leading to the "Honey Mug" and the "Golden Shields" once again became the safest in the Empire, strengthening the Lord's reputation not only as a far-sighted ruler and brilliant financier but also as a ruthless defender of his interests. His gold was now truly under turtle-shell protection.
And the Lord was absolutely right in his foresight. A medal always has two sides, and his brilliant "Golden Turtle" instantly acquired a reverse, sinister fame.
As soon as news of the invulnerable "Golden Turtles" spread throughout the Empire, it generated not only fear but also a completely different, dark allure. For most robbers and small gangs, this was the end of their easy prey. But for the most ambitious, the most desperate and reckless, it became the greatest challenge, the "Holy Grail" of the criminal world.
Fame and Legend: Capturing a "Golden Turtle" meant more than just immense wealth. It promised unprecedented fame. A robber who managed such a feat would instantly become a legend, his name resounding in every tavern and den. It was a path to immortality in the criminal world, to the title of "King of Robbers" or "Conqueror of the Turtles." For many, this was more important than the gold itself.
Grandiose Riches: Yes, capturing such a "fortress on wheels" promised an amount of gold that could provide for an entire generation. It was an opportunity to end a dangerous life forever, to settle down in luxury and live like a prince. The desire for such easy, though risky, gain pushed many to recklessness.
New Bandit Tactics: Robbers quickly realized that conventional raids were useless. They began to adapt, developing new, even more sophisticated tactics.
- Long Pursuit and Exhaustion: Instead of short ambushes, they might start pursuing caravans for days, studying their routes, the habits of the guards, and their weak spots. Their goal was to wear out the defenders, to wait for a mistake or a favorable moment, for example, when the "Turtles" were forced to stop on a difficult stretch of road.
- Mass Attacks: Large alliances of gangs were formed, uniting their forces for one grand purpose. Instead of dozens, hundreds of robbers might attack, trying to overwhelm even well-armed convoys with sheer numbers.
- Engineering Solutions: Reports emerged of robbers using primitive siege engines, such as battering rams to break wheels, or even trying to block the road with stones to immobilize a "Turtle" and attack it while stationary.
- Fire Traps: There were cases where robbers tried to use fire to smoke out the crew, or smoke to create panic.
Each successful capture, though rare, became a source of inspiration for the robbers, and for the Lord, a signal for further strengthening of defenses. It was a constant arms and tactics race. Now it was not only about protecting the gold but also about preserving the reputation of absolute invincibility. His "Golden Turtle" became a symbol not only of strength but also of a challenge thrown down to the entire criminal world. And that challenge was accepted.
The Lord watched as his "Golden Turtles" roamed the expanses of the Empire, and pride filled his heart. His calculations had been correct. Despite all the tricks and desperate attempts of the robbers, the armored stagecoaches proved their almost absolute invulnerability.
The statistics spoke for themselves: for every hundred carefully planned attacks, only one—the rarest and most incredible—could end in partial or complete success for the robbers. This was a stunning indicator of the Lord's engineering and tactical victory.
Demonstration of Superiority: Every time the "Turtles" repelled an attack, it was not just the preservation of cargo—it was a demonstration of the indisputable superiority of the Lord's technology and discipline over the wild, chaotic force of the criminal world. These armored columns became a visible symbol of his unshakable power and reliability.
Crushing Losses for Robbers: The price for attempting to capture a "Turtle" was monstrous. Robbers died by the dozens under the hail of musket fire, unable to penetrate the multi-layered armor or withstand a prolonged battle against well-trained and armed defenders. The bodies left on the roads after failed raids served as a grim warning to all who would dare to encroach on the Lord's gold.
Eradication of "Minor" Threats: The vast majority of small and medium-sized gangs, seeing the futility and deadliness of such attacks, permanently abandoned the idea of attacking the gold convoys. They returned to robbing less valuable but more vulnerable targets, leaving the "Turtles" alone. The roads controlled by the Lord's patrols became a danger zone for them, not hunting grounds.
Paradoxically, this low percentage of successful captures not only strengthened the legend of the "Golden Turtles'" invulnerability but also gave rise to new, darker legends about the few who somehow managed to achieve the impossible.
Legendary Stagecoaches: The "Turtles" themselves began to be shrouded in myths. It was said that they were made not just of wood and metal, but of the bones of ancient dragons, that they were cursed for all who dared to touch them, or that inside them were not ordinary soldiers, but ghosts. They were nicknamed the "Indestructible Chariots of the Lord of the North."
Iconic Robbers: The rare robber who managed to capture a "Golden Turtle"—even if it was a partial success, or if he just managed to escape with a small portion of the gold—was instantly elevated to the status of an icon in the criminal world. His name was whispered with reverence and fear in every den. Stories of such "lucky ones" were passed down by word of mouth, embellished with incredible details, fueling the dreams of others for immense wealth and eternal glory. They were few, but their existence kept the smoldering fire of hope alive in the hearts of the most desperate.
Thus, the Lord not only solved the problem of transportation security, he created a system that itself became part of his myth. The "Golden Turtles" carried not only gold, but also his legend, strengthening his power in both consciousness and reality.
This was a natural and predictable development. Human nature, driven by the search for security and profit, always gravitates towards the most protected and prosperous centers.
As soon as the fame of the practically invulnerable "Golden Turtles" spread along the roads of the Empire, and it became clear that attempts to rob these armored fortresses resulted in a bloody massacre for the robbers, other merchants and trade caravans began to show a keen interest. They saw how the Lord's stagecoaches, albeit slowly but surely, passed through the most dangerous areas, while their own cargoes became easy prey.
Seeking Protection: No one wanted to risk their goods and the lives of their people. Whereas merchants had previously relied on the imperial guard, which was increasingly small and ineffective, or on their own modest mercenary detachments, now they saw a living embodiment of reliable protection. Joining the Lord's convoy meant a near-complete guarantee of safety.
Economic Benefit: The losses from robbers were enormous. Every stolen cargo, every lost wagon, was a direct loss. Merchants quickly calculated that even a small fee for escort or simply following in the wake of the "Turtles" was far more profitable than the risk of losing everything.
Formation of "Living Shields": Soon, this became common practice. Trade caravans, loaded with various goods—from fabrics and spices to livestock and artisanal products—began to gather at designated points to join the "Golden Turtle" convoys. They positioned themselves around the armored stagecoaches, using them as "living shields." Robbers, seeing the impregnable "Turtles" at the center of the convoy, rarely dared to attack at all, for they knew they would meet organized resistance. Even if they did attack, their main attention was focused on the "Turtles," leaving the other caravans a better chance of survival.
This phenomenon had enormous consequences for the Lord's influence.
Control over Trade: He effectively took control not only of gold transportation but also of a significant part of all intercity trade in the Empire. Now he dictated the terms.
Additional Income: Many merchants voluntarily paid for the right to travel in his convoy, or made agreements with the "Golden Shields" to insure their cargoes, which brought him additional profit.
Source of Information: Merchants, constantly traveling throughout the Empire, were a valuable source of information. Now, gathering around the "Turtles," they unwittingly shared news, rumors, and important information about the situation in various regions, which Green undoubtedly used for his spy network.
Enhancement of Status: His reputation as a protector of trade and stability grew to celestial heights. The "Lord of the North" became associated not only with power and wealth but also with security and order.
The "Golden Turtles" became not just a means of delivering gold, but a magnet, attracting all the commercial life of the Empire, turning the Lord's trade routes into arteries that fed his unseen empire.
The Lord's foresight and strategic genius proved prophetic. The "Golden Turtles" system and their group tactics created such a powerful barrier that few dared to challenge it. Indeed, the number of successful raids on gold convoys dwindled to a negligible minimum, and the very attempt to attack became a sign of either complete madness or an exceptional, almost mythical organization.
Exclusivity of Aggressors: Ordinary robbers, small and medium-sized gangs, completely disappeared from the routes traveled by the "Golden Turtles." They understood that any attempt would be suicide. Now, only the following dared to attack:
- Legendary Chieftains: Leaders of the largest and oldest robber clans, possessing significant resources, dozens, and sometimes hundreds of fighters, and decades of experience in organizing large-scale operations. For them, it was not so much about robbery as a matter of honor and preserving their reputation in the criminal world.
- Externally Funded Detachments: Rumors circulated that some attacks might have been organized and even financed by certain external forces—perhaps agents of the Emperor (though he could hardly afford it), or competing merchant guilds, or even secret societies seeking to undermine the Lord's influence. These attacks were well-planned, using advanced traps and even some tactical cunning, which indicated preparation and resources unavailable to ordinary robbers.
Their Rarity—The Lord's Strength: Fortunately, there were very few such large and well-organized gangs capable of gathering sufficient forces and resources to storm the "Golden Turtles." Their appearance on the roads was an event discussed for months, and their failures only strengthened the Lord's reputation.
A Symbol of Control: This extremely low percentage of successful attacks, in fact, only emphasized the Lord's absolute dominance. The roads became his. Gold flowed through his arteries. And the rare exceptions only confirmed the rule: order reigned in the North, and he established that order. Every failed raid on a "Golden Turtle" was not just a victory, but a demonstration of the futility of resisting his power.
Thus, the "Golden Turtles" not only solved the problem of gold transportation security but also became a visible symbol of his unshakable power, strengthening his unseen empire in the eyes of everyone: from simple merchants to the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Emperor himself.
This thought is not just possible—it suggests itself. The Patriarch of Constantinople, trapped by his own anathema and powerless in direct confrontation, could well resort to such dirty methods. The Lord's suspicions were well-founded. For the Patriarch and the Imperial Church, in a state of desperation and humiliation due to his growing influence and the theft of the Girdle of the Theotokos, financing robber gangs could be the last, desperate lever of pressure.
The main goal was not so much to obtain the gold (though that would have been a pleasant bonus) as to undermine the economic foundation of the "Honey Mug." If gold transportation became too dangerous, it would weaken the Lord's "Golden Shields," undermine confidence in his currency, and ultimately diminish his power over the Emperor. Each captured "Golden Turtle" stagecoach would be not only a financial but also a huge reputational blow, weakening the legend of the Lord's invincibility and impeccable security.
Furthermore, chaos on the trade routes was advantageous to the Imperial Church. Creating disorder that the Lord of the North would have to suppress would divert his resources and attention from further strengthening his spiritual authority and financial expansion. The Patriarch could not rely on the Emperor, whose treasury was empty and whose army was unreliable. Secretly financing robbers was a way to act without directly involving the weakened imperial power in an open conflict with the Lord.
The Patriarch, naturally, would not directly contact criminal elements. He would use trusted intermediaries—perhaps disgraced nobles, disgruntled merchants, or even corrupt officials of the Imperial Church who had connections in the criminal world. Instead of simply "ordering" robberies, the Patriarch could provide gangs not only with money but also with valuable information about convoy routes, obtained through his spy networks, which had surely infiltrated some "Golden Shields" or merchants cooperating with the Lord. This would explain the high level of organization and targeted strikes of these rare, large gangs.
Rumors could be spread that the Church, though through anathema, had "blessed" those who would stand against the "heretical" Lord of the North and his "desecrated" Girdle. This could be used to attract fanatics or those seeking justification for their crimes. It also cannot be ruled out that these gangs acquired equipment unusual for robbers—higher quality weapons, rare potions, or even primitive gunpowder devices that could have been secretly purchased or manufactured with church resources.
Such a suspicion required immediate verification. Green, as the master of intrigue and head of the Lord's spy network, was to be immediately instructed to begin a deep investigation. He had to find the threads leading from the large gangs to their secret patrons to reveal who was pulling these dirty strings. If it was confirmed that it was the hand of the Patriarch, the Lord would have a new, powerful trump card for his further weakening and discrediting in the eyes of the faithful whom he was trying to use for his own ends.
The Lord was absolutely right. His composure and strategic thinking did not allow him to succumb to momentary emotions. Indeed, if the Patriarch was involved, his actions, in light of the 1-in-100 statistic, looked extremely ineffective and wasteful.
The Lord's reaction to the suggestion of the Patriarch's involvement was restrained and calculating. He did not raise an alarm, did not rush into retaliatory actions that could betray his suspicions and possibly provoke the Patriarch into more sophisticated or large-scale steps. The Lord's thought was crystal clear: "Even if it is the Patriarch, he is spending too much. Dozens, if not hundreds, of bandits die in every attack on the 'Turtles,' their resources are depleted, and their income is paltry compared to the costs of organizing such large-scale raids."
The Lord understood perfectly well that even the Church, for all its power, did not have inexhaustible resources for such a hopeless "war on the roads." Moreover, he realized that every unsuccessful attack on the "Golden Turtles," even if sanctioned by the Patriarch, only strengthened the Lord's legend and discredited his attempts. The deaths of hundreds of "blessed" bandits under musket fire served as much better proof of his righteousness than any anathemas.
The Lord's reaction was minimal on the surface, but not entirely absent. He merely reinforced his order to Green to continue his investigations without attracting undue attention or making waves.
"Find the threads, Green," he might have said to him, "but do it quietly, like a shadow. If the Patriarch's hand is indeed reaching for the robbers, I need proof, not rumors. For now, let them continue to waste their resources. Every failure of theirs is our victory."
Perhaps the Lord also gave instructions for the discreet strengthening of internal security at the "Golden Shields" and the "Honey Mug" to identify potential informants without revealing his suspicions. This did not mean panic, but merely heightened vigilance.
Thus, the Lord chose the path of patience and covert opposition. The Patriarch, if he was indeed financing these gangs, was playing on the Lord's territory and by his rules, not realizing that each of his failures only strengthened the Lord's power and depleted his own resources. The Lord allowed him to continue this senseless waste, knowing full well that time was on his side, not on the Patriarch's smoldering hatred.
While the Patriarch of Constantinople was futilely trying to undermine the Lord's power through bandits, and the Lord was coolly observing his profligacy, the "false archbishop" Tuk, as he was called in the South, continued to steadily strengthen his power in the North, turning it into a true stronghold of a new, pragmatic faith.
Father Tuk, with his characteristic mix of pastoral care and strategic calculation, used every aspect of the current situation to enhance the influence of the Northern Church.
The People's Archbishop: He actively traveled throughout the principality and the lands of his vassals, not limiting himself to just the "Honey Mug." Unlike the imperial hierarchs, he did not travel in luxurious carriages but often moved on foot or in a modest wagon, communicating with ordinary people in their own language. He listened to their troubles, gave practical advice on farming, and helped resolve disputes. His heavy, iron-shod staff, usually lying nearby, only emphasized his earthly, pragmatic character and his readiness to protect his flock.
Miracles and Prophecies (Northern Style): Father Tuk did not perform ostentatious, dubious miracles. His "miracles" were tangible and understandable to the northern people. He healed wounds from bandit attacks or mountain accidents using his knowledge of herbal medicine and field surgery. He prayed for the harvest, and when a rich harvest was indeed gathered (thanks to the Lord's competent agrarian reforms), it was attributed to his blessing. He prophesied the prosperity of the North and the downfall of those who opposed it, and every failed raid on the "Golden Turtles" only confirmed his words.
Expansion of Parishes: Under his leadership, new, albeit modest, churches and chapels of the Northern Church began to be built in every reasonably large settlement. They were simpler and more functional than the imperial ones, but their doors were always open, and the priests did not demand a tithe, living on community support and centralized subsidies from the "Honey Mug." This created a sense of accessibility and closeness of faith to the people.
Education and Enlightenment: Father Tuk understood the importance of knowledge. In each new church, schools for children were opened, where they were taught not only literacy but also the foundations of the pragmatic northern faith, respect for labor, and loyalty to the Lord of the North. Adults were offered evening readings and discussions, where the advantages of the new church and the meaninglessness of anathemas from distant Constantinople were explained in simple terms.
Use of the Girdle of the Theotokos: The Girdle of the Theotokos itself became a powerful tool. From time to time, under the strictest security, fragments of the Girdle (or its copies, no one could say for sure) were sent on pilgrimage tours to remote villages. This generated unprecedented enthusiasm and devotion; people felt part of a great event, blessed by the very relic that the Imperial Church had declared a fake.
Undermining the Imperial Church from Within: Father Tuk maintained secret ties with disgruntled priests of the Imperial Church throughout the Empire. He offered them refuge, training, and the opportunity to join the Northern Church, gradually winning over more and more clergy to his side.
Thus, while the Patriarch was throwing money away on senseless attacks, Father Tuk was building an invisible but far more durable empire—an empire of spirit and devotion that grew stronger every day, deepening the schism and making it irreversible. The North was becoming not just an independent principality, but a new spiritual center, challenging the thousand-year-old traditions of Constantinople.
The Lord had noted it correctly. Father Tuk's expansion of parishes was not just the construction of churches, but a direct and open competition with the Imperial Church that was fundamentally changing the religious landscape of the Empire. It was a battle for souls, for influence, and ultimately, for power.
Every new chapel, every new parish of the Northern Church that appeared on the lands of the Lord's vassals and even beyond, was a direct challenge to the established order.
The main weapon of the Northern Church was its freedom from church duties and taxes. While the priests of the Imperial Church continued to demand tithes and fees for baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other rites, Father Tuk's parishes offered all of this for free, thanks to generous support from the "Honey Mug." For the common people, exhausted by taxes and levies, this was an unimaginable relief and a powerful incentive to switch to the side of the Northern Church.
The new churches were simpler, more accessible, and cozier. They did not overwhelm with their grandeur but invited people in. Services were conducted in the native language, sermons were understandable and down-to-earth, addressing the immediate needs of the parishioners. This was in stark contrast to the pompous, often incomprehensible rituals of the Imperial Church.
The priests of the Northern Church, trained by Father Tuk, were not just clerics but true shepherds. They knew their flock, lived among them, helped them in difficulties, and showed empathy and understanding. They were part of the people, not detached dignitaries.
The natural consequence was a massive flow of parishioners from the Imperial Church to the Northern one. Entire villages and even city quarters, tired of exactions and indifference, began to secretly or openly switch their spiritual allegiance to Father Tuk. The churches of the Imperial Church emptied, their revenues plummeted, causing rage and despair among their clergy.
Such blatant competition caused serious internal friction and even schisms within the Imperial Church itself. Many young and idealistic priests, as well as those dissatisfied with the corruption and ambition of their hierarchs, began to doubt the righteousness of their path. Some of them, risking everything, secretly contacted Father Tuk, seeking ways to move to the North, attracted by his vision of a true, popular faith.
The Imperial Church could not ignore this challenge. Their reaction was a mixture of desperation and aggression. They doubled their anathemas and curses, calling Father Tuk the "Antichrist" and his followers "minions of the devil." In their sermons, their priests tried to frighten parishioners with heavenly punishments, but this only alienated people who saw that "punishments" fell upon those who tried to attack the "Golden Turtles," not on the prosperous North. They tried to use their extensive network of informants to identify and punish "apostates." However, many of these informants were already working for Green, or simply did not want to mess with the power of the Lord of the North. There were isolated cases where particularly zealous imperial priests tried to incite mobs or organize attacks on new parishes of the Northern Church, but they were quickly suppressed by the Lord's guards, and the culprits were subjected to harsh but exemplary punishment.
While the Imperial Church insisted on strict fasts, multi-day abstinences, self-flagellation, and other ascetic practices as a path to salvation, the Northern Church offered a completely different, more life-affirming approach.
Life as a Blessing: Father Tuk preached that life is a gift from God, and enjoying its fruits is not sinful but pious, if done with gratitude and moderation. He taught that the hard labor of northerners is in itself a form of service, and hearty food and strong drinks are a deserved reward for this labor, necessary to maintain strength and spirit.
Absence of Fasts: There were no strict, exhausting fasts in the Northern Church. Father Tuk argued that true faith lies in the purity of the heart and good deeds, not in starvation, which only weakens the body and mind, distracting a person from creative labor. This was especially important for farmers and warriors who required physical strength.
Condemnation of Self-Flagellation: The practice of self-flagellation, so popular in some fanatical circles of the Imperial Church, was categorically rejected. Father Tuk called it "pagan superstition," "harming the body—the temple of the Lord," and preached that repentance should be spiritual, not physical.
Feasts and Communities: Instead of gloomy rituals, the Northern Church emphasized joyful holidays, often accompanied by generous feasts and communal merrymaking. These events strengthened the bonds between people, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. The "Honey Mug" tavern, although transformed into a fortress-city, retained its name and spirit of hospitality, symbolizing this openness.
This radical difference in doctrine had a colossal impact. The common people, and many nobles too, breathed a sigh of relief. They no longer had to choose between faith and a comfortable, well-fed life. The Northern Church offered them both. This led to an even more massive exodus of parishioners from the Imperial Church, which began to seem outdated, cruel, and distant from the realities of life.
The younger generation, tired of the old dogmas, found the Northern Church modern and attractive. It spoke their language and offered a clear and life-affirming faith. In the eyes of many, the Imperial Church with its fasts and self-flagellation became associated with gloom, need, and backwardness, while the Northern Church was associated with prosperity, abundance, and progress.
This approach to faith fit organically into the harsh but life-loving culture of the North. It strengthened the unique identity of your lands, making them not just a separate principality, but also the center of a new, attractive spiritual force. Father Tuk, consciously or intuitively, created a Church that was perfectly adapted to its people, offering them not a burden, but support. It was a Church that did not turn away from the world, but sought to make it better, starting with the everyday needs of the individual. And this philosophy brought it more and more followers.
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