Ab Antiquo

Posted: **Tue Dec 24, 2024 4:59 pm**

Good evening,

I would like to formally introduce myself for those of you whom I have not had the honor of meeting in any shape or form. My name is Drew Morais, or as some people have known me to go by within the city I have been a part of for the last seventeen or so years, as drewbeary.

During my time in this city, I have been part of various groups, events, and organizations in a multitude of ways, but recently I have decided to forge a path that is truly my own and grow as an individual, something I have never been brave enough to do before. It is no secret that I have taken my first oath of neutrality and joined the peacekeeper’s guild well over a month ago and I plan to continue on this path and take the next two levels of understanding of how to move amongst this city and its occupants in peace, understanding, and compassion. Those are but a few of my personal ‘pillars’ in which I am focusing on as my journey continues. If you are interested in learning more of my ideologies, I would be happy to meet with anyone to expand more upon them.

But, alas, neutrality and peace does come with various sacrifices and prices. Some are internal, but as we all know, everything does have a cost within the city. As I delve deeper into the intricacies of neutrality and peace, I find myself facing challenges that I had never imagined before. I recall an offer being made by a group that stated if anyone wishes to don a cloak that they would support this endeavor. What an amazing and supportive group of people these individuals are to acknowledge that all types of walks are accepted amongst the citizens of Ravenblack and this group personally. And so, here I am, seeking this financial support to acquire the last two levels of my neutrality and the education the guild will provide me on how to walk this path long after I take my last oath and attain my last level within the guild.

I can promise you (general), as I navigate the challenges and obstacles that come with my new path, I am constantly reminded of the importance of staying true to my values and beliefs. The city can be a dangerous and unpredictable place, but I am determined to uphold my commitment to peace and understanding in all situations.

I have already learned so much during my time in the peacekeeper’s guild, and I am eager to continue my training and education. The knowledge and skills I am acquiring will not only benefit me personally but will hopefully also allow me to make a positive impact on the community as a whole.

I understand that asking for financial support is a big request, but I believe that with the help of others, I can achieve my goals and become the best version of myself. I am committed to transparency and accountability, and I will gladly share updates on my progress with those who offer their support. If anyone is interested in my current work within the guild, I am happy to meet with you and if anyone is interested in knowing my plans for after I receive all my training, I am also happy to meet with you as well.

Regards,

Drew Morais

Posted: **Tue Dec 24, 2024 5:59 pm**

You have my number. I'd love to support you on this endeavour, drew. Good for you.

Posted: **Wed Dec 25, 2024 12:13 am**

The Path of a Peacekeeper is not one easily undertaken. I admire your courage, both in stepping onto it and in reaching out to others to aid you in it. I am delighted to see the city taking small steps towards healing with every passing day. Should you need any further assistance or even just an ear, both the Nightwatch and I personally would be happy to be there for you.

Love and respect,

Everly Ailios de Draak, Acting Co-Commander of the Nightwatch

Posted: **Wed Dec 25, 2024 1:42 am**

It's unfortunate your 'pillars' didn't apply to me when I donned a BattleCloak and caused a rift so large you severed me for it.

Good luck, anyway.

Perhaps pawning your weapons will help you with your financial woes.

Posted: **Wed Dec 25, 2024 5:37 am**

Bellona,

First, I would like to thank you for your warm wishes on my journey down the path of Peacekeeper. Secondly, I would like to address your statement about severing you because of your battlecloak. People are allowed to learn, grow, and change. I am not the same person I was five years ago, three years ago, one year ago, or even six months ago and neither are you or anyone for that matter. All we can do is strive to be better and put our money where our mouths are, and I can assure you and anyone else reading this, that I am doing just that. That I have changed my understanding of individuals who put on any cloak within the city and that proof remains with a childe of mine who took a cloak some time ago, still remains cloaked, and remains tied to me. Again, all we can do is learn from misconceptions or poor information from those in which we have learned things from and be better. Which is why I am walking this path with no ties to anyone above me who can sway my thoughts, perceptions, or cheapen my value or worth simply because I no longer wish to be part of something that hurts people. I am sorry for the hurt I caused you and can only promise to be better, which I believe I am trying to be. I wish you great success and happiness on your new path and hope you receive the support you deserve that I was unable to give you back then.

---

Everly,

Thank you for your words and support. I am afraid I do not know much about you, and that means you know nothing about me, but what I do know is that you could have opted to not read this or read it and not reply, but you replied offering support and understanding. And so for that, if at any point you are interested in my journey, I would be happy to share it with you-the good, the bad, and the ugly, should such things exist at any point. We can meet publicly or privately at any point as I have nothing to hide. I do not and cannot ever speak for the guild as a whole, as everyone’s journey to peace and neutrality is different and I am still a very young and very new member to its rankings, but I can speak of my own progress within it and the changes I wish to make within myself and then extending those changes outwardly to others. All are welcome on this journey of mine, and any guidance or advice you may have is deeply appreciated.

Each day, each hour, heck, even each minute brings new opportunities for growth and learning, and I am grateful for the support of those who stand by me on this path. I have encountered skepticism and doubt from some, from those close to me and those whom know little about me personally, who question my motives and my commitment to this new path. But I know that true change comes from within, and I am determined to prove to myself, those who believe in me, and all others that I can be a force for good in this city.

---

Finally, Oberon,

Thank you for your unexpected kind words and support as well. I did have someone reach out to me privately and offer to help me financially as I continue through the teachings of the guild, however, my offer to share what I have learned remains extended to you as well should you find yourself interested. Again, as I stated to Everly, this is my journey and I'm certain no two journeys are alike, yet, I am happy to share what that journey looks like.

Posted: **Wed Dec 25, 2024 10:28 am**

Are not those with neutrality not allowed to accept coin from non-neutral parties?

Posted: **Wed Dec 25, 2024 5:21 pm**

NEUTRALITY

The Peacekeepers Guild provides this option to vampires who have a genuine desire to no longer engage in warfare. This power prevents its user from using weapons and reduces the damage of all incoming attacks, with the final level reducing even Holy Water to just 1 pint of damage. Vampires with this power also can not give or receive coins from vampires without it. And in final regards to Thieving - when robbing or being robbed, all loot is automatically halved on both ends.

It should also be noted that Scrolls of Turning can be used on or by the Neutral vampire; while no damage is dealt with them, the movement effect will remain in place.

To quote Liander's post here

So no, we cannot. It is another reason many must choose to reflect inwards before making their decision to take on this power.

drew, if I read correctly, you have already been offered assistance financially. However if you ever want to further discuss your journey or hear about mine and what I do since choosing the path of neutrality, feel free to reach out.

Either way. I wish you the best on your endeavors.

Posted: **Wed Dec 25, 2024 7:25 pm**

drew wrote: ↑
Wed Dec 25, 2024 5:37 am
Bellona,

[...] and hope you receive the support you deserve [...]

I do have the support I deserve now in a family and with a sire that does not frown upon me for the cloak I wear or hold it against me despite the lineage as a whole being a warring one.

People are allowed to grow and change - in fact they should, because otherwise would equal stagnation and rot. However, it doesn't erase the past or what you've done and said before.

I do truly hope that this journey of yours is legitimate and that you do honestly grow and become a better person for it despite no longer being a part of your life, though.

Posted: **Thu Dec 26, 2024 1:34 pm**

Dez,

Thank you for your support and insight on this path, see, old dogs can learn new tricks (or things in this instance). However, my post isn't just about asking for people to empty pockets or banks for me, it's also offering a relationship of sorts. Since I'm traveling down this path, if people are interested in what that path looks like, I am happy to share my first hand information, just as Ohana had done for me, and just as my mentor in Ferrymen had done, then. I believe that transparency, open communication, and understanding are crucial in building a community that finds value in peace as it finds values in other ways of life. So, if anyone wishes to join me on this journey, whether through financial support or simply through conversation, or sharing personal experiences, know that your presence is welcomed and appreciated. Know that I may also be contacting you soon-if you mentioned being open to communication in your post.

With every step I take along this path of neutrality and peace, I am reminded of the power of transformation and growth. The challenges I face may be great, but my determination to stay true to MY values is even greater. And as I continue to learn and evolve, I hope to inspire others to learn and evolve, as it’s never too late to learn new things (as pointed out). Thank you to all who have shown me support and encouragement thus far.

In solidarity,

Drew Morais

Posted: **Fri Dec 27, 2024 7:08 pm**

To see your willingness for transparency and ready acceptance of support is nothing short of inspiring, Drew. You and I have spoken at length and will continue to, and what was spoken in confidence privately will remain as much, on my vow. Still, it would be a slight against my heart not to say how impressed I am by you the more I've gotten to know you over these last few months. The beacon of light within you will continue illuminating all who look to you. At every step of the way, Luciano and I will be there should you need anything at all and I do hope you take every hand reaching to meet yours, as the lessons learned from diverse perspectives are so invaluable, I find.

Be well and I wish you strength in your convictions as you forge them.

Ab Antiquo

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