#crisisoffaith

[atlemont]

Serious crisis of faith. What type of messed up God created a world where children are so harmed they want to hurt, kill, or attack themselves or others. Who would allow for the trauma our kids have? What on earth could be the possible purpose of that pain?

[chameleon-gir1]

Introduction to “Crisis of Faith”

Long ago, in the age of magic and dragons, corruption spread across the land. Gone were the days of safety, stability, and freedom; in its place came destruction and a race to power. A vicious plot unfolds in the Northern Elven territory, one big enough to shake the core of the political system. At the center of it all, one adventuring party takes a stand. Will they uncover the terrible truths, and if so, at what cost to themselves? 

The Characters

The story follows a half-elven paladin named Veora, but called Vee for short. She worships the mighty Amena, an elven god of light, valor, and justice. Veora was born in the Southern Elven lands, which are infamously known for their racism against all non-elves. When Vee’s mother died during childbirth, she and her human father were cast out of the Elven kingdom, and Veora was marked as an abomination. Growing up, her father told stories about her mother and how she believed Veora was destined for greatness. Her father showed her a book on prophecies and firmly believed Vee’s birth was a sign from Amena herself. Because of this, Vee’s father pushed her into joining the faith. Now, although Veora loves her goddess and is always willing to fight for a just cause, she can’t help but feel something isn’t right. Other events from her past haunt her, and with the current conspiracy unfolding in the North, Veora is starting to grow impatient in her faith and distrusting of the prophecy. 

Fighting alongside Veora is her spouse, Kevan, called Kev for short. He is a half-orc monk of Amena. The two bonded over their faith and backgrounds. Kev has always been mocked and harassed because of his heritage. Across the lands, orcs are notoriously known for being nothing more than brutish barbarians. In Kevan’s case, this is farthest from the truth. Kevan is patient and forgiving, sometimes to a fault. Sometimes he can be rather goofy, and he can’t say no to spirits. Kevan is a loving and supportive husband, even when Veora feels she doesn’t deserve it. Kev is always sure of himself...until the recent plot began brewing in the North. Now he finds himself torn between fairness and anger. He faces an internal struggle of doing what is right and looking like the brute everyone assumes him to be, or turning a blind eye, thus not honoring the person he is. 

Along for the ride is Torrin Stormbringer, a dwarven inquistor with an axe to grind (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun). Torrin has long been a friend of Veora’s and a drinking buddy to Kevan. Torrin was raised by his father, who was banished from the Southern Dwarven city after it was discovered he was selling brewing secrets to the capital. The banishment followed shortly after Torrin’s mother died of unknown causes. To this day, Torrin doesn’t know why his father sold the secret recipe or anything surrounding the circumstances of his mother’s death. During the chaos ensuing up North, Torrin receives word that his mother might still be alive. 

Following the party is Warren Peace (his stage name), a Gnomish bard. He stumbled upon the group by accident and found them too interesting to leave. Warren’s life is shadowed in mystery, and he likes it that way. Warren is rather distrusting and suspicious, which makes him perfectly matched while uncovering the conspiracy at the Northern Elven city. Overall, Warren’s demeanor is easygoing, fun, and free, but inside stirs a secret that haunts him. 

The last main member of the party is Kelethios, Kel for short. Kel’s entire character is shrouded in mystery, and I hesitate to say much because of spoilers. But, I will say that he becomes Warren’s closest companion and a valued member of the group. (Kel is also my favorite, besides Vee, and I will protect him with my life, okay.)

[thegurlwhoplayedwithfire]

I’m done with trying to have faith when it’s impossible

When you know the actual history of Jesus on the cross and how he actually wasn’t crucified for your sins but because the Romans deemed him an enemy of the state and that crusifixtion was the punishment for being an enemy of the state....you just can’t put faith into it. And that Jesus wasn’t the only one to be born of a virgin,die and then resurrect after 3 days-many pagan gods have the exact same story-you can’t put faith into it. I’m one who has to have some sort of spiritual path or I feel empty but I just can’t go back to Christianity as much as I deep in my heart want to and feel envious of those who have faith and utter devotion puts me in utter despair that I can never be that way again. This is what happens when you’re a history and comparative religion buff🤷‍♀️😢

[chameleon-gir1]

A Meeting of Old Friends

This excerpt is the first scene of the first chapter in “Crisis of Faith”. It opens in a beloved meeting place and a reunion between old friends takes place. 

Draft: First

Chapter: One

Word Count: 1,135

Tag List: @cluelessbuttercup @cheyennechristine

If you would like to be added to the tag list, please let me know! I’m also open to any feedback you may have. Everything helps me improve :)

Among the towering, glistening cathedrals, bustling markets, and sprawling abodes in the capital metropolis Marniwyn, there once was a quaint and quiet tavern tucked away. Simply named The Drink Trough, it was a popular spot among the locals. Many were in the tavern before high noon to cool down from the steaming, sticky heat with a frothy ale. The Alaewynd Islands were notorious for their constantly sweltering climate. However, temperatures in the Aroa District where the capital stood reached far beyond common comfort. The Drink Trough was a sanctuary to those out in the blistering sun all day. The most beloved feature of the tavern was the minimal amount of foreign traffic. Those visiting the city for work or play often frequented more well-known and desirable establishments. 

Smashed between a cobbler and cartographer’s shop, The Drink Trough stood proudly. The single glass window was smudged and paint peeled from the sign. The door had rusty hinges, decades-old paint, and splintering wood. Inside wasn’t much of an improvement. The bar stools and tables were old and worn. Random pieces of outdated art lined the walls with a thick layer of dust clinging to them. Everything seemed to be from another era entirely. Still, patrons laughed and sang as they played cards and drank. The servers refilled mugs before they were empty. There was a feeling of comradery among each guest. Best of all, the beverages served were of the highest quality and Jorgon the barkeep presented them in frosted mugs to keep them cold longer. 

It was at The Drink Trough where Veroa Crast spent most of her time whenever visiting Marniwyn. She couldn’t keep her husband, Kevan away from his usual spot at the countertop. So, beside him she sat while he guzzled down some of the top-rated spirits and she enjoyed a break from her ever-demanding order. To many locals and foreigners alike, the pairing seemed unbelievable. Veora, the stunning, stern-lipped half-elf paladin, clad in armor from head to toe, appeared the opposite of Kevan, the hulking, jovial half-orc monk. The only obvious common ground the couple shared was a devotion to the sun goddess Amena, who ruled over the domains of valor, justice, and honor. They each proudly displayed her holy symbol; a flaming longsword. Veora had it painted onto her breastplate and shield while Kevan wore it in the form of an amulet around his neck. The couple frequented Marniwyn often, usually on duty by their sacred order. One day, while picking up their next set of tasks given by the Order, Kevan and Veora stopped by The Drink Trough to quench their thirst. 

Kevan strolled in confidently and slammed his fist on the countertop, a smile broadly stretched from cheek to cheek. “Jorgon, I’ll have my usual!”

The dwarven barkeep bustled toward him, an overflowing mug already in his short, thick hands. “Should I open the tab for ya, Kev?” he asked with a smile and a wink in Veora’s direction.

She answered for him, her voice barely breaking through the tavern chatter, “Not today. We’re working. Should be a quick in-and-out.”

Jorgon nodded. “Well, are ya gettin’ anything, m’lady?” Veora raised one hand and shook her head, the corners of her mouth turned downwards. She placed a golden coin on the countertop. Jorgon smiled, pocketed the coin, and hurried off to another customer.

While Kev drank and chatted endlessly with other patrons, Veora observed the tavern. Her eyes were instantly drawn to a stocky, dwarven man sat at a table against the wall. He was armored with a common breastplate and equipped with a long, thick axe. His long, mangled auburn hair reached past his shoulders, and his beard dipped to the center of his stomach. Two long braids sat atop his bushy beard, but it was not enough to tame the thick, tangled locks. Veora recognized the dwarf right away. She tugged on the elbow of Kev’s shirt and pointed, her face lit up with a smile. “Look! It’s Torrin – I’ve told you about him? We used to do jobs together, back when we were a lot younger,” she paused and took in more of his appearance. Kevan turned around to look in the direction of her slender finger. Torrin’s skin was darker and deep lines edged across his forehead. Strands of grey sprinkled his messy hair. Freckles and sunspots splashed over the bridge of his nose and around his eyes. Veora’s smile faded. “He hasn’t aged well,” she muttered to herself. 

Hearing his name, Torrin shifted and looked around the room. His honey-colored eyes met Veora’s gaze and he broke out into a toothy grin. “Vee! Is that you?” he yelled from across the bar. Veora nodded and ushered him over. 

“Well, in Amena’s name, how are ya?” Torrin asked, “It’s been ages.” Veora nodded. “Oh goodness, yes. It’s been too long. I’ve been staying busy.” “So’ve I. Busy keeps me out of trouble,” Torrin winked. “And what’s your name?” he asked, directing his attention to Kevan.

“Kevan, but you can call me Kev. I’m Vee’s husband.” 

Torrin’s eyes were wide, “Husband? Who would’ve thought Veora here would settle down? Good for you!” 

Veora laughed. “Well, what else would I have done? Become an old bachelor like you, wandering the lands during the day, shivering without the touch of a loved one at night?” she teased. 

“Oh, that’s just the way I like it,” Torrin chuckled, “But anyway, what brought ya to the city?”

“We just received a task from the Order, and we’re about to head out. We were told to come here first to meet up with an associate. What about you?” 

“Same here. The high priest wants me to look into the stones that popped up over some ways in the Elkin Forest. Said I was meeting some people, too.” Veora laughed. “Well, we’re here! That was our task as well! I don’t know why he didn’t just say it was you…”

Torrin waved his hand, “Oh, ya know that old coot. He probably thought it would be more fun to have us run into each other. He’s got a strange sense of humor. Guess it comes with being a high priest for, what, twelve-hundred years?” The two shared a long laugh over the image of the decrepit high priest, of whom no one knew for sure his age. He had been working at the temple of Amena since both were children. 

Kevan let out a small chuckle, “Guess we should get a move on, then?” He finished the rest of his drink in one long gulp and wiped the froth from his lips. “I’m ready when you are.” 

Torrin closed out his tab and Veora dropped another gold piece down on the table. The three shared goodbyes with Jorgon and headed out the door.

[chameleon-gir1]

Moodboard made for my WIP, Crisis of Faith. I feel like it emulates the major themes nicely, while still being vague and broad. Please let me know what you think; I’m new to moodboards :)

[thegurlwhoplayedwithfire]

I suppose nothing will ever fulfill me spiritually.

Here I am at probably my 100th crisis of faith. Really want to have a personal relationship with Jesus but I have a hard time going about that. Just in general I have so many issues within Christianity:

I find traditional churches and the liturgy boring(Catholic,Lutheran,Anglican etc)

I find the born again churches to be WAY too intense and there’s no actual structure to their services.(Pentecostal,Non-Denominational etc)

I don’t like other Christians. They tend to think in absolutes and ignorance.

I also don’t see myself going off grid with the Amish or Mennonites.

Also I know that the Jehovah Witnesses are a cult.

So I’m stuck nothing fulfills me nothing brings me comfort but I want so badly to believe....

[matteohudson]

Now Listening: Billy Talent - Crisis Of Faith. #billytalent #billytalentcrisisoffaith #crisisoffaith #rofgivenessiplusii #recklessparadise #ibegtodifferthiswillgetbetter #thewolf #reactor #judged #hangingoutwithallthewrongpeople #endofme #onelessproblem #foryou #2022 #2022album #punkrock #alternativerock #posthardcore #poppunk #nowlistening #nowplaying https://www.instagram.com/p/CZXrSn6o6js/?utm_medium=tumblr

[chameleon-gir1]

To piggyback on my last post, who could forget the best dude trio?! Here we have Warren (a gnome), Torrin (a dwarf...he grows into his beard), and Kelethios (Kel for short; an angsty lil elf).

In all honesty, Warren has my entire heart & I feel the need to protect him with my entire being.