A Letter

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn tried to picture the area in which the heretic was.

"Who holds that land, Father?"

[GM Craig]

"No one. The land in question falls under Salisbury, but the building they call a church is in the wilds of the Selwood, north of the Wells-Sarum road, and west of Warminster. A small village has grown up around the makeshift church, though it is mostly threadbare tents and huts made from branches. I can provide a guide to lead you through the forest, if you will take up this charge."

[Cedwyn]

[ooc: for my reference, how much power does the church wield? Is this something that he could plausibly refuse and suffered no repercussions? Are there favors to be had for doing the church bidding?]

[GM Craig]

The Church at this time gains most of it's power on loan from those who follow it. The King and Earl Rodrick are not particularly devout, so the Bishop of Salisbury has a position similar to a counsellor or noble in the Earl's service. The fact that the Earl did not charge you with this task means you should be free to refuse it.

Should the Church become elevated in prominence in some way, there may be future repercussions. But as things stand now, you should have no mundane fears about refusing the Church. The spiritual concerns I leave to you to interpret.

Having said that, doing this would earn you favour with the bishop, and while you have little to fear from him, having someone in his position singing your praises certainly would not hurt your standing with the Earl.

[Cedwyn]

“How many followers has he?”

[GM Craig]

"Perhaps two dozen, perhaps fifty at most."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn nodded. How to handle 50 heretics?

"All are sentenced to death for heresy? Is there a particular method by which they are to be given over to God's judgment?"

[Do I take my militia after them?]

[GM Craig]

[Yes, you can press your serfs into service.]

"You may use whatever method proves the most expedient. The Church has already conducted a trial, and they have defied the judgement against them. We do not seek a constable in this matter, Sir Cedwyn, but an executioner."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn considered this.

“I think it is within my power to bring justice amd the Church’s judgment to the heretic. I will start with their leader or whomsoever blocks my path to him. If the remainder repent of the error, I see no teason to judge them the same. If they do not repent, then, the judgment applies. What do you think?”

[GM Craig]

He frowns a moment. "As a vassal of the Earl, judgement is your to mete out as you see fit, of course. If any of the followers repent their ways and renounce their leader, the Church would welcome them back, after a suitable penance. Our primary concern is the leader who has led them astray, and evaded his just punnishment."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn nodded, “Then God’s justice be upon them. It will be done as soon as I can gather my militia. Sir Artaigne may be able to help as well.”

[GM Craig]

He seems to relax, and bows his head for a moment before answering you.

"God speed you then, Sir Cedwyn. Might I trespass upon your hospitality until you return, so I may make a report to the Bishop as soon as possible?"

[Cedwyn]

“Of course, feel free to acquaint yourself with Sir Artainge as well. His is my guest for the winter.”