Paladins of the Virgin Mary
From LanceaSanctum
Contents |
[edit] Other Names
- Templars of the Virgin
- Paladijnen van de Heilige Maagd
[edit] History
After The statue of Mother Mary of Antwerp cries tears of blood for the first time the Paladins are founded in 1322 AD to protect this statue. An underground chapel is build to house Her and to enable worship.
In 1356 AD they are also attached to the Prince's retinue and wil hereafter serve as bodyguards for an Invictus Prince of Antwerp or any highranking Sanctified that resides in or visits the City.
[edit] Present
- The Paladins are the Keepers and Custodians of the statue.
- It has been a long time since any pilgrim has come to the Chapel.
[edit] Testing
Schrouded in mystery as Paladins don't talk about the actuall tests once they passed them. But known to consist of Trials of 'Faith', 'Courage' and 'Skill'.
Trial of Faith: The Candidate is questioned about his/her motives for willing to join the Paladins.
Trials of Courage: The Candidate is confronted with his/hers fears.
Trials of Skill: The Candidate is tested about his fighting abilities and his insight in when to act and when not to.
[edit] The Chapel
The final place of interest in the city center is the Chapel of the Lancea Sanctum. When the St-Michielsabbey was destroyed in 1803, only a small subterranean section was preserved by the Lancea Sanctum (although the church itself has been rebuild by Kine). To this day, the old intimate chapel is the home of the Virgin of Antwerp, a wooden statue which reportedly has cried tears of blood on several occasions. The members of the Lancea Sanctum who are deemed worthy take turns guarding the chapel, allowing only the faithful inside. Here, the Lancea did hold masses for the annointed on a weekly basis, and performed its ancient rites. The Virgin of Antwerp is also the destination of pilgrims who seek to attone for their sins. They are allowed to pray at the statue, while being guarded by the Paladins.
But now, with the dwindling number of Lancea in Antwerp, there are but few who are Called and the Chapel is mostly empty.
[edit] Rumors
- Paladins often address the Virgin in their prayers.
- It is a strong believe among the Paladins that the Virgin will cry Tears of Blood when the Sanctified of Antwerp are in danger.
- Rumor has it that the bishop of Antwerp only reluctantly allowed the Paladins to exist as he believed them to be borderline heretics and has investigated them. By his Annointing as Archbishop of the Low Countries he openly found them not (borderline) heretical and pledged his support to the group.
- Is there even anyone who knows where the door is and how to unlock it? It's been so long since there were any reported visits to the Chapel.
[edit] Known Paladins
- Nadia Borremans
- Allaert (deceased)
- Esmeralda Vermeersch (deceased)
