Petition for Canonization of Prince Vorclaf Lasa'Sorvendig

Date: Kertandu, 3 Shorka 426

Dear High Priestess Tallis Elarial of the High Temple:

On 9 Skullcleaver 425, Ayoe Pengetahuantuhan, hagiographer of the High Temple, published the first volume of the Hagiography of Elanthian Saints.  This work describes some of the saints that were revered during the Imperial era before this practice fell out of fashion for political reasons.

It has been nearly 600 years since the High Temple elevated anyone to sainthood.  I believe that the faithful would benefit from seeing formal recognition of those who have exemplified the virtue of faith.

As you well know, much of the population has grown apathetic about the divine, with many giving little thought to the gods except when they seek favor for resurrection.  Some even openly mock the gods, comparing them to demons and their servants to necromancers.  Increasingly, people are turning away from the gods to practice the heresy of necromancy, or at the very least have shown a willingness to aid and defend necromancers.

What better time to recognize the glory of righteous living and the sacrifices of those who have given their lives to combat evil?

There is one name I would like to put forth for the council's consideration: Prince Vorclaf Lasa'Sorvendig.

Prince Vorclaf became acquainted with the danger of necromancy as a young man, when his cousin Sirolarn usurped the throne after using a necromantic poison to assassinate Vorclaf's father, Belirendrick III, the rightful ruler of Zoluren and namesake of the current prince.  The unpleasant task of executing his cousin for treason fell to Prince Vorclaf, who carried out his duty without wavering.

29 years into Prince Vorclaf's reign, the Necromancer Lyras, who had made a deal with the Hunger, corrupted the Barrier that had imprisoned her in the West and began assaulting the lands of eastern Kermoria.  A third of the population was lost, and many of the dead suffered the indignity of being raised as undead thralls, made to assault their kin and friends.

As an undead lich, Lyras could not be killed in the usual ways, for even without divine favor, unlife returned to her corpse.

The situation seemed hopeless, yet there was hope.  Meraud, god of magic and foresight, saw in Prince Vorclaf a worthy servant.  Prince Vorclaf began receiving holy visions to aid in the fight against Lyras.

In the year 394, Prince Vorclaf channeled the avatar of Meraud, a miracle that was evident to anyone who saw him.  He led an assault on Lyras's warcamp where he (with the power of the avatar) fought Lyras.  However, the demonic power that Lyras had let in was too strong for the fleshbound avatar, and Meraud withdrew.

Vorclaf lost his life defending Zoluren and indeed all of Elanthia from Lyras.  He almost paid with his soul as well, which Lyras tried to steal, but Meraud intervened, and it now watches over us as it walks the Starry Road.

If such a feat is not worthy of sainthood, what is?  With the upcoming coronation of Belirendrick IV, canonization of his sire would serve as a particularly timely reminder of the dangers of necromancy and the valor of those who sacrifice everything to fight against it.

Yours in faith,
Isharon Anloraes, High Magister of the Inquisition, servant of Chadatru, Paladin of Zoluren, and member of the Anduwen Watch