St. Arnold's Church (Rolt Heights)
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St. Arnold's Church |
| St Arnold's Church
Rolt Heights [80,18] Basic Info:
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Description
St. Arnold's Church is a church located in the suburb of Rolt Heights along the border with Pashenton to the west. Before the "Malton Incident" the church buried its dead at the small cemetery just to the east. While considered an unassuming church by tourists the church was very popular among locals who valued Saint Arnold's blessing as he is often cited as the patron saint of hop-pickers and brewers. There are many depictions of St. Arnold but he is commonly identified by the mashing rake that he holds in his hand. He is often honored on July 8th with a parade in Brussels to celebrate the "Day of Beer". In Malton this celebration is called "Biertag" (German for "Beer Day").
Saint Arnold was born to a prominent Austrian family in 580 in the Chateau of Lay-Saint-Christophe in the old French diocese of Toul, north of Nancy. He married Doda with whom he had many sons, two of whom were to become famous: Clodulphe, later called Saint Cloud, and Ansegis who married Begga, daughter of Pepin de Landen. Ansegis and Begga are the great great grandparents of Charlemagne, and as such, Saint Arnold is the oldest known ancestor of the Carolingian dynasty.
Saint Arnold was an acclaimed bishop of Metz, France, in 612 and spent his holy life warning peasants about the dangers of drinking stale water. Beer was safe, and "from man's sweat and God's love, beer came into the world". The locals are said to have revered Arnold as illness among their families lessened among all who heeded his advice. In 627, Saint Arnold retired to a monastery near Remiremont, France, where he died on August 16, 640.
In 641, the citizens of Metz requested that Saint Arnold's body be exhumed and ceremoniously carried to Metz for reburial in their Church of the Holy Apostles. During this voyage a miracle came to pass in the town of Champignuelles. The tired porters and followers stopped for a rest and walked into a tavern for a drink of their favorite beverage... beer. Regretfully, there was only one mug of beer to be shared among all of them, but throughout the night that mug never ran dry and all of the thirsty pilgrims were satisfied. And very, very... very drunk.
There are four churches in Malton which honor Saint Arnold. The other churches can be found in Brooke Hills, Judgewood, and Roftwood.
Beer Blessing
From the Rituale Romanum (no 58)
"Bene dic, Domine, creaturam istam cerevisae, quam ex adipe frumenti producere dignatus es: ut sit remedium salutare humano generi: et praesta per invocationem nominis tui sancti, ut, quicumque ex ea biberint, sanitatem corporis, et animae tutelam percipiant. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen."
"Bless, O Lord, this creature beer, that Thou hast been pleased to bring forth from the sweetness of the grain: that it might be a salutary remedy for the human race: and grant by the invocation of Thy holy name, that, whosoever drinks of it may obtain health of body and a sure safeguard for the soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Mandate
As a church, St. Arnold's is an ideal shelter for inexperienced survivors seeking to stay off the streets at night. Therefore the building's barricade policy is important, as it promotes keeping the barricades at a level that will allow survivors without Free Running entry. It is for this reason that, similar to hospitals or entry points, churches need to have their barricades maintain at a level lower than most other buildings. Survivors wishing to heal the injured are also encouraged to visit the church, as inexperienced survivors who cannot reach or enter hospitals (like St. Arnold's Hospital to the southeast in Gibsonton) may instead be sheltering here. Have pity and heal the injured.
Barricade Policy
In accordance with the Rolt Heights Barricade Plan, this site is to be kept at Very Strongly Barricaded (VSB+2), in order to permit entry by rookies and those needing Free Running access. In the event of heavy zombie activity, barricades may be temporarily upgraded to EHB, but should be lowered back to VSB as soon as possible thereafter. The default barricade of VSB should be in place during times when zombie numbers are fewer than five within the neighboring 3x3 grid. An unspoken rule is that survivors assist with the barricades should they ever drop below VSB.
Should zombie numbers rise or reports of nearby resources buildings being overrun be confirmed, then barricades may be raised to EHB. At this time Free Running is essential to entering and departing the church. May God have mercy on those poor souls left trapped outside during such a time of strife.
Current Status
July 1st, 2015 - The Burchell Arms Regulars are preparing the church for Biertag again this year
History
July 8th, 2011 - Biertag 2011 becomes a six-day affair. Representatives of The Burchell Arms Regulars, The Dulston Alliance, Pescodside Defense Alliance, and Dead vs Blue attend, as well as many unaffilated locals. Survivors only this year.
July 8th, 2010 - Biertag 2010 is held at St. Arnold's. There is a fair contingent of zeds, mostly from the Angry Vaginas, who prefer to call it Marihuanatag. It gets very unsavory.
August 28th, 2009 - St. Arnold's serves as the Primary Worship Center for the Church of the Present Resurrection. All who seek shelter within its walls are considered the CPR's congregation, and are thus given sanctuary. --Wicked Anderson 23:49, 28 August 2009 (BST)
July 8th, 2009 - The Burchell Arms Regulars did their best to celebrate Biertag '09. However zombies and criminals in the area made it difficult for everyone to attend as some BAR members had been killed prior to, or the day of, the event. For those who couldn't attend due to their unfortunate deaths, better luck next year.
June 4th, 2009 - A scattering of zombies in the area, but nothing too serious. But the building is at EHB for some reason. Lights are on inside. --Lariat2301 03:37, 5 June 2009 (BST)
July 8th, 2008 - The Burchell Arms Regulars and several close allies celebrated Biertag '08 at the church. There was much drinking and merriment. But mostly drinking.
July 4th, 2008 - Scattered leaflets were spotted throughout the suburb and posted inside every pub. The leaflets, printed on recycled beer boxes, advertised a local Malton holiday known as Biertag. This year Biertag will celebrate its 2nd anniversary on July 8th; during which all survivors are encouraged to make the pilgrimage to their local St. Arnold's Church in order to drink large quantities of alcohol in remembrance of blessed Saint Arnold, the patron saint of beer. As with last year, the Burchell Arms Regulars are hosting the event planned for Rolt Heights. --Mobius 17:41, 4 July 2008 (BST)
September 15th, 2007 - The Rolt Heights Vigilante Patrol has continued to hunt for Wicked Anderson, a survivor who is considered by the RHVP to be a killer, and very possibly a death cultist. Survivors are asked to be on the look-out for the deranged priest and avoid looking him directly in the eyes... unless they wish for a direct confrontation with him.
July 8th, 2007 - Drama Club staged a performance of "Apocalypse Now" at St. Arnold's Church for the 52 survivors there as part of the Biertag celebration. The group is now touring Malton doing shows by request of citizens. See their group page for performing groups and schedules.
June 5th, 2007 - Over the past week survivors have noticed an increasing number of spraypainted tags on buildings throughout the suburb which advertise Biertag. At the same time the Burchell Arms Regulars, who are apparently the main sponsors of the Malton holiday, have also advertised the festival on various radio wavelengths. While the celebration is still more than a month away some beer enthusiasts are already planning to attend the festival which will be held here on July 8th.
May 30th, 2007 - This church has been declared the "primary center of worship" for the Church of the Present Resurrection. All those who seek shelter within its walls are considered to be the congregation, and thus need not be converted through hands-on resurrection.
May 28th, 2007 - Word of Biertag has spread throughout the suburb and the BAR plans to join in the celebration. They vow to drink much beer and sing many songs on July 8th when the "Day of Beer" begins.
April 18th, 2007 - Todhandler returned to the church today and killed CrimsonKillBoy88 to further add to the death toll of the Rolt Heights War.
April 13th, 2007 - Knightmonger, a member of the Brotherhood of the Reckoning, was reported to have slain Isaac Rudge in cold blood here at the church. No doubt Isaac was yet another victim of the Rolt Heights War.
April 6th, 2007 - The Rolt Heights War, which began only a week or two ago, has claimed its first victim at the church. The not-so-mesmerizing HypNoSiS was murdered by Red Rum agent, Todhandler.
