Knighthood Purist Policy

You say (to Gwaine) 'Does the Keep currently have a purist policy?'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Purist policy?'

You say (to Gwaine) 'We accept only humans.'

You say (to Gwaine) 'But there are no pressing reasons why we might not accept another good race?'

You say 'I was to write something.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'You mean other than an entire history and tradition of existence?'

You say 'Apart from tradition Brother Gwaine, if we found another of another race who was worthy of our cause.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'The cause is not restricted to this Keep.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'But those who serve here and share in this fellowship is by certain criteria.'

You say 'Are we in a meritocracy?'

Gwaine says (to You) 'These criteria are part of the mandate given us by the Gods of Goodness.'

You say 'But we have papers to consider those who do not meet that.'

You say 'I do not believe Shadow would ever accept a non-human.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Special papers, yes.'

You say 'Whereas we have a more enlightened view I thought.'

Datai says (to You) 'Well, I reckon I did just go to the fjord with a really, really tall, hairy, and toothy knight, Father.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Those who can earn their place here, and prove themselves worthy - we would not turn aside their service.'

You say 'It seems there are many who think we have a purist policy, I was considering clearing the air.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'To what purpose?'

You say 'Only to make the point that we do not choose a racist agenda.'

You say 'Though perhaps in softer words.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'A murky area that stirs more than it settles, I think.'

You think about it.

Gwaine says (to You) 'The Gods have not shared with us why they wish this Keep and their mandate furthered by those of human lineage.'

You say 'As you wish. I am uncomfortable that some view us as Shadow consider, but I see your point.'

Datai says 'Well, our traditions are human traditions, Father. Like Shalonesti's are elven, or Wargar's are dwarven. Some are happy with the traditions of their peoples, but a few are not content.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Certainly, we have had enough visitations that if they wished differently, such would have been communicated.'

You say 'Under a mandate of Good it is difficult to defend our position.'

Gwaine says 'Without understanding the breadth of the wishes of the Gods.'

Datai says (to You) 'We are a place for good humans to gather, Father.'

Gwaine says 'Perhaps it is as simple as this.'

Datai says (to You) 'That's simply it, its nothing too mysterious. And not even all good humans like our ways.'

Gwaine gestures to Aequitas.

Gwaine says 'As Page Mortalis said earlier - humans are .. ordinary.'

Gwaine says 'We have not the physical prowess of the larger races.'

Aequitas nods.

Gwaine says 'We have not the magical acumen of other races.'

Datai says (to You) 'History tells us that the Serpantol Empire, and the Knighthood was created to protect humanity.'

Datai nods at Gwaine in agreement.

You say 'But our needs have changed.'

You say 'We protect humanity no longer, but Good.'

Gwaine nods at you.

Gwaine says (to You) 'Indeed.'

You say 'To be considered a racist organisation is contrary to that.'

Datai says (to You) 'We are what we are to do that. To protect humanity from evil. As other races may have no reason to protect our kind. They go to their forest, their mountains, or wherever they come from when the going gets tough and care for their own.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Do you believe us a .. racist .. Keep?'

You say 'If we refused entry to one who met our requirements of virtue and merit.'

You say 'But we have the good Thrakhath.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Well, the Sentinel is an exceptional case.'

Datai says 'Speaking of which, where did Suh Thrakhath go? yah all can't expect me to continue ice fishing without a warm furry yinn.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'As is any other who gains entry by means of special papers.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Our policy is to admit those of human lineage alone.'

You say 'That is what I was looking for Brother Gwaine.'

You say 'Shadow would not allow a non-human to join even with such papers.'

You say 'We do not consider race to be an issue under those circumstances.'

Datai says 'Well, reckon bringing in another of another race is our only choice with those papers.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'A detractor would ask: If you are not racist, why do you have seperate standards.'

You say 'We sadly have that restriction upon us, as we have said that is out of our control.'

Datai says 'Aside from a clavest or a dragonslayer..... if we tried to sneak Lord Gwaine in the assassin's guild again, Father Austinian and Lord Nadrik would throw a fit.'

You laugh.

Gwaine says (to You) 'That somewhat dilutes your argument.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'And I think would derail the point you are trying to make.'

You say 'What we are able to define, we have held to our principle.'

Gwaine ponders.

Gwaine says 'Unless you wish to take on a more ambitious message ..'

Gwaine says 'The shift from our Serpantolian roots to protecting all of Goodness.'

You say 'Such a paper has already been prepared Brother Gwaine.'

You OOC clan: 'http://sites.google.com/site/khoodlibrary/Home/theology-and-philosophy/a-vision-for-the-future'

Datai says 'Have we really shifted? Or have other races just liked goodness and moved into human territory?'

You say 'That paper outlines it all.'

Gwaine says 'The choice of humanity for its ordinariness to raise the standard of the Light, so that through our very mundanity - we glorify the Gods in our efforts.'

You say 'This has long been true I feel.'

Datai says 'The elves and yinn and everything else that have come to live in Althainia because it's protected by us and our way, even though.. yah, we are just a bunch of humans.'

Gwaine nods.

Gwaine says 'That is a different argument to a defensive poise against racist accusations.'

You say 'I think the racism we can claim that we're doing in principle what is within your control.'

You say 'Whereas if we were truly a good organisation, then race would no longer matter as it once historically would.'

Gwaine says 'There is a difference.'

Gwaine says 'This is not just an organisation of good.'

Gwaine says 'That sort of bland generality is left to such like the Gray Order.'

Gwaine says 'We are a tool of the Gods of Good.'

Gwaine says 'To be wielded to Their purpose.'

You nod.

You say 'That is outlined here.'

Gwaine says 'We cannot sound apologist about this.'

You OOC clan: 'http://sites.google.com/site/khoodlibrary/Home/theology-and-philosophy/The-Ethos-of-Knighthood'

Datai says 'Yah know, its funny a black robe student asked me one day for a blerb about the Knighthood. He had to do a paper on all the clans... he was a minotaur.'

Gwaine says 'I would not cower behind - 'We are as unracist as we can, within the binds that are set on us by our Patron Gods.''

You nod.

Gwaine says 'Rather I would say, we are freed by our Gods by Their mandate to pursue the agenda They have given us.'

You nod.

Datai says 'Anyhow, I explained the Knighthood in a nutshell for him. Which he in turn read back his nutshell of my nutshell to me. And I wish I had saved his exact words..'

Gwaine says 'If others cannot understand this, then this is precisely the divide that keeps them from serving here.'

You say 'But the gods would not stop us bring in a minotaur priest of nadrik with special papers.'

Gwaine says 'Well, consider Tegyr and Kalado.'

You say 'Race was not the issue Brother Gwaine.'

Gwaine says 'There were elements of them that the Gods found displeasing.'

Gwaine says 'Just as their guild were issue, race is merely another.'

You say 'They were allowed to stay if they were to change their ways'

Gwaine says 'For example, if a Dark Elf is incapable of Goodness - regardless of its acts and professions, it would not be allowed to stay.'

You say 'If they were Good though...'

You say 'Race being the only concern.'

Gwaine says 'My point is that race, as guild, as personal acts, they are the parts that are summed to a decision.'

You say 'As we have considered other races thusly with our papers.'

Gwaine says 'To state one more important than another, does an injustice to the nuances of our selection criteria.'

You say 'Kalado and Tegyr were permitted to stay if they changed their professions.'

Gwaine says 'In a way, we have refined our recruitment through much practise and experience ..'

Gwaine says 'Much of how we select, the reasoning behind that is not always detailed, as we execute its steps.'

You say 'I think we've answered the question?'

You say 'Or is there more you wish to tease out Brother Gwaine?'

Gwaine says 'For example, we do not accept a Giant Ogre.'

Datai says (to You) 'He's such a tease, Father.'

Gwaine says 'Is it because it is incapable of Good, or is it because it is not human?'

You say 'I would have said the same of a troll Brother Gwaine?'

You ponder.

You say 'Yet we have seen one act as a human.'

Gwaine says 'Well, then there is your question.'

Gwaine says 'Consider that troll, Urochi ..'

Gwaine says 'He was good.'

Gwaine says 'What reason then to deny his entry?'

You say 'I was not aware we had refused it.'

You say 'But I suggested on merit that he be considered.'

Datai says 'We didn't really. We told him not at this time, please do more work to prove yourself, and then I never saw him again. Which.. sadly, kinda was typical for a human behavior.'

Gwaine says 'One of the challenges for our .. liberal intellectuals that we breed from time to time is the simplicity of accepting that our purpose reflects the will of the Gods, and we may not be privy to Their intent in its wholeness.'

You nod.

You say 'That remains.'

Gwaine says 'So yes, we are purist.'

Gwaine says 'We are purist to the mandate set for us.'

You say 'But with our papers, we would consider another race.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'The Sentinel is proof of that.'

You nod.

You say 'I think that is the extent of the reasoning for the question.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'But it is not inspite of his race that he is here, but rather because through his service to the realms, he has transcended race.'

You nod.

You say 'We have precedence.'

Datai says 'He has chosen to embrace our traditions.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'I would not look a the precedences of Tegyr and Kalado or Shougo.'

Datai says 'Yah don't see him advertising the Dae'tok way much.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'I do not know how Shougo distinguished himself, but certainly neither Tegyr nor Kalado would have earned papers with my signature.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'At least not for merely winning a contest of arms.'

Datai says 'Perrigrew, ugh!'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Else every other troll would be here and knighted already.'

You say 'Are you saying we are not a meritocrasy, and that race cannot be overlooked?'

Datai says 'There's a human who's special papers we'll never get back from!'

Gwaine says 'I am saying that one would need to distinguish themselves as the Sentinel did to earn my approval.'

Gwaine says 'Part of me fears that few have the mettle that once was to serve with the same single minded focus that brings such honors.'

You say 'Were it not for the Gods, would you consider that good action was more important than race/'

Gwaine says 'I am not sure what that question asks.'

Gwaine says 'If I did not believe in what this Keep stands for, I would serve where I do.'

Gwaine says 'The wishes of the Gods are integral to this Keep's existence.'

You say 'That good action is more important within our ranks than Race.'

You say 'Aye, if the Gods wishes were not an issue.'

Datai says 'If the gods wishes wern't an issue then I reckon I'd get away with alot more than I do, Father.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'That distinction does not exist.'

Datai grins wryly.

You say 'You are avoiding the question Brother Gwaine.'

You grin.

Gwaine says 'Not at all.'

Gwaine says 'I am ever mindful of race.'

Gwaine says 'Else I would serve where race did not matter.'

Gwaine says 'The Wrath, for example.'

You say 'Neither do they have our virtue or morality demands?'

Datai says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'Not the Grey Order, My Lord. I think yah'd find deep satisfaction in making bronze daggers for the green adventuerers out there to stab fidos with.'

Gwaine says 'There is always the options of serving my own cause, with my own philosophy only to follow.'

You say 'As I see it, either you are a strict traditionalist and insist on human only, or you are a progressionist and you consider non-humans able to follow our ethos.'

Datai grins wryly at Gwaine.

Gwaine says 'Or .. I could be one who bears proudly the mandate given this Keep, and acknowledge that there may be individuals who arise from time to time that are honored so by the Gods themselves that they transcend where they may serve.'

Gwaine chuckles at Datai.

Datai says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'I'd join them with yah, My Lord, and take up sewing and enchanting with scrolls. I'd make cute little leathers for all the new footpads yah arm.'

Datai winks wryly.

Gwaine says 'Those who enter to serve here, they enter bearing an oath to all our principles, not a selection thereof.'

Gwaine says 'At least, that is what I expect.'

Alastair has entered the realm.

A beautiful white charger has entered the realm.

Alastair stands up.

Alastair salutes.

You salute Alastair.

Datai smiles brightly at Alastair.

Gwaine says 'So one who takes their oath, with unease about how we deal with the other races capable of good ..'

Alastair says 'Good afternoon.'

Gwaine shrugs.

You say 'What selection would a minotaur of Austinian be shirking from?'

Gwaine says 'Perhaps they need re-look at what they committed to and reconsider where they serve.'

Alastair says 'Who's racist?'

You say 'A non-human may make the same oath as a human?'

Gwaine says 'Certainly.'

Gwaine says 'And they can live to the principles this Keep teaches.'

Gwaine says 'Just not bearing our standard.'

You say (to Alastair) 'that is the argument Brother Alistair.'

Alastair nods.

Gwaine says 'My point is that we cannot gloss over that distinction.'

Gwaine says 'We are not a Keep open to all.'

Datai says (to Alastair Snowmantle) 'We haven't been able to figure it out, Suh. But since Suh Thrakhath isn't here to protect me from underwater electric mages, I'm ensureing the debate continues until my bed time.'

Gwaine says 'We have different standards for humans and non-humans.'

You think about it.

You say 'In the instance that we had 100 sets of special papers.'

You say 'We would not be using them all on humans I would propose.'

Alastair grins at Datai.

Datai grins at Alastair and winks.

Alastair smiles.

You say 'But noble Ganthians could perhaps be considered.'

Alastair says (to You) 'And there are many of the mountain and of the vallens who would also be good candidates.'

You say 'Or any other who showed the characteristics of a knight, and was to swear to our code.'

You nod at Alastair.

You say 'Our noble purpose transcends race is the contention.'

Gwaine says 'Yes, but you cannot say - just because we would use special papers therefore we are not racist.'

You say 'We are only limited by the wishes of the Gods.'

Gwaine says 'Point is that we have to use special papers.'

Gwaine says 'We are not limited.'

Gwaine says 'That is our mandate.'

Alastair chuckles lightly, 'Perhaps the gods are racist.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'To imply we are the lesser for it .. that is what I object to.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'That is whom we are, as we are meant to be.'

You say 'I would say that was our mandate, to protect humans when we were barbaric settlements, and faced the wrath of all teh evil races.'

Datai says 'Or, perhaps, they reckon that birds of a feather flock together, and its okay, because that's the way they were made to live.'

You say 'But ever since we swore an oath to Althainia, that has not been our mandate, as we have not been protecting humans.'

Gwaine says 'Our focus has changed, yes.'

You say 'So why not our membership?'

You think about it.

Datai says 'I'm not sure that it has. I think the other races just came to Althainia to live because its a nice place.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Because our focus has shifted as per our mandate.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'We are given more duty, on the same foundation as we were.'

You say 'I understand we were a human organization, to protect humans.'

Alastair says 'And now we are a human organization, to protect good.'

You say 'But I do not understand that only a human organization to stand for Good.'

You say 'We are human only because of tradition.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'We are human only because of the mandate.'

You say 'Not because of sanctity of purpose?'

Alastair says 'A deeply rooted tradition...'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Tradition is something we can change.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'New traditions evolve all the time.'

You say 'Let us try a new tack.'

Gwaine chuckles lightly.

You say 'Do you believe our mandate needs evolution?'

Gwaine says 'No.'

You say 'To suit our purpose?'

Alastair says 'Mandates are not ours to change.'

Alastair says 'Especially divine ones.'

You say 'We are only speaking theoretically.'

You say 'To try to understand what our position would be without that limitation.'

You say 'For the divine mandate controls our position.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Look at the Wrath.'

Alastair says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'You beat me to the point, sir.'

You say 'And I wonder what our position would be if it were left to us.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'If I felt as you have described .. then I would be honor bound to leave here and go to the Wrath.'

You say 'I do not think that if we relaxed our human only membership that we would become the Wrath.'

Caenarfon looks horrified.

Gwaine says (to You) 'As Victis did.'

You say 'The Wrath has no noble principle, no morals or ethics.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'To coin his phrase 'To bring honor to the Wrath'/.'

You say 'They see whatever way to get the job done in the name of good.'

You say 'I speak only of race, not a change in purpose.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Yes, but they are able to change how they operate, if they were so inclined.'

Akasi clans 'Greetings, Sirs'

Alastair utters the words, 'oculoinfra pueoculoi'.

Alastair utters the words, 'oculoinfra uizug'.

You clan 'Hail Brother Akasi.'

Alastair sits on a strong hardwood pew and rests.

Gwaine says (to You) 'Certainly, none in the realms would object to a nicer and more gentle Wrath.'

Alastair clans 'Good evening, Sir Midnite.'

You say 'I do not think those join the Wrath to become honorable.'

Datai clans 'Hullo Suh!'

Datai says 'Well, I don't think anyone joins the knighthood not to follow our human traditions in how we worship and serve Good.'

Akasi walks in.

Gwaine grins slightly at Datai.

Akasi drinks water from the Fountain of Truth.

You say 'Although some of other races may join them and keep their honor to themselves, as we have not been able to accept them.'

Akasi salutes.

You salute Akasi.

Gwaine inclines his head to Akasi.

Alastair salutes Akasi.

The Altar room

This simple room is a place of healing and rest. A place of peace.

Dedicated to the worship of Austinian, the Father of Goodness, you know that

no harm can come to you within these walls. A small altar stands at the end

of a short passage, the symbol of the Father etched into the front. To

either side of the passage are the wooden pews, made of strong hardwood by

your forefathers. You are reminded of the reason the order of Knighthood

was created.

[Exits: east ]

(Glowing) Before you is a stone altar to Austinian, Father of Goodness.

A fountain of great beauty stands by the altar.

Seating is available on hardwood pews.

(Glowing) The Clan Wars X Championship Trophy stands here.

Akasi is here.

(Charmed) (White Aura) A beautiful white charger, fitted with saddle, is here.

Alastair Snowmantle is here.

Gwaine d'Aggravaine is resting on a strong hardwood pew.

Datai d'Aggravaine is resting on a strong hardwood pew.

Jornhya, priest to Austinian stands here waiting to hear your prayers.

Datai winks playfully at Gwaine.

Gwaine says (to You) 'This reminds me of a story I heard.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'So in a place, not so far away ..'

Gwaine says 'There was a Master who sought a servant to do his will.'

Gwaine says 'So he set forth a banner to seek those who would enter his service.'

Gwaine says 'Many came, and one was chosen.'

Gwaine says 'The Master came to him and said, 'Here is my house, and thus must you serve''

Gwaine says 'Then the Master took his leave and went on a journey for he had many houses, each house to its purpose within his vision.'

Gwaine says 'The servant was left then, with his instructions.'

Gwaine says 'Many weeks later the Master returned.'

Gwaine says 'And the servant came forth, gushing.'

You say 'Gushing?'

You peer at Datai.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Gwaine says ''Master', he said 'I have done your will and more.''

Datai says 'I could use more of that around here.'

Gwaine says ''What was once your house, is more''

Caenarfon holds his head in his hands.

Gwaine says ''There where there were rooms unused - lo, I have rented them out.''

Gwaine says ''And there, where there were stables unused - now it is full''

Gwaine says ''Also, there is a blacksmith, and a handyman - to tend to these all, all paid from revenues I have raised''

Gwaine says ''And my wages too Lord, these too I have recovered thrice over, here are the accounts''

Alastair clans 'Farewell, Knights.'

Gwaine says 'The Master looked at once was his house.'

Gwaine says 'And said to the servant, ' This is neither my will, nor my house. ''

Gwaine says 'The Master turned and left.'

Gwaine smiles slightly at Caenafon.

Gwaine says (to You) 'I would have our Gods know their house, High Clerist.'

Akasi says (to Datai d'Aggravaine) 'How is it we don't have you out training, m'lady?'

Datai says (to Akasi) 'The High Clerist rescued me again!'

Gwaine says (to Akasi) 'Our High Clerist was afflicted by a need to clarify that we are not racist.'

Akasi says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'We aren't?'

Datai says (to Akasi) 'This time by keeping Lord Gwaine occupied debating in the Altar room until my bed time.'

Gwaine grins slightly at Akasi.

Akasi grins.

Gwaine says (to Akasi) 'The High Clerist is concerned for our public image.'

You say 'Moreso by our ethos.'

You say 'If we would truly choose only humans, then we are not chosing on merit, but by race.'

Datai says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'I could show more leg on those posters, My Lord.'

You say 'But such things are out of our hands.'

Akasi says (to You) 'We choose?'

Datai says (to You) 'I reckon we only take those humans with merit enough to prove themselves, Father.'

You say 'But if we were true to virtue, would we restrict ourselves to humans?'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Such horrible quandries you struggle with, High Clerist.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'I do sympathise.'

You say 'I would say it is the tradition and will of the gods which holds us thus.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Which you object to?'

Gwaine says (to You) 'The question is - where is the source of our virtue.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'If they come from the same source - our Gods ..'

You say 'I just think if we looked to our purpose then, and now, then I would expect our membership to change.'

You say 'But who is to question or understand the will of the gods?'

Gwaine says (to You) 'Evidently not you.'

You say 'Ours is by mortal logic long.'

You laugh.

You say 'Alone.'

Datai says 'I dunno why we'd change. It's worked for us for longer than any clan.'

You say 'I wonder that if we could, if we would.'

Gwaine says 'I would not.'

You say 'If we took a look at what Knighthood is now.'

Datai says 'Only Shalonesti and Wargar are older.'

Datai says 'And.. um..'

You say 'Thankfully we do not have this luxury.'

Gwaine says 'I do not see us lacking in any respect.'

Datai says 'Even if I drank alot of elven wine and spoke elvish, I don't think they'd have me.'

Gwaine says 'Our pews are adequately populated.'

Datai says 'Thmyher ehtheveb thmyh njemeb?'

You say 'Lest we go the way of a Valor / Knighthood civil war.'

Gwaine says 'Our purpose is bound and focused.'

You say 'I don't think it is to do with our numbers.'

Gwaine says 'Then, what lack do you feel?'

You say 'It more feels like the right and good thing to do if we are a right and good organization.'

You say 'But this decision is not come to us, so a point of theory only.'

Gwaine says 'Perhaps you should pray long and hard on this, High Clerist.'

You ponder.

Gwaine says 'The Gods have much time to consider such earnest and persuasive arguments.'

You say 'perhaps I shall Brother Gwaine.'

You say 'Are there other prayers any wish for Nadrik to hear?'

Gwaine says 'Lord knows, they have also far beyond mortal patience.'

You grin.

You say 'Are you speaking in comparison to yourself Brother Gwaine?'

Gwaine says 'Oh, I would be modest and settle for this one item on the prayer agenda.'

Datai says 'Tell Him hullo for me, and that I'm working on trying to continue human traditions in goodness with Lord Gwaine, please send a girl, thanks.'

Gwaine says 'Alas, very mortal clay is me.'

Gwaine chuckles lightly at Datai.

You say 'Send a girl?'

Caenarfon checks the sky for storks.

Datai says (to You) 'I reckon they have more sense than boys, and will wisely lead the Knighthood for many d'Aggravating generations to come.'

You say (to Gwaine) 'We accept women, but not other races?'

Datai laughs merrily.

Gwaine says (to You) 'Now you have two things to pray about.'

Caenarfon raises his hand dramatically over his forehead and slaps the back of it thereupon before collapsing.

Datai says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'Oh, can I use any more of my old things yet, My Lord?'