Mentorship of Honor- Sermon

You clan 'I'm speaking with Althainian's in the Temple of Good if you want to join us.'

<1594/1594hp 805/824m 406/406mv (1:00am) (The Temple of Nadrik) |Defensive| |N|> note read 140

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[140] Gwaine: Mentorship lessons on the Ways of the Keep.

Wed Jan 5 13:44:37 2011

To: Knighthood ( Caecius Leotie Kinear ) Kerrisacza

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Gareths,

Several individuals have approached the Keep seeking to learn our ways.

It is such, that these individuals are not by lineage, the typical recruit

we traditionally consider. However, given their interest in our way of

life, and our desire to teach a better service to the Lords and Ladies of

Good, it is has been decided to offer mentorship to these individuals, that

from our ways they may find inspiration to serve better.

The following individuals have graciously volunteered to offer their time to

provide instructions:

Captain Caenarfon Corwen - Honor

Colonel Datai d'Aggravaine - The ethos of the Keep

Colonel Kiery Elistar - Justice and Love

Sir Kuririn Haraldr - Sacrifice

Lieutenant Rassilon Shiroken - Compassion and Mercy

Colonel Branzol Snowdragon - Honesty

These mentorship sessions are to be completed within 6 days from today.

Once this tutorship is complete, we shall then examine a suitable way

forward.

d'Aggravaine, Crown.

The Temple of Nadrik

A sense of peace prevails this large, diamond-shaped chamber. Braziers

hung in intervals on the granite walls disperse a soft light throughout.

The black marble floor bears a silver carpet designating a path from the

arched entryway to the massive rosewood altar at front. Above the altar,

nestled into a niche in the wall, is a large statue of the Lord Nadrik.

The carpet cuts between two rows of stone pews padded with velvet cushions,

and branches off to the left and the right into small alcoves created by

the design of the chamber. To the left, racks of prayer candles and

lighted incense rest beneath a second statue of Nadrik. The bronze effigy

depicts the God of Honor set upon a throne, bereft of armor and wearing

only a robe, a broadsword laid across his knees. In the right alcove, a

small marble cistern dwells in the shadow of a sculpture of a resplendent

gold angel. He cradles a stone tablet between his hands. The walls,

festooned with silk tapestries displaying the symbols and likeness of the

Lord, slope inward toward the ceiling. The large dome crown is

hand-painted in exquisite detail.

[Exits: north ]

A marble glass case stands off to the side.

(Golden Aura) Pae'lan is here.

(Golden Aura) Caecius Mamoritai is here.

(Charmed) A black stallion prances about proudly.

(Translucent) (Golden Aura) Kahlyn is here.

A statue of the god Nadrik stands here appearing to keep watch.

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice (to You) 'I am here as the Princess's guard, if you don't want me here I can wait outside.'

You say 'You are come to hear of the honor of Gareth Keep?'

Caecius says (to You) 'Yes Sir'

You say 'Any are welcome to listen.'

<1594/1594hp 749/824m 406/406mv (1:30am) (The Temple of Nadrik) |Defensive| |N|> l

The Temple of Nadrik

A sense of peace prevails this large, diamond-shaped chamber. Braziers

hung in intervals on the granite walls disperse a soft light throughout.

The black marble floor bears a silver carpet designating a path from the

arched entryway to the massive rosewood altar at front. Above the altar,

nestled into a niche in the wall, is a large statue of the Lord Nadrik.

The carpet cuts between two rows of stone pews padded with velvet cushions,

and branches off to the left and the right into small alcoves created by

the design of the chamber. To the left, racks of prayer candles and

lighted incense rest beneath a second statue of Nadrik. The bronze effigy

depicts the God of Honor set upon a throne, bereft of armor and wearing

only a robe, a broadsword laid across his knees. In the right alcove, a

small marble cistern dwells in the shadow of a sculpture of a resplendent

gold angel. He cradles a stone tablet between his hands. The walls,

festooned with silk tapestries displaying the symbols and likeness of the

Lord, slope inward toward the ceiling. The large dome crown is

hand-painted in exquisite detail.

[Exits: north ]

A marble glass case stands off to the side.

(Golden Aura) Pae'lan is here.

(Golden Aura) Caecius Mamoritai is here.

(Charmed) A black stallion prances about proudly.

(Translucent) (Golden Aura) Kahlyn is here.

A statue of the god Nadrik stands here appearing to keep watch.

Pae'lan nods.

Kahlyn smiles.

You say 'What have you learned of honor thus far?'

Kahlyn says 'To not break a vow.'

Leotie Shiroken walks in.

You say (to Kahlyn) 'And why would one not break a vow?'

Caecius says (to Caecius Mamoritai) 'It is what most principles of our Lord is based upon, that honor is something we uphold because it shows who we are, it is not a cloak to wear'

Kahlyn says (to You) 'Because a vow is a promise.'

You say (to Caecius) 'And who are we that we would follow a principle which depends upon us giving our word, bond and assurance?'

Kahlyn says (to Caecius Mamoritai) 'And if a person breaks a promise, it diminishes their word.'

Leotie whispers 'I think I'm late.'

You say (to Caecius) 'But to what purpose is it to make a promise?'

Leotie curls in her bright-yellow wings, looking around.

You smile at Leotie.

You say 'I think the main question we need to consider is when we make a promise.'

You say 'There are so many instances when one who claims to be of honor does not think of the impact of the promise they have made.'

You say 'For example a bond they cannot keep, just because they are expected to keep their word.'

Kahlyn nods.

You say 'Or they find themselves trapped by their word, in an eventuality that they did not expect.'

You say 'Take the dilemma.'

Leotie looks up at you quietly, listening. She sneaks a glance at Caecius and waves cheerfully.

You say 'During a battle you are ordered to guard your Commander's empty tent. The battle goes poorly and you do yearn to aid your fellows.'

You say 'Do you... Valiantly enter the battle to aid your companions, or Honor your post as guard?'

Caecius says (to Caecius Mamoritai) 'honor your post'

You say 'Aye, because you have given your word.'

Kaeira walks in.

You say 'But in doing the right thing, the battle may be lost.'

Leotie says 'But...'

Kahlyn raises his hand at you.

Leotie blinks, appearing a bit confused.

Leotie utters the words, 'oculoinfra pueoculoi'.

You say 'So that when one makes their vow to their commander, that this eventuality is considered.'

You nod at Leotie.

Kahlyn says (to You) 'If possible, can the person ask that commander if the battle goes badly they can join?'

Leotie says 'It doesn't seem right to just let them die. I wouldn't want to make that promise.'

You pray, saying "Upon this day, I give a discussion upon honor to Althainians in Your temple.".

The gods have received your prayers.

You say (to Leotie) 'Exactly, you must be aware of all the implications of the promise that you would make in good faith.'

Leotie says (to You) 'That's a lot to think about though!'

You say (to Kahlyn) 'Aye, honor comes from thought word and deed.'

Leotie says 'I wouldn't have thought about the battle not going well.'

You say 'Honor is not black and white, a tenet that you follow because it is as stated.'

You say 'Each situation is different and many considerations need to be addressed.'

Caecius smiles.

You say 'There are those like the late Cardinal Bolter would disagreed with this view.'

Kahlyn nods at you.

You say 'To him honor was absolute.'

You say 'When the first shard contest came, he fell because of his view of that absolute.'

You say 'There are many ways to approach honor, and you may each find your own way.'

Leotie purses her lips contemplatively, looking up at you with curious, vivid blue eyes.

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'If I may High Clerist?'

You say 'The message is clear though, to hold honor up to yourself, and ask yourself if you have followed the righteous and honorable course to your actions.'

You nod.

Kaeira folds her arms over her middle as she listens in silence.

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'Do as you say you will do, let your yes mean yes and your no mean no..at least that is my limited view of honor, how I see how to follow it.'

You nod.

You say 'My message is know what you promise with your oath.'

You say 'For too often, not enough consideration is made when swearing an oath.'

You say 'Which leads to one who is honorable, doing the wrong thing in a situation where your action would have been different if you had not sworn your oath.'

Leotie says 'I made a promise to listen next time I was told to go home, after Caecie was attacked. But what if I listen and run and Caecie gets hurt? I'd be really upset that I didn't try to help.'

You say 'Which is contrary to making the oath in the first place.'

You say 'Aye, honor does not mean rigidity, although many see it that way.'

You say 'We must maintain our capacity of thought to deal with a situation such as that.'

You say 'If your oath was made that rigidly, if circumstances were adverse, then you may not be able to defend your charge.'

The Temple of Nadrik

A sense of peace prevails this large, diamond-shaped chamber. Braziers

hung in intervals on the granite walls disperse a soft light throughout.

The black marble floor bears a silver carpet designating a path from the

arched entryway to the massive rosewood altar at front. Above the altar,

nestled into a niche in the wall, is a large statue of the Lord Nadrik.

The carpet cuts between two rows of stone pews padded with velvet cushions,

and branches off to the left and the right into small alcoves created by

the design of the chamber. To the left, racks of prayer candles and

lighted incense rest beneath a second statue of Nadrik. The bronze effigy

depicts the God of Honor set upon a throne, bereft of armor and wearing

only a robe, a broadsword laid across his knees. In the right alcove, a

small marble cistern dwells in the shadow of a sculpture of a resplendent

gold angel. He cradles a stone tablet between his hands. The walls,

festooned with silk tapestries displaying the symbols and likeness of the

Lord, slope inward toward the ceiling. The large dome crown is

hand-painted in exquisite detail.

[Exits: north ]

A marble glass case stands off to the side.

(Golden Aura) Kaeira is here.

(Golden Aura) Leotie Shiroken is here.

(Golden Aura) Pae'lan is here, standing protectively next to Caecius .

(Golden Aura) Caecius Mamoritai is here.

(Charmed) A black stallion prances about proudly.

(Golden Aura) Kahlyn is here.

A statue of the god Nadrik stands here appearing to keep watch.

You say 'Are there any questions?'

Kahlyn ponders.

You say 'Do not fear to challenge.'

You say 'We must always challenge to find truth.'

Leotie says 'If I break a promise, does that make me evil?'

You say 'Blind acceptance is not acceptable.'

Leotie looks up at you, clearly fearful of the thought of being evil.

Kahlyn says 'So...is it okay to say I promise, but if anything bad happens I can deal with it and then do the promise?'

Caecius leans up on her toes as she listens.

You say (to Leotie) 'Evil action makes you evil, we are all mortal who aspire to divinity with our goodness.'

You say (to Kahlyn) 'Just be careful with the promise that you make, so that it is not rigid to the situation.'

Leotie blinks, appearing confused. She bites her lip as she thinks.

You say (to Kahlyn) 'If you swear to stay in a house, till your brother returns, and the house catches fire, do you stay in the house?'

You say 'Are we evil because we have left a burning house?'

Kahlyn says (to You) 'Well..that's what I mean.'

You say 'Are we dishonorable?'

Kahlyn says (to You) 'I would say...I swear to stay in the house unless something bad happens that makes it dangerous to stay in the house.'

You say 'And that is my message today.'

You beam a smile at Kahlyn.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

You say 'Consider that 'unless'.'

Kahlyn blinks.

You say 'For making a rash promise might cause you to do the wrong thing.'

Kahlyn nods.

You say 'The rigidity of a promise might not lead to the Good action.'

Caecius says (to You) 'Sir?'

You say (to Caecius) 'Yes Sister Caecius?'

Caecius says (to You) 'is this why it is safer to say "I will attempt to " instead of promising?'

You say 'Well, not everything requires an oath.'

Caecius says (to You) 'but if you give your word, is it not an oath?'

You say 'But when you make one, be prepared to accept it under all eventualities.'

Leotie says 'Maybe it's not good to always make a promise?'

You say 'That way you can be sure of your word being steadfast under all attack.'

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'I don't believe a promise is the same as an oath, or is it Sir?'

You say 'Your word is your word.'

You say 'Your honor is your life.'

Kaeira says 'To say something is as good as giving your word.'

You say 'Do not like an Evil soul trap your to defeat by swearing to him a promise.'

You nod at Kaeira.

Kaeira says 'That is why you should always be mindful of the words you speak.'

You nod at Kaeira.

You say 'And to the promises you make, and to whom.'

Kahlyn nods.

Caecius nods.

You say 'When the mirror is held up to your actions, let it not be that you would have to say I did the wrong action because I swore an oath to do it.'

Pae'lan scraches his jaw with his thumbnail.

You say 'This will not suffice.'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

You say 'We find honor in right and honorable action.'

Kahlyn nods at Caecius.

Kahlyn nods at you.

You say 'And that is to consider all the variables before making our decision.'

You say 'And finding honor in it.'

Kaeira stretches her arms above her head.

Kaeira chuckles.

Kaeira says (to You) 'Was meant for ye.'

Kahlyn grins at Kaeira.

Kahlyn smiles at you.

You say 'Do you wish to hear the conventional absolute and rigid view of honor as well?'

Caecius nods at you.

Kahlyn ponders.

Kahlyn nods.

You say 'It falls very much more into what is right and wrong.'

Leotie says 'Okay.'

Leotie beams a bright, cheerful, infectious smile.

You say 'I am sure you would have heard this line of reasoning before.'

You say 'That we swear to defend our empire, and that we must defend it to the death no matter what the consequense.'

Kaeira lifts her left hand, capturing a half ringlet of pale hair between her fingers. The woman listens, twisting and turning the strands with absent twists of her wrists while she also watches the others.

You say 'And that because we have sworn to defend it, makes the defence the right action under all circumstances.'

Leotie curls her bright-yellow wings a little as she watches you and listens.

You say 'And because of this, even if it makes sense to return to fight another day, because we have given our word, we honor our oath and die if required.'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

You say 'There is Good, and there is Evil.'

Caecius ponders.

You say 'Banish these thoughts of Light and Dark. We are talking of a war of ideology.'

Kahlyn appears to be deep in thought.

You say 'We are fighting because we cannot abide to see our homes fall to the immorality and anti-virtue which Evil would bring to us.'

You say 'Have any of you read the 'Theology of Algoron'?'

You say 'Or the Parable of Two Divine Councils?'

Leotie shakes her head a little, her wings fall back and tuck in behind her.

Kahlyn ponders.

Kahlyn says 'I don't think so...'

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'no, but if you had copies I would.'

You say 'They are in the library of Gareth under Theology.'

Pae'lan nods.

You say 'You would have to check the Gnomish portal.'

Caecius leans up on her toes a tiny bit

You say 'But these consider the states of Good and Evil.'

You say 'And that honorable and right action will lead to Good, whereas selfish and immoral action leads to Evil.'

Kahlyn nods.

You say 'Do you have any other questions of honor I am happy to field them.'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Caecius says (to Caecius Mamoritai) 'Isn't honor just more than words you speak?'

Kahlyn smiles at you.

Leotie bites her lip as she thinks, her gaze lowered for a moment.

Caecius says (to You) 'Isn't Honor more than just words you speak?'

<1594/1594hp 724/824m 406/406mv (2:30am) (The Temple of Nadrik) |Defensive| |N|> You nod at Caecius.

You say (to Caecius) 'Aye, your honor is based upon your actions.'

Kaeira whispers 'Pardon me, aye?'

Caecius says (to You) 'Can those of darkness.. have honor?'

You shake your head.

You say 'They may claim it, but because of their innate selfishness, and their desire for themselves, and not in right action. They cannot.'

You say 'As they cannot love, because they cannot trust their evil partner.'

You say 'They have something quite shallow in comparison.'

Leotie looks up at you thoughtfully, her vivid blue eyes brimming with curiosity.

Leotie says 'They "pretend" at honor?'

You nod.

You say 'Were there any questions or challenges?'

Kahlyn shakes his head at you.

Kaeira says 'What was the discussion about?'

You say 'About how honor is a virtue. Evil does not follow virtue, so their motives are not honorable.'

You say 'Take the Knighthood of Necrucifer.'

Caecius smiles at you.

You say 'They talk honor, but they care only for their prophecy.'

Kaeira rubs a finger against the tip of her nose sideways as if scratching it.

You say 'They may lie, murder, chear and steal to further their prophecy, honor is not important to them.'

Kahlyn taps his chin with his forefinger, thinking hard.

Kaeira says 'Nay, what about Dojians? Them folk on the isle live side by side with them Shokonese and they be honorable folk.'

You say 'Honor is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness.'

You say 'What God desires is here.'

Caenarfon touches Caecius's head.

You say 'And here.'

Caenarfon touches Caecius' heart.

You say 'And what you decide to do every day, you will be a good person, or not.'

You say 'I am not familiar with the Dojoians.'

You say 'In truth I have never met one.'

You say 'Although, if they are Evil, then they cannot be honorable.'

Caecius smiles at you.

Caecius says (to You) 'What of.. those whom are neutral but bear a red aura?'

You say 'Their aura is their alliegence, which not all will strictly follow.'

You say 'Honor is in good, right action.'

Caecius says (to You) 'Even those of the light, bare evil actions.'

Caecius says (to You) 'it just has yet to catch up to them... right?'

You say 'Remember that even when those who move you be Kings, or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God, you cannot say, "But I was told by others to do thus." Or that, "Virtue was not convenient at the time." This will not suffice. Remember that. '

You say (to Caecius) 'We aspire to do good, but we are mortal, and will make mortal error.'

You say 'Thus even one of Good can do evil action.'

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'that is what confession is for.'

You say 'But I would hope that if they did, it was not their intention.'

You nod at Pae'lan.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Caenarfon looks about the temple for more questions.

Caecius ponders.

Kaeira shakes her head.

You say 'Have you looked in this glass case?'

Caecius whispers 'it's the tenets'

Kahlyn taps his chin with a forefinger, thinking.

Caecius says 'Did you look at the tablets?'

You nod at Caecius.

Caecius points to the tablets in the hands of the statue

Kuririn clans 'greetings'

You say 'These are the aspirations of wisdom which we would have our followers follow.'

You say 'But let them not follow it blindly.'

You say 'Let them question, challenge to understand.'

Caecius whispers 'one of them bothers me a bit...'

You say 'Because the ones who follow the commands blindly cannot know honor if they have not seen the truth of it.'

You say 'Then speak, and let us challenge it.'

Kahlyn blinks at Caecius.

You say 'Nadrik has said that challenge shall keep our consciences clear.'

Caecius says (to You) 'Do not seek friendship with those of darkness, for they are damned. '

Caecius says (to You) 'Should we not try to bring them to know the light and it's goodness?'

You say 'Lord Bolter took this quite literally.'

You say 'He would not speak to them at all.'

Caecius says (to You) 'teach them that what they are doing you do not agree with and show them another path, the right one?'

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'may I try to answer?'

You say 'But notice that it says friendship.'

You nod at Pae'lan.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Caecius looks to Pae'lan now

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'We all of the Light should bring those of the Darkness to the salvation of the Light, just because we speak to them, or try to teach them to show them salvation, doesn't mean I want them over for tea to chat about the years crops, or to talk about my childrens' doings.'

Pae'lan says in a raspy voice 'there is a differance between friendship and aquantances.'

You say 'After all one must listen to flawed reasoning about why Evil thinks they way they do before you can defeat it. But do not attempt to defeat Evil with reason unless you are sure of your position.'

You beam a smile at Pae'lan.

Caecius beams a smile.

You say 'We may seek to reason with them, but would not trust one of evil with our gift of friendship.'

Caecius says 'Now that makes sense!'

Caecius whispers 'what if..'

Caecius ponders.

You say 'But we must be very prepared to test our reason with the forked tongue of evil.'

Caecius beams a smile.

Caecius smiles at you.

You say 'Do you feel more equipped to do Nadrik's Will?'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Caenarfon looks up to the statue, then gazes up looking for the moon that isn't there.

Caecius says (to You) 'I believe I am ready to keep my honor true and straight forward, temper my promises to those things that I shall never break and keep my oaths and vows'

You say 'And feel the freedom to challenge everything to lead you to truth.'

You say 'And live your life according to right and honorable action.'

You say 'Now return to the Castle Althainians.'

You say 'And spread the word of what you have learned today.'

You say 'May goodness follow your actions and intentions.'

Kahlyn smiles at you.

You say 'And may honor be ever with you.'

Kahlyn says (to You) 'Thank you!'

You salute.

Kahlyn waves.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Pae'lan salutes you.

Kahlyn walks north.

Caecius curtseys gracefully for you.

Caecius says (to You) 'I have a question...'

You smile at Caecius.

Caecius says (to You) 'may I summerize this and add it to my journal my brother had me start?'

You say 'Of course.'

Caecius says 'So this is the day of deception, second month of the heat...'

Caecius nods.

You say 'Farewell then Brother Pae'lan, and Sister Leotie and Caecius.'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

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Addendum, questions from this from Kinear Kestrel

[30 H-Elf Ran] (AL) Soldier Kinear Kestrel-Lightwing (Siccara)(IAM)(CoL)

You salute.

Kinear tells you 'yes my Lord.'

Kinear stands up.

Kinear salutes crisply, his eyes forward, his feet together at attention.

You say 'I am Corwen.'

Kinear says 'I am kinear kestrel my Lord.'

Kinear smiles.

You say 'How may I help you my son?'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Kinear says 'I read your lesson my Lord.'

You nod.

You say 'What are your thought my son?'

Kinear says 'can you tell me my Lord, you mentioned Lord Bolter's death was because he held rigidly to his oath, how did it happen?'

You say 'There was evil fighting on the side of Good, as elves of the forest sought to group together to save Nadrik.'

You say 'As elves follow a racial guideline, rather than ideology.'

You say 'Good was divided and fell.'

You say 'A principled death many would say.'

You say 'But a loss for Nadrik on that day.'

Kinear says 'so..Lord Bolter died because of elves? I don't understand my Lord...'

You say 'Bolter refused on principle to group with Evil to save his Lord.'

Kinear blinks.

You say 'So there all Evil were focused on two groups of Good, and was able to separate them easily and destroy them.'

Kinear says 'so thats what you meant about not being so rigid..'

You say 'Honor is what we consider Brother Kinear.'

Kinear says 'yes my Lord.'

You say 'When we make such decisions, guided by the tenets, can lead many people to many different decisions.'

You say 'For Bolter, he saw only one path.'

Kinear ponders.

You say 'I probably would have looked past the aura and towards the action.'

You say 'Here were good and true warriors to save our Lord, can I assist that effort?'

You say 'I have always judged intention and action as more important than aura.'

Kinear nods.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Kinear says 'I would too.'

You say 'What would have been... ah.'

You say 'But the late Cardinal had always been that way.'

You say 'And it is a difficult path to tread, so ought to be respected in its own right.'

You say 'Even though it lost the day, a principle can be a fine thing.'

You say 'Did you have any other questions around honor?'

Kinear says 'no my Lord.'

You say 'I am glad you have taken an interest in honor my son.'

You say 'I apologise for being unavailable yesterday, but the field was active.'

Kinear says 'I understand my Lord, and I had missed your lesson.'

Kinear says 'thank your for letting me make it up my Lord.'

You smile.

You salute.

Kinear salutes.

Kinear says 'my Lord?'

You say 'Yes Brother Kinear?'

Kinear says 'when is Lady Kiery due back to the Kepp my Lord?'

You say 'I have not heard she is away.'

You say 'Likely shortly though my son.'

Kinear nods.

You say 'Ah, I see.'

You say 'I'm sure time is the lesser issue.'

Kinear says 'I still don't like not meeting a deadline my Lord, it...bothers me to not finish a task assigned to me.'

You say 'Farewell Brother Kinear, feel free to ask at any time.'

You say 'I quite agree.'

Kinear says 'thank again my Lord.'

Kinear bows.

You say 'But you cannot be accountable for a situation beyond your control.'

You salute.