The Eight Virtues

Derived from the three principles of Truth, Love and Courage, the eight virtues are an embodiment of the code that each knight strives to follow.

Concluding each piece is an example on how one might prove too overbearing in a particular virtue, and goes into how in pursuing one virtue too far might have a detrimental effect on another.

Further works of virtue can be found in the 'Law of Recruitment' and in the book entitled 'Our Enlightened Future'. Iolius.

The History of Virtue in Knighthood

Pre-history

When the Knighthood was conceived by Tesalon Gareth, it was mainly as a protector to the fledgling human communities which formed under Ser'Phan after its early period of nomadic barbarism. He gave us our Oath and Code which are outlined in the "Oath and the Code" in the library. The Oath has always been known to us as "Nobilis Factum. Mors ante dedecoro." but no written version of the Code survived the destruction of Serpantol and Sacking of Gareth Keep. When the ruins of Southern Serpantol were rid of the yinn in recent history a book was found which may have been a later edition of this Code, but there is no proof that this is the fact, although it certainly reads well for authenticity. Both the Oath and the Code address the issues of the principles of Knighthood, and show that they have long been held, but would only became understood in the Modern History.

The Divine Doctrine from the dawn of Modern History

For those interested in Knighthood it is written:

The knight is sworn to valor

His heart knows only virtue

His blade defends the helpless

His might upholds the weak

His words speak only truth

His wrath undoes the wicked.

The right can never die

If one man still recalls

The words are not forgot

If one voice speaks them clear

The code forever shines

If one heart holds it bright

"To be brave in deed and in word, to be one of strength and courage is to be a champion. A Knight must be a hero and a champion, a guardian of good. True of heart and noble in spirit, a Knight must be willing to sacrifice everything if it will further the one and only war."

"Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong; that is your oath. Rise a knight."

This certainly shows that Knighthood had noble, honourable and chivalrous roots in the early days, but these would not be fully explored conceptually till later.

Modern History

It was not to be till the "Rise of Knighthood" when Seal Breingiton issued the "Eight Virtues" as part of the renaissance that the Knighthood could take a step back from the protection of good and Althainia from Malice and Eclipse and focus on sense of purpose. Before this point, knights had their hands full protecting what was under their charge and fighting for good against evil. Much thought previous to this was to be spent on how to defeat the enemies of good. What was fundamental to get the recruitment which we required was the discourse which enthused the minds of those who flocked to our banner in the great numbers not since the rise of Serpantol.

The later influence is the addition of priests to Algoron who raised the awareness of the gods of good, particularly the patrons of our orders, Austinian for Good, Nadrik for Honour and Siccara for Healing. These three immortals in particular have shaped the way in which we think with regard to virtue which has since derived from their patronage. With the amount of sermon, prayer, confession and discourse which they have taken part in has had great influence.

Virtue has always been very open to interpretation, and means different things to different people, as some hold more virtues closer to their heart than others. While it is true that there are no absolutes in terms of divine morality which encompasses all things, the more work which is done in this area, the more closer we will get to this achievement.

Virtue and Evil

Virtue ethics is based on the principle of goodly motive. The philosophy is based about a following of people, and in our case knights, who believe that individuals ought to act according to a moral compass set by a set of goodly virtues. We in Knighthood follow the Eight Virtues, born of the Three Principles.

Life never fails to amaze, and in a peculiar twist of confusion, many of those of Evil have enamoured themselves to the virtue ethics for which the Knighthood of Gareth Keep is so strongly aligned.

Those of Evil, who are known for their selfish behaviour, and each being out for themselves. They do what they feel like, when they feel like it without the consideration of others. They do what their Evil gods demand of them regardless of any consideration of virtue.

In these ways a Knight of Gareth Keep is different.

Virtue ethics can only be followed by those of pure intent, who view the world and determine that their actions will be guided by doing what is right, following a system of virtue ethics to arrive at the right outcomes. Only those who are sincere in this regard will have honour, humility, justice and the virtues we have come to cherish.

Although we give great thanks that these noble intentions are in the hearts of our Evil enemies, which draws their actions to Good, it is the very motivations which cause their noble and virtuous intent to collapse. If an Evil being is paying only lip service to virtue, and it is not the foundation of their thoughts, actions and deeds then their motivation is not virtue. Those of Good of course have the capacity to be unvirtuous, but more to do with their fallibility as mortals than their nature and intent.

Only those who are motivated by virtue, those who follow virtue for goodness's sake and because they believe in virtuous action and virtuous outcome can truly be sincere in this regard.

There is more information on this within the Falsehood of Necrucifer.

Acre St John

The Three Principles

The eight virtues are derived from the three principles of Truth, Love, and Courage. All that is good, or done with good intent, derives from the three principles.

Truth

Truth is the truth that is inherent in all things. It is the truth that we discover when we are able to see clearly, free from other distractions.

Love

Love is the love that we find in our hearts for all things. Love is what drives us to do acts of kindness. To love is to see beauty and joy all around.

Courage

Courage is strength of spirit and determination to act for the greater good. Courage to never give up, and to face overwhelming odds bravely.

These three principles, either separately, or in combination, form the virtues:

From Truth comes Honesty

From Love comes Compassion

From Courage comes Valour

Truth and Love combined create Justice

Love and Courage combined create Sacrifice

Courage and Truth combined create Honour

From Truth, Love, and Courage comes Spirituality

Pride is caused by the absence of the Three Principles, the opposite of Pride is Humility.

Honesty

Valour is Courage to stand up against risk. Those who fear to try, know not their limits and thus know not themselves.The valiant soul fears not its own visage. True valor is seen not in the force of arms, but in the force of will!The intangible kith and kin to courage, to be valiant in heart and deed is to seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a knight. To boldly step upon the path, grasping courage and faith in equal measures. Encounter danger with firmness, prowess, intrepidity in equal parts with justice. To be valiant is to hold a fear of base or unworthy things and harbour a spark of boldness.A knight stands up for what he believes in at all times, even should he be standing alone. The Valour of the knight is well known across the land, and should always be maintained. To be valiant, is to stride forth and stand boldly for your belief in Goodness, using Justice, Honour, Compassion, and Honesty in equal parts. A knight does not necessarily need to succeed to show Valour, but can not truly succeed without showing valor. The code of the Knighthood forever shines, so long as the Valiant remain to hold it in their hearts.A knight uses Valor in his stance against all that oppose him.

Valour's temperance: To not charge into the enemy with reckless valour because it is the bravest thing to do. If one is expected to hold a line, one shows honour to ones brothers who are depending on one to hold that line.

Justice

Justice is Truth, tempered by Love. Those who inflict injustice upon others, cannot expect fair treatment unto themselves.True justice satisfies all, false none. Let justice be the calling not the excuse. Many a grave has been unjustly filled in the name of justice. Justice is truth in action. Justice is hardest to find at the point of a sword, the steel is an agent of justice, people are the perpetrators.Seek always the path of right, unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy. Seek it out without bending to the temptation for expediency, the ends do not justify the means.A knight is not a judge, a knight administers justice. He or she is a caretaker of justice, a bringer of judgment from the Gods. A knight meets out the sentence and is the harbinger of truth and goodness.A knight rides out into the land, ever searching to bring Justice to those who serve malevolence. (His wrath undoes the wicked). Justice should always be what the Knight seeks when he rides out into Algoron. At all times the knight is required to be fair and just in his servitude to the Light. When going into battle, a knight must serve Justice, not vengeance, or hatred. Though our battles are tough, we fight because we mean to bring justice, not because we mean to slay or maim our foes. A repented enemy is far greater than a slain one, in any case. A Knight uses justice as the tool of his Lord or Ladies will. With it he strikes fear into his enemies, and hope into those he serves.

Justice's temperance: To give out harsh penalties for petty crime is not justice, the crime ought to have fitting punishment. In some cases one should show lenience towards reform, as well as one who executes justice to the letter of the law. All ought to be accountable to the law, for it governs us all.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is Courage to give oneself in the name of Love. None live alone, save they who will not share their fortune with those around them.Self preservation is the first law of nature, self sacrifice the highest rule of grace.A Knight sacrifices all - life and liberty for the one and only war. The Knight forfeits everything to protect and defend the helpless. A Knight thinks only of gain in his or her service regardless of personal loss.A knight knows Sacrifice more than most others in the realm. A knight is ready and willing to give up all he has for the one war in which we serve. A knight must be prepared to give even his life, as Sir Gunnar did to seal the rift. Sacrifice comes not to please those it is given for, it is meant to show that the knight values what he is doing, more than what he has, and is willing to give what he has, to further what he is doing. A knight can speak about how he is willing to serve and give himself, but as is the case with all things, actions speak louder than words.A knight sacrifices all that he has to better the one, true war.

Sacrifice's temperance: To give too much of ones self without due provocation will limit ones ability to fulfil ones duty as a Knight of Gareth. One must give of oneself as one must, but to be strong for another day where one may then give oneself again.

Honour

Honour is Courage to seek and uphold the Truth. It is the guilt, not the guillotine, that constitutes the shame.Honor is like finely polished armour. Without constant care, it will soon tarnish! Honor gives greatness - No honor, no meaning. Dignity consists not in possessing honours, but in deserving them.To be honourable in thought and deed. To maintain a principled uprightness of character, a personal integrity, dignity that neither strife nor hardship can waver. Honour is a virtue that can be and should be infused into each of the virtues, a courtesy that emanates from the spirit and infuses each habit.Be respectful and gentle with equals, honour superiors, and show consideration to all. To live in a manner so that your deeds and person are not called into question and only favourably reflected upon the teachings of Lord Nadrik.Honour is perhaps one of the single most important thing a Knight must maintain in his actions. (To be noble in word and deed, to be a Champion) A knight's honour should be the single greatest thing he is known for. A success in combat is not a success if it is attained through dishonourable means, nor is any success for that matter. A knight must consistently maintain his honour in all things. Everything from tactics in combat, to dealing with others throughout the land. A knight who takes shortcuts does not only undercut himself, but those he serves as well. Honour comes from within the knight, and it is not something to be adhered to, it is something that must be lived. If a knight has trouble with finding honour, he should look to his peers, for it is always strong there. A knight with honour will not gloat, or brag over his successes, but instead realizes he has been gifted success by the Family he serves, and will work to continue to enact Their will.

A knight uses honour not only as his armour against deceit and trickery, but as his weapon against it, and his sustenance in life as well.

Honour's temperance: To give ones enemy who is undeserving too much honour serves no purpose. Honour and respect are earned, not given freely. One must not allow a stronger evil enemy who is known to fouly murder innocent children to recover his weapon which one has disarmed if he will best one in combat because he is stronger. For justice one must defeat him to allow the evil actions of this enemy to discontinue.

Spirituality

Spirituality is to seek Truth, Love and Courage from one's own self and the world around. To forsake one's inner being is to abandon thy hopes for thyself and thy world.Spiritual is stronger than any material force. If one speaks or acts with pure thought, happiness will follow like a shadow that never leaves. Success is a journey, not a destination. Remember, no one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others.A knight must have faith in beliefs held, for faith is at the root of the tree of hope and the very foundations of these walls. Faith is the confident belief in the truth, value, and trustworthiness of our Gods, in ideals and in each other. It is a loyalty beyond measure, an allegiance of spirit. It is a virtue defined as a secure belief and a trusting acceptance of God's will and divine purpose.Have faith in your Gods, have faith in each other and in yourself. Tend well the divine purpose of the true path, fortify the foundations and the walls will always stand.Our spirituality is our driving force in all we do. Our very charge is to serve the Gods and Goddesses of light. Our faith shall forever carry us through our challenges, so long as we remain faithful to those we serve. A knight should always follow the teachings of his or her chosen Deity, and remain faithful to that Deity in all their dealings. If a knight loses touch with his spirituality, he loses touch with his oaths and responsibilities, and then has lost touch completely.

No said faith is more important than another, as all of the Holy Family enact their will through us, and they should all equally be served by their followers. One who does not serve their Deity, will find their Deity not serving them.

Our shield against all harm comes in the way of Spirituality, to quench the flaming arrows of malevolence, vengeance, murder, darkness, and rage.

Spirituality's temperance: To stand in the altar room and hear sermon, psalm, and to sing and pray are all very fine things. But to do so too much and with too much religious fever will cheapen the act of performing these actions themselves. Many pious souls who have stood too long in the temple, or spend all their time in communion and prayer leave no time for action of the Lord's good work. One must strike a balance in communion and action.

Humility

Humility is the opposite of Pride - the absence of Truth, Love or Courage. Pride is a vice, which Pride itself inclines one to find in others, and overlook in oneself.Pride is the surest measure of goals never attained. Humility is the virtue that must overcome pride. Humility is to act and be humble. The first test of a great soul is humility.Within our hearts lies a bell of truth that when we do right it rings with as sweet a tone as a chime sent from the heavens. This same bell rings in disharmony, discord when we dosomething against our vows and nature. An alarm to listen to, to sound the bell against vainglory and danger. We may have committed some wrong which needs setting right, to makeamends and to demonstrate our continued service to the ideals which we uphold.A knight goes further, accepting responsibility for the flaw and spurning the comfort of pinning the difficulty on someone else, and sets it right. There is great power in the humility to say I was wrong, or I am sorry should they be spoken with sincerity. It is turning a weakness to a strength.

Humility confers a grace and gentleness that does not denude from strength, courage, loyalty or any virtue of a knight. A quiet excellence that enhances the bearer and harmonizes them in their lack of boasts.

We as knights must always remain humble. We must always remember we are here to serve a purpose much greater than ourselves. We serve the Lords and Ladies of the Pantheon of Good, and without their grace and gifts, we would not exist as we do. Though we act as vessels for Their will, we are just that, the tools that enact the will of the Holy Family. To hold ourselves in higher regard than those we serve, is a sin against that which we are taught.

A knight uses Humility as a shield against pride, and a bar to hold him on his righteous path.

Humility's temperance: To be too humble in the face of ones achievements contravenes the truth. If one has a special gift for organization of a task, then one must let others who enquire for expertise in this task, who is best placed to assist them.

Kalado on his Sacrifice and Valour

Sacrifice

A life upon which a Knight leads bring him to an understand of the workings

of the world. Worldly possessions such a personal wealth and merit bring to

self immediate power, though this power is fleeting. As mortals of this

realm, there are much greater ambitions for which success brings the

betterment of the good. These ambitions are accomplished not through

hoarding power, but using it in such a way that those who are in need of it

can find it. In this way, for one to achieve the power in which I speak of,

one must forgo a lifestyle of abundance, and give everything of himself.

As a very able body in combat, I was in every way physically powerful. I

achieved the best equipment to suite my needs, and relished in my ability to

send any opponent to their death. From my journey from organization to

organization, I sought to prove myself again and again. Much of my time,

however, the only person I was proving myself to was myself. Since I

entered Gareth, proving self was a phrase unheard of by the Knights. These

Knights followed a different phrase, which is of sacrificing self. As I

strive to become a Knight, the only betterment I prove is that of the world

around me.

Valor

Many truly don't understand the strength of heart and will of those within

Gareth until they finally chance upon it by becoming a part of it. As one

of which the Knights of Gareth has combated for history, my path was quite

alone. I sought to become a Knight of Gareth, to understand the workings of

such an organization. While I was within the Keep in the beginning, I was

questioned much about my presence within the Keep. Not only that, but it

was spoken of by all outside of the Keep of why assassins would be allowed

within the Keep. This gossip soon became the words of Nadrik as a visit to

Tegyr. Tegyr and myself, because of our professions were not deemed worthy

of being Knights of His Keep, and was given an ultimatum. We were given the

option of rejoining as a profession more suitable of His Knights, or be

removed from Gareth.

Sir Tegyr was unable to take in this loss, and sent a missive to the Keep

about his final days on the shores of Shokono. Myself, though pained that

so soon after I joined would have to leave, did not take this as a loss, but

another opportunity. After much personal prayer, I decided to change my

path of life, to become a cleric of Nadrik. General Sha'fen assisted me in

prayer, thought, and action as I begun to follow Nadrik. After much time

spent in prayer, I was visited by Nadrik who bid me patience. Soon after,

Lord Raije filled my ears with the drums of war, and graciously allowed me

to serve as of Nadrik's. Again, as one within Gareth, I strive to be seen

not by my personal appearance, but my strength of heart and devotion to the

furtherance of the Light.

Honesty and Integrity

As servants of the Light and soldiers of Gareth's Keep, we all have put both

time and study towards learning and further developing a better

understanding of the Eight Virtues that guide us in our mission to the

Light.

A great author once said: "That telling the truth is easy, that way you

never have to remember anything." Of all the Virtues, living honestly and

with integrity should be the most natural and easiest guideline for a

soldier of Gareth to follow.

To live and serve with honesty everyday is simple enough. Speak only the

truth to all whom you meet. But also know that you should never stay silent

when a question or concern comes to your attention. Remaining silent only

serves to entertain any self-vanity we might hold. Asking questions,

raising concerns helps us all to learn and better understand the moral

virtues that guide us. Always telling the truth, speaking honestly and

respectfully when called upon; These things should be as natural as

breathing to any who serve within Gareth.

To live and serve with integrity everyday that we walk these hallowed halls

we must only strive to put forth our best efforts. Be it writing a report

or theological essay for a superior, vanquishing our enemies on the

battlefields or paying close attention when a senior officer gives a

lecture. By giving our best, fullest efforts, we live and work with the

virtue of integrity.

- Aerahan Mamoritai

A Speech on Justice

A speech delivered by Sir Thrakhath Nar'gyatt, Sentinel of Austinian, during the weekly prayer hour held in the altar room of Gareth Keep.

It is key to remember justice. That we are to be most just in our actions. The Holy Father teaches that. The path of right, may not be the quickest, and may require counsel of many parties. But that is the path of right. That we, children of the Light, are not judges. That is duty for the Holy Father and His Pantheon and that alone.

We are caretakers of justice, administrating it with due judgment and proper procedures. That while the Holy Father is most compassionate, it is His compassionate nature too to deliver His wrath upon those who would sin. And thereafter the visitation of such wrath, they may be once again embraced by His magnanimity. Such is the nature of the Light.

That even amongst us, we sin. And still, the Holy Father would forgive us, but we must learn - yes? From the most humble of pages, to the most renown paladins, we all must learn from the course of justice. I do hope of course that all within our fellowship remembers this.

- Sir Thrakhath Nar'gyatt, Sentinel of Austinian, Lieutenant of the Crown

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Mercerion: A Treatise on Valor

Sun Jan 8 23:13:17 2012

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A Treatise on Valor as it pertains to the Knighthood.

Valor is key in in the duty of the Knight of Gareth. Not simply just on the field,

but in all aspects of their life and duty. In the field, a Knight calls upon

Valor not simply by standing against his foes, it is deeper than that.

Valor is not being unafraid, but it is more taking ones self beyond what fear

you may have, confronting it, and defeating it. Most commonly this is attributed

to field combat.

As a Lancer before, This was the stance I took with valor as well. Having

given it some more thought, I find that valor is more than skill with a blade

or might with a shield or lance.

Valor extends into the spirit of a Knight's everyday life. Spiritual valor

can be seen by a knight who stands for his beliefs, even if he stands alone.

It can also be seen by the knight who commits a sin, and instead of hiding it,

faces it, accepts it, seeks his or her forgiveness, and seeks to find the path

again, rather than wallowing in the guilt of their sins.

Valor can be seen by the Page whom approaches a General to see if there is

anything he or she must do to progress to Squire, rather than tossing up their

arms in frustration, or storming out, or seeking a place where perhaps they

can advance more quickly.

In Summary, If we remove Valor from the knight, we do not just remove his

ability in the field. We remove his resiliency, his ability to overcome, and

his ability to hold to the very founding vows of our order.

If we remove valor, we remove an anchor that keeps our collective ship moored

in harbor. Without the separate parts of our whole, the virtues of Gareth, we

are unwhole, and have weakness in the armor that protects us, and all those

in our charge.

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Kuromaru: Compassion and Valor

Sat Jan 14 17:49:04 2012

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Earlier today I held a discussion about the Virtues, but more accurately

the virtues of Compassion and Valor.

Love is an emotion we have. It's our care for others. When we love someone

and they hurt, we will hurt. When they are joyous, we are also joyous. And

when we Love and care for another, we will want to make sure they are always

happen and never hurt. We will do what it takes for our loved ones to be

happy.

Compassion is taking our love for an individual to a whole new level.

Compassion is strongly rooted within Empathy. And compassion does not

always mean we need to feed the hungry, house the homeless, or give anything

physical. Often times a helpful ear to listen to, or a shoulder to cry on,

is the best cure to many plights.

Courage is having the strength to stand up against that which we fear. This

could be something as small as standing in front of a number of our peers

and give a lecture to as large as staring down the face of a demon or dragon

in combat.

But Valor, Valor is having the courage and the resolve to stand up against

all odds. Valor in combat may be something that is written about after the

fact, those most acts of Valor in combat do not end well for the brave soul.

Instead, Valor when coupled with Compassion is a strong union. Valor and

Compassion together are having the strength to stand up and fight injustice.

The strength to stand by your convictions no matter what you may face on the

other side.

At times that will mean fighting, and as Knights of Gareth we cannot ignore

the combat aspect of our lives. But living a life completely for war.

Completely for death, and destroying our foes, is not a life worth living.

By having the strength to offer Love and Compassion to others, we can do

just as must to harm evil's cause as fighting them. We can show that we

will always stand against them, and show those whom are oppressed by evil

that they will always have an ally, a champion of their cause.

And while I do not know the original author of this quote, I often times

think of this when making choices. 'The best way for an Evil man to

succeed, is for a Good man to sit back and do nothing. ' Let us not allow

for this to happen.

Sir Kuromaru Shiroken

Knight of the Shield

Deacon of Father Austinian

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Sacheverell: The Virtues of Gareth Keep

Tue Jan 24 12:07:44 2012

To: knighthood

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I gave a sermon on the Virtues in the Octagonal Room which is

particularly fitting as this is our earliest evidence of them. This will be

a sermon based around the visual representation of these ancient images.

There are eight virtues, and eight sides to the room, and upon each wall is

an ancient frieze of a virtue.

The virtues are made up of three principles. Truth, Love and Courage.

Truth is made up of things such as Honesty, Love is made up of things like

Compassion, and Courage is made up of things like Valor. '

Honesty: The open hand is the pictorial symbol of honesty. Honesty hides

nothing and reveals all.

Compassion: It is the act of giving that captures the virtue of compassion,

which is based upon the Princple of Love, hence the heart.

Valor: A knight of valor will not shirk from even a demon! His blade will

stay true in the defence of Good.

Justice: The King dispenses justice and holds the scales which represents

the facts balancing the truth.

Sacrifice: One man fallen to the desert heat, and he gives the last drop of

water to his companion, Our life is the mist precious thing we have to give.

Honor: The knight has sworn his oath upon his honor and has drunken upon is

from the sacred chalice.

Spirituality: Spirituality is all about how we present ourselves sincerely

to God.

Humility: There is no more humble profession than the Shepherd. Someone who

quietly tends to their flock, and shows no pride.

Any questions on the ancient symbolism of the virtues can be asked of

myself.

Uth Aquitaine. Shield.

How Virtues Enhance Each Other

I have spent more than one day within this Temple, not only relfecting on

the memories I have of this place, but upon what it means to be a Knight and

to serve the Keep of Gareth. Through all of my time spent here, I think I

have come to better know what honor, compassion, justice, spirituality,

humility, and valor all mean, and how they all work both in conjunction and

at odds with one another to create a more whole picture of what a Knight

should be.

Above all else, we are all only 'human'. At no point will even the best of

us be the epitome of perfection. Keeping that in mind, it is not hard to

realize that our virtues might come at odds with one another. However, I'm

not entirely sure how much people realize they work in perfect harmony with

one another as well.

I was tasked to write about honor and compassion versus justice. The

keyword here is 'versus', and I do not believe it applies. Justice is the

fair exacting of a law against one who trespasses. Honor says that we must

exact justice against those who would harm others, and compassion says that

we must listen to their side of the story as well, to know their hurts and

their thoughts. Honor and compassion temper one another, and through them

we can come to a perfect justice for a crime committed, based solely on the

individual rather than a blanket punishment for all who commit the same

crime. Honor helps us hold a perpetrator responsible, compassion helps us

judge their intent.

The other aspect to write about was spirituality and humility versus valor.

Again, the keyword is 'versus', and I once more do not see them at odds with

one another, but coming together to create a more cohesive whole.

Spirituality gives us strength; through the teachings of our Patron and

Matron Gods and Goddesses, we are granted conviction of our purpose.

Through humility, we recognize that we are not perfect beings, and that we

live to serve a purpose greater than our own existence upon Algoron. Valor

is the ability to bring those two things together, the righteous indignation

of a higher purpose and the knowledge that we are merely mortals, equal to

one another and humbled to our Gods that enables us to face battle with

valor.

The virtues, the ideals of the Keep, all work together to make us who we

are. We should live our lives daily in working toward the goals of

attaining these virtues fully and perfectly, even knowing that we will never

be able to. Honor lies in honesty, sacrifice, truth, camaraderie,

compassion, strength, humility, faith, and above all the drive and desire to

attain all of those things, even in the face of our own mortal life spans

and our flaws.

Dame Andrie Aaronson

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Falric: On Justice

Sun May 27 14:21:43 2012

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Justice. It is a virtue we have stood to uphold since the beginning of

our fair Keep, Truth, tempered by Love to right the wrongs we, as mortals,

do by each other from time to time.

To the learning Knight, and even some experienced ones, Justice is the

fitting punishment for wrongs, meant to teach as much as it is to prevent a

second happening of wrongs. One chastised to must take away a lesson from

their punishment, understand what they do is wrong and, hopefully, come to

try and repent for their misdeeds once they have come to grips with their

flaw.

However, our enemies may seek to come down upon us with harsh words and

taunts, seeking a mismanagement of Justice upon them, a punishment

unbefitting their current crime. They seek to stretch and pervert Truth and

Love, trying to force us to hate them for their wrongness, or overlook the

crucial kernel of truth within every single one of the wicked who seek this:

They know they are wrong.

Those who come at us seeking unfairly harsh punishment, who wish to be hated

and so have vengeance taken upon them do no more than they already feel

about themselves. They are lost in their own darkness, hatred of themselves

tempered by the remains of their decency that seek atonement, whether

through death or through the mercy a Knight may show. They know they are

lost, and their taunts are their cry for help.

Do not hate these souls, but pity them, because they are blindly seeking

their salvation. Be the guiding hand as you can, but do not give overmuch

of yourself. Do not hate, because in that you shall lose sight of Justice.

Seek the truth always, and give Justice as it is meant to be given. The

Father loves all of his children, even the wayward sons. It is our duty to

bring those back that we can, and send the rest to His embrace, where they

may be reminded of His touch upon them.

Sir Falric Marwyn

Guardian of the Shield

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Dame Fyahy'll Gunn's Interpretation of the Eight Virtues

Honesty

Respect for the Truth

One of the favorite proposals of evil is that evil is necessary to have

good. They suggest that if there is no evil, good ceases to exist. This

is a falsehood. Goodness is Truth, the rest is smoke and mirrors. Those

who respect and have a firm grip on Truth are safeguarded against the

machinations of deceit which is the obscuration of Truth for gain.

Where some may see Compassion as a possible avenue to compromise Honour or

Honesty, one must remember that Truths acknowledged and not hidden for gain

do not constitute deceit. The forlorn widow need not know the gruesome

details of her husbands sacrifice, only that he died a good man in service

to the Father.

Compassion

Compassion is Love of others

Compassion is not always gentle. In loving your brother you must lead him

along paths that are good for him, not those which are most convenient.

Without compassion for the suffering or the mortal soul of your brother

transgressions are overlooked, forgiven without atonement or penance. I

submit that this is not compassion but failure in Honesty.

I would go so far as to say slaying one beyond saving is the highest form of

Compassion. The taking of a life is to sacrifice a part of yourself, giving

of yourself to end the suffered existence of one lost is the most exalted

form of Compassion. Compassion improperly applied can be the enemy of

Valour. Staying the hand of the righteous could be a grievous error before

the deceit of Evil. This is why a raised hand, a drawn sword is the last of

resorts because once drawn the sword judgment is complete and only

execution remains, therefore one is loathe to return to sheath without use.

Valour

Valour is Courage to stand up against risk.

Too often Valour is seen as the drawn sword, the violence of war and the

brave deeds of great warriors. Let us not diminish the brave deeds of

warrior's past, yet this definition is narrow. Valour is measured in

conviction, be it on the battlefield or in the meeting room. The courage

adhere to a belief, to the spirit and not always the exact letter, and to

act upon the very same in the face of uncertainty is the purest definition

of Valour.

In this there are pitfalls with Sacrifice and Humility. Truly the concept

of Valour is fraught with difficulty and this is why when properly executed

it is so highly praised. A Valourous act may require great Sacrifice and

also Humility. One may ask, "how can one be Valourous and humble at the

same time?" And the response is that true acts of Valor can only be carried

out by the humble.

Justice

His wrath undoes the wicked.

Justice is the undoing of evil. Correcting wrongs. Justice is atonement,

forced if need be. Justice is the summation of three processes: law,

judgment, and execution. A knight must be versed in all three to

adequately mete Justice. Where law equates to honesty, judgment to honour

and compassion, and execution to Valour. Justice is not our pleasure, but

our obligation as caretakers to these lands and defenders of those less

able.

Do not let compassion nor valour stray from carrying out swift and meritable

Justice. An excess of either virtue can become either laxness or tyranny

respectively. The equilibrium must be kept perfect.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is Courage to give oneself in the name of Love

Sacrifice, the dominion of Taliena and the portal to Lord Nadrik. Sacrifice

for a knight is to realize that self no longer exists in conflict with duty.

We are but vessels, what is ours, gained, or our success' are not truly of

the individual but pertinent to the order of Good in general. As such,

sacrifice of materials things is not so much giving as distributing.

Self no longer exists in conflict with duty. We are all still people, to

deny this and not allow for the possibility of err would be to deny Truth.

An undiscussed pitfall to Sacrifice is Humility. Our sacrifice is not to

elevate or point out the righteousness self, but for the betterment of all.

Sacrifice is not a source of pride, it is an obligation.

Honour

Honour is Courage to seek and uphold the Truth.

Our mission is to bring victory to Good. To do that with honour is to

espouse Goodness while fighting for Goodness. Honour is hope's beacon to

those of the realm who would do good. They are told that goodness is

weakness, frailty. To win with Honour is a clarion to those who live in

deceit. Be it on the battlefield or in the hearts and minds of the

populace. A victory without Honour is in fact defeat.

One fervently meting Justice must do so with Honour and Compassion. Justice

without Honour is tyranny, not justice. Uphold truth, but in doing so do

not cause undue suffering which would be in conflict with Compassion.

Spirituality

To forsake one's inner being is to abandon thy hopes for thyself and thy

world.

One must continue to nurture and care for the soul. Seek the guidance of

others, seek the counsel of priests, and search for the resonance of good

continually within your soul through prayer. To assume a Knight could reach

a point where the soul would no longer require maintenance would be folly

and probably arrogant. No one is below affording you some piece of wisdom.

In turning inward to care for the soul, do not forget Valor and Justice as

we have a very real and physical mission as well.

Humility

Humility is the opposite of Pride

Humility is the pinnacle of honesty with ones self. A realization of the

truth of one's role in the grander theatre will lead naturally to humility.

This is achieved through Spirituality and Honesty. Exercising well those to

virtues will need naturally to Humility. In your dealings with all remember

carefully the inscription upon the library table. "Of equal voice - ye who

will speak and be heard here, none above the other." Before the Gods,

nothing holds more true.

Do not let humility silence you, nor prevent the justice of the Righteous.

We have this obligation and it is not a function of Pride or Superiority,

but Truth and Honor.

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Falric: Compassion's Temperance

Sun Jul 15 13:04:44 2012

To: Gwaine Thrakhath Gwynn Chretien Knighthood ( Immortal Religion Austinian )

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The Eight Virtues stand, among we Knights of Gareth, as pillars of

conduct that we always try to uphold and demonstrate for those who wish to

follow the Good path set down by the Father, Austinian, and His family. Of

these are Compassion, Valor, Justice, Honesty, Sacrifice, Spirituality,

Honor, and Humility.

When pressed as to the preference among these that I try to stand for most

(though all Knights should uphold all eight, it is not rare to see one being

held with a special care by any given man or woman in service), I confessed

a fondness for compassion toward others. It is good and wholesome to care

for the well-being of others, to look after them as your brother and to seek

to better their living and teach them to spread those blessings among those

around them that are in need as well.

In my long studies, however, I have come to accept that there is a limit to

the kindnesses we may give to others before we start to stretch ourselves

too thin. Sacrifice is good, it is a virtue to be willing to surrender our

comforts, our time, and even our lives, if the cause is just. However, we

must also be prepared to acknowledge that sometimes our caring runs too

deep, our willingness to sacrifice too great in the name of compassion to

justify doing something that could potentially do them greater harm down the

road.

Be compassionate, but do not coddle. Be prepared to extend the hand of

forgiveness, but do so at arm's length, that you do not find that begging

hand for mercy holding a dagger to your ribs in the next instant. Know when

to give selflessly and when to do what you may without taxing yourself, as

we are the greatest, brightest hope of repelling the shadow from these

lands. We care for everyone, but we cannot see ourselves destroyed by that

concern over the smallest of details at every chance. Save yourself for the

great conflict, but give what small comforts you can until that day comes.

The Father's Love is boundless, and so too must be our willingness to see

that Love spread across the whole of this world.

Sir Falric Marwyn

Guardian of the Shield

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Gaudin: Ruminations on Humility

Tue Aug 28 13:37:48 2012

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Humility:

The act of humility, or the nature of being humble are careful and precise

standards. Standards of which Knights all must observe and consider. The

complexity of such things lends itself away from explanation, and towards

allegory.

I am reminded of the story of Catalan Carrasca, a Hedge Knight from

Caledonia. His tale is told frequently amongst the people in the provinces

of the Empire. Sir Catalan was actually an old farmer named Catel. You see

Catel had reached his middle years and become enamoured with stories of

chivalry and valour, he decided to buy a suit of ancient armor and set out

among the Empire as a Knight Errant. The farmers and citizens of the empire

delight to hear of a common man taking it upon himself to perform gallant

knight errantry with often hilarious consequences. They laugh as he

challenges a merchant mule team to honorable combat, and giggle at his

assumptions of a windmill to be a great Fire Giant. Tilting away at his

honorable foes, bringing righteousness to the farmlands.

The tale is a parody, with many lessons about living a good life and the

folly of misused chivalry, but there is a portion that stands out. Sir

Catalan faces the Knight of Mirrors.

The story tells of Sir Catalan facing this Knight in honorable combat, a

duel to speak of the fairness of their lady loves. Each unwilling to

believe that their Lady Love is not the fairest, honour demands that they

tilt against each other until a victor is decided.

At one point during their tilt, The Knight of Mirrors holds up his shield,

which is polished to the brightest shine, reflecting the visage of Sir

Catalan. Sir Catalan sees himself as the world sees him in the reflection,

he sees an aging man, not in fighting shape wearing ancient armor not made

for him. In this moment all his illusions are removed, and he views himself

honestly. Then the Knight of Mirrors strikes him and nearly unhorses him.

Sir Catalan stands stricken on his horse, knowing that he is folly, knowing

that he is a joke. The sorrow and pain of such knowledge well up inside

him. He then lowers his lance, and tilts again, striking solemnly against

the Knight of Mirrors and unhorsing him.

The moral of this story always struck me as beautiful. In one moment Sir

Catalan was brutally removed of all his illusions, all his airs and pride.

Humbled by force before an enemy. He exemplifies the virtue here because

even being humbled, he still tilts. Knowing himself not a great knight, he

still rides again against a far superior foe. He shows Honour and Humility,

and displays the importance of humility and how a true knight must use it.

In Closing, Humility is being able to see yourself as the world sees you, in

the harshest light, and being able to accept that into a part of who you

are. Knowing that I am just a man, a man who may fail, may falter, may

die... Knowing that is what all humble men must know.

*posted by request of Lady Datai d'Aggravaine*

Gaudin Leoncourt

Squire to General de'Tryoes

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Edirne: Historical Retrospective: The Mantle and the Virtues

Thu Jun 11 13:58:03 2015

To: Knighthood

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The history of the Mantle is long, aging back to the creation of Gareth's

Keep. Here, we shall look at the Paladins of the Ages, using the Eight

Virtues as a lens of inspection and retrospection.

Honesty

Honesty is a virtue easily understood, but painful to act out. Our history

has many Paladins who have had to come to terms with others, but more

importantly, come face to face with their own weaknesses and confess them to

their peers. Victis strikes me as a telling example. In good standing with

the Keep, he left peacefully into the Wrath, admitting to others and himself

his inability to temper his work toward Justice. Despite his failings at

upholding other virtues, his goal remained strong, and thus instead of

becoming an outcast, stayed true to fighting for the unified good. In

addition, we have many who serve in the Mantle outside of Nadrik's church.

These individuals were honest regarding their hearts, and would not be

swayed from their Patrons by working towards Paladinhood. General Jyrin

Lysorin is both an early and recent example of our champions of Austinian,

of which we have a few. And the lost knight Andriana Raytbor entered the

mantle as a devout of Siccara. Both Branzol Snowdragon and Meroveus

Greyhawk were of Kantilles' warriors.

Compassion

Those of the Mantle are called to compassion, but with us is generations of

war, causing the fall of many in this regard. While those like Victis have

lost this virtue all-together, some of our Paladins have given great service

to compassion for their peers and others. Those such as Mercerion

Mamoritai, Gwaine and Muse d'Aggravaine, through my experience and the

testimony of others, have large hearts fit to be under the Mantle. Some,

such as Kuldan Madaur (and the other Madaurs generally), had little

compassion which often led to difficult situations, such as wars with Valor

and Justice as we lacked patience with their methods. Some of those named

here, and other prolific Paladins such as Aenarion, tend to be soft with the

blade and strong in Council. Often unhardened by battle and war, they

provide a perspective those in the field have lost. Mercerion's leadership

in the Spur while in Althainia is a prime example .

Valour

An often easily found trait within the Mantle, even to those in the outside.

However there are those in particular who have shown Valour that few even

receive the opportunity to show, as circumstances were as dire as ever. I

choose here to call out the Knights who have stood against an overwhelming

force, without reckless endangerment, but with the knowledge that they are

the only stopgap to the suffering of innocents. Gunnar Draugrbane in his

sacrifice, he gave his life, for what he must have known would be little

rememberance outside our Keep. He gave his sacrifice for the good of those

that needed protecting, but could not protect themselves. The simple

citizens and outlanders, who knew nothing of the rift untill after the fact,

or knew not of knighthood, were saved by Gunnar's glorious sacrifice.

Rheivan Madaur showed valour is not only his sacrifice while battling the

Horde, but in resisting the influence of his Uncle Ihsan, which is no small

feat, and included sacrifice of his family ties. Lancelot du Lac fell in

what is part of our original mandate, defending Althainia against a goblin

assault. He held the opponent at bay long enough for re-enforcement to

reach the wall's breach. Akasi Midnite is rarely mentioned, but is of note

for their sacrifice saving just one fellow Knight, as well as having come

from a background shrouded in darkness. Aearin and Paklop both, with their

skill in combat and lust for the arena, died at the hands of our enemies

representing the might of Knighthood. Paleceron Madaur was also slain in a

classic example of Knighthood's history, fighting Yinnae near Pan-Toll.

Justice

It is said, "a knight is not a judge, a knight administers Justice".

Certain Knights have been heavily involves in the administration of Justice,

both in the kingdom of Althainia and in war with our enemies. The Generals

of the Crown including Gwaine d'Aggravaine, Kiery Elistar, and Mercerion

Mamoritai, are examples of those who have led the entire Knighthood in its

time of war. Then there are those who have led us in the field of battle,

against our foes in glorious battle. Jyrin is a more modern example despite

his age, of course Victis Arbiter, Branzol Snowdragon, and Paklop in their

times. The now lost Andriana Raytbor was especially known for her activity

in the field and in duels.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is hard to track, but the history of the virtue is strong in the

Mantle. The designation of sacrifice of life has been left to the virtue of

Valor, here we discuss those who have given much of their active lives to

those around them. Again, Mercerion Mamoritai comes as a shining example.

Even though he placed down the mantle, he has been leader of both Althainia

and Gareth, of which we have never seen. His service has been

distinguished, and most recently he has ascended to special rank for his aid

removing a foul curse caused by an evil necromancer that had infected a

local town. Aenarion dePaynes is again cited as an example. The sheer

amount of time he has spent in leadership of Gareth, providing support to

the Squires, and even in maintenance of the Library in unparalleled. Gwaine

and Muse d'Aggravaine, outside of their standard leadership roles, used

countless eggs and hours to provide free equipment to the Gareth via their

crafts. Galavant, working along side the d'Aggravaines, provided similarly

for equipment.

Honour

A virtue most often cited by those outside of the Keep as they attempt to

chastise us for success in the field. Yet, in actuality, it is a virtue

difficult to understand and master. It so happens that the Knights who more

easily kept to the other virtues, are more commonly identified with Honour.

Mercerion, the d'Aggravaines, Aenarion; these were individuals who no bad

word can be said of them, for they exemplified truth. In contrast, Victis,

Branzol, and fallen Paladins who have entered the darkness, have tarnished

the honor of the keep and brought shame and guilt on those who knew them.

However, we shall continue to by uplifted by those of the Mantle who have

stayed strong, including those who have sacrificed all. We look to the

current General Jyrin Lysorin and Kiery Elistar to be our symbols of honour

within the keep, alongside General Esian Choruson of the Confessors.

Spirituality

Spirituality is an obvious virtue for those of the Mantle, but it can be

harder to identify for obvious reasons. Those who are openly devout tend to

find themselves in other fields, such as the priesthood or that of a

Confessor. Mercerion Mamoritai appears as an example of one who actually

transitioned away from the Mantle to that of the Clergy. Muse d'Aggravaine,

as a Paladin, served as the High Cleric of the Knighthood, having learned

from Bolter She'fan and other legendary spiritualists of our time.

Humility

A difficult virtue for the Mantle relative to the rest of the Knighthood.

Paladins have a strength and ability few have, and that can reach ones head.

However, there are those who have never let their skills be a reason to lord

over others. Certain Paladins serve the role of the Mantle without using it

is as a symbol of superiority. Similar names arise, Generals Mercerion

Mamoritai, Aenarion dePayens, and Kiery Elistar. Those who have put their

lives on the chopping block clearly considered themselves lesser than the

mission, thus another and final reference to those who have sacrificed their

lives; Gunnar Draugrbane, Rheivan Madaur, Akasi Midnite, Lancelot du Lac,

Aearin, Paklop, and Paleceron Madaur.

----Lieutenant [51] Edirne Adun, Shield.