A wisdom of questions - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:43:34Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 16 January 2026
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	If this mandate is enacted, it will encourage the virtuous in Dawn to take inspiration from the approach of the sword scholars. Inspired by their example, people will be motivated to actively challenge any mandate that the Assembly passes. They will demand that those who try to sway others first defend their own ideals, forcing them to justify their actions with reason and logic, and effectively opposing the mandate at every turn. As a result mandates passed by the Imperial Synod will only affect Dawn if passed with a greater majority.		If this mandate is enacted, it will encourage the virtuous in Dawn to take inspiration from the approach of the sword scholars. Inspired by their example, people will be motivated to actively challenge any mandate that the Assembly passes. They will demand that those who try to sway others first defend their own ideals, forcing them to justify their actions with reason and logic, and effectively opposing the mandate at every turn. As a result mandates passed by the Imperial Synod will only affect Dawn if passed with a greater majority.

	Sword scholar ideology encourages everyone to think for themselves. Such idealism can come with a heavy price; it certainly invites people to challenge the status quo which can be deeply disruptive. Such disruption would have far-reaching effects in a highly-stratified nation like Dawn, where the [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] are accustomed to following the leadership of the [[noble house\|noble houses]]. Nowhere is this more true than the Dawnish [[~~Imperial army~~\|armies]], where knights and witches lead large numbers of yeofolk in a quest for glory. A philosophy of individualism may benefit the soul as Sulemaine claimed, but it would also threaten the discipline of the Dawnish armies. Ultimately all of Dawn could be turned upside down if the Assembly chooses to encourage Dawnish folk to embrace these teachings.		Sword scholar ideology encourages everyone to think for themselves. Such idealism can come with a heavy price; it certainly invites people to challenge the status quo which can be deeply disruptive. Such disruption would have far-reaching effects in a highly-stratified nation like Dawn, where the [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] are accustomed to following the leadership of the [[noble house\|noble houses]]. Nowhere is this more true than the Dawnish [[Army\|armies]], where knights and witches lead large numbers of yeofolk in a quest for glory. A philosophy of individualism may benefit the soul as Sulemaine claimed, but it would also threaten the discipline of the Dawnish armies. Ultimately all of Dawn could be turned upside down if the Assembly chooses to encourage Dawnish folk to embrace these teachings.

	There would be no immediate effects - Laroc Cathedral is too small to exert such influence over the nation in the short term. But if this mandate is enacted, then over time the decision to embrace sword scholar teachings will begin to have deeper ramifications for all of Dawn.		There would be no immediate effects - Laroc Cathedral is too small to exert such influence over the nation in the short term. But if this mandate is enacted, then over time the decision to embrace sword scholar teachings will begin to have deeper ramifications for all of Dawn.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T12:31:06Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:31, 15 January 2026
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	{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6FjOOi37Gs}}		{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6FjOOi37Gs}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].		The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].

	Throughout this time, questions have been repeatedly raised about [[Sulemaine]] the controversial founder of the sword scholars. She is an iconoclastic figure in Urizen's history, who dismissed the [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] and argued that religion was a great evil. She was also notably contemptuous of mercy, pity, and fairness, which she argued were moral baggage that paralysed the soul. She practiced what she preached, and when [[Highguard\|Highborn]] missionaries tried to spread the Way to Urizen, she would challenge any she could find, forcing them to debate her in public. Her status is contentious because in most of these stories, the tale ends with Sulemaine executing her rival after finding their arguments unconvincing.		Throughout this time, questions have been repeatedly raised about [[Sulemaine]] the controversial founder of the sword scholars. She is an iconoclastic figure in Urizen's history, who dismissed the [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] and argued that religion was a great evil. She was also notably contemptuous of mercy, pity, and fairness, which she argued were moral baggage that paralysed the soul. She practiced what she preached, and when [[Highguard\|Highborn]] missionaries tried to spread the Way to Urizen, she would challenge any she could find, forcing them to debate her in public. Her status is contentious because in most of these stories, the tale ends with Sulemaine executing her rival after finding their arguments unconvincing.

Twiggy at 23:17, 15 July 2025

2025-07-15T23:17:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:17, 15 July 2025
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	"They're ignorant fools - if they just knew you like we do." she implored him.		"They're ignorant fools - if they just knew you like we do." she implored him.

	"Then it is their very good fortune that they do not." The old man smiled indulgently at his former pupil even as he rebuked her. "Knowledge is the font of mercy. We cannot hate the familiar. Imagine if the Paragon of Blades had truly known the false prophets she challenged - known ~~their~~ their lives, their families, their hopes and fears. Imagine if she had known them the way you know me. Could you strike me down?" He paused for a moment to allow her to consider this troubling idea. "We learn our enemies limits but only so that we can exploit their weakness. We stand apart so that the enemy does not become familiar to us. Only then can we find the strength to strike without mercy."		"Then it is their very good fortune that they do not." The old man smiled indulgently at his former pupil even as he rebuked her. "Knowledge is the font of mercy. We cannot hate the familiar. Imagine if the Paragon of Blades had truly known the false prophets she challenged - known their lives, their families, their hopes and fears. Imagine if she had known them the way you know me. Could you strike me down?" He paused for a moment to allow her to consider this troubling idea. "We learn our enemies limits but only so that we can exploit their weakness. We stand apart so that the enemy does not become familiar to us. Only then can we find the strength to strike without mercy."

	Minias shook her head, unconvinced by the scholar's arguments. "Well they failed, we can be grateful for that much at least."		Minias shook her head, unconvinced by the scholar's arguments. "Well they failed, we can be grateful for that much at least."

Rafferty: /* Further Reading */

2023-09-04T11:06:04Z

Novemberalice at 09:03, 4 September 2023

2023-09-04T09:03:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:03, 4 September 2023
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	</ic>		</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sword.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Sulemaine i Taziel has always been a controversial figure, but now even some sword scholars are beginning to question the role her legacy will play in the future.\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sword.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Sulemaine i Taziel has always been a controversial figure, but now even some sword scholars are beginning to question the role her legacy will play in the future.\|width=300}}</div>
			{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6FjOOi37Gs}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[Imperial Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].		The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[Imperial Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].

Vsabo: /* The Problem with People */

2023-09-01T21:05:03Z

The Problem with People

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 1 September 2023
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	Doing so would provide a number of clear benefits. Sulemaine's actions were controversial even in her own time. Her cause divided Urizen, ultimately pitting [[sentinel\|sentinels]] against sword scholars in open warfare. While she was clearly an inspiration to those who met her - and her constant drive to question things seems to embody the teachings of [[Wisdom]] - some of her views are anathema to modern sensibilities.		Doing so would provide a number of clear benefits. Sulemaine's actions were controversial even in her own time. Her cause divided Urizen, ultimately pitting [[sentinel\|sentinels]] against sword scholars in open warfare. While she was clearly an inspiration to those who met her - and her constant drive to question things seems to embody the teachings of [[Wisdom]] - some of her views are anathema to modern sensibilities.

	At least they are among those who attend Anvil; disciples [[The_deepest_cut#Interred_With_Their_Bones\|~~like~~ Severus of the Blinding Sun]] still preach a message that sounds an awful lot like the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hatred\|malign spiritual force of Hatred]] which he claims is based on Sulemaine's teachings. Sulemaine's contempt for religion and the Highborn teaching on Virtue are difficult to reconcile with an acceptance of the Way, Imperial law, and the Imperial Synod, but that is no problem for those who reject all of these things.		At least they are among those who attend Anvil; disciples like [[The_deepest_cut#Interred_With_Their_Bones\|Severus of the Blinding Sun]] still preach a message that sounds an awful lot like the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hatred\|malign spiritual force of Hatred]] which he claims is based on Sulemaine's teachings. Sulemaine's contempt for religion and the Highborn teaching on Virtue are difficult to reconcile with an acceptance of the Way, Imperial law, and the Imperial Synod, but that is no problem for those who reject all of these things.

	It is impossible to enshrine Sulemaine's legacy without drawing people's focus to her combative views. It is possible for individual sword scholars to choose to find inspiration in the parts of Sulemaine's legacy that are compatible with life in the Empire, but they can't control how others see her. Treating her like a paragon or exemplar - by consecrating her tomb with [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]] - inherently invites people to study every part of her life and be inspired by those parts that reverberate with them. Those sword scholars who want to reform the Synod, to decentralise and weaken its power will draw inspiration from such a site. But so will those sword scholars who want to destroy the Synod, to tear down an institution they hate and see as the source of moral corruption within Urizen.		It is impossible to enshrine Sulemaine's legacy without drawing people's focus to her combative views. It is possible for individual sword scholars to choose to find inspiration in the parts of Sulemaine's legacy that are compatible with life in the Empire, but they can't control how others see her. Treating her like a paragon or exemplar - by consecrating her tomb with [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]] - inherently invites people to study every part of her life and be inspired by those parts that reverberate with them. Those sword scholars who want to reform the Synod, to decentralise and weaken its power will draw inspiration from such a site. But so will those sword scholars who want to destroy the Synod, to tear down an institution they hate and see as the source of moral corruption within Urizen.

Vsabo: /* Overview */

2023-09-01T21:03:20Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:03, 1 September 2023
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	The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[Imperial Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].		The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[Imperial Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].

	Throughout this time, questions have been repeatedly raised about [[Sulemaine]] the controversial founder of the sword scholars. She is an iconoclastic figure in Urizen's history, who dismissed the [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] and argued that religion was a great evil. She was also notably contemptuous of mercy, pity, and fairness, which she argued were moral baggage that paralysed the soul. She practiced what she preached, and when [[Highguard\|Highborn]] missionaries tried to spread the Way to Urizen, she would challenge any she could find, forcing them to debate her in public. Her status is contentious because In most of these stories, the tale ends with Sulemaine executing her rival after finding their arguments unconvincing.		Throughout this time, questions have been repeatedly raised about [[Sulemaine]] the controversial founder of the sword scholars. She is an iconoclastic figure in Urizen's history, who dismissed the [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] and argued that religion was a great evil. She was also notably contemptuous of mercy, pity, and fairness, which she argued were moral baggage that paralysed the soul. She practiced what she preached, and when [[Highguard\|Highborn]] missionaries tried to spread the Way to Urizen, she would challenge any she could find, forcing them to debate her in public. Her status is contentious because in most of these stories, the tale ends with Sulemaine executing her rival after finding their arguments unconvincing.

	Most sword scholars who visit [[Anvil]] seem to favour the part of Sulemaine's legacy that focuses on challenging authority through public debate rather than a duel to the death. However the Urizen Assembly has not been shy about proclaiming Sulemaine to be the ''"perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit"'' and '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' announced their intention to [[consecration\|consecrate]] her final resting place as an [[Inspirational_location\|inspirational tomb]]. The reaction to that has brought renewed interest in the life of the woman who is arguably Urizen's most controversial figure, and raised questions about who should inspire the modern sword scholar movement.		Most sword scholars who visit [[Anvil]] seem to favour the part of Sulemaine's legacy that focuses on challenging authority through public debate rather than a duel to the death. However the Urizen Assembly has not been shy about proclaiming Sulemaine to be the ''"perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit"'' and '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' announced their intention to [[consecration\|consecrate]] her final resting place as an [[Inspirational_location\|inspirational tomb]]. The reaction to that has brought renewed interest in the life of the woman who is arguably Urizen's most controversial figure, and raised questions about who should inspire the modern sword scholar movement.

Cathtice: /* A Clean Cut */

2023-08-31T15:07:03Z

A Clean Cut

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 31 August 2023
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	The [[Arbiter_of_the_Four_Winds#Temple_of_the_Four_Winds\|Temple of the Four Winds]] will be shattered by the split. The congregation that gathers at the temple will depart, and while the building remains intact for now, it will no longer provide liao or votes. Those sword scholars who are not willing to put Sulemaine aside will withdraw from Urizen society, or at least gather in secret. The split will not be violent, at least not initially. But Sulemaine's legacy is one of murderous opposition to those whose views you do not agree with - nobody should assume that the Sulemainists will remain peaceful in perpetuity...		The [[Arbiter_of_the_Four_Winds#Temple_of_the_Four_Winds\|Temple of the Four Winds]] will be shattered by the split. The congregation that gathers at the temple will depart, and while the building remains intact for now, it will no longer provide liao or votes. Those sword scholars who are not willing to put Sulemaine aside will withdraw from Urizen society, or at least gather in secret. The split will not be violent, at least not initially. But Sulemaine's legacy is one of murderous opposition to those whose views you do not agree with - nobody should assume that the Sulemainists will remain peaceful in perpetuity...

	The split will fundamentally weaken the sword scholars, but it should ensure that in future their pronouncements are less incendiary and less iconoclastic. The actions of the sword scholars have dominated the Urizen Assembly in the years since they re-joined the nation. There is no reason to imagine that well connected scholars like Aspar, Aurum, or Elagabala will see their influence diminish, no reason why the House of the Wanderer should not continue to lead Synod decisions. But in future their statements will lead to less controversy - for better or for worse there will be fewer [[opportunity\|opportunities]] for extreme responses.		The split will fundamentally weaken the sword scholars, but it should ensure that in future their pronouncements are less incendiary and less iconoclastic. The actions of the sword scholars have dominated the Urizen Assembly in the years since they re-joined the nation. There is no reason to imagine that well connected scholars like '''Aspar''', '''Aurum''', or '''Elagabala''' will see their influence diminish, no reason why the '''House of the Wanderer''' should not continue to lead Synod decisions. But in future their statements will lead to less controversy - for better or for worse there will be fewer [[opportunity\|opportunities]] for extreme responses.

	The sword scholars are not the only ones who will suffer if they take this path. In Autumn 383YE, the Urizen Assembly [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_100\|enacted a mandate]] submitted by '''Aurum of the Nightingale Temple''' stating that ''"The Paragon of Blades is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit - pure calculating reason unhindered by emotion or pity."'' Barely two years later, they have passed a statement of principle that appears to completely repudiate their former position. It is hard reconcile the idea that Sulemaine is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit with the statement that people should not venerate her. Of course the Assembly can change their mind - but doing so fundamentally weakens their moral authority. If the mandate is enacted then ''all'' Urizen congregations will suffer - they will receive 2 fewer votes and 1 fewer liao for the next year. After that, the effects will be gone - assuming the Assembly does not have reason to change their mind again of course...		The sword scholars are not the only ones who will suffer if they take this path. In Autumn 383YE, the Urizen Assembly [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_100\|enacted a mandate]] submitted by '''Aurum of the Nightingale Temple''' stating that ''"The Paragon of Blades is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit - pure calculating reason unhindered by emotion or pity."'' Barely two years later, they have passed a statement of principle that appears to completely repudiate their former position. It is hard reconcile the idea that Sulemaine is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit with the statement that people should not venerate her. Of course the Assembly can change their mind - but doing so fundamentally weakens their moral authority. If the mandate is enacted then ''all'' Urizen congregations will suffer - they will receive 2 fewer votes and 1 fewer liao for the next year. After that, the effects will be gone - assuming the Assembly does not have reason to change their mind again of course...

Dre at 14:15, 31 August 2023

2023-08-31T14:15:16Z

Show changes

Hailmur: /* A Clean Cut */

2023-08-31T13:48:37Z

A Clean Cut

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:48, 31 August 2023
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	If this mandate is enacted by a sword scholar then it will cause a schism within the sword scholars, irreversibly sundering the movement. Legally the Urizen Assembly can authorise any priest to spread this mandate, but in this case, the mandate will ''only'' have an effect if the named priest is a known [[sword scholar]] (that is a character who was recorded as a sword scholar on the database at the last event). If anyone who isn't a known sword scholar attempts to spread the mandate, at best they will be ignored by most sword scholars - at worst they are likely to be physically attacked.		If this mandate is enacted by a sword scholar then it will cause a schism within the sword scholars, irreversibly sundering the movement. Legally the Urizen Assembly can authorise any priest to spread this mandate, but in this case, the mandate will ''only'' have an effect if the named priest is a known [[sword scholar]] (that is a character who was recorded as a sword scholar on the database at the last event). If anyone who isn't a known sword scholar attempts to spread the mandate, at best they will be ignored by most sword scholars - at worst they are likely to be physically attacked.

	Those scholars who seek to reform the Synod or are otherwise reconciled with life as an Imperial citizen will embrace this mandate. Grateful for a chance to move on from the distasteful ~~elments~~ of Sulemaine's legacy, they can pursue the teachings without having to constantly answer for her actions or the actions of extremists like Severus of the Blinding Sun. There will be a great deal of work for them to do - it is one thing to disavow Sulemaine, but what does that actually entail? Sulemaine did not consider herself to be a sword scholar - those who were drawn to her teachings created that identity for themselves - rather she considered herself to be [[questor]]. Someone must answer the question of what remains when Sulemaine is gone.		Those scholars who seek to reform the Synod or are otherwise reconciled with life as an Imperial citizen will embrace this mandate. Grateful for a chance to move on from the distasteful elements of Sulemaine's legacy, they can pursue the teachings without having to constantly answer for her actions or the actions of extremists like Severus of the Blinding Sun. There will be a great deal of work for them to do - it is one thing to disavow Sulemaine, but what does that actually entail? Sulemaine did not consider herself to be a sword scholar - those who were drawn to her teachings created that identity for themselves - rather she considered herself to be [[questor]]. Someone must answer the question of what remains when Sulemaine is gone.

	Not everyone will accept the decision to reject Sulemaine. There are many sword scholars who were only reconciled with mainstream Urizen society because they believed that the Urizen Assembly accepted Sulemaine as an inspirational figure, someone whose life and accomplishments could legitimately shape the nation. An intinerant priest like Severus won't care one iota if [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_87\|the General Assembly excommunicates him]] - he doesn't recognise their moral authority in any way. But he - and those like him - will not tolerate the rest of Urizen calling on them to abandon their veneration of Sulemaine. They would sooner split from Urizen than abandon the figure that is central to their beliefs.		Not everyone will accept the decision to reject Sulemaine. There are many sword scholars who were only reconciled with mainstream Urizen society because they believed that the Urizen Assembly accepted Sulemaine as an inspirational figure, someone whose life and accomplishments could legitimately shape the nation. An intinerant priest like Severus won't care one iota if [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_87\|the General Assembly excommunicates him]] - he doesn't recognise their moral authority in any way. But he - and those like him - will not tolerate the rest of Urizen calling on them to abandon their veneration of Sulemaine. They would sooner split from Urizen than abandon the figure that is central to their beliefs.
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	The [[Arbiter_of_the_Four_Winds#Temple_of_the_Four_Winds\|Temple of the Four Winds]] will be shattered by the split. The congregation that gathers at the temple will depart, and while the building remains intact for now, it will no longer provide liao or votes. Those sword scholars who are not willing to put Sulemaine aside will withdraw from Urizen society, or at least gather in secret. The split will not be violent, at least not initially. But Sulemaine's legacy is one of murderous opposition to those whose views you do not agree with - nobody should assume that the Sulemainists will remain peaceful in perpetuity...		The [[Arbiter_of_the_Four_Winds#Temple_of_the_Four_Winds\|Temple of the Four Winds]] will be shattered by the split. The congregation that gathers at the temple will depart, and while the building remains intact for now, it will no longer provide liao or votes. Those sword scholars who are not willing to put Sulemaine aside will withdraw from Urizen society, or at least gather in secret. The split will not be violent, at least not initially. But Sulemaine's legacy is one of murderous opposition to those whose views you do not agree with - nobody should assume that the Sulemainists will remain peaceful in perpetuity...

	The split will fundamentally weaken the sword scholars, but it should ensure that in future their ~~prouncements~~ are less incendiary and less iconoclastic. The actions of the sword scholars have dominated the Urizen Assembly in the years since they rejoined the nation. There is no reason to imagine that well connected scholars like Aspar, Aurum or ~~Elegabala~~ will see their influence diminish, no reason why the House of the Wanderer should not continue to lead Synod decisions. But in future their statements will lead to less controversy - for better or for worse there will be fewer [[opportunity\|opportunities]] for extreme responses.		The split will fundamentally weaken the sword scholars, but it should ensure that in future their pronouncements are less incendiary and less iconoclastic. The actions of the sword scholars have dominated the Urizen Assembly in the years since they rejoined the nation. There is no reason to imagine that well connected scholars like Aspar, Aurum or Elagabala will see their influence diminish, no reason why the House of the Wanderer should not continue to lead Synod decisions. But in future their statements will lead to less controversy - for better or for worse there will be fewer [[opportunity\|opportunities]] for extreme responses.

	The sword scholars are not the only ones who will suffer if they take this path. In Autumn 383YE, the Urizen Assembly [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_100\|enacted a mandate]] submitted by '''Aurum of the Nightingale Temple''' stating that ''"The Paragon of Blades is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit - pure calculating reason unhindered by emotion or pity."'' Barely two years later, they have passed a statement of principle that appears to completely repudiate their former position. It is hard reconcile the idea that Sulemaine is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit with the statement that people should not venerate her. Of course the Assembly can change their mind - but doing so fundamentally weakens their moral authority. If the mandate is enacted then ''all'' Urizen congregations will suffer - they will receive 2 fewer votes and 1 fewer liao for the next year. After that, the effects will be gone - assuming the Assembly does not have reason to change their mind again of course...		The sword scholars are not the only ones who will suffer if they take this path. In Autumn 383YE, the Urizen Assembly [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_100\|enacted a mandate]] submitted by '''Aurum of the Nightingale Temple''' stating that ''"The Paragon of Blades is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit - pure calculating reason unhindered by emotion or pity."'' Barely two years later, they have passed a statement of principle that appears to completely repudiate their former position. It is hard reconcile the idea that Sulemaine is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit with the statement that people should not venerate her. Of course the Assembly can change their mind - but doing so fundamentally weakens their moral authority. If the mandate is enacted then ''all'' Urizen congregations will suffer - they will receive 2 fewer votes and 1 fewer liao for the next year. After that, the effects will be gone - assuming the Assembly does not have reason to change their mind again of course...

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:06, 4 September 2023
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	* [[Sword scholar]]		* [[Sword scholar]]
	* [[Sulemaine]]		* [[Sulemaine]]
			* [[Schools_and_sawmills#School_of_Hard_Knocks\|Schools and sawmills]] - 385YE Autumn wind of fortune talking about the impact of the Academy of the Sword in the League
	* [[The deepest cut]] - 385YE Summer wind of fortune about the consecration of a tomb for Sulemaine		* [[The deepest cut]] - 385YE Summer wind of fortune about the consecration of a tomb for Sulemaine
	* [[The troubled words]] - 385YE Spring wind of fortune about the sword scholars in Holberg		* [[The troubled words]] - 385YE Spring wind of fortune about the sword scholars in Holberg

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 1 September 2023
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	Doing so would provide a number of clear benefits. Sulemaine's actions were controversial even in her own time. Her cause divided Urizen, ultimately pitting [[sentinel\|sentinels]] against sword scholars in open warfare. While she was clearly an inspiration to those who met her - and her constant drive to question things seems to embody the teachings of [[Wisdom]] - some of her views are anathema to modern sensibilities.		Doing so would provide a number of clear benefits. Sulemaine's actions were controversial even in her own time. Her cause divided Urizen, ultimately pitting [[sentinel\|sentinels]] against sword scholars in open warfare. While she was clearly an inspiration to those who met her - and her constant drive to question things seems to embody the teachings of [[Wisdom]] - some of her views are anathema to modern sensibilities.

	At least they are among those who attend Anvil; disciples [[The_deepest_cut#Interred_With_Their_Bones\|~~like~~ Severus of the Blinding Sun]] still preach a message that sounds an awful lot like the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hatred\|malign spiritual force of Hatred]] which he claims is based on Sulemaine's teachings. Sulemaine's contempt for religion and the Highborn teaching on Virtue are difficult to reconcile with an acceptance of the Way, Imperial law, and the Imperial Synod, but that is no problem for those who reject all of these things.		At least they are among those who attend Anvil; disciples like [[The_deepest_cut#Interred_With_Their_Bones\|Severus of the Blinding Sun]] still preach a message that sounds an awful lot like the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hatred\|malign spiritual force of Hatred]] which he claims is based on Sulemaine's teachings. Sulemaine's contempt for religion and the Highborn teaching on Virtue are difficult to reconcile with an acceptance of the Way, Imperial law, and the Imperial Synod, but that is no problem for those who reject all of these things.

	It is impossible to enshrine Sulemaine's legacy without drawing people's focus to her combative views. It is possible for individual sword scholars to choose to find inspiration in the parts of Sulemaine's legacy that are compatible with life in the Empire, but they can't control how others see her. Treating her like a paragon or exemplar - by consecrating her tomb with [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]] - inherently invites people to study every part of her life and be inspired by those parts that reverberate with them. Those sword scholars who want to reform the Synod, to decentralise and weaken its power will draw inspiration from such a site. But so will those sword scholars who want to destroy the Synod, to tear down an institution they hate and see as the source of moral corruption within Urizen.		It is impossible to enshrine Sulemaine's legacy without drawing people's focus to her combative views. It is possible for individual sword scholars to choose to find inspiration in the parts of Sulemaine's legacy that are compatible with life in the Empire, but they can't control how others see her. Treating her like a paragon or exemplar - by consecrating her tomb with [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]] - inherently invites people to study every part of her life and be inspired by those parts that reverberate with them. Those sword scholars who want to reform the Synod, to decentralise and weaken its power will draw inspiration from such a site. But so will those sword scholars who want to destroy the Synod, to tear down an institution they hate and see as the source of moral corruption within Urizen.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:03, 1 September 2023
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	The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[Imperial Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].		The [[sword scholar\|sword scholars]] have continued to make waves in Urizen and the wider Empire since they [[Return_of_the_sword_scholars\|reconciled with the nation in 381YE]]. Their work has often brought them into conflict with the [[Imperial Synod]], most notably when they pushed for people to openly question the [[mandate\|mandates]] enacted by the various assemblies. The influence of the Synod was weakened for a while as a result, and the effects still linger in [[Varushka]] and [[Urizen]]. The sword scholar ideal - that people should think for themselves, question everything, and reject the moral instructions of others - means that most Urizen citizens now pay little attention to a mandate unless it has received the backing of the [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]] of the Assembly that passed it. Despite these challenges, sword scholars have been invited to [[The_troubled_words#Finding_Yourself\|teach in Holberg]] and [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_188\|most recently]] in [[Astolat#Laroc\|Laroc]] in [[Astolat]].

	Throughout this time, questions have been repeatedly raised about [[Sulemaine]] the controversial founder of the sword scholars. She is an iconoclastic figure in Urizen's history, who dismissed the [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] and argued that religion was a great evil. She was also notably contemptuous of mercy, pity, and fairness, which she argued were moral baggage that paralysed the soul. She practiced what she preached, and when [[Highguard\|Highborn]] missionaries tried to spread the Way to Urizen, she would challenge any she could find, forcing them to debate her in public. Her status is contentious because In most of these stories, the tale ends with Sulemaine executing her rival after finding their arguments unconvincing.		Throughout this time, questions have been repeatedly raised about [[Sulemaine]] the controversial founder of the sword scholars. She is an iconoclastic figure in Urizen's history, who dismissed the [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragons]] and argued that religion was a great evil. She was also notably contemptuous of mercy, pity, and fairness, which she argued were moral baggage that paralysed the soul. She practiced what she preached, and when [[Highguard\|Highborn]] missionaries tried to spread the Way to Urizen, she would challenge any she could find, forcing them to debate her in public. Her status is contentious because in most of these stories, the tale ends with Sulemaine executing her rival after finding their arguments unconvincing.

	Most sword scholars who visit [[Anvil]] seem to favour the part of Sulemaine's legacy that focuses on challenging authority through public debate rather than a duel to the death. However the Urizen Assembly has not been shy about proclaiming Sulemaine to be the ''"perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit"'' and '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' announced their intention to [[consecration\|consecrate]] her final resting place as an [[Inspirational_location\|inspirational tomb]]. The reaction to that has brought renewed interest in the life of the woman who is arguably Urizen's most controversial figure, and raised questions about who should inspire the modern sword scholar movement.		Most sword scholars who visit [[Anvil]] seem to favour the part of Sulemaine's legacy that focuses on challenging authority through public debate rather than a duel to the death. However the Urizen Assembly has not been shy about proclaiming Sulemaine to be the ''"perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit"'' and '''Herminius of the House of the Wanderer''' announced their intention to [[consecration\|consecrate]] her final resting place as an [[Inspirational_location\|inspirational tomb]]. The reaction to that has brought renewed interest in the life of the woman who is arguably Urizen's most controversial figure, and raised questions about who should inspire the modern sword scholar movement.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 31 August 2023
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	The [[Arbiter_of_the_Four_Winds#Temple_of_the_Four_Winds\|Temple of the Four Winds]] will be shattered by the split. The congregation that gathers at the temple will depart, and while the building remains intact for now, it will no longer provide liao or votes. Those sword scholars who are not willing to put Sulemaine aside will withdraw from Urizen society, or at least gather in secret. The split will not be violent, at least not initially. But Sulemaine's legacy is one of murderous opposition to those whose views you do not agree with - nobody should assume that the Sulemainists will remain peaceful in perpetuity...		The [[Arbiter_of_the_Four_Winds#Temple_of_the_Four_Winds\|Temple of the Four Winds]] will be shattered by the split. The congregation that gathers at the temple will depart, and while the building remains intact for now, it will no longer provide liao or votes. Those sword scholars who are not willing to put Sulemaine aside will withdraw from Urizen society, or at least gather in secret. The split will not be violent, at least not initially. But Sulemaine's legacy is one of murderous opposition to those whose views you do not agree with - nobody should assume that the Sulemainists will remain peaceful in perpetuity...

	The split will fundamentally weaken the sword scholars, but it should ensure that in future their pronouncements are less incendiary and less iconoclastic. The actions of the sword scholars have dominated the Urizen Assembly in the years since they re-joined the nation. There is no reason to imagine that well connected scholars like Aspar, Aurum, or Elagabala will see their influence diminish, no reason why the House of the Wanderer should not continue to lead Synod decisions. But in future their statements will lead to less controversy - for better or for worse there will be fewer [[opportunity\|opportunities]] for extreme responses.		The split will fundamentally weaken the sword scholars, but it should ensure that in future their pronouncements are less incendiary and less iconoclastic. The actions of the sword scholars have dominated the Urizen Assembly in the years since they re-joined the nation. There is no reason to imagine that well connected scholars like '''Aspar''', '''Aurum''', or '''Elagabala''' will see their influence diminish, no reason why the '''House of the Wanderer''' should not continue to lead Synod decisions. But in future their statements will lead to less controversy - for better or for worse there will be fewer [[opportunity\|opportunities]] for extreme responses.

	The sword scholars are not the only ones who will suffer if they take this path. In Autumn 383YE, the Urizen Assembly [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_100\|enacted a mandate]] submitted by '''Aurum of the Nightingale Temple''' stating that ''"The Paragon of Blades is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit - pure calculating reason unhindered by emotion or pity."'' Barely two years later, they have passed a statement of principle that appears to completely repudiate their former position. It is hard reconcile the idea that Sulemaine is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit with the statement that people should not venerate her. Of course the Assembly can change their mind - but doing so fundamentally weakens their moral authority. If the mandate is enacted then ''all'' Urizen congregations will suffer - they will receive 2 fewer votes and 1 fewer liao for the next year. After that, the effects will be gone - assuming the Assembly does not have reason to change their mind again of course...		The sword scholars are not the only ones who will suffer if they take this path. In Autumn 383YE, the Urizen Assembly [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_100\|enacted a mandate]] submitted by '''Aurum of the Nightingale Temple''' stating that ''"The Paragon of Blades is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit - pure calculating reason unhindered by emotion or pity."'' Barely two years later, they have passed a statement of principle that appears to completely repudiate their former position. It is hard reconcile the idea that Sulemaine is the perfect epitome of the Urizeni spirit with the statement that people should not venerate her. Of course the Assembly can change their mind - but doing so fundamentally weakens their moral authority. If the mandate is enacted then ''all'' Urizen congregations will suffer - they will receive 2 fewer votes and 1 fewer liao for the next year. After that, the effects will be gone - assuming the Assembly does not have reason to change their mind again of course...