Benevolence, inspiration, and legacy - Revision history

Twiggy at 16:55, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T16:55:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:55, 16 March 2026
Line 40:		Line 40:
	Thirdly - Legacy.		Thirdly - Legacy.

	For something to be a Legacy it must endure, so this is a sign that is judged in part by the passage of time. Relics of the Paragons and Exemplars are a manifestation of the virtue of their bearer’s soul, as the result of virtuous acts: Avigliana di Sarvos’ creation of the Imperial Mint; ~~Zemress’s~~ ship, the ‘Kraken’; Tian’s gift of fire; and the creation of the nations of Highguard, the League and the Imperial Orcs. The common thread is one of vision, and the drive to create something lasting and of consequence. Whereas absolute commitment to a cause gives rise to Inspirational acts, a similarly fervent commitment to affect the face of Creation gives rise to Legacy.		For something to be a Legacy it must endure, so this is a sign that is judged in part by the passage of time. Relics of the Paragons and Exemplars are a manifestation of the virtue of their bearer’s soul, as the result of virtuous acts: Avigliana di Sarvos’ creation of the Imperial Mint; Zemress’ ship, the ‘Kraken’; Tian’s gift of fire; and the creation of the nations of Highguard, the League and the Imperial Orcs. The common thread is one of vision, and the drive to create something lasting and of consequence. Whereas absolute commitment to a cause gives rise to Inspirational acts, a similarly fervent commitment to affect the face of Creation gives rise to Legacy.

	At the beginning of my sermon, I asked what the Doctrine of the Paragons means in practice for the truly virtuous pilgrim considering how best to live their life. After considering the three most relevant signs, we can distil our answer to a simple set of questions to keep in mind - in every circumstance of our lives - when choosing how to act:		At the beginning of my sermon, I asked what the Doctrine of the Paragons means in practice for the truly virtuous pilgrim considering how best to live their life. After considering the three most relevant signs, we can distil our answer to a simple set of questions to keep in mind - in every circumstance of our lives - when choosing how to act:

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

2026-01-16T09:38:03Z

Text replacement - "Synod" to "Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:38, 16 January 2026
Line 54:		Line 54:
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Mandate Address.jpg\|align=left\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Mandate Address.jpg\|align=left\|width=500}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	In [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#All_Work_Together\|resolving a dispute]] between several [[~~Synod\|~~Synod]] factions, the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] has chosen to oppose further spiritual or religious conflict in the Empire. Several [[mandate\|mandates]] were raised, and several even passed, but the mandate with the greatest margin of success was raised by '''Severin von Holberg''', and urged Imperial citizens to embrace unity through the shared understanding of the Way rather than allowing doctrinal differences to breed resentment and weaken the faith.		In [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#All_Work_Together\|resolving a dispute]] between several [[Synod]] factions, the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] has chosen to oppose further spiritual or religious conflict in the Empire. Several [[mandate\|mandates]] were raised, and several even passed, but the mandate with the greatest margin of success was raised by '''Severin von Holberg''', and urged Imperial citizens to embrace unity through the shared understanding of the Way rather than allowing doctrinal differences to breed resentment and weaken the faith.

	As part of the mandate, Severin was empowered to present a sermon which was distributed throughout the Empire. The sermon examines what it means to be a virtuous citizen, and lays out a series of questions that can be used to help choose the correct course of action when faced with almost any dilemma. As with anything related to the faith, the sermon is open to interpretation but one of the points that seems clear to many who hear it is that the most virtuous citizens are those who think about what is best for the Empire. "An act showing Benevolence is one that both adheres to the Paths of Virtue, but also benefits the Empire in whole or in part."		As part of the mandate, Severin was empowered to present a sermon which was distributed throughout the Empire. The sermon examines what it means to be a virtuous citizen, and lays out a series of questions that can be used to help choose the correct course of action when faced with almost any dilemma. As with anything related to the faith, the sermon is open to interpretation but one of the points that seems clear to many who hear it is that the most virtuous citizens are those who think about what is best for the Empire. "An act showing Benevolence is one that both adheres to the Paths of Virtue, but also benefits the Empire in whole or in part."

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

2026-01-15T12:27:42Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 15 January 2026
Line 54:		Line 54:
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Mandate Address.jpg\|align=left\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Mandate Address.jpg\|align=left\|width=500}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	In [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#All_Work_Together\|resolving a dispute]] between several [[~~Imperial~~ Synod\|Synod]] factions, the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] has chosen to oppose further spiritual or religious conflict in the Empire. Several [[mandate\|mandates]] were raised, and several even passed, but the mandate with the greatest margin of success was raised by '''Severin von Holberg''', and urged Imperial citizens to embrace unity through the shared understanding of the Way rather than allowing doctrinal differences to breed resentment and weaken the faith.		In [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#All_Work_Together\|resolving a dispute]] between several [[Synod\|Synod]] factions, the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] has chosen to oppose further spiritual or religious conflict in the Empire. Several [[mandate\|mandates]] were raised, and several even passed, but the mandate with the greatest margin of success was raised by '''Severin von Holberg''', and urged Imperial citizens to embrace unity through the shared understanding of the Way rather than allowing doctrinal differences to breed resentment and weaken the faith.

	As part of the mandate, Severin was empowered to present a sermon which was distributed throughout the Empire. The sermon examines what it means to be a virtuous citizen, and lays out a series of questions that can be used to help choose the correct course of action when faced with almost any dilemma. As with anything related to the faith, the sermon is open to interpretation but one of the points that seems clear to many who hear it is that the most virtuous citizens are those who think about what is best for the Empire. "An act showing Benevolence is one that both adheres to the Paths of Virtue, but also benefits the Empire in whole or in part."		As part of the mandate, Severin was empowered to present a sermon which was distributed throughout the Empire. The sermon examines what it means to be a virtuous citizen, and lays out a series of questions that can be used to help choose the correct course of action when faced with almost any dilemma. As with anything related to the faith, the sermon is open to interpretation but one of the points that seems clear to many who hear it is that the most virtuous citizens are those who think about what is best for the Empire. "An act showing Benevolence is one that both adheres to the Paths of Virtue, but also benefits the Empire in whole or in part."

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

2026-01-15T12:27:12Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 15 January 2026
Line 67:		Line 67:
	One argument that has been raised in several quarters is that a significant amount of the conflict in the Synod is coming from the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|National Assemblies]]. Their [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] and [[mandate\|mandates]] as often as not fuel inter-nation rivalries. They point to recent incidents such as the squabble over the Iron Helms, or the contradictory attitudes to the Asavean Temple in Oran as evidence that the National Assemblies, on average, do more harm than good. A constitutional scholar, '''Teodora Bezavina''' of [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]], has written a short tract in support of this movement pointing out that the [[Imperial Constitution]] actually makes little provision for the National Assemblies - and that arguably the reference to "weigh(ing) the virtue of an action or individual, in accord with their nationality and authority" could be interpreted to mean that priests from any assembly should simply keep in mind national traditions when rendering their judgements.		One argument that has been raised in several quarters is that a significant amount of the conflict in the Synod is coming from the [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|National Assemblies]]. Their [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] and [[mandate\|mandates]] as often as not fuel inter-nation rivalries. They point to recent incidents such as the squabble over the Iron Helms, or the contradictory attitudes to the Asavean Temple in Oran as evidence that the National Assemblies, on average, do more harm than good. A constitutional scholar, '''Teodora Bezavina''' of [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]], has written a short tract in support of this movement pointing out that the [[Imperial Constitution]] actually makes little provision for the National Assemblies - and that arguably the reference to "weigh(ing) the virtue of an action or individual, in accord with their nationality and authority" could be interpreted to mean that priests from any assembly should simply keep in mind national traditions when rendering their judgements.

	A small but vocal minority of theologians then are calling on the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] to act to prevent further unnecessary conflict between the National Assemblies.		A small but vocal minority of theologians then are calling on the [[Senate]] to act to prevent further unnecessary conflict between the National Assemblies.
	===The Moderates===		===The Moderates===
	The more moderate group - who have appointed Teodora Bezavina of Delev as their unofficial spokesperson - are calling for a change to the law and legal powers of the National Assemblies. It is not the place of the National Assemblies, they say, to make divisive statements and attempt to raise mandates. Legal and political matters are for the Senate to deal with, and religious and spiritual matters should be raised and moderated by the General Assembly which better represents the faithful of the Empire. As such, they call on the senators to create an amendment to the law removing the ability to raise statements of principle (and by extension mandates) from the National Assemblies. The National Assemblies would remain otherwise intact, able to wield their other powers in service to their nation and congregation.		The more moderate group - who have appointed Teodora Bezavina of Delev as their unofficial spokesperson - are calling for a change to the law and legal powers of the National Assemblies. It is not the place of the National Assemblies, they say, to make divisive statements and attempt to raise mandates. Legal and political matters are for the Senate to deal with, and religious and spiritual matters should be raised and moderated by the General Assembly which better represents the faithful of the Empire. As such, they call on the senators to create an amendment to the law removing the ability to raise statements of principle (and by extension mandates) from the National Assemblies. The National Assemblies would remain otherwise intact, able to wield their other powers in service to their nation and congregation.

Twiggy at 20:00, 9 August 2025

2025-08-09T20:00:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 9 August 2025
Line 32:		Line 32:
	Firstly - Benevolence.		Firstly - Benevolence.

	Of all the signs, Benevolence is perhaps the simplest to discern – the pilgrim must simply ask themselves “who does this benefit?”, and “what is my reason for doing this?” Paragons’ motivations are typically some cause or purpose greater than their own self. Tian gave fire to her enemies; Korl shared the secrets of metal-working with all people; and Good Walder encouraged the sharing of rewards equally with all who worked for them. An act showing Benevolence is one that both adheres to the Paths of Virtue, but also benefits the Empire in whole or in part. Bear in mind that acts where the motivation is “to be recognised as an Exemplar” cannot be ‘truly virtuous’, because the true intent is self-~~centered~~.		Of all the signs, Benevolence is perhaps the simplest to discern – the pilgrim must simply ask themselves “who does this benefit?”, and “what is my reason for doing this?” Paragons’ motivations are typically some cause or purpose greater than their own self. Tian gave fire to her enemies; Korl shared the secrets of metal-working with all people; and Good Walder encouraged the sharing of rewards equally with all who worked for them. An act showing Benevolence is one that both adheres to the Paths of Virtue, but also benefits the Empire in whole or in part. Bear in mind that acts where the motivation is “to be recognised as an Exemplar” cannot be ‘truly virtuous’, because the true intent is self-centred.

	Secondly - Inspiration.		Secondly - Inspiration.

Twiggy at 13:29, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:29:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:29, 16 July 2025
Line 124:		Line 124:
	The two most obvious events that would certainly have sparked religious arguments are military in nature, the events in [[Spiral]] and the events in [[Feroz]]. The decision by the Imperial Senate to [[Heroes\|invite the Suranni to enter the Empire]] and wipe out the rebels left many Freeborn citizens deeply shocked. Due to the Synod judgement by Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra, they were aware that the camp was a hotbed of the false virtues, dedicated to Anarchy and Hatred. None-the-less, discovering that the Suranni had turned up and blatantly enslaved the occupants of the camp still upset many. This is the Brass Coast - opposition to slavery is one of the founding tenets of the Coast. People are openly asking with it means if the Empire is now siding with slavers against those fighting for their freedom? It is only the words of Severin that have prevented people speaking out in opposition to the action and looking to the Synod to speak on the matter.		The two most obvious events that would certainly have sparked religious arguments are military in nature, the events in [[Spiral]] and the events in [[Feroz]]. The decision by the Imperial Senate to [[Heroes\|invite the Suranni to enter the Empire]] and wipe out the rebels left many Freeborn citizens deeply shocked. Due to the Synod judgement by Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra, they were aware that the camp was a hotbed of the false virtues, dedicated to Anarchy and Hatred. None-the-less, discovering that the Suranni had turned up and blatantly enslaved the occupants of the camp still upset many. This is the Brass Coast - opposition to slavery is one of the founding tenets of the Coast. People are openly asking with it means if the Empire is now siding with slavers against those fighting for their freedom? It is only the words of Severin that have prevented people speaking out in opposition to the action and looking to the Synod to speak on the matter.

	The [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|attack on the Black Plateau]] in Spiral was equally shocking but had more direct impact. The deliberate strike by the Iron Helms, right to the dark heart of the plateau killed hundreds of Imperial soldiers. Some of them died instantly from the whiplash of the magic, many more died in the weeks that followed driven mad by the power the Helms have unleashed on the world. Of course it was effective - nobody is claiming that it was not horribly effective. But these brutal tactics of callous slaughter and bloodshed, of murdering your own people to take out two of theirs, are deeply unpopular in many areas in the West of the Empire. The Mournwold slaughter is still fresh in the minds of many, but Wintermark and the Coast have both rejected the cruel ways of the Varushkans. If it were not for Severin urging the Empire to remember that they are united in virtues, then more Freeborn would be laying the deaths of their sons and daughters at the door of the Iron Helms and demanding that the Synod take action.		The [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|attack on the {{Black Plateau}}]] in Spiral was equally shocking but had more direct impact. The deliberate strike by the Iron Helms, right to the dark heart of the plateau killed hundreds of Imperial soldiers. Some of them died instantly from the whiplash of the magic, many more died in the weeks that followed driven mad by the power the Helms have unleashed on the world. Of course it was effective - nobody is claiming that it was not horribly effective. But these brutal tactics of callous slaughter and bloodshed, of murdering your own people to take out two of theirs, are deeply unpopular in many areas in the West of the Empire. The Mournwold slaughter is still fresh in the minds of many, but Wintermark and the Coast have both rejected the cruel ways of the Varushkans. If it were not for Severin urging the Empire to remember that they are united in virtues, then more Freeborn would be laying the deaths of their sons and daughters at the door of the Iron Helms and demanding that the Synod take action.

	The sermon has not changed fundamental views in the West; the Coast and Wintermark are still openly hostile towards the Varushkans. Had the Varushkans avoided any further controversy then that hostility might well have faded, but because of the actions they have taken it now looks like it will endure for the foreseeable future. However nobody is openly denouncing the Varushkans for their actions, nobody is actively agitating against them. Severin's sermon has stifled the dispute - at least for the time being. Of course, in theory people might still be roused to anger by statements of principle passed by their assembly, but even that is likely difficult. For now at least, the potential for religious conflict between the nations is constrained.		The sermon has not changed fundamental views in the West; the Coast and Wintermark are still openly hostile towards the Varushkans. Had the Varushkans avoided any further controversy then that hostility might well have faded, but because of the actions they have taken it now looks like it will endure for the foreseeable future. However nobody is openly denouncing the Varushkans for their actions, nobody is actively agitating against them. Severin's sermon has stifled the dispute - at least for the time being. Of course, in theory people might still be roused to anger by statements of principle passed by their assembly, but even that is likely difficult. For now at least, the potential for religious conflict between the nations is constrained.

Dre at 21:53, 11 June 2024

2024-06-11T21:53:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:53, 11 June 2024
Line 105:		Line 105:

	===What Are Exemplars?===		===What Are Exemplars?===
	This often heated discussion raises another thorny problem - namely the status of exemplars. Paragons are doctrinal - they have a clear role and their importance is unquestioned. Exemplars on the other hand have no basis in doctrine, despite the existence of the [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Recognition\|sign of recognition]] as a way to identify possible paragons. Attitudes to exemplars vary from place to place, but most literally they are seen as someone whose deeds are considered to set a good example for the followers of the Way. Stories of the exemplars are regularly used in sermons, and taught to children. They are held up as examples of people who ~~lead~~ virtuous lives, and whose behaviour is appropriate to emulate. Promoting the teachings of false exemplars is just as [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemous]] as promoting a false paragon.		This often heated discussion raises another thorny problem - namely the status of exemplars. Paragons are doctrinal - they have a clear role and their importance is unquestioned. Exemplars on the other hand have no basis in doctrine, despite the existence of the [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Recognition\|sign of recognition]] as a way to identify possible paragons. Attitudes to exemplars vary from place to place, but most literally they are seen as someone whose deeds are considered to set a good example for the followers of the Way. Stories of the exemplars are regularly used in sermons, and taught to children. They are held up as examples of people who led virtuous lives, and whose behaviour is appropriate to emulate. Promoting the teachings of false exemplars is just as [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemous]] as promoting a false paragon.

	While their role in the faith is considered secondary to that of the paragons, they are often significantly easier for the lay followers of the Way to identify with. Many of them are historical figures from the last three hundred years, rather than the more legendary characters who have been recognised as paragons. There is no doubt, for example, that [[Inga Tarn]] existed as a flesh-and-blood woman of incredible courage - while the precise nature of [[Tian]] or [[the Sentinel]] are less clear.		While their role in the faith is considered secondary to that of the paragons, they are often significantly easier for the lay followers of the Way to identify with. Many of them are historical figures from the last three hundred years, rather than the more legendary characters who have been recognised as paragons. There is no doubt, for example, that [[Inga Tarn]] existed as a flesh-and-blood woman of incredible courage - while the precise nature of [[Tian]] or [[the Sentinel]] are less clear.

Dre at 21:57, 13 May 2024

2024-05-13T21:57:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:57, 13 May 2024
Line 72:		Line 72:

	===The Radicals===		===The Radicals===
	The most radical group ~~lead~~ by '''Bishop Orlando di Holberg''', a lecturer in theology at the [[Holberg#The_City_of_Holberg\|University of Holberg]], suggests a more sweeping change. Orlando and his supporters posit that the very existence of the National Assemblies politicizes the Imperial Synod and subverts its mission to safeguard the spiritual well-being of the Empire and its citizens. They argue that the Senate, by its very nature, is the natural place for national concerns to be addressed and raised. The National Assemblies highlight and exacerbate the minor differences in spiritual belief between the nations of the Empire - differences that have persisted for nearly four centuries without the Empire falling apart but which all too often encourage one special-interest group or another to attempt to exploit them for personal gain. They argue that the Imperial Senate should simply disband the National Assemblies altogether.		The most radical group led by '''Bishop Orlando di Holberg''', a lecturer in theology at the [[Holberg#The_City_of_Holberg\|University of Holberg]], suggests a more sweeping change. Orlando and his supporters posit that the very existence of the National Assemblies politicizes the Imperial Synod and subverts its mission to safeguard the spiritual well-being of the Empire and its citizens. They argue that the Senate, by its very nature, is the natural place for national concerns to be addressed and raised. The National Assemblies highlight and exacerbate the minor differences in spiritual belief between the nations of the Empire - differences that have persisted for nearly four centuries without the Empire falling apart but which all too often encourage one special-interest group or another to attempt to exploit them for personal gain. They argue that the Imperial Senate should simply disband the National Assemblies altogether.

	This would be a significant change, but would have almost immediate positive effects, claim the reformers. Imperial titles appointed by legitimate political authorities would no longer be at the mercy of special-interest groups within the nations. They would still be subject to [[revocation]], but only by the General Assembly or the Assembly of the Nine. In such cases, a truly unvirtuous individual whose actions were clearly against the interests of the faith and the Empire would still be removed easily. Those revocations that were purely motivated by politics, however, would become much more difficult to enact - and thus ensure greater stability for the Empire as a whole.		This would be a significant change, but would have almost immediate positive effects, claim the reformers. Imperial titles appointed by legitimate political authorities would no longer be at the mercy of special-interest groups within the nations. They would still be subject to [[revocation]], but only by the General Assembly or the Assembly of the Nine. In such cases, a truly unvirtuous individual whose actions were clearly against the interests of the faith and the Empire would still be removed easily. Those revocations that were purely motivated by politics, however, would become much more difficult to enact - and thus ensure greater stability for the Empire as a whole.

RichardRaynor at 21:08, 22 January 2022

2022-01-22T21:08:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:08, 22 January 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>Citizens, pilgrims and fellow priests,		<ic>Citizens, pilgrims and fellow priests,

Rafferty at 15:53, 1 November 2018

2018-11-01T15:53:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 1 November 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History~~]][[Category: Spring Equinox 382YE~~]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>Citizens, pilgrims and fellow priests,		<ic>Citizens, pilgrims and fellow priests,