Sword scholar - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T21:30:29Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 15 January 2026
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	<quote by="Sulemaine i Taziel>Pity is an illusion, profiting neither self nor others. Despise pity. Act for the nobility of the act, not for the simple selfishness of ridding yourself of feelings of pity.</quote>		<quote by="Sulemaine i Taziel>Pity is an illusion, profiting neither self nor others. Despise pity. Act for the nobility of the act, not for the simple selfishness of ridding yourself of feelings of pity.</quote>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The sword scholars are warrior priests with a passionate dedication to wisdom and reason. They exhort the virtuous to test what they learn, to eschew hearsay, to despise folly and chastise the fools that spread it. They oppose the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] because they believe that obedience to a higher authority stifles virtue. They challenge anyone who presents claims of revelation, rejecting everything that is not founded in logic and evidence.		The sword scholars are warrior priests with a passionate dedication to wisdom and reason. They exhort the virtuous to test what they learn, to eschew hearsay, to despise folly and chastise the fools that spread it. They oppose the [[Synod]] because they believe that obedience to a higher authority stifles virtue. They challenge anyone who presents claims of revelation, rejecting everything that is not founded in logic and evidence.

	The first sword scholars fought to oppose Highborn revelation but were ultimately defeated by those Urizen who had embraced the Way. Facing persecution from the [[sentinel\|sentinels]] and from the Imperial Synod, the survivors were forced to hide their existence. During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]] increased interest in the history of Urizen encouraged some scholars to make contact with those they hoped were sympathetic to their cause. This eventually led to a judgement in the national assembly [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_11\|publicly urging]] the sword scholars to rejoin the nation.		The first sword scholars fought to oppose Highborn revelation but were ultimately defeated by those Urizen who had embraced the Way. Facing persecution from the [[sentinel\|sentinels]] and from the Imperial Synod, the survivors were forced to hide their existence. During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]] increased interest in the history of Urizen encouraged some scholars to make contact with those they hoped were sympathetic to their cause. This eventually led to a judgement in the national assembly [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_11\|publicly urging]] the sword scholars to rejoin the nation.
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	The sword scholar archetype exists to let you create a radical warrior or priest who opposes the very idea of a higher moral authority. It gives you a chance to play a priest in Empire who refuses to be pushed around and actively pursues conflict with others. Sword scholars fundamentally oppose the idea that anyone has the right to tell anyone what to do; it's a great archetype if you enjoy playing a contrary character who opposes the status quo.		The sword scholar archetype exists to let you create a radical warrior or priest who opposes the very idea of a higher moral authority. It gives you a chance to play a priest in Empire who refuses to be pushed around and actively pursues conflict with others. Sword scholars fundamentally oppose the idea that anyone has the right to tell anyone what to do; it's a great archetype if you enjoy playing a contrary character who opposes the status quo.

	Sword scholars are philosophers as well as warriors. If you're planning to emphasize your martial side then you only need to be familiar with the key elements of Urizen philosophy, [[arete]], [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]], the [[Net of the Heavens]], the tenets of [[wisdom]], and the teachings of [[Sulemaine]]. If you want to be more a rounded philosopher then you will benefit from reading about the other virtues of [[the Way]] as well as [[the Doctrines of the Faith]]. Sulemaine considered herself to be a [[questor]], so it's helpful to read about [[questor\|read about them]] if you want more insight into their philosophy. It is also well worth looking at how the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] works; you can quickly pick up the important details in play but the more you understand about how the Synod functions the more effective you'll be at opposing it.		Sword scholars are philosophers as well as warriors. If you're planning to emphasize your martial side then you only need to be familiar with the key elements of Urizen philosophy, [[arete]], [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]], the [[Net of the Heavens]], the tenets of [[wisdom]], and the teachings of [[Sulemaine]]. If you want to be more a rounded philosopher then you will benefit from reading about the other virtues of [[the Way]] as well as [[the Doctrines of the Faith]]. Sulemaine considered herself to be a [[questor]], so it's helpful to read about [[questor\|read about them]] if you want more insight into their philosophy. It is also well worth looking at how the [[Synod]] works; you can quickly pick up the important details in play but the more you understand about how the Synod functions the more effective you'll be at opposing it.

	Either a [[congregation]] or a [[military unit]] is the best [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resources]] for a sword scholar. This can represent a score of sword scholars who follow your lead in battle or listen to your teachings. Taking a military unit gives you a way to take part in the Empire's military campaign, and might bring you into greater conflict with the sentinels. Taking a congregation gives you power in the Imperial Synod, which you can wield to thwart any [[judgement\|judgements]] you think are flawed.		Either a [[congregation]] or a [[military unit]] is the best [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resources]] for a sword scholar. This can represent a score of sword scholars who follow your lead in battle or listen to your teachings. Taking a military unit gives you a way to take part in the Empire's military campaign, and might bring you into greater conflict with the sentinels. Taking a congregation gives you power in the Imperial Synod, which you can wield to thwart any [[judgement\|judgements]] you think are flawed.

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

2026-01-15T15:03:05Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:03, 15 January 2026
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	Just as Sulemaine did centuries ago, you can also seek out the priest who raised a judgement and challenge them to defend the wisdom of their action. The best way to attempt this is to make being challenged as much fun as possible - give the character an opportunity to demonstrate wisdom and reason, rather than showing off yourself by trying to take their arguments apart. If you can create an opportunity for another player to spotlight their character and what they're doing then it's more enjoyable for everyone. If they can convince you that their judgement is built on a rational foundation then you can give the judgement your full support knowing that it has passed the high demands that the sword scholars make for such matters.		Just as Sulemaine did centuries ago, you can also seek out the priest who raised a judgement and challenge them to defend the wisdom of their action. The best way to attempt this is to make being challenged as much fun as possible - give the character an opportunity to demonstrate wisdom and reason, rather than showing off yourself by trying to take their arguments apart. If you can create an opportunity for another player to spotlight their character and what they're doing then it's more enjoyable for everyone. If they can convince you that their judgement is built on a rational foundation then you can give the judgement your full support knowing that it has passed the high demands that the sword scholars make for such matters.

	You can also set out to proactively weaken the power and influence of the Synod. The sword scholars have achieved some astonishing feats in recent times, making it functionally harder for the Synod to pass mandates in the future. If you study how the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] works, then you can look into opportunities to get motions passed that might further limit the power of the Synod. Your ultimate goal could be the total disestablishment of the Synod - that's not something you are ever likely to succeed in, but is a fantastic goal that you can spend years working towards, one small victory at a time.		You can also set out to proactively weaken the power and influence of the Synod. The sword scholars have achieved some astonishing feats in recent times, making it functionally harder for the Synod to pass mandates in the future. If you study how the [[Senate]] works, then you can look into opportunities to get motions passed that might further limit the power of the Synod. Your ultimate goal could be the total disestablishment of the Synod - that's not something you are ever likely to succeed in, but is a fantastic goal that you can spend years working towards, one small victory at a time.

	Another part of the fun of playing a sword scholar comes from their fierce rivalry with the sentinels. The sword scholars despise the sentinel philosophy of surrendering individual will to fight together more effectively, so you have plenty of reasons to dislike them above and beyond the fact that they spent four hundred years trying to wipe you out. Alongside the Urizen idea of [[arete\|excellence]], both archetypes have a theme of testing and improving themselves - creating obvious opportunities to challenge sentinels whether in a duel with blades or a fierce debate about the best way to strengthen the nation. Don't get hung up on winning, you and the people you challenge will have much more fun if the challenges are close contests, so you are bound to lose often. If your character treats losing a challenge as a learning experience, they will better reflect the spirit of the sword scholars than if they just seek to win all the time.		Another part of the fun of playing a sword scholar comes from their fierce rivalry with the sentinels. The sword scholars despise the sentinel philosophy of surrendering individual will to fight together more effectively, so you have plenty of reasons to dislike them above and beyond the fact that they spent four hundred years trying to wipe you out. Alongside the Urizen idea of [[arete\|excellence]], both archetypes have a theme of testing and improving themselves - creating obvious opportunities to challenge sentinels whether in a duel with blades or a fierce debate about the best way to strengthen the nation. Don't get hung up on winning, you and the people you challenge will have much more fun if the challenges are close contests, so you are bound to lose often. If your character treats losing a challenge as a learning experience, they will better reflect the spirit of the sword scholars than if they just seek to win all the time.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:24:04Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 15 January 2026
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	Another part of the fun of playing a sword scholar comes from their fierce rivalry with the sentinels. The sword scholars despise the sentinel philosophy of surrendering individual will to fight together more effectively, so you have plenty of reasons to dislike them above and beyond the fact that they spent four hundred years trying to wipe you out. Alongside the Urizen idea of [[arete\|excellence]], both archetypes have a theme of testing and improving themselves - creating obvious opportunities to challenge sentinels whether in a duel with blades or a fierce debate about the best way to strengthen the nation. Don't get hung up on winning, you and the people you challenge will have much more fun if the challenges are close contests, so you are bound to lose often. If your character treats losing a challenge as a learning experience, they will better reflect the spirit of the sword scholars than if they just seek to win all the time.		Another part of the fun of playing a sword scholar comes from their fierce rivalry with the sentinels. The sword scholars despise the sentinel philosophy of surrendering individual will to fight together more effectively, so you have plenty of reasons to dislike them above and beyond the fact that they spent four hundred years trying to wipe you out. Alongside the Urizen idea of [[arete\|excellence]], both archetypes have a theme of testing and improving themselves - creating obvious opportunities to challenge sentinels whether in a duel with blades or a fierce debate about the best way to strengthen the nation. Don't get hung up on winning, you and the people you challenge will have much more fun if the challenges are close contests, so you are bound to lose often. If your character treats losing a challenge as a learning experience, they will better reflect the spirit of the sword scholars than if they just seek to win all the time.

	One long term goal of the sword scholars is for one of their own to supplant the sentinels as [[general]] of the [[Citadel Guard]]. This position is traditionally held by a sentinel and no sword scholar has ever succeeded in claiming the [[imperial title\|title]]. If you are successful it will open up many excellent opportunities for conflict with the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]], but you don't need a title to challenge the general and their supporters. Where is the army being sent and why? How does that help Urizen? It is not just the priests who should be able to demonstrate the logic and reason behind their decisions!		One long term goal of the sword scholars is for one of their own to supplant the sentinels as [[general]] of the [[Citadel Guard]]. This position is traditionally held by a sentinel and no sword scholar has ever succeeded in claiming the [[imperial title\|title]]. If you are successful it will open up many excellent opportunities for conflict with the [[Military Council]], but you don't need a title to challenge the general and their supporters. Where is the army being sent and why? How does that help Urizen? It is not just the priests who should be able to demonstrate the logic and reason behind their decisions!

	==Costume==		==Costume==
	As implied by their name, most martial sword scholars will use a sword in [[Urizen_look_and_feel#Battle\|battle]]. Many favour heavy armour and the offensive power provided by a larger two-handed sword. When a scholar chooses to embrace a different weapon it's often a two-handed spear or similar powerful weapon.		As implied by their name, most martial sword scholars will use a sword in [[Urizen_look_and_feel#Battle\|battle]]. Many favour heavy armour and the offensive power provided by a larger two-handed sword. When a scholar chooses to embrace a different weapon it's often a two-handed spear or similar powerful weapon.
	{{Sword Scholar Links}}		{{Sword Scholar Links}}

Rafferty at 13:00, 7 September 2025

2025-09-07T13:00:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:00, 7 September 2025
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	==Costume==		==Costume==
	As implied by their name, most martial sword scholars will use a sword in [[Urizen_look_and_feel#Battle\|battle]]. Many favour heavy armour and the offensive power provided by a larger two-handed sword. When a scholar chooses to embrace a different weapon it's often a two-handed spear or similar powerful weapon.		As implied by their name, most martial sword scholars will use a sword in [[Urizen_look_and_feel#Battle\|battle]]. Many favour heavy armour and the offensive power provided by a larger two-handed sword. When a scholar chooses to embrace a different weapon it's often a two-handed spear or similar powerful weapon.
	~~==Further Reading==~~		{{Sword Scholar Links}}
	* [[Sulemaine]]
	* [[Return of the sword scholars]] is a history page summarising winds of fortune and recent history relating to sword scholars
	* [[Cetratus and the sword scholars]] - [[Historical research]] into a pre-Imperial sentinel and their relationship with Sulemaine and the sword scholars

Twiggy at 21:20, 30 July 2025

2025-07-30T21:20:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:20, 30 July 2025
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	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Sulemaine]]		* [[Sulemaine]]
	* [[Return of the sword scholars]] is a history page ~~summarizing~~ winds of fortune and recent history relating to sword scholars		* [[Return of the sword scholars]] is a history page summarising winds of fortune and recent history relating to sword scholars
	* [[Cetratus and the sword scholars]] - [[Historical research]] into a pre-Imperial sentinel and their relationship with Sulemaine and the sword scholars		* [[Cetratus and the sword scholars]] - [[Historical research]] into a pre-Imperial sentinel and their relationship with Sulemaine and the sword scholars

Rafferty: Rafferty moved page Broken sword to Sword scholar without leaving a redirect

2024-04-18T12:55:34Z

Rafferty moved page Broken sword to Sword scholar without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 12:55, 18 April 2024
(No difference)

Rafferty: Rafferty moved page Sword scholar to Broken sword without leaving a redirect

2024-04-18T12:55:21Z

Rafferty moved page Sword scholar to Broken sword without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 12:55, 18 April 2024
(No difference)

Dre at 17:53, 29 December 2023

2023-12-29T17:53:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:53, 29 December 2023
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	The sword scholars are warrior priests with a passionate dedication to wisdom and reason. They exhort the virtuous to test what they learn, to eschew hearsay, to despise folly and chastise the fools that spread it. They oppose the [[Imperial Synod]] because they believe that obedience to a higher authority stifles virtue. They challenge anyone who presents claims of revelation, rejecting everything that is not founded in logic and evidence.		The sword scholars are warrior priests with a passionate dedication to wisdom and reason. They exhort the virtuous to test what they learn, to eschew hearsay, to despise folly and chastise the fools that spread it. They oppose the [[Imperial Synod]] because they believe that obedience to a higher authority stifles virtue. They challenge anyone who presents claims of revelation, rejecting everything that is not founded in logic and evidence.

	The first sword scholars fought to oppose Highborn revelation but were ultimately defeated by those Urizen who had embraced the Way. Facing persecution from the [[sentinel\|sentinels]] and from the Imperial Synod, the survivors were forced to hide their existence. During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]] increased interest in the history of Urizen encouraged some scholars to make contact with those they hoped were sympathetic to their cause. This eventually ~~lead~~ to a judgement in the national assembly [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_11\|publicly urging]] the sword scholars to rejoin the nation.		The first sword scholars fought to oppose Highborn revelation but were ultimately defeated by those Urizen who had embraced the Way. Facing persecution from the [[sentinel\|sentinels]] and from the Imperial Synod, the survivors were forced to hide their existence. During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]] increased interest in the history of Urizen encouraged some scholars to make contact with those they hoped were sympathetic to their cause. This eventually led to a judgement in the national assembly [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_11\|publicly urging]] the sword scholars to rejoin the nation.

	Modern sword scholars are heirs to a confrontational tradition that demands that everyone think for themselves. They believe that no action taken under instruction from another can ever be virtuous and want to disestablish the Imperial Synod so that Wisdom can flower in its place. They are zealous agitators, ruthlessly committed to action and prepared to fight for their beliefs.		Modern sword scholars are heirs to a confrontational tradition that demands that everyone think for themselves. They believe that no action taken under instruction from another can ever be virtuous and want to disestablish the Imperial Synod so that Wisdom can flower in its place. They are zealous agitators, ruthlessly committed to action and prepared to fight for their beliefs.

Rafferty: /* Further Reading */

2022-09-14T13:20:42Z

Dre at 17:07, 7 June 2022

2022-06-07T17:07:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:20, 14 September 2022
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	As implied by their name, most martial sword scholars will use a sword in [[Urizen_look_and_feel#Battle\|battle]]. Many favour heavy armour and the offensive power provided by a larger two-handed sword. When a scholar chooses to embrace a different weapon it's often a two-handed spear or similar powerful weapon.		As implied by their name, most martial sword scholars will use a sword in [[Urizen_look_and_feel#Battle\|battle]]. Many favour heavy armour and the offensive power provided by a larger two-handed sword. When a scholar chooses to embrace a different weapon it's often a two-handed spear or similar powerful weapon.
	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
			* [[Sulemaine]]
	* [[Return of the sword scholars]] is a history page summarizing winds of fortune and recent history relating to sword scholars		* [[Return of the sword scholars]] is a history page summarizing winds of fortune and recent history relating to sword scholars
			* [[Cetratus and the sword scholars]] - [[Historical research]] into a pre-Imperial sentinel and their relationship with Sulemaine and the sword scholars

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:07, 7 June 2022
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	==Tenets of the Sword==		==Tenets of the Sword==
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Sulemaine i Taziel>The soul is a blade; properly directed, one strike can change the world.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Sulemaine i Taziel>The soul is a blade; properly directed, one strike can change the world.</quote></div>
	Sword scholars claim that reason and logic must trump all other considerations. While most are dedicated followers of [[Wisdom]], inspired by the example of Sulemaine's life, her teachings also exhort her followers to be [[Ambition\|ambitious]]. Sometimes mocked as extremists or fanatics, they seek the best course of action, free from considerations of compassion and mercy. The first step is to evaluate a situation through the lens of Wisdom, and then commit utterly to the outcome, no matter how cruel or contentious it might appear.		Sword scholars claim that reason and logic must trump all other considerations. While most are dedicated followers of [[Wisdom]], inspired by the example of Sulemaine's life, her teachings also exhort her followers to be [[Ambition\|ambitious]]. Sometimes mocked as extremists or fanatics, they seek the best course of action, free from considerations of compassion and mercy. The first step is to evaluate a situation through the lens of Wisdom, and then commit utterly to the outcome, no matter how cruel or contentious it might appear.

	Believing that all virtuous actions must be based purely on rational concerns, some sword scholars embrace Lucidianism, opposing the use of auras to influence someone. Many disdain emotional attachments that could cloud the judgement, especially mercy or pity, which they see as a clear failure of [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]]. Some are ascetic, taking vows of abstinence in the view that any indulgence risks weakening a scholar's clarity of thought. Others follow [[Schisms_and_Heresies#Vitalism\|vitalist]] traditions, arguing that physical excellence is as important as spiritual excellence.		Believing that all virtuous actions must be based purely on rational concerns, some sword scholars embrace Lucidianism, opposing the use of auras to influence someone. Many disdain emotional attachments that could cloud the judgement, especially mercy or pity, which they see as a clear failure of [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]]. Some are ascetic, taking vows of abstinence in the view that any indulgence risks weakening a scholar's clarity of thought. Others follow [[Schisms_and_Heresies#Vitalism\|vitalist]] traditions, arguing that physical excellence is as important as spiritual excellence.

	While few sword scholars go as far as ~~Suleimaine~~, they are notorious for their opposition to anyone who claims moral authority. Sulemaine taught that it was essential to the pursuit of virtue for each individual to make their own decisions, claiming that the only virtuous choices are those that are based on rational decisions free from all external influences. In essence, her view was that those who chase virtue by following the instructions of others have achieved nothing other than a failure of their own Wisdom. The sword scholars oppose the priests of the Synod, not because they disagree with their conclusions, but because they view the act of moral instruction as inherently unvirtuous - a threat to the Wisdom of all who hear it.		While few sword scholars go as far as Sulemaine, they are notorious for their opposition to anyone who claims moral authority. Sulemaine taught that it was essential to the pursuit of virtue for each individual to make their own decisions, claiming that the only virtuous choices are those that are based on rational decisions free from all external influences. In essence, her view was that those who chase virtue by following the instructions of others have achieved nothing other than a failure of their own Wisdom. The sword scholars oppose the priests of the Synod, not because they disagree with their conclusions, but because they view the act of moral instruction as inherently unvirtuous - a threat to the Wisdom of all who hear it.

	==Opponents of the Sword Scholars==		==Opponents of the Sword Scholars==
	The sword scholars have a long and bitter rivalry with the sentinels. In centuries past, the sentinels waged a bitter war to exterminate the sword scholars that took them close to the point of extinction. For the sword scholars, the sentinels' emphasis on subsuming the individual identity to a military hierarchy is an abdication of reason and logic. By encouraging people to observe customs and follow orders rather than to think for themselves, the sentinels reinforce the stifling bonds of tradition and make true virtue and personal [[arete\|excellence]] all but impossible.		The sword scholars have a long and bitter rivalry with the sentinels. In centuries past, the sentinels waged a bitter war to exterminate the sword scholars that took them close to the point of extinction. For the sword scholars, the sentinels' emphasis on subsuming the individual identity to a military hierarchy is an abdication of reason and logic. By encouraging people to observe customs and follow orders rather than to think for themselves, the sentinels reinforce the stifling bonds of tradition and make true virtue and personal [[arete\|excellence]] all but impossible.

	In the opinion of many sword scholars, the sentinels have been disastrous for Urizen. Despite being the greatest magical power in the world, ~~it's~~ magicians and army are routinely conscripted to serve the interests of other nations. The sentinels are competent warriors and reasonable scholars, but their emphasis on obedience lays the nation bare to exploitation by the Empire. By recognising this philosophy and abrogating all matters of defence to the citadels, the magicians of Urizen have abdicated responsibility, allowing the Sentinels to make them subordinate to lesser minds.		In the opinion of many sword scholars, the sentinels have been disastrous for Urizen. Despite being the greatest magical power in the world, its magicians and army are routinely conscripted to serve the interests of other nations. The sentinels are competent warriors and reasonable scholars, but their emphasis on obedience lays the nation bare to exploitation by the Empire. By recognising this philosophy and abrogating all matters of defence to the citadels, the magicians of Urizen have abdicated responsibility, allowing the Sentinels to make them subordinate to lesser minds.

	Few modern sword scholars seek to leave the Empire, but they remain deeply critical of the Imperial Synod. They quote the tenets of virtue, saying that ''"Wisdom is not always knowing the answer; Wisdom is finding the right question."'' With ~~it's~~ countless [[Statement of Principle\|statements of principle]] and interminable [[judgement\|judgements]] the scholars accuse the Synod of issuing answers rather than asking questions. The core philosophy of Sulemaine and her successors is fundamentally at odds with any organised body that tries to dictate how people should behave. Those who participate in the various assemblies do so with the intention of revolutionizing the Synod so that it encourages individuals to find their own path to virtue.		Few modern sword scholars seek to leave the Empire, but they remain deeply critical of the Imperial Synod. They quote the tenets of virtue, saying that ''"Wisdom is not always knowing the answer; Wisdom is finding the right question."'' With its countless [[Statement of Principle\|statements of principle]] and interminable [[judgement\|judgements]] the scholars accuse the Synod of issuing answers rather than asking questions. The core philosophy of Sulemaine and her successors is fundamentally at odds with any organised body that tries to dictate how people should behave. Those who participate in the various assemblies do so with the intention of revolutionizing the Synod so that it encourages individuals to find their own path to virtue.

	==Creating a Sword Scholar==		==Creating a Sword Scholar==
	The sword scholar archetype exists to let you create a radical warrior or priest who opposes the very idea of a higher moral authority. It gives you a chance to play a priest in Empire who refuses to be pushed around and actively pursues conflict with others. Sword scholars fundamentally oppose the idea that anyone has the right to tell anyone what to do; it's a great archetype if you enjoy playing a contrary character who opposes the status quo.		The sword scholar archetype exists to let you create a radical warrior or priest who opposes the very idea of a higher moral authority. It gives you a chance to play a priest in Empire who refuses to be pushed around and actively pursues conflict with others. Sword scholars fundamentally oppose the idea that anyone has the right to tell anyone what to do; it's a great archetype if you enjoy playing a contrary character who opposes the status quo.

	Sword scholars are philosophers as well as warriors. If you're planning to emphasize your martial side then you only need to be familiar with the key elements of Urizen philosophy, [[arete]], [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]], the [[Net of the Heavens]], the tenets of [[wisdom]], and the teachings of [[Sulemaine]]. If you want to be more a rounded philosopher then you will benefit from reading about the other virtues of [[the Way]] as well as [[the Doctrines of the Faith]]. ~~Suleimaine~~ considered herself to be a [[questor]], so it's helpful to read about [[questor\|read about them]] if you want more insight into their philosophy. It is also well worth looking at how the [[Imperial Synod]] works; you can quickly pick up the important details in play but the more you understand about how the Synod functions the more effective you'll be at opposing it.		Sword scholars are philosophers as well as warriors. If you're planning to emphasize your martial side then you only need to be familiar with the key elements of Urizen philosophy, [[arete]], [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]], the [[Net of the Heavens]], the tenets of [[wisdom]], and the teachings of [[Sulemaine]]. If you want to be more a rounded philosopher then you will benefit from reading about the other virtues of [[the Way]] as well as [[the Doctrines of the Faith]]. Sulemaine considered herself to be a [[questor]], so it's helpful to read about [[questor\|read about them]] if you want more insight into their philosophy. It is also well worth looking at how the [[Imperial Synod]] works; you can quickly pick up the important details in play but the more you understand about how the Synod functions the more effective you'll be at opposing it.

	Either a [[congregation]] or a [[military unit]] is the best [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resources]] for a sword scholar. This can represent a score of sword scholars who follow your lead in battle or listen to your teachings. Taking a military unit gives you a way to take part in the Empire's military campaign, and might bring you into greater conflict with the sentinels. Taking a congregation gives you power in the Imperial Synod, which you can wield to thwart any [[judgement\|judgements]] you think are flawed.		Either a [[congregation]] or a [[military unit]] is the best [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resources]] for a sword scholar. This can represent a score of sword scholars who follow your lead in battle or listen to your teachings. Taking a military unit gives you a way to take part in the Empire's military campaign, and might bring you into greater conflict with the sentinels. Taking a congregation gives you power in the Imperial Synod, which you can wield to thwart any [[judgement\|judgements]] you think are flawed.
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	Your ultimate objective as a sword scholar is to transform Urizen and the Empire into a society where everyone makes decisions for themselves based on reason and logic. You want to oppose anyone who tries to set themselves up as a moral authority, but you also want to teach people to think for themselves. Your main rivals are the sentinels who encourage people to subsume their will to a higher purpose, so one of your goals is to replace them as Urizen's defenders.		Your ultimate objective as a sword scholar is to transform Urizen and the Empire into a society where everyone makes decisions for themselves based on reason and logic. You want to oppose anyone who tries to set themselves up as a moral authority, but you also want to teach people to think for themselves. Your main rivals are the sentinels who encourage people to subsume their will to a higher purpose, so one of your goals is to replace them as Urizen's defenders.

	You can be a revolutionary who wants to destroy the Synod or a reformer who strives to change them for the better. The Imperial Constitution means that you won't be able to get rid of the Synod completely, but there are many ways to limit the Synod's power so you will have opportunities to oppose their influence at every event. Like many far-reaching character goals, the fun is in the struggle rather than the victory. The Synod wields ~~it's~~ power through judgements voted on by members. If you have a [[congregation]] then you will have a right to vote on some judgements, but if you really want to oppose a judgement you shouldn't stop there. You want to get as many people as possible to vote against it because it gives you a reason to speak to countless characters. Take every opportunity to engage with people; anyone is a potential ally or - even better - a potential rival.		You can be a revolutionary who wants to destroy the Synod or a reformer who strives to change them for the better. The Imperial Constitution means that you won't be able to get rid of the Synod completely, but there are many ways to limit the Synod's power so you will have opportunities to oppose their influence at every event. Like many far-reaching character goals, the fun is in the struggle rather than the victory. The Synod wields its power through judgements voted on by members. If you have a [[congregation]] then you will have a right to vote on some judgements, but if you really want to oppose a judgement you shouldn't stop there. You want to get as many people as possible to vote against it because it gives you a reason to speak to countless characters. Take every opportunity to engage with people; anyone is a potential ally or - even better - a potential rival.

	Just as Sulemaine did centuries ago, you can also seek out the priest who raised a judgement and challenge them to defend the wisdom of their action. The best way to attempt this is to make being challenged as much fun as possible - give the character an opportunity to demonstrate wisdom and reason, rather than showing off yourself by trying to take their arguments apart. If you can create an opportunity for another player to spotlight their character and what they're doing then it's more enjoyable for everyone. If they can convince you that their judgement is built on a rational foundation then you can give the judgement your full support knowing that it has passed the high demands that the sword scholars make for such matters.		Just as Sulemaine did centuries ago, you can also seek out the priest who raised a judgement and challenge them to defend the wisdom of their action. The best way to attempt this is to make being challenged as much fun as possible - give the character an opportunity to demonstrate wisdom and reason, rather than showing off yourself by trying to take their arguments apart. If you can create an opportunity for another player to spotlight their character and what they're doing then it's more enjoyable for everyone. If they can convince you that their judgement is built on a rational foundation then you can give the judgement your full support knowing that it has passed the high demands that the sword scholars make for such matters.