Sword scholar - Revision history

GuiltyConscience at 11:08, 18 August 2026

2026-08-18T11:08:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:08, 18 August 2026
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	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.

	Most sword scholars have some martial ability. If you're following the tradition of Sulemaine, it's fine to favour [[heroic skills\|heroic]] and [[combat skills\|combat]] abilities over [[religious skills]]. If you need to be able to hold your own in a fight you may need to leave [[dedication]] and similar skills to other priests. If you want to ~~emphasize~~ more your role as a philosopher than you can take dedication and consider skills such as [[excommunication]] and [[insight]]. Some sword scholars are Lucidians, who disavow the use of [[aura\|auras]], so it's important to decide your character's views on that before taking skills such as [[anointing]], [[consecration]], or [[hallow]] that are most often used to create them.		Most sword scholars have some martial ability. If you're following the tradition of Sulemaine, it's fine to favour [[heroic skills\|heroic]] and [[combat skills\|combat]] abilities over [[religious skills]]. If you need to be able to hold your own in a fight you may need to leave [[dedication]] and similar skills to other priests. If you want to emphasise more your role as a philosopher than you can take dedication and consider skills such as [[excommunication]] and [[insight]]. Some sword scholars are Lucidians, who disavow the use of [[aura\|auras]], so it's important to decide your character's views on that before taking skills such as [[anointing]], [[consecration]], or [[hallow]] that are most often used to create them.

	In Urizen, a temple describes any spire that is devoted to the pursuit of philosophy and religion rather than magic. If you're part of a group with other sword scholars then it's a great idea to create your own temple. If you and your friends can develop a consistent set of beliefs and practices for your temple, then it will make it easier for you to work together at events, which will raise the profile of your group and make you more effective in the game. The more you can collaborate with other like-minded characters the more you can achieve, whether that be opposing the power of the Imperial Synod, sticking it to the sentinels, or helping others to embrace reason and logic.		In Urizen, a temple describes any spire that is devoted to the pursuit of philosophy and religion rather than magic. If you're part of a group with other sword scholars then it's a great idea to create your own temple. If you and your friends can develop a consistent set of beliefs and practices for your temple, then it will make it easier for you to work together at events, which will raise the profile of your group and make you more effective in the game. The more you can collaborate with other like-minded characters the more you can achieve, whether that be opposing the power of the Imperial Synod, sticking it to the sentinels, or helping others to embrace reason and logic.

GuiltyConscience at 11:03, 18 August 2026

2026-08-18T11:03:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:03, 18 August 2026
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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 [[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 emphasise 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 Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T21:30:29Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:30, 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.
Line 44:		Line 44:
	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 16:03, 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 13:24, 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 14:00, 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 22:20, 30 July 2025
Line 73:		Line 73:
	==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 13:55, 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 13:55, 18 April 2024
(No difference)

Dre at 17:53, 29 December 2023

2023-12-29T17:53:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:53, 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.