True faith - Revision history

Twiggy at 18:50, 9 August 2025

2025-08-09T18:50:59Z

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	If this mandate is raised, passes with a greater majority, and is successfully enacted, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the real ''purpose'' of paragons and exemplars is to teach people how to live a Virtuous life, so it ultimately doesn't matter if they are real or not. This mandate is [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates\|competing]] with [[#What You Know Is True\|the mandate below]].		If this mandate is raised, passes with a greater majority, and is successfully enacted, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the real ''purpose'' of paragons and exemplars is to teach people how to live a Virtuous life, so it ultimately doesn't matter if they are real or not. This mandate is [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates\|competing]] with [[#What You Know Is True\|the mandate below]].

	However, their ability to provide grand inspiration to Imperial pilgrims will be permanently lost. Henceforth, any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorial]] - any site consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar - would not have any additional effects. Existing memorials would not be affected, but it will be impossible to create a new memorial to the legacy of any paragon or exemplar that was genuinely inspiring. It will still be possible for the Synod to identify and consecrate [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites\|sacred sites]] like the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh\|Kallavesa marshes]] or the [[The_Barrens#Houndsgate\|Houndsgate]] in [[the Barrens]], but memorials created for paragons and ~~examplars~~ will hold less interest for the faithful.		However, their ability to provide grand inspiration to Imperial pilgrims will be permanently lost. Henceforth, any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorial]] - any site consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar - would not have any additional effects. Existing memorials would not be affected, but it will be impossible to create a new memorial to the legacy of any paragon or exemplar that was genuinely inspiring. It will still be possible for the Synod to identify and consecrate [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites\|sacred sites]] like the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh\|Kallavesa marshes]] or the [[The_Barrens#Houndsgate\|Houndsgate]] in [[the Barrens]], but memorials created for paragons and exemplars will hold less interest for the faithful.

	If the mandate is raised and passes, but does not get a greater majority, then it would not affect [[Varushka]] or [[Urizen]]. That would be ''disastrous''. Urizen has had a troubled history in recent times with [[Sulemaine\|an inspirational figure of their own]] and Vardas is a popular and much loved figure in Varushka. If the mandate is enacted but does not have the unanimous backing of the Imperial Synod then it will still irrevocably alter the status of paragons and exemplars, but it will not prevent a growing crisis of faith. If this happens, the civil service strongly recommend that the named priest chose not to enact the mandate they have been given by the Synod.		If the mandate is raised and passes, but does not get a greater majority, then it would not affect [[Varushka]] or [[Urizen]]. That would be ''disastrous''. Urizen has had a troubled history in recent times with [[Sulemaine\|an inspirational figure of their own]] and Vardas is a popular and much loved figure in Varushka. If the mandate is enacted but does not have the unanimous backing of the Imperial Synod then it will still irrevocably alter the status of paragons and exemplars, but it will not prevent a growing crisis of faith. If this happens, the civil service strongly recommend that the named priest chose not to enact the mandate they have been given by the Synod.

Rafferty at 09:30, 25 September 2024

2024-09-25T09:30:13Z

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	At the same time the purpose of the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way\|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] has been called into question, again due to uncertainty about the meaning of inspiration to pilgrims of the Way. Currently [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] join [[Highguard]] in urging the people of their nation to support the building of the sacred city. The effects of those mandates will resolve normally - the Dawnish and League contributions will be completed shortly before the Winter Solstice - but no new mandates will encourage anyone to support this symbol of the Imperial Way; [[Wintermark]] and [[Navarr]] won't be able to restate their support. Until the crisis of faith is resolved no statement of principle to support the Inspiration will result in a mandate.		At the same time the purpose of the [[Construct Grand Inspiration of the Way\|Grand Inspiration of the Way]] has been called into question, again due to uncertainty about the meaning of inspiration to pilgrims of the Way. Currently [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] join [[Highguard]] in urging the people of their nation to support the building of the sacred city. The effects of those mandates will resolve normally - the Dawnish and League contributions will be completed shortly before the Winter Solstice - but no new mandates will encourage anyone to support this symbol of the Imperial Way; [[Wintermark]] and [[Navarr]] won't be able to restate their support. Until the crisis of faith is resolved no statement of principle to support the Inspiration will result in a mandate.
			==Resolution==
			The General Assembly ultimately chose to [[#Test What You Learn\|revoke their recognition]] of Vardas. There was an attempt to pass a mandate encouraging pilgrims to [[#Do Not Demean Others\|focus on stories rather than facts]] raised by '''The Fool of Glory''', but it was [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_38\|ultimately defeated in the General assembly]]. The crisis of faith has been headed off, but the Imperial Synod will now face calls to examine the status of other iconic paragons.
	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Life of Vardas]]		* [[Life of Vardas]]
	* [[Lepidean Librarian]]		* [[Lepidean Librarian]]

Emmanovi: added competition#

2024-09-09T20:18:08Z

added competition#

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	{{Mandate\|mandate=The Virtuous face unwelcome truths. We send {named priest} with 100 liao to reassure everyone that Vardas' story still contains important lessons about Virtue. The Virtuous apply what they have learned.\|assembly=General Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=The Virtuous face unwelcome truths. We send {named priest} with 100 liao to reassure everyone that Vardas' story still contains important lessons about Virtue. The Virtuous apply what they have learned.\|assembly=General Assembly}}

	If this mandate is raised, passes with a greater majority, and is successfully enacted, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the real ''purpose'' of paragons and exemplars is to teach people how to live a Virtuous life, so it ultimately doesn't matter if they are real or not.		If this mandate is raised, passes with a greater majority, and is successfully enacted, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the real ''purpose'' of paragons and exemplars is to teach people how to live a Virtuous life, so it ultimately doesn't matter if they are real or not. This mandate is [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates\|competing]] with [[#What You Know Is True\|the mandate below]].

	However, their ability to provide grand inspiration to Imperial pilgrims will be permanently lost. Henceforth, any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorial]] - any site consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar - would not have any additional effects. Existing memorials would not be affected, but it will be impossible to create a new memorial to the legacy of any paragon or exemplar that was genuinely inspiring. It will still be possible for the Synod to identify and consecrate [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites\|sacred sites]] like the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh\|Kallavesa marshes]] or the [[The_Barrens#Houndsgate\|Houndsgate]] in [[the Barrens]], but memorials created for paragons and examplars will hold less interest for the faithful.		However, their ability to provide grand inspiration to Imperial pilgrims will be permanently lost. Henceforth, any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorial]] - any site consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar - would not have any additional effects. Existing memorials would not be affected, but it will be impossible to create a new memorial to the legacy of any paragon or exemplar that was genuinely inspiring. It will still be possible for the Synod to identify and consecrate [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites\|sacred sites]] like the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh\|Kallavesa marshes]] or the [[The_Barrens#Houndsgate\|Houndsgate]] in [[the Barrens]], but memorials created for paragons and examplars will hold less interest for the faithful.
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	What are the Vigilance Assembly investigating? They have promised to investigate this matter and make the results public only when it is complete. One implication of the Assembly's judgement can be read as a defence of Vardas and a criticism of those who spread heresy against the exemplars and paragons. The Vigilance Assembly are not the only ones who appear to feel that there are questions which have yet to be answered. '''Masha Sigeling''' of the Courage Assembly has called Hazelelponi to inquisition at 11:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox in the Hub annex.		What are the Vigilance Assembly investigating? They have promised to investigate this matter and make the results public only when it is complete. One implication of the Assembly's judgement can be read as a defence of Vardas and a criticism of those who spread heresy against the exemplars and paragons. The Vigilance Assembly are not the only ones who appear to feel that there are questions which have yet to be answered. '''Masha Sigeling''' of the Courage Assembly has called Hazelelponi to inquisition at 11:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox in the Hub annex.

	If the Vigilance Assembly find sufficient evidence to believe that Vardas was in fact real and that the past life visions that seem to suggest that Vardas is a lie are the ''actual'' falsehoods then their investigation must conclude that the evidence published by the Lepidean Library is false. There are lies here, certainly, but they might not be the lies everyone has been assuming. If that happens then General Assembly could pass the following mandate:		If the Vigilance Assembly find sufficient evidence to believe that Vardas was in fact real and that the past life visions that seem to suggest that Vardas is a lie are the ''actual'' falsehoods then their investigation must conclude that the evidence published by the Lepidean Library is false. There are lies here, certainly, but they might not be the lies everyone has been assuming. If that happens then General Assembly could pass the following mandate (which competes with [[#Do Not Demean Others\|the above mandate]]):

	{{Mandate\|mandate=Despise that which threatens what you watch over, whether by malice, lies, folly or carelessness. We send {named priest} with 200 liao to reassure the Virtuous that Vardas is a real paragon and that these new tales are baseless lies. Cleave to what you know is true, even where others wish you to doubt.\|\|assembly=General Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=Despise that which threatens what you watch over, whether by malice, lies, folly or carelessness. We send {named priest} with 200 liao to reassure the Virtuous that Vardas is a real paragon and that these new tales are baseless lies. Cleave to what you know is true, even where others wish you to doubt.\|\|assembly=General Assembly}}

Hailmur: /* What You Know Is True */

2024-09-09T11:04:18Z

What You Know Is True

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	While the Lepidean Library is widely respected throughout the Empire, the decision to publish their work on Vardas was ultimately the decision of a single priest, '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower'''. A significant number of citizens regard this decision with a healthy degree of cynicism. Wisdom teaches that "only fools accept hearsay as truth". What if the Lepidean Library has been corrupted by heretics? What if Hazelelponi is not acting in virtue? There is significant doubt about the veracity of this new work, some of which is reflected in the words of the Synod.		While the Lepidean Library is widely respected throughout the Empire, the decision to publish their work on Vardas was ultimately the decision of a single priest, '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower'''. A significant number of citizens regard this decision with a healthy degree of cynicism. Wisdom teaches that "only fools accept hearsay as truth". What if the Lepidean Library has been corrupted by heretics? What if Hazelelponi is not acting in virtue? There is significant doubt about the veracity of this new work, some of which is reflected in the words of the Synod.
	{{SOP\|statement=In her role as Lepidean Librarian, Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower has discovered unwelcome truths about the exemplar Vardas. I call her to inquisition to speak on the virtue of her actions at the upcoming Autumn Equinox 386YE at a time convenient to both of us.\|by=Masha Sigeling, Judgement of Inquisition, Courage Assembly\|vote=Upheld (108-0)\|when=386YE Summer Solstice}}		{{SOP\|statement=In her role as Lepidean Librarian, Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower has discovered unwelcome truths about the exemplar Vardas. I call her to inquisition to speak on the virtue of her actions at the upcoming Autumn Equinox 386YE at a time convenient to both of us.\|by=Masha Sigeling, Judgement of Inquisition, Courage Assembly\|vote=Upheld (108-0)\|when=386YE Summer Solstice}}
	What are the Vigilance Assembly investigating? They have promised to investigate this matter and make the results public only when it is complete. One implication of the Assembly's judgement can be read as a defence of Vardas and a criticism of those who spread heresy against the exemplars and paragons. The Vigilance Assembly are not the only ones who appear to feel that there are questions which have yet to be answered. '''Masha Sigeling''' of the Courage Assembly has called Hazelelponi to inquisition ~~- it will presumably take place~~ at the ~~next summit~~.		What are the Vigilance Assembly investigating? They have promised to investigate this matter and make the results public only when it is complete. One implication of the Assembly's judgement can be read as a defence of Vardas and a criticism of those who spread heresy against the exemplars and paragons. The Vigilance Assembly are not the only ones who appear to feel that there are questions which have yet to be answered. '''Masha Sigeling''' of the Courage Assembly has called Hazelelponi to inquisition at 11:00 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox in the Hub annex.

	If the Vigilance Assembly find sufficient evidence to believe that Vardas was in fact real and that the past life visions that seem to suggest that Vardas is a lie are the ''actual'' falsehoods then their investigation must conclude that the evidence published by the Lepidean Library is false. There are lies here, certainly, but they might not be the lies everyone has been assuming. If that happens then General Assembly could pass the following mandate:		If the Vigilance Assembly find sufficient evidence to believe that Vardas was in fact real and that the past life visions that seem to suggest that Vardas is a lie are the ''actual'' falsehoods then their investigation must conclude that the evidence published by the Lepidean Library is false. There are lies here, certainly, but they might not be the lies everyone has been assuming. If that happens then General Assembly could pass the following mandate:

Hailmur at 21:08, 7 September 2024

2024-09-07T21:08:09Z

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	</ic>		</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Assembly Vigilance.png\|align=left\|caption=The revelation that [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]], is fictional has sparked a crisis of faith in the Imperial Way.\|width=350}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Assembly Vigilance.png\|align=left\|caption=The revelation that [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]], is fictional has sparked a crisis of faith in the Imperial Way.\|width=350}}</div>
			{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=File:True faith.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Following the recent summit, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] gave instructions for the library to [[Life_of_Vardas\|publish in full their research]] on [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]]. The decision was accompanied by statements of principle [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127\|in the Vigilance Assembly]], [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167\|the Wisdom Assembly]], and [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_191\|in the Varushkan Assembly]]. Taken together the statements seem to confirm the veracity of the extraordinary and controversial findings released by the Librarian - that Vardas was not a paragon, that in fact they never existed. Their entire existence was little more than a collection of stories, penned by [[The_League_magical_traditions#mountebank\|a League mountebank]].		Following the recent summit, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] gave instructions for the library to [[Life_of_Vardas\|publish in full their research]] on [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]]. The decision was accompanied by statements of principle [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127\|in the Vigilance Assembly]], [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167\|the Wisdom Assembly]], and [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_191\|in the Varushkan Assembly]]. Taken together the statements seem to confirm the veracity of the extraordinary and controversial findings released by the Librarian - that Vardas was not a paragon, that in fact they never existed. Their entire existence was little more than a collection of stories, penned by [[The_League_magical_traditions#mountebank\|a League mountebank]].

Hailmur: /* In Choice And Action */

2024-09-07T13:14:58Z

In Choice And Action

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	The revelations published by the Lepidean Library are causing Imperial citizens to openly question their faith. The Assembly of Vigilance has asked the faithful to give them time to conduct ''"an investigation into this matter"'' which they will only publish once it is concluded. They have promised people that they will respect the truth in this matter, but they will not rush to swift judgement. The Synod appears to be asking for time to consider this matter in detail. At present, few have acted on their doubts - they have respected the words of the Vigilance Assembly and are waiting on the General Assembly to speak definitively on this matter. Irada's statement promising to fully investigate the matter has bought the Synod a little time.		The revelations published by the Lepidean Library are causing Imperial citizens to openly question their faith. The Assembly of Vigilance has asked the faithful to give them time to conduct ''"an investigation into this matter"'' which they will only publish once it is concluded. They have promised people that they will respect the truth in this matter, but they will not rush to swift judgement. The Synod appears to be asking for time to consider this matter in detail. At present, few have acted on their doubts - they have respected the words of the Vigilance Assembly and are waiting on the General Assembly to speak definitively on this matter. Irada's statement promising to fully investigate the matter has bought the Synod a little time.

	That time will not last forever. ''"Virtue lies in choice and action"'' as the new [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment\|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] points out. The longer the Synod waits to resolve this matter, the worse the crisis will become. At present the crisis only means that any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorials]], consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar will ~~not~~ not have any additional effects. People will not flock to a new memorial while this cloud hangs over them. If the situation is not addressed by the end of the Autumn Equinox, then by Spring the situation will have further deteriorated. The civil service are monitoring this situation carefully - and will prepare a report on the matter each season it is not addressed, so that priests know what the stakes are for the coming season.		That time will not last forever. ''"Virtue lies in choice and action"'' as the new [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment\|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] points out. The longer the Synod waits to resolve this matter, the worse the crisis will become. At present the crisis only means that any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorials]], consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar will not have any additional effects. People will not flock to a new memorial while this cloud hangs over them. If the situation is not addressed by the end of the Autumn Equinox, then by Spring the situation will have further deteriorated. The civil service are monitoring this situation carefully - and will prepare a report on the matter each season it is not addressed, so that priests know what the stakes are for the coming season.

	==Crisis Ripples==		==Crisis Ripples==

Responsible1: /* What You Know Is True */

2024-09-07T12:30:48Z

What You Know Is True

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	While the Lepidean Library is widely respected throughout the Empire, the decision to publish their work on Vardas was ultimately the decision of a single priest, '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower'''. A significant number of citizens regard this decision with a healthy degree of cynicism. Wisdom teaches that "only fools accept hearsay as truth". What if the Lepidean Library has been corrupted by heretics? What if Hazelelponi is not acting in virtue? There is significant doubt about the veracity of this new work, some of which is reflected in the words of the Synod.		While the Lepidean Library is widely respected throughout the Empire, the decision to publish their work on Vardas was ultimately the decision of a single priest, '''Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower'''. A significant number of citizens regard this decision with a healthy degree of cynicism. Wisdom teaches that "only fools accept hearsay as truth". What if the Lepidean Library has been corrupted by heretics? What if Hazelelponi is not acting in virtue? There is significant doubt about the veracity of this new work, some of which is reflected in the words of the Synod.
	{{SOP\|statement=In her role as Lepidean Librarian, Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower has discovered unwelcome truths about the exemplar Vardas. I call her to inquisition to speak on the virtue of her actions at the upcoming Autumn Equinox 386YE at a time convenient to both of us.\|by=Masha Sigeling, Judgement of Inquisition, Courage Assembly\|vote=Upheld (108-0)\|when=386YE Summer Solstice}}		{{SOP\|statement=In her role as Lepidean Librarian, Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower has discovered unwelcome truths about the exemplar Vardas. I call her to inquisition to speak on the virtue of her actions at the upcoming Autumn Equinox 386YE at a time convenient to both of us.\|by=Masha Sigeling, Judgement of Inquisition, Courage Assembly\|vote=Upheld (108-0)\|when=386YE Summer Solstice}}
	What are the Vigilance Assembly investigating? They have promised to investigate this matter and make the results public only when it is complete. One implication of the Assembly's judgement can be read as a ~~defense~~ of Vardas and a criticism of those who spread heresy against the exemplars and paragons. The Vigilance Assembly are not the only ones who appear to feel that there are questions which have yet to be answered. '''Masha Sigeling''' of the Courage Assembly has called Hazelelponi to inquisition - it will presumably take place at the next summit.		What are the Vigilance Assembly investigating? They have promised to investigate this matter and make the results public only when it is complete. One implication of the Assembly's judgement can be read as a defence of Vardas and a criticism of those who spread heresy against the exemplars and paragons. The Vigilance Assembly are not the only ones who appear to feel that there are questions which have yet to be answered. '''Masha Sigeling''' of the Courage Assembly has called Hazelelponi to inquisition - it will presumably take place at the next summit.

	If the Vigilance Assembly find sufficient evidence to believe that Vardas was in fact real and that the past life visions that seem to suggest that Vardas is a lie are the ''actual'' falsehoods then their investigation must conclude that the evidence published by the Lepidean Library is false. There are lies here, certainly, but they might not be the lies everyone has been assuming. If that happens then General Assembly could pass the following mandate:		If the Vigilance Assembly find sufficient evidence to believe that Vardas was in fact real and that the past life visions that seem to suggest that Vardas is a lie are the ''actual'' falsehoods then their investigation must conclude that the evidence published by the Lepidean Library is false. There are lies here, certainly, but they might not be the lies everyone has been assuming. If that happens then General Assembly could pass the following mandate:

Responsible1: /* Test What You Learn */

2024-09-07T12:30:25Z

Test What You Learn

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	* '''Doing so will provoke a demand for the Imperial Synod to address fundamental questions about paragons and exemplars'''		* '''Doing so will provoke a demand for the Imperial Synod to address fundamental questions about paragons and exemplars'''

	The judgement of [[recognition]] has been used in the past to remove someone's status as a paragon. The past life vision of [[Aldones di Sarvos]], revealed by implication that the Synod had been wrong to recognise [[Atuman\|Atuman the Navigator]] as a paragon. To remove Vardas' status as a paragon requires a judgement of recognition - but to have legal standing it must receive a greater majority. Paragons can only recognised with a greater majority anyway - but even exemplars enjoy this protection as established when [[Gilda Ashwine]] was [[Gilda_Ashwine#Controversy\|stripped of her status as an exemplar]] during the ~~regin~~ of [[Empress Aenea]]. Thus it is possible, albeit difficult, for the Synod to correct the historical roster and remove Vardas from the list of known paragons.		The judgement of [[recognition]] has been used in the past to remove someone's status as a paragon. The past life vision of [[Aldones di Sarvos]], revealed by implication that the Synod had been wrong to recognise [[Atuman\|Atuman the Navigator]] as a paragon. To remove Vardas' status as a paragon requires a judgement of recognition - but to have legal standing it must receive a greater majority. Paragons can only recognised with a greater majority anyway - but even exemplars enjoy this protection as established when [[Gilda Ashwine]] was [[Gilda_Ashwine#Controversy\|stripped of her status as an exemplar]] during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]]. Thus it is possible, albeit difficult, for the Synod to correct the historical roster and remove Vardas from the list of known paragons.

	If the General Assembly (and it must be the General Assembly) passes a judgement of [[recognition]] acknowledging that Vardas is not a paragon, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the legendary hero is a myth, a carefully constructed story who once inspired people but in truth was never real. Those people who found Vardas particularly inspiring will be devastated by the truth, but the Way teaches the Virtuous to face unwelcome truths as boldly as any barbarian charge.		If the General Assembly (and it must be the General Assembly) passes a judgement of [[recognition]] acknowledging that Vardas is not a paragon, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the legendary hero is a myth, a carefully constructed story who once inspired people but in truth was never real. Those people who found Vardas particularly inspiring will be devastated by the truth, but the Way teaches the Virtuous to face unwelcome truths as boldly as any barbarian charge.

	When the Synod changed the status of Atuman the Navigator, it was generally considered to a "correction". A imperfection that was improved on in the course of time as new evidence came to light. People will not be as sanguine about the matter this time. By recognising that Vardas is not a paragon, the Synod will need to publicly accept that a brutal truth - one of the paragons of Vigilance that was recognised by the Imperial Synod for centuries was neither a paragon nor an ~~examplar~~ - in fact they were not a real person at all.		When the Synod changed the status of Atuman the Navigator, it was generally considered to a "correction". A imperfection that was improved on in the course of time as new evidence came to light. People will not be as sanguine about the matter this time. By recognising that Vardas is not a paragon, the Synod will need to publicly accept that a brutal truth - one of the paragons of Vigilance that was recognised by the Imperial Synod for centuries was neither a paragon nor an exemplar - in fact they were not a real person at all.

	Inevitably this will create doubt about the status of the other paragons and exemplars. If Vardas is not real, why should anyone believe [[the Marked]] are real? It will also cause people to question the nature of paragons and ~~examplars~~, to ask profound questions about how they are recognised and what their status means. There will be a clamour for the Imperial Synod to address these questions directly.		Inevitably this will create doubt about the status of the other paragons and exemplars. If Vardas is not real, why should anyone believe [[the Marked]] are real? It will also cause people to question the nature of paragons and exemplars, to ask profound questions about how they are recognised and what their status means. There will be a clamour for the Imperial Synod to address these questions directly.

	The Imperial Synod will face calls to examine the status of other iconic paragons. They will also be expected to consider the fundamental role that all these inspirational figures play in the Way. After-all what exactly is the difference between an exemplar and a paragon? Why do paragons need six of the [[signs of the paragon and exemplar]] but exemplars only four? One of the signs is [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Pilgrimage\|a pilgrimage to Bastion, the heart of the Imperial Way]]. But many of the older paragons appear to predate the existence of Bastion - or indeed the Imperial Way. What is the evidence for [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Liberation\|Liberation]]? How can the Synod be confident that nobody will ever have a past life vision of someone they think is a paragon just because nobody ever has?		The Imperial Synod will face calls to examine the status of other iconic paragons. They will also be expected to consider the fundamental role that all these inspirational figures play in the Way. After-all what exactly is the difference between an exemplar and a paragon? Why do paragons need six of the [[signs of the paragon and exemplar]] but exemplars only four? One of the signs is [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Pilgrimage\|a pilgrimage to Bastion, the heart of the Imperial Way]]. But many of the older paragons appear to predate the existence of Bastion - or indeed the Imperial Way. What is the evidence for [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Liberation\|Liberation]]? How can the Synod be confident that nobody will ever have a past life vision of someone they think is a paragon just because nobody ever has?

Noserenda: /* Crisis Rippes */

2024-09-06T20:40:41Z

Crisis Rippes

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	That time will not last forever. ''"Virtue lies in choice and action"'' as the new [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment\|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] points out. The longer the Synod waits to resolve this matter, the worse the crisis will become. At present the crisis only means that any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorials]], consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar will not not have any additional effects. People will not flock to a new memorial while this cloud hangs over them. If the situation is not addressed by the end of the Autumn Equinox, then by Spring the situation will have further deteriorated. The civil service are monitoring this situation carefully - and will prepare a report on the matter each season it is not addressed, so that priests know what the stakes are for the coming season.		That time will not last forever. ''"Virtue lies in choice and action"'' as the new [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment\|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] points out. The longer the Synod waits to resolve this matter, the worse the crisis will become. At present the crisis only means that any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorials]], consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar will not not have any additional effects. People will not flock to a new memorial while this cloud hangs over them. If the situation is not addressed by the end of the Autumn Equinox, then by Spring the situation will have further deteriorated. The civil service are monitoring this situation carefully - and will prepare a report on the matter each season it is not addressed, so that priests know what the stakes are for the coming season.

	==Crisis ~~Rippes~~==		==Crisis Ripples==
	* '''The developing crisis has delayed the consecration of Capodomus Cathedral'''		* '''The developing crisis has delayed the consecration of Capodomus Cathedral'''
	* '''No new mandates or statements will encourage people to support the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''		* '''No new mandates or statements will encourage people to support the Grand Inspiration of the Way'''

Rafferty: /* Overview */

2024-09-06T20:14:52Z

Overview

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	<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Assembly Vigilance.png\|align=left\|caption=The revelation that [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]], is fictional has sparked a crisis of faith in the Imperial Way.\|width=350}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Assembly Vigilance.png\|align=left\|caption=The revelation that [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]], is fictional has sparked a crisis of faith in the Imperial Way.\|width=350}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Following the recent summit, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] gave instructions for the library to [[Life_of_Vardas\|publish in full their research]] on [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]]. The decision was accompanied by statements of principle [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127\|in the Vigilance Assembly]], [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167\|the Wisdom Assembly]], and ~~the~~ [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_191\|in the ~~Vigilance~~ Assembly]]. Taken together the statements seem to confirm the veracity of the extraordinary and controversial findings released by the Librarian - that Vardas was not a paragon, that in fact they never existed. Their entire existence was little more than a collection of stories, penned by [[The_League_magical_traditions#mountebank\|a League mountebank]].		Following the recent summit, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] gave instructions for the library to [[Life_of_Vardas\|publish in full their research]] on [[Vardas]], the paragon of [[Vigilance]]. The decision was accompanied by statements of principle [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127\|in the Vigilance Assembly]], [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167\|the Wisdom Assembly]], and [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_191\|in the Varushkan Assembly]]. Taken together the statements seem to confirm the veracity of the extraordinary and controversial findings released by the Librarian - that Vardas was not a paragon, that in fact they never existed. Their entire existence was little more than a collection of stories, penned by [[The_League_magical_traditions#mountebank\|a League mountebank]].

	According to the evidence published by the Library, the Imperial Synod were taken in by what may very well have been a deliberate confidence trick by a League fraudster. This news comes as a brutal shock to many - while some learned priests may have questioned the more miraculous stories attributed to Vardas, layfolk have always taken their existence and status as an inspirational figure to be a matter of historical fact.		According to the evidence published by the Library, the Imperial Synod were taken in by what may very well have been a deliberate confidence trick by a League fraudster. This news comes as a brutal shock to many - while some learned priests may have questioned the more miraculous stories attributed to Vardas, layfolk have always taken their existence and status as an inspirational figure to be a matter of historical fact.

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	If this mandate is raised, passes with a greater majority, and is successfully enacted, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the real ''purpose'' of paragons and exemplars is to teach people how to live a Virtuous life, so it ultimately doesn't matter if they are real or not. This mandate is [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates\|competing]] with [[#What You Know Is True\|the mandate below]].		If this mandate is raised, passes with a greater majority, and is successfully enacted, there will be no crisis of faith - people will accept that the real ''purpose'' of paragons and exemplars is to teach people how to live a Virtuous life, so it ultimately doesn't matter if they are real or not. This mandate is [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates\|competing]] with [[#What You Know Is True\|the mandate below]].

	However, their ability to provide grand inspiration to Imperial pilgrims will be permanently lost. Henceforth, any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorial]] - any site consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar - would not have any additional effects. Existing memorials would not be affected, but it will be impossible to create a new memorial to the legacy of any paragon or exemplar that was genuinely inspiring. It will still be possible for the Synod to identify and consecrate [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites\|sacred sites]] like the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh\|Kallavesa marshes]] or the [[The_Barrens#Houndsgate\|Houndsgate]] in [[the Barrens]], but memorials created for paragons and ~~examplars~~ will hold less interest for the faithful.		However, their ability to provide grand inspiration to Imperial pilgrims will be permanently lost. Henceforth, any [[Inspirational_location#Memorials\|inspirational memorial]] - any site consecrated with true liao to the memory of a paragon or exemplar - would not have any additional effects. Existing memorials would not be affected, but it will be impossible to create a new memorial to the legacy of any paragon or exemplar that was genuinely inspiring. It will still be possible for the Synod to identify and consecrate [[Inspirational_location#Sacred_Sites\|sacred sites]] like the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh\|Kallavesa marshes]] or the [[The_Barrens#Houndsgate\|Houndsgate]] in [[the Barrens]], but memorials created for paragons and exemplars will hold less interest for the faithful.

	If the mandate is raised and passes, but does not get a greater majority, then it would not affect [[Varushka]] or [[Urizen]]. That would be ''disastrous''. Urizen has had a troubled history in recent times with [[Sulemaine\|an inspirational figure of their own]] and Vardas is a popular and much loved figure in Varushka. If the mandate is enacted but does not have the unanimous backing of the Imperial Synod then it will still irrevocably alter the status of paragons and exemplars, but it will not prevent a growing crisis of faith. If this happens, the civil service strongly recommend that the named priest chose not to enact the mandate they have been given by the Synod.		If the mandate is raised and passes, but does not get a greater majority, then it would not affect [[Varushka]] or [[Urizen]]. That would be ''disastrous''. Urizen has had a troubled history in recent times with [[Sulemaine\|an inspirational figure of their own]] and Vardas is a popular and much loved figure in Varushka. If the mandate is enacted but does not have the unanimous backing of the Imperial Synod then it will still irrevocably alter the status of paragons and exemplars, but it will not prevent a growing crisis of faith. If this happens, the civil service strongly recommend that the named priest chose not to enact the mandate they have been given by the Synod.