Urizen culture and customs - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T15:21:41Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 15 January 2026
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	With the [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Lost_in_the_Echo_.28Morrow.29\|destruction of the central Heliopticon tower]] by the Druj during their invasion of [[Morrow]] following the Summer Solstice 382YE, the capabilities of the heliopticon were much reduced. The heliopticon still functioned, albeit barely, but its ability to quickly convey messages across the whole of Urizen was greatly impeded. Messages were slow, and could no longer be routed quickly though a central point rather relying on individual spires to them along. This led to more miscommunications and garbled messages, greatly reducing its effectiveness.		With the [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Lost_in_the_Echo_.28Morrow.29\|destruction of the central Heliopticon tower]] by the Druj during their invasion of [[Morrow]] following the Summer Solstice 382YE, the capabilities of the heliopticon were much reduced. The heliopticon still functioned, albeit barely, but its ability to quickly convey messages across the whole of Urizen was greatly impeded. Messages were slow, and could no longer be routed quickly though a central point rather relying on individual spires to them along. This led to more miscommunications and garbled messages, greatly reducing its effectiveness.

	In Winter 382YE, however, the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] voted to [[Construct_repairs_to_Heliopticon\|commission extensive repairs]] to the towers, replacing the ruined central towers in Spiral and Morrow, and replacing many of the damaged mirrors. Following the reconstruction work, the heliopticon was restored to peak function — at least in the three territories still in Imperial hands. More impressively, following a [[Fight_or_flight#A_New_Hope\|proposal by Portia the Elder]], a former Provost of the Halls of Knowledge turned civil servant, the heliopticon was committed to a new use — the codification of magical rituals. Today, in addition to transporting vital messages between spires, the heliopticon serves as the backbone of the largest [[college of magic]] the Empire - indeed the world - has ever seen. A college composed of all the magicians of Urizen, guided by the unique [[Doyen of the Spires]] title.		In Winter 382YE, however, the [[Senate]] voted to [[Construct_repairs_to_Heliopticon\|commission extensive repairs]] to the towers, replacing the ruined central towers in Spiral and Morrow, and replacing many of the damaged mirrors. Following the reconstruction work, the heliopticon was restored to peak function — at least in the three territories still in Imperial hands. More impressively, following a [[Fight_or_flight#A_New_Hope\|proposal by Portia the Elder]], a former Provost of the Halls of Knowledge turned civil servant, the heliopticon was committed to a new use — the codification of magical rituals. Today, in addition to transporting vital messages between spires, the heliopticon serves as the backbone of the largest [[college of magic]] the Empire - indeed the world - has ever seen. A college composed of all the magicians of Urizen, guided by the unique [[Doyen of the Spires]] title.

	== Funerals ==		== Funerals ==

Twiggy at 20:03, 10 August 2025

2025-08-10T20:03:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:03, 10 August 2025
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	== Communal meals ==		== Communal meals ==
	Urizen food tends to be simple, but supplemented by a dazzling array of spices and sauces designed to make a limited palette of foodstuffs raised on the mountainsides more interesting. Most Urizen communities make an effort to attend a communal evening meal, characterised by lively discussion and debate. This expectation that the day will end in a communal meal helps to create a feeling of community and continuity for the Urizen people. Many spires add additional traditions, such as music and poetry, to cement the importance of this “community time". A religious spire may add prayers before and after the meal, while a martial spire might use regular sparring to “work up an appetite for supper".		Urizen food tends to be simple, but supplemented by a dazzling array of spices and sauces designed to make a limited palette of foodstuffs raised on the mountainsides more interesting. Most Urizen communities make an effort to attend a communal evening meal, characterised by lively discussion and debate. This expectation that the day will end in a communal meal helps to create a feeling of community and continuity for the Urizen people. Many spires add additional traditions, such as music and poetry, to cement the importance of this “community time". A religious spire may add prayers before and after the meal, while a martial spire might use regular sparring to “work up an appetite for supper."

	== The Heliopticon ==		== The Heliopticon ==
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	== Funerals ==		== Funerals ==
	Most Urizen embrace the idea that this flesh is just a vessel through which the soul happens to be passing on its road to enlightenment. After an individual is dead, the body should be treated with respect but it is fundamentally an empty husk. Bodies are interred with minimal ceremony in quiet mausolea built on the lower slopes beneath a spire. They are rarely entombed with grave goods, nor is a gravesite marked with any great ornamentation. Influential and inspiring figures are recalled in bas-reliefs and statuary that decorates a spire, but it is a rare Urizen whose biography, journals and collected letters cannot be found in the library at the heart of a spire.		Most Urizen embrace the idea that this flesh is just a vessel through which the soul happens to be passing on its road to enlightenment. After an individual is dead, the body should be treated with respect but it is fundamentally an empty husk. Bodies are interred with minimal ceremony in quiet mausolea built on the lower slopes beneath a spire. They are rarely entombed with grave goods, nor is a gravesite marked with any great ornamentation. Influential and inspiring figures are recalled in bas-reliefs and statuary that decorates a spire, but it is a rare Urizen whose biography, journals and collected letters cannot be found in the library at the heart of a spire.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen Costume 32.jpg\|caption=Coloured flowers are [[Symbols of the Way\|symbols]] of ~~virture~~ in [[Urizen]]\|align=right\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen Costume 32.jpg\|caption=Coloured flowers are [[Symbols of the Way\|symbols]] of virtue in [[Urizen]]\|align=right\|width=600}}</div>

	==Spring Flower Festival==		==Spring Flower Festival==

Hailmur: /* Privacy and politeness */

2024-08-29T19:53:29Z

Privacy and politeness

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 29 August 2024
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	A sigil may be a [[magic_items\|magic item]] or even a [[hallow\|hallowed relic]], but it can be just a simple amulet, a plain staff, or similar. They are a signifier of the owner's identity and status as a magician and the theft or destruction of one is considered tantamount to assault. Most magicians are buried with their sigils when they pass away, but some spires keep the sigils of past wizards, to preserve the memory of those who have gone before and inspire the next generation.		A sigil may be a [[magic_items\|magic item]] or even a [[hallow\|hallowed relic]], but it can be just a simple amulet, a plain staff, or similar. They are a signifier of the owner's identity and status as a magician and the theft or destruction of one is considered tantamount to assault. Most magicians are buried with their sigils when they pass away, but some spires keep the sigils of past wizards, to preserve the memory of those who have gone before and inspire the next generation.

	==Privacy and ~~politeness~~==		==Privacy and Politeness==
	Urizen place great stock on politeness and good manners. Their nation is a place of competing and sometimes incompatible philosophies. It is also a nation where it is easy to become isolated from your neighbours. As a consequence, a level of assumed respect reduces the likelihood of a misunderstanding souring relations.		Urizen place great stock on politeness and good manners. Their nation is a place of competing and sometimes incompatible philosophies. It is also a nation where it is easy to become isolated from your neighbours. As a consequence, a level of assumed respect reduces the likelihood of a misunderstanding souring relations.
	<div style="width: 400px; float: right;"><box>		<div style="width: 400px; float: right;"><box>

Hailmur at 19:53, 29 August 2024

2024-08-29T19:53:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 29 August 2024
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Arete and poise are inextricably linked.\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Arete and poise are inextricably linked.\|width=300}}
	== Arete ==		== Arete ==
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise or Nap.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Passions are channelled, as fuel for action.\|width=300}}~~
	The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.		The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise or Nap.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Passions are channelled, as fuel for action.\|width=300}}
	== Poise ==		== Poise ==
	Linked to arete is the idea of poise. The Urizen are wary of instinct and emotion, believing that people who allow their passions to move them rather than their higher minds are prone to acting irrationally and ineffectually. To allow the self to be overwhelmed by emotions undermines the basic goals of arete. “When one speaks angrily,” an old saying goes, “only the anger is heard.”		Linked to arete is the idea of poise. The Urizen are wary of instinct and emotion, believing that people who allow their passions to move them rather than their higher minds are prone to acting irrationally and ineffectually. To allow the self to be overwhelmed by emotions undermines the basic goals of arete. “When one speaks angrily,” an old saying goes, “only the anger is heard.”
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	A sigil may be a [[magic_items\|magic item]] or even a [[hallow\|hallowed relic]], but it can be just a simple amulet, a plain staff, or similar. They are a signifier of the owner's identity and status as a magician and the theft or destruction of one is considered tantamount to assault. Most magicians are buried with their sigils when they pass away, but some spires keep the sigils of past wizards, to preserve the memory of those who have gone before and inspire the next generation.		A sigil may be a [[magic_items\|magic item]] or even a [[hallow\|hallowed relic]], but it can be just a simple amulet, a plain staff, or similar. They are a signifier of the owner's identity and status as a magician and the theft or destruction of one is considered tantamount to assault. Most magicians are buried with their sigils when they pass away, but some spires keep the sigils of past wizards, to preserve the memory of those who have gone before and inspire the next generation.

			==Privacy and politeness==
			Urizen place great stock on politeness and good manners. Their nation is a place of competing and sometimes incompatible philosophies. It is also a nation where it is easy to become isolated from your neighbours. As a consequence, a level of assumed respect reduces the likelihood of a misunderstanding souring relations.
	<div style="width: 400px; float: right;"><box>		<div style="width: 400px; float: right;"><box>
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em;">'''Bowing'''</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em;">'''Bowing'''</p>
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	Please avoid bowing from the waist with hands together in front of the body. Bows such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste namaste] or other traditional Asian or East Asian bows such as those in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kBm9542m64 this video] should not be used.		Please avoid bowing from the waist with hands together in front of the body. Bows such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste namaste] or other traditional Asian or East Asian bows such as those in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kBm9542m64 this video] should not be used.
	</box></div>		</box></div>

	~~==Privacy and politeness==~~
	Urizen place great stock on politeness and good manners. Their nation is a place of competing and sometimes incompatible philosophies. It is also a nation where it is easy to become isolated from your neighbours. As a consequence, a level of assumed respect reduces the likelihood of a misunderstanding souring relations.

	Urizen tend to value their privacy, and be very aware of their personal space. Theirs is a mountainous nation, but the [[spires]] are built on a larger scale than most Imperial citizens would be familiar with. The citadels, towers, balconies and houses of Urizen often extend a short distance into the stone of the mountain itself, and these galleries are intended to be as airy and open as Urizen engineering can make them. As a consequence, some Urizen suffer from symptoms akin to mild claustrophobia.		Urizen tend to value their privacy, and be very aware of their personal space. Theirs is a mountainous nation, but the [[spires]] are built on a larger scale than most Imperial citizens would be familiar with. The citadels, towers, balconies and houses of Urizen often extend a short distance into the stone of the mountain itself, and these galleries are intended to be as airy and open as Urizen engineering can make them. As a consequence, some Urizen suffer from symptoms akin to mild claustrophobia.

Hailmur: /* Funerals */

2024-08-29T19:52:07Z

Funerals

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:52, 29 August 2024
Line 53:		Line 53:

	== Funerals ==		== Funerals ==
	Most Urizen embrace the idea that this flesh is just a vessel through which the soul happens to be passing on its road to enlightenment. After an individual is dead, the body should be treated with respect but it is fundamentally an empty husk. Bodies are interred with minimal ceremony in quiet mausolea built on the lower slopes beneath a spire. They are rarely entombed with grave goods ~~other than perhaps their [[#sigil\|sigil]]~~, nor is a gravesite marked with any great ornamentation. Influential and inspiring figures are recalled in bas-reliefs and statuary that decorates a spire, but it is a rare Urizen whose biography, journals and collected letters cannot be found in the library at the heart of a spire.		Most Urizen embrace the idea that this flesh is just a vessel through which the soul happens to be passing on its road to enlightenment. After an individual is dead, the body should be treated with respect but it is fundamentally an empty husk. Bodies are interred with minimal ceremony in quiet mausolea built on the lower slopes beneath a spire. They are rarely entombed with grave goods, nor is a gravesite marked with any great ornamentation. Influential and inspiring figures are recalled in bas-reliefs and statuary that decorates a spire, but it is a rare Urizen whose biography, journals and collected letters cannot be found in the library at the heart of a spire.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen Costume 32.jpg\|caption=Coloured flowers are [[Symbols of the Way\|symbols]] of virture in [[Urizen]]\|align=right\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen Costume 32.jpg\|caption=Coloured flowers are [[Symbols of the Way\|symbols]] of virture in [[Urizen]]\|align=right\|width=600}}</div>

	==Spring Flower Festival==		==Spring Flower Festival==
	During the Spring Equinox, Urizeni celebrate the festival of flowers. Sometimes called the "Festival of the Net", it involves giving flowers to those with whom one feels an important connection. These flowers often have a great deal of personal [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Essence\|symbolism]] but for most Urizeni, the colour is the essential feature. Each of the seven virtues is assigned to a specific colour; a gift may either imply that the person inspires this virtue or possesses it in notable quality, or that they should strive to practice that virtue more in the coming year.		During the Spring Equinox, Urizeni celebrate the festival of flowers. Sometimes called the "Festival of the Net", it involves giving flowers to those with whom one feels an important connection. These flowers often have a great deal of personal [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Essence\|symbolism]] but for most Urizeni, the colour is the essential feature. Each of the seven virtues is assigned to a specific colour; a gift may either imply that the person inspires this virtue or possesses it in notable quality, or that they should strive to practice that virtue more in the coming year.

Matt: /* Poise */

2024-04-19T14:00:37Z

Poise

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:00, 19 April 2024
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	Rather than subdue or suppress their emotions, poise is the practice of allowing yourself to feel your emotions as deeply as possible yet retain perfect self-control. Practitioners seek to hold themselves in a state of equilibrium so that they channel the strength of their emotions at the perfect moment. A common drill used to develop poise is the “deep breath” — a simple meditative technique where before undertaking any challenging activity, the individual takes a breath and holds it while taking a moment to harness their emotions and decide how they will act. When the student breathes out, often explosively, they spring into action.		Rather than subdue or suppress their emotions, poise is the practice of allowing yourself to feel your emotions as deeply as possible yet retain perfect self-control. Practitioners seek to hold themselves in a state of equilibrium so that they channel the strength of their emotions at the perfect moment. A common drill used to develop poise is the “deep breath” — a simple meditative technique where before undertaking any challenging activity, the individual takes a breath and holds it while taking a moment to harness their emotions and decide how they will act. When the student breathes out, often explosively, they spring into action.

			Mastering poise is often a challenge for [[briar\|briars]] who are naturally mercurial and prone to spontaneous displays of emotion. There is no overt prejudice against briars, as there has been elsewhere in the Empire at times, but briars are often encouraged to become sentinels, where their restless demeanour and physical nature allows them to achieve high levels of arete.

	==Sigil==		==Sigil==
	Every Urizen magician is eligible to carry a sigil, a personal symbol that reflects their mastery of the basic principles of magic. Most apprentices are awarded their first sigil by their tutor when they have mastered the skills necessary to perform [[operate portal]], [[detect magic]], and [[create bond]]. While a magician will have only one personal sigil at a time, it's common for the actual object to evolve over time as the magician pursues the path of [[arete]]. The most common form for a sigil is an implement of some kind — a wand, staff, or rod. Often they are carefully decorated works of art — they are [[#icons and artistry\|symbols]] of a magicians abilities after all.		Every Urizen magician is eligible to carry a sigil, a personal symbol that reflects their mastery of the basic principles of magic. Most apprentices are awarded their first sigil by their tutor when they have mastered the skills necessary to perform [[operate portal]], [[detect magic]], and [[create bond]]. While a magician will have only one personal sigil at a time, it's common for the actual object to evolve over time as the magician pursues the path of [[arete]]. The most common form for a sigil is an implement of some kind — a wand, staff, or rod. Often they are carefully decorated works of art — they are [[#icons and artistry\|symbols]] of a magicians abilities after all.

Dre at 12:53, 8 April 2024

2024-04-08T12:53:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 8 April 2024
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	Every Urizen magician is eligible to carry a sigil, a personal symbol that reflects their mastery of the basic principles of magic. Most apprentices are awarded their first sigil by their tutor when they have mastered the skills necessary to perform [[operate portal]], [[detect magic]], and [[create bond]]. While a magician will have only one personal sigil at a time, it's common for the actual object to evolve over time as the magician pursues the path of [[arete]]. The most common form for a sigil is an implement of some kind — a wand, staff, or rod. Often they are carefully decorated works of art — they are [[#icons and artistry\|symbols]] of a magicians abilities after all.		Every Urizen magician is eligible to carry a sigil, a personal symbol that reflects their mastery of the basic principles of magic. Most apprentices are awarded their first sigil by their tutor when they have mastered the skills necessary to perform [[operate portal]], [[detect magic]], and [[create bond]]. While a magician will have only one personal sigil at a time, it's common for the actual object to evolve over time as the magician pursues the path of [[arete]]. The most common form for a sigil is an implement of some kind — a wand, staff, or rod. Often they are carefully decorated works of art — they are [[#icons and artistry\|symbols]] of a magicians abilities after all.

	A sigil may be a [[magic_items\|magic item]] or even a [[hallow\|hallowed relic]], but it can be just a simple amulet, a plain staff or similar. They are a signifier of the owner's identity and status as a magician and the theft or destruction of one is considered tantamount to assault. Most magicians are buried with their sigils when they pass away, but some spires keep the sigils of past wizards, to preserve the memory of those who have gone before and inspire the next generation.		A sigil may be a [[magic_items\|magic item]] or even a [[hallow\|hallowed relic]], but it can be just a simple amulet, a plain staff, or similar. They are a signifier of the owner's identity and status as a magician and the theft or destruction of one is considered tantamount to assault. Most magicians are buried with their sigils when they pass away, but some spires keep the sigils of past wizards, to preserve the memory of those who have gone before and inspire the next generation.

	<div style="width: 400px; float: right;"><box>		<div style="width: 400px; float: right;"><box>
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	Much of Urizen is hard to cross and physical messengers travel slowly. The nation is united through the use of the heliopticon — a series of polished bronze mirrors used to send messages across great distances to nearby spires using a simple code of short and long flashes (this is represented by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code international Morse code]). To an outsider, the heliopticon is a technical marvel, but the Urizen appreciate that the true brilliance of the heliopticon is the cipher of flashes used to send the messages rather than the method used to create them.		Much of Urizen is hard to cross and physical messengers travel slowly. The nation is united through the use of the heliopticon — a series of polished bronze mirrors used to send messages across great distances to nearby spires using a simple code of short and long flashes (this is represented by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code international Morse code]). To an outsider, the heliopticon is a technical marvel, but the Urizen appreciate that the true brilliance of the heliopticon is the cipher of flashes used to send the messages rather than the method used to create them.

	With the [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Lost_in_the_Echo_.28Morrow.29\|destruction of the central Heliopticon tower]] by the Druj during their invasion of [[Morrow]] following the Summer Solstice 382YE, the capabilities of the heliopticon were much reduced. The heliopticon still functioned, albeit barely, but its ability to quickly convey messages across the whole of Urizen was greatly impeded. Messages were slow, and could no longer be routed quickly though a central point rather relying on individual spires to them along. This ~~lead~~ to more miscommunications and garbled messages, greatly reducing its effectiveness.		With the [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Lost_in_the_Echo_.28Morrow.29\|destruction of the central Heliopticon tower]] by the Druj during their invasion of [[Morrow]] following the Summer Solstice 382YE, the capabilities of the heliopticon were much reduced. The heliopticon still functioned, albeit barely, but its ability to quickly convey messages across the whole of Urizen was greatly impeded. Messages were slow, and could no longer be routed quickly though a central point rather relying on individual spires to them along. This led to more miscommunications and garbled messages, greatly reducing its effectiveness.

	In Winter 382YE, however, the [[Imperial Senate]] voted to [[Construct_repairs_to_Heliopticon\|commission extensive repairs]] to the towers, replacing the ruined central towers in Spiral and Morrow, and replacing many of the damaged mirrors. Following the reconstruction work, the heliopticon was restored to peak function — at least in the three territories still in Imperial hands. More impressively, following a [[Fight_or_flight#A_New_Hope\|proposal by Portia the Elder]], a former Provost of the Halls of Knowledge turned civil servant, the heliopticon was committed to a new use — the codification of magical rituals. Today, in addition to transporting vital messages between spires, the heliopticon serves as the backbone of the largest [[college of magic]] the Empire - indeed the world - has ever seen. A college composed of all the magicians of Urizen, guided by the unique [[Doyen of the Spires]] title.		In Winter 382YE, however, the [[Imperial Senate]] voted to [[Construct_repairs_to_Heliopticon\|commission extensive repairs]] to the towers, replacing the ruined central towers in Spiral and Morrow, and replacing many of the damaged mirrors. Following the reconstruction work, the heliopticon was restored to peak function — at least in the three territories still in Imperial hands. More impressively, following a [[Fight_or_flight#A_New_Hope\|proposal by Portia the Elder]], a former Provost of the Halls of Knowledge turned civil servant, the heliopticon was committed to a new use — the codification of magical rituals. Today, in addition to transporting vital messages between spires, the heliopticon serves as the backbone of the largest [[college of magic]] the Empire - indeed the world - has ever seen. A college composed of all the magicians of Urizen, guided by the unique [[Doyen of the Spires]] title.

Rafferty: Reverted edits by Rafferty (talk) to last revision by Matt

2024-04-08T11:42:17Z

Reverted edits by Rafferty (talk) to last revision by Matt

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:42, 8 April 2024
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	The First Empress is often used as an example by Urizen who wish to explain the Net of the Heavens. She was a pivotal individual whose actions changed the destiny of thousands of other individuals when she was alive and continue to influence people four hundred years after her death. In turn, those influenced by her vision have influenced others, and that influence stretches far beyond the borders of the Empire to impact the entire known world, more or less.		The First Empress is often used as an example by Urizen who wish to explain the Net of the Heavens. She was a pivotal individual whose actions changed the destiny of thousands of other individuals when she was alive and continue to influence people four hundred years after her death. In turn, those influenced by her vision have influenced others, and that influence stretches far beyond the borders of the Empire to impact the entire known world, more or less.
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Arete and poise are inextricably linked.\|width=300}}
	== Arete ==		== Arete ==
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise or Nap.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Passions are channelled, as fuel for action.\|width=300}}
	The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.		The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>

	== Poise ==		== Poise ==
	Linked to arete is the idea of poise. The Urizen are wary of instinct and emotion, believing that people who allow their passions to move them rather than their higher minds are prone to acting irrationally and ineffectually. To allow the self to be overwhelmed by emotions undermines the basic goals of arete. “When one speaks angrily,” an old saying goes, “only the anger is heard.”		Linked to arete is the idea of poise. The Urizen are wary of instinct and emotion, believing that people who allow their passions to move them rather than their higher minds are prone to acting irrationally and ineffectually. To allow the self to be overwhelmed by emotions undermines the basic goals of arete. “When one speaks angrily,” an old saying goes, “only the anger is heard.”

Rafferty at 11:41, 8 April 2024

2024-04-08T11:41:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:41, 8 April 2024
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	== The Net of the Heavens ==		== The Net of the Heavens ==
	The Urizen embrace an image of the world they poetically call the [[Net of the Heavens]]. It is a metaphor that defines human interaction and history as being made up of “nodes” or “knots” — pivotal people and events that shape everything around them. For actions to be effective, they must operate on these nodes, otherwise effort is wasted. By influencing a powerful node, an individual can exert influence over events and individuals they have no personal connection to, and produce results out of all proportion to the energy expended. Learning to possess arete and poise are seen as prerequisites for being able to reliably manipulate the Net of the Heavens.		The Urizen embrace an image of the world they poetically call the [[Net of the Heavens]]. It is a metaphor that defines human interaction and history as being made up of “nodes” or “knots” — pivotal people and events that shape everything around them. For actions to be effective, they must operate on these nodes, otherwise effort is wasted. By influencing a powerful node, an individual can exert influence over events and individuals they have no personal connection to, and produce results out of all proportion to the energy expended. Learning to possess arete and poise are seen as prerequisites for being able to reliably manipulate the Net of the Heavens.
	~~<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Arete and poise are inextricably linked.\|width=300}}</div>~~
	The First Empress is often used as an example by Urizen who wish to explain the Net of the Heavens. She was a pivotal individual whose actions changed the destiny of thousands of other individuals when she was alive and continue to influence people four hundred years after her death. In turn, those influenced by her vision have influenced others, and that influence stretches far beyond the borders of the Empire to impact the entire known world, more or less.		The First Empress is often used as an example by Urizen who wish to explain the Net of the Heavens. She was a pivotal individual whose actions changed the destiny of thousands of other individuals when she was alive and continue to influence people four hundred years after her death. In turn, those influenced by her vision have influenced others, and that influence stretches far beyond the borders of the Empire to impact the entire known world, more or less.
	== Arete ==		== Arete ==
	~~<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise or Nap.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Passions are channelled, as fuel for action.\|width=300}}</div>~~
	The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.		The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>

Rafferty at 11:38, 8 April 2024

2024-04-08T11:38:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:38, 8 April 2024
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	== The Net of the Heavens ==		== The Net of the Heavens ==
	The Urizen embrace an image of the world they poetically call the [[Net of the Heavens]]. It is a metaphor that defines human interaction and history as being made up of “nodes” or “knots” — pivotal people and events that shape everything around them. For actions to be effective, they must operate on these nodes, otherwise effort is wasted. By influencing a powerful node, an individual can exert influence over events and individuals they have no personal connection to, and produce results out of all proportion to the energy expended. Learning to possess arete and poise are seen as prerequisites for being able to reliably manipulate the Net of the Heavens.		The Urizen embrace an image of the world they poetically call the [[Net of the Heavens]]. It is a metaphor that defines human interaction and history as being made up of “nodes” or “knots” — pivotal people and events that shape everything around them. For actions to be effective, they must operate on these nodes, otherwise effort is wasted. By influencing a powerful node, an individual can exert influence over events and individuals they have no personal connection to, and produce results out of all proportion to the energy expended. Learning to possess arete and poise are seen as prerequisites for being able to reliably manipulate the Net of the Heavens.
			<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Arete and poise are inextricably linked.\|width=300}}</div>
	The First Empress is often used as an example by Urizen who wish to explain the Net of the Heavens. She was a pivotal individual whose actions changed the destiny of thousands of other individuals when she was alive and continue to influence people four hundred years after her death. In turn, those influenced by her vision have influenced others, and that influence stretches far beyond the borders of the Empire to impact the entire known world, more or less.		The First Empress is often used as an example by Urizen who wish to explain the Net of the Heavens. She was a pivotal individual whose actions changed the destiny of thousands of other individuals when she was alive and continue to influence people four hundred years after her death. In turn, those influenced by her vision have influenced others, and that influence stretches far beyond the borders of the Empire to impact the entire known world, more or less.
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Arete and poise are inextricably linked.\|width=300}}~~
	== Arete ==		== Arete ==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise or Nap.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Passions are channelled, as fuel for action.\|width=300}}		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Poise or Nap.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Passions are channelled, as fuel for action.\|width=300}}</div>
	The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.		The principle of [[arete]], the idea of excellence in all things, is central to the Urizen way of life. The word means something close to "being the best you can be" or "reaching your highest human potential". It encompasses courage and strength in the face of adversity. Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of arete is a person of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties: strength, bravery, wisdom, and guile, to achieve real results. Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote>Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power.</quote></div>

	== Poise ==		== Poise ==
	Linked to arete is the idea of poise. The Urizen are wary of instinct and emotion, believing that people who allow their passions to move them rather than their higher minds are prone to acting irrationally and ineffectually. To allow the self to be overwhelmed by emotions undermines the basic goals of arete. “When one speaks angrily,” an old saying goes, “only the anger is heard.”		Linked to arete is the idea of poise. The Urizen are wary of instinct and emotion, believing that people who allow their passions to move them rather than their higher minds are prone to acting irrationally and ineffectually. To allow the self to be overwhelmed by emotions undermines the basic goals of arete. “When one speaks angrily,” an old saying goes, “only the anger is heard.”