Signs of the paragon and exemplar

The Signs of the Paragon

The recognition of paragons is a challenge that the Synod faces. Over time, the learned assemblies have identified seven signs that seperate a true paragon from a virtuous exemplar. Of the seven signs, each recognised Paragon has been recorded to have achieved at least four, and not contradicted any of the others, which may have gone unrecorded.

The Signs of the Paragon are:

Liberation

The virtuous souls of true paragons are able to navigate the Labyrinth of Ages and depart it. Some claim this enlightenment allows them to enter the presence of God; others that they move on to a higher form of existence in the heavens or another world. Evidence for this comes in part from no other mortal ever having had a past life vision from the perspective of a known Paragon. There is a contentious variation of this sign is Ascension, which holds that some Paragons have attained Liberation whilst alive and have disappeared before their followers, such as Aldones di Savros.

Benevolence

An Exemplar may illustrate a Virtue in a pure, yet self-serving, manner. A Paragon’s deeds prosper their whole people, such as Tian bringing fire from the sun, Kethry's salvation of her tribe, or the First Empress founding the Empire. In the age of the Empire, the sign of benevolence is one that benefits the Empire; in whole or in part.

Inspiration

Paragons are inspiring figures who make an impact on those they meet in life and who often attract students, followers or imitators. Sometimes these followers will found orders, societies, chapters or other groups to retain and pass on the teachings of their mentor, teacher or leader. These groups go on to do great works in the paragon’s name.

Miracles

The legends of the older Paragons attribute great and miraculous deeds attributed to them, such as Tian stealing fire from the sun, or Good Walder's presence swelling harvests. Other Paragons, such as Lepidus of the Seven Stars, could spontaneously generate virtuous auras without use of liao ceremonies. It is said that the ability to perform superhuman feats, namely miracles, without using magic, is proof of a Paragon’s soul.

Pilgrimage

This sign dates back to the origins of The Way in Highguard, when spiritual leaders, pilgrims and scholars travelled from many nations to Bastion to learn of The Way. This included, so it is claimed, many Exemplars and Paragons, for whom it was a necessary catalyst for their soul's purification. In the age of the Empire, this has been understood to be a journey to the heart of the Imperial Faith, though that has been interpreted as a physical and spiritual journey.

Salvation

As well as inspiring those already inclined to virtue, a true Paragon will have a significant success in reducing the number of the un-Virtuous in the world. While an Exemplar may do this by sending their souls back to the Labyrinth in droves, a Paragon will convert a significant group of people from their unvirtuous ways. In the days of the Empire this can include foreigners and barbarians, but may also extend to the salvation of Imperial Citizens who have lost their way, such as being seduced by blasphemous or idolatrous cults.

Legacy

Akin to the Sign of Inspiration, this sign relates to that which a Paragon leaves behind them. The most common form of legacy is in the form of a relic or relics, such as Irontooth, the legendary axe of Kord, or the Imperial Throne left by the First Empress. Less common, but no less valid, are other enduring legacies, such as the great edifices of the Sentinel. These legacies are usually an integral part of the paragon’s legend, serving as proof of their truth and as an inspiration to others.