The Way
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The Way of Virtue – often simply known as the Way – is the religion that was adopted across the Empire when it was founded. | The Way of Virtue – often simply known as the Way – is the religion that was adopted across the Empire when it was founded. | ||
{{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|width=243|height=240|align=right|caption=The labyrinth is a common symbol of the Way}} | {{CaptionedImage|file=Labyrinth.jpg|width=243|height=240|align=right|caption=The labyrinth is a common symbol of the Way}} | ||
At its core, | At its core, the Way of Virtue teaches: | ||
* Human souls are immortal and, upon death, will eventually be reincarnated as a newborn child. | * Human souls are immortal and, upon death, will eventually be reincarnated as a newborn child. | ||
* Reincarnation is not instantaneous. The soul must first travel through the [[The Labyrinth of Ages and the Paragons and Exemplars|Labyrinth of Ages]] before being reincarnated. | * Reincarnation is not instantaneous. The soul must first travel through the [[The Labyrinth of Ages and the Paragons and Exemplars|Labyrinth of Ages]] before being reincarnated. | ||
* Those who follow the | * Those who follow the paths of Virtue pass through the Labyrinth more quickly and with greater integrity of their soul; wicked souls are trapped in the Labyrinth for longer and perhaps forever. | ||
* The Way teaches that all laudable human qualities are rooted in the | * The Way teaches that all laudable human qualities are rooted in the paths of Virtue. For example, the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] commitment to truth is actually an expression of Courage and Pride. | ||
* Souls who attain sufficient purity of spirit, predominantly through perfection of virtue, pass through the Labyrinth to enlightenment. These individuals are called paragons. | * Souls who attain sufficient purity of spirit, predominantly through perfection of virtue, pass through the Labyrinth to enlightenment. These individuals are called paragons. | ||
* There are some [[Religious skills|priestly ceremonies]] that require dedication to a single | * There are some [[Religious skills|priestly ceremonies]] that require dedication to a single Virtue. Dedication is practised by those who have a calling, such as priests, pilgrims, exemplars and paragons. | ||
* For most Imperial citizens, dedication is not required. It is sufficient to know of the | * For most Imperial citizens, dedication is not required. It is sufficient to know of the paths of Virtue and how they can positively influence this life, and the next. | ||
The Way of Virtue is promoted and protected by [[The Synod|the Imperial Synod]] and is shaped by [[Imperial Theology|Imperial | The Way of Virtue is promoted and protected by [[The Synod|the Imperial Synod]] and is shaped by [[Imperial Theology|Imperial theology]]. | ||
==The Way and the Non-human== | ==The Way and the Non-human== | ||
Pure | Pure liao has an equal effect on all adult humans, including those who are lineaged. However, it has no particular effect on orcs or, it is assumed, any other non-human species. This is understood to mean that the non-humans have no 'past lives' and thus supports the [[Imperial Theology|Doctrine of Reincarnation]]’s claim that only human spirits traverse the Labyrinth of Ages. | ||
Opinions are divided as to what this means for the non-human. Some maintain that they are incapable of following the Way because of their natures. Others maintain that, even if they do not reincarnate, they should still be encouraged to follow the example of the paragons and exemplars. | Opinions are divided as to what this means for the non-human. Some maintain that they are incapable of following the Way because of their natures. Others maintain that, even if they do not reincarnate, they should still be encouraged to follow the example of the paragons and exemplars. | ||
==The Paths of Virtue== | ==The Paths of Virtue== | ||
Imperial [[The Doctrines of the Faith|doctrine]] currently states that there are | Imperial [[The Doctrines of the Faith|doctrine]] currently states that there are seven paths of Virtue that make up the Way. These are: | ||
* [[Ambition]] | * [[Ambition]] | ||
* [[Courage]] | * [[Courage]] | ||
Revision as of 15:51, 8 May 2019
Seven Paths.
Seven Virtues.
One Way.
Overview
The Way of Virtue – often simply known as the Way – is the religion that was adopted across the Empire when it was founded.
The labyrinth is a common symbol of the Way
At its core, the Way of Virtue teaches:
- Human souls are immortal and, upon death, will eventually be reincarnated as a newborn child.
- Reincarnation is not instantaneous. The soul must first travel through the Labyrinth of Ages before being reincarnated.
- Those who follow the paths of Virtue pass through the Labyrinth more quickly and with greater integrity of their soul; wicked souls are trapped in the Labyrinth for longer and perhaps forever.
- The Way teaches that all laudable human qualities are rooted in the paths of Virtue. For example, the Freeborn commitment to truth is actually an expression of Courage and Pride.
- Souls who attain sufficient purity of spirit, predominantly through perfection of virtue, pass through the Labyrinth to enlightenment. These individuals are called paragons.
- There are some priestly ceremonies that require dedication to a single Virtue. Dedication is practised by those who have a calling, such as priests, pilgrims, exemplars and paragons.
- For most Imperial citizens, dedication is not required. It is sufficient to know of the paths of Virtue and how they can positively influence this life, and the next.
The Way of Virtue is promoted and protected by the Imperial Synod and is shaped by Imperial theology.
The Way and the Non-human
Pure liao has an equal effect on all adult humans, including those who are lineaged. However, it has no particular effect on orcs or, it is assumed, any other non-human species. This is understood to mean that the non-humans have no 'past lives' and thus supports the Doctrine of Reincarnation’s claim that only human spirits traverse the Labyrinth of Ages.
Opinions are divided as to what this means for the non-human. Some maintain that they are incapable of following the Way because of their natures. Others maintain that, even if they do not reincarnate, they should still be encouraged to follow the example of the paragons and exemplars.
The Paths of Virtue
Imperial doctrine currently states that there are seven paths of Virtue that make up the Way. These are:
Further reading for religious PCs
- Imperial Synod
- History of the Way
- The Labyrinth of Ages
- Paragons and exemplars
- The Way and Imperial Citizens
- Religious skills
- Religious Crimes
- Malign spiritual presences
- Symbols of the Way
- Imperial Theology
This selection of articles can be downloaded as a PDF book (or as html only)