Ambition
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Other well-known incarnations of the Paragon include: | Other well-known incarnations of the Paragon include: | ||
• Atuman of the Highborn, one of the famed Twin Navigators, who gathered the virtuous men and women as part of an exodus from their doomed land, and saw them safe to the lands they would tame to become Highguard. | • Atuman of the Highborn, one of the famed Twin Navigators, who gathered the virtuous men and women as part of an exodus from their doomed land, and saw them safe to the lands they would tame to become Highguard. | ||
Revision as of 15:05, 4 July 2012
The Path of Ambition
Though many Citizens associate the Virtue of Ambition with an eye on a Senator’s seat or even the Imperial Throne, this Path embraces many subtler expressions also. The artisan who aspires to create something never before seen; the merchant who strives to be wealthier than any other; the youth who aspires to forbidden love – all may be guided by Ambition to turn their dreams to reality. There are as many Ambitions as there are Citizens who can dream of them, though not all possess the strength of purpose, character and will to pursue the Path of Ambition to its fullest, for the cost of doing so is often high.
Teachings of the Paragon
Across their incarnations, the Paragon of Ambition has provided much wisdom and guidance on how to pursue the Virtue. What follows are a handful of the Paragon’s teachings that are said to go to the very heart of the Virtue:
- Aim high; pursue your dreams; nothing is beyond your grasp.
- Even the most impenetrable forest may fall one tree at a time.
- Consequences are the price of Ambition; no price is too high to realise your dreams.
- It is better, by far, to try and fail, than fail to try.
- Despise the weakness that comes from pettiness and lack of vision.
The Paragon
The Paragon of Ambition has walked the world in many forms over the centuries. The oldest on record is Tian who, so legend has it, overcame many challenges and foes to ascend the highest mountain in all creation to steal fire from the sun and bring it to her people – and all humankind. The act of carrying fire caused her hands to be forever burned, but her ambition ensured that her people never went cold again.
Other well-known incarnations of the Paragon include:
• Atuman of the Highborn, one of the famed Twin Navigators, who gathered the virtuous men and women as part of an exodus from their doomed land, and saw them safe to the lands they would tame to become Highguard.
To Do
Symbols, Icons and Trappings
The Path of Ambition has many symbols and icons across the Empire, but one of the most common and prevalent is Flame. This is not only symbolic of Tian’s quest to steal the fire of the sun, but fire possesses many of the qualities of purest ambition. It is ever hungry and never satisfied, for the moment it is satisfied, it dies. Some Pilgrims of Ambition even go as far as to burn a brand on their arm or hand in recognition of the price Tian paid or as a reminder of how dangerous Ambition can be.