Who I am

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Who I am

By Azrielle

Oracle of Love, HoA

Diplomatic Consul, Sic Semper Tyrannis


It is a fairly well known fact among my family and friends that I believe in the virtues as laid out by Lord British. These are Honesty, Compassion, Valor, Justice, Sacrifice, Honor, Spirituality, and Humility. Based on the ideals of Truth, Love and Courage these eight ideals are what Lord British refers to as "the logical outcome of a people who wish to live together in a bonded society." He goes on to explain that these eight ideals are a way of judging right from wrong, judgements that are derived from the infinite possibilities suggested by Truth, Love and Courage. I'm not willing to declare this philosophy perfect, as there are a good many things I value in a person that are not included, but it does provide a sound basis for a good life. I am also fully aware of the origins of this philosophy (the following are excerpts from My Book by Sherry the Mouse)

"He hath returned," spoke the voice (the time lord). "But not to here. When the Gem was shattered, a thousand shards were scattered across the dimensions, and in each shard there is a perfect likeness of this world. And thou dost live upon one such shard, for thou art not of the true world-thou art merely a reflection."

"A shard of a universe is a powerful thing, and universe shattered is always in danger from the powers of darkness. Already three shards were turned to evil, and sent to plague the original universe in the form of Shadowlords. Many times have I brought the Stranger back to Britannia, to preserve it from its own folly or from outside dangers. Yet, as long as the world remaineth in pieces, it remaineth vulnerable. We must bring the shards into harmony, so that they resonate in such a manner that matches the original universe. Then the two universes shall merge, and be again as one.

"But if we are only shadows..." Lord British said wonderingly.

The light from the stars within the hole seemed to dim. "Indeed, the reflections shall become one with the original. Thou wouldst cease to be as thou art, and become part of the larger you. Thou shalt not die; however, uncounted generations have passed and borne children since that day, and they have no counterparts. They would perish utterly." Lord British sagged in shock, realizing the terrible price that would be paid to heal the universe. "All of my people," he breathed.

"Tis for the greater good."

I understand that by following the Virtues, I threaten the very exsistence of those I love, not to mention myself. I'll admit that the notion is disconcerting to say the very least. But I tell you, I believe this Healing of the Universe is a cause worthy of my own life...and I will make that sacrifice if the time should come.

Nor am I blind to its other flaws. Lord Blackthorne makes a most interesting point when he states "Whereas the system of 'Virtues' that my liege espouses is indeed a compilation of commonly approved virtues, I approve of it. Where it seeks to control the populace and restrict their diversity and their range of behaviors, I quarrel with it. And thus do I issue this politic call to anarchy, whilst humbly begging forgivness of Lord British for my impertinence."

I agree indeed that should the virtues be forced upon people they are no longer just a model for good living but become the cruellest form of tyranny and should be torn down. I also believe that installing the virtues as a tyrannical law will not bring us into alignment. Therefore what the followers of virtue must strive for is to illustrate by word and action the goodness of these ideals. For how can anyone accept the Virtue of Sacrifice and not be willing to give themselves up to the Healing? Make no mistake I am aware that I work toward my own destruction...but I accept that.

I would also like to address yet a third question raised against the Virtues in our own Realm. (The following is drawn from the clerical texts of the Order of the Ebon Skull and despite my disagreement with their philosophy, I pay my respects to High Priest Bal-Anon Dak for this material)

"Let us first say something about Sacrifice. Surely, it is obvious to you why a ruler such as Lord British is so keen on the virtue of Sacrifice. Indeed, perhaps you should sacrifice more for your pathetic monarch. If you do you are weak. Sacrifice is nothing but an ignoble façade.

We despise all that is weak. We hate it. As such, the very notion of Sacrifice such as put forward by our impotent king is egrerious to us. "Follow Oblivion and be rewarded in unfathomable ways"... how can the decision be difficult to make ... unless, of course, if you are weak."

Oddly enough, I have never sacrificed anything to Lord British. I have however willingly sacrificed much of my time, wealth and energy to my family, to those I encounter injured and suffering, to the young and even occasionally to a fallen enemy. I am in fact not weakened by an act of sacrifice, but strengthened by it! For each time that I can aid another by giving up something of myself I know that the Love and Courage required for that act will fortify my soul.

"Deceit: the purpose of Oblivion is known only to those privileged to follow him. All others can wallow in ignorance and in the blissful deception, we will leave them in."

What is gained by ignorance? Perhaps it is blissful in the way that childhood is blissful. Far better to face light and darkness with open eyes then to stumble about blinded by ignorance. Should a friend stand as my ally in all Truth and Honesty, fully aware of my beliefs and feelings, I will be far more sure of the faith of that alliance then should someone follow me all unaware simply because of the power of my weapons.

"Despise: the undead have no compassion for those who, in their weakness, shunned the greatest gift they could have. We despise all life, holding it in utter contempt."

I would contest this point if it said something worthy of arguing. I love life, I love the vitality of change and the movement that comes from knowing that time is not eternal. I live each day as though I could perish the next and I know that I very well could. Only fear of the unknown would cause someone to choose the stagnation and unchanging existence of the undead over the vital reality of ever changing life.

"Pride: what principle is fundamental to all sentient beings-- Pride is! Only a corrupt ruler like Lord British would attempt to dissuade peoples under his control from taking Pride in what they do."

Shame: we do not concern ourselves with the perceptions living beings hold for us. The concept of shame is merely a tool we enjoy using to destroy living. The undead are not limited by the frailties of life."

Pride and shame have nothing to do with the Virtue of Humility. I feel pride in my accomplishments. I take pride in bettering my abilities, in completing an alliance. I feel no shame when I am in error, for I am human and can take the wrong path. Rather I seek to learn from my mistakes. Humility comes in knowing that though I have skill there are always those who are better then, in knowing that I can make mistakes. Humility is the knowing of a simple fact: we are fallible.

"Hyloth: The notion of the spirit, such as is understood by the living is false. There is only Oblivion. Everything else will be destroyed. Quaint notions of faith and afterlife are at the very least idiotic ... "

I know not what notions of which you speak, Lord British tell us that the Virtue of Spirituality is "the virtue that causes one to be introspective, to wonder about ones place in this world and whether one's deeds will be recorded as a gift to the world or a plague." Spirituality is the ability to look within oneself to use one's heart and mind to judge one's actions and contemplate the nature of one's existence.

"Destard Do not expects mercy from the undead. We shall be the knife in your back when ye least expect it."

"Wrong the notion of right and wrong is a purely subjective one that has no place in the dogma of those following the glory that is Oblivion."

One these points I shall say only that they allow little room for trust or communal living. I do not suggest that right and wrong are not subjective, butt the Virtues give us common ground upon which to base decisions, and therefor live together in a more sane, less violent society.

I am sure I have done nothing to change people's beliefs, but I hope that this will give others a greater understanding of why I am who I am. Never forget however, that I am ever willing to debate these issues, always welcoming anyone's thoughts, comments and disagreements.


Azrielle Oracle of Love, HoA Diplomatic Consul, Sic Semper Tyrannis

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