Athene
Date:
12/13/2002 10:17:39 AM (CST)
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Kingdoms
The Dominion
The Dominion is lead under the teachings of the Virindi. To understand the Dominion one must first understand the Virindi. The Virindi are a unique race who are connected under a collective mind known as the Quiddity. They believe the strong should dominate and the weak are there to serve. Their views of humanity are distorted as it would seem they don't quite understand individuality. Their culture teaches that individuality is a disease and that it makes one weak.
Thus is born the Dominion. The Dominion is founded on absolute order and collectiveness. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one - at any cost. Any chaos whatsoever is considered evil and disobedient and is punishable under Dominion Law. The strong rise to the top, many times at the expense of the weak in the Dominion. The Dominion's goal is simply to be the ultimate force in Dereth, controlling all - no matter who follows in their ways
The Dominion Directive
The following is the actual doctrine found at the Dominion Temple near Shoushi.
-Entropy is the enemy of all life. The universe must be preserved against it.
-All life should serve as agents of order. Disorderly life hastens entropy. Therefore, life which heads no civilized law must be corrected.
-One alone can change nothing. Only as part of the group may one change the universe. We are stronger together than separate.
-Fealty belongs to superior powers, provided those powers serve order. To struggle against superior power causes disorder, and hastens entropy.
-The Dominion is the most superior power of order. All who oppose it serve disorder, and must be corrected.
-The superior must guide and provide for the inferior. That is their role.
-Poor stewardship serves disorder, and must be corrected.
-The inferior shall obey the superior. That is their role.
-Disobedience serves disorder and must be corrected.
-It is only when inferior and superior act in harmony that peace may be forged.
-Some may be sacrificed to achieve the greater goal.
Order
If there were a middleman to the three Kingdoms, Order of Dereth would certainly fit the bill. The Order of Dereth is founded on the principles of balance, justice, honor and compassion. They believe that these were the virtues set forth by Asheron Realaidain, the Empyrean mage who ultimately brought our ancestors to Auberean. While they do not follow Asheron directly as he never had any formal teachings, they use his life as an example for their kingdom. While some believe Asheron to be a coward because of his lack of visibility in the past, the Order of Dereth believes him to be a hero who quietly sat aside while Derethians formed the world as they saw fit only to intervene when trouble would arise.
Principles of the Order of Dereth
The following is the actual doctrine found at the Order of Dereth Temple near Shoushi.
-Justice is achieved through wisdom tempered by compassion.
-Justice cannot exist in the absence of either.
-The weak must be protected from the strong. The best way to accomplish this is through the benevolent rule of law.
-Care must be taken to insure that laws do not become a tool for oppression. It is the responsibility of every individual to stand against this.
-It is better to strive to improve the world than to live a quiet life.
-So long as no one comes to harm, do as you wish.
-Always treat others with respect. No one is superior or inferior to anyone else.
-That which does the most good for the greatest number is usually the best.
-No man or agency may dictate the mind of the individual.
-Knowledge and beauty sustain the soul, and have value for their own sake.
-Never refuse to plea for help. We must care for one another, for often we are all we have in a hostile world.
-Violence is always the last resort.
-Keep true to your oaths. Your honor and reputation precede and follow you.
-Never doubt the power of one soul to better the world.
-The greatest deed is that of the one who sacrifices his life to save another, not for riches or accolades, but all unknown in the dark, where no one else shall ever know.
The Shadow
"Look into these eyes and swear 'I will not follow'" - Isin Dule discussing his former master Bael'Zharon.
The Shadow Kingdom is likely the most misunderstood kingdom of the three. Many believe that it was the intention of the creator of the Shadow Kingdom to follow Bael'Zharon (aka Hopeslayer). This could not be further from the truth. While origins of the Shadow Kingdom do begin with Bael'Zharon, Isin Dule, Bael'Zharon's former general, is considered the true leader of the Shadow Kingdom. Followers of the Shadow Kingdom believe that Bael'Zharon betrayed the Shadow in his attempt for supreme power, thus they do not follow in his ways. Therefore, the Shadow Kingdom, albeit leaning towards the chaotic side, is not necessarily evil per say. Although, some joining the Shadow Kingdom are known to have evil tendencies. I foresee definite obstacles for the Shadow Kingdom to overcome in the future due to the misnomer that the Shadow Kingom is an evil kingdom. Perhaps one day the Shadow Kingdom may even divide - one side following the ways of Isin Dule, the other following the Hopeslayer, Bael'Zharon.
The Shadow Kingdom Doctrine
The following is the complete doctrine found at the Shadow Kingdom Temple near Shoushi.
-The whole of our law is, do as you will.
-Fulfillment is found in using power to alter the world.
-Any means justify the ends. Only failure is unacceptable.
-Anger, properly channeled, can unleash great strength. But always use reason – the clear-minded weakling can defeat the angry fool.
-Know the weaknesses of others, and exploit them without pause.
-If another thwarts your own desires, strike him down.
-If you do not have the might to strike him down, acquire it.
-If you cannot acquire it, you are weak, and do not deserve what you desire.
-Accept no other’s doctrine. Enslavement begins the acceptance of values.
-Laws are made by the weak to shackle the strong. Obey no law that violates your right to do as you would.
-Ally with anyone, but trust no one.
-Those willing to die for your sake are fools, and can be used.
-Never make any agreement you are unwilling to break.
-You are the fulcrum of the universe.
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