Ridireacht (Chivalry)

The code of conduct for a true Warrior

Written and Published by Etna Demonia


Table of Contents

1. Foreword

2. The Virtues

3. The Meditations

4. The Chaos Theory

5. In Contrast to Danaan

6. The End

7. Credits


Foreword

I have crossed oceans, rivers, forests, crypts, graveyards, mines, and more. I have explored the deepest depths of the Cthonic Realm, Defeated the Creants, studied the arts of a Gladiator, and mastered the art of a Warrior. I have been recognized for my faith to Sgrios, Anaman, Chadul, and the Pact. I have been recognized for my passion for teaching, and my exploration into the realm of History. My theories and practices have allowed me to lead a guild to success, become a Knight of Loures, and a Ranger. I have risen from the poor to the rich, ascended from commoner to nobility, from novice to one of the most accomplished people in Temauir.

You may think this is impressive, but I am not satisfied. And neither do I feel I ever will be satisfied with the things I have accomplished. I yearn for more. I reach my hand into the blackness of my heart, the darkness of my mind, and strive for the unseen. I seek my Lord, Chadul. But I am his champion, and so I stay here, and influence the world of Aislings, seeking what he needs to awaken. I am forever in his servitude.

Long and tiresome it has been; The next step in my journey to accomplish what he seeks of me. Whereas before I was merely gaining physical prowess, now I go on a journey of the mind. This is all that I can give the Aisling world; My innards spilled, my philosophies known. This is a compilation of teachings from those who have mentored me, and realizations that I have had to come to on my own. This is the pathway to being a true Warrior of Chadul and Sgrios, and bringing glory to his name. This is the path that I have followed to success.



The Virtues



The way of the warrior is typically not spoken nor written. The true way of a warrior is passed down from generation to generation. However, the seasons have changed, and now we have many people who cannot come to these truths because these masterful warriors have long passed away.

The way of Sgrios is Destruction and Decay. To be true to him in the path of the Warrior is simple enough. Warriors are trained killers. It is their destiny to slay their opponent in melee combat. This interacts well with Ceannlaidir, God of Battle, who teaches us honor and discipline. Our skills become honed and we master the arts of combat. We also interact well with Deoch, who inspires us, and gives us motivation.

And Chadul, our slumbering Lord. In his service, we inspire chaos, destruction, massacre, and frenzy. We borrow his power to become unstoppable killing machines. We align with the Dubhaimid and slay those who would oppose us. The dark element feeds our bloodlust. And so, to appease our Lord for these gifts, we should learn to be good retainers.

The true way of the Warrior lies in the faith I have in my trinity and in my Lord Chadul. Our teachings allow us to not be wasteful, to be loyal to our Lords, and to master the art of battle. Our teachings allow us to take honor in death.

In any path, one may disgrace themselves in any given way. It is unfortunate that many people become dishonorable. The way of a Sgrian or Chadulite Warrior, however, teaches honor in death. By committing ritual suicide for the gods, you regain the honor you may have lost. Aislings may be hard-pressed to stay dead, but the Lords appreciate the gesture just the same. Ritual suicide is also the way of another culture -- the Hwarone warriors. Should they disgrace their masters, they commit suicide in honor of them. It is an act of bravery appreciated by true masters of this way.

Above all, one should always be preparing for death.

In my meditations, I found that there were seven virtues, above all else, that should be stressed on a constant basis. These are virtues that every warrior should live by.

1. Rectitude. Moral rightness, to sum it up quite simply -- "fighting the good fight."

2. Courage.

3. Respect.

4. Honesty.

5. Honor.

6. Glory.

7. And above all else, loyalty.



The Meditations



In my journies to find the true way, I came upon many realizations. As I came to these, I put forth my earnest effort into writing them as well as I could. These are the transcribed meditations that I have gathered. They reflect the teachings of generations of Sgrians and Chadulites, as well as the teachings that I have developed for my own apprentices.

These passages are good to meditate on yourself. As such, I welcome you to look into your mind, and seek the truth for yourself.

***

The way of a Temuairian warrior is found only in death. When the time comes that you must decide, the way of death is the simplest choice. Be steadfast and advance in your task. A wise man once said, "To die without reaching one's aim is a dog's death," and it is partially true. However, when confronted with the choice of living or dying, reaching your aim is not even part of the picture.

All Aislings, to some extent, want to live. We live and think in accord with what we like. To not reach one's aim could be called cowardice. To die without reaching your goal is a dog's death, however, there is no shame in this. This should be the substance of your life as a warrior. Truly living and regarding oneself as dead grants you freedom in the way of the warrior. Your life shall be without blame, and you shall succeed at your calling.

***

To give a person your thoughts, and attempt to correct their faults is a noble thing. It is compassionate and should be most prevalent in the service of a master. However, it goes without saying that doing this can be difficult. To find a fault in a person is easy. Telling them of their fault is easy, too. Sometimes, people will think they are kind for saying the things that other people find unnecessary or hard to say. But if the person cannot receive his or her fault well, there is no gain in telling the recipient. It is merely bruising one's ego or reputation, and getting it off your chest.



To correctly give a person your opinion you should gauge whether the person is able to receive it well or not. You must be trusted and respected. Approach common interest points and seek the best way to speak and be understood. Judge the occasion -- find out if it is better to tell him by letter or in private. Encourage your recipient. You may want to touch on your own faults without touching on his, but so that they will occur to him. Have the person receive your opinion in the way that a man with a long thirst would receive a mug of ale, and it will be an opinion well received and understood.



But it is still difficult. If this is something that has been established for quite some time, such as a heretic nature, it stands a good chance to not be remedied. If you merely insult the recipient, how you could expect them to become a better person because of it?



***



At the time when a guild met to determine the promotion of a man to council, the men were at the verge of deciding that the promotion would not go through because the man had once been caught sleephunting. But someone spoke up for the nominee, saying "If we were to turn aside every person who makes a mistake, we would be standing here old and grey without a new council member to be found."

It was then that another spoke up, and inquired, "Can you be sure that he will make a good council member?"

The man replied, "I am positive."

The others asked, "How can you be sure that he will not bring shame on our guild?"

And he replied, "I know he will work with us well because he is a man who has erred once. A man who has never erred is dangerous."

This said, the man was granted the position of council.



***



I once met a man who said, "So-and-so the gladiator is generally known to be very argumentative and violent, but I said this right to his face anyway..." This was a foolish thing to say. It was stated merely because he wanted to be known as a strong fellow who could stand his own ground. Some may call it immature. It is because a Warrior has correct manners that they are admired. Speaking of other people in this manner is no different than a conversation between peasants, and brings shame upon you.



***



It is said that even a medenian mundane could write Aisling literature if only he were to study the existing entries and put forth good effort into imitating them. An apprentice will become great, too, if she puts forth effort into imitating her mentor.



These days, however, there are few good mentors to be found. Since this is so, it would be wisest to make a model mentor and learn from that. To do so, you should simply look at a number of people and pick their best quality from each. For example, one person for his or her hunting ability, another for his bravery, and a third for his wisdom and intelligence. This way, the model will be forged.



A student will often not receive a teacher's good points and will instead receive and act upon their bad ones. There are people who are good at manners, but have no presence or backbone. In imitating someone like this, a person may ignore the politeness but only imitate the lack of presence or backbone, thinking it is the correct way. If one thinks only of a multitude of good points, she will have a model teacher for any situation.



***



Regardless of community involvement or status, a person who does something or acts in an area beyond his social standing will at some point commit an unsavory act. In the lowest ranks of Aislings, there are even people who would instead run away. One should be careful in all interactions.



***



There are many who think that by becoming strong and taking many apprentices, they have arrived at the fullest point in being a warrior. But you should never think your learning or improvement is at an end. Focus on a specific point and excel, but take into account many things as well. A person who does not focus correctly may only be considered versed in matters that he considers important. One should take care to excel in many areas if possible.



***



Striving in learning can be a good thing, but it can also lead to mistakes. We often look up to individivuals who are more accomplished than we are. This is a good thing. It helps determine your insufficiencies as a person and allows you to grow. However, for the most part, people don't often look at learning in this way. For the most part, people entertain themselves with their own ideas and seem to enjoy arguing instead.



***



At a meeting of Demagogues, a man suggested a law and it was not accepted. Upon hearing this, he threatened to kill the Burgess heading the meeting if his proposal was not accepted. It was at that point that the law was unanimously accepted. After the law had passed, the man proclaimed out loud that the legislators of the town were unworthy to represent the city, and it was spread that the legislators present were cowards and weaklings. Take care not to let your opinion sway so easily.



***



There will always be a time when tensions are high and places are busy. When a person enters this situation, people may treat them coldly or even with anger. At all times, the etiquette of a true warrior is to calm yourself and deal with the situation in a normal manner. To succumb to stress and treat a person poorly is no better than a Fragile Chrysalis.



***



There are always times when you must rely on another person for some given task. However, if this is done often, it can inconvenience a person and it becomes rather rude and stressful. It is best to rely on yourself as much as possible.



***



There was once a lesson I learned during my meditation in the great snowstorm of Deochs past. When inclement weather arrives, many people become rushed and attempt to hasten the pace, as to not get wet. When one darts into buildings and takes shortcuts through dry areas, one will still get wet. But when you realize this and accept it, and are resolved from the beginning, you will not be caught off guard but will still get the same wetness. This principle applies to almost everything.



***



There was once a man who liked Dracos. He drew pictures of Dracos, hung them in his bedchambers, collected statues of Dracos, and collected tales of them as well. A Draco grew fond of his passion for the race of Dracos, and as such, the Draco visited him at his house during the evening. The man was terrified, and died of shock. The man was probably one of those people who was quick to talk, but acted differently when encountering the actual situation.



***



You should always attempt to correct a mistake as quickly as possible. If you make a mistake, and correct it immediately, that mistake will just as quickly disappear. However, should you make a mistake, and try to cover it up, the mistake becomes more complicated, and is less likely to be forgotten. But there are times when people will attempt to chastise you for your mistakes anyway.



Should this happen, all you need to say is that you have made a mistake, and corrected it. It should now be the same as if it never happened. No one person can evade blame for what they have done, this much is true. However, attention to your mistake, and correction, should nearly always rectify the situation.



Always be careful to judge your listeners feelings and speak accordingly.



***



Some people care more to measure the loss and gain in any given situation, rather than to look at it any other way. In this way of life, death is loss, and the gift of life is gain. Thinking in this manner makes you weak.



Also in this manner, the Tuatha (and other such learned men and women) are people who would use their wit and tongue to sway you from the true intention of their words. These people are often cowardly and greedy. Thinking in this manner also makes you weak.



***



One of the primary focuses in being a warrior is sheer desperateness. Ten or more soldiers would not be able to kill such a desperate man in battle. Rationality and logical thinking often do not accomplish what you want them to. Simply become insane and desperate.



In war, should you use logic and rational thought, you will fall behind. Become desperate in your path and charge ahead. Loyalty and devotion can be found in desperation and death.



***



It is folly to think you cannot achieve what others have. The highest ranking nobles and most decorated warriors are humans. You, too, are also human. Should you strive to succeed, you can accomplish whatever your heart desires.



A student of mine, Obi-Wan, achieved nobility at the lowest insight possible. He was fully educated and ready for nobility at the eighth insight. To think that one cannot achieve such a thing is foolish. Many people regard nobility as a thing for the oldest and most recognized Aislings. It relates to the old saying of the Deoch worshippers -- "First intention, then enlightenment."



***



Be confident and all things and do not let your tongue slip. Should a warrior say something like, "Oh, in that situation, I'd probably run away," the listener will see right to the center of the speaker's personality. It is best never to say things like this, even in a joking manner. Think about what you say beforehand, lest you be perceived a coward for the rest of your life. This understanding can apply to a great deal of things.



***



In matters of importance, in order to be understood, it is best to consolidate your words as much as possible. When you would say ten words, instead try to summarize your thoughts into one. A clear, concise point is appreciated much more than eloquent ramblings.



***



Make your decisions within the span of a wrinkle in time. A warrior is not one who is known to deliberate over actions. Be resolved beforehand and execute your decisions as soon as humanly possible.



When your mind is frayed, deliberation will not help you make the decision. It is said that a warrior will make his decisions in the span of seven breaths. With a quick mind full of determination and resolve, a warrior who follows this creed will break through enemy ranks as if they were made of paper. This creed also extends to many other aspects of life.



***



Those who have their heads full of knowledge and wisdom will often get themselves in trouble with a tongue that spills these thoughts. Always be careful of your tongue. It is said that a person who is discreet in matters will be useful during the good times, and avoid punishment during the bad ones.



***



Being superior to others is really nothing more than having people talk about your actions and listening to the opinions of others. The majority of people settle into their own opinions, and thus will never excel. Discussion with a person is the first step in excelling them.



Many times I have had discussions with Aislings about the more dangerous areas of the world. These people are better than me at hunting and dueling. In seeking correction from others in areas, you are one step closer to excelling them.



***



There is never a thing that cannot be done. If one sets his mind to it, he may cut down the gods, and change the tides of Kadath and Temuair he pleases. When one becomes complacent, he lacks the motivation to achieve the goals he has not yet reached. Achieving goals without putting forth a great amount of effort is simply a matter of determination and concentration.



***



When in the field of battle, you should look to your comrades and be determined to succeed them in breaking the enemy lines and cutting down your adversaries. In doing this, you will manifest great strength and courage. Furthermore, should you be cut down, you should be resolved to have your corpse facing your foe.



***



When we examine the past, we find that there are many different opinions about them, and that some things that are obscured by time. It is better to regard these things simply as the unknown. There are some things we understand by being taught. There are other things which we understand naturally, as is our nature. Also, as such, there are some things that will never be known. This is simple fact.



This was especially evident when I looked into the time of Cazia's political "treachery." It is natural for some things to never be known. The things that are easily understood are often shallow. Regard all things in life in this way.



The Chaos Theory



Chaos is something that is evident in everyday life. As beings of free will, able to do as we please, things get slightly out of hand. Not that this is a bad thing, mind you; We simply just lose control of anything other than ourselves. As any Gramailite or aspiring politician might tell you, control is something that is absolutely necessary to make sure that we do not share the fate of the Aosdan civilizations.



But control over anything but yourself is something that cannot be achieved. There are always situations that we will have no control over. A corrupt man may enter office and banish you from Rucesion for no reason. A curse may accidentally be directed at you during a great battle instead of a monster, due to confusion and lack of a proper line of sight. These things are inevitable. To some, it may be unfortunate that you cannot always put yourself in the best possible position and keep yourself out of negativity and harm's way.



The one thing you do have control over, however, is your perception of what happens in your presence. Things happen all the time, and you should take them for face value -- "As-is." There is no need to be distressed or angered over what you cannot control -- it is simply a waste of time and energy. Control yourself, your mind, and nothing more. Say to yourself, "I did it the best I could with what I have available to me." There is nothing more to know.



Live your life this way and apply this philosophy to things you encounter. You will find that overall, you are a much more civil and respectable person.



Chaos is something that many people fear or despise. Chaos brings images of riots, anarchy, murder, thievery, and general mischief to the minds of many people. But the nature of Chaos isn't negative. The nature of Chaos is simply a lack of control. Chaos can be evident in a spontaneous act of compassion within a murderous heart, or, likewise, an act of aggression by what would otherwise be the most compassionate Gliocan priest known to Aisling-kind in any given era. In most instances, it is the lack of control, the ever present fear of the unknown that drives a mans heart to hate our lord Chadul.



In Contrast to Danaan



Undoubtedly, if Chadul is to be perceived as such, the question must be raised on how one perceives Danaan in this way. For if we are to believe that Chadul is not the end-all of evil beings, this must surely translate to Danaan not being the end-all of "good."



If we were to take an outside look at an Aisling living a strictly chaotic mortal lifestyle, we could see many things that do not connect. One day, for instance, our example man may rescue a small child's hound from being trapped and suffocated in a small chasm. The next day, the very same man may choose to eat that very same hound, simply out of curiosity and nothing more. To a Danaanite, I'm sure this would appear a very odd sort of life. But we can connect these actions, even though they are seemingly unconnected.



So what's the connection, you ask? Quite simple, really -- the life of a man living a Chaotic lifestyle revolves around himself. It revolves around the things that he enjoys, that he derives pleasure from, the things that he wants to do, wants to worship, and wants to be known by. He derives his strength from his passion. He gains his ferocity from what he holds true to HIS heart. And so, by doing what he wishes, when he wishes, he leads a life of Chaos.



In contast to Danaan, that would not be the case. A true Danaanite, in my views, is selfless. They forego the pleasures and experiences and treasures of the mortal world for the benefit of the world. They take the teachings of Danu into account and live by them every single day, not once questioning the boundaries of right and wrong. They forego their souls in honor of what they believe should be. So, yes, in a way, I suppose you could say we are very alike. Very alike indeed.




The End



With this work read, and the philosophies herein starting to turn the wheels of thought inside of your head, many of you are undoubtedly wondering where to go from here.



The answer is simple, and you can learn it from most mundanes. "The path in learning is endless." Always train your mind and body to follow the way of the warrior, and to serve your Lord, as best as you can. Your mind and body are but tools to serve your master.



Credits



((The philosophies contained herein are heavily adapted from Bushido -- the way of the Samurai. They also incoroporate the philosophies of people who have enlightened me in my playing of Dark Ages.))



The following should be thanked for their contributions to the teachings that I have retained, which has allowed me to write this.



Vamistle, the Warrior

Twila, the Monk

Angelique, the Priest

Ishikawa, the Monk

Acerbus, the Priest

Enclave, the Priest

VanMorgan, the Priest

Kakarott, the Wizard

ObiWan, the Wizard

Aylene, the Warrior

Baeltal, the Priest

Cazia, the Priest



(( The passages in section 3: "The Meditations" were heavily adapted for Dark Ages. The ideas presented therein were originally adopted from generations of Japanese Samurai, Buddhist Monks, Fuedal Lords and Priests. The ideas written were taken from Yamamoto Tsunemoto's book of personal reflection on his life and learning called 'Hagakure' and heavily, heavily adapted to fit in the Gaelic Fantasy of Dark Ages. ))



(( All work hand-coded using HTML in notepad by Ed (Etna Demonia.) All writing done by Ed (Etna Demonia) with the exception of the modified content from Hagakure, which was written by Yamamoto Tsunemoto, priest Konan and various other fuedal japanese samurai and regional leaders and heavily modified by Ed (Etna Demonia) for Dark Ages. ))



(( Dark Ages is copyright KRU interactive. ))