Guardians of Dorin

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Revision as of 10:31, 17 February 2008

The Guardians of Dorin are the protectors of the Kel Dor as established by Vel Koon during the Great Conflict.

The Code of Gallantry

The Code of Gallantry is an embodiment of those virtues that a guardian strives to live by. It is the sword with which the guardian combats injustice, and the shield that defends against corruption. It is the very heart and spirit of the guardian. The Dorinian Code of Gallantry is made up of three parts: the Virtues, the Code, and the Measure. The Code and Measure are a list of tenets to live by, which exemplify the Guardian Virtues. File:Http://www.swc-factions.com/dmc/images/DMClogo.gif

THE VIRTUES OF GUARDIANSHIP

Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a guardian, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement.

Justice: Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings agrees with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.

Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.

Defense: The ideal guardian was sworn by oath to defend his liege leader and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your homeworld, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.

Courage: Being a guardian often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a guardian should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, or the pure truth can bring grief.

Faith: A guardian must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that people's failings create.

Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of guardianship is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves guardians.

Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern when a difficult decision of justice is required.

Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a guardian, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from dust towards the heavens. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.

Franchise: Seek to emulate everything I have spoken of as sincerely as possible, not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your life with these qualities. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.

The Code and Measure

In addition to the Virtues of Guardianship, Guardians of Dorin must uphold the Code and Measure, a number of tenets or commandments, which embody the meaning of Nobility. The Code and Measure are similar in many lands throughout the world, suggesting they originate from an ancient, widespread source. Some sages speculate that good Dragonkind began the tradition, but there is no way to be certain.

THE CODE

Thou shalt respect the weak and constitute thyself the defender of them. Thou shalt love the land to which thou hast sworn fealty. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy. Thou shalt make war upon evil without cessation. Thou shalt scrupulously perform thy noble duties be they not contrary to the laws of the land. Thou shalt be generous and give freely to everyone. Thou shalt never lie and shall always be faithful to thy word. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.

THE MEASURE

A Guardian is sworn to Valor; His heart must know only Virtue; His Perfect blade must defend the helpless, And his might shall uphold all weak. His breath shall bring a word that speaks only truth. His justly wrath shall undo the wicked.