Post by raez on Dec 21, 2009 1:12:35 GMT -6
It has been over six years since our Dark Lady lead the awakened against the demonic subjugators. Since then, we have grown in numbers, and established ourselves as a people, both tasks in which we are still growing. We are creating our own culture and society. With this growth comes a look at faith.
As humans, we had a long history in the Church of the Light. In the Church of the Light, a power was granted to us. This power we brought to our allies, the elves and the dwarves, both of whom still have followers of the Light because of the human missionaries.
The Holy Light taught us that there is a connection between the self and the universe. This connection was manifest as what we felt through both senses and emotions. When a person is moved, through seeing something breathtaking or feeling love for another, that emotion connects him to the universe. Experiencing that emotion ensures that he exists, as that gave him that feeling. From there, he can act upon the universe, causing more changes to create feeling in others. Thus, the followers of Holy Light seek to make the world a better place by being true to their own emotions. From there, it is but a small jump to the thought that if one wants happiness; one must work to better the universe to make others happy…
A pleasant notion, and, granted, has shown some validity. One cannot deny that the Church of the Light does not wield some power. That its priests and paladins wield the Holy powers of the Light is beyond dispute.
However, the Light has shown its weaknesses. The principles seem sound, but can (and have) been improved upon. Through the Light, we’ve seen the power that people have in the universe. But what if the universe only exists because of the individuals in it. At this token, each individual can have some control over the universe. If we were powerful enough to rise from the grave, and maintain our freewill, to be self aware individuals, than by strengthening the control one has on the world around them, they increase their control over the universe. Each self shapes the universe. In a matter of speaking, each sentient creature is like a miniature god, able to exert their will to manifest small changes to the universe. For example, the Holy Light teaches that to be happy, one must work to better the universe in those around them. He does not change some insubstantial “greater good,” but instead makes a choice and others sense the strength of his emotions, and are benefitted from his actions, and are therefore changed themselves. The Believer wants something, and exerts his power to make it happen. The Forgotten Shadow has taught us that by using your power, you can change those around you and change the universe.
The strength of the Shadow is balanced in its Virtues. Without the Virtues, the power of the Shadow might destroy the individual.
The first of these virtues is Respect. The universe is the physical manifestation of other’s wills. Thus, for a person to denigrate the universe is to ignore the personal power of those around them. This is not only disrespectful, it is dangerous. A follower of the Forgotten Shadow must develop his personal power in order to exert his will on the universe, but seeking too much power too quickly puts him in conflict with other, stronger beings. Only a foolish follower seeks to challenge his superiors right away. Showing respect ensures a measure of self-protection.
The second virtue is Tenacity. Follower of the Forgotten Shadow put even greater stock in the virtue of tenacity. It may at first seem impossible for a person to change the universe when countless others seeking to do the same surround him. It is only through unwavering perseverance and tenacity that we can triumph, and it is only those of truly strong will and endurance who can bend the universe to at their whim.
The third virtue of the Forgotten Shadow is probably the most difficult to obtain. Power. A Forsaken who grabs greedily for power might encounter power too great for him or her to handle, and die in their attempt to master it. A Forsaken who succumbs to despair and seeks no personal power has no reason to exist; he craves nothing, desires nothing, he sits alone and pines for his old life or worse yet submits again to the will of the Lich King, becoming a mindless drone, devoid of thought and desire. The quest for power requires caution, forethought, and a subtle touch.
These Virtues are agreed and followed by all followers of the Shadow. However, the faith is young, and there are still many views and interpretations, as each priest seeks to exercise their own will upon those around them. Some of these branches feel that there are other virtues. Among these other virtues are Death and Compassion.
Finally, it is important to recognize the balance of the universe. Just as we balance the life of the world in our unlife, it is important to recognize the power of the Light, and the impact that it has had on our people, but to never forget that we were born of Shadow.
For those who would like to learn more, or talk about these beliefs, you are more than welcome to come to me. I am available by invitation via letter, or through personal corresepondance. Every candle casts a thousand shadows. Embrace the shadow.
-Brother Raez
As humans, we had a long history in the Church of the Light. In the Church of the Light, a power was granted to us. This power we brought to our allies, the elves and the dwarves, both of whom still have followers of the Light because of the human missionaries.
The Holy Light taught us that there is a connection between the self and the universe. This connection was manifest as what we felt through both senses and emotions. When a person is moved, through seeing something breathtaking or feeling love for another, that emotion connects him to the universe. Experiencing that emotion ensures that he exists, as that gave him that feeling. From there, he can act upon the universe, causing more changes to create feeling in others. Thus, the followers of Holy Light seek to make the world a better place by being true to their own emotions. From there, it is but a small jump to the thought that if one wants happiness; one must work to better the universe to make others happy…
A pleasant notion, and, granted, has shown some validity. One cannot deny that the Church of the Light does not wield some power. That its priests and paladins wield the Holy powers of the Light is beyond dispute.
However, the Light has shown its weaknesses. The principles seem sound, but can (and have) been improved upon. Through the Light, we’ve seen the power that people have in the universe. But what if the universe only exists because of the individuals in it. At this token, each individual can have some control over the universe. If we were powerful enough to rise from the grave, and maintain our freewill, to be self aware individuals, than by strengthening the control one has on the world around them, they increase their control over the universe. Each self shapes the universe. In a matter of speaking, each sentient creature is like a miniature god, able to exert their will to manifest small changes to the universe. For example, the Holy Light teaches that to be happy, one must work to better the universe in those around them. He does not change some insubstantial “greater good,” but instead makes a choice and others sense the strength of his emotions, and are benefitted from his actions, and are therefore changed themselves. The Believer wants something, and exerts his power to make it happen. The Forgotten Shadow has taught us that by using your power, you can change those around you and change the universe.
The strength of the Shadow is balanced in its Virtues. Without the Virtues, the power of the Shadow might destroy the individual.
The first of these virtues is Respect. The universe is the physical manifestation of other’s wills. Thus, for a person to denigrate the universe is to ignore the personal power of those around them. This is not only disrespectful, it is dangerous. A follower of the Forgotten Shadow must develop his personal power in order to exert his will on the universe, but seeking too much power too quickly puts him in conflict with other, stronger beings. Only a foolish follower seeks to challenge his superiors right away. Showing respect ensures a measure of self-protection.
The second virtue is Tenacity. Follower of the Forgotten Shadow put even greater stock in the virtue of tenacity. It may at first seem impossible for a person to change the universe when countless others seeking to do the same surround him. It is only through unwavering perseverance and tenacity that we can triumph, and it is only those of truly strong will and endurance who can bend the universe to at their whim.
The third virtue of the Forgotten Shadow is probably the most difficult to obtain. Power. A Forsaken who grabs greedily for power might encounter power too great for him or her to handle, and die in their attempt to master it. A Forsaken who succumbs to despair and seeks no personal power has no reason to exist; he craves nothing, desires nothing, he sits alone and pines for his old life or worse yet submits again to the will of the Lich King, becoming a mindless drone, devoid of thought and desire. The quest for power requires caution, forethought, and a subtle touch.
These Virtues are agreed and followed by all followers of the Shadow. However, the faith is young, and there are still many views and interpretations, as each priest seeks to exercise their own will upon those around them. Some of these branches feel that there are other virtues. Among these other virtues are Death and Compassion.
Finally, it is important to recognize the balance of the universe. Just as we balance the life of the world in our unlife, it is important to recognize the power of the Light, and the impact that it has had on our people, but to never forget that we were born of Shadow.
For those who would like to learn more, or talk about these beliefs, you are more than welcome to come to me. I am available by invitation via letter, or through personal corresepondance. Every candle casts a thousand shadows. Embrace the shadow.
-Brother Raez