Argent Order/Exemplars
Original Report
On the Thirty-First day of Elevenmonth of the year ______, Acolyte Padraig Havershim, Acolyte of the Staff, submitted the following report to Silver Archon Zanaras Tian at the temple in Maeotis.
Silver Archon,
I understand that as my experience grows, so too will my skill at conveying the truths of our faith to the commoners. Nevertheless, it seems that even those peasants who claim to embrace the Argent Order and count themselves among the faithful only do so halfheartedly; as I experienced in Rettleville, when faced with the hard truths of the sacrifices that we all must make to battle Chaos, many of their number turned their backs and returned all too easily to their pagan ways.
While I am certain that my inexperience is partially to blame, I wonder if there might be a deeper reason for the commoners' inability to commit themselves fully to our faith. Though my studies have only recently begun, it seems that while the Argent Order is easily embraced by the nobility, the low-born of Ordenstaat see little that is applicable to their daily lives. In my conversations with Rettleville's smallfolk I have expounded the virtues of our three Saints, instructing them that they should live their lives as Alexius the Brave, Relinon the Wise, and Telani the Silver lived theirs.
But what does this mean to a poor farmer whose livelihood hinges on the whims of the summer rains? Or to a baker who has no flour with which to bake his bread? Or to an innkeeper whose rooms remain empty night after night? They might pay homage to the faith of their lord because that is what they are expected to do, but at night, in the safety and silence of their homes, still they offer prayers to their pagan gods in the vain hope that it might change their ill fortunes.
Truly the virtues exemplified by our Saints are applicable to men and women of all walks, noble and common alike, but I fear that we are asking too much of the lowborn when we expect them to walk in the footsteps of the highest and most honored lords.
For these reasons I would ask that the Silver Archon consider the establishment of a tier of Exemplars, subordinate to our Saints as the common folk are subordinate to the nobility, to whom the peasants might look for guidance as to how they might lead their own lives. The names of these Exemplars would be drawn from peasants of notable quality, whose lives have been marked by the same virtues that we venerate in our Saints. Among their number would be farmers, craftsmen, mothers, merchants... men and women of the peasants' own class who can be looked to for inspiration and strength in difficult times, rather than figures who are highborn and thus, to the smallfolk, remote and inaccessible.
Should the Silver Archon be willing to take this proposal under consideration, I would begin by combing histories, folklore, and songs for mention of commoners of notable significance and virtue, and assembling a list of possible candidates to be named Exemplar. Once a list has been assembled, I would propose that the Archons of each Echelon vote on the worthiness of each candidate for inclusion, with the Silver Archon having the power of final judgment.
I pray that I am not overstepping my bounds by issuing this report, and that the words contained herein are not viewed as a heresy against the Argent Order. My wish is to see the faith strong and vibrant, and I fear that we will never see that day as long as the peasantry continue to support the faith in name only.
Yours in honor,
Padraig Havershim
Priest of the Argent Order, Acolyte of the Staff, and Knight of Rettleville
Formal Proposal
Upon receiving Acolyte Padraig's report, Silver Archon Zanaras gave permission for Acolyte Padraig to assemble a formal proposal regarding the official establishment of a tier of Exemplars within the body of faith of the Argent Order. This proposal is reproduced below in full.
I, Padraig Havershim, Acolyte of the Staff of the Argent Order, do hereby present this proposal to the Silver Archon of the Argent Order, Zanaras Tian, at the Temple at Maeotis on this day, the Third day of Twelvemonth, regarding the Formal Establishment of a Tier of Exemplars within the Official Hierarchy of the Faith of the Argent Order.
WHEREAS the paths of the Nobility are guided by the Virtues of the Three Saints: Alexius the Brave, Relinon the Wise, and Telani the Silver; and
WHEREAS each of the Three Saints exemplifies one of the three aspects of the Conflict between Order and Chaos: Warfare, Logistical, and Diplomatic; and
WHEREAS the Peasantry is of generally simpler Heart, Soul, and Spirit than the Nobility, and their daily Struggles are of a less lofty nature; and
WHEREAS a Strong, Virtuous and Dedicated Peasantry is necessary to fortify Order against the ravages of Chaos;
THEREFORE I do propose the Formal Establishment of a Tier of Exemplars within the Official Hierarchy of the Faith of the Argent Order, as governed by the following Principles:
- The Exemplars shall be subordinate to the Saints as the Peasantry is subordinate to the Nobility;
- The Exemplars shall be comprised of notable Peasants of special or significant virtue, to whom the Peasantry might look for inspiration and guidance as they walk the path of the Argent Order;
The Exemplars shall be selected as per the following criteria:
- Candidates to be considered for the rank of Exemplar shall be subject to a vote by the Archons of the Argent Order, with the Silver Archon given the power of Final Judgment;
- Candidates shall be drawn from a variety of common occupations so as to offer the greatest accessibility to the Peasantry;
- Candidates shall be selected based upon their adherence to the Virtues that are held in esteem by the Argent Order: Courage, Loyalty, Wisdom, Honesty, Sacrifice, and Diligence; and for their Steadfast Devotion to Order and for their Stern Opposition to Chaos;
- Candidates shall be nominated for the rank of Exemplar by any Man or Woman who is a member of the Faith, be they Noble or Common, EXCEPTING THAT no Man or Woman may be considered for candidacy whilst they still live;
Upon selection and final approval of the Exemplars, their Names shall be entered into the Silver Tome, where they shall remain for All Time. The Words, Deeds, and Virtues of the Exemplars shall be taught to the Peasantry, who shall follow in their footsteps, and who shall aspire to one day join their ranks.
Submitted this This, the Third day of Twelvemonth
by Padraig Havershim
Priest of the Argent Order, Acolyte of the Staff, and Knight of Rettleville
