Difference between revisions of "The Way of the Dragon"

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<center>[[Image:Samurai_Raiders.JPG]]</center>
  
  
 
=The Way of The Dragon=
 
=The Way of The Dragon=
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<center>[[Image:Orange_Dragon.JPG]]</center>
  
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
  
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The Way of the Dragon was revealed in the North of the Far Eastern continent. It is both a Religion and a Warrior Code.
+
:The Way of the Dragon was revealed in the North of the Far Eastern continent. It is both a Religion and a Warrior Code.
  
−
Its adherents are known as Dragon Warriors, or Dragon Lords if they are of sufficient rank, and they are master warriors.
+
:Its adherents are known as Dragon Warriors, or Dragon Lords if they are of sufficient rank, and they are Masters in the Art of Combat, in particular the Sword.
  
 
==Core Beliefs==
 
==Core Beliefs==
  
−
===Elyon Life Giver===
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'''[[/Sermons| Sermons]]'''
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:'''The Chief God of VE and the One True God'''. The word Elyon and God are synonymous. The Other Gods of VE are relegated to the status of Angels and Archangels.
+
 
 +
 
 +
===The Way===
 +
:The Dragon is the Symbol of Good Fortune, Intense Power, Lordship, and Benevolence. It is the Central Symbol for “The Way of the Dragon”.
 +
 
 +
:It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways. Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrior by sticking assiduously to both divisions of the Way. Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death.
 +
 
 +
:The Way stresses frugality, loyalty, mastery of martial arts, and honour to the death. Under the ideal, if a warrior fails to uphold his honour he may regain it by performing seppuku (ritual suicide). Failure is not, in itself, dishonourable.
 +
 
 +
===The Code===
 +
:The Code is typified by the seven virtues:
 +
 
 +
:1. '''Rectitude –''' [Moral Correctness, Righteousness, Justice, Correctness of Judgment, Wisdom, Self-Control].
 +
 
 +
:2. '''Courage'''
 +
 
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:3. '''Benevolence –''' [Graciousness & Mercy]
 +
 
 +
:4. '''Respect –''' [Politeness]
 +
 
 +
:5. '''Honesty –''' [Sincerity]
 +
 
 +
:6. '''Honour'''
 +
 
 +
:7. '''Loyalty'''
 +
 
 +
:In the Code, is virtue, and no evil. Wisdom has existence, Principle has existence, the Way has existence, Spirit is nothingness.
 +
 
 +
===The Life of a Dragon Warrior:===
 +
:The purpose of a Dragon Warrior’s life is to perfect his skills and gain honour for himself and his Lord. He will train constantly, and engage in both friendly and serious duels. If given leave he will join in foreign wars. He will seek out every opportunity to engage monsters and undead, even if it means crossing the borders of the realm, with permission. He will treat brave foes with politeness and respect, but crush them utterly in combat. He will live life as the perfect warrior, and will be happy to complement it with a perfect death.
 +
 
 +
==The Way as Religion:==
 +
 
 +
<center>[[Image:Red_Moon_Pagoda.JPG]]</center>
 +
 
 +
:'''The Way is a religion''' as well as a code for warriors. It teaches that there are many Ways in the world, that of the farmer, the Artisan, the priest, the merchant, and the Warrior. The way of the warrior is supreme because it guarantees all the rest. Every person must fulfil their duty and perfect the knowledge and practice of whatever way they have chosen in life.
 +
 
 +
:'''Advancement through the Ranks:''' All Advancement is by promotion of the High Priest of the religion, and is based on merit. Everyone starts as a Student of the Way and stays there until they are promoted. No one may advance without fulfilling a quest to the satisfaction of the High Priest. Ideally a quest should be tailored to the noble, to correct weaknesses in his conduct and aid his development:
 +
 
 +
:'''Examples of quests:'''
 +
 
 +
:- Travel to a specific realm and challenge a particular knight to a duel.
 +
 
 +
:- Destroy a group of monsters without help from other knights,
 +
 
 +
:- Advance your lance skill to 20%
 +
 
 +
:- Obtain a Relic or Artifact of Power.
 +
 
 +
:- Capture or wound an enemy knight
  
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:*Elyon is a Just, Compassionate, and Merciful god. People who live a good life will be rewarded in this life and the life after death. Similarly evil doers will be punished in this life and the life after death.
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:- Takeover a region
  
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:*In this life the pious person will find inner peace and his prayers will be answered by Elyon, albeit Elyon is All-wise and his justice is not always obvious. The evil person can expect only frustration and disappointment in his life, although on the surface he may appear to prosper.
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:- Command an army in battle
  
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:*Because justice in this world is not perfect, Elyon will resurrect each soul after death, and give it a new spiritual body. The good will go to heaven, while evil doers will go to hell where they will be punished until they truly reform and are fit for heaven. In the end, all will be saved.
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:- Convert a thousand peasants.
 +
 
 +
:- Convert a single noble.
 +
 
 +
:- Build a temple.
 +
 
 +
:- Collect a bounty by wounding a noble.
 
   
 
   
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:*Elyonism rejects polytheism and states that there must be a single unifying God, called Elyon, who has created the world. It is also opposed to investing any material object or any other being with a godlike nature, and states that other religions that do so are mistaken, although they may have glimpsed some portion of the truth.
 
−
 
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:*Elyonism states, that man only imperfectly understands God and should properly spend his life seeking knowledge about God and living his life according to his precepts. They believe that by Prayer, Meditation, and discussion among holy people, they can be blessed by “The Enlightened Spirit” and come to a better and better understanding of God.
 
−
 
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===Surt===
 
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:'''The Archangel of Rebellion''', leading Mankind astray. Surt is described by various names such as “The Fiery”, “The Rebellious”, “The Obstacle”, “The Deceiver”. He is described as having a fiery and rebellious nature.
 
−
 
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===Radenem===
 
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:'''The Archangel of Courage'''. Tall and Strong, he carries a Granite tower shield and a large spiked axe. He gives courage to the people at crucial moments by sounding a horn made out of dragon bone. He is always in the midst of battles, wearing silver armour that shines bright under sunlight. It is said that his horn will usher in the day of reckoning, the end of the world.
 
−
 
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===Arriel===
 
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:'''The Archangel of Revelation'''. He carries the truth from Elyon to mankind. He appears as a simple traveller, with robe and staff. He is strongly built and has dark knowing eyes. From him, no secrets are hidden.
 
−
 
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==Religious organisation and Ranks==
 
  
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<table border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5">
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:'''Elder Ranks:'''
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<tr>
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<th align="center">'''Rank'''</th><th align="center">'''Number'''</th><th align="center">'''Form of Address'''</th><th align="center">'''Description'''</th>
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:Ancient Dragon Priest - The High Priest of the Faith
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</tr>
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<tr>
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:Red Dragon Warrior - All Elder Warriors
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<td align="center">ViceRegent</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">His Holiness</td><td align="center">Top Ranking Priests</td>
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</tr>
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:Black Dragon Priest - All Elder Priests
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<tr>
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<td align="center">Praefect</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">Praefect</td><td align="center">
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Very High Ranking Priests</td>
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</tr>
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:'''Full Member Ranks:'''
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<tr>
 
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<td align="center">Elder</td><td align="center">Any</td><td align="center">Elder</td><td align="center">High Ranking Priests</td>
 
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</tr>
 
−
<tr>
 
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<td align="center">Minister</td><td align="center">Any</td><td align="center">Minister</td><td align="center">Common Priests</td>
 
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</tr>
 
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<tr>
 
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<td align="center">Believers</td><td align="center">Any</td><td align="center">Brother/Sister</td><td align="center">Lay people in the faith</td>
 
−
</table>
 
  
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:*In Elyonism, each person has a direct link with God. The function of the priesthood is to teach and spread the faith rather than to act as an intermediary between man and God.
+
:The Dragon Paladin - Only one knight may hold this rank at any time. Chosen by duel, but candidates must be morally Outstanding also.
−
 
−
:*The Praefect Council is the ruling body of the church and consists of the Two ViceRegents and Three Praefects. The function of the Praefect Council is to organise the priesthood and spread and maintain the faith. The Council can also issue Church Edicts to clarify matters of faith, condemn particular behaviour by believers, etc. Priests of Elyon come under it’s direct authority, but the ordinary Lay Believers do not. However, in practice, Lay believers will have enormous moral pressure upon them to follow the line of the Council. As a last resort the Council can excommunicate a follower from the church.
 
−
 
−
:*Some explanation is necessary for the rank of ViceRegent. This term means those who represent the Supreme Regent (Elyon) in the world. Thus there are always two ViceRegents appointed, in order not to infringe upon Elyon’s Supreme position.
 
  
−
==Attitudes of the Elyonism==
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:Journeyman Priest - All Non-Elder priests.
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===General Attitudes===
 
  
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:Doing Good works, helping the downtrodden, giving alms, behaving honourably, speaking the truth, keeping the peace, and all normal forms of morality are encouraged.
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:Dragon Vindicator - This rank has a minimum swordsmanship requirement of 80%.
  
 +
:Dragon Valiant - This rank has a minimum swordsmanship requirement of 60%.
  
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===Attitudes to Other Religions and Evangelism===
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:Dragon Gallant - This rank has a minimum swordsmanship requirement of 40%.
  
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:Elyonism is an Evangelising Religion. That is, it considers its version of God to be uniquely correct and works actively to convert people to the faith. It is the duty of all believers to preach the word of Elyon and so conduct their daily lives that they become a living testament to the religion.
+
:Stalwart Follower
  
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:However Elyonism does not allow conversion by force, rather it advocates preaching and personal example as the means to gain conversions. If the case arises that a people are conquered by force for political reasons, then it is permitted for preaching to be done to them; but even in that case conversions must be voluntary.
+
:Pledged Student
  
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:Religious tolerance is absolute, with personal religion being a matter of conscience. No person can be persecuted for their religious faith or prevented from privately worshipping in their own fashion, providing it is within the bounds of legal behaviour. However, Temples of a religion or publicly preaching a religion can be excluded from a realm if they engage in behaviour obviously harmful to individuals or the state. For example if they engage in illegal activities, or are deemed to be an attempt at infiltration by a foreign power.
+
:Student of the Way
  
  
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===Attitudes to War and Punishment===
 
  
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:Although Elyonism is a peaceful religion, it does allow punishment for crimes and allows war in self defence. However, even in these situations it places limits.
+
:'''Aspirant Ranks:'''
  
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:So a punishment should be proportionate to the crime, and mercy is a preferable option if it will bring about reform.
+
:Follower
  
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:Similarly, war cannot be indiscriminate. It should be limited to combatants as much as possible. The decencies should be observed, and the aim should be to bring about a just and equitable peace. Treaties must be strictly observed.
+
==The Perfect Death, and the Celestial Palace==
  
 +
:The Dragon Warrior will seek to live and die heroically, perfectly. After death, if he is found worthy, he will serve the Gods in the Celestial Palace as a Dragon Born (A being in man form but able to transform at will into a dragon). There he will serve as a soldier, guard or in whatever capacity the Gods deem fitting. He or she will be given possessions and concubines of great beauty to enjoy when he has leisure. His position in the Celestial Palace is in direct proportion to his heroism in life and death.
  
−
===Attitudes to Authority and the State===
+
:If he is found unworthy, he will be refused entry to the Celestial Palace, and wander the spirit world as a lost soul, at the mercy of Demons and their Ilk.
  
−
:The religion considers rebellion against those in Authority to be a harmful activity. A Good Elyonite should always be loyal to his Master or Country, unless they are Unjust. In that case he can object and seek to change their behaviour peacefully. If necessary he should leave an evil master or a country that is unjust. Rebellion is the least favoured option and is only allowed when the Master or Country has left no reasonable peaceful option.
+
===The Dragon Born===
  
 +
:This is the Roll of those who have Ascended to the Celestial Palace. No Living man or woman may appear on this list.
  
−
===Attitudes to Marriage and Sexuality===
+
:'''Shinya ironhorse ~''' He committed seppuku to deflect the wrath of an Enemy King from his native land.
  
−
:The religion considers sex to be a natural function of mankind and is considered a blessing from the Lord. It is not in any way dirty or sinful. However, the emotions generated by sexuality can be strong and harmful if not regulated. So Sex outside marriage is discouraged as potentially harmful to society, whereas sex within marriage is considered moral and good.
 
−
 
−
:Divorce is also not a sin; although it is considered harmful, especially to children. The religion believes in a non fault divorce ie no reason needs to be given, and either party can ask for divorce. However there should first be an attempt at reconciliation and then a mandatory cooling off period of three months in which the parties cannot remarry or have sex. During this period they can rescind their decision and any possible issue of the marriage can become apparent.
 
  
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[[Category: Lost Religions]]
+
[[Category: Religion]]
 +
[[Category: Far East]]

Latest revision as of 16:08, 4 September 2012

Samurai Raiders.JPG


The Way of The Dragon

Orange Dragon.JPG


History

The Way of the Dragon was revealed in the North of the Far Eastern continent. It is both a Religion and a Warrior Code.
Its adherents are known as Dragon Warriors, or Dragon Lords if they are of sufficient rank, and they are Masters in the Art of Combat, in particular the Sword.

Core Beliefs

Sermons


The Way

The Dragon is the Symbol of Good Fortune, Intense Power, Lordship, and Benevolence. It is the Central Symbol for “The Way of the Dragon”.
It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways. Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrior by sticking assiduously to both divisions of the Way. Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death.
The Way stresses frugality, loyalty, mastery of martial arts, and honour to the death. Under the ideal, if a warrior fails to uphold his honour he may regain it by performing seppuku (ritual suicide). Failure is not, in itself, dishonourable.

The Code

The Code is typified by the seven virtues:
1. Rectitude – [Moral Correctness, Righteousness, Justice, Correctness of Judgment, Wisdom, Self-Control].
2. Courage
3. Benevolence – [Graciousness & Mercy]
4. Respect – [Politeness]
5. Honesty – [Sincerity]
6. Honour
7. Loyalty
In the Code, is virtue, and no evil. Wisdom has existence, Principle has existence, the Way has existence, Spirit is nothingness.

The Life of a Dragon Warrior:

The purpose of a Dragon Warrior’s life is to perfect his skills and gain honour for himself and his Lord. He will train constantly, and engage in both friendly and serious duels. If given leave he will join in foreign wars. He will seek out every opportunity to engage monsters and undead, even if it means crossing the borders of the realm, with permission. He will treat brave foes with politeness and respect, but crush them utterly in combat. He will live life as the perfect warrior, and will be happy to complement it with a perfect death.

The Way as Religion:

Red Moon Pagoda.JPG
The Way is a religion as well as a code for warriors. It teaches that there are many Ways in the world, that of the farmer, the Artisan, the priest, the merchant, and the Warrior. The way of the warrior is supreme because it guarantees all the rest. Every person must fulfil their duty and perfect the knowledge and practice of whatever way they have chosen in life.
Advancement through the Ranks: All Advancement is by promotion of the High Priest of the religion, and is based on merit. Everyone starts as a Student of the Way and stays there until they are promoted. No one may advance without fulfilling a quest to the satisfaction of the High Priest. Ideally a quest should be tailored to the noble, to correct weaknesses in his conduct and aid his development:
Examples of quests:
- Travel to a specific realm and challenge a particular knight to a duel.
- Destroy a group of monsters without help from other knights,
- Advance your lance skill to 20%
- Obtain a Relic or Artifact of Power.
- Capture or wound an enemy knight
- Takeover a region
- Command an army in battle
- Convert a thousand peasants.
- Convert a single noble.
- Build a temple.
- Collect a bounty by wounding a noble.


Elder Ranks:
Ancient Dragon Priest - The High Priest of the Faith
Red Dragon Warrior - All Elder Warriors
Black Dragon Priest - All Elder Priests


Full Member Ranks:
The Dragon Paladin - Only one knight may hold this rank at any time. Chosen by duel, but candidates must be morally Outstanding also.
Journeyman Priest - All Non-Elder priests.
Dragon Vindicator - This rank has a minimum swordsmanship requirement of 80%.
Dragon Valiant - This rank has a minimum swordsmanship requirement of 60%.
Dragon Gallant - This rank has a minimum swordsmanship requirement of 40%.
Stalwart Follower
Pledged Student
Student of the Way


Aspirant Ranks:
Follower

The Perfect Death, and the Celestial Palace

The Dragon Warrior will seek to live and die heroically, perfectly. After death, if he is found worthy, he will serve the Gods in the Celestial Palace as a Dragon Born (A being in man form but able to transform at will into a dragon). There he will serve as a soldier, guard or in whatever capacity the Gods deem fitting. He or she will be given possessions and concubines of great beauty to enjoy when he has leisure. His position in the Celestial Palace is in direct proportion to his heroism in life and death.
If he is found unworthy, he will be refused entry to the Celestial Palace, and wander the spirit world as a lost soul, at the mercy of Demons and their Ilk.

The Dragon Born

This is the Roll of those who have Ascended to the Celestial Palace. No Living man or woman may appear on this list.
Shinya ironhorse ~ He committed seppuku to deflect the wrath of an Enemy King from his native land.
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