Arete Family

Background

Originally established in Riverholm, Abington on Atamara, the Arete family derives its name from the Greek word meaning "virtue," or more specifically, "the excellence that makes anything an outstanding specimen of its kind, especially well fitted to its ends" (Nicomachean Ethics, trans. Joe Sachs, pg. 212).

However, the family has thus far done little to prove themselves worthy of their own name.

Aeryn

Aeryn is the first member of the Arete family to become an active member of the nobility, and has choosen Sir Phlex Fantom, Count of Washford, as her liege and patron. The name of Aeryn and her family will be remembered for, if nothing else, a speech she gave during a debate over the prospect of war between Abington and Darka.

We all desire peace. We desire peace because we desire life, and life is less certain in a state of war. But once war has begun, it must continue. Dropping your sword and shield will not stop the arrows already in flight.

So why do wars begin? Again, because we desire life, and peace is not always enough to keep you alive. You must also eat, and if there is not enough food for everyone, than someone must take food from another, by force, in order to stay alive.

For you to live, someone else must die. Whether they die by the sword, or by famine, is up to you.

We, as nobles, eat well. But we are called "noble" because we fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Our people are starving. Darka has declared war on us because we must steal their food in order to feed our people. If they will not sell us their food peacefully, than we must, as nobles, take it by force.

It is not necessary for us to believe that our enemies are evil, and I sincerely hope that peace between Darka and Abington returns before blood has been spilt. But if we are unable find alternative means to feed our people, I look forward to fertilizing the battlefield with the corpses of our enemies.

Fame

The Arete family currently has no fame points

Resources

Helpful Wiki Links

These pages have information in them that is not covered in the tutorial, but I found to be very helpful.

• Hierarchy
• Changing Classes - includes qualifications for classes

Diplomatic Map

Below is a map of Atamara divided into realms with the borders colored to indicate the diplomatic relations between neighboring realms. It is current as of 0300 GMT+4 June 26, and will be updated as time permits. I find it very useful in visualizing long-term strategies.