The Way of the Dragon

The Way of The Dragon

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.

Core Beliefs

The Way of The Dragon Warrior

The Dragon is the Symbol of Good Fortune, Intense Power, Lordship, and Benevolence. It is the Central Symbol for “The Way of the Dragon Warrior”.

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 day to day 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:

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.

There are both Warrior ranks and Priest ranks in the religion. You can only advance to the next Warrior rank by demonstrating a high skill level with either Lance or Sword, or by defeating a higher rank in a duel. The Elders must also agree to your elevation. A Priest rank is gained by virtue of being a priest and at the discretion of the Elders:

Elder Ranks:

High Priest – The Ancient Dragon

Elder Priests – Elder Dragon

Celestial Dragon - 70%

Gold Dragon - 50%

Other Ranks:

Priest – Young Dragon

Turquoise Dragon - 40%

Red Dragon - 30%

Black Dragon - 20%

White Dragon - 10%

Novice

Commoners: Commoners may join the religion but may not hold ranks, regardless of their fighting skills. This is because it is against the Mandate of Heaven.

Attitudes of the Elyonism

General Attitudes

Doing Good works, helping the downtrodden, giving alms, behaving honourably, speaking the truth, keeping the peace, and all normal forms of morality are encouraged.

Attitudes to Other Religions and Evangelism

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.

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.

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.

Attitudes to War and Punishment

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.

So a punishment should be proportionate to the crime, and mercy is a preferable option if it will bring about reform.

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.

Attitudes to Authority and the State

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.

Attitudes to Marriage and Sexuality

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.