Avamar (Realm)/Knights/Examples and Explanation for the Virtues

Explanation and Examples Since the flowery text on the previous page can be hard to follow here are some examples of what each Virtue means.

• Honesty is scrupulous respect for truth - the willingness never to deceive oneself or another.

Tell the truth both to yourself and to others. Don’t make up propaganda, or invent what other people are saying. Tell the facts as facts and your opinions as opinions.

• Compassion is nonjudgmental empathy for one's fellow creatures.

Give people the benefit of the doubt. Offer mercy, clemency and sanctuary. Do not assume the worst from people all the time; instead look to the positive. Do not blame one for the crimes of another. Do not remain silent when others suffer. Do not torture.

• Valour is the courage to take actions in support of one's convictions.

Never shirk from duty no matter how dangerous. Do not hide if your knowledge would make you unfavorable. Do not remain silent when others suffer for fear of joining them in suffering.

• Sacrifice is the courage to give of oneself in the name of love.

Do what is right regardless of the personal cost.

• Justice is the devotion to truth, tempered by love.

Give people a fair trial regardless of public or personal opinions. Try to get to the truth of the matter without forgetting the people involved.

• Honour is the courage to stand for the truth, against any odds.

Keep your word and act with dignity.

• Humility is perceiving one's place in the world, not according to one's own accomplishments, but according to the intrinsic value of all individuals.

Remember that you’re not the best at everything and that others might have ideas that’ll help. Don't overestimate your judgement,your power and your opinion. No one is infallible. This is a team game so be a team player.

The Triangle of the Virtues, as explained by Dame Eilonwy Evans, Knight of Justice:

The Virtues are perhaps best seen as a triangle. Let me explain what I mean in this way:

There are three principals that are the foundation of the Virtues, just as three lines make the foundation of a triangle. Imagine then, that Virtue is an equilateral triangle, and its three legs are the principals of Truth, Love, and Courage.

Now, from Truth alone, we derive the Virtue Honesty. From Love alone, Compassion, and from Courage alone, Valor.

But they are not alone. True, each is its own side, and is distinct, but all reinforce each other and make each other stronger. Thus, where Truth and Love meet, we have Justice. Where Love and Courage meet, Sacrifice, where Courage and Truth meet, Honor. Thus, we have six Virtues that are made by three Principals together.

But what of the inside? Without these Virtues, one is filled with Pride. Thus, when one is filled with all these Virtues, you will have Humility, the opposite of Pride. So when the triangle is complete, Humility is all that remains inside it.