Pride

From A Children's Primer of the Way

The Path of Pride

Some may believe that Pride is simply Senators in fine clothing praising the qualities of their Nation, but this is only a tiny part of the Path. National Pride is, quite rightfully, important to many citizens and is the reason for the creation of the Egregores. Yet the Virtue of Pride exists to inform the small parts of life as much as the large. From the servant who keeps their mistress’ cups clean, to the craftsman who holds all their work to the same high standard, to the general who remembers the name of every soldier who died under their command – all demonstrate Pride and know what it is that they serve and strive for.

Guidance on the Path

Through study of the Paragons and Exemplars, the priests of The Way have gleaned insight into the heart of the Virtue and how best to pursue it. There are collections of parables, tales, sayings and teachings that distill this for Imperial Citizens to learn from. The following are a handful of teachings and sayings deemed to be essential to understanding the Path:

• Pride conveyed by words alone is vain boasting; proclaim it by how you conduct every part of your life.
• Do not be complacent; ever strive for excellence in that of which you are proud.
• Embrace your past; never be ashamed of it.
• The Virtuous inspire others to greatness; they do not demean them.
• Despise the half-hearted, the uncommitted and the pretender.

Paragons and Exemplars

Across history, the Paragons and Exemplars of Pride have been amongst the easiest to identify for they are, by nature, rarely reclusive and withdrawn. Examples include:

• Kethry, the oldest recorded Paragon of Pride. Kethry dwelt in a time of tribal warfare and her tribe, the Kesh, were conquered by an enemy tribe, who were larger and more aggressive. Many of Kethry’s people turned their back on the ways of the Kesh and adopted the ways of the conquering tribe. Yet, though defeated, Kethry did not yield in her heart and continued to live as her ancestors had; the clothes she wore, the songs she sang, the food she prepared. People from both tribes came to her home and marvelled at her, and some proceeded to follow her example. More and more were swayed until, one day, Makin, the Chieftain of the conquering tribe, awoke to find that all his people were living as Kesh. Bowing to the inevitable he sought out Kethry, courted her and became her consort. In this way did Kethry overcome the strength of her enemies and conquered them with Pride.
• Lepidus of the Seven Stars Chapter of the Highborn is a well-regarded Paragon who ensured his Chapter remembered and safeguarded the great legacy of the Highborn during the dark times of the Patrician’s Council. Lepidus used these seeds to awaken others to Highguard's lost glories and to bring about a renewal which, in turn, laid the foundation of what would become the Imperial Synod.
• Empress Richilde, third ruler of the Empire, was declared an Exemplar of Pride after her death in 69 YE. Throughout her reign this charismatic, energetic woman encouraged the folk of every nation to be proud of their history, and inspired them to perform great deeds. She served as a generous patron of the arts and established the Imperial bards, as well as performing as a living banner when her armies marched to war, The Troubadours of Dawn campaigned extensively to have her recognised as a Paragon, and in 219 YE they succeeded, making her the first paragon recognised in the modern era..

Symbols, icons and trappings

The Priests of Pride teach that the true symbol of the Virtue of Pride is to display openly the symbol of that which you are most proud. Flags, banners, icons and heraldry are all strong symbols and trappings of the Path of Pride but often depict that in which the Priests and Pilgrims have pride. Some wear the symbol of the Sun as a symbol of letting one’s light shine openly for the world to see.