Prologue: Of the Gods.
Our Churches, with common consent, do teach that the decree of the Council of Sacellum concerning the Five Deities is true and to be believed without any doubting;
- That there are five and only five Divine Essences which are called and which are Gods;
- That together they form the Penthatheon, and deserve equal worship;
- That they are not bound to simple demesnes like “weather” or “war” as the Ondrian heresy holds, but instead represent the perfect embodiment of the virtues of the Arunic Code.
- That they support their Adorateurs in life and the hereafter, and can imbue the faithful with the power to do miracles.
Article I: Of the Nature of Aruna.
Our Churches also teach that Aruna is the embodiment of
Franchise and
Grace, and from her we learn:
- Civilization only truly flourishes when each person fulfills their social duties. Some are born to rule, others to pray, some to fight, and yet others to toil. There is great honor is serving well in a low station, just as there is great shame to those who use their high birth only to wrest everything they can for themselves without caring for those in their charge.
- Nobility was created to honor those who kept civilization alive in the face of apocalypse, and it is an ongoing birthright to the descendants of those heroes to show the eternal gratitude of the gods. A noble must be a exemplar of civilization, and must remind others that life is not simply existence. Music, art, theatre, dance, craftsmanship, fine foods and wine--these are the pursuits that separate us from monstrous beasts.
- A sovereign is responsible for keeping a lawful society. The true measure of a noble liege is shown not by crushing all those who fail to live up to the standards of the Arunic Code, but by extending grace whenever possible.
- Justice must be served, but sometimes good people feel forced to do evil deeds. A man is better than the worst thing he has done. Mercy is a sign of strength.
Article II: Of the Nature of Viresh.
Our Churches also teach that Viresh is the embodiment of
Gallantry and
Honesty, and from him we learn:
- Courage is the mark of a well-lived life. The true warrior faces danger in mastery of his fear, not in absence of it. While some battles demand retreat to marshall one’s strength, fear for one’s safety is never a reason to quit the field.
- Pitiful is the knight who is bold on the battlefield but timorous at the sight of his lover. A heart may be pierced with a lance or with the darting eye of a paramour, but in either case the knight must act boldly and decisively. She who quails at impediments to a willing lover is not worth the paramour’s attention.
- True gallantry has no need of lies. The truth can cut as surely as any sword, but sometimes the fastest cure requires the blood to flow. Those around should be able to lean on your word as they can a cedar tree planted by the water. An untruth spoken is a blemish on the soul.
- Dishonest actions are lies told by the body. Betrayal is an affront to the gods and traitors must be brought to swift justice and made a warning to others.
Article III: Of the Nature of Sakshi.
Our Churches also teach that Sakshi is the embodiment of Justice and Prudence, and from her we learn:
- There is no place so remote, no position so high that you cannot be judged.
- Only through justice can there be peace, but some think themselves above justice because of their position or power or clever politicking. Use the means necessary to bring them to justice so that they may pay for their crimes and peace may be restored. Use the law when you can, but know that the justice of the gods supersedes the laws of mortals./li]
- Be not surprised if a judge does not appear on the front door wearing shining maille. Let the unjust beware: sometimes the blade of justice bites from the shadows, and misdeeds will be punished harshly./li]
- Battles are not always won by he who charges first. Prudence and caution are the hallmark of the warrior who wishes to grow old. The best attack begins from a place of solid defense./li]
Article IV: Of the Nature of Asra.
Our Churches also teach that Asra is the embodiment of Largesse and Independence, and from her we learn:
- Wealth is a gift from the gods and is meant to ease the lives of the faithful. Rich coffers are not frowned upon but rather a sign that the gods have bestowed on the prosperous a responsibility to aid those within their care.
- Generosity is not limited to the rich and needs not be measured in coin. The poor woman that shares the warmth of her fire with another pleases the gods much and will be rewarded.
- Common consensus is not the same as rightness of action. When the masses act in error, blaze a trail to honor and goodness as an example to others.
- An order from high above may not match the situation below. You are responsible for your actions, whether under orders or not. It is better to offend temporal authority than to risk divine judgment for breaking Arunic principles.
Article V: Of the Nature of Kelvish.
Our Churches also teach that Kelvish is the embodiment of Cunning and Ambition, and from him we learn:
- The soldier who assaults an enemy’s prepared defense rarely gets the chance to see the dawn. Never accept the invitation of an enemy, but find a way she does not expect.
- Never have a single plan. Your strategies should be like a child’s nesting dolls: plans inside plans inside plans.
- Life is short and death comes unexpectedly. Take a step towards your dreams each day.
- Contentment is the same as complacency and leads to apathy and surrender.
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