Morality

The Second Challenge of the Knighthood Quest
- January 19 -

[Being an edited transcript of the events of that noble contest for knighthood.]



The Lecture Hall: a place for gathering many people for
presentations or group discussions.

A large high-ceilinged room, its walls painted white. A
square window, with glazed panes, is centered in the east wall.
At the front (north) end of the hall is a wooden lectern, the
wall behind it covered in a board of soft cork. The room is
filled with rows of seats facing north.

Lord Sicard arrives through the west door.
Sir Launfal arrives through the west door.
Sir Gaudis arrives through the west door.
Sir Alrik arrives through the west door.

[Lots of bowing and curtsying.]

Lord Sicard clears his throat.

Lord Sicard is a tall, ruggedly handsome fair-skinned man
with ash-blond hair pulled back and tied with a cord. He is
carrying his scroll. He is wearing a royal badge, a
gold-encrusted scabbard, a dark red beretta, tall black boots,
maroon suede trunkhose, black hose and a black brocade doublet.

Lord Sicard announces, "Denizens, as you know we are here for
the next leg of the Knights Quest."

Lord Sicard nods to Martel.
Lord Sicard nods to Armsman Philo.
Lord Sicard nods to Catharsis.

Lord Sicard asks, "Candidates, are you ready?"

Armsman Philo nods determinedly.
Martel nods respectfully to Lord Sicard.
Catharsis nods certainly to Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard announces, "This second challenge, the Moral one."

Lord Sicard eyes Martel appraisingly.
Lord Sicard eyes Catharsis appraisingly.
Lord Sicard eyes Armsman Philo appraisingly.

Sir Alrik listens.

Sir Alrik is a tall, brawny man with a luxuriant braided
beard, a long and combed full head of straight golden-blonde
hair and fair skin. He is carrying his scroll. He is wearing a
brown scabbard, cerulean pants, a tunic, black boots, a cloak
and a pair of gloves.

Lord Sicard says, "I will ask a question and each candidate
will write on answer on a scroll, as provided by Sir Launfal,
our esteemed Chamberlainn..."

Lord Sicard nods to Sir Launfal.

Sir Launfal offers a scroll to Martel.
Sir Launfal offers a scroll to Armsman Philo.
Sir Launfal offers a scroll to Catharsis.

Armsman Philo accepts a scroll from Sir Launfal.
Armsman Philo takes a scroll.

Catharsis accepts a scroll from Sir Launfal.
Catharsis takes a scroll.

Martel accepts a scroll from Sir Launfal.
Martel takes a scroll.

Sir Launfal nods officially.

Catharsis nods thoughtfully.

Lord Sicard continues officially, "I will now ask the question,
candidates prepare yourselves."

Lord Sicard pauses dramatically.

Catharsis gulps silently.

Philo is a slender man with a trim mustache and goatee, with
a full head of straight mousey brown hair, short and combed,
and light skin. He is carrying his scroll, his rusty black
skeleton key, his large white iron key, his scroll and his
scroll. He is wearing a grey cloak, an ermine pin, a Winter
Watch scabbard, a grey pants, a grey pouch, a gold bracelet, a
silver clasp, a white shirt, a grey jerkin, a silver leaf and
grey boots.

Martel listens humbly.
Catharsis eyes Lord Sicard.
Armsman Philo listens closely.
Catharsis listens silently.

Lord Sicard says, "Candidates, you are to write your answer and
then read it aloud at which point we, the Knights of Honor,
shall deliberate to Sir Launfal's office to determine a
winner."

Lord Sicard clears his throat.

Catharsis nods slowly.

Lord Sicard glances at his scroll.
Sir Gaudis glances expectantly at Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard asks, "Someone very close to you is murdered. The
perpetrator, who you know to be guilty, is aquitted of the
crime. Do you seek your own justice?"

Catharsis blinks.

Lord Sicard adds, "Candidates, you have five minutes."

Sir Gaudis is a short, bowlegged man. His short curly black
hair is shocked with grey. He has ruddy skin. He is wearing a
blue tunic, a black leggings, a white undertunic, fine black
boots and a brown scabbard.

Lord Sicard interrupts politely, "Candidates, you have two
minutes."

Punzel is a tall, slender young woman with a widow's peak,
waist-length curly black hair, and smooth, freckled skin. She
is carrying her large wicker basket. She is wearing a rosette,
a white cape, a grey pouch, a white chemise, green slippers and
a green wool gown. Cedric, Edanya and Mintle are sitting next
to you. Martel is standing near you.

Punzel is sitting near here. Radulf, Lask and an ornate table are
standing near here. Robert is sitting near Kiera. Duraze is
sitting next to Martel. Cedric, Edanya and Mintle are sitting
next to Punzel. Martel is standing near Punzel. Sir Alrik, Sir
Launfal, Charmiam, Lord Sicard, Sir Gaudis, Veric, Linette,
Dareb and Tyreal are standing near the west door. Retribution,
Kiera, Watchman Artegal, Ghobii, Avaria, Delacroix, Charm,
Morte and Zarak are sitting on a wooden seat. Armsman Philo is
standing near a moth-eaten tapestry on the west wall. Catharsis
is standing near the east wall. Andrew and Zaroba are standing
near the south wall. Angron is sitting near Avaria. Kristine is
sitting next to Delacroix. Duren is sitting next to Charmiam.
Arikon is standing next to Zarak.

Lord Sicard says, "Candidates, your time is up.announce "

Armsman Philo nods.

Sir Launfal straightens his jacket.

Martel nods finally.

Lord Sicard says to Catharsis, "Sera Catharsis, as the winner
of the Physical challenge you are to read first. "

Lord Sicard listens interestedly Catharsis.
Armsman Philo turns to Catharsis.
Sir Launfal listens.
Sir Alrik listens.

Catharsis glances, "Shall we go all at once, or take turns?"

Lord Sicard says to Catharsis, "You are to read first."

Catharsis nods to Lord Sicard.

Catharsis recites, "Do I seek my own justice? No, I will not
take the life of such a person, even if they have been aquitted
of the crime. They deserve punishment, yes, but I would not be
the one to give it to them....."

Catharsis recites, "I know that their punishment would come in
the form of the nightmares and guilt that will plague every
honest moment of the rest of their lives. That would be their
justice....."

Catharsis pauses.

Lord Sicard considers.

Catharsis recites, "If they are fortunate enough to not run
away from their guilt and can actually face up to it and live
through it, then I would wish them well. It is not an easy
task to complete and not one that I wish upon anyone......"

Catharsis pauses.

Catharsis recites, "Revenge, no matter the justifications, does
nothing for you except soil your honor and ruin your
balance......"

Catharsis recites, "The temporary relief caused by seeking
justice upon them (if you define justice as taking their life
or torturing them) can never be balanced by the long term
results that you have to live with for the rest of your
life......"

Catharsis pauses.

Catharsis recites, "It is bad enough that they have to live
through their own punishment. I do not wish to take punishment
upon myself as well."

Catharsis bows formally.
Catharsis offers a scroll to Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard accepts a scroll from Catharsis.
Lord Sicard takes a scroll.

Sir Alrik nods thoughtfully.
Lord Sicard nods approvingly to Catharsis.

Lord Sicard glances at Sir Alrik.
Sir Alrik says, "Let's hear from Ser Martel next."
Lord Sicard turns to Martel.

Martel nods humbly.

Sir Launfal listens.
Lord Sicard listens interestedly Martel.

Martel recites respectfully, "I would seek to know why the
murderer was aquited. If he was lawfully aquitted, I would
first approach the court and attempt to sway them with the
information I might have that they did not. If, even after
hearing this information, if the court still refused to do what
was right and correct, I would be forced to do what I felt
would have to be done. I can not lie to this court of honor.
I feel that what is right must come before that which is only
words on paper. Honor lies in defending those that have no
other defence, and the dead have less defense than most. But I
would take every avenue open to me within the law first. To
not do so is to disrespect the Court, and Her Majesty. That is
my honest answer."

Martel bows to the lecture hall.
Martel offers a scroll to Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard accepts a scroll from Martel.
Lord Sicard takes a scroll.

Sir Alrik nods thoughtfully.
Lord Sicard considers.
Lord Sicard nods approvingly to Martel.

Martel straightens.

Catharsis listens to Armsman Philo respectfully.
Lord Sicard turns to Armsman Philo, "Armsman."

Armsman Philo states simply, "My oath to Her Majesty requires
me to place the law before all else. Though it would pain me to
do so, I must follow my duty. The answer is 'no'."

Sir Launfal listens.
Lord Sicard listens Armsman Philo interestedly.

Armsman Philo offers a scroll to Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard accepts a scroll from Armsman Philo.
Lord Sicard takes a scroll.

Sir Alrik nods thoughtfully.
Martel nods respectfully to Armsman Philo.

Lord Sicard announces, "Very well, we shall deliberate for a
few moments and return with our decision."

Martel says quietly, "All excellent answers. and all from the
heart."

Armsman Philo smiles bravely.
Lord Sicard glances at Martel.
Martel sits down near Punzel.

Catharsis grins at Martel, "Different hearts, different
answers."

Lord Sicard frowns.

Catharsis sits down next to Delacroix.

Lord Sicard leaves through the west door.
Sir Launfal leaves through the west door.

Martel nods respectfully to Catharsis.

Sir Alrik leaves through the west door.
Sir Gaudis leaves through the west door.

Retribution says to Martel, "Although yours is most truthful,
it will not help you win this."

Martel says quietly to the lecture hall, "Armsmen, sera
Catharsis. Can I say that it is an honor simply to be
competing with you."

Martel bows to Catharsis.

Charmiam mutters pensively, "Who defined what "justice" is
anyway?"

Armsman Philo glances at Charmiam.

Martel bows to Armsman Philo.

Catharsis smiles at Martel, "May we meet here again"

Martel smiles at Catharsis, "Nay, let one of us be a judge next
time."

Armsman Philo bows cordially to Martel.

Retribution nods to Martel, "Your's was the most humanly
answer, although it will not help you win"

Catharsis listens silently.

Retribution shrugs, "And I highly doubt Philo could accept that
decision..."

Tyreal exclaims, "The law is the law, and I feel that it must
be obeyed. If we stretch the laws once, who knows how many
times others will try to do it again!"

Catharsis taps to her fingers rythmically.

Martel nods to Retribution, "Possibly. But I would not lie to
further my place. It was honest."

Catharsis breathes slowly.
Catharsis taps to her fingers rythmically.

Martel says softly to Tyreal, "I will trust my heart. The law
can not be the final arbitrator."

Armsman Philo rolls his pair of honey brown eyes.
Watchman Artegal bristles slightly.
Martel squeezes Punzel's hand.
Catharsis smiles nervously at Delacroix.
Retribution nods approvingly at Martel.

Arikon says, "I think the wait is more aganizing than the
judgement"

Duren says softly, "The law is in place to protect people...
But sometimes the law fails. And occassionally the law must be
corrected. But not neccesarily with violent force... Gentle
persuasion can solve the problem just as well... Even if it is
slower. It is a human being's first nature to resort to
violence... But that does not mean it is the RIGHT choice."

Armsman Philo eyes Duren.
Retribution glances at Duren, "For once, I can agree with you"

Retribution shrugs to Duren, "But in your own words... the law
is the queen."

Retribution says to Duren, "The queen is the law"

Duren tells Retribution, "Aye. They are nearly the same. But
laws can be changed."

Tyreal says, "One should be responsible for his or her actions.
Violence is not an option under Her majesty's laws. If one
cannot control his or herself, then they do not belong here."

Martel says softly, "I would accept any punishment due me for
breaking the law but ... the law can be blind."

Duraze nods agreeingly to Martel.
Armsman Philo scoffs slightly at Martel.
Watchman Artegal grimaces.

Duren nods to Martel, "Aye. The Law CAN be blind. And so can
people. Blinded by their rage and anger."

Tyreal asks, "Under what circumstances was the law blind ser?"

Cedric mentions, "The Capitulary itself calls for a change to
its own laws when they are found to be unjust. But such changes
must be made with great care."

Armsman Philo says, "The law is supposed to be blind. We must
all face judgement as equals within our rank"

Lord Sicard arrives through the west door.
Sir Launfal arrives through the west door.
Sir Gaudis arrives through the west door.
Sir Alrik arrives through the west door.

Martel gazes humbly.
Sir Launfal listens.
Catharsis listens patiently.
Punzel supportively squeezes Martel's hand.
Martel hopefully squeezes Punzel's hand.

Lord Sicard announces, "We require further clarification before
making our decision and we have decided on another question to
provide us with such. "

Lord Sicard pauses.

Armsman Philo nods respectfully.
Martel nods.
Catharsis nods politely.

Lord Sicard adds, "This question requires only a verbal answer,
candidates will have two minutes before answering and will do
so in reverse order: Armaman Philo, Ser Martel then Sera
Catharsis."

Lord Sicard asks, "Candidates, are you ready?"

Armsman Philo nods determinedly.
Martel nods thankfully to Lord Sicard.
Catharsis nods politely to Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard asks, "When is it okay to break an oath?"

Catharsis grins ruefully.
Armsman Philo frowns.

Sir Gaudis gazes shrewdly at Armsman Philo.

Lord Sicard says to Armsman Philo, "Armsman, your time is up."

Sir Alrik glances patiently.

Armsman Philo nods.

Armsman Philo says, "I believe that it is never acceptable to
break one's oath. An oath is a sacred vow, one's most
trustworthy promise..."

Armsman Philo adds, "One who breaks an oath is indicating that
they cannot be trusted..."

Lord Sicard considers.
Sir Alrik listens thoughtfully.

Armsman Philo continues, "They only acceptable alternative is
to be released from your oath by it's holder."

Lord Sicard nods approvingly.
Lord Sicard turns to Martel.
Lord Sicard asks Martel, "Ser Martel?"

Lord Sicard listens to Martel.
Sir Alrik nods.

Martel says slowly, "A sacred oath is a bond from one to
another. To break this bond is something that must be done
only for the gravest reasons. If the oath comes to cause the
giver to be forced to do things unthinkable, to be untrue to
those he can not be untrue to, it must be broken. But the oath
breaker should expect and accept strict penalties. It is never
alright to break an oath, but sometimes it is required. If the
holder of the oath will not see it in their heart to release
the bound."

Lord Sicard raises his eyebrows thoughtfully.
Lord Sicard nods to Martel.
Sir Gaudis stares thoughtfully at Martel.

Lord Sicard turns to Catharsis.

Martel bows humbly.

Catharsis says honestly, "Only when you realize that such an
oath was made in bad conscience and no one will be hurt and no
honor lost by admitting your mistake and ending the oath..."

Catharsis adds politely, "If you made the oath to another, seek
their release from it, explaining your reasons, but accept that
it would be dishonorable if you were to break it without their
permission."

Sir Alrik glances at Catharsis.

Catharsis bows politely to Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard nods to Catharsis.

Catharsis smiles nervously.

Lord Sicard says, "We will deliberate again and return with our
decision shortly."

Martel bows respectfully.
Catharsis nods respectfully.
Catharsis sits down near Delacroix.

Lord Sicard leaves through the west door.
Sir Launfal leaves through the west door.
Sir Alrik leaves through the west door.
Sir Gaudis leaves through the west door.

Martel sits down near Punzel.

Catharsis taps to her fingers rythmically.

Duren says softly, "I agree whole-heartedly with the Armsman.
An Oath may never be broken. Released perhaps.. But NEVER
broken."

Punzel hugs Martel proudly.
Martel gently kisses Punzel's fine cheek.

Tyreal says, "I too agree that an oath is not to be broken."

Edanya asks Duren, "What about having to break an oath to save
the life of the person you gave the oath to?"

Catharsis listens silently.

Retribution smirks at Armsman Philo, "So if the oath is an evil
oath you still would follow it ser."

Duren tells Edanya, "It doesn't matter. If you gave the oath..
It MUSN'T be broken. Unless your released."

Cedric asks the lecture hall, "If two oaths come into an
unforeseeable and direct conflict, and an oath has been sworn
to not end one's own life, then what?"

Armsman Philo tells Retribution, "I would never swear an evil
oath"

Watchman Artegal scoffs at Retribution, "Why would any one take
an evil oath?"

Retribution shrugs to Armsman Philo, "Ok, you find it to be
evil afterwords..."

Catharsis glances at Retribution, "The Armsman would never
enter into an evil oath, ser."

Armsman Philo smiles at Catharsis.
Catharsis nods respectfully to Armsman Philo.

Retribution says, "Ok, it is an oath that looks good at first,
but is later found to be evil..."

Delacroix tells Catharsis, "He is already entered into an oath
of obedience, which may force him to break any other oath he
ever makes."

Catharsis nods thoughtfully to Delacroix.

Armsman Philo says, "If i have doubt in my heart, then I should
not swear the oath in the first place. It is much like
marriage"

Edanya asks, "An oath, say, to not interrupt a conversation...
but you knew that the person was going to be murdered if you
didn't interrupt? Do you let your friend be murdered?"

Tyreal says, "To make an oath means you accept everything it
has to say. Once you are under that oath, you cannot break it."

Dareb says, "lets say you swear to keep your friend from
trouble, and then he breaks the law.. you would be held by your
oath to break the law."

Arikon says to Armsman Philo, "You put the truth out plain and
simple"

Armsman Philo smiles at Arikon.

Kristine nods to Tyreal, "You can be released from it, but it's
nor right to break it"

Retribution nods to Dareb, "good point"

Martel breathes evenly.

Tyreal says, "There aren't any 'what if's' if you make an oath,
you have to stick with it. If you decide to break it for the
good of another, then that is your choice. But you must always
realize that punishment is due for those who break it."

Arikon pats Armsman Philo's shoulder, "Just keep up the way you
are going. I know you shall have the win"

Cedric asks Armsman Philo, "Since nobody else answered, I'll
ask the one for whom it seems an impossible question: If two
oaths come into an unforeseeable and direct conflict, and an
oath has been sworn to not end one's own life, and the people
to whom the oaths are sworn will not release you, then what?"

Martel asks Tyreal, "So you would break an oath sometimes
then."

Dareb says, "that would be an example of a point you could
rightfully break an oath, an oath is about what ifs', an oath
is a strong bond however, it is not stronger than morales,
loyalty, or law"

Arikon tells Cedric, "When it happens to you, tell me what you
do"

Arikon smiles.

Dareb adds, "or love"

Armsman Philo smiles softly.

Tyreal says to Martel, "absolutely not... never would I break
the oath"

Catharsis asks Cedric, "Would you have entered into one oath
knowning that the other conflicted? Anycase, the oldest oath
would take prescdence"

Cedric tells Arikon quietly, "It's happenign to me now."

Watchman Artegal glances at Cedric.

Martel smiles slightly, "Tis not what you said. But ... if you
think that. Tis your right."

Cedric nods to Catharsis, "A good point."

Arikon tells Cedric, "Then please inform me on what you decide.
And come to me if you need any help"

Arikon smiles.

Kristine says softly, "You shouldn't even take an oath if you
do not believe you will successfully go through it"

Armsman Philo tells Dareb, "Ser, I disagree. An oath *is* your
morality and loyalty"

Martel nods to Kristine, "For a short term thing, yes. But a
lifetime oath? we all change."

Kristine glances at Martel thoughtfully.

Kimli says, "an oath is made from honor, breaking the law
,breaks the bond of honor ,therefore the oath is not to be
honored"

Morte murmurs softly, "An oath, is a solemn promice, not to the
other person, but to yourself. . and if you break an oath to
yourself, you are nothing. "

Armsman Philo nods agreeingly to Morte.

Lord Sicard arrives through the west door.
Sir Launfal arrives through the west door.
Sir Gaudis arrives through the west door.
Sir Alrik arrives through the west door.

Martel gazes expectantly.

Lord Sicard announces, "We have reached a decision."
Sir Launfal takes an amulet of morality.
Sir Gaudis nods affirmatively to Lord Sicard.

Lord Sicard says thoughtfully, "All the candidtaes did offer
honest answers, in our opinion, but we found one candidate's to
be more in holding with the views of the Court."

Lord Sicard pauses dramatically.

Catharsis raises her light eyebrow.

Lord Sicard announces, "And that candidate is Armsman Philo."

Sir Gaudis smiles approvingly at Armsman Philo.

Armsman Philo blushes proudly.

Catharsis cheers Armsman Philo.
Martel bows deeply to Armsman Philo.

Sir Gaudis says, "Admirably done, Armsman."

Lord Sicard bows approvingly to Armsman Philo.

Sir Launfal offers an amulet of morality to Armsman Philo.

Armsman Philo accepts an amulet of morality from Sir Launfal.
Armsman Philo takes an amulet of morality.

Catharsis tells Armsman Philo, "Very deserving!"

Lord Sicard bows approvingly to Catharsis.
Lord Sicard bows approvingly to Martel.

Armsman Philo bows deeply.

Lord Sicard announces, "The next Challenge will be in a
fortnight's time...good eve."

Martel tells Armsman Philo seriously, "Well done good Armsmen.
Well done."

Armsman Philo turns to Martel.

Sir Launfal nods.
Sir Alrik nods.

Armsman Philo tells Martel honestly, "My thanks"

Lord Sicard bows.
Lord Sicard leaves through the west door.
Sir Launfal leaves through the west door.
Sir Alrik leaves through the west door.
Sir Gaudis leaves through the west door.



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