The Virtues of the Seven Lords

*Named after the seven fictional “Lords” who comprise the supposed source of the text’s teachings,* Virtues of the Seven Lords *or simply* Virtues *is a moral handbook attributed to a monastic group called “The Order of the Shining Tower” for the instruction of their young monks and their guidance to the path of spiritual perfection. The seven lords are presented as historic individuals who lived some time in the distant, mythical past, although perceptive readers may note that they bear similarity to the seven gods of Aetherius. The document is originally written in High Sindaryn, and so are most of its copies.*

(The writings here are not meant to always be an exact copy of the IC document, but general statements expressing the sentiment of the IC text for OOC conciseness).

### **ON THE SEVEN LORDS**

Before the sun rested where it now rests, before the earth sat where it now sits, and before the seas lay where they now lay, the cosmos in absence of all virtue and all that was good.

The seven masters, perceiving of a thing only half-known to them called “goodness”, set out to discover the source of this dim light, to know it and to comprehend it.

Each one of the seven set upon a segment of the light and began to understand. They were the first to discover righteousness, and when they were done, they shared what they had learned with other souls. Wonderfully, they introduced righteousness to the rest of creation, and so they were called as lords and received much praise.

Within are the lessons they taught, so that any who desire may, too, be instructed in the way of goodness and share in the light of righteousness.

### **THE SAYINGS OF LORD GALAD (Pseudo-Astraleus)**

Saith the Lord Galad:

“Rulers shall be called first to embody virtue, for they should be first among mortals.”

“There is glory in justice.”

“Guidance may be found in the sun and stars.”

### **THE SAYINGS OF LORD CUILIS (Pseudo-Selvas)**

Saith the Lord Cuilis:

“Be thankful for life. A pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the world.”

“Struggle cheerfully. Serve cheerfully. Live cheerfully.”

“In every life, there is sanctity.”

### **THE SAYINGS OF LADY GOLOHD (Pseudo-Menthava)**

Saith the Lady Golohd:

“Above every thing, there is an immortal idea.”

“Seek always the truth, for it is light. Drive away ignorance, for it is darkness.”

“In understanding, there is willfulness.”

### **THE SAYINGS OF LORD TALVIS (Pseudo-Stratalus)**

Saith the Lord Talvis:

“The greatest strength is humility.”

“Give respect to the works of the earth.”

“Do nothing falteringly.”

### **THE SAYINGS OF LORD AIWEN (Pseudo-Temaur)**

Saith the Lord Aiwen:

“Pay tribute where it is owed.”

“Exude honor, that others may follow.”

“Respect the sanctity of family.”

“Deceive not thyself or others.”

### **THE SAYINGS OF LADY AEAR (Pseudo-Parthan)**

Saith the Lady Aear:

“Honor all covenants.”

“Strive to maintain peace. Be solemn in violence.”

“Abhor corruption. Seek purity.”

### **THE SAYINGS OF LADY HAUTH (Pseudo-Ankouan)**

Saith the Lady Hauth:

“Life is passing away. Remember death.”

“All that happens shall happen again.”

“Respect the dead. Disturb them not.”

“Tempt not fate.”