Law Manifesto
The law manifesto
As time has progressed, the situation within the temple has become untenable. Too many have sought to preserve the letter of law, whilst missing its intent. Law is too much seen as a being served with lipservice and emptiness. Law is not a dusty, dead god, consumed by ceremony and tradition, it is a powerful force for good. It is not a god that tolerates tyranny and abuse of power. Too many of our brothers are content to try utilisng the authority that law gives, mistaking it for their own, without owning up to the responsibilities that law demands. Too many mistake vigilance with distance, sound judgement with inaction, worship with services. Even within this past year, too many were content to sit back as our society was eroded, too few headed the call to do what was necessary. This is why this document had to be written; as a rallying call for the true believers, and a plea to those that find only criticism within this document to amend their ways and that of the temple, in this time that will hopefully be one of great rebirth, both for the city, for the faith, and for the entire erdd.
These past years have proven a testing one for those faithful to law. As problematic and corrupt as the Militia have been, their seeming rebirth was notable; for a time, it seemed as though wearing the green was something to have pride in, no longer a horrific shame and stain on our character. The defence of the city as Bran the Black invaded was admirable, but costly. The defence of the mage’s guild was also a great testament to the courage of those men and women, and alas, too many friends were lost during that action. that the deaths of those associated with the militia continued was of great tragedy, as something steadily eliminated those who were trying to see justice done within the city. And then came that sad day when the militia was, at last, disbanded. I do not criticise that decision, alas the militia was in all too poor a condition to preserve itself, but it was a sign of worse things to come. So many watched as the city became a haven to those who abhorred justice, and wished to prey on the innocent. So many watched as worse happened, and the city was taken by Frysian arms. We watched as they inflicted their horrific perversion of law on the citizenry, and some of us could watch no more.
Some would assume that the order the frysians brought was the return of law to the city, but they would be mistaken. Law is the primal word, the fundamental statement of intent for the protection of the community and its people, the belief that many will outweigh few, that in the hands of a group, the impurities and defecits of the individual will be made up for by others, and that together, any task they take their hand to shall be accomplished. We sentient beings are flawed, tinged with an undoubtable taint of chaos in our design. In good company, the flaw is removed. It is by many, different hands, for many different hands. The frysians instead seek to transfer power to warped monstrosities and protect only one segment of a community. This is not law. That is not to say however, that law cannot be found within the city.
Law is found in every defiant voice who overturns and questions words written on paper by a mortal, for the good of society. Laws are our best interpretations of the words of our god, handed down to protect and civilise, to guard and be vigilant against that spark of chaos in our characters. Let us not blaspheme by presuming that each of these mere interpretations always holds true, that they are never warped by evil men with evil intentions, believing they can stymie the faithful by claiming authority from these words. All authority is divine, all laws unsacred if Law does not support them. when a system has become corrupt beyond all help, it must be brought down in flames, not protected merely because it appears a facsimile of the divine, for it is the worst of blasphemies. Therefore, look to law for guidance in all things, for law guides all and is the greatest authority, be ever vigilant, and remember the words of saint Luther de Sanctis:
“The Strength of our righteousness depends on the harm the injustice has caused. When the injustice is great enough, Law will lend me the strength needed to correct it. None may stand against it. It will shatter every barrier, sunder any shield, tear through any enchantment, and lend its servant the power to pass judgement. Know this; there is nothing on all the planes that can stay the hand of justice when it is brought against them, for it may unmake armies. Know that for all who betray righteousness, we are their fate, and fate carries an executioner’s axe”
In the name of Law, Under the auspicies of Order, With the blade of Retribution, To see that Justice is done. Amen.
