Level 3

[whats_a_paladin]

[1] I've been wondering about something.

The Tome of Wisdom is my most important possession. It describes the eight Virtues of the way of Paragon. Understanding those Virtues and mastering them leads to enlightenment. Anyone can follow the way, but there is a catch - the Tome is written in an unknown language. Only those who are unhappy with their current state of being, those who seek improvement and guidance, can understand what the words mean.

Anyone interested in trying to read the Tome of Wisdom? You could think of it as a challenge, or maybe a way to find something new about yourself.

[2] [Raynor is busy working on the damages to the Paragon, and while he's doing so, he's listening to another power metal song. But this time, he's doing so on headphones. As a side effect, he's humming it to himself.

If you can call that humming. Not only is it pretty loud, but it's absolutely wretched. His sense of rhythm is awful so it sounds nothing like the original song, and every other note is either missing or a false one. His attempts at lyrics sound like unholy screeching more than his normal voice, and individual words are almost impossible to decipher.

Stop this travesty?]

Comments

[whats_a_paladin]

Hmm... Do you know how to read, little dragon?

[mad_copycat]

(Tatsu nods.)

Tatsu learned how to read soon after Tatsu came aboard.

[whats_a_paladin]

Soon? How fast was that?

In any case, here you go. Pick any chapter you want.

[Raynor hands over the leather-bound tome. There are chapters on each of the eight virtues - valor, honesty, compassion, honor, justice, sacrifice, spirituality, and humility - and the prologue.]

[mad_copycat]

(Tatsu smiles and puffs out her chest in pride.)

Tatsu learned to read after one week, three days, and five hours on the ship.

Let's try spirituality.

[whats_a_paladin]

That's a pretty impressive speed. You're a fast learner.

[Here's how the chapter on spirituality begins:

Spirituality is the combination of love, truth and courage, and the virtue that focuses most on self-discovery. Spiritual people look at the world around them and at themselves, and use this knowledge to try to understand the deeper truths about both of them. Purposely closing your eyes on the world, being content to remain in ignorance, is the antithesis of spirituality. One who follows the virtue of spirituality must always seek to understand better.

Those who master spirituality are granted the ability of extreme versatility. They are not always the best at everything, but they have the means to understand every situation and find a proper way to solve it. They are just a step away from achieving full enlightenment.]

[mad_copycat]

(Tatsu gives a little fanged grin before turning to read. Tatsu reads the book with a thoughtful look on her face.)

Tatsu has been studying humans for a while but never thought to analyze Tatsu. And with all the changes Tatsu has gone through, it will take a while to study Tatsu.

(Tatsu rubs the back of her head a little.)

This just shows Tatsu that there is still a lot Tatsu needs to learn.

[whats_a_paladin]

All the Virtues require introspection to understand. The Tome is a set of guidelines that can help you with that, but ultimately the knowledge of what a particular virtue actually means has to come from within yourself. And that's double true for Spirituality.

In short, you picked the hardest one to read first.

[mad_copycat]

(Tatsu rubs her head a little and laughs embarrassed in understanding.)

Tatsu can see that. It was enlightening though. Tatsu will work hard to learn more though. Would it be okay if Tatsu read more of the book?

(There is a bit of a gleam in Tatsu's eyes as she asks this.)

[whats_a_paladin]

Yeah, but only when I'm around. I can't lend the Tome to anyone for longer, because I need it to power Paragon.

What part do you want to read?

[mad_copycat]

(Tatsu nods in understanding. She wanted to read it all really bad but if it cost Raynor his powers she would be patient.)

Hmm. Can Tatsu take a look at valor next?

[whats_a_paladin]

Sure. That should be a much easier part.

[Valor is pure courage, the determination to stand strong in the face of adversity. Valorous individuals will not let fear stop them from doing what they believe in, and won't waste an opportunity because they hesitated to act. Valor dictates to stand strong against your enemies, and escape only if doing so would cause no harm you could otherwise prevent.

Their courage and strength of will grants those who would master the virtue of Valor amazing physical prowess and skill. It's a virtue associated with action, first and foremost.

[mad_copycat]

(Tatsu looks at the book in confusion. She tilts her head one way, then the other. Tatsu then looks at Raynor.)

Tatsu no can read this segment. Is that normal?

[whats_a_paladin]

Well, that's weird. If you can read one part of the Tome, you should be able to understand all of it. Maybe it works differently for non-humans...