Well, greetings!

I do dislike long-winded posts, so while Ill try not to be overly verbose, I know the only people who will read this are those for whom it is intended for. And people like myself, who stick their noses in business theyre usually not meant to. However, as a Knight of Hashan, and Regent of the same, this is somehow slightly my business. Ensue nose-sticking.

Honor has been close to my life, for a long time. People close to me practiced it, and when applications for the Knights of Hashan opened, I knew it was a way of life that would appeal to me, and I began my path along it. Along the way, my main struggle was how honor and Chivalry would fit, in the Court of Shadows. A city notorious for Darkness and any means necessary and deceit; hells, Ser Aerek even questioned if I was a Darkwalker in one of our earlier meetings.

It fits fine, Ive found. To be a Hashani is to be an individual, and honor is not some far-off unreachable ideal. It helps to think of it as a lifestyle to practice, which I do. The reason for variety, is different people will practice different variations of the same lifestyle. If one decides to undertake a training regimen, that regimen can be different from anothers with the same goal, but will still accomplish what it is intended to do.

Honor varies, as well. I did a project recently asking those in the Guild to sum up Honor, or an aspect of it, in a word. Anyone can tell you that word will change as you grow. My answer of Integrity as a Vassal has shifted to Reliability as a Knight. Being reliable in your actions, being consistent, truthful in your words and keeping your promises, just generally doing the right thing in your eyes without impeding on others freedoms. Some will answer Pride, Humility, Prowess, Respect. They are different, but they are ultimately the same under one banner, simply varied focuses.

I do hate to interrupt this trip down memory lane, but I would like to quickly address what Mssr. Kinilan brought up in his daring and rebellious post regarding his exploits in the newsboards of Hashan. He lied. A lot. While the average citizen isnt quite as informed as a Regent, they can probably also tell you that he lied. A lot. I will now point back to what little Vassal Ardor, young and naive she was, replied when asked what Honor was. Integrity is being honest. Lying is dishonorable. Spreading rumors and fear mongering does those things as well, and he was cast out for points of Treason and Sedition, which had been a while coming. That is why he is being stripped of his title and challenged. Little more to say.

To those who have newly bestowed themselves with the title, who are making themselves heard on the news boards, I would like to congratulate you for expressing your opinions and asking questions, both of which are very progressive things to do. Kudos!

Does the title hang heavy over your head? Do you feel the weight of it? A novice is going to see that Ser in front of your name and respect you, raised on legends of Selecularian honor. They will look upon you in awe, one recently awoken may remark about an old Knight they knew and ask you if the name rings a bell. People having a discussion about the Guild will call you to weigh in, your opinion trusted and valued.

Those things are important, and they are special, and they are earned. I dont begrudge you at all for wanting those moments, or even donning this title to make a point, but while a lot of words thrown around the past few months have been vague, feel the ones I write which are concrete. Knighthood means something, and while honor is not a thing that can be stolen, nor defined wholly by one person, add my thoughts to your understanding.

Or dont. Ignore my somewhat emotional ramblings, and continue to prod. I encourage prodding, but I would ask you do it respectfully.

Ever forward,
Ardor
Plus a Bunch of Other,
Somewhat Irrelevant Things

Penned by my hand on the 12th of Sarapin, in the year 921 AF.