Morgiest writes on the codes of Daingneach Onoir

Part I: Honor, and Trust within Onoir.

Onoir is first and foremost a group based on honor. Indeed, our very name Daingneach Onoir literally means "Castle of Honor". The exact definitions of our codes can be found in our bylaws, and in our codes of conduct, so I will nae quote them here. While honor is in many ways a personal belief, it is also community based. We even go further by definin tae a large extent what we of Onoir feel honor is, and means tae us.

While the codes we hold dear are the written form of the perfection we all strive fer in our lives, it does nae mean we are perfect. We are merely mortals after all, and any mortal has lapses in judgement, or can simply make an honest mistake that causes harm tae another. So while we strive fer the perfection we feel our codes represent, we know that they are in the end goals that no mortal can ever be fully achieve.

There will be times where codes appear tae contradict each other in certain situations. If ye find yerself in this situation, ye are expected tae do what ye feel is right. Remember always that our time in this world is a constant struggle tae reach what is an unatainable goal. And as such, if ye encounter such a situation, ye should share it with yer brethren in Onoir. Fear not that ye will be unduly critisised by the choices ye hae made, trust in the honor of yer fellows, and perhaps all kin learn from the situation ye were placed in.

Part II: Prowess

Why exactly is prowess part of the code of Chivalry? There are many reasons fer this, and ah will name a few here. The primary reason, is that we must be adept at combat, so that we are better able tae fullfill our other duties that we hold dear. One can hardly protect the weak, if we are numbered among the weak. Nor are we able tae seek justice, ifin we are incapable of enforcin it should the need arise.

What exactly is prowess? It is nae merely the ability tae swing a weapon harder then the next person, nor the ability tae cast a bolt better then anyone else. Ifin it were only that simple.... It is to know your opponents as well as ye know yerself. Half of the battle is knowin how tae defeat a given enemy. Trainin yerself in observation therefore is a key part or prowess. By careful observation, and alot of practice, people with less actual skill, can greatly increase thier prowess in combat. A great knight is nae merely defined by how great thier attack is, but by also havin the knowledge to make the absolute best of any situation there are put in.

Intelligence, observation, and the ability tae think and react quickly are therefore of equal, or even greater importance then raw skill at arms fer the person who truely follows the Codes of Chivalry.

Part III: Justice

What do we mean when we speak of seekin justice? This is perhaps one of the most complicated and confusing codes of Chivalry. We do nae walk the lands, hands on our weapon, ready tae enforce what we feel is right, at the drop of a hat. It is much more complicated then that. Whether it is for ourselves, or for others, justice requires us tae first have a set of laws, and morals, that we live our lives by. The morals we live by may be determined solely by our own life experiences, but the laws we live by are determined by the community in which we live in. Justice requires us to be fair in all things we do. Tae be able to meet out justice, we must first have a solid foundation of right and wrong.

Justice is deeply tied tae the community we live in, and we must always be concious of that fact. Justice does nae give us the right, in and of itself, tae ignore laws we feel are unjust. For without laws, there can be no justice. We must always first and foremost remember this. For it is mortal law which allows the esablishment of civilization. Our chosen dieties may give us guidance on morals in the creation of our laws, but it is the laws themselves that allow for justice.

Part IV: Loyalty

Loyalty tae ones friends, family, and fellow members of Onoir should be unwavering. You must also be loyal tae yerself and the ideals that guide yer life. There are many codes where compromise is possible in the pursuit of honor, or justice, faith or largesse. But, loyalty is nae among them. Yer loyalty should never be open tae compromise.

Another important matter all must consider in Onoir is the trust we all hold for each other. This goes hand in hand with our loyalty tae each other. It is unquestioned. Period. This is our greatest strength, bar none. When virtually the whole world rails against ye, as long as there is one single member of Onoir at your side, you are never alone. Ah personally expect all members of Onoir tae treat thier fellow members in Onoir in this manner. The mere fact that we are members of Onoir grants us this right. It is the most valuable thing we will ever have while in Onoir, our complete trust of one another.

If there ever comes a time where you feel you cannot trust another member of Onoir, this must be dealt with immediatly. Our honor demands no less, and your fellow members deserve no less. This applies tae every single full member, and squire, of Onoir. If ye take insult at something another member of Onoir does er says, its yer duty tae inform them of this. By the same token, ifin ye insult someone in Onoir, either knowingly, er unknowingly, it is yer duty tae bridge the gaps that this creates.

Part V: Defense

Defense of ones loved ones, friends, family, fellow members and ideals is one of the most basic concepts of becomin a knight or a full member of Onoir. Without this one code, all the others become meanigless. If we are unwillin tae stand up fer what we feel is right, and defend our ways with our very lifeblood, then we hae failed in the most basic of our duties. This is also one of the codes that cannot be compromised. Always defend what ye believe in. Silence kin be considered consent when confronted with ideas that contradict yer beliefs, as much as inaction, in the face of a threat can be seen as a failure.

Part VI: Courage

Courage is a definin trait of a knight who follows the codes of chivalry. A knight who shows courage, is prepared tae make personal sacrifices tae see that what he believes is right, and true, is fulfilled. It drives us also tae take the side of truth in all matters, as opposed tae merely seekin the expedient lie. One must temper courage, with wisdom, justice, and mercy though. Courage does nae drive us tae the point of stupidity, or intae rash acts. Nor does it ignore mercy, fer we know that blind truth can also be harmful tae those we love and serve.

Part VII: Faith

Faith is one of the simplest tae understand, and at the same time one of the hardest tae follow. It does nae simply mean faith in ones god, or gods. One must hae faith in themselves first and foremost. They must know that what they do they do not fer selfish reasons, but because they know it is just and true. Faith is what gives us courage when we are beset by fear, and despair. It is part of the strong foundation, that all the other parts of the codes of chivalry rest upon. It kin be yer guide in times of trouble, and yer armor when beset by evil. Always maintain yer faith, never let it waiver. Tae loose ones faith, is tae loose oneself tae despair.

Part VIII: Humility

A follower of the codes of chivalry is always humble. We speak of others deeds and accomplishments, before we speak of our own. Be quick tae boast nae of yourself, but of yer friends, companions and others who ye feel are worthy of recognition. There are many reasons fer this. It helps greatly in forming strong bonds of loyalty among those ye consider honorable. It also will reflect greatly on ye. And will speak tae yer own honor when ye do not make prideful boasts. One must be secure in thier own abilities and accomplishments, and we demonstrate this by our humility.

Part IX: Largesse

Largesse speaks tae our generosity. Not only monetarily, but also with our time. We freely offer aid tae those who request it, within our means of course. Largesse does not mean we are paupers by any means. It means we will though go tae great lengths tae aid others in whatever way we can. Be quick tae bestow kindness and friendship on others, and your rewards will be great. It is in doing these things, that we gain the greatest rewards life can give us.

Part X: Nobility

What does it mean tae be noble? Contrary tae what many people think when they see this name, noble is nae a Lord, Lady, King, Queen, Duke, etc. What this code refers tae is character. Nobility is the act of being noble in character. We strive tae possess outstanding qualities which we difine by our codes. We strive fer this because we believe by setting a noble example, we can influence both the young and old in ways which benifit all in the lands we live in. This is perhaps the loftiest goal of our codes, and requires constant vigilance on our parts. It can take years tae build a truely noble reputation, and can take but an instant of indiscretion tae destroy it. Again, this does nae mean we are perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, but if we keep this code in particular in mind at all times, we can go a long way towards achieving our goals.

Part XI: Franchise

What does franchise mean? Literally its freedom. Seek to emulate these codes in all parts of your life, and you achieve the greatest freedom one can gain. Freedom of the spirit. The freedom that comes from knowing that what you do, will be rewarded when you pass on by knowing that what you did made a difference. This is the personal reward one gains from following our codes. Franchise is not a code in and of itself, but defines what we seek for all people. Freedom.