Guild Ethos & Interpretations
Sadomir's thoughts on the ethos
A Wizard
is one that joins The Wizards Guild. Regardless of profession, they become
Wizards
and strive to perfect the Art of Magic in all its forms. Perfection is the goal
that all
aspire, though it is recognized few will achieve.
I think perfection is relative. I don’t think anyone can be perfect, but that
doesn’t mean
we can’t try to be. That is what that part of the Ethos says to me.
The Guild does not dictate how members should behave. We are a guild with broad
membership
that has many differing views on life. However, there is a commonality that
draws people
together under the umbrella of Wizards.
We are all Wizards at the end of the day. Wizards because we found the book,
because we
handed the book back to Illuin. We don’t take an oath or a vow as such. There is
no contract
that dictates how we are to behave. The differing views and opinions of each
member share a
common bond – they are the opinions of a Wizard.
* Wizards are honest, thoughtful and respectful towards others at all times.
Pretty self explanatory. And this part of the Ethos has taken some battering
over the years.
I do believe in this part of the Ethos, but many others do not. But again, there
is no RULE
about being respectful etc, there is only our interpretation. I personally think
that
honesty and respect are two qualities that all people should have regardless of
Guild.
* Wizards are neither superior nor inferior to another person.
Wizard’s ARE superior to many beings in the realm. Wizard’s ARE inferior to many
beings
also. That doesn’t mean that we have to behave so. Flowers don’t announce it
when they
bloom, they don’t try to get people’s attention to boast about how beautiful
they are, but
they are still beautiful.
* Wizards practice the light side of magic. Greed and personal advancement at
the cost of
others are not concepts practiced by Wizards.
Some would argue that this part of the Ethos is rarely adhered to anymore. We
study ALL
magic, but by tradition we only practice the lighter side of it. Greed and
personal
advancement are concepts practiced by almost everyone in the lands, or at least
personal
advancement is. The Ethos is saying that doing so at the cost of others, should
not be
practiced.
* Wizards are committed to learning and perfecting the Art of Magic.
These days studying is all we can do, since the winds of magic have changed and
become
weaker! Seriously though, without study we’d be nowhere.
* Wizards are urged to become friends with all in the Guild. We unite under a
common name
and purpose. Together, as comrades, we shall further everyone's understanding
and
satisfaction of the World.
Acting as one entity makes the Guild stronger and ultimately benefits us all.
Being friends
with people is up to the individual, but in my opinion, friends can help you
through even
the toughest times.
* A Wizard's Family is the Guild. You live, and perhaps die, for them.
And many have died for us in the past. It is their example we can follow.
Dedication to the
Guild is by no means compulsory, but I personally would die for the Guild that
helped me to
live.
* Wisdom is the greatest asset a Guild can have. Through Wisdom and knowledge,
comes power.
The power to assist all those around us. Wizards are encouraged to learn from
each other,
and to support each others quests for knowledge.
Helping each other for mutual gain is an honest concept. Helping each other for
everyone’s
gain is even better. Time and time again, working with others has proved much
more fruitful.
* Wizards know that experience is best gained through personal achievement or
co-operation
within a group. Experience "earned" by hanging on to someone's coattails may
increase your
abilities but not your Wisdom.
Helping each other doesn’t mean dragging a young Wizard on all the quests you
know. Sure
they’ll earn experience and eventually get better at casting spells, but not
through their
own achievement.
* A Wizard shall not inhibit another wizard's opportunity at achieving wisdom by
giving out
quest answers, though vague hints to the weary adventurer are permitted.
Just like the previous one. The best knowledge is that which you gained
yourself.
* Wizards do their best to support the Guild and its members providing the
Wizard's Ethos is
not broken in the process.
Wizards should aim to represent and support each other and the Guild. The Ethos
lays down
how to do so.
* Wizards are encouraged to share their ideas for and with the Guild.
Our Guild’s advancement hasn’t come through blind faith or luck! Talking to each
other and
our Guild Leaders is how things get changed. Sharing ideas is how the Guild
grows.
* Wizards air their grievances within the confines of the Guild. Public displays
of disunity
do not advance the guild and do not rectify the situation. A civilized meeting
with Patrons
and Leaders will solve difficulties far more effectively.
Our arguments and discussions are OUR arguments and discussions. If we show
disunity, our
enemies can exploit it. Our allies feel less secure and people lose confidence
in us. We
should always show our true, unified self.
* The Ethos is the summation of a way of life, not hard and fast rules. A Wizard
interprets
the above and applies its spirit, not its word.
It’s down to the individual. Personally I think everyone should try to follow
the Ethos as
closely as possible