Lord Arion, the God of Valor, returned to Sapience only a few short
years ago. Some may still know little or nothing of the tenets of His
faith. His Path is not an easy road to walk, but it is impossible to
follow a path you cannot see.

What is the Path of Valor, then? It rests upon the four pillars that
define it: Strength, Discipline, Courage and Honor.

The first, Strength, is the firmness of convictions that gives struggle
meaning. Each time one steps onto the field of battle, one needs more
than the brawn of one's arms; one needs the inner power and confidence
that the battle is worth fighting. Strength is the power to stand for
beliefs, to do what must be done. Though one cannot always be successful
in all undertakings, every action must be taken honestly and fully.

The second pillar, Discipline, gives strength a direction and a purpose.
If strength is the power to act, discipline is the time to act and the
time to hold back. Just as discipline without strength lacks the force
to accomplish anything, strength without discipline dissipates in wasted
effort. Each action, from the stroke of a blade to the execution of a
law, must be focused and bound. Decide, plan, and act, in that order;
discipline, not strength alone, must guide all actions.

These two pillars are still not enough to support Valor. Courage, too,
must be added, for the power to act and the time to act must be taken
through the will to act. Courage the strength to fight a foe, in battle
or out of it, or even to stand against impossible odds. True bravery
lies in taking the action that will earn no accolades, no recognition.
When one has suffered laughter and scorn for what one has done, when one
has worked alone, unseen, and unrewarded, one has discovered true
courage.

The final pillar, Honor, gives the way to act. From honor comes the
motivations for all right actions. None can claim to be flawless in
adherence to a code of honor just as none can claim never to faltered in
strength, lost sight of discipline, or wavered in my courage;
nonetheless, one must always dedicated oneself to the honorable path.

The Pillars both support and define Valor, but they are not themselves
Valor. They are the means, not the ends. Valor is the right action at
the proper moment, undertaken forcefully and with total dedication. This
is the pinnacle of Valor: the ability to effect a change in the world
for the better. The Pillars guide, and Valor results.

If the ideals of Valor match your own code and you wish to pursue the
Path, you are welcomed to join other initiates in the Vassals of Valor
(CLANHELP VOV). Speak to Lord Arion, Arachne, or any of the Guides to
embark upon the Path.

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Slyphian, in the year 114 MA.