The Shadow Wood Library
The Virtues of Britannia
Honesty
To the self, be true. Honesty begins with the will to regard the Truth on one's heart. A true
heart spreads its warmth to the home and across the entire world. In seeing the world in true form,
one can draw upon the magic that connects all living things: the power of the ether. To the self,
be true. In repetition and experience, you shall find honesty whose comeliness inflicts shame upon
evil.
The City of Honesty is Moonglow.
Compassion
He who lives without compassion dies loveless. Compassion is the child’s awe at the natural world
and his love for all who live in it. Compassion for others reflects the love in one’s soul. It
requires strength to hold compassion, for under duress, it is quick to flee. In testing your will
to aid others, Compassion shall grow in your spirit like a wildfire.
The City of Compassion is Britain.
Valor
Valor is the cloak that protects the other seven virtues. Valor gathers selfish courage and shares
it with the beliefs that one holds and protects. Valor is tested again and again, and through it,
one sees the portal to virtue. To demand valor of oneself is to lead the way for others to find it
in their hearts.
The City of Valor is Jhelom.
Justice
Wherein Truth and Courage are reconciled lie the secrets of Justice. It bears no moderation, for
it does not shine in the fog of war. The fiery will that spurs one towards Justice can lose sight
of the Truth. To judge with a level eye demands Truth and Courage of conviction to pursue the Truth.
In reward, Justice shall give temperament to your spirit.
The City of Justice is Yew.
Sacrifice
Sacrifice gathers love in the palm of Courage. Sacrifice requires a love of self to be given
without consideration to others when that selfish love suggests safer choices. Where there is
no choice, therein lies no scarifice. Where the shape of those choices blur and lose definition,
the highest standards of common good find expression. In finding the Courage to share your Love,
you shall find therein Sacrifice.
The City of Sacrifice is Minoc.
Honor
Truth is the tree from whose top sings the bird of Honor. The Courage to be true in repetition brings
the song of Honor to your spirit. Though its melody sweetens over time, Honor can be lost in a
moment's hesitation. Honor sings from a lonely mountain. In finding the courage to pursue the truths
in one's life, you shall find Honor.
The City of Honor is Trinsic.
Spirituality
Spirituality is the urge towards steady improvement of the soul. The spiritual are never sated in their
hunger for Truth, Love, and Courage. From whatever place the Principles are viewed, spiritual energy
rights them into proper balance. In the unity of Truth, Love, and Courage, you shall infuse your spirit
with peaceful Spirituality.
The City of Spirituality is Skara Brae.
Humility
On the road to Virtue, humility is an elusive wind in the face. To lack Truth, Love, and Courage is to
spread the seeds of pride. Humility is the gentle breeze which, upon seeing the seeds of pride, sweeps
away these begetters of hubris and discontent. Humility is often the last virtue captured, for pride
is quick to flourish. To find humility, you must bear witness to the pride in your spirit. Only
after such an examination, can you call forth the winds of humility.
The City of Humility is Magincia.
