Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 30, 2020 20:06:03 GMT -5
The Colorfolk equivalent to "Rules of Engagement," The Colormen, and later Colorwomen, adopted these ground rules to dictate an honorable approach to fighting their enemies. As sworn defenders of Ordos and against the forces of evil, they saw it as necessary to establish some sort of precautions to ensure there would be no misuse of force. Enacted by Matthew Erdagovern in 1096, they are as such:
1) Never escalate a battle; do not use unnecessary force
At their peak, Colorfolk are immensely powerful; with many tales of how "nothing can survive a level 4 Colorman spell." So why not just bombard their enemies with huge amounts of fireballs and call it a day? As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"There is no reason to use more force than what is necessary, likewise there is no need to kill an enemy who does not deserve death. When fighting your opponent, you must just accordingly what is the right amount of power to use. Your goal is not just to defeat evil forces; it is also the preservation of life and property of the innocent."
Indeed, the Colorfolk knew that their power needed to be used responsibly and as such refrained from using more powerful spells unless they were needed.
2) Do not strike without knowing your enemy
Ordos was a major magic hub during the golden age of both the magic world and of Ordos, with many coming from across the world for both a land that was free from magic persecution, and to get a chance to use even a fraction of the power from the many magic pools of the island. Because of this, both friendly and hostile mages came to Ordos, and the Colorfolk needed to remember that. As such, the Colorfolk never were ones for "striking first." As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"A preemptive strike is only effective when there is a threat to begin with. We cannot go around destroying everyone who tries to come to our island; that makes us no better than the forces of evil we are trying to protect the innocent from"
Throughout their recorded history, there are no records of Colorfolk "delivering the first punch" because, for all intents and purposes, there was no incentive to do so.
3) If not at war, do not be hostile with those who are not your enemy
Although rare, there were some morally good factions here and there who did not get along with the Colorfolk for various reasons, such as the KNUCKLEHEADS. Refusing to stoop to their level, the Colorfolk simply acted civilly in their presence; no hostility, no friendship, just courtesy. If the KNUCKLEHEADS badmouthed or harassed the Colorfolk, they simply said "I'm sorry you feel that way" and would just walk away. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"There is nothing more pointless than fighting without a cause. If any individual or group does not agree with us, but is not attacking us directly, let them be. We will not harm them, as long as they do not harm us."
The most notable example of Tenet three is the Colorfolk "fighting" the KNUCKLEHEADS... 90 percent of their engagements were defined by the Colorfolk casting "Sleepy time" on the knights, and walking away... they would not stoop to their level.
4) Never fight a pointless battle
Related to Tenet 3, this tenet concerns more with the act of fighting itself rather than the opposing party. It was considered a waste of time, energy and resources to "respond to everything with violence" and that was considered morally wrong anyway. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"Why resolve a situation with force when it can be resolved with words? If we can win the battle of words, it is a greater victory than a battle of force"
Indeed, Matthew Erdagovern's proudest achievement, the Ordosian Multi-Species Charter, was written by bringing the various species in question to the negotiating table, rather than subjugating them and forcing them under a tyrannical rule.
5) Strike at an opportune time, but never strike when they are down
In times of war, it was considered fair play to strike when they were off guard. However, a broken enemy that has lost its fighting spirit and is surrendering does not deserve to be annihilated. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"A surrendering enemy poses no threat; if they are standing down and dropping their weapons, the fight is over for us too."
"False surrenders" that placed the Colorfolk into a trap, however, were a different matter all together, and are not covered under this tenet.
6) A surrendered enemy shall not be killed without due process
Considering the act of massacring surrendered soldier "barbaric and inhuman," those who surrendered and were taken prisoner were never outright killed. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"Even if they were our enemies just before, once they have stopped fighting they are entitled to their human dignity. They shall not be humiliated, tortured or killed without valid reason."
Captured mages would be given due process under either the King of Ordos or Majika Supremus before their fate was decided; the only times surrendered prisoners were killed was when they had either "fake surrendered" and were about to kill the Colorfolk, or they were actively hostile in captivity and about to kill a Colorman.
7) Respect the authority of the ruling bodies
Mages, out of principle, do not seek any kind of political power
"as that is too much power for any one man," and this holds for the Colorfolk also. From their founding, they were enlisted by the King of Ordos to be the sworn defenders of the island, and respected his authority. Later on, after the founding of Majika Supremus, even though Ordos was left to its own devices, the Paladins maintained a small presence on the island, taking over for prosecution of evil mages, freeing both the Colorfolk and the King of Ordos from the burden. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"We are not kings or rulers in any way. Our duty is to be the defenders of our home and the people in it, and if this means that we must answer to the King to ensure that peace and stability stay on Ordos, then so it shall be"
Even after the end of the Ordosian Royal Family bloodline, the Colorfolk refused to talk power during the Ordosian Anarchy, preferring to protect the innocent as the numerous factions fought it out for power.
8) Evidence is prioritized over assumptions
The Colorfolk were not ones to blindly hate or attack another group for no reason. Even if there was "something off" about the party in question, outright attacking them was not the right thing to do. Therefore, Matthew Erdagovern insisted on the importance of collecting evidence of something and basing conclusions on said evidence, rather than jumping to conclusions and taking action based on an assumption. As he explained:
"What kind of man hates or attacks another for no reason other than blind hatred? Any kind of violence against another for no reason is unjustified and unforgivable. If we must attack another group, then it is because we have found proof of their hostility and intent and are stopping them before they can harm others"
Tying into Tenet 2, but this one focusing on a more general application to life, this Tenet emphasizes the importance of knowing the facts before making a conclusion. It is also the reason why the Colorfolk almost never attacked anyone considered morally good... because they learned what they could about the faction before taking action.
9) Do not dismiss ideas just because you don't like them
Related to Tenet 8, this tenet emphasized the importance of being open-minded. Because of this, the Colorfolk, in a time of closed-mindedness and ignorance, became a beacon of knowledge in an otherwise dark era. Unhindered by popular beliefs of the time, they embraced ideas that were considered ahead of their time, such as not using mercury and lead as medicine, the concept of zero, and science did not need to be hindered by religious doctrine. If they "dismissed" an idea, it was because they had evidence of it being wrong. For example, even the early generation of the Colorfolk had their doubts about the idea of the Earth being the center of the Universe and the sun revolving around the earth, and did do a little work in that area... but ultimately did nothing with it because "We are defenders first; this is but a side project;" thus, Copernicus' credit for this is rightfully deserved. They also did work with human bodies and anatomy, into the idea that the work of Galen may not be fully accurate... but again, they didn't publish any findings due to the constant invasions of Ordos preventing the Colorfolk from leaving the island and spreading knowledge; thus, Andreas Vesalius' credit for this is also rightfully deserved. They were intellectuals, but they were also defenders. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"The importance of finding the truths of this work is essential when walking the path of knowledge. However, in times of war we must not forget our role as defenders of Ordos, and if we must put our intellectual pursuits to the side so that the Ordosians may live, then it is necessary to do so."
In times of peace, the Colorfolk were celebrated as intellectuals. In times of war, they were celebrated as defenders
10) Remain humble; arrogance is the biggest enemy to judgement
Arguably the most important of tenets, it was important for a Colorman or Colorwoman to remain humble in their disposition. Pride and arrogance had no place among the Colorfolk, as Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"Never let yourself succumb to the power of pride. Pride is the gateway to arrogance, and arrogance is the first step towards a clouded judgement. A clear mind is necessary to make rational choices, and humility is necessary to remind yourself of who you are... you may have great powers, but at the end of the day, you are still just a man, and you are still mortal, just like everyone else."
In time, the humble mage became a more revered figure than the proud knight on Ordos... pride made one fight for glory, while humility made one fight for his home and the people they shared it with.
1) Never escalate a battle; do not use unnecessary force
At their peak, Colorfolk are immensely powerful; with many tales of how "nothing can survive a level 4 Colorman spell." So why not just bombard their enemies with huge amounts of fireballs and call it a day? As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"There is no reason to use more force than what is necessary, likewise there is no need to kill an enemy who does not deserve death. When fighting your opponent, you must just accordingly what is the right amount of power to use. Your goal is not just to defeat evil forces; it is also the preservation of life and property of the innocent."
Indeed, the Colorfolk knew that their power needed to be used responsibly and as such refrained from using more powerful spells unless they were needed.
2) Do not strike without knowing your enemy
Ordos was a major magic hub during the golden age of both the magic world and of Ordos, with many coming from across the world for both a land that was free from magic persecution, and to get a chance to use even a fraction of the power from the many magic pools of the island. Because of this, both friendly and hostile mages came to Ordos, and the Colorfolk needed to remember that. As such, the Colorfolk never were ones for "striking first." As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"A preemptive strike is only effective when there is a threat to begin with. We cannot go around destroying everyone who tries to come to our island; that makes us no better than the forces of evil we are trying to protect the innocent from"
Throughout their recorded history, there are no records of Colorfolk "delivering the first punch" because, for all intents and purposes, there was no incentive to do so.
3) If not at war, do not be hostile with those who are not your enemy
Although rare, there were some morally good factions here and there who did not get along with the Colorfolk for various reasons, such as the KNUCKLEHEADS. Refusing to stoop to their level, the Colorfolk simply acted civilly in their presence; no hostility, no friendship, just courtesy. If the KNUCKLEHEADS badmouthed or harassed the Colorfolk, they simply said "I'm sorry you feel that way" and would just walk away. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"There is nothing more pointless than fighting without a cause. If any individual or group does not agree with us, but is not attacking us directly, let them be. We will not harm them, as long as they do not harm us."
The most notable example of Tenet three is the Colorfolk "fighting" the KNUCKLEHEADS... 90 percent of their engagements were defined by the Colorfolk casting "Sleepy time" on the knights, and walking away... they would not stoop to their level.
4) Never fight a pointless battle
Related to Tenet 3, this tenet concerns more with the act of fighting itself rather than the opposing party. It was considered a waste of time, energy and resources to "respond to everything with violence" and that was considered morally wrong anyway. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"Why resolve a situation with force when it can be resolved with words? If we can win the battle of words, it is a greater victory than a battle of force"
Indeed, Matthew Erdagovern's proudest achievement, the Ordosian Multi-Species Charter, was written by bringing the various species in question to the negotiating table, rather than subjugating them and forcing them under a tyrannical rule.
5) Strike at an opportune time, but never strike when they are down
In times of war, it was considered fair play to strike when they were off guard. However, a broken enemy that has lost its fighting spirit and is surrendering does not deserve to be annihilated. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"A surrendering enemy poses no threat; if they are standing down and dropping their weapons, the fight is over for us too."
"False surrenders" that placed the Colorfolk into a trap, however, were a different matter all together, and are not covered under this tenet.
6) A surrendered enemy shall not be killed without due process
Considering the act of massacring surrendered soldier "barbaric and inhuman," those who surrendered and were taken prisoner were never outright killed. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"Even if they were our enemies just before, once they have stopped fighting they are entitled to their human dignity. They shall not be humiliated, tortured or killed without valid reason."
Captured mages would be given due process under either the King of Ordos or Majika Supremus before their fate was decided; the only times surrendered prisoners were killed was when they had either "fake surrendered" and were about to kill the Colorfolk, or they were actively hostile in captivity and about to kill a Colorman.
7) Respect the authority of the ruling bodies
Mages, out of principle, do not seek any kind of political power
"as that is too much power for any one man," and this holds for the Colorfolk also. From their founding, they were enlisted by the King of Ordos to be the sworn defenders of the island, and respected his authority. Later on, after the founding of Majika Supremus, even though Ordos was left to its own devices, the Paladins maintained a small presence on the island, taking over for prosecution of evil mages, freeing both the Colorfolk and the King of Ordos from the burden. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"We are not kings or rulers in any way. Our duty is to be the defenders of our home and the people in it, and if this means that we must answer to the King to ensure that peace and stability stay on Ordos, then so it shall be"
Even after the end of the Ordosian Royal Family bloodline, the Colorfolk refused to talk power during the Ordosian Anarchy, preferring to protect the innocent as the numerous factions fought it out for power.
8) Evidence is prioritized over assumptions
The Colorfolk were not ones to blindly hate or attack another group for no reason. Even if there was "something off" about the party in question, outright attacking them was not the right thing to do. Therefore, Matthew Erdagovern insisted on the importance of collecting evidence of something and basing conclusions on said evidence, rather than jumping to conclusions and taking action based on an assumption. As he explained:
"What kind of man hates or attacks another for no reason other than blind hatred? Any kind of violence against another for no reason is unjustified and unforgivable. If we must attack another group, then it is because we have found proof of their hostility and intent and are stopping them before they can harm others"
Tying into Tenet 2, but this one focusing on a more general application to life, this Tenet emphasizes the importance of knowing the facts before making a conclusion. It is also the reason why the Colorfolk almost never attacked anyone considered morally good... because they learned what they could about the faction before taking action.
9) Do not dismiss ideas just because you don't like them
Related to Tenet 8, this tenet emphasized the importance of being open-minded. Because of this, the Colorfolk, in a time of closed-mindedness and ignorance, became a beacon of knowledge in an otherwise dark era. Unhindered by popular beliefs of the time, they embraced ideas that were considered ahead of their time, such as not using mercury and lead as medicine, the concept of zero, and science did not need to be hindered by religious doctrine. If they "dismissed" an idea, it was because they had evidence of it being wrong. For example, even the early generation of the Colorfolk had their doubts about the idea of the Earth being the center of the Universe and the sun revolving around the earth, and did do a little work in that area... but ultimately did nothing with it because "We are defenders first; this is but a side project;" thus, Copernicus' credit for this is rightfully deserved. They also did work with human bodies and anatomy, into the idea that the work of Galen may not be fully accurate... but again, they didn't publish any findings due to the constant invasions of Ordos preventing the Colorfolk from leaving the island and spreading knowledge; thus, Andreas Vesalius' credit for this is also rightfully deserved. They were intellectuals, but they were also defenders. As Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"The importance of finding the truths of this work is essential when walking the path of knowledge. However, in times of war we must not forget our role as defenders of Ordos, and if we must put our intellectual pursuits to the side so that the Ordosians may live, then it is necessary to do so."
In times of peace, the Colorfolk were celebrated as intellectuals. In times of war, they were celebrated as defenders
10) Remain humble; arrogance is the biggest enemy to judgement
Arguably the most important of tenets, it was important for a Colorman or Colorwoman to remain humble in their disposition. Pride and arrogance had no place among the Colorfolk, as Matthew Erdagovern explained:
"Never let yourself succumb to the power of pride. Pride is the gateway to arrogance, and arrogance is the first step towards a clouded judgement. A clear mind is necessary to make rational choices, and humility is necessary to remind yourself of who you are... you may have great powers, but at the end of the day, you are still just a man, and you are still mortal, just like everyone else."
In time, the humble mage became a more revered figure than the proud knight on Ordos... pride made one fight for glory, while humility made one fight for his home and the people they shared it with.