IC, I was asked this question all the time and argued with maran paladins upon this very subject, so I came up with this IC.

Mind you, my role was as a sphere Order paladin of Velkurah (old tribby IMM) who believed in Theocracy and the Law as "The Will of the Grand Master", basically that the Spire Law existed because a Lawful Good god that I followed decreed it to be so.




note read 67
< 67> Thu Jun 24 10:32:50 2004
From : Alarian
To : immortal Celebrimbor Yraen Brordaran Ryldain Elentari Amtheia Selreen Thaydan Audriel Markow Thenrek Menon Thaydan
Subject: An Epistle upon the necessity of Law.

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*IN THE NAME OF THE MASTERS OF LIGHT*
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Brothers and sisters,

For some time we have argued amongst ourselves concerning obedience to the Law.

It reflects badly on us when others see us arguing and fighting in this way. Therefore, I would like to submit to you all 5 reasons why all of us should obey the Law.

1. The 9th precept.

What better way to respect the Laws and those who enforce them by simply obeying them? Also, should we not have faith in the Immortals of Light who must have included this precept for a reason?

Who are we to question divine wisdom?

2. The benefits of civilization, which Law creates.

Despite such idiocies as the Empire and the thiefs guild, civilization has created a bastion against the capriciousness of nature which benefits common people who might starve to death without an agricultural system, or would be too weak to defend against theft and the ravages of wild beasts.

Should we live as animals?

3. Our image.

We are commanded to be the paragons of Light in Thera. How does it look to the people when a paladin walks into a bar in Tar Valon and crushes the skull or a misguided serving girl there, or kills a beggar who was just overwhelmed by despair?

How can we look noble as a criminal?

4. The harmfulness of murder and theft.

I myself have slain and taken from the corpses of evil men, despite knowing that murder and theft are inherently harmful. Why? To prevent greater acts of murder and theft by those who are evil, because we have to.

Under the Law, we dont have to do so to defend the innocent. How is that bad?

5. Peace.

A world without evil would be glorious, but perhaps unattainable. A land of peace, however, is attainable under the law if it is enforced with the threat of punishment forcing those who are evil to stop their evil acts.

How much evil has the Law prevented?

We are not shamans who can make food, brothers and sisters, we are shining beacons of hope, redemption, salvation, and faith to the cities and people of Thera.

In the name of The Grand Master,

Alarian