The Strife of Ceannlaidir:
The Challenges of Compassion in a World of Conflict
"Glioca's Choice"
Haiku by Merisa Lightbelle
Hello, my past Love
I am here, full of Regret
Us, side by side, Hushed.
Moon, passed by Mountain
Compassion and Honor meld.
Creating Nature.
Love, for one moment.
Somehow, for Eons, Apart.
Pray tell me, why so?
Hello, my past Love
I am here, brimming with Hope
Us, side by side, Speak.
Haiku by Merisa Lightbelle
Hello, my past Love
I am here, full of Regret
Us, side by side, Hushed.
Moon, passed by Mountain
Compassion and Honor meld.
Creating Nature.
Love, for one moment.
Somehow, for Eons, Apart.
Pray tell me, why so?
Hello, my past Love
I am here, brimming with Hope
Us, side by side, Speak.
To you, reader, I hope that the haiku above describes Glioca's relationship with Ceannlaidir well. Ceannlaidir, while being one of her traditional Enemies, share a very significant relationship: that of their union creating Cail, God of Harmony.
Others have discussed the origin of their relationship, and have also discussed the depth of their enmity. Per my haiku above, I take a different path, and discuss how Gliocans might able to discover common ground with Ceannlaidir's perpetual search for Inspiration through Honorable Battle.
Others have discussed the origin of their relationship, and have also discussed the depth of their enmity. Per my haiku above, I take a different path, and discuss how Gliocans might able to discover common ground with Ceannlaidir's perpetual search for Inspiration through Honorable Battle.
Ceannlaidir, The God of War and Honor
Let me start with what we already know about Ceannlaidir, at least from the temple acolytes in Temuair. Ceannlaidir is the God of War and Honor. He is valiant, lives by glory, and in the heat of a large battle, his presence is never too far.
To you, the reader, please take a moment to recall the last time you were in the midst of a terrific battle. It could be memories from the early Deochs, fighting off deadly vipers erupting from Pravat Cave; or the forsaken barren sands of the Cthonic Remains, working in a group of five to trap, curse, and amplify the element of Dark Clerics before picking them off. In any case... you may recall that in the midst of such a powerful battle, there is an unseen force that amplifies you, making you stronger and faster. That sensation surely is the spirit of Ceannlaidir lingering close by.
In my time in Temuair, I have found Ceannlaidir's most devout followers to be loathe to actual words, for they speak from the body, not the mind. This is not to say that they are poor in being strategic, or slow-witted. Their strategy concerns the combination of physical might, their innate instinct and agile thinking in battle -- all of which is displayed in their artistry in the wielding of weapons.
To understand Ceannlaidir's devotees, you truly have to be alongside them. One example that best exemplifies this trait is witnessing how Priests of Ceannlaidir initiate Aislings: They give them a sword, take them to various hunting areas, and compel would-be worshippers to slay various minions, teaching them to delight in the battle. Or, battling alongside time-honored Coliseum Gladiators, Aislings NoirGato, Huhuman, Makiz, Rudita, among many others.
Let me start with what we already know about Ceannlaidir, at least from the temple acolytes in Temuair. Ceannlaidir is the God of War and Honor. He is valiant, lives by glory, and in the heat of a large battle, his presence is never too far.
To you, the reader, please take a moment to recall the last time you were in the midst of a terrific battle. It could be memories from the early Deochs, fighting off deadly vipers erupting from Pravat Cave; or the forsaken barren sands of the Cthonic Remains, working in a group of five to trap, curse, and amplify the element of Dark Clerics before picking them off. In any case... you may recall that in the midst of such a powerful battle, there is an unseen force that amplifies you, making you stronger and faster. That sensation surely is the spirit of Ceannlaidir lingering close by.
In my time in Temuair, I have found Ceannlaidir's most devout followers to be loathe to actual words, for they speak from the body, not the mind. This is not to say that they are poor in being strategic, or slow-witted. Their strategy concerns the combination of physical might, their innate instinct and agile thinking in battle -- all of which is displayed in their artistry in the wielding of weapons.
To understand Ceannlaidir's devotees, you truly have to be alongside them. One example that best exemplifies this trait is witnessing how Priests of Ceannlaidir initiate Aislings: They give them a sword, take them to various hunting areas, and compel would-be worshippers to slay various minions, teaching them to delight in the battle. Or, battling alongside time-honored Coliseum Gladiators, Aislings NoirGato, Huhuman, Makiz, Rudita, among many others.
Landon's memory of Aislings battling the Anaman Avatar
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Damiel's memory of Aislings battling in the Cthonic Remains
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Ceannlaidir's Honor
However, Ceannlaidir's devotees are certainly not bloodthirsty. They value Honor: for there is a reason for the death of every creature, or the unexpected end of innocent citizenry. Ceannlaidir's bloodthirst can only be satiated with the blood of an honorable death. Hence, Ceannlaidirites battle for the sake of action, the delight in life and their manipulation of it. They believe that the very act of tempting death is also a way of celebrating life.
Having personally been more involved in the Coliseum Arena myself, Honor is certainly a quality that is prized amongst the noble gladiators who risk their lives to ensure that they stay sharp in the eternal war against Chadul.
If one were to use a metaphor of an wartime musical anthem to describe Ceannlaidir's experience in a large scale war... the thumping beating of hearts of Aislings would be the prelude. The battle cries, wails, and screams we hear from Aislings and minions alike would be the chorus... and the clanging of weapons against armor would be the musical instruments themselves.
All serving to build towards a cacophony of endless Ecstasy in battle.
Indeed - Ceannlaidir devotees, in particular those of the Coliseum Arena, have have told me of this inspiration through battle; they describe fantastic experiences of their perception of time itself slowing down to a stop; to the point which all that they hear is the thumping of their hearts. In my adventures in the Coliseum Arena, I have certainly experienced this marvelous feeling, both as a combatant and as a Host for the Loures Coliseum Arena. It can be addicting.
However, Ceannlaidir's devotees are certainly not bloodthirsty. They value Honor: for there is a reason for the death of every creature, or the unexpected end of innocent citizenry. Ceannlaidir's bloodthirst can only be satiated with the blood of an honorable death. Hence, Ceannlaidirites battle for the sake of action, the delight in life and their manipulation of it. They believe that the very act of tempting death is also a way of celebrating life.
Having personally been more involved in the Coliseum Arena myself, Honor is certainly a quality that is prized amongst the noble gladiators who risk their lives to ensure that they stay sharp in the eternal war against Chadul.
If one were to use a metaphor of an wartime musical anthem to describe Ceannlaidir's experience in a large scale war... the thumping beating of hearts of Aislings would be the prelude. The battle cries, wails, and screams we hear from Aislings and minions alike would be the chorus... and the clanging of weapons against armor would be the musical instruments themselves.
All serving to build towards a cacophony of endless Ecstasy in battle.
Indeed - Ceannlaidir devotees, in particular those of the Coliseum Arena, have have told me of this inspiration through battle; they describe fantastic experiences of their perception of time itself slowing down to a stop; to the point which all that they hear is the thumping of their hearts. In my adventures in the Coliseum Arena, I have certainly experienced this marvelous feeling, both as a combatant and as a Host for the Loures Coliseum Arena. It can be addicting.
The Conflict Between Ceannlaidir and Glioca
However, this constant yearning for inspiration in battle is one reason, among many others, why Gliocans find it difficult to understand the worlds of Ceannlaidirites. Gliocans, being who we are, are likely to state gently that true inspiration comes from the true acceptance of oneself, being able to show mercy, and that compassion and love are the true ingredients to being inspired.
And yet, if we ever hope for Temuair to be united in any manner, Gliocans and Ceannlaidirites need to be able to find common ground, no matter how little. For it goes without a doubt that some of the greatest adventurers and hunters delight and glory in battle.
However, this constant yearning for inspiration in battle is one reason, among many others, why Gliocans find it difficult to understand the worlds of Ceannlaidirites. Gliocans, being who we are, are likely to state gently that true inspiration comes from the true acceptance of oneself, being able to show mercy, and that compassion and love are the true ingredients to being inspired.
And yet, if we ever hope for Temuair to be united in any manner, Gliocans and Ceannlaidirites need to be able to find common ground, no matter how little. For it goes without a doubt that some of the greatest adventurers and hunters delight and glory in battle.
How Ceannlaidir and Glioca Can Coexist
As Gliocans, we need to understand the difficulty in practicing compassion and love when one's worldview is full of conflict. The mindset that one can only be alive in conflict.
And are they completely wrong? Do we not feel the rush of insight when we finally understand how to swing our sword properly? When we finally figure out the exact intonation to use while chanting our heal spells in battle, under pressure from bloodthirsty monsters?
If we plan to even hope to sow compassion in those with Ceannlaidir's worldview, one must experience life with them and walk with them. We need to understand that battle is ONE way to derive inspiration. To feel what they feel. To participate, and if not possible, at least observe their battles. And be involved in their lives.***
Conversely, Gliocans could help Ceannlaidirites to see that compassion and love can certainly be practiced in their world. That inspiration can be found in many other places, in addition to battle. In daily actions. In temples. In the College. Above all... in oneself.
(***Merisa's Notes: One decision I made in order to understand my fellow battle-hardened Aislings, was to enlist in the Loures Battle Host team. I am thankful that I have done so: I have learnt many precious lessons of battle - but more importantly, lessons of teamwork, grace, and cooperation.)
Concluding thoughts
To truly win the war, while one does indeed require the physical strength to win the first (and easier) battle... the Ceannaidirite will also need to possess a generosity of spirit and compassion for others to win the second (and more difficult) battle of winning hearts.
And that, I strongly believe, is how Glioca can enhance Ceannlaidir, and how Ceannlaidir devotees and Gliocans can find common ground.
As Gliocans, we need to understand the difficulty in practicing compassion and love when one's worldview is full of conflict. The mindset that one can only be alive in conflict.
And are they completely wrong? Do we not feel the rush of insight when we finally understand how to swing our sword properly? When we finally figure out the exact intonation to use while chanting our heal spells in battle, under pressure from bloodthirsty monsters?
If we plan to even hope to sow compassion in those with Ceannlaidir's worldview, one must experience life with them and walk with them. We need to understand that battle is ONE way to derive inspiration. To feel what they feel. To participate, and if not possible, at least observe their battles. And be involved in their lives.***
Conversely, Gliocans could help Ceannlaidirites to see that compassion and love can certainly be practiced in their world. That inspiration can be found in many other places, in addition to battle. In daily actions. In temples. In the College. Above all... in oneself.
(***Merisa's Notes: One decision I made in order to understand my fellow battle-hardened Aislings, was to enlist in the Loures Battle Host team. I am thankful that I have done so: I have learnt many precious lessons of battle - but more importantly, lessons of teamwork, grace, and cooperation.)
Concluding thoughts
To truly win the war, while one does indeed require the physical strength to win the first (and easier) battle... the Ceannaidirite will also need to possess a generosity of spirit and compassion for others to win the second (and more difficult) battle of winning hearts.
And that, I strongly believe, is how Glioca can enhance Ceannlaidir, and how Ceannlaidir devotees and Gliocans can find common ground.
I now proceed to discuss Glioca's Opposite: Fiosachd, The God of Wealth and Fortune. Like his namesake, his relationship with Glioca continues to be elusive. I firmly believe Fiosachd's Swiftness and Glioca's Compassion can work together to make a better Temuair.
