The gnosis of luathas:
using knowledge to amplify compassion
Of all the concepts that each of the Gods of Temuair represent, Luathas's knowledge is perhaps one of the most accessible to us in today's Temuair*, and yet remains the most elusive to truly grasp. Glioca has historically not had a significant relationship with Luathas; however, they certainly share an intimate relationship due to the intrinsic tool that Knowledge is. In this section, I explain the nature of Knowledge, and explain how Compassion is amplified by the presence of Knowledge. I also briefly reference the recent loss of wonderful works in the Libraries as illustrations of this point.
(*Merisa's Notes: As mentioned previously, this is sadly no longer true as of Deoch 173. Upon my awakening in Temuair after a Deoch, I visited the Mileth and Hy-brasyl libraries only to realize that they had shuttered their doors, to my dismay. Whispers abound that it was due to an allegedly unprecedented move by the Mundanes to muzzle the voices of Nobles, although the truth remains elusive. The Loures Library remains open, but has had considerable works removed from it.)
(*Merisa's Notes: As mentioned previously, this is sadly no longer true as of Deoch 173. Upon my awakening in Temuair after a Deoch, I visited the Mileth and Hy-brasyl libraries only to realize that they had shuttered their doors, to my dismay. Whispers abound that it was due to an allegedly unprecedented move by the Mundanes to muzzle the voices of Nobles, although the truth remains elusive. The Loures Library remains open, but has had considerable works removed from it.)
Luathas's Temple depicting the Trinity of Esotericism: Cail, Luathas and Gramail
Luathas, The God Of Gnosis and Arcana
It is open knowledge that Luathas is the God of Gnosis and Arcana. The temple acolyte tells us that,
"...Luathas is worshipped by seekers of lore and arcane knowledge, as well as those trying to make their way, whether lost in the woods, or lost in the hustle of a city's chaos, or lost without a purpose in their lives."
Many Aislings in the Atavism Ages who have often taken massive attempts at classifying and systematically dissecting the seemingly endless amount of Knowledge in Temuair and Medenia happen to be Luathians. Such works include, but are not limited to:
- Dionia Autumne De La Croix's "Semitas Arcana Temuair", an attempt to classify the magicks of Temuair and Medenia;
- Kedian Tassadar Ta'Null, who has spoken and written widely about the Octave and various topics more recently, as well as the ancient magical theory of ancient Aosda,
- Aphrodite D'ourvean's "The Sects of Temuairan Faiths", describing various offshoots of the eight major faiths in Temuair;
- **Pastel's "The Aisling Legend: Nature of the Aisling", analyzing and dissecting the form and nature of gossip that the mundanes engage in.
The Trinity of Esotericism
A closer inspection of those texts reveals the strong influence of the Trinity of Esotericism (Cail, Luathas, Gramail) at play. Indeed, this trinity forms a cycle; a system for the process of gathering and using the results of knowledge in society. First, Luathians believe that the source of all knowledge can be found from within Cail's nature; they believe in Nature being the origin and center of all. Second, Luathians believe that Aislings are then able to use the results of these findings to analyze, discover, and invent marvelous creations to better Temuair. Finally, Luathians tap on their unshakable belief in Gramail's authority, by using their findings and inventions to improve Temuairan society, and Aislinghood more broadly.
To illustrate, consider the Songs perused by Aislings throughout Temuair and Medenia use of ease of transport. The raw parchment comes from precious timber harvested across Temuair (Cail's Domain). Then, the raw parchment scrolls are infused with magicks and wizardry to birth Songs, dramatically improving Aisling life (Luathas' Domain). Finally, by bending space and time, Songs are used in specific ways in Mileth and Rucesion Songs, to precisely land an Aisling at the threshold of said villages (Gramail's Domain).
(**Merisa's Notes: Pastel was a High Priestess of Luathas, as well as an Aisling Philosopher and Lorekeeper. She was unfortunately branded as a Heretic by fellow Acolytes of Luathas, and further denounced by nobles in the College. Specifics are thin, for both Luathian clergy and the College have been notoriously vague. Details have been lost to Sgrios, with much heresay passed along by Mundanes and Aislings alike. However, Pastel's work remains instructive and excellent as a point of reference.)
Knowledge as both Bane and Boon: Classical and Contemporary Illustrations
Knowledge is indeed the conduit that propels Temuair forward. However, while Knowledge can certainly serve as an enabler of bigger and better things, it also has the ability to perpetuate cycles of destruction and devastation, further sowing discord among Aislings and the mundanes. I will use examples from the Danaan Ages, as well as from the Atavism Ages. My purpose is not to judge, but merely to illustrate the simultaneously beautiful and destructive nature of Knowledge.
The Story of Jaalyn Sarag
Consider the story of the very first wizard, Jaalyn Sarag. As told by Veneficus, leader of the Academie Arcanus, Jaalyn discovered the ability to conjure the elements that comprise the natural world in Danaan 1412, and her ability to conjure the elements in their pure forms, which we do so effortlessly nowadays, was unsystematic in nature and wreaked havoc upon the lands. This destruction led to Elementalism: a study that gradually realized that the elements existed in balance, with none holding an absolute advantage relative to the rest. However, this discovery, while serving as a wonderful discovery for the lands, ultimately led to elemental misuse., seeding further destruction in the Elemental Wars between Wizards around Danaan 1430 - commonly known as the "First Affront to Luathas".
The Shuttering of Mileth and Hybrasyl Libraries
More recently, the marvelous creation and maintenance of the Hy-brasyl and Mileth Libraries have now become weapons in a larger scale effort against Loures. In the 173rd year of Deoch, Aislings began to report that custodians at these libraries were limiting access to these precious tomes. Details are scant, but hint at a raging war within the Aisling population, as well as towards the mundanes. While it is no longer possible to make sense of what is truth and hearsay, it is a travesty considering that the original purpose of the College of the Arts was to prevent Loures from having a monopoly on knowledge and information. By doing this, I can only imagine that Knowledge is going to again fall into the hands of Loures, without significant intervention.
Indeed, these precious works have been locked away - a treasure trove of information across over twenty cycles, accumulated over several generations of Aislings, lost forever to all Aislings. The only scrap of information I was able to obtain was from a notice posted at the gates of the Mileth Library, posted by famed Aisling, Topic Gareth:
(( OOC: Quote slightly edited to adhere to the theme of Temuair: original quote here. ))
" I have removed the College Information in protest of the actions of the mundanes. I refuse to recognize their interference with the College, as well as the Contest System which has been in places for cycles. Loures is unable to even begin to fathom the history, legends, lore, or philosophies that have been developed in the College by Aislings - and yet feel the desire to alter a fundamental system. This is not the first incredibly misguided award given to undeserving Aislings in an attempt to placate those among us who adhere to the philosophy of "If I bleat loudly enough, then the mundanes will accede to my requests. Temuair has fallen far."
- Topic Gareth*
Suomi Burgess, Contest Host, Arena Host, Knight, Ranger
Suomi Burgess, Contest Host, Arena Host, Knight, Ranger
*Given my recent ascension to the position of Contest Host, I have had many discussions with recognized Aislings, past and present, in the land. Some are hopeful, while many are pessimistic. I should add here that Topic is my adoptive mother, to prevent any conflict of interest.
Using Knowledge to Amplify Compassion
Understanding the potentially destructive nature of Knowledge, I submit that the Gliocan, or any compassionate Aisling should consider harnessing Gnosis to amplify Compassion. Through harnessing the power of Gnosis, I hope to spread the word of Compassion, as I see it, to all Aislings in the land. I wish for this Knowledge to reach the hands of all who wish to spread Compassion in Temuair and Medenia. The treatise you are reading now is my attempt to systematically explain how Love manifests itself through other Gods - an endeavor that many before me, including my earliest precedessor, Angelic Stedwinn, has attempted.
I also highly recommend the archival of Masses. Given the shrinking of Temuair, and the recent closure of the Libraries it becomes even more crucial to keep an archive of wise words from religious clergy past and present. I will append references at the end of this essay for the reader who wishes to learn more.
Understanding the potentially destructive nature of Knowledge, I submit that the Gliocan, or any compassionate Aisling should consider harnessing Gnosis to amplify Compassion. Through harnessing the power of Gnosis, I hope to spread the word of Compassion, as I see it, to all Aislings in the land. I wish for this Knowledge to reach the hands of all who wish to spread Compassion in Temuair and Medenia. The treatise you are reading now is my attempt to systematically explain how Love manifests itself through other Gods - an endeavor that many before me, including my earliest precedessor, Angelic Stedwinn, has attempted.
I also highly recommend the archival of Masses. Given the shrinking of Temuair, and the recent closure of the Libraries it becomes even more crucial to keep an archive of wise words from religious clergy past and present. I will append references at the end of this essay for the reader who wishes to learn more.
With a good understanding of the relationship of Glioca to the other Gods, I now move to the Abstraction, where I briefly summarize what I hope for Aislings to take away from the reading of my treatise.
