I have secluded myself deep within the Iron Citadel for the past several days in deep meditation. As I was isolated within the darkest corner of the keep I began intense study of Lord Sartans Seven Truths of Evil. In particular his third law was of great interest to me and I spent many long nights pondering its meaning. I quote it here for those who know it not.

'Weakness must be eliminated in all its forms: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual.'

I have spent many days conjuring new ideas on how to eliminate all forms of weakness from my own being. As I reflected on this matter through many sleepless nights, several propositions about the theme of mental weakness came to me, which I now make clear to you.

(I hope not to offend any of my dear brothers and sisters of the Infernals and of course any of the Almighty beings whom inhabit our land. I simply make this post in an effort to learn more about myself, my existence, and of course Lord Sartan.)

My main topic is that of emotions. Allowing one to be subject to emotions can be a great sign of mental weakness. Let me explain my reasoning with the following. (There are of course many more, but these are the more major ones, which I seek to touch on.)

LOVE- This is most likely one of the biggest weakness an Infernal Knight, or rather any man, can have. Love begets many other dangerous feelings including Hate, Desire, Rage, Jealousy, Lust and more. These emotions can quickly cause mental anguish and show weakness, which our enemies may quickly exploit.

Too much time is spent in the pursuit of this thing called 'Love' that could be spent in the pursuit of knowledge, martial skill, and bringing honor unto ones guild and god. In the same sentence I would like to say I do not think marriage is a bad thing, but simply that Love is. Marriage should be done to further the race and to gain status, holdings and power.

ANGER- Most know of our guilds 'anger' or 'hatred' of one Cooper Ravenwind. One may think that we are justified in our anger, which we are. However, I suggest that one must guard even against this feeling of anger. It can cause blindness to the reality of a situation, and cause one to make decisions that one may not ordinarily make. It can bring about misdeeds and grave judgment errors. In the case of Cooper Ravenwind I suggest we think of justice rather then anger or hatred as we grind him back into Minia.

DESIRE- Desire can show a weak willed individual. Desire can lead us to chase after things of little meaning, such as wealth, fame, and love. These items do not necessarily cause mental senility. In fact some of these are the things that are important to our personal well being. However, most of these items are tools and should be used as needed, not lusted after simply for the act of having. Our time should be drawn toward furthering the objectives of our guilds, cities, and gods.

JOY and SORROW- These basic facts of life can be the hardest to deal with. Nearly all emotions spring from joy and sorrow. But I believe that as true followers of Sartan we must even be free of these simple feelings. Joy and sorrow lead to other more self-destructive emotions. For example, if we feel sorrow by the death of a companion who was slain without honor, that sorrow may soon turn to hatred and rage, leading to recklessness. This recklessness could cause us to act without the use of tactics, focus, and honor. From this one can see how simple sorrow can cause the downfall of oneself.

There are multitudes of different emotions and I could discuss them at great length, however, I will spare you any further words of wisdom, and let you contemplate what I have already imparted unto you. Let me conclude by saying that a man does not need to be free from emotion, but rather be in complete control of his emotions. This man is a man, who is no longer plagued by emotional hindrances, and shall rise above the common rabble of mortal men and become something greater.

A note to my guildmates..... As Infernals we must rise above the common filth that pesters Sapience. I believe we need to shed ourselves of these mental weaknesses and strive for something more. I believe a man
free of the clutches of damning emotions, is a man whom can best serve our Lord. For while we are in the pursuit of these asinine, "so called riches" we are not seeking the greater glory of Sartan.

Valor, one without emotion, sympathy, or feeling
Greatness is the pursuit of dominance over others.

Penned by my hand on the 23rd of Ero, in the year 237 AF.