One view of Loyalty~Baron 9

[DoS Archive]

From: qnluthien@aol.com (QnLuthien)
Date: 13 Feb 1998 21:58:06 EST

::steps up::

Due to the length of this thread, I am likely to be stray'n a bit from the original point... however, from my loyalist point of view, the following is but a summarizing example of why a duelist(or more likely, just myself) may choose to align themselves loyal to their Overlord.

So, as a testament to the quality of this scotch... ::raises glass::: I will begin my unpressed statements on the subject..... :::takes a healthy swig:::

Most known societies choose for themselves a leader, or in some cases a "figurehead" or in our case, in the bararic sense that it seems.... an Overlord who has had to claim the title by careful manipulation of the realm(luck), by wit, by strength and skill.
As a Baron of this "society", being markedly lower in rank and stature than the Overlord, whomever may he or she be at any given time... to align myself Loyal to this superior example of a Swordmaster... I say that the "Honor" is mine, that this person would have me thus. That he would defend my *Barony in time of trouble, to me as a Loyalist, is a true privilage for which I am deeply thankful. That he has the skill to do so, for me, and for
the others aligned as myself, bears a good witness to the relationship...the ideal symmetry between an Overlord and his loyal "court'' if you will.
A new Baron who would align themselves loyal to our Overlord is in a sense, requesting the Overlord to accept his blade in service to the title. In return, (and such is seen often in the intercession matches) the Overlord 1.displays his appreciation for the chosen alignment,
2. attempts to secure the court as it is arranged to loyalness, 3. weeds out unworthy ring holders who lack sufficient experience (or luck) to maintain the level of stature and honor demanded of the Baron's title. 4. Any number of other reasons can be added here.

It is rare to witness a court nearing unanimity, and it will be spoken of and referred to long after the lot of us have been usurped or fallen to other demise. Likewise, I believe that Overlord Dalamar will also be heralded as one of the greatest Overlords that ever lived. He has expended more energy in the defense of his Barons than any other Overlord known to me. He has shown supreme mastery of the blade in the defenses that's challengers
were able to surpass intercession. As a result, it is true that the Overlord-Baron relationships are becoming increasingly tighter-knit. It is an evolution of our sport that has not been witnessed before and we are all lucky to be a part of it, and witness to it.

Dalamar is a dear friend of mine and has been for the past 4 years. (yes, hit that 4 year mark this month, eek). I remember the gleam in his firey red eyes the night he claimed his Warlordship while I was still hacking my way to Grandmaster. I believe that he has earned his title not only by his skill, but by his dedication to this sport and it's evolution. His efforts to retain his title of Overlord have met with [in my opinion] unwarranted
criticism. For who among you would gain a title and not strive to retain it for as long as you were able?

My wish for new Barons, such as Lucian and Darkness... it is,.. "Be honored by your alignment of loyalty, for the Overlord honors you by accepting your pledge."

Though Dalamar is indeed an old friend, I must also say that I would retain my loyalty to the duelist who might eventually overcome him. I shall always remain Loyal to the Overlord because he/she is worthy of my loyalty and I would be honored by their acceptance of it. Should my loyalty be rejected, for whatever reasons, I would wear my 9th ring just as proudly as a Renegade. But Renegade only in that circumstance.

Everyone is different, in heart, in actions, in spirit, in the core of their belief. The content above is a small insight into the alignment of one Baron of your Duel of Swords.

I am, grateful
Queen Luthien Tinuviel-MacKenzie
Lady Tynsdale
Holder of the 9th Baronial Ring of the DoS.

::downs the remainder of the perfectly aged scotch:::