Online:The Gray Passage (compilation)

Book Compilation
See Also	Lore version
Note
This is a compilation of books assembled for easier reading.

The Gray Passage

Challenges to seek the favor of the stars

---

The Gray Passage

Sing, O Stars, the glory that dwells in the hearts of all people. Beneath Hosiven's stone and the long-quenched pyre of Sarhedil, let their labors find purpose and glory. Know O pilgrim, the virtues of the Stars, for all great deeds cry for blessing. Let the Stars guide the righteous through the Gray Passage, through the caves of Upper Craglorn, to find the prayer markers and their commands.

Heed the Stars, O pilgrim, and undertake their quest. Seek their six virtues, hewn into stone. Bear each command with a noble heart and return with the utmost speed. For only the swift and the just shall receive celestial favor.

The Pledge of Courage

Know O pilgrim, the Stars' command:

Be steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity. If fear must be borne, let your enemy bear it. For fear is a heavy weight that dries the mouth and dulls the senses. Though the enemy may be legion and your brothers and sisters may lay dead at your feet, you must remain brave and resolute. For bravery is the stone upon which the warrior's temple is built, and the temple stands strong.

Pledge to be courageous, as the Stars command.

The Pledge of Perfection

Know O pilgrim, the Stars' command:

Pursue perfection in all things. Cleave to your trade and do not waver. Spend your days with the sword and your nights with the shield. Train diligently and do not falter. Be flawless, for greatness demands a hawk's focus, and a perfect warrior is a weapon that cuts down our enemies without thought or hesitation.

Pledge to be perfect, as the Stars command.

The Pledge of Piety

Know O pilgrim, the Stars' command:

Honor the Stars, for it is good and right to venerate them and hold them in awe. Each blade that crashes down upon the People's foes must first rise skyward. Let each strike land with a prayer. Be steadfast in prayer and generous in sacrifice. Only the pious and most-loved by the Stars shall find true glory. For a pious warrior is a dutiful warrior, and piety sustains the warrior through even the darkest hours.

Pledge to be pious, as the Stars command.

The Pledge of Simplicity

Know O pilgrim, the Stars' command:

Seek simplicity and abstain from profane pleasures. You must not wallow, as beasts do, in filth and mire. Nor should you dwell in a house of gold and blessed red stone. In all things seek cleanliness and austerity. Do not share the cup of the debauched or break bread at the lot-caster's table. Simple blades must be clean and sharp. For a simple warrior is an unburdened warrior, ready for whatever comes his way.

Pledge to be simple, as the Stars command.

The Pledge of Obedience

Know O pilgrim, the Stars' command:

Be ever obedient to king and clergy. Duty does not heed bright disposition and defy a dark one. A good king has no more right to obedience than a poor one. Both priest and king serve as the voice of the Stars' will. Though they may be sour as unripened figs or hard as uncut stone, they must be obeyed. For obedience is the warrior's armor, and the armor is strong.

Pledge to be obedient, as the Stars command.

The Pledge of Vigilance

Know O pilgrim, the Stars' command:

Be ever vigilant, in both the blinding days and star-blessed nights. Even behind great walls, the People are imperiled by gray-men, and Goblin-kin, and wild beasts. Within the hall as well, the People may fall to plotting and poor counsel. The warrior must keep watch and act when cause is given, for vigilance is the walls that protect the warrior's temple.

Pledge to be vigilant, as the Stars command.