Anethionean Cosmology - The great struggle between Good and Evil

With thanks to Drustai, our conversations have inspired me to write this, and she was very helpful in explaining some fine details. This does not however make her any less an evil, corrupt, twisted, undead necromancer xeno witch that needs to burn on a stake!


This paper is now circulating in the learned circles of theologians within the Church of the Holy Light, and will no doubt spread to other centers of scholarly pursuit such as the Violet Citadel and countless secular libraries.

Treatise on the nature of the Cosmos, the Light and the great struggle between the forces of Good and Evil
By Abbess Ioanna, Vicar of the prophet Anethion

The dwarves would have us believe that the world was created by a race of powerful Titans; although it is very much clear that those creatures did indeed give shape to Azeroth and its races, it is ridiculous to assume that they have given birth to the cosmos as we know it. It borders on the insane to suggest that any creature that is subject to the laws of this cosmos, and is integral part of it, could be the creator – it is impossible for any entity to be its own creator.

Our revered mages tell us that the world we call home is one of many that float on the mystic winds of the Twisting Nether. The Twisting Nether is a chaotic realm of raw magic where every thought –so say the magi—is given shape. Chaotic nature of the Nether is such that those creations are soon obliterated unless sustained by an exertion of will.
It is only logical that we now postulate the existence of some entity, existing outside our common conception of existence, by whose volition our cosmos has been created and is sustained. It is not excluded that the Titans are the physical representation of the creative exertion of said entity, and are thus involved in the process of creation; They could also be simple creatures that have went far ahead of others, to create worlds within the created cosmos.

We observe that our cosmos is orderly and obeys unchanging and immutable divine laws and regularities, from the growth of plants to the movement of the celestial spheres. The machinery of the cosmos is thought through to the last, and this forces us to conclude that this entity is omniscient and infinitely wise, more so than we can possibly imagine – even if we do one day unlock the mysteries of the created cosmos, metaphysics describing this entity itself will remain forever veiled. Considering that laws of nature are the same everywhere, we are forced to conclude the entity’s omnipresence.

This entity maintains the cosmos through the exertion of its own will and creative genius, and as we observe happiness is the true form of existence that is easily attainable, but also perishable. Give a man a house, a family and a field and he can live happily throughout his life. It takes a thug to change that. Our cosmos is inherently hospitable, and this forces us to conclude that the creator-entity if benevolent.

This omniscient, omnipresent and benevolent entity we call The Holy Light.

Whisperings of design
How does the rock know to be hard? How does the flower know to reach towards the sun? Why do things not grow grotesque and malformed from the ever-changing winds of Nether? The Light whispers its will to every object in existence, so that they may fall in with Light’s plan. It is perverse to deny that sentient beings are excluded from being informed of Light’s Will, and indeed, we hear Light’s voice in our hearts, compelling us to do certain things while shunning others. Clearly, all plants and all rocks and animals obey the Light’s Will, sentient creatures, however, appear defiant.

Only two possible explanations exist: all sentient life is inherently corrupt, or the Light allows us the luxury of choice. The first choice has to be disregarded, for the Light has created the mind-boggling order of the universe and should therefore encounter no difficulty in creating flawless, obedient life. This all draws us to take the inevitable conclusion that all sentient beings are privileged, as we are given a chance to observe, ponder and marvel at Light’s grand creation; as well as being given the responsibility to choose for ourselves which path to take.

As far as our scholars are aware, sentient beings are the only ones capable of thought, capable of affecting the chaotic winds of Nether and giving shape to them. Our immortal souls carry in them the same creative potential as is present in the Light itself. It is humbling to ponder that perhaps we are guests invited to marvel at Light’s grand design, or even the incarnation of the Light itself as It wishes to observe its own creation, or that the Light is immanent in us.

The cradle of Evil
Regardless of our intended role, it is evident that our thoughts and emotions alter the fabric of the Nether - and our cosmos. The Light whispers us its will, prodding us to do certain actions in certain ways. Good is defined by Light’s Will, for Light’s will is directed towards maintaining the structure, the order and the benevolent nature of the cosmos. Evil is defined by what is contrary to Light’s Will.

The most dramatic example of an evil thought and emotion bringing harm into our world is the curse or a hex of a warlock. But do not be mistaken, no matter how small, every wicked feeling and thought invite evil into our cosmos, and over time it builds up. Worst of all, this evil sets on the soul as a sediment – a blemish on Light’s flawless creation, and it is through that wound that more evil may enter.

Even Sargeras, Lord of the Legion and the destroyer of many words needed the help of kaldorei queen Azshara to enter Azeroth. Undead are either summoned by a necromancer or a product of a violent death. It is self-evident that those most wicked and foul agents of destruction – demons and undead- cannot enter our world without the assistance and consent of a sentient being.

Faith
Faith in the Light is the realization that we are guided by divine will, knowledge that this will is Good, realization that we should follow it and be obedient to it. The Light is infinitely wise and benevolent, therefore by definition a faithful life, no matter how hard it appears, is the best possible life one can have. As faith is the ideal state, let us proceed with exploring the various gradations of depravity as one deviates from flawless perfection.

First step is doubt. A man shall question Light’s wisdom, deny the goodness of Light’s design and refuse to acknowledge Light’s voice within his heart. In the end, this doubts leads to an obvious consequences: the man no longer believes a Faithful life is the best possible mode of existence.

Doubt results in Sin, blemishes and flaws of soul, evil thoughts and evil deeds. Some of those blemishes are minor, others festered and horrible to behold. Seeking for a life better than a faithful life such a man will covet his neighbor’s possessions, feel threatened by his comrades, and deny his responsibility to his community. Sinful thoughts devour the soul and expose it to further evil, while sinful deeds destroy the community and affect everybody in it.

Sin leads to apostasy – an open rejection of everything the Light stands for. Those whose soul was corrupted by doubt and tainted by vile sin no longer see a place for them in the Light’s grand design, and indeed, they no longer have one. This leads them to reject the Light altogether, and seek succor from the evil darkness of the Nether. A humble man may become a vile criminal, while a powerful priest or a mage becomes a warlock.

Warlocks and witches are cursed creatures, who have lost the faith in the Holy Light and rejected the powers It provides, and who have lost faith in their own willpower that allows them to bend the winds of nether, and now they seek succor from the ruinous forces of destruction. Such individuals bring demons and undead into our cosmos, their vile and malicious intent manifests as curses and pestilent plagues. Do not be deceived, there is no good warlock – for the very fact that they can wield their dark magic means that their souls are defiled beyond recognition by malicious thoughts and cruel emotions. And such wickedness brings evil into our world. Every time a warlock casts a spell, he thinks terrible thoughts, and those thoughts invite darkness. It is our responsibility to the community, to the Light, and to the souls of all magi and priests to impose regulations upon them, so that none will throw himself into the embrace of Evil in exchange for dubious rewards.

The forces of Darkness know that faith in the Light is our only weapon of protection; as such they attack the Faith directly. There are mortal servants of Evil who seek to ridicule the faithful and to subvert the holy word of the Faith. They fill the minds of men with vile, duplicitous promises and guide them away from the true path . Such putrid enemies of the Light are known as Heretics. Whereas only a few madmen would argue for a demon’s goodness, heretics are manipulative by nature and foster sympathy towards their unholy cause; the ease with which they spread their unwholesome lies and gain converts makes them especially dangerous.

Last word must be said for infidels, those who never had faith, and therefore have never rejected the Light and cannot be classed as apostates. Many sentient races that have never worshipped the Light are indeed infidels. Not all infidels are equally bad, however, for the Light whispers to all creatures. Traces of Light’s eternal will can be found in the heathen religions of other races. Although the kaldorei worship the pale light of the moon, concepts of benevolence, charity, justice and loathing for all dark magic make them surprisingly close to us. It is only a matter of time before their people shed the last trappings of heathen ritual and call the Light by Its true name in their prayers.

The Cosmic Struggle
The Light has given us the right to choose between Good and Evil with our every thought and every deed, and every faithful person must strive to make the Good choices throughout his life, and to battle those who choose Evil. Only when all the agents of Evil have been exterminated, will our world assume it’s true, perfect state, for all destruction, war and other harm comes directly from ill thoughts, ill intent and ill deeds of others.

Do not be discouraged, it is not only for heroes to combat evil. A good baker bakes his bread for the benefit of his community, thinking of the smiles on the face of his recipients, while an evil baker bakes bread for profit. A good guard fights crime because it is loathsome to the Light, a bad guard fights for his salary. A good mother loves and cares for her children because they are Light’s creatures and are entitled to it, while an evil mother thinks only of the support they will give during her own old age.

All good deeds are always reciprocal in their essence. It is good to give charity to the needy. While you give charity you know that you yourself should come in need, others will give charity to you. This is what sets Good deeds apart from Evil deeds. No man who is a robber would want to be robbed himself, but every man who shows love would want to be loved himself. This is the elegant, simple brilliance of the cosmos created by the Light.

Likewise with thoughts, nobody would want others to feel hatred towards them, or to think ill of them, or to show excessive pride. May he who thinks that making the Good choices is difficult remember this simple rule: good is simple, treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. Would you want to become a monster hurting your community and family? Nobody would, therefore it is good to slay a witch.

Now those who still cringe in their choosing may realize, that they have a hard time not because they do not know what action is good and what action is evil, but because good actions require of them momentary sacrifices they cannot bear to make. This is doubt. By doing Good, you do Light’s will, and walk the best possible path. If you think that making an Evil choice, and keeping that which you cannot sacrifice is better, then you doubt in the Light’s grand design. Doubt leads to sin, sin leads to apostasy, and apostasy leads to retribution of the faithful!

Attachment is as much an enemy of the Faith as is doubt. Material benefits are transient, only the spiritual rewards are eternal. A modest, somber life-style devoted to work for the benefit of the community is the best way to safeguard your soul against the evil of attachment.

How to combat evil
Before you fight a war abroad, make sure your own lands are secure. Battle against evil starts with fortification of your own faith.

Religious ritual, exaltation of the Light’s sanctity and prayer all help in keeping the faith secure. Ritual brings community together, exaltation reminds us of Light’s greatness, and prayer is the moment when we force ourselves to think good thoughts, wish good things upon the world and speak good words.

Work for the benefit of the community helps us keep in touch with the nobler parts of our soul, and helps us remember that appreciation and smile is greater reward than wealth. Not to mention that an idle man is more prone to busy himself with subversive thoughts and heresies.

Somber, modest lifestyle characterized by local food and simple dress help us remember the perishable and transient nature of material wealth. Modesty also helps prevent attachment and jealousy of others, and fosters tight community.
When we are certain of our good work, certain that our community will always look after one another, there is no reason to doubt in the Light and no way to fall into the pitfall of sin. However, one must always be wary for the sinful thoughts and deeds, check himself for them, and banish them with prayer and meditation. Remember; treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself.

At last, one whose faith is firm and who indulges in no sin is ready to march and bring battle to the agents of Evil. Such a man can take a sword and embark on a crusade to extinguish witchcraft and apostasy, or preach Light’s word to conquer all doubt, sin and infidelity.

Conclusion
Our universe is good and benevolent, and whatever Evil is allowed within is of our own making. It are our evil thoughts and evil deeds that spark arguments, crimes and wars – and eventually invite demons into our cosmos. It should therefore be our prime concern to purge ourselves of such subversive influences, keep our Faith firm, and battle any agent of evil in our midst - heretics, apostates, witches and warlocks, demons and undead. And to bring back into Light’s fold those who are touched by doubt and sin, but may yet be saved.

I love the idea that recognises the Titans as 'creators' not 'THE creators'.

VEry good reas.

Lovely, absolutely lovely.

Simply...divine.

*smiles sweetly*

Anaei summarises my opinions better than I could. Very well done.

Seems you hard at work again, but I am way too lazy to read this much text xD

Thanks! It was certainly a lot of fun writing it! Also gave me an opportunity to do some research and realize that I've been using the word 'Heretic' too loosely before. Now we have an excuse to call people sinners, apostates and infidels though! Hah.

Amazing =)

you know, this cna also be applied to real life. Congratulations, you hae proved the existance of God (the word "God" can be substituted with any such entity(s) according to your particular religions(), beliefs, or thoughts).
And as such, you have also destroyed him, due to the logic of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Video link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyYS-GzBSIg&feature=related

This is wonderful. I loved it!
Anethionism was the only thing that made me consider rolling a Human, but then I came back to my senses.

Ah Gilroy, Gogol once said: "The Chapter is Stormwind's voice of reason."
Your Leader approves, come to ussss!

Domovoi/Pyratheon wrote:you know, this cna also be applied to real life. Congratulations, you hae proved the existance of God (the word "God" can be substituted with any such entity(s) according to your particular religions(), beliefs, or thoughts).
And as such, you have also destroyed him, due to the logic of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Video link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyYS-GzBSIg&feature=related

And just for clarity: I haven't. In real life multiverse theory, hyper-inflation and anthropic principle would destroy my argument.

PS: right as I was writing it, I got visited by Jehova Witnesses. Scary. Spoke to them some, got them to admit that even if you do not follow the bible, but live according to principle of universal love you live well, and parted on that note.

Very well written Exaythe, I'd be convinced to go out and about ICly.. If it weren't for the fact that Heroic loot is beckoning me with its insidious whispers of minor upgrades.

I know it wasn't ment to make me want to do bad things .But after reading it I want to be more evil good job I've been too good of late for a thief/ warlock Now to plot something truely bad to do that will blow up in my face no matter what I do ....hence ultimatly proving you 100%right.
Why can't bag guys win

Because evil guys must realize that their victory lies not in winning battles or turning the world upside down, but from acquiring personal benefit! If a warlock does an evil ritual that gave him 2.5% of intended Super Power before being stopped by goodies, and he escaped with his life - he won!

True.

How come you make no mention of Elune, The one true goddess hmm? Maybe she would be a way to explain all this!

Elune is a woman, and there are too few shoes in the universe for it to be created by a woman.

*looks around for angry feminisits, then flees anyway*

Exaythe wrote:Ah Gilroy, Gogol once said: "The Chapter is Stormwind's voice of reason."
Your Leader approves, come to ussss!

I deny everything.

Simply stunning, even though I've got one major complaint!

Exaythe wrote:Even Sargeras, Lord of the Legion and the destroyer of many words needed the help of kaldorei queen Azshara to enter Azeroth.

In what way do Lord of the Legion, and the desroyer of many words make sense?!

Other than that, amazing!

He obviously annihilates worlds by destroying words, when people can't talk their ability to cooperate declines.. And that's when Sargeras strikes..

Bam! How come I haven't thought of that? It's so obvious... Bugger... O'well, better late than never I suppose! Thank you for enlightening me! O'unholy one?

This is really well written! When's the New Testament of Anethion coming out? And it BETTER be filled with Light loving propaganda x)