Foundations
The Foundations of the Northmen are non-negotiable requirements for peaceful interaction, not only between Kin but also with outsiders.
Non-aggression
Might does not make right; initiating unprovoked aggression (hostile or violent behavior) resulting in a direct threat or damage to life, liberty, or property is unacceptable and requires the application of justice to restore those damaged.
Self-defense
Northmen do not initiate aggression, but will do what is necessary to defend themselves from those who aggress against them, but only as much as necessary to end the conflict and extract themselves, other Northmen, and/or their property from the situation.
Property
Northmen can claim, defend, maintain, buy, sell, create, lend, and invest their own property as they see fit as long such use is peaceful. No amount of community consensus can forcibly take possession of a kindred’s peacefully acquired property except as the result of a Council seeking justice for a damaged party.
Justice
Most modern “justice” systems are more akin to “punishment” systems, focused on leveraging force and punishment as the results of wrong-doing instead of looking to help the damage parties. Northmen seek justice that restores injured parties to their former state, as best as possible, while leaving punishment and imprisonment as last-resort measures.
Virtues
Virtues are guidelines for one’s general behavior in order to maximize one’s growth and prosperity in life. While the Virtues are an excellent guide, everyone makes mistakes and divergence from the Virtues is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and make plans to change for the better.
Courage
“I face the future and any threats to me and my kin with strength and optimism.”
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.”
Honor
“I stand by my oaths and keep my name pure among my kindred.”
“Better to die with honor than to live with shame.”
Fidelity
“I support and aid my kindred and those to whom I pledge my service.”
“Even the most rash of tyrants, the most mindless of animals, and the most humble of thralls do well to protect their own.”
Discipline
“I do what is right and necessary without threat or bribe.”
“The difference between dangerous and harmless is discipline.”
Hospitality
“I support and aid kin, kith, and the weary traveller at my door.”
“We are all stories, in the end. Make yours a good one.“
Honesty
“I seek the truth, speak the truth, and defend the truth from those who do not honor it.”
“Speaking a lie and living a lie are but a breath apart.”
Perseverance
“I press on against all odds to finish what I have set out to do.”
“I will not stop because I am tired, but because I am done.”
Industriousness
“I take joy in my work, always look to improve and work to the best of my abilities.”
“Hold yourself to a higher standard than others do. Your work is a reflection of yourself, make sure you like what you see.”
Self-Reliance
“I aim to learn, work, and earn my own way, being no burden on others.”
“The greatest fruit of self-sufficiency is freedom.”
Gratitude
“I am humble and grateful for the things given to me and look to be generous with what I have.”
“Wisdom is unlike any other prized possession: it is multiplied by giving it away.”