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1) In all that you do be honest and
fair. Always consider how your actions will affect your family,
your Clan, and your standing among those Dragons who call you
friend.
If what you are doing will not bring honor or justice, or improve
the world around you by even the smallest measure don’t do it. It
is your duty always to ensure that no dishonor or shame comes to those
dependent upon you because of your words or actions. 2) Take credit for, and accept the
consequences of, all of your own actions, be it for good or ill.
Everyone makes mistakes. Shame only comes in not owning up to
them. And when you do make an honest mistake, forgive yourself as
you would forgive others.
3) Accept no blame for that which you did
not do without a very good reason such as saving an innocent from
harm. Accepting undue blame to save the "honor" of
another is not a good reason, for if they *had* any honor worth saving
they would accept the consequences of their own actions rather than
trying to pass it on to you.
4) Give your word only after great
consideration as to how it may affect your duty to your Gods, your
family and Clan. And when you do give your word you are honor bound to
keep it.
Should you knowingly or deliberately fail to do so, your honor is
diminished until you make amends.
5) Do not engage in idle gossip or
speculation about the affairs or actions of others. Never reveal
the secrets entrusted to you by family, Clan, or friend lightly.
To do otherwise shows you to be an untrustworthy person and seriously
lacking in honor. The old adage “Loose lips sink ships”
applies in all areas of life.
The spreading of unsubstantiated rumor brings dishonor upon you
and shame to your family, your Clan, and your Dragon friends.
The only exception to keeping a secret
is when doing so would endanger an innocent, bring unjustified dishonor
to another, bring shame to family or Clan, allow a criminal to go
unpunished, or seriously violate the laws of the land. In this
matter let common sense prevail.
6) What is yours is yours. Let
no one take from you by force or con you out of that which is
legally and rightfully yours. But also respect the property of
others. Take nothing you are not entitled to or which has been
given to you freely and with an open heart.
7) If someone who has wronged you, your
family, or Clan comes before you in genuine repentance forgive them with
out reservation. However, you have no obligation to forgive those who have
wronged you yet made no attempt at restitution. Remember, while
holding stubbornly to old, useless anger does you no good, neither does
forgiving those who have not earned it.
Forgiveness is a gift freely given yet still must be
earned. It is not something that can be demanded of you, nor an
"obligation" you must submit to in order to "move
on."
If you cannot honestly forgive then don’t… But also don’t
let old angers fester in your heart. Instead release them to the Universe that they may be
cleansed and dissipated. This does not
mean you forgive the offender, it simply means that you to choose
no longer let them have any power over you in any form.
8) Never neglect your family or Clan.
Have the fierceness of a Dragon in their defense if and when necessary,
and always be certain they are provided for before starting any new
endeavor or taking any risk.
9) Always remember that having a cool
head and calm mind is a virtue. The
ability to keep your head when all around you are losing theirs is a
benefit that will serve you well in all aspects of life.
10) Remember that you are a
representative of your family, your Clan and your Dragon friends. You
physical appearance and demeanor should reflect that.
Show pride in yourself, your appearance, and your position in the
Clan without being arrogant. Always
strive to do your best everything you do. Be generous with self-praise
(without bragging) and self-forgiveness when warranted.
11) When you gain power or authority,
use it carefully and with wisdom. Remember that both power and authority
grow with experience, and as a member of the Draconic Tradition you
should exercise both with care, dignity and humility. No matter
how wise you think you are, or how powerful, if you abuse what has given
you there will come a time when the universe may decide to take it back.
12) Do not give your friendship or your
allegiance frivolously or without careful consideration. Not
all those who seek to be friends with you are worthy of that honor.
A false friend can be more dangerous than the most bitter enemy.
Make sure those whom you call “friend” are trustworthy and
honorable.
13) Unless the lives and safety of your
family or Clan are in jeopardy always obey the “laws of the land.”
To do otherwise without true justification brings dishonor to
you, your family, and your Clan and shames you before your gods.
14) Remember that dignity, a gracious
manner and a good sense of humor are traits to be admired and
cultivated.
15) Always be prepared for whatever the
Future may bring. Life with all of its joys, sorrows and secrets is to
be embraced and experienced to the fullest, for this is how one gains
wisdom, knowledge and experience. When your time in this Life is
done, return to your Gods with joy. Stand before Them with pride for a
life lived with honor, and wait with a glad heart until your time of
rebirth comes once again.
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