How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalry?

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How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalry?

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

The new and updated almost done edition

I just began playing a cyber-knight for the first time and felt it would be helpful to plot out what her feeling on the code of chivalry because otherwise when RPing I know I'll default to my personal feeling not the characters. It then occured to me it would be neat/interesting/helpful to know how other characters interpret its various sections. I intend to outline Hild's feelings on every section/subsection of the code but am not finished.

The Code of Chivalry As Interpreted By Lady Hild the Nicknameless


Preface: Lady Hild believes the Code of Chivalry is central to what it means to be a cyber-knight and must be upheld not because she believes in some abstract concept like personal honor or because she thinks fair play is somehow more moral or good than being sneaky and underhanded. Hild believes cyber-knights must pledge themselves to upholding the code because of the practical real-world benefits doing so yields.

“As cyber-knights our greatest strength, our true power, is not our psi-swords, our cyber-armor, or zen combat it is our reputation. When others see a cyber-knight they know that they have nothing to fear from us unless they are tyrannizing others, and even those who do tyrannize others know that we can still be reasoned with, that if we win they won’t be tortured or harmed any more than necessary, that their family and loved ones won’t suffer as well. If none need fear unprovoked acts of aggression from cyber-knights, if none who interact with cyber-knights feels disrespected, if all know a cyber-knight even when their foe can absolutely be trusted than few will ever have reason to raise their hand against any of us and many will have reason to lend us their aid.”
“Adherence to the Code of Chivalry means that no one should ever decide to preemptively attack a cyber-knight for fear that they will not be able to defend themselves should the cyber-knight attack without warning; even the most renowned war criminal will know that he has nothing to fear from a cyber-knight if a cyber-knight has not already contacted him and attempted to negotiate.”

To Live

1: "Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect"
• Don't get too crazy when utilizing the "Avoid Cheating" loophole.
• When unsure what to do ask yourself "Would Lord Coake make a frowny face or a smiley face if he heard about this?"
• If you break the code Lord Coake isn't going to come and give you a spanking. If we learn of it your master and the rest of the fellowship may decide to punish you in some manner, but this is not why you should uphold it you should uphold it because you think its the right thing to do. At the end of the day we're alone out here and we have to be able to answer to ourselves for our actions.
2: "Live Life For Freedom, Justice, and All That Is Good"
• Lord Coake founded the Fellowship to improve the lives of all those living on the Earth so get off your ass, get out there, and make it happen.
• Your psi-sword and other powers are not playthings they're tools; the means to an end.

Fair Play

Concerning Fair Play: It is a fact that in certain situations the code calls for a cyber-knight to forsake methods that might end a conflict sooner in favor of ones that might jeopardize their crusade, that risk allowing evil foes to triumph.
This isn't because underhanded means or the use of overwhelming force are inherently bad or evil but due to the effect victories achieved through such methods have on those who experience or learn of them.

Those who see someone or some group defeated or slain by methods or powers they were defenseless against will remember it and they will worry that such a thing might happen to them. This anxiety will grow every time they see or hear of another person or group slain without warning or by enemies to whom they pose no threat. This anxiety builds in the world and the more it does the more people will seek relief from this constant exhausting fear, fear that persists even when they can perceive any immediate threat. Against such potential threats there can only be one defense: preemption. "Do unto others before they do unto you." This mindset drives good people to tyrannize and kill others who have done them no harm. A belief in the indecency of others makes it all to easy to justify ones own indecency

And so by not attacking unsuspecting enemies, by not turning their psi-swords upon those who have no hope of defending themselves against its blow, and ensuring any they slay or defeat die having had a chance, having had time to prepare themselves, and having had the means to defend themselves cyber-knights might reassure all who learn of them an their victories that perhaps they too can afford to withhold from attacking others until they have been attacked.
To Hild a cyber-Knight risks themselves not for some selfish desire not to sully themselves, or because there is some intrinsic value in fair play, but to counter the constant gnawing fear of the common man. A man will know it need not be a dog-eat-dog world if they see even one dog forgo eating a weaker one even when it could have.

1: Never Attack an Unarmed Foe

• By "Unarmed" the code means those who cannot harm you or others. A mage, psionic, juicer, even a skilled martial artist may be unarmed, but that does not mean they are "unarmed."
• A good rule of thumb is that anyone who can dish it out can take it. You can put a man beating a beggar on his ass but you can't cut him in half.
2: Never Use A Psi-Sword On A Foe Not Equal To The Attack
• This injunction deals with disproportionate response. Any foe without mega-damage capacity body armor, hide, etc or equivalent defense capacity can be dealt with by any cyber-knight worth his salt without killing him/her/it.
• Threatening someone with a psi-sword is not the same as "using it on them."
• This does not mean such foes should be dealt with using a laser rifle or a vibro-blade either, don't be an *******.
• Using a Psi-Sword on some uppity thugs SDC weapon or vehicle is, however, totally kosher.
3: "Unhorsed"
• By "Unhorsed" the code does not of course mean anyone not riding a horse. Rather it refers to any foe at a significant size disadvantage to the CK when mounted and who does not posses significantly greater strength and/or mobility than the cyber-knight were they on foot. Thus Vampire, Power Armor pilots, those equipped with jetpacks, mages or psychics whose abilities can trap or disorient the CK, certain juicers and full-conversion combat cyborgs etc all count as mounted.
• On the other hand any foe who is without their normal means of defense ie a pilot outside of their machine, a mage who for whatever reason can't cast, an enemy whose run totally out of ammunition, any otherwise potent foe who's been seriously injured, etc IS "unhorsed."
4: "Attack From Behind"
• To Hild this injunction is also metaphorical. By “attacking from behind” it means attacking without warning. A cyber-knight must always first seek to resolve any conflict or potential conflict peacefully. Once non-violent means have failed however, if an opponent absolutely must be stopped sneak attacks etc are fair game; if they know they face a cyber-knight and have chosen to persist in their course of action in spite of that fact then the responsibility for guarding against said cyber-knight lies with them.
• Never slay someone without giving them some chance to defend him/herself or surrender for until you do you cannot know that they are truly an enemy.
5: "Avoid Cheating"
• A cyber-knight should obey the code because of their belief that by doing so he/she can make the world a better place not because Lord Coake is some kind of pseudo-Moses descended from the mountain with stone tablets bearing a list of absolute truths.
• If you're REALLY in a pickle remember the code does not instruct one to "never cheat" it instructs us to "AVOID cheating." This is an important distinction. Remember, we're lawful good not lawful stupid.
• Spirit of Law>Letter of Law
6: Avoid Torture
• More than the psi-sword a cyber-knight's greatest weapon and asset is moral high ground; don't forfeit this advantage for methods that rarely prove effective and will always alienate all who learn of it. Summoning an army of demons and slaughtering surrendering dead boys didn't save Tolkeen but it did drive away potential allies. Don't be Tolkeen. (**** you Kevin why is this **** in here?)

Nobility

1: Exhibit Self Control
• A cyber-knight should only embark on a course of action or make an important decision after careful thought and consideration, never based on impulse or knee-jerk emotional reactions.
2: "Show Respect For Authority"
• It is not a cyber-knights place to judge the worthiness of those in power over others. A CK may deem the works of that ruler evil or unjust and fight to oppose them and their works, but whether or not that individual(s) should rule is not your business; it is the business of those over whom they rule and as such you will show them all due courtesy. Even should you find yourself forced to kill such an authority figure you will show them every courtesy both in deed and in action even after their death (take no trophies or allow trophies to be taken [note: a necromancer using a dragons body parts for practical purposes is not trophy-taking. Trophy taking is mounting the dragon’s head on your wall so you can point at it when visitors come by and say “Ha ha I killed that. I’m so great.”]).
• It is imperative that the fellowship and all its sons and daughters not allow themselves to be drawn into politics and showing disrespect towards one who holds authority within a group is an inherently political act.
3: Obey the Laws If They Do Not Supersede the Rights of Life
• As a cyber-knight your first obligation is to uphold justice and fight evil and as such you should not hesitate to violate local laws if they would prevent you from doing so. In all other situations you have an obligation to obey all laws. There can be no peace or justice without law and order and as a cyber-knight it is your duty to act as an example for others.
• Furthermore your actions effect not only your reputation but the reputation of all cyber-knights, by violating local laws in situations where it is not absolutely necessary you not only undermine the peace and stability of society you make the fellowship seem no different than any common juicer or thug with access to MDC equipment.
4: Administer Justice
• Justice is NOT revenge! Do not seek vengeance for yourself or on behalf of others. Attacking a bandit because he he endangers the lives of others is your duty, attacking a bandit because he killed that poor villager's husband and child is NOT! If you find yourself enraged or hateful do not pursue an enemy no matter how hateful. Someone filled with rage or grief can't be trusted to know and do justice. If possible inform another member of the fellowship of the situation. Be warned this may be the hardest thing you ever do and others your enemy has wronged will hate you for it.
5: Administer Mercy
• A cyber-knight is not an avatar of karma and as such we may never harm anyone because they are evil or have done wrong. We may only ever do harm if it is apparent that by harming an individual we are preventing greater harm to themselves or others in the future. A cyber-knight must prevent tyrants from further wrongdoing and deter would-be tyrants, but we must never punish.
6: Protect the Innocent
• Innocent does not mean they have never done wrong or are even good people. Horrible people may still be "innocent" in many contexts.
7: Respect "Women"
• By “women” the code means those who bring life into the world, those who give birth not only to children but ideas, art, technology; those who create something of value where once there was nothing
• Perhaps by showing these engines of progress greater respect than others the cyber-knight might reinforce their dedication to their works and encourage such behavior in others.

Valor

1: Exibit Courage In Word and Deed

2: Defend The Weak and Innocent
• Not only are the weak and innocent every bit as deserving of protection as the strong or guilty most of the tyrants their vulnerability attracts are the sort of bully who is unlikely to ever cease their wrongdoing while at the same time posing little threat to cyber-knights and others actually capable of putting up a fight. Thus by championing those least able to defend themselves a cyber-knight is likely to make the greatest difference.
3: Fight For An Ideal, Like Freedom
• Getting “fat loot” is not "like freedom." Neither are coke and hookers.
4: Fight With Honor
5: Avenge The Wronged
• Not because it is your duty to punish wrongdoers but so that any who contemplating wrongdoing must weigh the potential benefits of their wrongdoing against the knowledge they must ever after fear they may have to face the psi-blade of a cyber-knight for it.
6: Never Abandon A Friend, Ally, or Noble Cause
• See Preface
Honor

1: Always Keep One's Word of Honor
• Do not give your word of honor lightly or without a thorough understanding of what all you might be obliged to do if it is given.
• When you give your word of honor do so very precisely. Qualifiers are your friend. People frequently think cyber-knights are lawful stupid and will attempt to use sob stories to enlist their aid for less than honorable purposes then cry "but you gave your word of honor" when the Cyber-Knight balks; don't get caught in this situation.
2: Always Maintain One's Principles
• See Preface
3: Never Betray A Confidence or Comrade
• See Preface
4: Avoid Deception
• See Preface
5: Respect Life

6: Honor All Life

7: Respect All Views of Life

Courtesy

1: Exhibit Manners
• Address people as they wish to be addressed
• Sarcasm is unbecoming
• Wipe boots before entering structures or vehicles
• Do not laugh at the misfortune of others, even if its REALLY funny. If you can't help yourself put your helmet on and mute external speakers (watching Fail vids does not count)
• Avoid I-told-you-sos unless you feel shaming someone is in their best interests
• Beware smugness and self satisfaction they're like pride's evil twin
• Speak in a manner that your audience understands and is comfortable with. (Thus obscenity is to be avoided in some situations and is mandatory in others).
• Wherever possible bury/cremate bodies or return them to next of kin
• When camping Leave No Trace where feasible
2: Be Polite and Attentive
• Not only are these nice things to do they cost you little and have great practical benefits. Rudeness easily creates enemies where previously you had none and you will learn much simply by paying attention to others; remember knowledge is power and even the most obnoxious ignoramous might still say something worth hearing.
3: Be Respectful of Host, Women, and Honor
• One who shelters others and or allows them into their homes or private places is aiding or at least working with others which is exactly the kind of cooperation the world needs; you must never make someone regret doing so even if they're a tool.
• By “women” Lord Coake (who’s a bit of a patriarchal twat) means the romantic or sexual interests of whoever you are dealing with. This is a purely practical rule as few things can turn a friendly ally into a homicidal nutjob faster than the hormonal **** perceived inappropriate behavior or thoughts about their boopsikins can unleash.
• Cyber-knights must respect others sense of honor for much the same reasons as respecting their significant other. Too much justice needs doing for you to get yourself stabbed because you embarrassed someone in public.

Loyalty

1: To One's Principles and Heart
• (Mandatory In Bruges reference)
2: To One's Friends and Those Who Lay Their Trust In Thee
• Any who need this explained to them bring shame upon Lord Coake and are a disgrace to the fellowship.
3: To The Code of Chivalry
• Included because Lord Coake knows there will always be some ******* who goes, "There's nothing in the code that says I should obey the code though so it's cool if I spend this small village's savings on coke and hookers."
Last edited by Falsor Wing on Sat Jan 09, 2016 1:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by eliakon »

This is most impressive. You have put a lot of thought into this, and it is quite interesting to see Hild's interpretation of the code. In many ways I find this code to be even more honorable and 'white knight' than the 'psudeo-paladin' literal interpretations that many people use. This is a philosophical good, not just a legalistic one.
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Edmund Burke wrote:The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

eliakon wrote:This is most impressive. You have put a lot of thought into this, and it is quite interesting to see Hild's interpretation of the code. In many ways I find this code to be even more honorable and 'white knight' than the 'psudeo-paladin' literal interpretations that many people use. This is a philosophical good, not just a legalistic one.



Hild's master felt that swearing o live by a code without understanding why one was supposed to do certain things was worse than not having any code of conduct at all.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by eliakon »

Falsor Wing wrote:
eliakon wrote:This is most impressive. You have put a lot of thought into this, and it is quite interesting to see Hild's interpretation of the code. In many ways I find this code to be even more honorable and 'white knight' than the 'psudeo-paladin' literal interpretations that many people use. This is a philosophical good, not just a legalistic one.



Hild's master felt that swearing o live by a code without understanding why one was supposed to do certain things was worse than not having any code of conduct at all.

I agree fully. That way leads quickly to legalism at best.
The rules are not a bludgeon with which to hammer a character into a game. They are a guide to how a group of friends can get together to weave a collective story that entertains everyone involved. We forget that at our peril.

Edmund Burke wrote:The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Tor »

I feel compelled to do some heelish rebuttals to these goody-good arguments.

"Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect"
• Don't get too crazy when utilizing the "Avoid Cheating" loophole.

How is someone who limits their options worthy of respect? That is worthy of pity.

When unsure what to do ask yourself "Would Lord Coake make a frowny face or a smiley face if he heard about this?"

"Worthy of respect" doesn't mean "worthy of respect from Coake". Why worry about that old man past his prime, a coward unwilling to test his anti-tech powers against the pinnacle of Coalition technologies?

Lord Coake founded the Fellowship to improve the lives of all those living on the Earth

Or so he'd have you think. Funny how someone out to improve everyone's lives has oriented his abilities to making life hard for technology developed by humans to combat supernatural invaders.

Your psi-sword and other powers are not playthings they're tools; the means to an end.
You know what they say about all work and no play.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by SittingBull »

My point of "Necromaners in the group will come to be a bigger problem" has come much closer to fruition with our cyber knight writing this post.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

Tor wrote:I feel compelled to do some heelish rebuttals to these goody-good arguments.


Ah ha! At last a challenger arises! (please note that the views expressed here are those of the cyber-knight Hild not nescesarily her player's)

How is someone who limits their options worthy of respect? That is worthy of pity.


Someone who limits their options for no good reason is no more worthy of respect than someone who does whatever is in their own best interest neither requires any great degree of moral, mental, or physical strength/courage. Hild advises against "getting too crazy" with the avoid cheating loophole because doing so defeats the purpose of "fair play" and she has fairly clearly established her reasons for sdaid fair play (I think was I not clear?)

"Worthy of respect" doesn't mean "worthy of respect from Coake". Why worry about that old man past his prime, a coward unwilling to test his anti-tech powers against the pinnacle of Coalition technologies?


A: You'll have to forgive a cyber-knight for thinking that the founder of the order she's dedicated her life to because she thinks they're a force for good is a pretty swell guy. She's essentially pulling a jewish mother-esque "Oh gawd what would your father say if he saw you like this? Oh gawd it would just break his heart."
B: If you are in a bar and you see two drunk D-bags get into a fight are you a coward if you don't jump in? Lord Coake hasn't gone to help the NGR against the gargoyles either but nobody's accused him of cowardice for that. Just because one side kills babies and loves a good genocide doesn't mean that the other is worth protecting. Also Coake is a D-Bee remember he could say screw it and head back to his home world which isn't plagued by constant demon attack and inter-dimensional slavers whenever he wants.

Lord Coake founded the Fellowship to improve the lives of all those living on the Earth

Or so he'd have you think. Funny how someone out to improve everyone's lives has oriented his abilities to making life hard for technology developed by humans to combat supernatural invaders.


You may not be aware, but Lord Coake did not create zen combat, a dragon who approved of what Lord Coake and the proto-cyber-knight fellowship were doing sought Coake out and offered to teach them a skill that he/she/it felt they would benefit from. Its not his fault his volunteer help's techniques only worked on technology.

Your psi-sword and other powers are not playthings they're tools; the means to an end.
You know what they say about all work and no play.


A: Hild feels that its responsible to confine one's play to, at the very least, SDC weapons. In fact she might go so far as to suggest a cyber-knight's recreation need not involve violence at all. Its worth noting that these are what Hild beleives a knight SHOULD do not necessarily what she does. This point is the one she is worst at adhering to as she loves a good tussle.
B: Just like most militaries and police departments if you are going to get in fights off-duty the fellowship would prefer you didn't wear your uniform while you do it.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

SittingBull wrote:My point of "Necromaners in the group will come to be a bigger problem" has come much closer to fruition with our cyber knight writing this post.


B- but Hild likes Nyx and the code doesn't say a word about what powers/techniques/strategies cyber-knights should/shouldn't allow others to use. If a necromancer sends a zombie to save a child from a burning building Hild would be like "High five, I'm glad a necromancer was here because zombies can't get smoke inhalation." On the other hand if a necromancer was engaged in human sacrifice to do their necromantic stuff Hild's complaint wouldn't be that the necromancer was doing necromantic stuff, but that the necromancer was killing people.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by SittingBull »

You said bury or cremate the bodies of those who die in combat against the cyber knight. If we have to kill that dragon, that is after the group, I don't see them going 'ok, we dont want any dragon bones'.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

SittingBull wrote:You said bury or cremate the bodies of those who die in combat against the cyber knight. If we have to kill that dragon, that is after the group, I don't see them going 'ok, we dont want any dragon bones'.


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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by SittingBull »

With necromancers you better be asking all our foes then.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by eliakon »

Is this thread going to be a critique of the game and its players, composition, and tactics, or is it a discussion of the Cyberknight code?
I understand that the Code (as interpreted by Hild) has an issue about burying/cremating bodies, and that taking trophies is disrespectful. I get that. Now, if the discussion is 'how does this part of the code interact with people that wish to do so' (such as, does she have an obligation to prevent it? Does her obligation to accepting order mean that if the chain of command allows it, that she needs to allow it? Does she work against it directly or obliquely?) then that's relivent. But if its "how does Hild deal with Nyx and Lizzie" in specific then I think its getting into the 'take it to PMs' category of personal discussion.

However as my character is Lynette, I am perfectly fine with her being discussed here. And I freely give permission for her situation, morals, behavior, etc. to be brought up and discussed here. (Falsor if you would like to demonstrate how the code works in action, and how your classifications of people work, Lynette is fine with being the topic of discussion)
The rules are not a bludgeon with which to hammer a character into a game. They are a guide to how a group of friends can get together to weave a collective story that entertains everyone involved. We forget that at our peril.

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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

eliakon wrote:Is this thread going to be a critique of the game and its players, composition, and tactics, or is it a discussion of the Cyberknight code?
I understand that the Code (as interpreted by Hild) has an issue about burying/cremating bodies, and that taking trophies is disrespectful. I get that. Now, if the discussion is 'how does this part of the code interact with people that wish to do so' (such as, does she have an obligation to prevent it? Does her obligation to accepting order mean that if the chain of command allows it, that she needs to allow it? Does she work against it directly or obliquely?) then that's relivent. But if its "how does Hild deal with Nyx and Lizzie" in specific then I think its getting into the 'take it to PMs' category of personal discussion.

However as my character is Lynette, I am perfectly fine with her being discussed here. And I freely give permission for her situation, morals, behavior, etc. to be brought up and discussed here. (Falsor if you would like to demonstrate how the code works in action, and how your classifications of people work, Lynette is fine with being the topic of discussion)


I see your point about the specificity of the discussion, however I think that using a "real world" complication as a case study is a good thing. (also I still have to post the rest of of said code so I'd prefer if the thread didn't die.)
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by glitterboy2098 »

honestly i'm curious to see how Hild handles the wide variety of people we have in our group. we've already had a minor clash of ideals over how to treat Lynette, as Hild's cyberknight derived view of good and evil is very much more of a binary one.. where someone like Lynette ends up in the 'bad' end because her programming has made her do bad things.. while my char Jon Isle takes a more shades of grey view where you sometimes have to do bad things to ensure a greater good, and it is the intent behind those actions, your willingness to find alternatives first, and the extent to which you do them that makes them good or evil.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

glitterboy2098 wrote:honestly i'm curious to see how Hild handles the wide variety of people we have in our group. we've already had a minor clash of ideals over how to treat Lynette, as Hild's cyberknight derived view of good and evil is very much more of a binary one.. where someone like Lynette ends up in the 'bad' end because her programming has made her do bad things.. while my char Jon Isle takes a more shades of grey view where you sometimes have to do bad things to ensure a greater good, and it is the intent behind those actions, your willingness to find alternatives first, and the extent to which you do them that makes them good or evil.



I would like to make sure Hild isn't misunderstood, she believes that knowing choice is a prerequisite for evil, but that doesn't mean that others can't do wrong, or that she doesn't have an obligation to stop wrongdoers. Also she'll tell Lynette what she think Lynette needs to hear not necessarily what she thinks is true.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Alrik Vas »

Well, a code is rules to follow that your morality will reshape to fit a situation. If you have no morals, you don't really commit good or evil, as there isn't really a difference to you.

That doesn't change reality, true, but someone that doesn't differentiate can really only follow a code to the letter, if they even bother trying.

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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Blue_Lion »

I use this book http://www.amazon.com/A-Dictionary-Chiv ... 0690238150 to define it when I play one.
If my knight can read I have him get a copy, and keep it on the table during games.
Plus if some one is doing something that occupies the gms time having another book on the table to thumb through can help.

(I started using it as a reference for knights when in middle school for knights and just stuck with it.)
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Suicycho »

Back in the day when I used to play, (I was almost always the GM) one of my players was a Cyber Knight. When he would face lesser opponents wielding inferior weapons, one of his tactics was to lop off the hand that was wielding the weapon. It would usually put the enemy out of commission without killing them and allow them to face local justice. If amputating the hand didn’t put them down, he would take a leg at the knee to keep them from running away.

There were many battles that when the dust settled, there were multiple enemies writhing on the ground, clutching a stump or two.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Blue_Lion »

Suicycho wrote:Back in the day when I used to play, (I was almost always the GM) one of my players was a Cyber Knight. When he would face lesser opponents wielding inferior weapons, one of his tactics was to lop off the hand that was wielding the weapon. It would usually put the enemy out of commission without killing them and allow them to face local justice. If amputating the hand didn’t put them down, he would take a leg at the knee to keep them from running away.

There were many battles that when the dust settled, there were multiple enemies writhing on the ground, clutching a stump or two.

They would have a big risk of bleeding out unless you got a tourniquet on quick.
The Clones are coming you shall all be replaced, but who is to say you have not been replaced already.

Master of Type-O and the obvios.

Soon my army oc clones and winged-monkies will rule the world but first, must .......

I may debate canon and RAW, but the games I run are highly house ruled. So I am not debating for how I play but about how the system works as written.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by SittingBull »

Blue_Lion wrote:
Suicycho wrote:Back in the day when I used to play, (I was almost always the GM) one of my players was a Cyber Knight. When he would face lesser opponents wielding inferior weapons, one of his tactics was to lop off the hand that was wielding the weapon. It would usually put the enemy out of commission without killing them and allow them to face local justice. If amputating the hand didn’t put them down, he would take a leg at the knee to keep them from running away.

There were many battles that when the dust settled, there were multiple enemies writhing on the ground, clutching a stump or two.

They would have a big risk of bleeding out unless you got a tourniquet on quick.


And infection, trauma, shock, phantom limb pain. Sounds harsh for a cyber-knight.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Mack »

I'm reminded of that scene in Terminator 2 when Arnold shoots a guard in the leg and says "He'll live."
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Sureshot »

My benchmark has always been avoiding what I see as a player in D&D. Players who play Paladins either as Lawful Stupid or Dirty Harry with a sword and shield.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Suicycho »

Blue_Lion wrote:
Suicycho wrote:Back in the day when I used to play, (I was almost always the GM) one of my players was a Cyber Knight. When he would face lesser opponents wielding inferior weapons, one of his tactics was to lop off the hand that was wielding the weapon. It would usually put the enemy out of commission without killing them and allow them to face local justice. If amputating the hand didn’t put them down, he would take a leg at the knee to keep them from running away.

There were many battles that when the dust settled, there were multiple enemies writhing on the ground, clutching a stump or two.

They would have a big risk of bleeding out unless you got a tourniquet on quick.


We had a house rule that psi swords cauterized the wound.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Suicycho »

SittingBull wrote:
Blue_Lion wrote:
Suicycho wrote:Back in the day when I used to play, (I was almost always the GM) one of my players was a Cyber Knight. When he would face lesser opponents wielding inferior weapons, one of his tactics was to lop off the hand that was wielding the weapon. It would usually put the enemy out of commission without killing them and allow them to face local justice. If amputating the hand didn’t put them down, he would take a leg at the knee to keep them from running away.

There were many battles that when the dust settled, there were multiple enemies writhing on the ground, clutching a stump or two.

They would have a big risk of bleeding out unless you got a tourniquet on quick.




And infection, trauma, shock, phantom limb pain. Sounds harsh for a cyber-knight.


Ya, it was kinda harsh. But my players were hack and slashers.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Suicycho »

Sureshot wrote:My benchmark has always been avoiding what I see as a player in D&D. Players who play Paladins either as Lawful Stupid or Dirty Harry with a sword and shield.


Dirty Harry with a sword and shield. That describes my players perfectly. They loved hack & slash gaming.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Sureshot »

To be honest many D&D games are like that. Some but not all players as well. It's when a player runs a Paladin as judge, jury and executioner. That it's not really a Paladin imo. Just a player trying to act like Dirty Harry in a fantasy realm. The other extreme is trying to be so nobly heroic that it gets annoying. Getting on players cases for every single (from what they perceive at least) as a "unheroic" act. Or worse refuse to use common sense and tactics. Give advance warning to the enemy because it's "what heroes do". So no way ti surprise a opponent. So I may criticize the PB. Not it's alignment system. Any of those type of players either adapt or go back to playing D&D.

The main problem with characters and players who are in a game with a code of conduct is that they add modern day morality to rpg backgrounds that such morality does not belong to. If a rpg setting allows slavery with it being legal. Then a Paladin or similar character can't go around attacking slavers left and right. The player might be offeneded by slavery. If it's legal then they either get fined or worse jailed. Even if the character is the most noble and heroic person of the land or realm. A cyberknight might object to CS citizens being illterate. Either the player tries to teach some CS citizens in secret. Or he gets arrested and put in prison.. Or taken out of sight and executed summarily for being a troublemaker.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Crow Splat »

That's an awesome breakdown. Without getting that in depth, my Cyber-Knight interprets the code with the general mantra of leaving things in a better state than he found them.

This has led to him refusing to help a needy family of CS citizens for fear that they would be executed (my CK is a feral dog boy known to use TW weapons and armor) as well as helping a group of demons evacuate a human village under fire from a rival demon warband.

Very r seldom does he concern himself with political lines or which side of the war is right. He is more concerned with seeing non-combatants through to the other side in one piece.

He is more of a talker so tries to avoid combat. When it happens he will generally try to figure out a way to subdue his opponents before going lethal. Once he makes the decision to kill, he considers it merciful to kill as quickly as possible as opposed to beating opponents into submission.

TL:DR He solves problems by finding the outcome where the most people live without being maimed and tortured, while improving their situation where possible.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by glitterboy2098 »

i think i can sum up Jon Isle's perspective with a few quotes from some of my favorite books/films/shows.

1.) "never start a fight, but always finish it"
2.) "If you are falling off a cliff, you might as well try to fly."
3.) "It’s easy to find something worth dying for. Do you have anything worth living for?"
4.) "It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life."
5.) There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders
6.) “It all comes down to the nature of evil, doesn’t it? Evil is selfishness, while good is selfless. If I take an action that benefits me, only me, and hurts others, I am evil. If I do what must be done to prevent harm to others, if I become the buffer between them and evil, then my actions will be good.”
“Your intentions will be good. Without consideration and forethought, however, your actions could still be evil. That is the problem, of course, evil is always easy and resisting it is never so. Evil is relentless; and anyone, if they tire, if they are not vigilant, can fall prey to it.”
“And there are situations where opposing evil may result in harm coming to the innocent.”
“Life is not without pain, but life concerns itself with how we handle that pain, or joy, or confusion or triumph. Life is more than time passing before death, it is the sum and total of all we make of it. Decisions may not be easy, but many is the time when not making a decision, not taking an action is worse than a poor decision. Evil flourishes where it is not opposed, and those who are able to oppose it must to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”



i'll add more if i remember where others are, but this seems to sum up a fair amount of it.

Jon isle doesn't really have "code" in the same sense of the cyberknights, but he does try to live by his perspective on things.


edit: here is one that sums up isle's thoughts on Lynette: (modified to be less specific)
Buried deep within you, there is something that has never been nurtured: the potential to make yourself a better [person]. And that is what it is to be human. To make yourself more than you are.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by sirkermittsg »

I have some pretty feaking awesome players in the game that I am a part of. A great many of you put allot of forethought into your characters and I like that. I have had several folks marvel at the size of the game - the simple reality is that by letting you be you, in general, we all have more fun.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

Hey, I've resumed working on the code of chivalry according to Lady Hild, should I post that here or make a new thread? (I might play some more but really my renewed interest comes from my desire to write a Rifts story.)

The hardest part now is that the code seems redundant as hell so I need to explain how several of these points mean something different.
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by eliakon »

Either one works. This thread is still alive so posting here would work well.

As for explaining how the code works....I would just suggest you start at the top, and do something like

Cybernkight Code wrote: Rule #1

Commentary on rule #1

Cybernkight Code wrote: Rule #2

Commentary on rule #2

Etc.

And as I said before, I freely offer up Lynette to be a case study in applying the code to a real world person/situation. (I will be happy to help either here or in PM or the chat room or what ever)
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Falsor Wing »

I just edited my OP with the new delux version but I'm not sure if that will bump the thread
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Nuristas »

Falsor Wing wrote:I just edited my OP with the new delux version but I'm not sure if that will bump the thread


Since I genuinely liked this thread, I'll take the necro risk. How did the story of this CK end? Did the Code ever get finished?
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by glitterboy2098 »

player suffered real world schedule issues and just kinda faded into the background
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Re: How does your cyber-knight interpret the code of chivalr

Unread post by Nuristas »

glitterboy2098 wrote:player suffered real world schedule issues and just kinda faded into the background


Too bad, this really looked like something worth following up.
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