
                    Ultima IV Quest of the Avatar Soft-Docs
                   Written by: The Peeler & The Intellectual
                          Docs supplied by The Armada

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                       The History of Britannia: Part 3                      
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           CHAPTER 10: Modern Civilization and our Universe 

     We have just emerged from the darkest period in recorded history.  With
the vanquishing of the Triad of Evil.  We need no longer anxiously watch our
backs for fear that evil will fall upon us in the first unguarded moment.  The
stability achieved by the New Age seems to herald a Golden Age of Peace and
Prosprity.
    What kind of people will inherit this New Age?  Surely our destiny is not
to perpetually fight as warring tribes throughout all time.  Is there not a
higher calling - one worthy of our efforts and capabilities?
     If one accepts that the next area of human growth should not be fostered
through agressive territorial expansion, then a possible answer emerges - We
must turn inward.  Of late a small group of inquisitive philosophers at the
Lycaeum have been asking such questions of each other.  While their musings
seem quite radical and new, they are worthy of consideration:
     Is living a life of virtue an essential element of civilization, or can
society survive the test of time without such principles?
     How might we ensure the long-term continuation of our new-found peace?
What systems of laws and ethics will ensure the continued happiness of all our
people?
     Why doth Evil still stalk the world and can it ever be truly vanquished?
     If the public set of ethics which evolved from the days of primordial
survival is impure, how can We achieve a clean foundation upon which to build a
life of virtue?
     Given the premise that to understand purity, one must strive to be so, how
does one strive for that which cannot be understood?
     If our true purpose here is to achieve a balance with our surroundings -
as is suggested in the ancient scrolls of the Library - how can We face Nature
without first facing ourselves?
     Meditation seems to hold the key to perspective.  In the transcendental
state one is freed from the shackles of modern living.  The whole of the
universe resonates with thee, and thou dost feel for once as if thou dost
belong to a greater whole.  Yet all too soon the meditation ends, and thou dost
return from this brief glimse of the sublime to the daily need for survival.
     It is the time for all to put aside their warlike ways and begin fighting
the evil that lurks within themselves.  It is far too easy to sit and espouse
the path of Virtue, yet never set foot upon it.  The ancient rule of treating
others as thou wouldst be treated thyself takes on new meaning when put in the
context of universal harmony.  We must become living examples of our beliefs!
     How does one begin to first walk along this new way?  Do road markers
exist if we but open our eyes to see them?

     To be at peace in all areas is a state only achieved by an Avatar.  Is
such a state attainable by any human, fallible as we all are?  The true answer
can only be found by those who quest forth in search of it - for who can see
the end of the Path before beginning the journey?  Yet it is also written that
for each person the Path is different.  Perhaps the seeker of wisdom and
enlightenment should begin by visiting Lord British, for his knowledge of the
ways of the land is great.  Conversing with him may help one to determine where
lie the centres of the Eight Virtues of the Avatar.
     Many philosophers hold the opinion that the Path is in reality but a
series of separate small paths.  Each minor path leads to the fulfillment of an
aspect of ourselves.  Treading one of these minor paths may be construed as a
life's goal, and many people have debated which is the most advantageous to
follow.

     Yet is not the whole much greater than the sum of its parts?  Take up the
challenge and tread not one but all of the minor paths in thy search for
enlightenment and perfection.  Perhaps only then will thou find the beginnings
of the great Path.  The Quest of the Avatar awaits.  It is not thy Heritage
that thou does seek, 'tis thy Destiny!

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End of History of Britannia.

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