Universalism
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Universalism
Author: Dharzhal T'Ar
My purpose is to prove false the notion that one race is superior to another, and to declare the principle of universalism: that all races have something to offer the other and that all may benefit, if not live in blissful harmony, with others. Each has qualities which make their existence indispensible to the balance of our world.
I. THE GODS?
Those who seek to prove superiority of one race over another cite "gods" who invariably back their conclusions. It must be nice to have such unfailing omniscience, and to know what "gods" think! If gods had decided that races should not blend, then they should have created and enforce laws which prevent it. Those "laws" did not prevent Mondain from the creation of ratmen and lizardmen.
Since there are no true laws regarding such a process, I contend that they were never meant to be, or else there are no such gods. Either way, we are all given freedom to choose mates compatible with our species for the purpose of personal fulfillment and reproduction.
II. EVIL
All races, intelligent or less so, have the propensity for evil. Evil is not inherent in any of them. Was it not Mondain, a human, who created races so that he might assume control over Sosaria? Did not Minax do the same by exploiting goblin species? Were not they both human? So which is the most vile, the created evil or the evil creator? To pin blame on any race or species, therefore, is the height of blind unreasonableness. The wild orc is no worse than the brigand human or elf. Evil is a choice.
III. THE MAJOR RACES
Each major race has something useful to offer the world, which other races may admire and seek to emulate. To eradicate them would, therefore, be a terrible mistake.
ORCS
Despised as they are by most other races, Orcs have nevertheless persevered over the centuries. They possess a hardiness, strength, resourcefulness, and cunning which have enabled them to survive and more. To their credit, they inject a strength and will into other races for self-preservation which keep them alert and combat trained. One may learn from this fierce but ignoble tribe.
ELVES
All elves are favored with a grace and beauty like no other. Their wisdom, especially of nature, is ancient and unsurpassed since they outlive most other races. They inject a sense of destiny and purpose into their world, as they must, for who could live so long and be pleased otherwise? They are expert crafters and traders. Without their minds and patience, the world might still be floundering in the darkness of ignorance.
GARGOYLES
To look upon Ten-Mur is to see the ancient and noble intelligence of this race. What marvelous engineers and architects! The only race that is endowed with wings to fly, hastening travel. What miner has not been glad to have held a gargoyle pickaxe? What crafter has not seen the value in imbuing? Without this race, much would not now be that is.
HUMANS
The most numerous of the races are the humans. Yet numerical superiority is not the sole measure of greatness. More numerous than they are flies and worms, yet none would call them superior. And it is human bigotry that has kept many races from achieving more. No, one must not equate numbers with anything more than numerical superiority! Short-lived, humans are impatient. They cannot wait long for results.
Their lives are both precious to them, if their own, or cheap, if not their own. They will give all they have to preserve their existences, even to becoming the unnatural undead.
Yet their contribution to our world must not be minimized! In their effort to know, learn, and experience in their short lives, they encompass land and sea. They bring adventure, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness to the world. They have built great cities and small backwater towns alike. Nothing is beyond them, save flying, and yet that may one day be within their ability.
The world would be much less than it is now without them,
MINOR RACES
By that I mean, those who are less in number, or scattered or fairly unknown. These would be the Meer, the Juka, and others. That their contributions are less known, visible, or prevalent, is not an indictment, but an admission that they are reclusive or isolated, most likely by choice.
CONCLUSION
Each major race, and perhaps all, have made our world what it is. It is not a playground of the gods; it is not a utopia, nor will it ever be. It merely IS!
Let those who revel in their nationalistic or racial pride, have it... it is deserved. But do not forbid those who seek to cross racial lines to express their freedom to reproduce and to add the strengths, and weaknesses, of their race into the mix. It is in the blending of the races that true harmony in our world may ultimately come... one supreme race, neither Orc, Human, Elf or Gargoyle, but a composite which the gods, if there be any which take part in the process, may have desired it to become from the beginning.