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              The Book Of Felloship, as written by Batlin of Britain
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i.  Salutations to the Traveller

        Good morning to thee, gentle friend and traveller!

        No matter what time of day it might be when thou are reading this--
no matter what the hour of the clock -- I say good morning to thee because
this very moment brings to thee the coming of the dawn.  The dawn, as everyone
knows, is the moment when illumination comes.  The dawn marks the end of the
long dark night, and a new beginning. It is my humble hope that these words
may be for thee a dawning, or at least, a type of awakening.

        I call thee 'traveller' no matter if thou has never left thy home
 town, no matter if thou wilst never again leave thy room, because all of us
 are travellers.  I call thee traveller for truly all of us travel a spiritual
 or philosophical path -- even if it is simply by living the life that we
 choose to live, or by searching for a new life when our current one fails to
 satisfy our needs as thinking spiritual beings.

        It is past time that I introduce myself to thee, gentle friend and
traveller.  My name is Batlin, and indeed I have been following this quest
all of my life.  It has been a long road, but the rewards have been beyond
measure.  If thou wouldst permit me, I would very much wish appreciate sharing
these rewards with you.

ii.  The Story of Batlin -- Part the First

        There is much that I have set out to tell thee in this book.  Some
small part of it involves my own personal story.  As that is the least impor-
tant part of this book, I shall quickly relate my tale first, gentle friend
and traveller.  In that way, we shall soon have it over with and then be free
to pass on to more important concerns!

        I was born in the forests surrounding the city of Yew and educated in
the traditions of the Druids.  Having been raised in the city of Justice, I
was taught to always strive for fairness in dealing with others, and these
teachings left a lasting impression upon me.

        But while I found the trees, birds and moons to be very beautiful, I
determined to dedicate my life to the service of people.  So it was I left to
seek my fortune in the world.

        This was a time when, over Lord British's objections, unruly lords
waged war against each other, so there was little else to do but to become a
fighter in the city of Jhelom.  I regret killing, although much of what I did
helped bring peace to our land once more.  I learned well how to defend myself
and to find the courage one must have to survive in battle.  I also learned
respect for those of valor who earn their wage by combat.  Eventually those
little wars ended, and I found myself penniless and without a trade in the
capital city of Britain.

        I became a Bard simply because a Bard was needed at the Blue Boar.
There were none about, and I had the loudest voice.  Never had I considered
myself to be musically inclined, but it was a fair alternative to starvation.
My voice was painful.  My mandolin strings would break rather than let me
stroke them.  After much heckling and many a thrown bottle, my talents did
slowly develop.  As the years passed I began to feel the deep compassion that
bards know when singing of heroic deeds.  I discovered that sharing a spiritual
rapport with my audience was very moving. Several of my ballads are still sung
today (although by tradition, the player will no doubt take credit for
composing them himslef).

        While in Britain, I met two remarkable individuals.  They were twins,
Elizabeth and Abraham.  They were also well versed students of philosophy, and
many were the hours we spent in discussion and debate.  We did raise our voices
on occasion, gentle friend and traveller, but that did not prevent us from
becoming fast friends.  Although I would never presume to intrude upon their
privacy by revealing the many fascinating details I learned about them and
their lives, I will say that they play a truly significant role in the part of
this book that is my story.

        A mage from Moonglow who had heard me preform came to offer me
employment as his assistant.  Magic has always fascinated me, and so I became
his apprentice.  I will always remember his teaching that if I was to successf-
ully commune with the invisible world without lapsing into madness, I must ever
retain my honesty -- if one is to live outside the laws of reality, one must
first be honest.  He taught me well.  It was with great sadness that I ended my
studies in the magical arts when my master, who was most elderly, passed away.

        While drinking at the Blue Boar soon after his passing, Elizabeth,
Abraham, and I each decided that we needed something to which to dedicate our
lives.  On a youthful whim, we made a pact that we would go our separate ways
and spend the next decade travelling throughout the land to find adventure, and
find ourselves as well.  We agreed to reunite at the Blue Boar in exactly ten
years.  Our departure was exciting yet melancholy, as my life began a new
chapter.

iii.  The Old Man and the Bandits

        On the road leading out of Britain, I met a man bent with age, but
still possessed of keen wit.  As we walked he shared with me his tale, and I
in turn shall share it with thee.

        During a stroll through the woods one day, this man was kidnapped by a
group of vicious bandits.  The poor man had just left his nephew's family and
no one else in the world.  Woe to them who have been kidnapped when they have
no one to pay their ransom!  The bandits soon began to loathe their captive and
did make plans to kill him.

        One wanted to hang him, while another wanted to stab him.  Still
another wanted to burn him at the stake while a fourth wanted to tie rocks
about his waist and throw him in the river.  So angry did they wax in their
disagreement over what manner of violence to use, that they did break into an
awful, bloody row.

        And so it was that this old man did escape from the bandits, who were
distracted with their brawling.  Upon noticing their victim was gone, they
continued to fight, this time over whose fault it had been, until all of them
lay dead, murderd by each others hand.

        This old man was later reunited with his nephew's family and all were
joyous of it.  For as he had learned, Unity is essential for survival, and
unlike those reckless bandits, he still wished to live for a good many years
yet.

iv.  The Story of Batlin -- Part the Second

        My travels took me to Trinsic, and there I encountered a group of men
at arms with whom I became most impressed.  Many fighters I have known were
man of valorous heart on the battlefield, but off it little more than thugs.
These men were not mere fighters, but Paladins.  They were all skilled
swordsmen and expert horsemen, as well as learned scholars and perfectly
mannered gentlemen.  Above all, they were devoted to the preservation of honor.
It was with eager gratitude that I accepted their invitation to join them.  The
following years were filled with excitement, as we journeyed through the land,
righting wrongs and helping those in need!

        During one of our adventures I was injured and forced to remain in
Minoc while my companions rode on.  A healer there told me that without the
proper tratments (for which he charged outrageous prices) I would most probably
die!  I angrily sent him away.  After a time I did mend.  I had learned that
the healing process takes place mostly in one's mind and have since placed no
trust in healers who greedily prey upon the afflicted.

        At that time, the town of Minoc was in need of a Tinker.  As I healed,
I supported myself by fixing, building and inventing things.  I had never
before realized how much a town is reliant upon it's Tinker, nor how
appreciative the local township people are to those who sacrifice themselves to
continuously solving the problems of others.  So welcome did they make me feel
that I stayed for several years.

        Then, filled with the urge to roam and longing for the outdoors once
more, I joined a band of Rangers in Spiritwood.  Rangers are deeply spiritual
people.  Living with them reminded me very much of my druid childhood in Yew --
with one big difference.  These Rangers drank the most wonderful wine I have
ever tasted!  The bottles came from the old winery at Skara Brae, having
survived the terrible fires which ravaged that island.  Later I made a
pilgimage to the desolate ruins of Skara Brae and there I had a spiritual
experience so profound that I have vowed never to relate it to anyone.

        Leaving their band, I gave away all of my possessions and for months I
wandered aimlessly.  Eventually I arrived at New Magincia where I sought
employment as a Shepherd.  Most of the following two years was spent in perfect
solitude, living in complete humility.  it was an experience that left me
significantly changed.  When I noticed that ten years had almost passed, I
began the journey back to Britain.

v.  The Two Brothers and the Trickster

        On the road back to Britain I noticed a small mine being worked by two
brothers.  They greeted me suspiciously but eventually shared with me their
tale, and I shall share it with thee.

        Their father died and left them a map to some unclaimed land that
contained valuable minerals.  By law a claim can only be made in one name, and
this led the brothers into conflict.  One brother was the eldest, the other was
more worldly -- both wanted the claim.  They became so fearful that the other
would make the claim that each spent all his time spying on the other.  No work
was done.

        One day, they met a stranger who said he was a mining engineer.  They
did not trust him at first, but he assured them that their claim was too small
to be of interest.  He was on the way to stake a much larger claim.  The
stranger turned their heads with tales of the riches they could have, replacing
their distrust with avarice.

        The brothers asked the stranger to make their claim for them, and went
back to woking their mine.  They worked without stopping for months, and
afterward travelled to the mint to sell their ore.

        At the mint they learned the stranger had staked their claim in his own
name and then sold it outright for a fortune.  As the brothers had taken ore
from land they did not own, they were sent to the prison in Yew for many years.

        Their sad fate tought them to be more trusting of each other, for a man
who does not trust his brother is always vulnerable.  After hearing their tale,
I went to the mint, for I was curious which of the two brothers held the claim
to their new mine.  I had tried to guess and was quite suprised when I saw the
answer.  It was in the name of their father.

vi.  The Creation of The Fellowship

        I was overjoyed when Elizabeth and Abraham both arrived at the Blue
Boar safe and sound.  It was a splendid reunion.  The tales they told me were
truly astounding, gentle friend and traveller.  But as I have mentioned, I do
not wish this tome to be an intrusion upon their privacy.

        Not all of our memories were pleasant ones.  Most of the people of
Britannia, it seemed, were more interested in helping themselves than in
helping their fellow person.  As travellers -- strangers wherever we went --
we had become used to the cold eye of suspicion upon us.  Everywhere there
were people who expected something for nothing, as if owed a debt byt the
world.  Most of all, each of us had met many people who were fundamentally
unhappy.  Everywhere there were people who knew that they needed something
in their lives, gentle friend and traveller, but they had not a hope of
finding it.

        The three of us had learned much of history.  There was once a time
when life was infinitely more fagile, but was cherished much more dearly.  We
yearned to recapture that aspect of Britannia's former glory.  After much
discussion, we decided to found a society called The Fellowhip.  At this time
I was also conceiving what would become it's philosophy, but that will be
discussed further in another chapter.  It was Abraham who suggested that I
propose The Fellowship to Lord British.  I agreed, little realizing the task I
was undertaking.

vii.  The Ratification of Wise Lord British

        It was with much anxiety that I stood before the throne of wise Lord
British.  I was in a long line of subjects as our Liege made numerous
pronouncements.  Although I had been waiting for hours when I at last had my
audience, I still felt unprepared.  His unwavering glance fell upon me.

        I said that I had a modest proposal.  My colleagues and I sought to
establish a philosophical society known as The Fellowship.  Lord British asked
me who woud see the benefits of this Fellowship.  I replied that no one would
benefit from it, for it would not be run for profit.  With a word I was
dismissed.  I found myself leaving the throne room before it had even sunk in
that I had been refused.

        By the look on my face Elizabeth and Abraham knew I was not the bearer
of good news.  In discussing the matter, Elizabeth suggested that Lord British
had desired a tribute from us.  If we could present an impressive enough
tribute, he would grant his favor.  After a time, we raised a thousand gold
pieces by selling nearly every possession we owned.  With renewed confidence I
returned to the castle.

        This time there were several workmen with me to carry the chests of
gold that were our tribute.  As I reached the front of the line I spoke boldly.
I said that I wished to discuss The Fellowship, but first wished to present
Lord British with a suitable tribute.  With consternation, I realized that I
had spoked before Lord British had finished reading an important looking scroll
placed before him by one of his advisors.  He signed it as he spoke, not even
bothering to look up at me.  First he ordered my workmen to remove the boxes.
Then he ordered the workmen to remove me as well!

        Angrily I stormed from the throne room.  Once more did I face my two
friends.  We were most disappointed.  The dream we shared now seemed to have
no hope of becoming reality.  I spent days somberly brooding over my failure.
One morning found me so completely lost in my thoughts that I did not hear the
passing beggar approach.  When at last I noticed him he spoke.  "A coin for one
denied the rewards of worthiness."  The illumination was pure and instantaneous.
He though I had gone mad when I gave him my chest of gold.  I ran back to the
palace as fast as I could.

        At first, Lord British would not see me, but I implored him.  He
looked me over, and seemed to see something different about me.  He listend as
I spoke.

        "Our society, The Fellowship, will be a union of spiritual seekers
that shall strive to bring Unity to our fractured society.  We will promote
Trust and understanding among all the people of Britannia.  With your approval
our society will teach one to seek Worthiness, rather than mere personal reward.
To that end, I seek your recognition of The Fellowship."

        After a long moment, Lord British replied.

        "Batlin, thou dost know the meaning of perseverance.  I care not for
what thy Fellowship dost wish of me and I care even less for what thy Fellowship
would seek to do for me.  But if thy Fellowship would seek to serve the subjects
of my land then my support for thee is unequivocal."

        Thus was born The Fellowship.

vii.  The Value of Virtues and the Virtue of Values

        In creating the Fellowship philosophy I had no intention of cobbling
together a collection of platitudes that would be presumptuously intended as a
replacement of the Eight Virtues of The Avatar.  I knew there would be those
who would accuse me of doing just that, no matter what philosophy I developed!
I herby wish to state that The Fellowship fully supports the Eight Virtues of
The Avatar, and as one who has endeavord to follow their example I can person-
ally assure thee of their immeasurable worth.

        But as one who has followed the Eight Virtues, I know whereof I speak
when I say that it is impossible to perfectly live up to them.  Even the Avatar
was unable to do so continuously and consistenly.  Can anyone say that they
have been honest every moment of every day of their lives? Can anyone say that
they are always compassionate, valorour, just, sacrificing, honorable, humble
or spiritual at all times?  The philosophy of the Eight Virtues does little
more than emphasize our own personal deficiencies.  I have met many adherents
to the ways of the Virtues who are racked with guilt over that they percieve to
be their spiritual failures, for that is what the virutes are based upon.
Having been shown our weaknesses, now is the time to strengthen them.  The
philosophy of The Fellowship has been created to eradicate the failures from
one's life.  It is a philosophy based upon success and it enhances everything
that has come before it.  The Fellowship philosophy can be expressed as three
values derived from the personal experiences of my life.  They are known as The
Triad Of Inner Strength.

ix.  The Triad Of Inner Strength

        The Triad Of Inner Strength is a rigorous mental discipline.  It takes
concentrated effore to apply this traid of value to thy life.  But in doing so
thou wilt see a change in thy life so significant that thou shalt no longer be
ablt to look at the world in the same way again.

        The first value of The Triad Of Inner Strength is expressed as
"Strive For Unity."  People apply this value to their lives by working tog-
ether to achieve that which shall benefit everyone in a state of mutual co-
operation. We have seen by the parable of "The Old Man and the Bandits" how
Unity is essential.  If we are not working together then we are certainly
working aginast each other.

        The second value of The Triad Of Inner Strength is expressed as "Trust
Thy Brother."  People apply this value to their lives by dealing with others
without accusations or suspicions that limit others and themselves.  We have
seen by the parable of "The Two Brothers and the Trickster" just how vulnerable
lack of Trust makes one.  Without Trust we restrict ourselves from that which
we wish to accomplish.

        The third value of The Triad Of Inner Strength is expressed as
"Worthiness Precedes Reward."  People apply this value to their lives by
placing a greater emphasis on their accomplishments rather than on personal
gain. We have seen by the Parable of "The Ratification fo Wise Lord British"
that one must not expect something for nothing.  Blindly chasing reward is a
path that leads nowhere.

x.  The Philosophy of the Fellowship

        The scholarly name for the Fellowship philosophy -- which I did not
personally coin -- is "sanguine cognition."  This is merely an important
sounding way of saying "cheerful knowledge" and that is as accurate a
description of The Fellowship philosphy as any I can imagine.

        As long as one maintains his confidence and hopefulness on is
continuously open to the opportunities that perpetually exist in life.  I
firmly belive that, gentle friend and traveller, and thou shouldst believe it
as well.

        Without confidence, one does not perceive the world correctly and hence
on misses opportunities.  This sad state of "fevered" reason currently holds
the majority of the population in it's ice grip.

        Such "fevered" persons begin to adapt illusory notions to their
thingking and entangle themselves in twisted, confilicting emotions which
reinforce their failures.  These sad people become afraid of themselves.  They
begin to believe that they will fail, and this belief can become a self full-
filling prophecy.

        Such a fevered person, whether he realizes it or not, desperately needs
to recognize that the world is not a tangled knot of failure.  The entire
process of thought needs to be permanently fixed to a confided nature.  Such a
person needs to "find the best in himself" and accept his basic worth.  This is
rarely an easy task.  It requires a reflection upon one's self that can be
emotionally painful.  But as we say in The Felowship, "Sometimes one must face
harm in order to find healing."  Upon achieving Recognition one will follow his
own innter voice of reason that will guide him through life and help him avoid
failure.

        One of the most difficult things to accept is how reliant we are upon
others.  We fear the rejection, the real or imagined hidden motives, and the
potential deceit of others.  Accepting our inevitable reliance upon others as
an intergral part of our role in this world requires the courage to walk on
fire.

        To achieve the recognition necessary to break free of the fever, one
must dedicate every fibre of being to accomplishing that end.  We of The
Fellowship travel that path, and I extend my invitation to thee, gentle friend
and travller, to join us.  Together we shall reach our destination.