Burden Philosophy

"'When you choose your burden you take on the weight of a another soul, be it the weight of your enemy's life or that of a friend.' --High General of Arms Kirus Gartellen, Collected Quotes, 673 AE."

Overview
Ardorian combat instruction ties in teaching philosophical teaching to martial practices. The common principle are the schools of thought related to the Burden of the Sword and the Burden of the Shield. The schools of thought impress the the important of purpose when someone chooses to fight.

Burden of the Shield
This philosophy refers to the understanding the motivation of one's allies. The Burden of the Shield is the understanding that when you decide to defend someone or something like a Lord or Nation that you are tying yourself to the principles for which that entity stands. The burden aspect of the shield is that you might give your life for someone or something that unworthy of such a sacrifice and that you must weigh your purpose for fighting against the weight of the consequence of fighting in case you have made a mistake in your decisions.

Burden of the Sword
This philosophy refers to the understanding the motivations of one's enemies. The Burden of the Sword is the understanding that when you decide to attack someone you very well might take their life. Before you take up a sword, you must consider its burden and decide if the reason you are fighting is worth taking a life. The sword's burden is that if you make a mistake while wielding it, you might take a life that doesn't deserve to be taken.