Sins and Virtues (WIP)

[digiworldmaster]

> CRESTS: The Ruist & The Deadly, Seven Virtues & Seven Sins

Unlike the Crests from the original series, the Crests in this world have two special traits about them. The first is that their virtues are taken from Ruism, better known as Confucianism -- specifically, they are mostly the virtues that were assigned to the Hakkenden, better known as "The Eight Dog Warriors" (or the Canine Warriors, if you're an Okami fan), along with a few traits from Bushido itself.

Secondly, rather than being stand-alone virtues, they're the "light side of the coin" -- the virtues that are opposite the seven sins embodied by the Seven Great Demon Lords of the Digimon realm. This means that both Crests are essentially reflections of one another, for both good and ill depending on the circumstance, as one crest can swap to another when under sufficient exposure to the other side. This is not forced, but rather, comes about when a Digimon (or worse, their human partner) shows particular weakness or strength, depending on what side they're shifting to. While a Digimon can resist the change if their human partner is still on one side, if a human falls, the Digimon falls with them.

Despite being mirror images, the conversions are not necessarily 1:1. Someone with a Crest of Duty, for instance, could convert to Lust instead of Pride, mostly because humans are so varied and adaptable. This is especially true if one of the Seven Great Demon Lords is involved, because they are irreversibly bound to their Sin -- Lucemon cannot be anything but Wrath, for instance, when it comes to Sins. However, if his partner's virtue is present enough, he can forge a connection with it himself, though he will always be Lucemon even so. This is something incredibly difficult, however, as Lucemon's very nature will draw any Tamer of his towards Sin inherently.

> The Seven Virtues

Each of these Crests are the embodiment of the strongest virtue that the human partner possesses (though they don't have to show it openly, or even be aware they have it yet). Digimon that are bonded to a Crest develop the virtue or are born with it, depending on when in their lifespan they partner with the human holder.

Benevolence. [Jin, 仁]
The strongest of the Virtues, and in Ruism, the highest of them too. Benevolence is comprised of many traits: love, magnanimity, compassion, affection, generosity, sympathy, pity, and mercy. It is the attribute of the human soul that allows us to connect to the souls of others. If there is no one to help, go out and find someone to help. One can not conquer simply by force. Only paired with benevolence may a warrior become leader to men.

In general, the one holding the Crest of Benevolence will act with the interests of others before their own, and will find it easy to befriend others and turn enemies to allies, thanks to a deep compassion and the ability to understand even those that cause harm.

Benevolence's mirror image is that of Wrath.

Duty. [Gi, 義]
Duty is a word that can be said often, but the true meaning is easily lost. It is a pair to Loyalty at times, for Duty and Loyalty often intersect, but they are not impossibly bound. To embody that of Duty, one must put their path, their orders, whatever they may follow ahead of anything else, though it may scar in more ways than one. A life lost for the sake of their duty, or a friend hurt to ensure its finish is not unknown to those that follow it, and those of this virtue understand such a thing.

In general, the one holding the Crest of Duty will often prioritize their non-personal goals above most else, wherever theirs goals come from. Specific orders from a boss or lord, a deep promise made to someone they feel can't be broken, or even a sense of obligation to help or protect others all fall under this umbrella, and the one with this Crest will rarely throw these things aside -- rather, the best way to free them is to see the completion of the duty, whether by passing it on or finishing it.

Duty's mirror image is that of Pride.

Piety. [Kō, 孝]
Piety is that of devotion and spirituality, a trait that is embodied by one who follows the laws of heaven, whatever they may be to the individual, and who shows humility and trustworthiness in all that they do. It's the quiet nun who gives her last bit of food to the homeless, or the priest who opens his doors to the outcasts -- the ones that lead by example and show the divine in their care and love.

In general, the one holding the Crest of Piety will favor what they believe is right and proper as ordained by "above man". Whether they believe this to be divine, a specific God, nature, or simply "how the soul should be" is different for each, and mostly irrelevant; so long as they believe in it, this Crest is powered by it.

Piety's mirror image is that of Sloth.

Loyalty. [Chū, 忠]
When serving your lord or supporting those close to you, Loyalty is paramount. It is the most distinctive virtue that will separate the normal from the warrior. All men can be loyal, but only true warriors will be dutiful until their last breath. A true sense of loyalty is reinforced by dutiful action and willingness to serve and die in the name of those they are bond to, under any circumstance -- to use one's own body to guard friends or lord, even though it may tear it to shreds.

In general, the one holding the Crest of Loyalty will be one worthy of the utmost trust, in a way different from those of piety -- and indeed, in a way that surpasses Piety. They of Loyalty can still be manipulative or tricky, but whether they love or hate those around them, they will never betray them, for they often find betrayal disgusting and repulsive. The one exception is if betrayal of a stranger or foe would save or preserve the life or health of a friend or comrade, for in such a case, the loyalty to their partner is what matters more, and they won't think anything of sacrificing to uphold it.

Loyalty's mirror image is that of Greed.

Brotherhood. [Tei, 悌]
Brotherhood is a bond of metaphorical chains, something that should be made so firm that it can never shatter. It is a virtue of brotherly and sibling-like affection that is shared among the group, of open souls and hearts, with the intention of bringing all who share it close together. Brotherhood breeds an understanding of one another, an acceptance of the good and bad. A supportive net to help one change what should be changed about them, but also to reinforce what should be kept and nurtured about them, too. Brotherhood embodies family, regardless of blood, and binds together people of all walks to create an unbreakable wall.

In general, the one holding the Crest of Brotherhood will be very close to whatever group they're in and strive to help those inside of it. They will never force or push, but instead support and encourage, and they are always the first in line to comfort someone -- as well as the first in line to lecture them. The holder, however they are with others, will trust those around them and can be trusted, and will facilitate the opening of the group's heart through their own.

Brotherhood's mirror image is that of Envy.

Respect. [Rei, 礼]
Respect is earned in may ways, but in other ways, it is a right that everyone begins with. This virtue embodies politeness, properness, treating others around you in acceptable, proper ways, though they may not always be deserving of such a thing. It is not blind obedience, but rather the gift granted to all those who can feel and think, and never do those who follow this virtue remove this basic respect from others. That is not to say they will always listen to others who are older or wiser -- or who claim to be -- nor will they go out of their way to obey such people. That is obedience, not respect.

In general, the one holding the Crest of Respect will act polite and proper in as many things as possible, and will always treat others as their equals, as humans, as someone whose feelings matter. They'll do what they can to avoid intentionally offending others and will try to make up for upsetting them, even if the person is someone who is cruel to them.

Respect's mirror image is that of Lust.

Wisdom. [Chi, 知]


Wisdom's mirror image is that of Gluttony.

> The Seven Sins

Each of these Crests are the embodiment of the greatest flaw that the partner possesses (though they may not even be aware they have it yet). The Seven Great Demon Lords are the strongest representatives of these, though any Digimon can take upon the role of the partner to a Crest holder. Digimon that are bonded to a Crest develop the sin or are born with it, depending on when in their lifespan they partner with the human holder.

Wrath. [Ikari, 怒り]
Wrath is a high-ranking Sin, and one which many people fall to a small extent of. To be wrathful is to be angry, but not simply justified anger; it means to be vengeful, to desire or pursue an unwarranted retribution. Aggressive and overwhelming, it can be seen as a natural desire to ease a burning fury by bringing down suffering upon others. Often this includes feelings of spite and it is often misdirected at easier targets than the one that spurred the wrathful feelings. Like many of the Sins, wrath is dangerous for it clouds judgement and leaves the bearer vulnerable.

In general, the one holding the Crest of Wrath will place their own priorities first. They may not necessarily be people filled with rage, but when their tempers flare up, those around them have cause to fear. These people will often retaliate when harmed, and they will find it difficult to forgive those who wound them; once bitten, twice shy is a motto that well-represents these people. They make fearsome opponents and will often pursue a foe to the end if circumstances allow it. However, they must be more careful than others for fear that their actions will bring down suffering for those around them.

Wrath is the Sin of Lucemon, in all forms. Wrath's mirror image is that of Benevolence.

Pride. [Gouman, 傲慢]


Pride is the Sin of Beelzemon. Pride's mirror image is that of Duty.

Sloth. [Taida, 怠惰]


Sloth is the Sin of Belphemon. Sloth's mirror image is that of Piety.

Greed. [Donyoku, 貪欲]


Greed is the Sin of Barbamon. Greed's mirror image is that of Loyalty.

Envy. [Shitto, 嫉妬]


Envy is the Sin of Leviamon. Envy's mirror image is that of Brotherhood.

Lust. [Shikiyoku, 色欲]


Lust is the Sin of Lilithmon. Lust's mirror image is that of Respect.

Gluttony. [Taishoku, 大食]


Gluttony is the Sin of BelialVamdemon. Gluttony's mirror image is that of Wisdom.

> Seven Virtues | sniS neveS

How they mirror, why they're opposites, etc.