Post by Wilhelm Opens-the-Way on Jul 7, 2010 12:16:37 GMT -8
In my time with Orion I've learned many things, or rather, I've understood many things that I had learned as a young boy. Another of my favorite stories was that of the Red Baron. Yes, a Brit with stories of a German. I loved the literature of my homeland, Shakespeare and Wilde and Dickens, but you must understand that in my father and grandfathers time, the Germans were different, so different than the Nationalist fervor that led the Nazi Party to power in my own childhood. There was a more noble time that came before.
Few recall that the German 'Flying Circus' at the time included Jews, same as any other man, for war was about territory and resources and ideals, but not so much about hate. In this modern age, few could understand why the Baron would daringly fly over enemy lines just to drop a funeral wreath on an enemy pilot's grave from above.
You see, in that time, warriors were sportsmen, not butchers. Things are different now. Things became that way during the second world war, and seem to have remained so.
Stories told of the Red Baron were that if he shot an enemy plane down and it was able to land somehow, he would often join the pilot on the ground and speak to them, share a drink or story from the other man's side of the front.
In one such story, the American that met him on the ground had unsnapped his pistol from his holster when he saw the Red Baron land and begin walking over to him. The Baron walked right past him to admire the British-built Bentley engine on his plane.
After some chit-chat about the wooden-walled machine, the Baron asked.
"What do we do now?" sensing the nervousness of his new American friend.
"We could shoot each other with our pistols," said the American.
"I've forgotten mine," replied the Baron, "a lesson to share. You should button yours up so you don't lose yours."
In some ways I think the Garou's methods of challenge reflect this sense of sportsmanship. Yes we have Rage within us, and in the heat of battle, it may of a time overtake us, but during a challenge, one is expected to accept an honorable surrender, and I think I understand the spirit of that tenet of the Litany.
We are all fighters, each in our own way, and time and trouble may befall us as we live in an uncertain world, but if we can hold on to our sense of honor, then though our trials may be bloody, we may at least kill honorably should we need to do so, yet extend some respect to those we may fight, to the death or otherwise.
The concepts of Liberty and Fraternity are not ones lost to our many tribes, this I know, and should I meet you on the field of battle, you shall know my measure as man and beast, as Garou, but as an honored enemy in the sport of war, not as a mere killer, nor a blind Nationalist.
