WAR vs. DRK: Philosophy

[Cilia]

I think another way to understand it is that the WAR way (rage) was wrong, as depicted by the fact that there's no longer any glory associated with being a WAR; whereas with DRK, the way (love) seems to have been the right one but known only to a few.

The self-delusion is different, but it's still the thread that connects the two.

Curious Gorge gives in to his Inner Beast before ranting about how awesome he is, how he's the true Warrior and you're just a pale imitation of one, etc. "Fray," on the other hand, admonishes you for being self-sacrificing and acting as if you're OK with it and the abuse people heap on you while getting nothing in return - again, as if you're deluding yourself into believing that, in your heart of hearts, is what you really want. Then remember that "Fray" is you, and it all becomes clear...

The key to mastering both powers lies in self-acceptance, but also knowing when to put away the "darkness." Where Curious Gorge and Broken Mountain fail is their inability to put away their pride and bloodlust, turning them into raging beasts - a fearsome sight on the battlefield, to be sure, but you're stronger than them because you know when to put the Inner Beast away and refuse to succumb. Mastering the power of darkness is rather similar - most everyone has the dark impulses Dark Knights channel, but because you know who to direct it at and refuse to give in to hatred, you're able to use that power without falling. (Of course, love is also required to use the power of “darkness” to its fullest extent, but that’s another matter. Sorta.)

In essence both draw from similarly "dark" emotions, but you're able to do what others are not by accepting that "darkness" as a part of yourself without letting it control you. DRK is a much closer shave, as you never show signs of succumbing as a WAR, but that's due to the soulstone reacting in an abnormal and unexpected manner.

[Tenkuu]

The self-delusion is different, but it's still the thread that connects the two.

Curious Gorge gives in to his Inner Beast before ranting about how awesome he is, how he's the true Warrior and you're just a pale imitation of one, etc. "Fray," on the other hand, admonishes you for being self-sacrificing and acting as if you're OK with it and the abuse people heap on you while getting nothing in return - again, as if you're deluding yourself into believing that, in your heart of hearts, is what you really want. Then remember that "Fray" is you, and it all becomes clear...

But Fray was not wrong in what he said, whereas Curious Gorge was. Actually, what Fray says is essentially the same admonition the Scions had for Thancred in 2.0, that he was taking too much upon himself alone and being too hard on himself for his failures (perceived or actual). Curious Gorge on the other hand is essentially just bad-mouthing you at that point.

The key to mastering both powers lies in self-acceptance, but also knowing when to put away the "darkness." Where Curious Gorge and Broken Mountain fail is their inability to put away their pride and bloodlust, turning them into raging beasts - a fearsome sight on the battlefield, to be sure, but you're stronger than them because you know when to put the Inner Beast away and refuse to succumb. Mastering the power of darkness is rather similar - most everyone has the dark impulses Dark Knights channel, but because you know who to direct it at and refuse to give in to hatred, you're able to use that power without falling. (Of course, love is also required to use the power of “darkness” to its fullest extent, but that’s another matter. Sorta.)

True, but my point was that DRK originated from a better place, ie righting a wrong. In other words, they had the right intentions from the beginning, and those who did not lose themselves were the few who knew the "love" secret to its power. With WAR, it seems to be the case that they all succumbed to losing control of their power because of rage. Though I'm actually unclear on whether Fray (the real Fray) is considered as one who discovered the secret to DRK power or whether he failed.

In essence both draw from similarly "dark" emotions, but you're able to do what others are not by accepting that "darkness" as a part of yourself without letting it control you. DRK is a much closer shave, as you never show signs of succumbing as a WAR, but that's due to the soulstone reacting in an abnormal and unexpected manner.

Well, but DRK in the first place comes from a place of seeking justice rather than glory, which is what WAR is more focused on. There is no glory at all to being a DRK, it is literally about doing what you alone feel is right. Even with the "dark" name attached to it, DRK still felt much more natural than WAR.