The Abyss: The perfection of amorality.

Department of Humanities

Psychology/Sociology Section

For: Chief Engineer

Subject: The spiritual crutch

                Morality is an interesting device of the mind. It allows the individual to avoid potentially dangerous and embarrassing events in the eyes of pleasant society. Thus, it is a tool used to discern what is deemed acceptable behavior by one’s culture and the world at large. However, it does tend to limit a person’s choices.

                Thus, morality is not only a means by which we may control ourselves, but it also serves as a way to keep from hurting others. But, this same morality keeps us from having what we really desire. The steady corrupting value of the Abyss will eventually overcome the staunchest set of morals. If the plane’s subtle influence doesn’t erode one’s sense of morality, the lewd and uninhibited acts of the locals you encounter will.

                Inhibition gives rose to ultimate freedom. It isn’t so much a choice of what you should do, but if you want to at that moment. This isn’t a function of law or chaos but of evil over good. It’s about not caring about what society thinks of your openness. It’s more about how you don’t care who you offend. People of such dubious character stand ready to slide from a relatively neutral position to an evil one. All they need is the right push.

                Morality is the crutch for those too weak to tell the truth. Morality keeps the small from growing in experience and resistance. Exposure to harm hardens the body and mind against the rigors of existence. Morality prevents the strength of self by curbing it for the sake of others. Self-deprivation is the core of moral values. Some call it discipline, the free call it fear.

                When you can learn to hurt and be hurt, you grow strong as a force unto yourself. Strength only comes from adversity. You can’t grow stronger if you’re being coddled. The sheltered are weakened by their dependence on their protection. There is no shelter in the Abyss. Morality is the shield the weak depend upon from others to keep them from harm.

                The Abyss teaches you to be strong when nobody can or will stand besides you. Morality will prevent you from turning on those you feel you owe a debt to. Thus, it will hinder your survival. To truly evolve and grow, you must think only of yourself and whatever it takes to ensure you continued existence, even if it means betraying your “friends.”

Hypatia Anaxarete, Shaper 3