The Book of the Silver Tree was written toward the end of the First Age. It was written by worshippers of the Lawful Good aspect of the Silver Tree (who, of course, represents all aspects of Goodness, lawful, chaotic and in-between). The name(s) of the actual author(s) are unknown. Only one copy of this tome exists from this distant age and is in the keeping of the Godmen of the Mountain. The Silver Robes of Kharzho have translated and copied the tome onto scrolls and distribute the words of the book in that manner. The language this book is written in is a dead language and is unknown to almost all peoples of Inzeladun now. It had to be deciphered by the Godmen using divination and old-fashioned methods of code-breaking. It has not been entirely deciphered at this time, but the following are the sections that have been successfully translated.
The Book of the Silver Tree
Section I
And Puranam asked: Master, how will it be for your followers to recognize you in the future? and the Old One, the Elder, the foremost of the Seven Supreme, answered: They shall know me for I am in all things, yet, henceforth I shall be associated most with a tree, a Silver Tree, for life is my realm.
And Puranam asked: How is it that men are different than the animals? And the Tree, Silver and glorious, yet still the Elder and foremost of the Seven Supreme, answered: Men have been given the power to know and be aware of the way of life. He shall have life and have dominion over life. Yet in this is the task of Guarding life. For this, I shall choose Guardians who shall set the example for all people.
And Puranam asked: How should men live? And the Silver Tree answered: Men must live in accordance to the Law and the Law has seven tenants. Men must live in accordance with Life, and Life has three tenants. Men should avoid the six Malices and the five Shames. If men live in harmony with the Way of the Tree, all shall be known to him and he will have no enemies that can stand against him. The man who has courage shall destroy the greedy. The man who loves freedom shall conquer oppression. The man who regards peace as vital will avoid war, and the world shall be happy for he is the Caretaker. Though War may occur, the Righteous shall prevail.
And Puranam asked: Why is there evil? Why do men suffer? And the Silver Tree answered: Men bring evil into the world. Men invite Yogath to their domain for his path is one of ownership and dominion for this creates the capacity for evil in all men. Yet men are not by nature evil or impure, nor are they by nature good and pure. All is your choice. Suffering gives the strength to forbear. As things die, so are they born. The choice of good brings good, and as evil dies, so is good born.
And Puranam asked: How may I overcome the Evil in the world? And the Silver Tree said: I will appoint champions, archons, and they shall be known by these symbols and tools: The Silver Tree, The Sun, and all other symbols of life. Their tools shall be the Sword and the Shield, the Ring and the Crown. These champions shall guard against evil Men should live in accordance to the Ten Tenants of Law and Life and so evil shall be diminished.
Section II
The Seven Tenants of Law
The First Tenant
Evil must be overcome
What does this mean? We should avoid evil in our lives and be good men. We should strive to promote goodness for the betterment of all men. Battle evil in all of its forms.
The Second Tenant
Chaos must not be suffered to exist.
What does this mean? An orderly, strong society with a well-organized government can work to make life better for the majority of the people. Laws must be created and obeyed to ensure the quality of life. When people respect the laws and try to help one another, society as a whole prospers. Law is the natural order of the universe, all things in life work in unison to create an ecosystem. Chaos is an unnatural invention of evil men and must be reigned in.
The Third Tenant
Justice must be met.
What does this mean? We must be just in our dealings with men and nature. We all know what is right and what is wrong. Judge accordingly and do what is right in a just manner. Non-judgement is evil and vile and is worse than choosing poorly. The latter is a mistake; the former promotes chaos and evil. But make qualified judgments, for that is the way of justice.
The Fourth Tenant
Honor above Death.
What does this mean? It is better to be dead and accorded a good man, than to live in dishonor and to be reviled. Do not allow failure. There is only success or death.
The Fifth Tenant
All beings have their place and function.
What does this mean? Everything happens for a reason. Everyone is right where they need to be to do the most good. Trust this and respect this.
The Sixth Tenant
Violent crimes must be met with ferocity, yet mercy also to the truly repentant.
What does this mean? This means that forgiveness is in accordance with the Law. This means that for the unrepentant, only death can end their evil and chaos.
The Seventh Tenant
Strive for those things that will bring the greatest benefit to the most people and cause the least harm.
What does this mean? Do not put your needs above the needs of the majority. That is greed and is chaos and will lead to evil. Do not forget, evil must be overcome.
The Three Tenants of Life
1) Love. Love is compassion, trust, care, aid, and sacrifice.
2) Honor. Honor is courage in the face of adversity, unflagging devotion to the destruction of evil, fairness, and mercy.
3) Sanctity. Life is sacred. Treat it justly. Be honest, charitable, and forthright.