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Well said Krell, I do have to quibble on one thing though. My loyalty is to the Lady. Having felt her embrace, it simply strengthens my resolve more. That the Crusade serves the Lady's interests, and attempts to bring other weapons to bear against the adversary, is more an example of Her hand working Her will, than any loyalty to the Crusade.
Don't rise to the bait, friend Doyle! Did not the Lady stand with the Prince of Lies himself to bind the god Rovaraug? Does not Cheliax still have those who honor the Inheritor? While one should always be cautious of treating with the followers of the Pit, how can we bring them Her love if we're always cutting them down?
At worst it means we're joining up with the Andorans. Which wouldn't be too bad. They seem like a nice bunch, just a little too quick to kill most of the time.. often... at the drop of a hat. At the drop of a hat? They often drop the hat themselves, with the head still in it. While my dedication to bringing the teachings of The Lady to those who haven't heard her words is unwavering, it is nice to see progress being made.
Spoiler:
Little Summer-Kin, it matters not what form one’s soul walks their life in, the highest celestial can fall, the lowest from the pit can rise. What matters is what we do. That is what Pharasma judges us on, not how light or dark your skin is, not if you are human or gnome, tiefling or aasimar. Some see my serving the Lady as a mockery of her faith; others see me as inspiring, defying my ‘nature’ to serve the forces of the light. Neither is true. The Lady accepts my service, and grants me her gifts, regardless of whatever ‘dalliances’ my ancestors may have indulged in. I am no more bound to the infernal in my blood than you are to the song of the first world thrumming in your veins.
Would it be easier to be as others expect me to be? To be the devil inside as well as out? Maybe, the easy path is not often the correct one. Now to that end, why would I accept infernal healing? Why would I taint my soul, even temporarily with the blood of devils, or water blessed by a priest of the pit? The Lady might forgive me, but could I forgive myself? Or worse, what if I accept the profane gift, and still die before I can repent the action. Can one truly repent the actions that one actively took, knowing the consequences? “But the evil is only a temporary thing. It doesn’t last.” I hear many of my fellow Pathfinders, even those who serve the Lady in all her forms, say the same. Folly I say. How can anyone believe that accepting a taint, willingly, eagerly, does not have any lasting effect? Because the spell comes from wizards? Feh, I say. Why does it matter where the spell comes from, when it is founded by the Lord of Lies? Many a Pathfinder has refused to do things they find objectionable, considering who the orders came from. So in the end, my companion, I will not take the ‘blessings’ from the Lord of Lies, whether it be from priest or wizard. Will it shorten my time on the mortal plane? Maybe, for can any see the future since Aroden’s death? Will it allow me to meet the Lady in the next life and truthfully say I lived up to her ideals? Yes.
Oh, don't confuse me for a follower of Pharisma. If I'm able to keep some poor aspis stooge from bleeding out, clearly she didn't want him yet. While one person can end life, no one person can create it. (unless the Andoran tradition of sitting in the corner with a broadsheet really does produce results.) The Lady is a lady of order, but she is also a Lady of Freedom. If the locals wish to execute someone for their crimes, then I will let their justice go forth, but I was not hired as an executioner, or as a thug, though I've worked with both. I've used Her gifts, especially her brand to mark those who have opposed her will, but if I can keep a misguided soul from passing on before he has a chance to find redemption, I most certainly will. If it does come down to 'him or me' then I will definately choose 'me', but I will mourn his lost chances and ask the Lady to cradle him close.
Nay, offering a chance to find redemption in the Lady's embrace is always an option. If they refuse her light, then, sadly, ending their existance is an option. But a choice must always be offered.
I am a lawyer by trade, some might joke it is in my blood. The meaning to my words is simple. We determine our paths, not our heritage, nor others. While the Crusade is a common banner to unite us, I will not stop doing what is just and right if that banner is taken down. My blade is in the Lady's service, and will defend the innocent. She wears many faces across the world, that symbol is but one of them. Spoiler: Why do I get the image of Benny pulling out half a dozen holy symbols from The Mummy when you described that? :-)
By all means come join me Miss, Isa is it? And don't let a minor thing like Heritage disuade you from choosing your own path. Is an elf 'overcoming his heritage' when he climbs out of a tree? Is a dwarf always struggling against the urge to go underground and mine something? Is a half-orc 'embracing her human side' when she goes and bathes? We chose our own path, no matter what others may think we should be doing. The Lady watches over us all. |
