CH. 06 - Feyr is the Mind Killer

[GreyWolfVT]

Jaeron at this time wanders off to locate one of the church historians to talk with and write things down about the local area's history as well as this church's history.

[Daos]

IMRICH:  "If denying them healing is effective at applying pressure, then why are you providing them with healing at all?"

"If we had shunned them previously, not only would it not have prevented this tragedy, but then we'd have no leverage at all to gain the Syndicate's cooperation," Farfoot points out.

IMRICH:  "The faith of Octhania is neither small nor weak, father, and you have the resources of this entire island when deciding how to work Octhania's will in the world. Praying and waiting is a choice, father. Don't you dare pretend it's the only workable one."

Farfoot shakes his head.  "What more would you have us do then, young man?  Raise an army, invade the island of Gunn, and start a war that will result in the deaths of thousands, all in the name of saving half a dozen?  Yes, we have the resources of an entire island at our disposal.  So does the Syndicate.  As well as the Coral Knights, the Blue Lightning, the Trade Guild and every other faction out there.  The only reason the nine islands aren't at constant war with each other is that they are all, more or less, evenly matched.  There is a very delicate balance between the nine islands, a balance that has already been disrupted with the recent attack on Hashadeth.  And no, it is not ideal.  In a perfect world, there would be no slavery, no piracy, no suffering, pain or death.  Everyone on every island would follow the creed of Octhanus--Mercy, Peace and Love.  It would be paradise.  A true utopia.  But alas, that is not the world we live in.  Perhaps someday--in centuries, as you put it.  But were we to go around attacking everyone who did not believe as we did, and forced our belief system on them, then we would be the ultimate of hypocrites--and no better than the Renosians."

The old halfling adds, "I grieve for those who were taken, and I pray daily and nightly for their safe return.  The Church takes full responsibility for losing them in the first place, especially as they were under our protection at the time.  We are doing everything we can to get those six people back, but it is nowhere near as easy as you seem to believe it is."

Meanwhile, Jaeron wanders off on his own during all of this theological debate going on.  After a bit of exploring and asking around, he is directed to the temple's archives.  It isn't quite as large as the library in the university, but it is in far better condition.  There are hundreds of books here on the history of the church, the teachings of Octhanus, and just about anything else relating to the faith.  A gnomish woman in her late twenties or early thirties is here, tending to the place.  She has dark red hair in braids, tanned skin and hazel eyes.  She is currently in the process of copying the contents of one large tome into another one, but she looks up at Jaeron as he enters.  "Oh, good morning," she says.  "A follower of Gonto?  I can't say I see too many of you around these parts.  Is there something I can help you with?"

[HorizonsDream]

"My question wasn't one of jurisdiction, Kalana, it was about the principle of justice. I wanted to know what justice the church will provide for the victims of the criminals that have enslaved them or - in other circumstances, raped, robbed, killed or worse."

"I know what you are asking, but sometimes there just isn't enough anyone can provide to the victims that would be enough," Kalana states. "The most that the church can do in these situations is to offer the victims some sort of counseling. Part of the redemption process probably includes the criminals facing those that they have hurt as well. When it comes to slavers, it might be difficult for them to come face to face with their victims, but I would assume that the church probably brings in former slaves to speak with the redeeming slavers," she explains thoughtfully. Oddly enough, she seems to have a good grasp on the redemption process.

Will the church force the slavers to compensate their victims in some fashion or will they now protect the slavers from their victims after unilaterally deciding that a slaver redeemed is justice enough?

A deep frown crosses Kalana's face as she continues to listen to the lecture that Imrich is giving Farfoot, but there is more to the frown than just the fact that she doesn't think it is wise to lecture one of the people that just brought Imrich back from the dead. "Wait. Are you suggesting that redemption isn't possible, Imrich?"

[Bishgada]

Senllip isn't comfortable with the conversation. He seeks a moment of quiet and then coughs politely to interject, "I thank you deeply for raising Imrich and myself. You must see the slavers actions are evil and completely selfish. They specifically told us they seek refugees that have no relatives so no one will look for them. Therefore you must understand the anger we feel on that matter. Imrich does bring up important points here about using money to help refugees and education and I'm sure hope you find the balance in putting resources for the greater good. Thank you again for helping us and I hope you find leads about the refugees and how to put down the slavers cells here and everywhere else. If you find out that we can help in anyway we would be more than prepared to help."
With that said, Senllip becomes quiet again and broods a little more than usual, but soon he starts to look for something to occupy himself with and he goes near Kalana whispering, "So, were you worried about losing my wisdom forever?" he winks humorously, then wrinkle his nose and adds seriously, "We both need to get good bath and change cloth. All these burned cloth reminds me of... You know it did hurt so much being burnt alive, and now not feeling the pain, not that I complain, but it doesn't sit well psychologically..." 

[Rax]

May 16, 2020 14:58:02 GMT -8 Daos said:

"If we had shunned them previously, not only would it not have prevented this tragedy, but then we'd have no leverage at all to gain the Syndicate's cooperation," Farfoot points out.

"And if you had shunned them earlier then they might never have become the power they are now," Imrich retorts. "Every time the church of Octhanus has provided cheap healing - even resurrection - to the Syndicate and their ilk, you have enabled them to instead expend their resources towards building up their fleets and crews so that they can take more slaves, make more money, and expand or maintain their operations when good folk like the Coral Fleet and the Blue Lightning manage to knock them down a peg."

Farfoot shakes his head.  "What more would you have us do then, young man?  Raise an army, invade the island of Gunn, and start a war that will result in the deaths of thousands, all in the name of saving half a dozen?  Yes, we have the resources of an entire island at our disposal.  So does the Syndicate.  As well as the Coral Knights, the Blue Lightning, the Trade Guild and every other faction out there.  The only reason the nine islands aren't at constant war with each other is that they are all, more or less, evenly matched.  There is a very delicate balance between the nine islands, a balance that has already been disrupted with the recent attack on Hashadeth.  And no, it is not ideal.  In a perfect world, there would be no slavery, no piracy, no suffering, pain or death.  Everyone on every island would follow the creed of Octhanus--Mercy, Peace and Love.  It would be paradise.  A true utopia.  But alas, that is not the world we live in.  Perhaps someday--in centuries, as you put it.  But were we to go around attacking everyone who did not believe as we did, and forced our belief system on them, then we would be the ultimate of hypocrites--and no better than the Renosians."

"Honestly, father, if I weren't standing here talking to you in the Nurturer's own temple, I'd have pegged you as a recruiter for the League of Freed Ones after that little speech," Imrich scoffs. "You make it sound as if one faction is just as bad as the other - that those battling piracy, slavery and oppression are as guilty of the current state of affairs as those committing the crimes. If the church of Octhanus were to take an actual stand - support those trying to improve life in the islands and refuse aid to those who seek to oppress and enslave - you'd be a lot closer to your utopia than you'll ever get by sitting on the sidelines and judging those who act. And yes - that will require blood to be spilled."

The old halfling adds, "I grieve for those who were taken, and I pray daily and nightly for their safe return.  The Church takes full responsibility for losing them in the first place, especially as they were under our protection at the time.  We are doing everything we can to get those six people back, but it is nowhere near as easy as you seem to believe it is."

"I have spent the better part of my life capturing or killing criminals for people who had no other recourse to justice. I don't believe for a second that recovering the captives is easy. However, you have twenty odd Crimson Wolves in your custody right now. If you're not using any means necessary to make them tell you everything about their operation then you are making it harder to recover the captives than it needs to be - and all for the sake of your own peace of mind. From where I stand, father, that's hypocrisy."

---

"I know what you are asking, but sometimes there just isn't enough anyone can provide to the victims that would be enough," Kalana states. "The most that the church can do in these situations is to offer the victims some sort of counseling. Part of the redemption process probably includes the criminals facing those that they have hurt as well. When it comes to slavers, it might be difficult for them to come face to face with their victims, but I would assume that the church probably brings in former slaves to speak with the redeeming slavers," she explains thoughtfully. Oddly enough, she seems to have a good grasp on the redemption process.

A deep frown crosses Kalana's face as she continues to listen to the lecture that Imrich is giving Farfoot, but there is more to the frown than just the fact that she doesn't think it is wise to lecture one of the people that just brought Imrich back from the dead. "Wait. Are you suggesting that redemption isn't possible, Imrich?

"I am saying, Kalana, that it's not for the church to declare a criminal redeemed. The church can make them face up to their crimes and perhaps make them productive members of their community who are truly sorry for what they've done, but to declare them forgiven and redeemed? Only the people who were wronged can do that. And if your crimes are so terrible that they cannot forgive you for them, then no - you will never be truly redeemed."

[Daos]

SENLLIP:  "I thank you deeply for raising Imrich and myself."

"I was happy to be of help, but I was only a vessel for Octhanus' will.  It was she who brought you back.  She must believe there is still good left in the world for you to accomplish," Farfoot says.  "She has given you a second chance.  Use it well."

SENLLIP:  "You must see the slavers actions are evil and completely selfish."

"Of course," he replies.  "There is no question in that.  But unlike your friend here, we do not believe that the answer to evil is more evil.  An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind."

IMRICH:  "And if you had shunned them earlier then they might never have become the power they are now."

"It's almost flattering that you seem to strongly believe that the church is so powerful, it can do whatever it wishes without consequence," Farfoot says, half amused at the assertion.  "But have you considered that if we had shunned them earlier, they would have become even more aggressive in the slavetrade to make up for the loss in profit?"

IMRICH:  "...when good folk like the Coral Fleet and the Blue Lightning manage to knock them down a peg."

"Interesting that you blame the church for not doing enough, but praise the Coral Fleet and Blue Lightning," Farfoot observes.  "So tell me, do you think they are doing the right thing?  And if so, why does slavery and piracy still exist?  If the answer to violence is more violence, and the Coral Fleet and Blue Lightning provide that violence, why has it not stopped the problem?  Or do you believe they are holding back, as well?"

IMRICH:  "You make it sound as if one faction is just as bad as the other - that those battling piracy, slavery and oppression are as guilty of the current state of affairs as those committing the crimes.

"I said no such thing, nor even implied it," Farfoot objects.  "Don't put words into my mouth.  The church does what it can, where it can, when it can to help ease the suffering of the people, but despite your assertions, we are neither all-powerful or all-present."

IMRICH:  "If the church of Octhanus were to take an actual stand - support those trying to improve life in the islands and refuse aid to those who seek to oppress and enslave - you'd be a lot closer to your utopia than you'll ever get by sitting on the sidelines and judging those who act. And yes - that will require blood to be spilled."

"Octhanus teaches us that violence only begets more violence.  And violence breeds suffering and death.  It would undermine our entire position to cause more suffering and death in the name of stopping it."

IMRICH:  "I have spent the better part of my life capturing or killing criminals for people who had no other recourse to justice."

"And have you?" he asks.  "Brought them justice, I mean.  Did killing those criminals take away their victims' suffering?  Did it erase the bad memories, the trauma, the pain?  What of the woman you killed?  Has her death helped those six that were taken in any way?  You won't even take responsibility for your actions, instead allowing others to pay that price for you," he says, gesturing to Kalana and Senllip.  "Do you even know the names of your victims?  Are they even people to you?  If not, how are you any different from those you kill?"

IMRICH:  If you're not using any means necessary to make them tell you everything about their operation then you are making it harder to recover the captives than it needs to be - and all for the sake of your own peace of mind. From where I stand, father, that's hypocrisy."

"As I said, we are doing everything we can," Farfoot retorts.  "I'm sorry you doubt our commitment to retrieving those people, but it's clear nothing I can say will persuade you otherwise.  If bloodshed is the only thing that can satisfy you, then you'll find no satisfaction here.  Even were I interested in torture, killing and maiming, I would fall from Octhanus' grace the moment I engaged in such activity, and lose any divine power I hold.  Our goddess would not tolerate such actions from her own priests."  He shakes his head sadly.  "Good luck with your second life.  I will pray for you to see the light before it's too late."

[GreyWolfVT]

Jaeron looks at the gnome glad to see more of his kind in the clergy of Gonto can't help but smile "Ah what is it there you are writing about? Sorry I get distracted I like to chronicle histories of places. Follower of Gonto and all it is part of my life quest to write as much history as I can in my travels."

[Rax]

"Think what you like of me, father, it's no skin off my back. I thank you for your services and suggest you take your own advice - don't put words in my mouth. A good day to you, sir," he replies before stalking off back to the inn.

Deaf, blind and enslaved to his dogma, like all priests. But happy to take our money and spend our lives to cover for his people's complacency and arrogance, he thinks.

[HorizonsDream]

Kalana gives a weak and forced smile down to Senllip. "I'm not sure about your wisdom, but I am glad that you are okay," she says. "Go get cleaned up," she orders before she turns her attention back to Imrich and the priest. In the end, she doesn't mind how the Church of Octhanus operates because she knows that they are ultimately a source of good in this world. It isn't until she is actually addressed that she looks up at Imrich. She listens to his words, and suddenly her face turns blank and she turns her head to stare at the ground even though she gives him an audible "Hrm."

As Imrich and the priest continue, Kalana doesn't hear their words. She doesn't even recognize that people are in the room with her. Dark swirls of her memories start attacking her mind again and again. Internally, she sees herself clutching her head and falling to her knees asking herself if there really is no hope. To the rest of the world, or at least to the priest that she has been left in the room with, she's just standing there with her left hand clutching her right elbow as her worse fears and darkest thoughts plague her mind.

[Daos]

Raising Room of the Temple of Octhanus (Kalana, Senllip)
Kalana feels a hand on her arm, and this helps snap her back to reality enough to notice that Farfoot is touching her to get her attention.  "You alright, young one?"  Looking around, Kalana would see that Imrich and Jaeron were both gone, with only her, Senllip and the priest remaining.  "I sense a great struggle within you.  But remember, Octhanus is always at the door, knocking.  You merely need to let her in."

Archives of the Temple of Octhanus (Jaeron)
"Oh, I was just copying one of the tomes," the woman replies.  "Some of the older ones have started to turn brown and fall apart, so it's important to copy them into new books.  Well, I suppose a Gontorian like yourself would know all about that.  I hear your clergy keeps pretty immaculate records.  I can only imagine ours must seem primitive and lackluster in comparison."  She stands up and dusts off her robes, light blue with a lavender trim.  "This particular book is mostly about old stories and legends from the mainland.  But if you're looking for the church's history, this is the right place.  I've memorized pretty much every book in this room.  What would you like to know?"

Hearthglow Inn (Imrich)
Imrich makes his way to the Hearthglow Inn in a rather sour mood.  Stepping inside, the same Swadian woman quickly approaches him.  "Uh, sir, is there something you need?" she asks, a bit of concern in her voice.  She apparently doesn't recognize Imrich, and then he remembers that he's dressed rather shabbily, his clothes all being badly charred.  Despite the fact that his skin is pristine, with no sign of burn or injury, he must look like he just walked through an inferno.

[HorizonsDream]

Kalana blinks her eyes a couple of times, shakes her head and looks to the priest. She can feel her face getting a little hot from a slight blush as embarrassment sinks in. It has been a long time since she has such dark thoughts creep to the surface of her mind excluding the nightmare she had not too long ago. Though, she rare had such thoughts or feelings in front of others. "Um," she says, taking a step back from the priest. "I'm okay. I just...Octhanus gives me hope that redemption is possible, but in the eyes of a lot of people, such a thing isn't possible. It seems the road down such a thing is never ending. When is it enough? Is it ever enough? Does someone spend their rest of the life seeking something that might not be attainable?"

[Bishgada]

Senllip looks at Kalana somewhat panicked. "Is it the slaves that you think of? It was not your fault that we... errr... failed. It happens. By the way," he addresses the priest, "Imrich said something about getting the slaves at any means. He also mentioned we captured twenty something slavers. Maybe you can find non-violent solution by trading their freedom with the slaves freedom? I think you Ochtanians would like such solution." 
He then returns his attention to Kalana, "It seems this redemption thing bothers you too much... What cold hand exactly grip your heart? My mom always made us speak of what troubled us, she called it transforming the bug bear to hug bear." he smiles and pet her gently and expectantly waiting for her to speak.

[GreyWolfVT]

Jaeron smiles and moves nearer to see what is being copied "Actually I think what you have here might be of interest, I think if it is alright with you I'll make a copy of some the information in this one. Mostly I'm trying to learn anything I can nothing overly specific. Trying to see how other places are and were. As well as taking notice of their religious practices such as how this temple raises pretty much anybody from the read if needed."

[Rax]

May 17, 2020 17:06:28 GMT -8 Daos said:

Hearthglow Inn (Imrich)
Imrich makes his way to the Hearthglow Inn in a rather sour mood.  Stepping inside, the same Swadian woman quickly approaches him.  "Uh, sir, is there something you need?" she asks, a bit of concern in her voice.  She apparently doesn't recognize Imrich, and then he remembers that he's dressed rather shabbily, his clothes all being badly charred.  Despite the fact that his skin is pristine, with no sign of burn or injury, he must look like he just walked through an inferno.

Imrich chuckles softly at the absurdity of the situation. "Apologies for my appearance, madam. It's been a little while, but until a couple of days ago I had a room here? Of course my clothes hadn't burned up then," he grins. "If it's still available, I'd like it back. I'd also like a very strong drink, a bath, and if you could send for a tailor I could certainly use some new clothes."

[Daos]

Raising Room of the Temple of Octhanus (Kalana, Senllip)

KALANA:  "I'm okay. I just...Octhanus gives me hope that redemption is possible, but in the eyes of a lot of people, such a thing isn't possible. It seems the road down such a thing is never ending. When is it enough? Is it ever enough? Does someone spend their rest of the life seeking something that might not be attainable?"

"I would say, there's a difference between redemption and forgiveness," Farfoot answers.  "Forgiveness is personal, a choice made by those you have wronged.  Redemption, though, is a divine matter and can only be acquired through Octhanus.  You could kill a man and be forgiven by his loved ones, but not be redeemed in the eyes of Octhanus.  Likewise, you may become redeemed in the eyes of Octhanus, but his loved ones may never forgive you, no matter what you might do.  So I would first ask, is it redemption you seek, or forgiveness?"

SENLLIP:  "Imrich said something about getting the slaves at any means. He also mentioned we captured twenty something slavers. Maybe you can find non-violent solution by trading their freedom with the slaves freedom? I think you Ochtanians would like such solution."

"It is our hope that a peaceful resolution can be found," Farfoot agrees.  "If we can persuade any of the captured slavers into rejecting their former lives and accepting Octhanus, they may well give us the information we seek.  If they refuse, they will be placed under divine geas to never participate in slavery again, so if nothing else, at least they will not continue the practice one they are freed."

Archives of the Temple of Octhanus (Jaeron)

JAERON:  "Actually, I think what you have here might be of interest. I think, if it is alright with you, I'll make a copy of some of the information in this one. Mostly, I'm trying to learn anything I can; nothing overly specific. Trying to see how other places are and were. As well as taking notice of their religious practices such as how this temple raises pretty much anybody from the dead if needed."

"The one I'm working on right now?" the woman asks.  "Well, I'm not finished yet with the new copy, but you are free to peruse the older one.  Just be careful, it's a bit delicate.  And if you do have specific questions, I can try to answer them.  You're interested in the church's ability to bring back those who died before their time?"

Hearthglow Inn (Imrich)

IMRICH:  "Apologies for my appearance, madam. It's been a little while, but until a couple of days ago I had a room here? Of course my clothes hadn't burned up then," he grins. "If it's still available, I'd like it back. I'd also like a very strong drink, a bath, and if you could send for a tailor I could certainly use some new clothes."

The woman's eyes light up with sudden recognition.  "Ohhh, yes, I remember you now.  You were here with a group, yes?  I'm afraid after you all disappeared for several days, I took that to mean you had checked out, and those rooms have since been rented.  But not to worry, there are some other rooms that are currently empty.  They're nicer than your old one, too.  Are your companions returning, as well?" she asks.

At his requests, she says, "I'll send for the local tailor right away.  And we don't have baths here, but there is a nice bathhouse not far from here I can recommend.  As for the drink, have a seat.  I have just the thing."  She moves to the bar, and pulling a bottle from the top shelf behind it, she pours him a shot.  "Teufelstöter, from the homeland," she says.  "Quite popular with adventurers."