Conversation with Damerus about Honor

You salute.

Damerus bows to you.

You say 'I am Corwen, the High Clerist of Knighthood.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Thank for the blessings.'

You smile.

You say 'They are yours as well as mine, Son of Nadrik.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I am Damerus Firebeard, head of clan Firebeard.'

You say 'Pleased to make your acquaintance. '

You say 'I woke to rhetoric so hot this morning, the very paper was almost on fire.'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

You say 'This is not how the followers of Nadrik ought to be speaking to one another.'

You say 'We must put these things in perspective.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Yes... it seems my desire to see our Lord's Faith prosper was misinterpreted as slander on the Cardinal.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'I think you all have salient points however. '

You say 'You are correct in saying that his views are ....'

Caenarfon looks for the right words.

You say '.. a little extreme.'

You say 'As are those of the Justice.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I see...'

You say 'Though perhaps not the best thing to do to air our laundry in public like that.'

You say 'It will bring no converts to our cause.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Agreed. Perhaps mentioning the Cardinal specifically was not the wisest move. However, his name is the one most people associate with Lord Nadrik these days... and it is not a good association.'

You say 'I wondered if you had any ideas on how best to present alternative, perhaps more diplomatic messages to those who might listen.'

You say 'As you have said, we are losing followers, and we have only one senior Clerist in Lord Bolter.'

You say 'Who tends to go off on rants about genocide, and levelling cities.'

You mutter.

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'Before I present any ideas, I want to thank you for taking the time to listen to me, and for seeing the positive point of my missive, rather than the negative.'

You say 'That is where me must look in order to give each the honor they deserve.'

You say 'If you wish I can explain the view points of the Justice and Cardinal.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Please do.'

You say 'We come from a militant and conservative background in Serpantol to Gareth.'

You say 'Most of our lives, we are fighting evil, in the many forms of attack it can put to us.'

You say 'Time and again they have taken advantage of our good and honorable nature.'

You say 'Which they repeatedly use against us.'

You say 'This has happened many times in our history, where people attempt to portray us as dishonorable.'

You say 'But really, if we are to defeat evil, we must also be pragmatic.'

You say 'For example, if we are facing 50 goblins, and we disarm one, do we wait for him to recover his blade before we continue our attack?'

You say 'This is what has shaped Bolter and Aenarion to how they are.'

You say 'Now they tolerate little and speak of our faith quite dogmatically.'

You say 'As you saw in our recent missives regarding the frost giant.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'One can certainly understand the reasons for such a view.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'No thought of reasoning, just the dogmatic statement that Nadrik can do no dishonor.'

You say 'Whereas if we look further the answer presents itself.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I must confess that I struggled with such considerations when Bolter first spoke of Genocide against my people.'

You say 'To men such as these, it is important we retain the tools we require to defeat evil.'

You say 'I spoke out against the genocide.'

You say 'There is no race constrained to evil.'

You say 'We in honor and Gareth subsribe to the rule of Law.'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'Than I thank you for that. I too feel the same way'

You say 'If someone does something wrong or evil, then they are held to account to their responsibility.'

You say 'I think all in Gareth now accept that genocide is not an answer.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'That's good to hear.'

You say 'As there is no race which is guilty of sin only because of their race.'

Damerus agrees.

You say 'How do you propose we progress?'

You say 'It is clear that our image most likely requires a 'makeover'.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'It is part choice, part circumstance that oftentimes dictate these things.'

You say 'I believe we are always held accountable for our actions. We have that responsibility.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'The first thing we must do is reconcile ourselves with the Tenets. There are 12, and some seem contracitory.'

You say 'You wish to change the tenets?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'That is His will.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'But perhaps, clarification on their meaning.'

You say 'Certainly we can discuss any which seem contradcitory.'

You nod.

You say 'The Avatar Lezra has stated that nothing is beyond challengable, if our intention is good.'

You say 'He would not in this instance consider we were doing so to bring them into disrepute.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'For example, we must always show courtesy and respect to anyone we meet, but we are also not to associate with any person who is evil. This seems contradictory. Not everyone is born with the magics that allow a view into the soul of another.'

You say 'It is a limitation, it is true.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'in such an instance, where one might meet someone with the dark aura, but is unable to know this. Which takes precedence?'

You say 'We begin by showing courtesy and respect at all times I believe.'

You say 'We are only responsible for that which we know.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Another example: We are not to raise our weapons against the innocent, yet we are meant to vanquish evil.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'Once it becomes established that they are evil, then we must bid them good day.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Even if one carries the stain of evil, can they not be innocent, if such a burden is forced upon them by lack of option?'

You say 'Or in Gareth's cast, most likely attack if we war their clan.'

You say 'By lack of option?'

You say 'We have established that there are no races that are evil.'

You say 'So there is always an option.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Some people are born of a dark Kingdom that worships dark gods, and they are not in a position to challenge such a thing.'

You say 'And vanquish does not always mean slay them on the battle field.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Of course not... but When the darkness is the only thing presented to you, and thus you embrace it, could you not still be considered innocent?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'This is true.'

You say 'You could say that those who sought to bring us to disrepute over the frost giant were vanquished with the pen.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'I don't accept that.'

You say 'We all have a personal responsibility.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'If we consider what we are doing is wrong, then the onus is upon us to change our ways.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'From an evil goblin in Darkonin to take the middle path, to the Knight of Gareth who has in his mortal vice, broken a virtue.'

Damerus smiles at you.

You say 'We are all mortal after all.'

You say 'The difference in a follower of Nadrik is that he aspires to the moral code.'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'You are far more open-minded than the Cardinal is. I'm glad we're getting the chance to speak. Regardless of the answers to these questions, the most important part of making good and important change is discussion. It must be had.'

You nod sagely.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'Sermons must be held, public ones, that ALL servants of Nadrik may attend. Questions must be allowed to be raised, and solid answers given.'

You say 'The Cardinal is the 'bad policeman' and I am the 'good'. We balance one anothers hawks and doves.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'We can hold one if you like, though my times are not when Algoron is at its busiest.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'As I said in my original missive... the Cardinal's views are just one aspect of his faith, and others must be shown to the people of Algoron.'

You say 'Though perhaps on a weekened afternoon.'

You say 'May I ask you a personal question?'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'That is an excellent start. Having another speaker holding public sermons is wonderful, but we must mobilize others as well. Wherever they can be found.'

Damerus nods.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Yes'

You say 'I am curiously surprised to find a follower of Nadrik in Darkonin.'

Damerus looks down at the emblem on his breastplate, then lets out a chuckle as he nods.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'the answer to that question is rather complex...'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I am in my heart, a citizen of Arkane.'

You say 'The Avatar has bade me to visit the kingdoms and suggest to His followers that those kingdoms dominated by evil ought not to have any of His followers within.'

Damerus nods.

You nod at Damerus.

Caenarfon listens.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Before this conflict started... I was contacted by an Ogre in Darkonin... one who said he had important information for me.'

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'The price of learning that information was moving to Darkonin. While I was there, and again before the conflicts, I was told that my father was of noble ogre blood.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I was told of a blood oath taken by All Ogres who belonged to the Ogre nobility.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I gave my word to uphold that oath, and stand with my Ogre Brethren on the Battlefield.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'When the conflicts started.'

You say 'Forgive my ignorance, but which conflict?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Well... when they became open'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'The conflicts between Knighthood and Darkonin... the ones concerning Mantaroth.'

You nod.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'So... when the public hostilities between Knighthood and Darkonin began, I was quite torn about my residence within the Mountain.'

You say 'This was the incident which made us unwelcome?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I'm not exactly sure... it was toward the beginning, when the missives first started going back and forth'

You pray, saying "I have posted a missive on my position on the followers of Nadrik fracas and speak to the Ogre Damerus at present to move forward together.".

The gods have received your prayers.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Then came Cardinal Bolter's missive... the one that spoke of Genocide against the Ogres. I was shocked, outraged and perhaps even felt a little betrayed. I could not believe the Ogres were incapable of salvation..'

You say 'If you are interested in Gareth's position, then the logs are in my tome visible to all.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I went before the King of Darkonin at his request. He wanted to know how I felt about how things were developing at that time.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I made an Oath to him that I would protect the innocent people within the Mountain, that I would not let Genocide come to the Mountain.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'That is more or less my story. Since then, I have struggled with the decision to do what I felt was right. My situation is terribly gray... but for those with a more black-and-white view of things, I'm simply wrong.'

You nod sagely.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I do not want to go back on the oaths I have given... yet I do not want to take arms against my Brothers and Sisters in Faith either... I have spoken with the King of Darkonin about such things.'

You say 'Split loyalties.'

You say 'We have an issue as such with Deacon Thaxl of Wargar, who holds a demon and his faith which denounces it.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'On the Surface he seems more understanding and compassionate about them than you might think. In his eyes I simply a Darkonin... not a Nadrikian, or a Halfbreed.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'The Avatar has bade him to stay at his home in the Mountain.'

You say 'Serving the people within, which would no doubt apply to you also.'

You say 'It is useful to give any a point they can refer to in any given kingdom for guidence.'

You say 'Such a Darkonin you are a point of light about much dark.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I hope so... I have had conversations with others of our Faith. Before speaking with you, I was convinced that I might be damned for my decisions... yet I have only been trying to live my Faith as best I can, as per the Tenets.'

Damerus nods.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I hope my presence there will show the World that Darkonin is not filled with Darkness... and perhaps open people's minds to the idea that Goblins and Ogres are not beyond salvation.'

You nod.

You say 'Living proof, Son of Nadrik.'

Damerus smiles.

You grin.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'As for the fighting... I have been made Guardian of Darkonin. I imagine once it begins my station will be within the city. To fend off any invaders that might attack her walls.'

You ponder.

You say 'Will Darkonin fight for Mantaroth?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'A part of me hopes this is so... perhaps I can escape the coming conflicts without having to do battle with my brothers and sisters in faith.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Yes... I believe they will.'

You say 'Then what will you do?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'My Duty... and accept the consequences of such. As I said, if I am stationed in the city as her defense, I might not see combat.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'the King knows that after the battles, I am returning to Arkane.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I am simply trying to Honor the oaths I have taken, and then return Home.'

You say 'You will fight the armies of Nadrik, or you will forsake your oath of defence?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Will the Armies of Nadrik attack the walls of Darkonin?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I suppose my answer to your question hinges on your answer to mine: Will the Armies of Nadrik attack the walls of Darkonin?'

You say 'I know Mantaroth gathers there.'

You say 'Though I imagine he will take the fight to Althainia.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'He does... something I have spoken with King Dialook about a few times. He refuses to cast Mantaroth out because of the dangers he feels Knighthood and Althainia poses.'

You say 'What alignment does Darkonin allude to?'

You say 'There are certainly warmongers on both sides of course.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Most worship the Dark Gods... There are those who follow the Balance. But as with any devoted man or woman of a Kingdom, they do what they feel is best for Darkonin first and foremost.'

Damerus nods.

You say 'And joining with Mantaroth is what is best for Darkonin?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'King Dialook feels that Mantaroth can help him protect Darkonin from Knighthood and Althaina. Keep in mind alot of this alliances and such happened around the time Bolter was publicly speaking of Genocide.'

You say 'I wonder if you have the King's ear?'

You say 'If the goblins and ogrekind are all about defence only, then there is little reason to join with a demon.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'We both have had many conversations... He follows Raije, so he has felt a bit of Kindship with me regarding my situation.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I imagine that the price for such an Alliance was an assurance of some troop support for Mantaroth's March.'

Damerus shrugs.

You say 'That seems reasonable.'

You say 'You must of course consider your position.'

You say 'Better to consider the outcome now, than be forced a decision in the heat of the moment.'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'But as I said... my understanding is that I shall be placed within the walls, to protect the city from invasion. If Mantaroth's forces will attack Althainia, than the only combat I will give is in defense of the city.'

Damerus nods.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I have considered my situation extensively... it tears me apart. Being surrounded by as much Darkness as I am... there are times when I feel outside of His grace, and such a thing pains me.'

You say 'We are in a dilemma I believe. I suspect Althainia would not threaten Darkonin if they had not allied themselves to the Demon. However they only did so because of the inflammatory rhetoric of the Cardinal in the first place.'

You say 'If I call for a sermon on the Sunday afternoon, could you attend?'

Damerus says in a deep voice 'Yes, I could.'

You say 'I will consider something.'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'Thank you.'

You say 'Is there anything else we might speak upon?'

You say 'Know that Nadrik is supportive of your position of living where you wish to.'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'I cannot think of anything, No.'

Damerus smiles at you.

Damerus says in a deep voice 'I hope so... My wish is to honor my Oaths, and return home to Arkane.'

You say 'Then you may contact me at any time.'

You say 'Congratulations on your discovery of noble heritage.'

Damerus chuckles.

You say 'And consider well your options should the worst come to pass.'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'It has been nothing I had hoped.'

You say 'And let us all walk in the path of honor and respect.'

You chuckle at Damerus.

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'I went to Darkonin looking for answers... and I got nothing but the difficulties I now face.'

You say 'A title is a word, Son of Nadrik. Listen to here.'

Damerus agrees with you.

Caenarfon reaches up and knocks you on the chest.

Damerus smiles at you.

Damerus extends a free hand to you.

Caenarfon takes your hand and shakes it.

Damerus smiles at you.

You say 'Godspeed Ogre.'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'Thank you for meeting with me.'

Damerus says in a deep voice (to You) 'And to you, Brother.'

You salute.

Damerus bows to you.