Lezra visits to face the Dilemma

Temple of Nadrik

[Exits: north east south ]

An alabaster knight kneels before a white marble statue of Nadrik.

A fountain bubbles quietly in the center of the room.

Hardwood pews fill the room.

An altar of red oak stands in front of the western wall.

(Golden Aura) Bolter MacLeod is here.

(Golden Aura) Nyree is here.

(Golden Aura) Gwaine d'Aggravaine is here.

(Golden Aura) (White Aura) Lezra Lazul Avatar of Nadrik is here.

You salute.

Bolter tips his head forward slightly in respect to you.

Lezra says 'From what I have gathered Netanya has had one or two incursions requiring the attention of Lord Aenarion.'

You say 'Hail Sons of Nadrik,'

You say (to Lezra) 'Avatar.'

Gwaine says (to Lezra) 'She is under the mentorship of the Lord Justice, yes.'

You smile at Bolter.

Lezra says 'Hm, very acute to the requirement of your presence Deacon.'

You say (to Bolter) 'Hail Mentor.'

Gwaine says (to Lezra) 'Lady Muse handed her tutorship to Sir Aenarion some months back.'

Bolter says (to You) 'I trust this morning finds you well?'

You say (to Lezra) 'I came as swiftly as I could Avatar. Few things stand in the way of the Lord's call.'

Lezra says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'I would like to hear from him then also, her progress in those matters. His review of her would be considered in her priestly evaluation.'

You say (to Bolter) 'I hope you haven't declared war on anyone today Cardinal?'

Bolter chuckles.

Bolter says 'Nay, but the day is young.'

Gwaine says (to Lezra) 'If I may assist, Sir Lezra, perhaps I may voice your request to him, and collect his thoughts.'

Caenarfon eyes Bolter warily.

Lezra says (to Bolter MacLeod) 'A slight be zealous in your missives Cardinal, the Deacon seems to have picked up on that much.'

Bolter smiles.

Gwaine says (to Lezra) 'I would not like to see matters detained for timing and a lack of communication.'

Lezra says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'This would be most appreciated if you would Champion'

You say 'Two extremes will find a balance Avatar.'

You say 'The Good Guard, and the Bad Guard.'

Gwaine inclines his head to Lezra, ' As always, in your service and His, my lord Lezra. '

You say '... often get the best results.'

Gwaine says (to You) 'There is also the guard to beat sense into both the good and bad.'

You say (to Gwaine) 'Ah, governance Lord Crown.'

You say 'A well required notion.'

Lezra says (to You) 'The Cardinals words certainly have not lacked confidence, and also there is much wisdom in them. His faith is strong. Could we move on to a matter of prayer however this day ?'

Gwaine says (to Lezra) 'As you can see, Messenger, I have my hands full with my warlike priests on the one side, and the silver-tongued priests on the other.'

Bolter chuckles.

You nod at Lezra.

Bolter says 'Shall we pray then?'

Gwaine steps back to beside Nyree, watching the emerging discussion.

You say 'A faith impenetrable to gentle reason.'

Lezra says (to Gwaine d'Aggravaine) 'I find myself actually learning much from both of them.'

You grin at Bolter.

Bolter smiles at you.

Lezra says 'It so happens the deacon sent up prayer about a very specific topic'

You say 'Do you wish to me to voice my dilemma Avatar?'

Lezra says (to You) 'Would you please ?'

You say 'I thought to run it by you first.'

You say 'I do hope that the third outcome was not insulting.'

Lezra nods sagely.

You say (to Lezra) 'You found my Congregational guide alright?'

Lezra says 'Not as of yet. I did just return from the southlands of Althania.'

You say 'Consider this dilemma: It is the day of the Last Battle. Before you stands a Priest of Chaos representing Malachive, and a Shadowknight representing Necrucifer. Who do you strike?'

Lezra says (to You) 'Very injust situation there.'

Lezra sighs.

You say 'The Hand of Devion's evil is cruel, Avatar.'

You say 'I took this dilemma and attempted to work it to it's natural reasoned conclusion.'

Lezra says (to You) 'Lets start the discussion then now, you and I.'

You say 'And found no satisfactory answer.'

Lezra says 'As said, we have come across these two individuals.'

Bolter says (to You) 'Either answer can easily be justified, and yet however, just as easily rebuked.'

You say 'Though I consider that this might become a real choice which will be forced upon us, with two enemies in the field.'

Lezra says 'There is an excellent chance that this encounter happens on a battle field, as I don't see many other oppertunites for it to occur.'

You say (to Bolter) 'Each has a severe consequence Cardinal.'

Gwaine says 'Are they not both equal evil?'

Bolter says (to You) 'Of that I am well aware.'

You say 'Are Abhorrents evil?'

Gwaine says 'To be godless, is that not as empty as following the wrong god?'

You say 'Or are they but in balance to the Gods?'

Gwaine says (to You) 'You hold curious notions for a priest, Corwen.'

Lezra says 'If I may, let me guide you away from this measuring of evil to attain a primary strike.'

You say 'Malachive did his best in his announcement to clear his army of good/evil ideology bar chaos which we are against, and freedom which we are for.'

-There is a break, then the communion reconvenes-

Temple of Nadrik

[Exits: north east south ]

An alabaster knight kneels before a white marble statue of Nadrik.

A fountain bubbles quietly in the center of the room.

Hardwood pews fill the room.

An altar of red oak stands in front of the western wall.

(Charmed) A Knight's silver war-horse stands here ready to carry it's rider to

battle.

(Golden Aura) (White Aura) (WANTED) Acthus is here.

(Golden Aura) Zeusef is here.

(Golden Aura) Rassilon is here.

(Golden Aura) (White Aura) Lezra Lazul Avatar of Nadrik is here.

You salute Lezra.

Nyree tips her head forward slightly in respect.

You kneel and pray for the blessing of wisdom.

Mercerion salutes Lezra.

Mercerion kneels and grasps his holy symbol.

Lezra says 'Greetings Gareth Keep.'

Zeusef kneels.

Mercerion says 'Greetings, M'lord.'

Rassilon falls to one knee gracefully before Lezra Lazul.

You say 'Hail Avatar.'

Hyathes bows to Lezra.

Lezra says (to You) 'Unfortunately my last visit was cut short.'

You say 'As it was for us all Avatar.'

Lezra says 'The deacon had raised up in prayer a request for wisdom to find the

answer to a very precarious question.'

Lezra says 'I'd like to return to it.'

Mercerion smiles.

You say 'Consider this dilemma: It is the day of the Last Battle. Before you stands a Priest of Chaos representing Malachive, and a Shadowknight representing Necrucifer. Who do you strike?'

Lezra says (to You) 'I believe part of your problem lay in the fact that since both are evil, you would be unable to chose wisely which to attack.'

Rassilon nods thoughtfully at the question.

You say 'Ah, so both Malachive and the Abhorrents are evil Avatar?'

You say 'That is a confirmation I was seeking.'

Acthus whispers 'Strike them both, hard. That is the way it should be.'

Mercerion nods at Acthus sagely.

Hyathes smiles slightly at Acthus.

Lezra says 'The Deacon has spent a long time considering this, and yes they are certainly both evil. Malachive being the Son of Necrucifer is undeniably evil.'

You say 'My concern with this is that Malachive's statement was devoid of good/evil ideology.'

You say 'And focusing on the chaos/freedom ideologies.'

Lezra says 'And of course Abhorrants have played no small role in the events that lead to the murder of Kadiya. They too, must be evil.'

Caenarfon nods thoughtfully.

Mercerion clenches his fist slightly, but nods.

You say 'I considered this, along with the proposition that they were but a balance to the Gods and their Children.'

Lezra says (to You) 'So you said you spent a long time considering this, and through evaluating which one is evil, you couldn't chose between the two which to attack yes ?'

You nod at Lezra.

Lezra says 'Lets then take into consideration this'

You say 'I reasoned either way was possible, but both had profoundly negative implications for our Order or our Gods.'

Lezra says 'Since you are a follower of Nadrik, situationally which one would be more honorable to attack? Is one already in combat? Does another have a back turned to you ? Do you announce you will raise arms against both of them?'

You say 'All things being the same Avatar, I know not. It would depend on the situation at the time.'

Lezra says 'You could use reasoning to that extend to help you determine which should be attacked first.'

You say 'But this instance I regard as being more of an overall ethos for Gareth and Nadrik.'

You say 'Who is Nadrik's greater enemy?'

You say 'Really the best possible outcome is for them to be set upon each other.'

You say 'But there is little honor to be found in using one to be the dirty work upon the other.'

Lezra says 'If both were standing before you then, to suit your suggesting paradox, and both were not in combat but rather it was only you and these two beings...hm.'

You say 'But to face both powers is impractical and perhaps even beyond our resources.'

You say 'Really it is in our best interests to let them initiate on each other first.'

Mercerion says 'Ours alone, Maybe.'

Mercerion says (to You) 'We do not fight the Malachivian threat alone.'

You say 'Only Necrucifer's army already forces our hand in Althainia. It is Chaos which gleefully watches, wondering when to strike.'

You say (to Mercerion) 'We fight evil my son, it is our prime directive to seek it out.'

Lezra says 'We have two enemies of Nadrik, there are only two possibilities. Either both are viewed as an equal enemy, or one is greater than the other.'

Acthus ponders.

You say 'The enemy of our enemy is our friend was the consideration.'

Mercerion shakes his head.

Mercerion says 'That will not work.'

You say 'Each side faces two enemies, so we are not alone in our dilemma.'

Lezra says 'Let us focus on which could have the greater sin for now.'

Nyree says softly 'If I may, Sirs. Were the moment of realization used to determine which to strike, that would lend to the argument that they are both equal.'

You say 'It may not work in practical terms my son, at present I leave all options on the table.'

Lezra says 'Would all of you agree that Necrucifer is the embodiment of sin and injustice ?'

You nod.

Mercerion nods sagely.

You say 'Our historical antithesis.'

Lezra says 'Hm, that is a very strong enemy to have.'

Lezra says 'Very good reasoning to strike first, but what of Malachive ?'

You say 'He lies then when he says that there is no afterlife.'

Lezra says 'He the son of this Sin, here on Algoron. Most of the time Necrucifer limits his presence to the god realms yes ?'

Mercerion nods at Lezra.

You say 'And that he does not have the best interests of the people of Algoron at heart when He offers them freedom and chaos?'

You say 'One of my nagging questions is why Necrucifer has ordered his Shadowknights to attack Malachive on sight.'

Acthus says (to You) 'Perhaps he feels threatened.'

You say 'You would think them natural allies against us, pausing only after we are finished to fight amongst each other?'

You say (to Acthus) 'Perhaps.'

Lezra says 'The foremost reason is that the father is not pleased with something the son has done.'

You say 'Would the Son strike the Father?'

You ponder.

Mercerion says 'Why else would he garner the Abhorrents?'

Nyree gives a curious glance to the Knights around the room.

You say 'Or is the animosity one way?'

You say 'The Abhorrents are all the Gods antithesis.'

Lezra says 'So with Necrucifer, we have an ancient foe, who represents darkness, the very things that has spawned all the sins we strive to cleanse ourselves of, and protect the innocent from.'

Lezra says (to You) 'And with Malachive, we have a lot of uncertainty as to what his ultimate goal is. We know what he has done thus far, and who he has allied himself with, but for what final purpose can anyone here say ?'

You say 'That is a valid point Avatar.'

You say 'Necrucifer is known.'

You say 'His Son is not.'

Lezra says 'It would seem that while both are enemies and we would clearly protect Algoron from both, in the situation described for now I would have to attack the Shadow knight who represents Necrucifer. My reason for this would be thus'

You say 'Chaos we abhor, but we regard freedom and autonomy for nations a cornerstone of the right of existence. '

Lezra says 'Foremost our faith in the light is to rid the world of the sins that hold mortals back from grace.'

Lezra says 'And Necrucifer is the embodiment of that sin.'

You nod.

You say 'I had considered this Avatar.'

Lezra says 'This does by no means mean you all should adopt my opinion.'

Lezra says 'I know all here would not make a choice lightly, with the best intent.'

You say 'Only it is direct combat with Evil which could prove our undoing, if

Chaos was greater than Evil.'

You say 'In your scenario, we stay true to our Gods, and our Code.'

Lezra says 'In essence, could it be said that Evil has spawned Chaos ? Evil did give rise to the birth of Malachive.'

Mercerion nods.

Lezra ponders.

You say 'But if in the current scenario with the Hand and Mantaroth's army, I am not sure we have the resources to commit.'

Lezra says (to You) 'But I do understand what you say Deacon.'

You say 'Say we beat Necrucifer in the field. Chaos is next and waiting, licking their blades.'

Lezra says (to You) 'The situation is dire. It will be a difficult test for all those of the faith.'

Lezra says (to You) 'But if we fail, the world has no one left to save it.'

You say 'If we follow our ideology thusly to the letter, and we fall in it's execution. Who will protect the innocent and weak in this world?'

You say 'Exactly Avatar.'

You say 'We must also plan for contingency.'

Lezra says 'Yes, I definitely think we understand each other.'

You smile at Lezra.

Lezra says 'Yes, with this reasoning, it would also I feel be honorable for any of you to chose the follower of Malachive.'

Nyree says softly 'May we return, please, to the nature of Malachive?'

You say 'Also, either side may call for us to join with it against the other.'

Lezra says 'Certainly.'

Lezra says (to Nyree) 'Please, go ahead.'

Caenarfon listens to Nyree.

Nyree says softly 'It has been said that he is evil, but what of those who would follow him.'

Nyree says softly 'Will not some of his followers be those who we would normally consider to be good?'

You nod at Nyree.

Lezra says 'Can you offer a specific example of soemone good who has or would join Malachive ?'

You say (to Nyree) 'You are correct, his announcement was devoid of good/evil ideology.'

You say 'Malachive preaches a freedom his Father would never allow.'

Lezra says 'I do think that someone confused, with a faith of goodness, might end up in his following.'

Nyree says softly 'I only mean to speak to the Deacon's point that our normal theology was absent from the announcement.'

Lezra says 'Yes, I see.'

You say 'I believe that the situation is similar to the Slayers stance with us.'

Lezra says 'So do any of you believe Malachive might have truly change from his evil roots to become a more neutral force ?'

You say 'They are not intrinsically evil, so should never be a first target.'

You say 'The Slayers that is.'

Lezra says (to You) 'Indeed'

You say 'I think it is certainly possible Avatar.'

You say 'From what he says, if he does not lie that is... is that he wishes to

free us from the servitude of the Gods.'

You say 'All the Gods, not the good, not the evil.'

You say 'He does not differentiate.'

Lezra says 'Hm, must disagree. I feel that when he is the child of the embodiment of sin and darkness that it taints his soul far too greatly for any of his intentions to be honorable or good.'

You say 'He was brought up by Good gods as well Avatar.'

You say 'And mortals of a neutral disposition.'

You say 'He was born of Evil, but has not got along with it very well.'

You say 'I apologise for the heretical stance, I am just trying to reason to conclusion Avatar.'

You say 'I'm sure the Cardinal would have smote me for the very suggestion.'

Lezra says 'Malachive might be at odds with all the gods, but I then must ask myself would he turn to the side of goodness and honor. I do not believe this is his intent.'

You say 'He is very fond of Nadrik's first tenet.'

You say 'Indeed Avatar, he is not on anyone's side.'

You say 'If what he says is true, he wishes to rid Algoron of the Gods.'

Lezra says 'Let me say this to you all'

You say 'There is no grand plan we have heard for an aftermath.'

Lezra says 'Speaking openly will only further your wisdom. Exploring the possibilities will only further strengthen your faith.'

You nod at Lezra.

Lezra says 'I can look around to all of you and I know none of you would speak for the sake of tainting a belief or speaking hersey.'

Lezra says 'But rather in search for the reasons for those beliefs.'

You say 'If I were Malachive, I would wait till evil and good had fought each other to a standstill, then sweep all before me.'

Lezra says 'In answering these questions we arrive to a better awareness of honor and righteousness.'

You say 'If we were faced with this scenario, we might have to join with evil for our very survival and way of life.'

You say 'Unthinkable, I know.'

Mercerion says (to You) 'You seem to widely discount all of our neutral allies who have sided with us.'

You say 'And if I were Malachive, I would be goading good and evil at each other.'

Rassilon tells you 'Not so unthinkable as that. Shalonesti and Wargar have all but ended their war against this evil. Why could we not do the same?'

Lezra says 'There is only one way to ever justify that however, and that would be a direct order from the Father of Goodness.'

Lezra ponders.

Mercerion nods at Lezra.

You say 'I know not the resources of Malachive, so I cannot discount that we will be at a disadvantage my son.'

You tell Rassilon 'They ended a racial conflict, not an ideological one.'

Rassilon tells you 'To them it is largely the same thing'

Rassilon tells you 'I am not saying the comparison is perfect, of course...'

You tell Rassilon 'They have been most bold.'

Lezra says 'Indeed, that would be an undesireable outcome. There is definitely a strong chance that our Gods of light will ask of us what might seem impossible, by chosing to make the stand against evil and then also rid the world of Malachive.'

You nod.

Lezra says 'It would seem to me that this is the likely path of things.'

Lezra says 'Therefor we must search for strength.'

You say 'Such a command would be the antithesis of our principle.'

Lezra ponders.

You say 'So much would be turned upon it's head.'

You say 'There is no silver arrow that I have found in my consideration.'

Mercerion says (to Lezra) 'The Lord is aware of the Alliance of Nations that has taken place?'

Lezra says (to Mercerion Mamoritai) 'There are servants and priest across the lands that have sent up prayers informing the gods of what they do know.'

You say 'It seems we must do what we can to learn the nature of Malachive.'

You say 'And the strength He possesses.'

Lezra says 'Some of these alliances are likely divine mandate.'

You say 'The situation in New Thalos is most alarming.'

Hyathes nods.

Lezra says 'I believe several holy men and women, priest and the like, have received visits directing them to persaude their kingdom to ally with another kingdom.'

Nyree says softly 'Perhaps strength is doubly needed, firstly to do more then we know we can, and secondly to accept our Lord's and Lady's commands.'

Mercerion smiles at Nyree.

Lezra says (to Nyree) 'A very wise council.'

You say 'We are the Knighthood.'

You say 'We are the Means rather than the Ends.'

Lezra says 'We all serve, and do as ordered as it is honorable.'

You say 'If our Gods ask us to move against our principles, then there will be no moral high ground to which we are accustomed.'

You say 'We will be asked to choose between our Faith and our Code from the example we discussed.'

Lezra says 'I beleive the most firm statement of our faith, as followers of Nadrik will hold firm. Death before dishonor.'

You say 'We must be decisive.'

Mercerion nods.

You say 'Which is why I am glad we hold this consideration now.'

You say 'So that upon the field, we know where our priorities lie.'

You say 'We must do what is right, what is honorable.'

Lezra says 'Indeed, listen to your generals and your leaders, whom in turn receive guidance from the Divine.'

Lezra says 'We are in this together.'

Rassilon nods.

You smile.

Lezra says 'We shall call an end to this topic. I hope you all received from it what was worth receiving.'

You thank Lezra.

Mercerion says (to Lezra) 'Thank you, M'lord'

You say 'We would be grateful to all you may learn of the nature of Malachive.'

Lezra says (to Mercerion Mamoritai) 'I have heard you may be serving in wartime General.'

You say 'For such information will be critical in the days ahead.'

Mercerion nods at Lezra.

Mercerion says (to Lezra) 'In the alliance of Nations I spoke of, I have been asked to be their General.'

Lezra says (to Mercerion Mamoritai) 'Protect the innocent general, and come back to us safely.'

Mercerion says (to Lezra) 'I plan to entirely, M'lord.'

Mercerion says (to Lezra) 'I simply won't command men and women to battle, without joining them.'

Gwynn has entered the realm.

Lezra ponders.

Gwynn ponders.

You smile at Gwynn.

Temple of Nadrik

The feeling of holiness is strong within this room. It seems to radiate

from each wall, object, person and even the air itself seems charged with

it. The alabaster floor of marble stretches out in front of you and makes

no sound as you walk upon it. A stone fountain separates two columns of

pews that face an altar in front of the western wall. A large tapestry is

hanging delicately on the western wall, just below it is a golden plate and

a brass plaque. Tucked into a corner beside the altar is an arched door of

solid oak.

[Exits: north east south ]

An alabaster knight kneels before a white marble statue of Nadrik.

A fountain bubbles quietly in the center of the room.

Hardwood pews fill the room.

An altar of red oak stands in front of the western wall.

Gwynn is here.

(White Aura) (WANTED) Acthus is here.

Hyathes Deza'th is here.

Nyree is here.

Jayl MacGregor is here.

Mercerion Mamoritai is here.

(Charmed) A Knight's silver war-horse stands here ready to carry it's rider to

battle.

Zeusef is here.

Rassilon is here.

(White Aura) Lezra Lazul Avatar of Nadrik is here.

Gwynn stops using a sallet in the shape of a silver stag head.

Gwynn bows to Lezra.

Mercerion tips his head forward slightly in respect to Gwynn.

Gwynn says 'Greetings everyone'

Lezra says (to You) 'I would like to speak with you now, just you and I.

Please join me in the Chapel.'

You salute Lezra.

Lezra tips its head forward slightly in respect to Gwynn.

Chapel of Fallen Heroes

[Exits: south ]

Here, in a place of honor, kneels the statue of Gunnar Draugrbane.

A gilded, golden ark rests upon the platform in the center of the room.

(Charmed) A Knight's silver war-horse stands here ready to carry it's rider to

battle.

(White Aura) Lezra Lazul Avatar of Nadrik is here.

Caenarfon puts his arms into the folds of his robes.

Caenarfon bows his head.

You say 'How might I be of service Avatar?'

Lezra says 'Your prayers are heard and answered, as well as your deeds documented within the keep.'

Lezra says 'The lord Nadrik is pleased with your service and progress as a Deacon.'

You say 'I am thankful that you have passed on his wisdom Avatar.'

You say 'I am honored Avatar.'

Lezra says 'I am merely a guide, a great deal of the wisdom came from you and those of Gareth.'

You smile.

You say 'We are not all swords Avatar.'

Lezra says 'I try only to serve as an example of what I think you have the potential to do.'

You say 'And we are thankful for that. We have much guidance this night.'

Lezra says (to You) 'You have seen the ways of the Cardinal, and that way reaches many, maybe all those of the faith.'

You smile.

You nod.

You say 'We are all different Avatar.'

You say 'We must all live up to our potential.'

Lezra says 'But there will be those that could use your own perception and your ways.'

You tip your head forward slightly in respect.

You say 'I will reach who I can Avatar.'

Lezra says 'As a priest, which I don't think it has been three months yet but it is fast approaching, it will become more of a challange to openly communicate with others of the priesthood as to not contradict one another.'

Lezra says 'Your ways may honorably differ, but you must get the message right.'

You say 'Your visits are important to us Avatar, to keep us aligned in honor.'

You say 'Conflicting messages will lose the trust of the congregation Avatar.'

Lezra says (to You) 'I do not think there is more you can improve on, other than strengthing others actively serving in the priest hood by speaking with then even more than you are now.'

You say 'Do you wish me to exercise that right outside the Keep Avatar?'

Lezra says 'The reason foremost being that you do not confuse others. Again, the message must be the same. The message is honor.'

You say 'Gareth is where my focus has been till now.'

Lezra says 'Right now I would desire you to remain in Gareth. Visitations can be reached through simple summonings.'

You say 'Ah, I did not mean to leave Gareth.'

You say 'Only to preach to more than Tesalon's following.'

Lezra says 'Longer visitations can be arranged with proper notice, and while I will inform you if that is required if you feel you are needed in that capacity outside of Gareth be sure to take it up in prayer.'

You nod.

Lezra says 'You will recieve guidence.'

Lezra says 'That I promise you'

You bow.

You say 'I must depart soon Avatar.'

Lezra says 'You are doing well, complete the remainder of the three months as you have started it, and you will reach the status of full priest.'

You say 'I am grateful to have the ear of the Avatar of Nadrik.'

You smile.

Lezra says 'Farewell Deacon.'

You say 'My thanks Avatar.'

You salute.

Lezra salutes.

You say 'Farewell.'