toodeep wrote:
Dear Haakon,
Do you mind if I ask for some clarification on the actions by those you propose to report to the Inquisition?
First, what was their apparent crime again? From what I can discern it was that they did not kill unbelieving Gar zealously enough, is that correct? Do you then propose that it is the duty and requirement for all members of the mother church to kill all non-church members on sight, to clear the path for church members to populate all of Onara? If so, how do you hold yourself back from slaughtering the Milandisian church members you meet? Or is it just non-humans? If so, how do you hide the bodies of the Elorri you kill to pass the time? Or is it a question of sentience, with the argument that the Gar are more subhuman than the Elorri (an argument the Elorri would no doubt half agree with, as they consider themselves super, not sub, human), and thus deserve to be purged when other races do not? Please clarify what level of bloodthirstiness is required to prevent a follower from "rotting from within?"
Secondly, why would any of that fall within the purview of the Inquisition, those responsible for hunting down heretics? To be a heretic one must believe in the gods incorrectly, and want to pervert the belief in others. The Inquisition is not designed to be the protectors of the church from all threats, just heresy.
Third, were you taking this place you were exploring for colonization? It is my understanding that much of the undercity is populated by a diverse, "ecosystem," (for lack of a better word), of creatures. I put to you that there are probably many more blasphemous creatures there than the Gar, and thus the Gar may serve a beneficial role in weakening others there until such time as humans really do return to the undercity to take it. I, for one, would recommend not worrying about colonizing the undercity until we have reclaimed all of the uncleansed areas on the surface of the city.
Finally, and I hope you don't consider me a heretic for asking this, as it a most honest question that I don't know the answer to, but are we supposed to bring the pantheon to others? Obviously they are the Pantheon of Man, and man will always be their favorite, but tales from the Heroes of Light during the Coryani Civil War indicate that other species do follow the Pantheon, just as the dwarves and giants do. May it not be our duty to bring the pantheon to others besides humans? Might it not be the desire of the Gods for us not to exterminate the Gar, but to convert them and use them to further the very desires of the Gods?
I anxiously await your enlightening answers,
Kavaris
If you think all the Inquisition does is chase down heretics you are going to be surprised when they knock down your door in the middle of the night, or simply grab you in broad daylight and haul you off for questioning. The Inquisition is the conscience of the church that does what must be done so the actions of one fool do not condemn us all. Plus it's easier to put out a fire when it's a spark than a conflagration.
If we believe the words of the Gods to be true then they bequeathed not only the First City to Humanity but all of Onara as well. They didn't say oh well let the Elorri be they told them to LEAVE the area or be killed. I take that to mean all other non-humans should be removed as well, in particular from an area as sacred as the First City. If they will not move then they must be "removed" by whatever means necessary. To do less is the subvert the will of the Gods, which in my book is at least the first step down the road to heresy and a sin in an of itself.
As for the Elorii do you not think the would kill us all if they were able? History has proven that. Whenever they were in a position of strength they attacked. The only difference between the Malfelan, the Seremasi and the Vastwood Elorii is their methods, their goal is the same, the elimination of Humanity and the restoration of their dead false "gods." If there one thing I have learned is you can work with them but never ever trust them.
Your question on accepting non-human worshippers into the fold is worthy of consideration. Still I would point out that when Blessed Illiir bequeathed Humanity with Onara he did not add "The Elorii can stay if they convert." That option was not on the table. Perhaps the Gods were not willing to allow non-human worshippers into the fold, perhaps they foresaw dangers we could not. If the Gar squatters really wanted to join the Church they should approach openly and willingly instead of hiding in the shadows. That sort of behavior makes doubt their piety.
Your Brother In Faith
Haakon val'Ishi
Anointed Priest of Beltine and Sanctioned Exorcist