RP:An "Enlightened" Perspective

Part of the A Test of Faith Arc

The Grand Temple of Vakmatharas

On the site of the former and ruined temple to the Ascendi Vakarash now stands a magnificent structure made entirely of native blackstone. Its vaulted halls are lit dimly with dark votive candles, and acrid smoke rises from gold and iron censers cast into the shape of demons set upon the main hall’s central altar. The altar itself is a paragon to Death – skulls of all races adorn it, set about with candlesticks of intricately carven bone. Bowls of blood and platters of meat are often placed upon it. Fresher blood offerings are not uncommon, and devotees make sacrifice and pray to their dark God at all hours. Faint screams echo from some hidden recess below, presumably the cries of those fortunate enough to have been chosen as sacrifices to the God of Death. Staunch guards are stationed at every possible entryway, all of them priests and necromancers adept in the Dark Arts, all of them more than capable of defending their Temple.
A shrine to the dark lord, surrounded by offerings, is here.

Redovian awakens from his slumber, the paladin's wounds healed to almost near perfect state, save new scars, and one being the visibly horrid one upon his left cheek. But, the fallen paladin does not seem worried about that, nay, he has awoken in a cold sweat, as dreams of death, murder, torture and dark power, all plagued him last night. He saw himself, cloaked in darkness, wielding great power in the name of the Dark One. And why the once holy man wished he could unsee it, he saw himself, enjoying such. This troubles the man, before realization of where he is sinks in. Drow, numerous at that, surround him. Death Cult followers the like of which he has clashed with, stare at him with those lifeless gazes. Reflexes have the man reaching for his blades, but they are set on a table a good distance out of reach, and his body is still aching with every move. He sits, with naught but a pair of simple cloth pants on, and wonders what in the world has happened..

Tiphareth looks over the man as he finally stirs from the long and tortuous slumber, casting a gaze toward the table as Redovian searches for his blades, then back to the groggy ex-paladin. "You wish your weapons... I assure you that they are not necessary. It was not I that did this to you, now was it? Rather, I believe it was the goodly Vaidhe who inflicted these near mortal wounds... all in the name of sport, yes? Though if you truly wish to take up arms against the one who saved your life, I can gather your implements up for you... Though perhaps you should ask, where does the focus of your vengeance truly reside. Despite your continuous hatred of me, I have never raised a hand toward you, nay, I came to your aid in time of deepest need, and through the blessings of Vakmatharas saved your life. Tell me where were your elves when you needed them? Where was your God?"

Redovian looks away from the lite as he speaks, not ready to hear those words, no matter how true they rang. And besides, he didn't have the power to win a gladiator bout, how would he fare against the Lich? He isn't stupid. But indeed, he had hatred brewing in his heart, a thirst for power so he could once again stand like a man. It is here, in this, that he looks to Tiphareth. " I am in your debt, Lich." He had honor dammit, and this man did save his life, no matter how hard he wanted to hate him, he was thankful not to be a corpse right now. " So just tell me how I can get the hell out of your web, and clear this debt."

Tiphareth smiles slightly, amused by the man's resolve even in this state, "You are in no web, in fact you can get up and walk out the door this instance if you wish. I merely wish to converse with you and share a portion of the wisdom I've gained over my many centuries of life. I am not known as a liar, nor do I think you could find a man whom would testify otherwise. I believe you have been deceived sir knight, by those very people you trusted with unwavering faith. You are a follower of the God Cyris, correct? God of Freedom... Tell me, did you feel "Free" to do as you wished while following under his banner, or rather tethered by endless rules that stand in the way of true Justice?"

Redovian listens to the Drow patron's words, which slither like snakes from his tongue and sink the venom of truth into his very soul. As a paladin, he served the church with unwavering faith for years, fought in battles he did not choose, against enemies he never made. And when he tried to save children, he was tossed aside by the god he loved, because of one mistake. Or was it even a mistake? Was Ror'Rih's now dormant power really just a thing Cyris disapproved of? He has carried the blade he earned when he saved Satoshi's life for months now, but the moment he uses its power, he is forsaken? It is here, he stands, even through the pain, to look upon Tiphareth and say. " And I am not a man who judges a man upon hearsay, Lich. I will hear your words, out of respect for you saving my life. But I'd prefer some damn clothes first... mine were destroyed in the fight." Even the pants he had on were torn and shredded.

Tiphareth nods in affirmative, signaling toward his men to give the man a few items of clothing, including the cloak which had been offered the man just last evening. "I am not one to judge others either, in fact, have you ever known me to kill over ideals, no, it is the "good" church that does such things. I take issue with those that have wronged me, and those for whom I hold regard, not merely those who's ideas are different than my own. It is obvious that you were forsaken by Cyris, tell me... what was the cause for such a drastic betrayal of your lifetime devotion?"

Redovian cannot find a single trace of a lie in the Eldermage's words, and takes the offered cloths, simple black clothing of course, and that cloak, as he replies. " I used the power in that sword. " Points to Ror'Rih. " It was supposedly just embewed with powerful elemental magic by Satoshi, but in seems it has taken on a soul all its own, full of rage, hate and the thirst for destruction." Clothed now, the man even dons the cloak, not knowing its the cause of Vak's whisperings into his mind. " I was held prisoner, by an unknown man still, who held kids as a hostage. I let him take me. I was beaten, tortured and had the spiritual magic drained form me. But Satoshi and Valiana.." He pauses at her name, the woman having not tried to see him for several days since she saw him transform under Ror'Rih. " They came to save me, and Coreliant's Shrine where I was held was rigged to collapse. I was weak, I had no strength of my own, so... I gave in. I used Ror'Rih to get the kids out. And because I gave myself over to the blade, I lost all my power, and Cyris has forsaken me, not matter how hard I pray or try to atone."

Tiphareth shakes his head in disgust, "So... you lost your favor from the "Good" and "Just" god Cyris for a selfless act of valor? Does that seem like justice for one who has given their lives in service to his name? Answer me this, do you think Vakmatharas would forsake you so easily... the very God who saved your life even -after- your lifetime of servitude of another Deity? I can see in your eyes that you wish a return of your previous glory, you wish to power to dole out vengeance against those who have harmed you and your loved ones. I can feel the anger pent up within you, held back by decades of inane rules which leashed your true potential like a dog."

Redovian said to Tiphareth, "And what choice do I have, Lich? Serve the one god who I have been born to believe is evil? Take the word of the leader of the Drow, who I was training to fight? Accept the offer of vampirism from my Queen, who whispers say is a murderous fiend with a dark and sorted past? I am to cast aside everything I knew, for power?"

Tiphareth remains calm and stoic, even as Redovian is seemingly growing agitated. "You have all of the choices Redovian, for the first time in your adult life. Tell me, what makes Vakmatharas evil? Because he is the God of death... since when is death evil? It is merely the inevitable result of life. If there were no God of Death what would come of the world? Trees overpopulating endlessly until they choke out the sun, animals and sentient beings alike all living forever until we've raped the land of its resources? Death is natural, part of the circle of life which affects all living things, and Vakmatharas is merely the steward of that inevitable force. You speak about what you were born to believe, what you were taught to feel. Look instead toward your heart, do you truly feel it was "evil" to save those children, or does the truth in your heart contradict the God you've been taught to blindly follow?"

Redovian is unable to retort such raw truth. Death is not evil, no matter what anyone says. And he saved those children, and even with the knowledge of what would come of it, he would do it again too. To the Eldermage, he says. " It was right to save those children. Cyris... was wrong."

Tiphareth nods in agreement with the statement, "As I started this conversation Redovian, I believe you have been deceived. You know the words I've said have the power of truth within them, and your apprehension is understandable, especially for one who has been so greatly betrayed by those you have trusted. I will not tell you what to believe, those brain washing tactics belong with those who indoctrinated you to hate me and my God, no I shall rather provide you with truths you can see and feel for yourself and let you decide what path to follow. If you wish to attempt returning to your mental slave masters and devote yourself once again to the capricious "good" Gods who judge you upon the most minor indiscretion, that is your choice. If you wish to seek out Satoshi and gain eternal life, albeit still at the expense of you freedom under her direct control while her blood flows through you, that too is your choice to make. In fact, even if you wish to do nothing in search of more power, remain a mere swordsman with no power to speak of, that path is yours to traverse. However... if you wish the power and freedom to follow your own path and achieve your goals by whatever means you feel necessary, unhindered by foolish rules; guided by -your- heart and mind, the path of Vakmatharas awaits. He will allow you to decide which of your foes are granted death, and which shall live, instead of relying on an unwritten code by which you'll be judged."

Redovian said to Tiphareth, "There is much for me to think upon, Lord Tiphareth. I need time, to figure out what path I shall choose. I am indebted to you no matter what, for helping to save my life."

Tiphareth said to Redovian, "Indeed there is much you need to think about, if you are ready to depart I have some sent for water and food to get your strength up before you make the journey. I trust you know your way "home", wherever that may be?"" Tiphareth gave 5 Unholy water to Redovian. Tiphareth gave 1 Flesh of the Innocent to Redovian. Tiphareth hands a wineskin and seasoned jerky like meat to the ex-paladin.

Redovian said to Tiphareth, "I have no home, but I'll make due. Thank you, Lord Tiphareth. *offers a bow.*"

Tiphareth said to Redovian, "There will be those that attempt to sway you back into your old way of thinking, I merely ask you think for yourself and decide whom you trust more to decide right from wrong, your heart, or the Gods."

Redovian said to Tiphareth, "I shall seek you out, when I feel the time is right. I shall not waste your time any longer."

Tiphareth returns the mans bow with a dip of his torso, "Fare thee well Sir Knight."

Redovian exits west.

Redovian takes from his satchel the flash which holds the water given to him by Tiphareth, and takes a large swig, before taking out a good sized piece of jerky, and devouring it within moments. He was indeed famished, having nearly died just yesterday, and damn if this snack wasn't refreshing! What an odd taste though, this jerky was, but tasty! And this water. So fresh and revitalizing!"