As Tim dashes after the fleeing priest Akos turns and blasts warm air carrying the smell of the late Summer into the mercenary that resisted all his attempts. Leaving him to the guards, he checks the fallen guards, healing instantly where he has to, dressing the wounds where he doesn't.
Only after taking care of that does he take a look at the bandits. He doesn't bother with magic, stabilizing them. He does, however, take the time to blindfold Mani.
"Check this ones bindings and tighten them. His hands should go behind and hobble him properly. Note that he is a shapechanger and take care that he cannot slip out by just thinning his wrists."
He goes over to the female who called for surrender. "You all were duped by that priest and the Renegade. No amount of banditry will win you fame or power because no amount of physical power can overcome The Five. We are not the most powerful in the city by a long shot and you barely grazed any of us. In fact, the only death was done by a bound prisoner through some magic. Stupid of him, but I guess it cannot help its nature."
He looks down at the hopefully breathing mercenary. "You care for this one. I meant what I said. If there was injustice done, I want to know about it. Please try to get him to see the wisdom of confiding in me."
OOC: healing blast for the bandit heals 2d6, stabilizing either through healing, heal skill, spell or healing belt (as the last resort) guards et al. Finally, Akos heals himself.
Tuck smiles when the cleric is finally gagged, although his reptilian nature means his smile appears more like a toothy grin.
"Insults to my parentage are exactly what I would expect from you," the kobold shrugs, obviously not impressed. Perhaps Tuck would have been more ad rem if he wasn't so occupied with the absence of guards at the gate.
"Can you take him back?" he asks of Tim, then looks at the Gate of Scales. "I need to check something really quick."
The kobold stealthily makes his way to the gate, trying to avoid notice, to see if he can find anything suspicious without putting himself in too much danger.
Tim frowns at Solomon, "Don't you DARE to ask for the favor of MY WORD OF HONOR, you murderous, lecherous, SCUM. I do not negotiate with the likes of you! You'd best keep your mouth SHUT, unless you'd like me to shut it for you."
Tim holds the top edge of Rizvan within an inch of Solomon's lips.
Tim continues,"I follow the LAW. And the law says that you will be arrested, given a trial, and subjected to the court's judgement, which could possibly include the gallows. Were I you, I would think on that, above all other considerations. I hear that most people soil themselves when the rope snaps their neck. And you're so FULL OF IT, I'd be willing to bet that the stench would be GREAT INDEED."
"You may be surprised what justice looks like in this city, off-worlder," Solomon says defiantly. "I will accept whatever fate The Five deem is required of my so called crimes. But only the Sufferer can truly judge me." The man's devotion to the Dark Savior is resolute and unnerving.
Tellerian Hawke said:
Tim assists in disarming, binding, and gagging the cleric. When the gag goes on, Tim's eyes gleam.
Tim smiles at the gagged cleric,"Ah, the beautiful sound of silence."
Tuck smiles when the cleric is finally gagged, although his reptilian nature means his smile appears more like a toothy grin.
"Insults to my parentage are exactly what I would expect from you," the kobold shrugs, obviously not impressed. Perhaps Tuck would have been more ad rem if he wasn't so occupied with the absence of guards at the gate.
"Can you take him back?" he asks of Tim, then looks at the Gate of Scales. "I need to check something really quick."
The kobold stealthily makes his way to the gate, trying to avoid notice, to see if he can find anything suspicious without putting himself in too much danger.
Tuck immediately notices that the gate stands open and that there aren't any guards stationed at it. That is not normal at all. Even if there was a changing of the guard, someone would be on duty. The adjoining towers are locked tight and the small guard post is empty. It appears as if someone was in the post recently, but it currently stands empty. Cooked food has been left out on a small table; it is still warm. It is either a real dereliction of duty or someone has been paid off to leave the guard post empty.
Beyond the Gate of Scales is the Mayor's Ward. The walled compound of the Estate of the Lord Mayor sits in the center of the ward. At the southern end of the ward is the walled Dragori Embassy. Two dragori guards stand on duty and are on high alert. While they obviously heard the battle, their duty to their people's embassy is their only concern. They do not see Tuck hiding in the shadows.
At the north end of the ward is the walled off Old City Rift, which many of the older noble families call Vetus Odium Urbe. Tuck knows there is an important guard post near it called Riftwatch. Just west of that is Lady Pomander's estate. Near the eastern edge of the ward is another noble estate. The kobold urban ranger can't remember the name of the family off the top of his head, but he knows they are considered important when it comes to the Adamantine trade.
The Mayor's Ward is busy with activity towards the north and east, but it seems that many who heard the battle near the Gate of Scales are still hiding inside their homes. The Southeast Tower of the Palace looms over Tuck and the unguarded gate. Tuck knows the escaped mercenary came through here, but if he's hiding somewhere in the ward, it will take some effort to find him. More likely, he ran off through either the Masque Arch to the southeast or the Rift Arch to the northeast. It's very unlikely that he'd get through the Iron Gate near Riftwatch.
After several minutes of observation, Tuck hears bootsteps of a troop marching towards the Masque Arch. They aren't trying to be stealthy at all. The walls of the deceased Lord Mayor's estate block Tuck's view of them, but he can hear them.
As Tim dashes after the fleeing priest Akos turns and blasts warm air carrying the smell of the late Summer into the mercenary that resisted all his attempts. Leaving him to the guards, he checks the fallen guards, healing instantly where he has to, dressing the wounds where he doesn't.
Akos quickly discovers that there isn't anything he can do for Odhran. The man is dead; his soul long gone. Mariana has covered the man with his cloak, and kneels next to him. "How am I ever going to tell her? They've been married for less than a year. Serafina is going to be heartbroken." She says these words not to Akos but the air above her fallen friend.
Of the other Regulars, only Roland is hurt badly, and the Loremaster's previous healing magic has stabilized the man's wounds. Vinccenzo has a deep dagger wound, and the Sectarian Guard thanks Akos for his aid.
Neurotic said:
Only after taking care of that does he take a look at the bandits. He doesn't bother with magic, stabilizing them. He does, however, take the time to blindfold Mani.
"Check this ones bindings and tighten them. His hands should go behind and hobble him properly. Note that he is a shapechanger and take care that he cannot slip out by just thinning his wrists."
"We will watch him," Roland replies. He and Herleva take charge of the doppleganger. They re-manacle him, properly, and tie him up tightly. "Someone will have to carry him, or we can call for a wagon." Roland looks at the other prisoners, as Tim leads the cleric back to the scene of the fight. "Yes, we're going to need a wagon."
Akos finds that most of the unconscious mercenaries are either near death or dead already. Their leader, Castañon, is hanging on by a thread by the time Akos looks at him. One of the other Rising Swords is easier to stabilize, but the third is bleeding out when Akos reaches him. It will be near impossible to save him.
OOC: See the end of the post.
Neurotic said:
He goes over to the female who called for surrender. "You all were duped by that priest and the Renegade. No amount of banditry will win you fame or power because no amount of physical power can overcome The Five. We are not the most powerful in the city by a long shot and you barely grazed any of us. In fact, the only death was done by a bound prisoner through some magic. Stupid of him, but I guess it cannot help its nature."
Even with Akos' considerable skills, Brychan is already dead before the loremaster can get to him.
"I am like him," Narzissa replies as Akos tends to her wounds. "I was once an Elite, although I wasn't as respected... as he was. I was charged with a crime that I didn't commit, but it didn't matter. The magistrate was paid off and my barrister was incompetent. I wish I could say my case was as clear an injustice as Brychan's..."
With the battle over, the frightening citizens begin to come out of their homes. Once they see that the guards and heroes have the mercenaries under control, a ring of people, young and old, forms around the scene. The people stay back, but watch with morbid curiosity. The crowd parts as Tim arrives and many of them gasp when they see Solomon.
"A Dissenter of the Hidden God!" A noblewoman exclaims before fainting into the hands of her fellow citizens. A fearful murmur rises in the crowd. Someone shouts, "Kill him now!"
"Stay back!" Vinccenzo orders. "There will be no trial by mob, today, or any other day!"
The murmur becomes a whisper, but the people refuse to leave. They listen and watch intently.
Neurotic said:
He looks down at the hopefully breathing mercenary. "You care for this one. I meant what I said. If there was injustice done, I want to know about it. Please try to get him to see the wisdom of confiding in me."
"We were comrades in the Elites and I helped recruit him into the Swords. But we weren't lovers." She shakes here head. "I just hate that he threw his life away. There was no need for it. All for the sake of a dishonor that he'd never of gotten back! Lord Vandewiele, that bastard, would have made sure of that!"
"Lord Maxim Vandewiele is one Bluffside's greatest citizens," an onlooker shouts. "Do not besmirch his good name!"
She shakes her head. "You see, what chance did Brychan have against this sort of public opinion. A powerful lord sets him up for a murder he didn't commit, has Brychan ostracized from the city, and then seduces his young wife and makes her his mistress."
The crowd gasps at the woman's words, outraged.
"You said his name was Brychan," Herleva says. "You mean Sir Brychan Yarwood?"
Narzissa nods.
"And you're Narzissa Lexer, aren't you?"
"Yes."
The whispering in the crowd turns to gossiping.
The halfling Regular Sergeant shakes her head. "You two should not have tried to come back here. You were both ostracized, and now he lies dead, and your life is going to be forfeit."
"Members of the Rising Swords don't get to choose their assignments," says the other mercenary who surrendered, Mambru. "They didn't have a choice. It was a test of loyalty to the company."
"So, your leaders sent you to your death," Roland notes.
"Only if we failed," Narzissa replies. "Even Valentin will be hunted down and punished for fleeing. Cowardice and surrender goes against the codes of the Rising Swords. One must be prepared to die on your feet with a sword in your hand and blood on the ground."
"Death before life," Mambru says. "Silvers for the Keeper."
Narzissa nods. She pulls out two silver coins and places them on Brychan's eyes. "Pay the toll and fight in the Halls of the Bloody Sword, my friend."
Both of the Rising Swords keep their heads bowed as the crowd looks on, unsure of how to react to what they've witnessed.
Neurotic said:
OOC: healing blast for the bandit heals 2d6, stabilizing either through healing, heal skill, spell or healing belt (as the last resort) guards et al. Finally, Akos heals himself.
Okay, so Brychan died before the combat ended. Akos couldn't have healed him, even with magic.
Narzissa's wounds are very bad. She will need time to recover but wasn't in danger of dying. Mambru's wounds were less severe. He choose his life over his loyalty to the Risings Swords. Solomon's are similar to Mambru's.
Since Akos tends to the guards first, Castañon dies before the loremaster can get to him. Another one of the mercenaries is at death's door once Akos gets to him. Neurotic, roll another Heal check (DC 25) for Akos to realize that he has mere moments to save the man.
"Narzissa, those are very serious accusations."
Akos continues their talk as he returns from healing the guards. "I'm sorry about your companions, but it was their choice."
Lowering the voice to the merest of whispers "And I will look into this lord."
He thinks over the names. Rumors and local details were known to him in the general sense, but this was known man and High Noble. History had things to say about him and his family.
Tuck hesitates for a moment. Should he rush back to the others and warn the Sergeant?
Not yet, he decides, and the kobold once more moves on, determined to see what troop is marching just beyond the late Lord Mayor's estate. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but Tuck is confident he is more sneaky than even felines.
OOC:
Are my previous rolls sufficient or do you require new Hide and Move Silently rolls?
"...Only if we failed," Narzissa replies. "Even Valentin will be hunted down and punished for fleeing. Cowardice and surrender goes against the codes of the Rising Swords. One must be prepared to die on your feet with a sword in your hand and blood on the ground."
Tim shakes his head, "You are a fool. You revel in battle for battle's sake. You throw your life away at the behest of your god, for no other purpose than his appeasement. You lead a meaningless existence.
I follow Syvatogor. He also demands that his followers be brave in battle. But the difference is that the battle itself is irrelevant; He demands that we defend the weak, help the poor, and right injustices, no matter what is required to accomplish this. If swords must be drawn to fulfill his purpose, so be it. He tells us to have courage and compassion, even in the face of evil and hatred. When I go into battle, it is not for battle's sake, it is for the sake of ensuring order and harmony. My life has purpose, the betterment of all; my death has a purpose, too; should I fall in battle, my death shall inspire others to pick up my cause.
But here's the REAL significance to serving Syvatogor; he is more demanding than your vain god. He demands that we fulfill his purpose, while doing our best NOT to die; he demands that we live a long life, so as to be able to spend more time in his service. He has Solars enough to serve him in heaven. He demands that we become the best, and then he puts us to work for his purpose. He is a god of SERVICE. Following Syvatogor is HARD. Your god wants you to throw your life away for glory. My god wants me to LIVE MY LIFE for self-sacrifice and the good of others. Followers of your god are lazy cowards, taking the fast road to a glorious death. Syvatogor does not suffer fools such as this.
You should repent from your ways, and open your eyes and your heart, and give purpose and meaning to your life, by thinking of someone other than yourself."
As he finishes his speech, Tim pauses suddenly, as a realization comes over him.
"Narzissa, those are very serious accusations."
Akos continues their talk as he returns from healing the guards. "I'm sorry about your companions, but it was their choice."
Lowering the voice to the merest of whispers "And I will look into this lord."
"My companions... are devoted to the Way of the Rising Sword," Narzissa replies. "For some of them, it's a matter of honor to die in battle. Wealth wasn't their driving focus." She pauses. For others like Brychan, the company offers a chance for vengeance, or justice, depending on your point of view."
She looks down at Brychan, "He was my companion, as well as one of the Swords, but the others were less so to me. I respected their blades, not much else, especially Swordmaster Castañon. He was a vicious man with no redeeming qualities. Sadism drove him to kill and revel in blood."
"Narzissa, remember the code," Mambru reminds her. "It is forbidden to speak ill of a commander."
"The moment we surrendered, we stopped being Swords," she retorts. She glares at the man before speaking to Akos once more, in a hushed tone. "The accusations were Brychan's. Do I know if they are true or not? I cannot say for certain. He surely believed that Lord Vandewiele set him up."
The crowd of onlookers is growing larger. Citizens have gathered in a circle around the heroes, guards, and their prisoners. They talk and whisper among themselves but the crowd seems calmer. Yet, a few of the older folks look at Solomon with a mixture of hate and fear. Surprisingly, no other guards have shown up to the scene.
Tim shakes his head, "You are a fool. You revel in battle for battle's sake. You throw your life away at the behest of your god, for no other purpose than his appeasement. You lead a meaningless existence.
Narzissa tries to begin to say something, but is cut off by Tim's words...
Tellerian Hawke said:
I follow Syvatogor. He also demands that his followers be brave in battle. But the difference is that the battle itself is irrelevant; He demands that we defend the weak, help the poor, and right injustices, no matter what is required to accomplish this. If swords must be drawn to fulfill his purpose, so be it. He tells us to have courage and compassion, even in the face of evil and hatred. When I go into battle, it is not for battle's sake, it is for the sake of ensuring order and harmony. My life has purpose, the betterment of all; my death has a purpose, too; should I fall in battle, my death shall inspire others to pick up my cause.
But here's the REAL significance to serving Syvatogor; he is more demanding than your vain god. He demands that we fulfill his purpose, while doing our best NOT to die; he demands that we live a long life, so as to be able to spend more time in his service. He has Solars enough to serve him in heaven. He demands that we become the best, and then he puts us to work for his purpose. He is a god of SERVICE. Following Syvatogor is HARD. Your god wants you to throw your life away for glory. My god wants me to LIVE MY LIFE for self-sacrifice and the good of others. Followers of your god are lazy cowards, taking the fast road to a glorious death. Syvatogor does not suffer fools such as this.
You should repent from your ways, and open your eyes and your heart, and give purpose and meaning to your life, by thinking of someone other than yourself."
Narzissa sighs. "You assume too much, knight," she motions to Solomon. "You assume his god is my god. I have no love for the Sufferer. His spells are useful in battle, nothing more. He is a fanatic to his god, not the Rising Swords. The Swordmaster paid for his service. He isn't truly one of us."
"True," Mambru nods. "He does not follow the Way of the Rising Sword, so his opinion does not matter to us." He looks at Solomon. The man is angry behind his gag and glares at them with true hatred. "I do not fear his god. Yes, he was paid for his service, just like the rest of us, but his faith holds no dominion over our souls."
"I have little use for gods, knight, whether they be his god or yours," Narzissa speaks plainly. "Save your sermons for the masses."
Mambru doesn't say anything... he just shakes his head.
"No god has ever filled my belly."
"Godless heathen!" A middle-aged man in the crowd yells at her.
"That is one of the reasons why your order is not welcome in Bluffside!" Sergeant Herleva says. She turns to Tim. "While the Swords often hire evil clerics, most of them are godless atheists who worship only money."
"The Way of the Rising Swords is a code and philosophy," Mambru snaps back. "We don't worship gods because gods are callous and cruel. I know that gods are real. They just don't give a damn about us."
"So, you believe you have a soul?" Vinccenzo asks.
"We... the Swords believe in death before dishonor," Narzissa replies. "We uphold the traditions even if we don't believe in every aspect of the code. Obedience is more important than belief. Personally, I think gods are all liars and thieves. Donations are a grift. Salvation is a con." She glares at the man who yelled at her. He makes an obscene gesture back at her. She laughs and shakes her head. "How is that holy." She sees Tim looking at her and sighs. "If you feel you must hate me, so be it. Just don't pity me. I care not for your desire to save me. And don't judge Brychan by my words, or Mambru's. He was a devoted follower of Lusos the Traveler before being ostracized and stayed true to his faith even as a Sword."
That causes the whispering in the crowd to turn to gasps and louder chatter.
Sergeant Herleva is forced to shush them. Many in the crowd seem to know and respect her.
"He did change his faith to the more extreme sect of Lusos, however," Mambru adds once the uproar subsides.
"The Tortured of the Great Walk," Roland say with some respect. "That is a hard way of life."
"It's who he was forced to become by a cruel justice system that takes the word of power and politics over truth and justice," Narzissa says.
The crowd grows silent and some of them bow their heads in respect to the fallen member of the Rising Swords. A few make prayers to the Traveler for the man's soul.
"May the Great Walk take you to Lusos' Tent," a young woman says without reservation. "May you find solace there."
Neurotic said:
He thinks over the names. Rumors and local details were known to him in the general sense, but this was known man and High Noble. History had things to say about him and his family.
While Tim gives his speech and the Swords counter with their beliefs, Akos has time to think upon Lord Vandewiele and his family...
Akos knows that the Vandewiele's are a well-respected family of merchants who are connected to the trade of Adamantine. This makes them very wealthy but not nearly as important as The Five Houses. It is know that Lord Maxim Vandewiele is a close friend and ally to Lord Wilton Blander, one of The Five. Lord Maxim is a robust man, although he's well past middle-age. His appetite for food is well known, but he works hard to stay fit. The common people living and working in Old City adore him. He has two sons, Romeo and Gavril, and a daughter, Ecaterina, who is his heir. His wife is named Joandra and the family's surname comes from her side of the family. Akos doesn't know if Lord Maxim had a surname before he married Lady Joandra. Their children are not considered lords or a lady, although Ecaterina will gain that title once both her parents pass away.
The Vandewiele Family has a long history in Bluffside. They are considered an old family with ties to the city's founding. The family's estate has stood in Barracks Ward of Old City for generations. It isn't the most opulent estate, but it is well maintained and its various lords and ladies have always been known for their generosity. There have been a few scandels, of course. Lady Joandra's great uncle, Lord Silver, was a notorious womanizer and nearly bankrupted the family. While his son, Emory, stepped in in time to save the estate, he had to give up the right of lordship in order to keep the family stable (and for his actions). His little sister, Keanna, became the next Lady Vandewiele. Her son, Mithras, was Lady Joandra's father.
There have been recent rumors that Lady Joandra's four-times great grandfather was a pirate and vicious man who liked to eat the flesh of his victims or hang dead bodies behind his sailing ship for the sharks, and worse. His name is likely lost to history, or, at least, Akos doesn't know it. The rumors are likely false since it was well-known that the man's son, Lord Meriwether, was a highly-thought of official in Bluffside's justice system.
The Vandewieles have a long service in the Bluffside Mountain Rangers. Emory Vandewiele is remembered as one of the most renown of that company of outriders. However, the greatest Vandewiele in Bluffside history is Dame Winter Vandewiele who was one of the original Vandewieles to settle in Bluffside at its founding. She was a renown Paladin of the Purifier and there is a statue of her in the street in front of the Vandewiele Estate. The history of her deeds is wildly known beyond the city and she is considered a Saint in the Church of the Purifier. She was known to live a monk-like life with absolute devotion to her deity's Cleansing Light aspect. He hunted fiends and undead with vigor up until her death at the age of 78.
Tellerian Hawke said:
As he finishes his speech, Tim pauses suddenly, as a realization comes over him.
Tuck hesitates for a moment. Should he rush back to the others and warn the Sergeant?
Not yet, he decides, and the kobold once more moves on, determined to see what troop is marching just beyond the late Lord Mayor's estate. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but Tuck is confident he is more sneaky than even felines.
OOC:
Are my previous rolls sufficient or do you require new Hide and Move Silently rolls?
OOC: I'd say your rolls are fine, as long as Tuck doesn't go near the Dragori Embassy. This means it will take him more time to sneak towards the sound of troops. I'm going to assume he takes the long way.
Tuck moves with great precision and stealth and Mutt stays by his packmate's side and follows his lead through the side streets and alleys. Soon the two are sneaking along the southern wall of the Hollingsworth Estate towards the Masque Arch. As he comes closer to the gateway, he sees a line of a dozen or so Bluffside Regulars marching in unison towards the arch. They are high-stepping in a way this is so comical that Tuck can barely contain his laughter.
He knows the Guard Captain who leads them, well, no personally, but he's heard of him. Lord Horatius Demos Atticus. The man is infamous for his peacock like appearance and need to follow traditions to the extreme. Many in Bluffside consider him to be a loon who should be forced out of the Regulars and even the city, but he's so beloved by the nobility and The Five that it would be nearly impossible to ostracize him. And, Lord Horatius is Lady Samantha Pomander's great uncle on her mother's side of the family. He might be a crazy old fool, but he's her beloved crazy old fool. Lady Pomander is smart enough to ensure he doesn't get any serious assignments, however.
Tuck sees that the Regular named Vilmos, who is one of Sergeant Herleva's men, is being forced to march with the Regulars. He doesn't look happy, but Tuck notes that most of the others marching with Lord Horatius seem to be moving with the same gusto as their captain. Mutt sense Tuck's mirth and begins to pant and wag his tail. Tuck has to motion the big dog to stay quiet.
"Step lively, men! There are rats to catch!" Lord Horatius shouts with glee. "Hup, hup, hup!"
OOC: Think of the scene as if Monty Python was being crossed with Don Quixote de la Mancha.
Akos gets up and dusts off after cheking eveyone and turns to the crows. "Good citizens! Here you have a chance to see that those who might be termed villains are still beings of flesh and blood. While some..." he motions toward the priest "...may be loathsome and others..." motions toward Mambru "...are hard to understand, they are still people with their own problems and beliefs. Just like you, sir..." this time he motions in general direction of the crowd, not exactly pinpointing the man who cried "heathen!" - "...your piety does you credit, but do not be too quick to judge those less fortunate. For you know not what you might do if hungry on the street. The gods gave you plenty, you have your homes, families and food. You have The Five you can count on. Even in trying times like these when trouble rears its ugly head, you can see The Five working against the calamity." At the mention of the five he motions toward his group first only then waving it around to include the city. It is done subtly in one motion, but the idea is there. The group barely connected to The Five may now be firmly lodged in the crowds minds as the extension of them. "Please, disperse, let us handle the miscreants and don't offer the terrorists this big a target."
OOC:
diplomacy +24 and bluff +16 if you want to check the effects of the speech and subtleness of the wave
Perform (oratory) lacks ranks for some weird reason?!
"You assume too much, knight,"(...)"If you feel you must hate me, so be it. Just don't pity me. I care not for your desire to save me."(...)"Personally, I think gods are all liars and thieves. Donations are a grift. Salvation is a con."(...)"No god has ever filled my belly."
Tim scoffs at Narzissa, He replies to her in a loud, firm tone, so that the crowd might hear clearly as well: "If I assume too much, then so do you. I have no desire to save you. I have a desire to see justice done. And while we're on the subject of deities, my god does NOT offer salvation. He offers us the chance for a better life, by serving him. Ours is a life of sacrifice and devotion to duty. Syvatogor does not offer to save my soul, he offers me the strength to protect it myself, to earn my own way, in this world, and in the world beyond. He doesn't fill my belly like some helpless infant; he gives me the strength and will to fill it myself. And because my god offers nothing, he cannot possibly be the liar and thief you proclaim him to be. IN FACT, I would venture to say that even deities who deliver on their promises are in fact robbing their followers of their own individuality and self-determination. Such deities make their followers into weaklings. With Syvatogor, this is not so. The reward for self-sacrifice in the course of serving Syvatogor is the opportunity to sacrifice even more. That's what most people will never understand. You don't become strong by being served; you become strong by being of service."
Tim looks at Mambru, then continues in the same, authoritative tone: "While it may be true that many dieties see their followers as pawns, or even cattle, it is not so with Syvatogor. He shows his compassion to us by filling us with courage, in the face of overwhelming adversity. He shows his compassion to us by allowing us to fail. Failure is an effective teacher; that which does not kill us, makes us stronger. You should grow a backbone, and stop blaming the gods for your own weakness."
