A Plea for Tolerance
A man just shy of his middle years, stout of build, with blonde hair and a reddish beard gazes over the papers on his desk. A staff is craddled in his arms and a sword hangs from his belt.
Ardan Turval gazes on a copy of A Plea for Tolerance, which is turned to the last few pages of the book.
A Plea for Tolerance and Understanding by Ardan Turval
“Faerun, like the other great continents of Abeir-Toril, is a place of remarkable diversity and beauty. From the steaming jungles of Chult to the icy plains of Icewind Dale and from the Moonshaes to Var the Golden, many proud and remarkable peoples call Faerun their home.”
“Sadly, many great lands known to history have fallen. Cormanthor, and its beautiful capitol of Myth Drannor, lies in ruin. Netheril, Athalantar, Shanatar, Phalorm, and many other noble realms are no more. Many of these lands gave much to the nations of the present day.”
“It is sometimes wondered what could have saved some of these lands. Some fell from external pressures, while others collapsed because of internal pressures and the poor judgement of rulers. Yet it must be asked, could at least some of these nations have been saved from the fate that befell them? Perhaps the strength and wisdom of good friends would have saved these nations.”
“Too often, the peoples of Faerun have not stood against common threats. Far too often, neighbors eye each other suspiciously and nurse old wounds and grievances. If some of the great nations of the past had taken more time to understand their neighbors, they might have stood together against common threats. If Athalantar, Cormanthyr, and other surrounding nations had worked more solidly together in friendship and a spirit of brotherhood, then perhaps some of these realms would remain as something besides beloved memories and tales.”
“The kingdom of Phalorm welcomed all peoples who were willing to dwell together in peace. True, the nation lasted little more than a century, yet its legacy remains with us today. Waterdeep is home to many folk of different races who accept each other as fellow citizens. The Silver Marches also shares the wonderful spirit of brotherhood that was embodied in Phalorm. Waterdeep, Tethyr, the Silver Marches, Cormyr, Aglarond, and Halruaa are among many nations which benefit from the skills and wisdom of its diverse inhabitants. Together, the peoples of these lands have accomplished much that they could not do alone. “
“Similarly, cities such as my native Ravens Bluff still stand because of people realizing that their mutual interests is more important than differences of race, gender or origin. In the streets of that city, I have seen strangers who have never meet stand firmly against common threats and to protect the innocent.”
“Indeed, history and our own time show us how good it is and how pleasant when we dwell together in unity and friendship.”
“Sadly, Faerun has seen many things of great beauty destroyed by needless hate. Too many have chosen to hate their neighbors. I say to you: Love your neighbor as yourself and do not do to him that which is hateful to yourself. “
“I have traveled to many lands, even to Zakhara and distant Kara Tur. What I have found is that what unites us all is far more important than what divides us.”
“In Zakhara, for example, elves, dwarves, and humans live in relative peace with ogres, orcs and kobolds. True, they do have a commonly shared culture and similar religious beliefs. However, the fact that members of these diverse races can live in peace shows that hatred is not inborn. Hatred can be overcome by tolerance and love of others.”
“Of course, most Zakharans will admit that their societies have their share of problems. Sadly, slavery is a practice in many Zakharan lands. Yet racial hatred is almost unknown there.”
“I have known many remarkable people of different races, who are compassionate and caring towards people of other races. I know elves who are great scholars and dedicated to their people. I have known dwarven craftsmen whose love of their work is only exceeded by their love of their families, their communities, and their gods. I have known fellow humans who have risked their lives for strangers on the principle that all life has value. I have even known kobold priests of Lathander and half-orc paladins of Torm.”
“We should try to abandon prejudices based on race, class, nation of origin, or social status. By prejudging others, we miss out on what people have to offer to each other and to their societies. A rose that blooms in the garden of a simple carpenter can be as lovely as one that blooms in the garden of a king.”
“Throughouthe world, there are cultures which worship hate and dissension. For the most part, these cultures have become isolated, often impoverished, and are distrusted by their neighbors. Perhaps they would fare better by abandoning revenge and needless hate. More can be accomplished by trade, diplomacy, and efforts to understand each other.”
“True, some who are intolerant and preach hatred have achieved much. However, I believe that this is in spite of their hate, not because of it. I can respect the skills and resourcefulness of those I oppose, even while I pray for their redemption. They might reflect on what others less hateful.”
“Mind you, trade should be conducted fairly. Indeed the problems that some nations and organizations have had in trading with distant Maztica do raise concern. It is to be hoped that the governments of Faerun will be just in their dealings amongst themselves and the rest of the world. In the long run, fair and equitable trade has more benefit than what a friend has called a ‘quick copper’”
“I have spoken with members of the Jaguar Guard, originally from Maztica, in their bew home of Myratma in Tethyr. I hope to write of their observations of Maztica and Faerun. New perspectives can be enlightening – and enjoyable.”
“However, if hatred is strong in our world, we must not forget about the power of love, understanding, tolerance and forgiveness. There are many examples of this in our own time.”
“Earlier, I mentioned the Silver Marches. The people of Mithral Hall in that land fully understand the values of tolerance and welcoming those who are different than themselves. Lord Bruennor Battlehammer rules a community that will likely regain its old prosperity in part because of tolerance.”
“What? You say that the mineral wealth and the skilled workers are what will make Mithral Hall prosperous. In part this is true.”
“However, Lord Bruennor was aided by friends in destroying the shadow dragon Shimmergloom and in defending Mithral Hall from the duergar. He was aided by two human warriors – Wulfgar and Cattiebrie, as well as Drizzt Do’Urden, a drow swordsman and devotee of Mieliekki.”
“They could have chosen to treat each other with distrust. Each could have chosen to view the others as enemies, or to be indifferent to each other. Yet by working together, and understanding each other, they have done much that they could not accomplish separately. I believe that all of us can learn from the example of these four remarkable individuals.”
“So the question becomes, what can we do as individuals to promote tolerance and understanding? I suggest that we begin by looking at ourselves. Before you can truly understand others, you must understand yourself.”
“Here are but some of the questions that each of us most answer from the depths of our souls:”
“Who are you? What do you want? Why are you here? Where are you going? What are the principles that guide your life? Whom do you serve and whom do you trust?”
“An effort must also be made to try to understand the perspectives of others. I am not an elf, a dwarf, a gnome, a half-orc, a wemic or a halfling. Nor am I a Moonshaen, a Sembian, or an Estagundian. However, I try to understand and respect the opinions of others when I meet them. I merely ask that they try to do the same in regards to myself.”
“We can chose to isolate ourselves from others, perhaps in response to our own personal or national tragedies. Yet, I must ask, what good does this isolation do us? Burdens and sorrows are both lighter when shared. A stranger or a friend may have an insight into our problems or can at least help us to find solutions.”
“Similarly, we need to also practice forgiveness. Life is too short to let old friends slip away because of quarrels and misunderstandings. We should ask forgiveness of those whom we have offended and forgive them of any word or deed that has offended us. With forgiveness, the cold night of loneliness is conquered by a new day of friendship, love, and understanding. I have lived long enough to know regret. I pray that you, Gentle Reader, will not know the regret of not forgiving someone you loved and having them taken from you. Forgive. Understand.”
“I have made mistakes in my own life. Great nations have as well, as their leaders will ruefully admit. The path to forgiveness lies in acknowledging those mistakes, and where possible trying to rectify them. Honesty can be a valuable tool in the search for enlightenment. A man may have a dark past, but the gates of forgiveness are open to a truly penitent heart.”
“We may also find new friends among those whom we once counted as enemies. With a forgiving heart, all things are possible. Too many voices that were once raised together in song have fallen silent. Let those voices be raised again in joy.”
“Too many have isolated themselves, perhaps fearing the world or being uncertain of it. I would say to them: there is still good in the world. If a nation has isolated itself, I would urge them to open diplomacy and trade with others. There are many worthy nations, lead by virtuous leaders, that would be willing to speak and trade with those who would be friends. There are always risks when you reach out to others, but without such risks we become alone and isolated.”
“As for the nations, trade and diplomacy are among many routes to understanding. Perhaps an exchange of ideas and culture would be wise. There are dramas in Amn, Tethyr, and Sembia, for example, that I believe would be enjoyed in the North. Similar, there are tales from the North, the Moonshaes, and Var the Golden that many throughout Faerun might enjoy to hear. In learning more about others, we ultimately learn more about ourselves, and gain greater wisdom. Gentle Reader, I wish you well on your voyages of discovery.”