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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3616453" data-attributes="member: 3448">“What sort of acts?”“The incident I know of most directly happened after the lands to the east had fallen, although most have now been reclaimed.  Four thousand troops were sent from our lands to meet the 25,000 refugees.  When they met the train, a force of Knights of Truth had required conversion in exchange for their aid, which was sorely needed, and they had made an example of several hundred who refused to convert.  I see nothing wrong with seeking to convert refugees but to cause death for those who do not…  Now, nearly seven years later, I am still not sure how we should act.  I of course obey the commandments of the Protector and the Council, but it bothers me.”The Council simply listened in horror for a few moments.  Finally, Dame Brionna asked quietly, “Does their entire temple encourage such things, your excellence?”“No.  It is only the most fanatical who do so; indeed, always their paladins.”“It’s hard to imagine any paladin allowing the innocent to die.  Certainly, none of ours ever would.”“I know.  The Eldar might be able to speak to it.  A lord from the Steading of the Elven Lords intervened in one such situation.  There were similar incidents reported in merchant cities after the fall of Purdun.  We felt that while many of them were without help or were of your faith, it was our duty to offer succor without expectation of conversion.  They did not kill anyone directly, but they refused aid, leading to the death of many young.”Alistair shook his head in horror, and then asked, “Are you sure the reports are true?  Pardon me for questioning the story, but we know that there are tensions between your faith and Sytry’s.  There have been many claims of wrongs on both sides.”  He did not really believe the Archbaroness would be deceived but clung to the hope that the reports might be false.“I am afraid that I am very sure of the reports.  As you say, the relationship has been strained for a very long time.  Unfortunately, that does not change what we know to have happened.  As I said, perhaps the Eldar can provide you with confirmation.  In any event, as you may be able to have more influence with them than we could ever hope to, and both our faiths are active among the refugees in the southlands, I thought I would bring it to Canberry’s attention.”“Indeed.  We will look into this matter, and if we can confirm your reports, we will approach the Temple of Sytry about it.”“Thank you, your grace.  I can ask nothing more.  That is all of the matters that I had for our discussion.  Are there any other issues you would raise?”Dame Brionna cleared her throat.  “As we mentioned, his grace will need to make a dynastic match soon.  Are there any possibilities that you know of that we are not aware of, perhaps from further away?”  She resolutely ignored the uncomfortable looks on the faces of both Alistair and Kit at the topic.“Perhaps… I can think of one.  Would you consider a widow, your grace?”“We might, if the circumstances were right.”“Then at least consider the Lady of Purdun.  They have reclaimed much of the island kingdom, and there is substantial magic and even great wealth to be had there.  She is even of the same faith as you.  She loved the Blue Mage, but he could of course not produce an heir for her dynasty.  Now that he is gone, she will need to remarry.”“He could not produce an heir?  Why?” asked Alistair.“The great color mages are consumed by their color and cannot produce children.  Their apprentices can still have children, even after they are marked by the color-- there are occasional dynasties based on children sired or born before ascending.  But once the color completely infuses them, they lose that ability.”“Thank you.  We will consider the possibility.”“Every major family on Khamista is courting her, but you might still be able to prevail.  If I had a brother, he would be courting her, even if I had to stand behind her with a whip.”They thanked the Archbaroness, and she departed.  The Council briefly discussed the newly revealed threat and the possibility that the cult worshipped something trapped within the black mountains and islands, or might be responsible for the unusable land on the west coast.  Still, there was nothing to do at this point but to seek more information.[End Session 21]-----I'm going to be travelling for the coming week, attending some weddings and taking a vacation.  I don't expect to be able to post again until July 9.</blockquote>

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