"The Inspired aren't trying to spread nightmares and darkness, or forcing people to do terrible things. They're giving us opportunities to advance in the next life. And they're trying to spread the prosperity and peace of Riedra to the rest of the world, and help those who fell in their last lives to gain advancement in the next by serving light in this one. Maybe I would have attacked you if we met as enemies, but that would be because you would have been trying to bring down the Inspired. Or are you going to tell me that you and the other Adarans don't try to bring down the hanbanali monoliths and assassinate our leaders?"
"Then why did you leave? You were serving a high ranking Inspired who killed someone. It must have been to spread prosperity and peace. So, then why did you come to us with those puppy dog eyes and looking like you were waiting and cowering for the next hit to come? Why come with that look and make me instantly want to protect you from everything?" Vishal voice has taken a rather sharp tone as he asks these pointed questions.
"I left because I saw my master kill my friend, and I knew that either he had been corrupted by altavar or had a reason I couldn't fathom, and that would keep me from being able to serve the il-altas the way they needed. I didn't ask for and I don't need or deserve your protection. I've already lost any chance of advancing the next life, but I refuse to let myself be taken from the Path of Inspiration."
"So you're just going to forgive him for murdering your friend. That it wasn't his fault or anything. And...and...I want to protect you. You look like a dog that has been kicked to the curb. And I want to get to know you better. To show you that there is a better life out there than the one you've been living. To show you how you've been lied to and mistreated. And I thought you wanted the same thing. I thought you were feeling the same things I was."
"I'm not going to forgive him, I'm just also not going to let his actions paint the rest of the Inspired. I have spent my entire life training to serve the Inspired, and the entire reason I left was because I knew I wouldn't forgive my master, even if he did have a true reason for what he did. But if I allow what he did to destroy my faith in the Path of Light, I'm only letting the altavar win. And I don't know what I'm feeling. Everything I've known has been ripped away from me, and I may be floundering in doubt, but my faith is one of the few things I know for sure. I'm not some child for you to save. I'm a trained member of the Taskaan Legion, and while I can accept that kalashtar and Adar may not be what I thought they were, I refuse to lose my faith in the Path of Inspiration.."
"I, don't know what to say. I understand its hard to hear these things. And that everything is being flipped upside down for you. But I have no reason to lie to you. I like you. A lot. I think you're really cute and want to know more about you. But...I cannot accept your path that punishes everyone for not being in a regime. Where every decision is made for you. I might as well be dead and a mindless corpse controlled by someone else at that point."
Dulamul's eyes narrow and he speaks out loud. "Freedom is a worthy sacrifice for lack of hardship. In Riedra, I never went hungry, always had a warm place to sleep, and had a community around me. I'm not asking you to accept the Path of Inspiration yourself, even if I think it's the only way for you to better your lot in the next life. But I would appreciate it if you not cast doubt onto my faith, which you've only heard about from its enemies." He sighs and turns away from Vishal. "If you want to draw conclusions about how Riedra makes people "mindless zombies", do me a favor and at least hear about the Path of Inspiration from somebody who hasn't spent their entire life fighting against it." He slows down and drops to the back of the group.
"They operate under a cast system. And have you believe that if you give up what makes you happy. If you allow yourself to be micromanaged and control. No freedom, no being able to do something frivilious and fun like dancing, no being able to love whoever you want because you can't make babies, none of that emotional need. Sure your physical needs are met. You have food, water, and shelter. But are you happy, truly happy?" As Vishal talks he gets more and more animated, and directs his last question to the group of refugees before finally landing on Dulamul.
In a single, swift movement, Dulamul stands nose to nose with Vishal, stopping him in his tracks. "I was happy," he growls. "I had friends, family, safety, I knew my place in the world and was content with it. I was able to channel all of my energy towards helping my community and serving the il-altas. Even if I could have been more comfortable, or happier, I was willing to sacrifice some of my comfort and happiness for the sake of my community. I was willing to direct my emotions towards beneficial purposes. You talk about not being able to love who we want, or not being able to do 'fun' things, but what of the mutual support in our communities? What of our chances at rebirth as something better? What do you really know of our lives that you weren't told about by your superiors?" He turns away and walks back over to River, his voice softening and becoming lighter. "One of the core tenets of the Path of Inspiration is that we are all reincarnated after death. The highest possible form are the il-altas, the honored spirits, and by serving them well, one can be reincarnated in a higher form. The highest ideal is to be reincarnated as an il-altas. Your form in this life tells who you were in the last. Changelings, for example, are the step between il-altas and humans, and a changeling must have served very well in their last life. Shifters, on the other hand, are reincarnations of simpler, more savage souls, and therefore we work to redeem ourselves so we may be reincarnated as humans in the next life."
Sulaan is busy distracting Shiazala with a speckled stone.
Aleel and Bhuji are both still staring at Vishal in shock.
Lanan merely snorts softly and turns away from the scene, returning his focus to the path.
A big creaking and snapping of shrubs and a loud rustle of brambles and bushes anounces Druhdaar's return from the rearguard. Stomping his feet with great, lumbering steps, he makes his way past Vishal, Dulamul and River, his eyes intent on Taran tracking their way forward, at the head of their little group. As he passes by, he mutters to Vishal:
" Rear is clear. "
And as he catches the end of Dulamul's monologue he stops for a second and faces the Shifter:
" Any wolf or rabbit has got twice as much sense as anyone you'll ever meet: you, me, and that blue-eyed twirler included. Trust me, I hear them when they talk. "
As a parting word before he catches up with the front of the column he adds:
" As for the Il-altas... they and their pretty tales are all a heap of DUNG - sorry to break it to you like that: anything that sounds that hopeful and neat and purty is bound to be a pack of lies. Life is not neat. Or pretty. Or hopeful. Life is what it is, and that's that. Ask the wee bird there, he knows ! " Druhdaar points at a small sparrow perched on a nearby tree. " Now, do yourselves a favor and save your breath to walk: we should reach safety soon, if your constant prattling doesn't bring our pursuers down on us. "
And without another word, he turns his back on all of them and presses forward.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV) " Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII) " Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr) " This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Vishal finds himself about to snap back at Dulamul before Druhdaar interrupts them. Taking the moment to take a few deep breaths and calm himself down he addresses first River with a much more calm and even voice, “He was referring to that sparrow there. Not you.” Before he turns back to Dulamul and continues in the same voice except with a hint a sadness still in it, “It seems like you won’t believe me. That all of it is a ploy. That you’ve been lied to your whole life. That they don’t care about you as a person. They just want to take over and stay here. I just wish I knew how to make you understand.” With a sad look and one final sigh, Vishal turns around and continues forward towards their destination.
As Druhdaar is talking (before he turns away), Shiazala sticks her tongue out at him.
Dulamul shakes his head, clenching his fist tightly at Druhdaar's words before he shakes his head and slumps. "I didn't judge your religion, or your life," he says softly. "Even though I've spent my life hearing about the evil altavar, the cruel kalashtar and the corrupted monsters of Adar. I still didn't go barging in telling you that you were serving darkness and helping the Adarans perpetrate horrifying acts. Because even though I believe the Inspired are good, I know that our countries are still at war, and that war means everything the other side does is presented in the worst possible light. I gave you and your life, family, and country the benefit of the doubt. All I asked was that you did the same." He turns away and moves to the side of the group wrapping his arms around himself and falling silent, fixing his eyes on the ground in front of him as he moves.
Aleel and Bhuji draw together and start whispering, casting worried glances around.
Lanan appears to now be completely ignoring the conversation.
River places one of her feathered hands on Dulamul's shoulder."Work hard... *coo* ...make friends... *coo* ...better life."Her voice shifts back and forth between two different voices, her hand gently squeezing his shoulder. "We will help you... *coo* ...let me help."
Dulamul crosses his arms.
Vishal:
"The Inspired aren't trying to spread nightmares and darkness, or forcing people to do terrible things. They're giving us opportunities to advance in the next life. And they're trying to spread the prosperity and peace of Riedra to the rest of the world, and help those who fell in their last lives to gain advancement in the next by serving light in this one. Maybe I would have attacked you if we met as enemies, but that would be because you would have been trying to bring down the Inspired. Or are you going to tell me that you and the other Adarans don't try to bring down the hanbanali monoliths and assassinate our leaders?"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Vishal starts to look annoyed as he asks,
"Then why did you leave? You were serving a high ranking Inspired who killed someone. It must have been to spread prosperity and peace. So, then why did you come to us with those puppy dog eyes and looking like you were waiting and cowering for the next hit to come? Why come with that look and make me instantly want to protect you from everything?" Vishal voice has taken a rather sharp tone as he asks these pointed questions.
Dulamul's eyes flash with anger.
Vishal:
"I left because I saw my master kill my friend, and I knew that either he had been corrupted by altavar or had a reason I couldn't fathom, and that would keep me from being able to serve the il-altas the way they needed. I didn't ask for and I don't need or deserve your protection. I've already lost any chance of advancing the next life, but I refuse to let myself be taken from the Path of Inspiration."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Vishal looks a little hurt as he sends,
"So you're just going to forgive him for murdering your friend. That it wasn't his fault or anything. And...and...I want to protect you. You look like a dog that has been kicked to the curb. And I want to get to know you better. To show you that there is a better life out there than the one you've been living. To show you how you've been lied to and mistreated. And I thought you wanted the same thing. I thought you were feeling the same things I was."
Dulamul's eyes harden.
Vishal:
"I'm not going to forgive him, I'm just also not going to let his actions paint the rest of the Inspired. I have spent my entire life training to serve the Inspired, and the entire reason I left was because I knew I wouldn't forgive my master, even if he did have a true reason for what he did. But if I allow what he did to destroy my faith in the Path of Light, I'm only letting the altavar win. And I don't know what I'm feeling. Everything I've known has been ripped away from me, and I may be floundering in doubt, but my faith is one of the few things I know for sure. I'm not some child for you to save. I'm a trained member of the Taskaan Legion, and while I can accept that kalashtar and Adar may not be what I thought they were, I refuse to lose my faith in the Path of Inspiration.."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Vishal continues to look hurt as he sends,
"I, don't know what to say. I understand its hard to hear these things. And that everything is being flipped upside down for you. But I have no reason to lie to you. I like you. A lot. I think you're really cute and want to know more about you. But...I cannot accept your path that punishes everyone for not being in a regime. Where every decision is made for you. I might as well be dead and a mindless corpse controlled by someone else at that point."
Dulamul's eyes narrow and he speaks out loud. "Freedom is a worthy sacrifice for lack of hardship. In Riedra, I never went hungry, always had a warm place to sleep, and had a community around me. I'm not asking you to accept the Path of Inspiration yourself, even if I think it's the only way for you to better your lot in the next life. But I would appreciate it if you not cast doubt onto my faith, which you've only heard about from its enemies." He sighs and turns away from Vishal. "If you want to draw conclusions about how Riedra makes people "mindless zombies", do me a favor and at least hear about the Path of Inspiration from somebody who hasn't spent their entire life fighting against it." He slows down and drops to the back of the group.
The other refugees stare at Vishal, eyes wide.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
River hears this outburst and squawks nervously before falling back to walk with Dulamul, speaking quietly.
"Better you lot in the next life..?" She asks, her head tilting a bit in curiosity. "Tell me more?"
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
"They operate under a cast system. And have you believe that if you give up what makes you happy. If you allow yourself to be micromanaged and control. No freedom, no being able to do something frivilious and fun like dancing, no being able to love whoever you want because you can't make babies, none of that emotional need. Sure your physical needs are met. You have food, water, and shelter. But are you happy, truly happy?" As Vishal talks he gets more and more animated, and directs his last question to the group of refugees before finally landing on Dulamul.
"Next life... *coo* ...better..?"
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
In a single, swift movement, Dulamul stands nose to nose with Vishal, stopping him in his tracks. "I was happy," he growls. "I had friends, family, safety, I knew my place in the world and was content with it. I was able to channel all of my energy towards helping my community and serving the il-altas. Even if I could have been more comfortable, or happier, I was willing to sacrifice some of my comfort and happiness for the sake of my community. I was willing to direct my emotions towards beneficial purposes. You talk about not being able to love who we want, or not being able to do 'fun' things, but what of the mutual support in our communities? What of our chances at rebirth as something better? What do you really know of our lives that you weren't told about by your superiors?" He turns away and walks back over to River, his voice softening and becoming lighter. "One of the core tenets of the Path of Inspiration is that we are all reincarnated after death. The highest possible form are the il-altas, the honored spirits, and by serving them well, one can be reincarnated in a higher form. The highest ideal is to be reincarnated as an il-altas. Your form in this life tells who you were in the last. Changelings, for example, are the step between il-altas and humans, and a changeling must have served very well in their last life. Shifters, on the other hand, are reincarnations of simpler, more savage souls, and therefore we work to redeem ourselves so we may be reincarnated as humans in the next life."
Sulaan is busy distracting Shiazala with a speckled stone.
Aleel and Bhuji are both still staring at Vishal in shock.
Lanan merely snorts softly and turns away from the scene, returning his focus to the path.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
A big creaking and snapping of shrubs and a loud rustle of brambles and bushes anounces Druhdaar's return from the rearguard. Stomping his feet with great, lumbering steps, he makes his way past Vishal, Dulamul and River, his eyes intent on Taran tracking their way forward, at the head of their little group. As he passes by, he mutters to Vishal:
" Rear is clear. "
And as he catches the end of Dulamul's monologue he stops for a second and faces the Shifter:
" Any wolf or rabbit has got twice as much sense as anyone you'll ever meet: you, me, and that blue-eyed twirler included. Trust me, I hear them when they talk. "
As a parting word before he catches up with the front of the column he adds:
" As for the Il-altas... they and their pretty tales are all a heap of DUNG - sorry to break it to you like that: anything that sounds that hopeful and neat and purty is bound to be a pack of lies. Life is not neat. Or pretty. Or hopeful. Life is what it is, and that's that. Ask the wee bird there, he knows ! " Druhdaar points at a small sparrow perched on a nearby tree. " Now, do yourselves a favor and save your breath to walk: we should reach safety soon, if your constant prattling doesn't bring our pursuers down on us. "
And without another word, he turns his back on all of them and presses forward.
' Rogues Will Be Rogues ' (Circle of Fives Admission Rules, § 6 par. IV)
" Put It Down. Now. Or Be Sorry. " (D. Khar-Errendis' Reported Tips For Curing Soul Ailments And Assorted Bad Behaviours, v. LIV p.XIII)
" Tween thisThy and yonThou, shall I prove to Thee that these art what thou dost see ? " (Grimoire of The Great Pananthyr)
" This One has said enough. Now, we fight. This way please ?" (8th Grade Bronze Disciple Raulnar Drohjo, Way of the Open Palm)
"Wee bird..." River casts her eyes to the ground.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Caelius puts a hand on River’s shoulder, trying to reassure her.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Vishal finds himself about to snap back at Dulamul before Druhdaar interrupts them. Taking the moment to take a few deep breaths and calm himself down he addresses first River with a much more calm and even voice, “He was referring to that sparrow there. Not you.” Before he turns back to Dulamul and continues in the same voice except with a hint a sadness still in it, “It seems like you won’t believe me. That all of it is a ploy. That you’ve been lied to your whole life. That they don’t care about you as a person. They just want to take over and stay here. I just wish I knew how to make you understand.” With a sad look and one final sigh, Vishal turns around and continues forward towards their destination.
As Druhdaar is talking (before he turns away), Shiazala sticks her tongue out at him.
Dulamul shakes his head, clenching his fist tightly at Druhdaar's words before he shakes his head and slumps. "I didn't judge your religion, or your life," he says softly. "Even though I've spent my life hearing about the evil altavar, the cruel kalashtar and the corrupted monsters of Adar. I still didn't go barging in telling you that you were serving darkness and helping the Adarans perpetrate horrifying acts. Because even though I believe the Inspired are good, I know that our countries are still at war, and that war means everything the other side does is presented in the worst possible light. I gave you and your life, family, and country the benefit of the doubt. All I asked was that you did the same." He turns away and moves to the side of the group wrapping his arms around himself and falling silent, fixing his eyes on the ground in front of him as he moves.
Aleel and Bhuji draw together and start whispering, casting worried glances around.
Lanan appears to now be completely ignoring the conversation.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Stop fighting... *coo* ...we are friends." River attempts to calm the situation by singing an upbeat tune. (Performance: 14 )
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Aleel and Bhuji seem to calm down somewhat, and Shiazala continues to make faces at Druhdaar (whatever his reaction is).
Lanan is still stubbornly ignoring all of you.
Dulamul stays quiet and at the edge of the group, head down.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
River places one of her feathered hands on Dulamul's shoulder. "Work hard... *coo* ...make friends... *coo* ...better life." Her voice shifts back and forth between two different voices, her hand gently squeezing his shoulder. "We will help you... *coo* ...let me help."
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Dulamul crosses his arms. "I'll be fine, thanks. I...need to think."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!