A thought.

To all who call Travance home,


I have some thoughts that have been wandering through my head for quite some time that I would like to share with you. Ours is a life of constant struggle and dedication, one that we’ve chosen for ourselves. We live here on the outskirts of civilization constantly threatened by the great unknown. I cannot speak for all of you, but where I come from many would not be willing to take that risk.


Every day is a test. A constant battle of the many paths and opportunities set before us. In each of us there is a great capacity for good as well as evil. The time I’ve spent in Travance has taught me much about the world and about myself. I was very much guilty of being ignorant of the plight of others. Over time I grew to accept, understand, and change that.


It all starts with a scream. Out in the woods, a solitary yell for help. There are those who ignore those calls, dismissing it as not being their problem. That is where truly begins. Those screams are at the very foundation a plea for survival. A call that says: I don’t want to die. The very thing we ourselves in this frontier town fight for every day: our lives. I don’t expect doctors and alchemists to pick up swords and run out into the night. But we all must be constantly vigilant. If you the individual do not make the choice to go out and help them why do you think anyone else would?


I would not even go so far as say that I’m trying to insinuate that everyone needs to be a hero. What I am saying is to just be mindful of those around you. To help each other survive. We are here in this together. To that end there is something else that we must be mindful of as well. The majority of individuals that we often come into conflict with are either individuals who have chosen a life of trying to get what they want by taking it, or are merely just trying to survive like us.


Killing someone is a permanent end to a temporary situation. Too often have I seen individuals who accosted others, be cut open before my very eyes. In the heat of the moment blades are drawn and lives are lost. Finding out why an individual does something can help us fix the problem. They could be stealing for their family. Or coming from a town where there is no work to be done just looking to get by. Knight-Captain Magnus sets a fine example in this regard. Of course those who go against the law do need to be punished, serving their time or paying their fines. But when they are done we can leave them all to a better way of life by enabling them, by teaching them, and by guiding them. Everyone deserves a chance.


Do not let a moment filled with passion end the life of a father who was merely looking to get money to buy food for his children. Subdue them, get a guard to take them to jail, find out why they did it, and offer them a better way. Many people you will find unfortunately don’t know that there are other ways to survive. Help them to be better. Thank you for taking the time to read my musings.

While I agree wholeheartedly, I would like to make an addition. We should also be mindful of wildlife that wanders into our lands. Too many times has a pack of wolves been cut down for growling or boars for being in the way. Hunting is one thing, but I am referring to the needless killing of animals that are only looking to survive. Travance has plenty of Druids that can deal with the problem if need be.

Just adding my two cents.

I agree fully, to hastily we end the lives of those who we can reform. In death reform is no longer an option. We should not be so quick to make a final verdict on any life.

Gaia bless,
Squire Zathir

Thank you for these words. Each of you.

I would like to add my voice in thanks alongside Lady Brightstar's.

Every needless death is the work of the Darkness. In death there is no repentance, reform or light. In mercy, Justice, can we make this world a better place, and bolster Goodness and Light.

An interesting sentiment. However, what shall be done to those who do not or cannot reform? To those who, even among chances given run to the dark? Surely mercy must run out at some point...