A thought.

We may only show the individual the path they can choose to take. Ultimately it is up to them. If they run into the darkness then myself and many others would give chase. It is not a question of whether an individual can reform or not, but giving them the chance to do so. Everyone deserves at least a chance at redemption.

All life is important, no one man can be placed higher than another for life in its many forms is precious. It is true that some fall into darkness but they can be saved given an oppertunity. Death is the saddest of answers because it means that afterwords there is no hope for redemption and all that is left is what could have been. A second chance, can be the greatest gift we can give.

I am sorry if my input is not welcome. I just felt it must have been said.

Avaiiden,
Mercy and Compassion never run out. The resolve of the hearts of those in whom it does is simply not as strong as some others. There are ways for every action to be Merciful and Compassionate, even when dealing with a punishment that would send someone to the gates to be judged by Galladell. If you wish to speak further on the subject, please seek me out next moon, I would be more than happy to discuss it with you, and any others who would be interested.

Archbishop Kwildar,

I have a philosophical question for you. I remember you told me that an Andorran must abide by the word of an enemy if they give it, unless they have previously broken their word. As the Archbishop I would ask of your guidance to myself and other. If mercy and compassion are indeed limitless, how do we give that same mercy and compassion to those who have broken their word previously? Faith? Blind Trust? If they are on their knees begging for forgiveness and another chance, even if they have already been given it and worked against us, at what point does it move from honest penance into deception?

Sir Cypher,

I believe you may be mis-remembering the word I used. The fourth tenant of Andorra is to parlay with an enemy, not abide by their word. There is certainly no requirement for us to tolerate and listen stoically and silently against false words, but that we Andorrans allow our foes the chance to entreat and speak with us unless they have previously proven false and deceitful.

This is an important distinction, as no person of the light should ever be forced to stand by silently and let words of hate be brought forth into this world.

As to the matter of your true question though, this is something I would prefer to discuss in private, but I will offer these words:

Hearts filled with Darkness can change. If a second chance is asked, I for one will almost always give it. If proof of devotion to repentance is required, I will ask it. I for one will not simply condemn a person who wishes to repent without cause. At times though, an act of devotion should be asked as proof, and if their hearts are the sort that one feels is so deceitful, perhaps asking them for an act of devotion before the gods of light themselves is not unwarranted. The gods, especially Galladell are better judges of the hearts of men, as they see all.

They do not judge blindly as we may.

Sir Cypher

If I may; while mercy and compassion are two of our greatest guards against the dark, I would ask that all approach life or death decisions with not only mercy and compassion, but also with prudence and fortitude.

When I heard tell that a necromancer was allowed to slip through the net of baronial justice, having never even seen so much as a trial, I did not imagine the new life that poor misguided man would make for himself-- no, I imagined more victims, more orphans, more slaughtered villages, more families torn apart only to be stitched back together, and more flesh hungry abominations plaguing the fair people of Travance. I see this and I do not care for it.

I would not urge our daring and virtuous citizens to succumb to hatred and violence, but rather to face every night with vigilance and forethought. While I admit I am new to Travance, it is my home and I have dedicated myself and my house to protecting its citizens and upholding truth in all things. When a cry of fear rings out in the night we will rush to meet it. Travance is alone in this long night. With our bond as our fire and our reason as our guide we will make it through the darkness.

With Prudence and Fortitude