My Actions

Damien,
As someone who owes a little revenge myself and can never get it I understand your actions. I have lost more then my fair share of family members, and understand the pain of what murder can do to someone. I think it is honorable that you choose now to be honest about what you have done and take responsibility for it. It sounds like you have done the world a favor of ridding us of a vile man. If there must be punishment for this, regardless of what that is, I hope that you are finally able to have found some measure of peace.

I would caution all of you from being so ready to applaud. What we await now is a sort of moral luck in the case of Mr. Marcain's actions. If they see it as an act strength and concede, then we are in great fortune. If they want war and seek justification? They now have it. A diplomat was murdered by our hand, and they can wave that banner everywhere that we might have found allies. Even if their premise for entering Kormyrian land was a lie, the world has no tangible proof. They only have proof that we are willing to murder diplomats.

Do not get me wrong; Drell Kalaheart, as I believe it in Mr. Marcain's statements, was a bastard man who deserved a swift stretch of the neck, but that does not cast aside the rules of politics or laws of the land. By taking this matter into his own hand without consulting the governing powers, Mr. Marcain entered us all, in addition to Kormyrian soldiers who do not have the luxury of resurrection, into an agreement in which death is on the line. He knew the risks and took the shot anyways.

Remember what is at stake before you applaud. If the Goureki look favorably upon us, then this turns to our favor and we should shower them in gratitude. If not, more innocent people die. We take our lives for granted. Don't take our soldiers' lives for the same.

Even if all goes well, Mr. Marcain deserves punishment. Rewarding luck teaches no lessons. While it is appropriate that he hold himself accountable in full publicity, that's all it is - appropriate. It is not commendable. It is not honorable. This is what he is supposed to do. If he did not he would be scum and villainy only.

Think critically.

And if they really wanted a war, any reason would have been good enough. Even something as small as an insult.

If they want Damien's head, I am sure our government would offer him up on a silver platter.


Get off your high horse, Piper.

What he did was justice.

Even if they planned on it, the issue now is that they can provide justification to the rest of the world who might have condemned them for it. That means fewer allies that can strongarm them into avoiding war.

It's only justice in a vacuum, and it wasn't served with any amount of consideration for the rest of the us. It won't be justice to those who get killed for this "insult."

We can be happy that Mr. Marcain found some measure of peace in getting his vengeance, but recognize the gravity of what it means for the rest of the world. We can't afford to think so small.

In not speaking in hyperbole when I say I've opened negotiations with a pistol before.
Merchant leaders and other high stations in Angst and Faust are incredibly cutthroat. Force and intimidation are almost always necessary.

This isn't to excuse the action. It wasn't planned or approved and thus still a crime in our laws that is being deliberated by the Great Council. However, it likely also secured our deal because now they will be taking us seriously.

Everything outlined by the Commodore I believe I've already said to your face, Marcain. I have little more for you until your official case is conducted. You exhaust and disappoint me.