Shrines of War with training hall behind Tempuran altar was rarely place of silent prayer. Clank of plate and swords clashing was prayer in it's own form yet at that day different noise echoed through the hall. Meeting of warriors at the side shrine of Red Knight took a form of sermon.
Ignatius was speaking to two other explaining his stance on controversial topic.
- In recent times I was asked a question if I would stand in defense of a drow. I answered simply no out of respect to one asking assuming he does not describe situation that defies reason and had no time for lengthy explaining. Let me ask you: Is it right to strike someone solely based on his race? I speak of no demons or devils which are pure manifestations of evil without a doubt.
Shield-maiden in orange would answer:
- Well, they have not attacked me on sight yet, so no.
- Let me put some scenarios before you to show you how my education and Oaths influences my decisions. In the end it's context that matters. When a drow would be found in forests of Doron Amar, his guilt is not declared and trial not held yet but the danger he poses are evident. In such ground one may safely assume espionage and ill intent. The chance of innocence is negligible and hesitation in such place might cost lives. A single spy may easily escape in woods and return with knowledge that leads to great suffering. That is why Paladin cannot show hesitation, no mercy to serve as dent in his armor to invite evil through lack of reaction.
- Would it not be better to capture the drow then?
Asked another voice.
- To attempt such in forest terrain could lead to disaster and great suffering. One should not allow mercy to dull his edge where strategy forbids delay but it is not the drow's race that compels the strike. It is
strategic necessity that demands action.
Knight continued with confident voice.
- Should same happen in fields of the Gate capture and interrogation might be better tactic. Especially if one would be mounted and prepared to pursue. Drow guilt still reasonably implied but again not his race at fault but the place he finds himself in suggests guilt and warrants capture.
- Same drow in Skull Gorge or on the Pirate Island. What does the tactical thinking suggest? One found in such place is unlikely to spy on any lawful settlement. Judgement of the situation needs to differ. Neutral approach is what I advise and chose on numeral occasions letting both group I've led and drow to part ways.
Another voice agreed:
- A reasonable approach to take. You cannot hesitate in defense of your homeland, but where there is less risk, alternative approaches can be taken
One leading the speech answered:
- Behind enemy territory already in clash with opposing force to provoke battle with third party is to find yourself flanked. Such would endanger lives and be foolish if neutral solution is possible.
Final example. A clearing somewhere far from any larger settlements in the deep wilderness. Meeting of drow following different path, wanting to be left alone to dance in the moonlight. There is nothing to warrant suspicion.
A voice reminded:
- There is after all the famed Dritzzt, whom we have all heard stories of no doubt
And one of calm voice continued:
- Should a Paladin witness aggression on such glade failing to stand in drow defense and failing to correct injustice of attack based solely on race will absolutely cause his downfall and withdrawal of divine graces. It will be consistent with any gods that patron Paladin orders no matter what laws set by ruling nobles might say.
So there you have my answer - whole spectrum of ways one should act.
Duty is not easy. It demands that we weigh lives like pieces upon a board, each one sacred yet sometimes sacrificed for the greater good. But so the Red Knight teaches — that strategy is not the absence of compassion, but its highest form when guided by wisdom. The Red Knight Protects, and the wisdom of the Codex guides the hand that plans before it strikes.
