The Nature of the Good and Evil

JP with Omni, Jaxx and Winteroak

[b] Timestamp: Ostiarium Plains[b]

Good and evil... Yes, Voah had been meditating on the concepts lately and was starting to come to the conclusion that these things did not exist as she knew them or that they were relative to the situation. Existing in a sort flex or spectrum. Were they the same as right and wrong? Those felt more like instincts.

"No doubt you know that I have killed those known as witches and sorcerers. The Odsier called them the Blood of Erewhon. But I did not come to this land with ill intent. My intentions are good, though... I think we have different definitions of what that means. The Pillars have defined my judgement of good and evil since I was a child and Magik is seen as evil. I'm starting to question those teachings. How would you define such terms as good and evil?"

"You want to know my definition of good and evil?" The woman asked. "How many people has your companion killed? How many have you? Were all your victims deserving of death?"

Hunter replied, “Most were greedy men with selfish desires and took advantage of their power and took from others. I was but a tool in that process. Ironically I too was a victim before I become a tool. Good and Evil varies depending on who we ask. It would be easier to maintain the balance in the end.”

"So evil men made you kill evil men, but you were just a tool? And you see yourself as a victim?" She looks at Voah. "Indeed good and evil are a matter of perspective. And always easier to blame circumstances for our actions." The old woman added.

The Arbiter thought about it, but the exact number eluded her. She looked down, recalling the words of the Preacher, ‘Daughter of shame...’ She was not ashamed of killing his followers, and she did not have any sorrow that he was dead by the hand of Alexis.

"I used to believe that they ALL deserved death... but that view has changed. I chose to kill for several reasons. Some meant to do me harm, others, I killed to protect the innocent, and others as an example. I killed some for revenge. I killed at the time because I believed it was right. But... I am not guiltless. Not a victim. Those were my choices."

The drumming grew faster and louder. "I am beyond good and evil, child. Evil is like a plague. It comes, it hurts and it leaves. I am Omen. I have always been here. People come to me and bargain for boons. Do you wish to bargain with me?" She asked. The wood in the bonfire crackled loudly, spitting embers into the night.

Hunter was curious where Voah was going with her conversation with the old lady. If he had not fought that red cap he would assume the old lady and the blind men were high on something. Hunter looked at Voah and said, "Might want to ask all your questions before you choose. We may never see her again after this."

Voah faced Hunter as he spoke, then nodded. Then she turned back to Omen. "And what about knowledge of the past and present... what is your price?" Voah asked.

"Ah I had hoped for a different bargain with you, child." She started slowly and a thin smiled blossomed in her lips. "The price depends on the knowledge. Always."

Of course... there was always a price but what about negotiation? Before she came to that, she wanted to know what kind of bargain the woman would hope for? A memory from her past? No... the woman was hoping for something more.

"What were you hoping to bargain for?" Voah asked.

Omen smiled again. "That's not how it works. You tell me what you want, I tell you my price. After you are free to accept or refuse the bargain."

Hunter then asked, "Is it correct to believe that the more valuable the memory is to us the higher its value in your trade?"

"I think that's exactly what she is saying."

Voah was a little frustrated. She knew the woman spoke in riddles and Voah wasn't asking the right questions. Part of it was that she just wanted to ensure she wasn't informing any of the answers and the woman was not about to give them away. No matter the answer, how could Voah discern truth from lies?

"What are the secrets of the Holy Sword of Vastad that I carry?"