View source for Post:A religious discussion on the soul with Court Cleric Arourra - 4/11/2011 - 21:29:01

{{Post
|a=LERASHA
|t=A religious discussion on the soul with Court Cleric Arourra
|d=4/11/2011 9:29:01 PM
|n=7269
|f=Events and Happenings in DragonRealms' Elanthia (13) \ Ilithi Events (16)
|c=l
|p=[[Arourra]] says, "Well, why don't we get started."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "Thank you all for coming here today. I am greatly interested in learning about various religious beliefs from other cultures and thought I would start off with something that most of us hold dear, though not all are believers."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "The soul."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "As a former [[Paladin]], my soul was something I cherished. Much of my day was spent trying to keep it in a state of purity. It was almost an obsession. After leaving the guild and joining a new one, I think my perspective has changed a bit."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "I was wondering how many people here actually think they have a soul, if people would be willing to share their thoughts."<br>
You hear the voice of [[Ignifera]] say, "I am quite certain we do."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I have no doubt that I have a soul."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Sebastienne, "Not a single doubt?"<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Yes. i have a soul."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "I know I hear a lot about how I turn [[Paladin|paladin]]'s souls darker than most care for."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "None."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "Aye."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "I fear perhaps my take on this is biased."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Kadoshgonif, "No doubts either?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "Both she and I have been given quite direct proof."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "I know i have one."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ignifera, "Direct proof? Willing to share?"<br>
[[Drekav]] asks, "Hasn't anyone who has died and departed been given direct proof of their having a soul?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "My dear one can speaj for herself, should she so wish, as our experiences are quite different."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I am willing to share my own experiences after she finishes."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "But yes, my studies have shown most direct proof of the soul, and its importance."<br>
[[Tyrun]] asks, "Perhaps I enjoy stalling, but should we not establish what a soul is?"<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "It's like a moonbeam but inside you."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "Good point."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "Having visited the {{PRel|Starry Road (plane)|void}}, i'm fairly certain I have a soul."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Tyrun, "Wanted to get to that."<br>
[[Drekav]] says, "It's the thing that makes you go."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Drekav, "Not quite, actually."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I can make things 'go' quite well without them having a soul."<br>
[[Drekav]] says to Ignifera, "Your stance on it might be a little different than most."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "The soul remains the most important aspect of sentience, however, that I will certainly contend."<br>
[[Tyrun]] asks, "Is it not what ties our presence to whichever plane we happen to reside, regardless of the bonds of flesh?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "To me the soul is the piece that ties the body, the mind, and the heart together into a whole being."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "That is a tricky bit to confirm, actually. From what I can tell, souls only exist in this plane. Or well, natively so."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "So what is a soul? Drekav stated that we die and are reborn and that is proof enough. Is a soul ours and only ours or do we get reborn with pieces missing and replaced? What is it?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "One can certainly lose portions of one's soul."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Most of you engage in such willingly on a regular basis."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "I would agree there. there are some beings that seem soulless."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "I've certainly felt at times something that's either my soul or very close to it being partially taken from me."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "Maybe that's just me though."<br>
[[Gridaksma]] says, "There has been a time in my life that I have given up my soul."<br>
[[Drekav]] says, "Your soul can be manipulated and it can be injured but it is the essence of what makes you, You."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Ignifera, "And can those lost pieces be replaced? A [[Paladin|paladin]] would tell you that the soul can transform state, from tarnished to pure."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Dianelle, "I've felt it too."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "Oh good."<br>
[[Tyrun]] asks Arourra, "And can we not also tear shreds from our soul to fuel ourselves, serving as a painful sustenance? Are we healed anew when the effects fade?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Tyrun, "Would you say it is just a binding essence or something greater?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "I do believe so, in many cases. But there are circumstances in which such replenishment is prevented."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I however, find such soul damage, even if temporary, to be a befouling."<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "You soul can be damaged and scarred."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "Not mine."<br>
[[Tyrun]] asks, "I have heard talk of denizens that lay between the shards of the moon [[Grazhir]]. I do not think they require true physical manifestation. Are they then without souls because there is not something tying them to a body?"<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "During the time the soul is away from the body it seems to travel. somewhere. I'm not exactly sure, being as usually it comes back to the body when you're raised."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Synamon, "If so, what repairs it? Do we even have control over fixing this thing that is supposed to be ours?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "There are certain entities that attempt to siphon a soul away from its host at the time of any seperation."<br>
[[Traim]] says to Tyrun, "If you're right, and they have souls tieing them there, I wonder how their souls differ."<br>
[[Drekav]] says, "It depends on the type of damage you are referring to."<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "I know that i carry a scar from being tainted by [[Necromancy|necromancy]], different from the one from shock."<br>
[[Dianelle]] asks, "Like wraiths?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Dianelle, "And the [[Immortals]]."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ignifera, "You think [[Immortals]] steal our souls? What would they do with them?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Consume them."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Feed."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "They are what sustains their existence."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Possibly."<br>
[[Drekav]] asks, "So where do they come from in the first place?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "That.. would explain a lot for me if that's true."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Which is what you do in part when you curry [[Favors|favor]] from them."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Everytime you rub an orb you feed your chosen [[Immortals|god]] or goddess."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "But it is not until death that they look to feed in full."<br>
[[Synamon]] asks, "You think you are feeding them pieces of your soul?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Did you ever stop to wonder why they care about us? It is the same reason we care for our farmlands."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Synamon, "No, I think you are. I do not do such things."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "We do not want to starve."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "So souls are just food for some higher being, and we are just the fortunate or unfortunate hosts? Can't one argue that they grant us souls to begin with? Are they just taking back what is theirs?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "I just figured I amused them."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "You can certainly argue that."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "No. Not just food, but to them, yes."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "It may even be true."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I do not believe it is theirs for the taking."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "But there is a thing that happens sometimes, when you are given something. You might find that you like it enough that you are unwilling to return it."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] asks, "And then you have a choice to make, hmm?"<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] quietly says, "That is true."<br>
[[Synamon]] asks Sebastienne, "So based on this, what do you do? do you not get [[Favors|favor]] with the [[Immortals|gods]]?"<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "For someone with your background, I would assume you would understand the stakes when you back out on a loan."<br>
[[Leucius]] says, "Choices can be funny things."<br>
[[Synamon]] asks Sebastienne, "Or do you feed them parts of your soul?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I do indeed get [[Favors]]|favors]], from Dergati. I have no other choice at the moment."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "This will change in time."<br>
[[Drekav]] says, "You do have a choice."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I have freed myself, and soon I will free her."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "So you think people can transcend their souls?"<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] asks, "Will it?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Not if I wish to remain on this planet. And I do."<br>
[[Synamon]] asks Ignifera, "So you would turn her into one of your zombie abominations?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "No, I intend on trascending any pull on my soul."<br>
[[Drekav]] says, "I have departed with no [[Favors]]|favors]] gained with an immortal. I returned to this plane."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Synamon, "No. She will be free and whole."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says to Ignifera, "One might consider that thievery."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Zombies are just shells. No different than animated beefsteak."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] asks, "Good thing we are a bunch of dirty thieves, hm?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ignifera, "So it would still be there, just the connection would not be in its [[Favors|favor]]?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "If you can exist without it's pull, what is it?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "Control over its safety will be fully hers, as it is mine."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Kadoshgonif, "You mentioned entering the [[Starry Road (plane)|Void]]. Do you think you returned with your soul intact or was it as others have said, fed to something? Was it even the same one you started with?"<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "I believe it was still me. it felt like me."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "Safety seems relative to your position, I suppose. The waking of the world dragon, for instance..."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "Would make your efforts little else than exercises in futility."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "Freedom comes with its prices."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "I used to think the [[Starry Road (plane)|starry road]] was just that... but i have read in the temple... behind urrem'tiers shrine."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "We are not unaware of risks. The prize is simply one that can not be turned away from."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "Your price will always be to face the inevitable. Given enough time, the inevitable has many forms... but it is still what it is."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "That all of our souls go to him, to the spiral."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Kadoshgonif, "They do unless they learn to protect themselves."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Kadoshgonif, "But why? For what purpose? What can they be if Lord Urrem'tier covets them so?"<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "I wouldn't say its feeding... as that would deny what i've been taught by my guild..."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "All souls, the just, the wicked, all will be consumed."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "It saddens me so."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "The spiral is where the soul is wiped clean and re-used in another being. It is much like saving seeds from a farmer's crop so you can plant next season."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Sebastienne, "After one has consumed all that made the plant what it was to begin with."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Sebastienne, "If they are just recycled, and the Gods must consume them as you stated earlier, why let them leave the spiral? Is something gained when they are out in the world?"<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] asks, "But I would say that souls become more than themselves. and if we plant the seeds, do they not bear fruit? as to deny our souls the chance to be reborn, what then would happen to our descendents?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Parts are kept for replanting, life, experience, memory - that is what is gained."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Arourra, "You are not quite getting the analogy, I think. Think of the soul as a seed, and the whole being as the crop that grows from that seed."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "I have now equated my future children to rows of potted plants, acting to serve as virtual cambrinth for the Gods. I'm sure my wife will think me quite the romantic when I return home."<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "The equation doesn't balance out. Populations grow. Are souls created?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "That is all they will be unless this plane is saved from outside influences."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] asks, "If we only seek to preserve ourselves, what is the reason for having children? would we not stagnate if we only preserved ourself?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Populations shrink too. I believe if you were to review the list of casualties from Lyras's attack we are still quite deep in the red at the moment."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "And when populations die, do some just remain in the spiral or do people carry extra 'seeds' with them?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "But yes, I suppose they can be made somehow. When you plant an apple you can get more than one seed from it. Perhaps it is something similar. I honestly do not know."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "A lot of people don't even have souls."<br>
[[Lasciel]] asks, "Have you been to [[Therengia]]?"<br>
The black panther growls, "or [[Shard|shard]]"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Kadoshgonif, "Creation is not limited to procreation biologically if one becomes the being that sets the rules of such things."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "As a matter of fact... i was just there."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says to Ignifera, "If we lack the power ourselves, is it not in our best interests to have champions to take up our colors in the joust of world ending events? Surely you or the Empress could spare a garter or two for a God's lance."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "You have the look of it."<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "A curious side trip there, the creation of souls implies the destruction too. Is that possible?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "I do not think we lack such power, and those you suggest we bow to are the amongst those that damage this plane with their influence."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Though i prefer [[Muspar'i|muspar'i]]."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I would assume they can be destroyed. But I can not think of any evidence to point to. Merely guesswork on my part."<br>
[[Kasrkyn]] says, "There have been records of souls being destroyed, but it is...very rare."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "It occurs to me that there might be a worse fate for the soul than being recycled."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "Though I guess at that point, being recycled or destroyed might not make a difference."<br>
[[Dianelle]] asks, "Do twins share a soul or do they each have their own?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Leucius, "As a [[Paladin]], what is it about the soul that makes you want to keep it pure?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Dianelle, "Good question. Or for that matter, there are marriage rituals where people cut their souls and bind them together. Does that mean pieces just vanish?"<br>
[[Miskton]] says to Traim, "If there's nothing left of 'you' to care, I don't think it would make much difference in the long run. Possibly less pleasant in the short term."<br>
[[Leucius]] says, "It's my duty."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "Or is it just a bigger one?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "It is simply a connection."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Leucius, "But why?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I believe twins have their own souls, and that the bonding of souls is marriage merely creates a link. It does not combine souls or anything of that sort."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "In marriage, rather."<br>
[[Gridaksma]] asks, "But what of the marriages of elves?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I really do not have any experience in such things."<br>
[[Gridaksma]] says, "When one is so connected that when one mate passes the other dies."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "Elven marriage is beautiful."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I always thought that was simply grief."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I would think it has little to do with the soul, and has more to do with the heart."<br>
[[Traim]] asks Kasrkyn, "I'm sorry, I missed your thought a moment ago. What are the stories of souls being destroyed?"<br>
[[Gridaksma]] says, "There are rituals that bind the souls as well as the hearts for our people."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "That begs the question, how much does our soul actually control us? Can we control it?"<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "When you love someone that much, there's no telling what can occur."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Souls can most certainly be destroyed. Extraplanar beings can and have done so to creatures of this plane."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "I'm not convinced that twins have completely separate souls. But it's really hard for me to be able to prove that, being how I am. I'd have to meet other twins."<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "Binding is not the same as combining tho."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "Extraplanar beings..yes."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "It does not control us. It, in a very real sense, IS us."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I do not believe there is any issue of control. My soul IS me."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Dianelle, "There does often seem to be a connection with twins. Something transcendant."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Ignifera, "Are we going to do this all night? Because if so I am just going to stop talking and let you handle it all."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "There is really no need for such redundancy."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Sebastienne, "I thought it was sort of cute, really."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Sebastienne, "Surely you have some views on the soul that differ from hers?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] says to Arourra, "There most definitely is. I've always wondered if that's party why I'm not all here."<br>
[[Tyrun]] quietly says to Gridaksma, "I hope to walk the path of Gelinajaun Ruh one day."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "That is a tricky question. I generally agree with her feelings on the subject. Our conclusions are based on years of talking, studying, and her own studies as well."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Where she and I differ is in our opinions of the [[Immortals]]."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "Ahh."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "And not on the soul or does it link to that?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Sebastienne, "And on the matter of attempting to save all souls."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Yes, that too."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I am an idealist, dear."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "I had always thought that when i left this plane, damaris would take me home. but after hearing rumors of what happens... i'm not so sure anymore."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Saving them is our biggest sticking point, I fear."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Ignifera wishes to set everyone free from the cycle the [[Immortals]] have created."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says to Ignifera, "We must be idealists in different striations of thought."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I will be quite content to just save the two of us."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Synamon, "Though binding is different from combining, I would think that a soul must have some sort of presence or it could not be bound. Perhaps the term binding brings to mind something too physical."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Schvartzgonif, "Why are you not sure anymore?"<br>
Renegade Silvwyn came out of a blue door.<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "Often the case, I find, but the impulse generates from the same place, I do think."<br>
[[Arourra]] takes a sip of her beer.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I also believe two souls slipping free of the trap is going to attract a lot less attention than all of them doing so will."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Ignifera, "But we can argue more about that some other time."<br>
[[Ignifera]] grins at Sebastienne.<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "As always, dear one, as always."<br>
[[Ysselt]] glances at Traim.<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Things i've experienced in my life. Those i've met. Those who have been taken from my life abruptly. And too soon."<br>
[[Tyrun]] asks, "And what do you intend to do, then, when your bodies age? Or will you avoid aging all together?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "There are ways around aging."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "The trick is getting it done while we are still young enough to enjoy what this world has to offer."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Aging is optional."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I am still quite spry and she is younger than I am. There is no rush just yet."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Sebastienne, "And you know there are ways to correct it if..."<br>
[[Ignifera]] shakes her head.<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Again, another time."<br>
[[Ignifera]] nods to Sebastienne.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] exclaims, "Mmhmm. We will argue about that another time too!"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Schvartzgonif, "And you think that their departure means you will not find peace with your favored diety?"<br>
[[Tyrun]] asks, "Quite the ambitions you have. Hop the mine cart tracks from the volcano, is it?"<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "I fear I know how that went for me."<br>
[[Traim]] chuckles.<br>
[[Synamon]] grins at Tyrun.<br>
[[Leucius]] smiles.<br>
[[Traim]] says, "It does seem that there's little talk about the risks for the ambition."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "It is really nothing that dramatic. It is very simple. I love this world, and I love Ignifera. And I intend to have both of them for eternity."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "Ahh, but I am from Dirge, such things are what I cut my teeth on."<br>
[[Tyrun]] grins at Ignifera.<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "I'm not sure its comfort. I've heard much from the one I love as well."<br>
[[Dianelle]] shifts her weight.<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "What if the path to what you hope for destroys the world? Or destroys what you love about the world in the process?"<br>
[[Traim]] says, "Tough trade."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Sebastienne, "Ah the world. That is another question. Are we, the sentient races, the only ones that can have souls?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] softly says, "I -think- Danara still exists intact somewhere, wherever that would be. But it's really hard to say."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Traim, "It will not."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "We are confident that it will not."<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "You seem to not care if it does either."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Arourra, "I have no idea. We would have to define sentience first."<br>
[[Arourra]] grins at Sebastienne.<br>
[[Traim]] says, "Not caring I would understand, from these two."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Synamon, "That is very untrue, and a rude thing for a virtual stranger to say to either one of us."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Sebastienne, "And yet we still haven't defined a soul."<br>
[[Ruea]] says to Arourra, "So sorry I'm late, darling."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "But the confidence that it won't...I do not understand."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Traim, "We care very much."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "You obviously know very little truth of us."<br>
[[Ignifera]] folds her arms across her chest.<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Ruea, "Glad you could come. We were trying to figure out what a soul is. There was an analogy offered that it is a seed and we are the plant it creates."<br>
[[Tyrun]] shifts his weight.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] asks Traim, "I suppose you are referring to Ignifera's practices opening a whole in the plane for the Hunger or something even nastier to slip in and eat everything, yes?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] gazes upward.<br>
[[Traim]] dryly says, "Something like that, yes."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] nods.<br>
[[Synamon]] nibbles her lip thoughtfully.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Let me say this then..."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "People really do believe the most droll things."<br>
The wings of Leucius's boots spread for a moment.<br>
[[Ruea]] says, "What a clever thought."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Think of how many [[Necromancer|necromancers]] you know of. Now think of how many you probably do not know of. Just here in the five provinces. Now think of how many there are in the rest of the continent. And now the other continents, even ones we may not have discovered yet."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Now."<br>
[[Traim]] gives a slight nod.<br>
[[Arourra]] coughs.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] asks, "Out of all of those [[Necromancer|necromancers]], how many have opened a hole in the plane and let a world destroying being in?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Just one."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "I know a ton."<br>
[[Lasciel]] furrows her brow.<br>
[[Lasciel]] blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.<br>
[[Tyrun]] fixes Lasciel with a serene, lofty stare.<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Sebastienne, "Now lets think of souls?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] says to Ruea, "You saw that day. Was my sister present, within me, or was it the product of a deranged and broken mind? This has bearing on the discussion."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Lyras was an aberration. She was a perfect storm of carelessness, luck, and people not noticing her soon enough to stop her."<br>
[[Synamon]] frowns.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "The moment I think Ignifera's work threatens the world, I will kill her."<br>
[[Ignifera]] nods to Sebastienne.<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "She was a mighty powerful aberration."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] asks, "Would you be able to?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "And I will thank her for it."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] peers quizzically at Sebastienne.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Yes she was."<br>
[[Ignifera]] taps an ebony-hafted scythe of polished steel inset with a deep red blood ruby that she is wearing.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Schvartzgonif, "I am confident I can stop her before she goes too far, if she begins to slip into madness, yes."<br>
[[Dianelle]] gazes at Ruea.<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "I'm curious, even if you did succeed, would it be some breakthrough that spread like wildfire?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] shrugs.<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "Or is every attempt bound to tempt that planar break, forever down the line?"<br>
[[Ruea]] says to Dianelle, "You were not yourself. There was nothing of you in that moment. So if I had to make a supposition, I'd say you were infused with your sister in some way or another."<br>
[[Arourra]] takes a sip of her beer.<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "Which does bring us back to the soul. Protection of the soul is the foundation of my beliefs."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "So that would mean my sister's soul is intact, and .. somewhere."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ignifera, "Protection from what?"<br>
[[Traim]] shrugs.<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I can not say for sure what the future will bring. I can only try to assure all of the naysayers that she and I are not being nearly as reckless with our power as everyone seems to think."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "Does it really need protection? Does harm or tarnish really affect us?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "And how?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] asks Arourra, "Have you seen a creature stripped of its soul?"<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "Tarnish affects the soul of a [[Paladin|paladin]], somehow."<br>
[[Arourra]] nods to Ignifera.<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "I have, regularly."<br>
[[Synamon]] raises an eyebrow.<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "It most certainly does effect the creature. It will never be its own being without its soul."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Now, surely, some magics and give the appearance of such, but true selfhood is lost."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "And we know the transfer of souls is possible."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] asks, "But don't the things thus created lack a soul?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] gazes at Tyrun.<br>
[[Ignifera]] stares blankly into the distance.<br>
[[Tyrun]] glances at Dianelle.<br>
[[Miskton]] begins to listen to Traim teach the Targeted Magic skill.<br>
[[Dianelle]] gnaws on her lip.<br>
[[Synamon]] asks Tyrun, "Transfer?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Not if a soul is transferred into it."<br>
[[Ignifera]] nods to Tyrun.<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ignifera, "I have seen a soul drained, and I would agree that it affects the bearer. The question is why and what happens if you succeed in severing the pull, does that mean you lose part of your selfhood?"<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "Xerasyth, transmuted his own soul between forms."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Twice now, even."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "And yes, Xerasyth has a soul."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "Yes. One only need look to Lyras or her generals."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Tyrun, "I would disagree."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Sebastienne, "A few more than that, dear one."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Poor Xerasyth, such a misunderstood creature."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says to Arourra, "I have felt it, reached my hands into the abyss and plucked its strings."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "The destruction of the shard proved it."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ignifera, "How so?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "The shard affects the soul."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "It had the power to destroy a soulless being."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Take it from one who knows."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "As he has one, the attempt to do such to him failed and damaged the shard."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "The Temple itself admits as much."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Though they like to claim it was not destroyed."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Damaged. Good enough."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] asks, "But weren't there others... destroyed, before he was able to do whatever he did?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Different powers of the shard."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "That was different."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] asks, "Didn't it destroy their souls?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "As I said, it affects souls very severely."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "They were killed mundanely."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "They were simply stripped of all protection of their soul before such."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Interesting."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ignifera, "So how is it that souls protect?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "My dear one can speak more directly on that, if she wishes."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Arourra, "They are protected, they do not do the protecting."<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "Yes. What protects them?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "That would depend greatly on the soul in question."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "For those of you in thrall to the [[Immortals]], they often choose to offer a measure of protection to their crop until such time as they see fit to do such no longer."<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "For those not?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "We have our own ways."<br>
[[Traim]] asks, "Certainly nothing to do with that extraplanar hole though. Right?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Lasciel, "You should talk about the beliefs of your people."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Traim, do not be rude."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Traim, "Nothing to that effect no. Quite contrary to that."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "I am not. She was glib. Knowing, then glib on the point that has me most curious."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "If anything, I seek to close all such holes created by those foolish enough to open themselves."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "We have been open and honest about everything here, you can either take us at our word or not. But do not belittle us for having different beliefs."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "You can not actually expect her to start revealing [[Necromancer|necromantic]] secrets."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "As you will. I will be less glib myself."<br>
[[Ignifera]] asks Traim, "You can not really expect me to give any information that those who hunt me could attempt to exploit, now can you?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "That would hardly be self preserving."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "I think any protection you get comes from an extraplanar connection to something I sense as very bad for the existence of this plane."<br>
[[Leucius]] says, "I was sort of hoping you might."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "But I know very little."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] asks Leucius, "Give us both a little more credit than that hmm?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "Please. May we get back to the base question or at least the topic? What is a soul?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] asks Leucius, "Sorry, dear. If I ever decide to be terribly suicidal you are the very first on my list to disclose to, eh?"<br>
[[Leucius]] says, "Deal."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I was about to answer that, actually."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "I would actually like to hear all people's answers to that one if everyone is willing to share."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I think what it is can never be precisely defined, because there is no way to prove everything about it. A large portion of it will always come down to the personal belief of the individual. Some place high value in their soul, some do not."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Some believe one thing, some another. And none of us can say the other is wrong."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "It is not a bad thing, to leave some of it up to personal faith."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Ignifera, "Oh hush."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "According to the scholars at the temple, if the soul isn't protected by the immortals, it is usually in thrall to something else. such as Maelyshyve. the demonic."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "Our identity, and our means to exist, whether corporeal or otherwise. That which ties us to the planes. As to where it stem froms and where it goes, I will opt to nod my head that the permutations of explanations are limitless."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "That is because they fear the free soul."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Traim, "Interesting."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "My soul is not in thrall to anyone or anything, and it never will be."<br>
[[Synamon]] asks, "Really?"<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Dianelle, "And as one who feels a part of hers is missing, what do you think a soul is?"<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "It seems like it is."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Synamon, "Do tell, since you seem to be the resident expert on me and my dear one tonight."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Synamon, "We are all thralls to our partners in some way or another."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Despite having spoken to us a grand total of never before tonight, I might add."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "I think it's more akin to both the vessel and that which it contains. The sum of who we are and what we learn."<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "Maybe not directly or willingly but you have said that you get [[Favors|favor]] from a [[Immortals|god]], and that is to preserve your soul."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "I will say that you and I are in agreeance on the matter."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Dianelle, "So it expands as long as we live?"<br>
[[Gridaksma]] asks, "Are we thralls?"<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Gridaksma, "Sometimes."<br>
[[Ignifera]] exclaims to Tyrun, "I do not know if you find that troublesome or not, but there you go!"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "It is to preserve my life, which includes my soul. But my soul is mine and will remain so."<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "I beleive my soul is mine as well."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Sebastienne, "Soon, dear, soon."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "My relationship with Dergati involves something entirely more mundane than my soul."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "I'm not sure if it expands so much as fills, condenses maybe. I'm over my head here obviously but I just get this sense of it being both contained, and that which contains it."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Miskton, "And what might you think a soul is?"<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "I seek [[Favors]]|favors]] from the [[Immortals|gods]] same as you and for the same reasons, but i think that is where the similarity ends."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I certainly hope so."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Synamon, "It is yours, but what is it? Also you said it was damaged before, does that mean part of it is missing and where did that part go?"<br>
[[Miskton]] says, "As far as my personal, practical experience goes, my soul is my self. The seat of my ability to perceive and think about the world."<br>
[[Dianelle]] softly says, "When I feel Danara, I feel her. As she was before she died. But is that really her or just me and my broken mind. I can't tell."<br>
[[Miskton]] says, "As for what it is made OF, well, that's a different and rather interesting question."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Although I'm not a Prydaen, I understand they have altogether a different view on the soul. That it doesn't walk, or spiral, or whatever ... That it rejoins the wheel."<br>
[[Synamon]] says, "Damaged and scarred but not taken from me, just adding to the things that make up who i am."<br>
[[Miskton]] says, "Unfortunately, my magical training doesn't lend itself toward the manipulation of the soul, making personal research into the matter difficult."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Miskton, "Well what is it made of, and you do not think you could perceive without it?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] says to Arourra, "We were the same once. On the same level in age and thought and experiences. And now she's the same as she was while I am obviously not."<br>
[[Arourra]] smiles at Dianelle with a hint of sadness.<br>
[[Tyrun]] says to Ignifera, "Do not mistake the definition of what we are for the issue of where we should go. Forgive me if I am skeptical regarding our aims falling too close in line."<br>
[[Dianelle]] asks, "So maybe souls mature?"<br>
[[Ignifera]] says to Tyrun, "No, I did not ever say such a thing. Just that this one opinion was in line. Quite a different thing."<br>
[[Miskton]] says, "Well, I've had the misfortune of dying more than once. And even with my body a mangled wreck, I'm still capable of perceiving the world and thinking, which leads me to believe that the source of those faculties certainly isn't in the body."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "I've stuffed more than one soul back into their bodies, i know folks have them. I haven't noticed any difference in the soul, except for the difficulty in finding them."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Ysselt, "And what do you think a soul is?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Apparently mine is difficult to find. I always found that rather insulting."<br>
[[Synamon]] whispers, "let me know if you need me to grab it sooner and i can get the infection for you at least."<br>
[[Leucius]] says, "Too easy."<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "Elusive like you."<br>
[[Celitha|You]] say, "::kad perhaps they are harder to find because some are too damaged."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "Strange. you seem as if you are favored."<br>
[[Celitha|You]] say to Kadoshgonif, "Perhaps they are harder to find because some are too damaged."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Dergati watches over me quite carefully."<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "Well."<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "Well. I think it's hard to pin down. People do often tend to use the words soul and spirit interchangeably. However, I think soul is more of a worldly and less... transcendent aspect of a being comparitive to the soul, that is. I guess I think the soul is the very essence, the definining point of a living thing. Living is your soul. Activity, fufillment.. love... these all make up your being, your soul. Your life."<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "Soul is a beautiful, undefinable thing. You die, and it ceases to exist except for the intellect and memory you've imprinted upon others who are alive. Generations, yet to come who carry on the existance of you. I suppose my theory and thought of the soul is rather broad. It is love, it is life. It is living. I am sorry, perhaps that is not narrow enough."<br>
[[Tyrun]] says to Sebastienne, "I have very little trouble seeing your soul. It's in your eyes."<br>
[[Traim]] says to Ysselt, "I think that was a very good way of getting at the unexplainable."<br>
[[Dianelle]] asks, "You don't think the soul remains, in and of itself?"<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says to Tyrun, "Do not remind me. Easily my biggest weakness."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "Hardly need to be sorry. The theory is broad because it is so hard to pin down something so ethereal."<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "It's life, it becomes and absorbs into the memories and patterns of those we love. Those we touched. Those that loved us."<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "So, I suppose in that way it remains."<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "But I think to say it remains whole, intact floating, looming above us is a waste. If it goes out and touches those in our lives, it refreshes. It continues."<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "It transcends."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "So pieces of it remain long after our body returns to the ground?"<br>
[[Ysselt]] says, "Oh, yes I believe so."<br>
[[Dianelle]] matter-of-factly says, "I don't think Danara is transcendant in any way."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Lasciel, "And what do you think a soul is? Someone mentioned your people's beliefs being different?"<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "Our life is a gift from above, and a bit of that remains, with the people we love and care for, even if our body is gone."<br>
[[Lasciel]] asks, "Uh.. what do you mean 'you people'?"<br>
[[Dianelle]] says, "She's a snit. Even dead she's a snit."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "No, I'm just kidding."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Lasciel, "I think a human was referring to your clan or perhaps our race?"<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "Ohhh."<br>
[[Dianelle]] frowns and shuts up suddenly, staring as a spot on the floor.<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "Yeah, elves."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "Many beliefs."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Lasciel, "Well how about yours?"<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "My soul is like a blue moonbeam that I can teleport to inside myself to get away from my problems to a place full of dandelion gardens and butterflies."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "Whatever."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks, "So it is your escape?"<br>
[[Tyrun]] says, "Dandelions? I hope my soul has a better gardener."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Tyrun, "Doubtful."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "I don't like this interrogation. Inquisitor."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Lasciel, "Very well."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "Your garden is barren."<br>
[[Arourra]] asks Divy, "And what do you think a soul is?"<br>
[[Tyrun]] says to Lasciel, "And hopefully so is your womb."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Wow."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "Uhm."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I did not know Tyrun could cast burn."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Lets keep dis friendly."<br>
[[Lasciel]] says, "The baby was his."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "I just want it noted that for once it was not the Danes who turned a meeting hostile."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "It's not over yet. You can't note that until it's over."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "Fiiine."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "Well then."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "I wanted to say if people wished to go they are welcome to. I am happy to stay and discuss more but I had not intended to keep people all day. I rather like hearing the different viewpoints and would love to discuss more."<br>
[[Lasciel]] asks, "We were trapped here before?"<br>
[[Traim]] says to Sebastienne, "Okay, noted."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Lasciel, "I had the [[Halfling|Olvi]] proprietors remove the steps out, but they put them back."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "As long as we don't run outta ale."<br>
[[Arourra]] says to Kadoshgonif, "[[Halfling|Olvi]] proprietors. I don't think we are at risk of that."<br>
[[Kadoshgonif]] says, "Thats why i always carry me own."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "This has been a thoroughly interesting discussion and Ignifera and I appreciate your willingness to allow us to participate. It is good for everyone to talk sometimes, even enemies. However, we are going to return to [[Zoluren]]."<br>
[[Ignifera]] says, "We are easy enough to contact should any wish to speak further."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "Before you go."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] asks, "Hmm?"<br>
[[Leucius]] says, "Good day all."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] says, "Its been interesting to hear your views. much to think about."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "Or before anyone goes. Thank you all for coming and for contributing by sharing your thoughts in such a peaceful manner. Our next discussion will be on the Gods themselves, all pantheons."<br>
[[Sebastienne]] says, "We will do our best to be present for that one as well."<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "It will likely be held in the Temple of the [[World Dragon]]."<br>
You hear the voice of [[Ignifera]] say, "Quite certainly."<br>
You hear the voice of [[Ignifera]] say, "Hrm."<br>
[[Traim]] says, "A very enlightening discussion, thank you Arourra."<br>
[[Schvartzgonif]] asks, "The one in [[Muspar'i|muspar'i]], or here?"<br>
[[Arourra]] says, "Here."<br>
}}