un: is4810

[divinesight]

The recent times have been trying; even without the added changes and trials that the past month has brought upon us, the burden of being brought to a world not your own – with expectations and additional changes put upon you that were both unasked for and unbidden – may be proving difficult, regardless of one's resilience or constitution. There is not shame in such things.

I understand that faith may be a comfort to some who are used to taking solace in it. My name is Abraham Gray; I am a Catholic priest in the service of our Lord, and as such I'm more than willing to offer rites and guidance to those who would seek such things. I'm also willing to answer questions regarding my own personal faith, should such questions arise.

Whether you feel such services to be something you require or not, I pray that you find peace and solace, and strength for the days to come.

Comments

[divinesight]

Also entirely fair - I suppose He must be.

I serve as one who offers rites and guidance in His name, so I provide what assistance I can.

[hagrides]

You are not unlike the members of my troupe. Though I suspect your duties are somewhat different than followers of the Nightmare King.

[divinesight]

I would imagine so. Might I ask you to tell me about them...?

[hagrides]

The troupe's duties are to travel from dying land to dying land, to cleanse it of lingering hatred and anger so that the land may be reborn. It is a thankless task, but having company makes it bearable.

[divinesight]

It does indeed sound thankless, but it seems a worthwhile undertaking. Noble, even.

[hagrides]

It is a necessary role.

But those who remain in the dead kingdoms are rarely pleased to see us - we are a sign that the end has already come, after all. That is why my iteration is a circus troupe, to lift the spirits of the survivors, however briefly.

[divinesight]

The end of things is a difficult concept for most to grasp; the hope that there may be something yet worth salvaging is both a fundamental and somewhat unfortunate facet of faith.

What happens to those left in those dead kingdoms? The survivors - what becomes of them?

[hagrides]

Some are able to make a fresh start. To build a civilization from the ground up.

Far more fall victim to whatever claimed their kingdom in the first place. The culprit of the last land I visited was a goddess-given plague.

[divinesight]

Those with you assist willingly...?

[hagrides]

They are free to leave at any time.

My fate was written in stone before my birth, but I would not take their choice away from them. That is one of the most valuable things a mortal possesses.

[divinesight]

The concept of choice and free will is deeply important to those from my world as well. We aren't intrinsically absolved of our actions - we accept consequences as we come - but we believe that any errors along one's way can be reconciled and forgiven by God, should one choose to come to Him and seek that forgiveness out.

[Like, play stupid games, win stupid prizes, sure. But forgiveness is a thing. Allegedly.]

[hagrides]

It is good to hear that your god is merciful. Not all higher beings are so kind.

[divinesight]

That's what I understand to be the case, yes.

[hagrides]

I will attempt to keep my complaints about my fellow gods to a minimum. Otherwise I fear I might talk your ear off.

[divinesight]

I can't say that I'm opposed to hearing it. It's a viewpoint not often seen by most, if nothing else.

[hagrides]

Where to begin? The Pale King, a usurper who would rather massacre his own children than take responsibility for his own actions? The Radiance, a brat who throws temper tantrums over her toys being taken away from her and thinks a mind-controlling plague is an appopriate response?