Planning on apping at Es War Einmal (canon: Exalted)

[ecoterrorism]

...No.

Absolutely not.

I have already had quite enough experience fighting a battle I don't care for without having to do it on behalf of a nation of people apparently too weak to take care of themselves. At least I can be assured of my current circle-mates having some basic degree of competence. [ ...except maybe Hematite. How much of an idiot do you have to be to pause fighting to waste time asking defeated opponents to "please stop being bad"? ]

And the whole thing is because they're frightened that their precious kingdom will be overtaken by "thorns"? That sounds like a good thing, if you ask me. Not, of course, that anyone ever does.

Comments

[brosif]

And what are you interested in?

[ecoterrorism]

Victory. Reform. A way of life that means people, even mortals, learn how to fend for themselves.

[brosif]

These people have proven well enough that they are unable to do that. So the question stands: would you help them in spite of that? Or would you stand around, useless?

[ecoterrorism]

Whatever I choose, I will not let myself stoop to uselessness.

As for helping them -- that matters entirely on whether I decide they deserve anyone's help.

[brosif]

If you are in the world, the thorns will devour you as well. Not everyone is motivated by benevolence.

[ecoterrorism]

[ seemingly unconcerned ] I have met worse.

[ Privately, she's actually a bit more hesitant: because if the thorns are truly a threat even to the ones chosen as heroes, it's not so shameful that the kingdom couldn't defend itself. Plus, there's a big difference between "met" and "defeated." ]

I'd like to see why this kingdom has decided that it can't fight its own battles before I am very moved by its people's willingness to lean on the assistance of others. They are not all children; perhaps the adults are lame? Diseased?

[brosif]

It infuriates me. As does the king and all of his people. [They are kind enough, but a kind thief is still a thief.] I find them petty, defenseless, and of limited intelligence. The adults especially.

But that does not mean I would see them devoured.

[ecoterrorism]

How am I not surprised.

If you truly cared about them, you would encourage them to take their fate into their own hands. That is the only worthwhile way to live a life.

[brosif]

Meanwhile, the thorns creep closer. And while the townspeople learn the value of self sufficiency, my companions are swallowed up in the night.

[ecoterrorism]

[ a small shrug ]

That is different. There is no shame in aiding those who have shown themselves worth your time. It is the idea that I might be forced to serve the weak that they might avoid developing their own strength that offends me.

[brosif]

And what are your own strengths?

[ecoterrorism]

[ matter-of-fact ] I am the best archer you are liable to meet outside of the Anathema, and far better than competent as a tracker. I have gone unseen by a Deathknight as I followed her from the rooftops, and escaped the wrath of a corrupt sorceress.

I have my uses.