"I've no intent of running away; when have I ever? But let me address your points in order."
"Let us address Change. By my actions, both subtle and overt, I seek to encourage Change so as to result in Improvement and the eventual Ascendance of the mortal races. As I am, I embody the concept of Conflict and this is thus the method by which I engender change. Though it is debatable on whether I would use other methods were I of a different sphere, it must be obvious that my suggestions and actions have resulted in Improvement. The Floods of many years resulted in a Conflict of Civilisation and Nature...one the Aag avoided mostly at your 'benevolence'. This action, although just as damaging or even more so than a war, was seen by the gods as beneficial. Outright conquest of political entities over others at the suggestion of a god, on the other hand, is seen as malevolent. I care not about the moral standing of my brethren, but from my view both actions result in improvement. The flood brought technological innovation and the annexation of the weak tribes by the strong leads to centralisation of power. Though the improvement of the latter is debatable, I do believe centralisation will result in greater net good."
"Now for the second point. Feeding on Conflict. Well yes, I suppose I do feed on Conflict. Whether the duel of blades or the flourish of pens, I foster competition. This is not pointless chaos however, but meant to improve future mortal life. Perhaps it may seem paradoxical or insane that I cause sufferings in the present for the hope of improvement in the future, but think of this: does not the most disciplined soldier start as a green whelp? That is my belief on the world and I do not expect all to agree with it. Moving on..."
"Cruelty. Truly, you think war is the most cruel form of Conflict? Brother, you are sheltered beyond belief. Were I so cruel I would patronise a society of assassins, of slaves clambering for increasingly greater privileges and the toleration of their masters. I do not, but simply order the competition of equals. True, I have advised the indenturing of losing sides, but this is only temporary and made to improve the whole. Think of this; can a cracked stone support a wall? It simply cannot."
((I may be misinterpreting this next point; please correct me in OOC so that I can edit this if I am))
"Butchery throughout the lands. Terror, as I have shown throughout the eons, is not a concept I call taboo. Measured brutality for the greater good is far better than lax observance that will lead to great evil."
"Who benefits? Why, the winners of course. Who the winners are depend entirely on the course of the conflict. It just so happens that the side I was supporting takes victory. Let us look to the example of the minor human tribes. My favoured Dwarves of Rilem were able to annex these tribes with little difficulty and thus reaped the rewards. Had the humans won, I would have blessed them and honoured them for their victory. While it may seem I lack loyalty, I am simply taking the path to improvement."
"And finally, the New Kingdom. To be perfectly honest, I can only sympathise with their ideals...how can you not? Their methods too reflect my favoured sphere of Conflict and indeed, I cannot say what they do does not nourish me. But consider this: my Orcs and my Dwarves fight one another so that they may improve. Why would I, the goddess of Conflict, not order the New Kingdom to war with the Clan? It is against my whole philosophy. If you truly think me the cruel matron of Creation, why would I relieve my followers from combatting one another? Also do you truly imagine I can sustain the essence to empower two empires in Creation? Believe me that if I were able to, I would have far loftier goals in mind."
"I await your rebuttal."
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Topic: Litany of the Void: A God Game (24/⊕∵↯):IC Tick ?:Who art thou? (Read 185842 times)