Incongruent Ideals

Before he left Faelor for the Battlefield of Despair, Richard had once said, “Let even those we step over live better lives. That is what gives us more warriors and believers.”

Io had his doubts about this decision. The Eternal Dragon did not need faith, and Richard with the broodmother’s drones had no need for warriors. This policy of helping the barbarians lead better lives seemed to be an empty cost. Why take the stubborn ones upon their own shoulders? They could ship them off to other kingdoms, where slavers would instil obedience.

When he had voiced this question, Richard had only smiled, “I just want them to live better. We have the ability to grant them this, and it won’t cost too much.”

The battle priest still had his reservations about that decision. In his view, planar war was a process...