Khoraji,
First of all, let me clear up a very common misconception that i believe
not only you, but quite a high percentage of the Achaean populace seems
to have.
Shallam is not the Church
The Church is not Shallam
So correct me if i'm wrong, but we can take that whole section out of
your argument, because although admittedly quite a large section of the
Shallamese population are members of the Church, I'd estimate that about
half aren't.
This also means that Shallam is not governed by the ideals or teachings
of the Church. "Well," you say, "But as you have already stated, so many
of Shallam's citizens are members of the Church." The only way this
influences Shallamese government is by affecting the citizens' opinions.
Now, i do not speak for any of the organizations that i am or am not
involved in: these are my personal opinions about the non-Codex quotes
that you put in your post.
- "Shallam is known primarily as the city of Light and Justice".
This is but the opinion of one scribe. I assume that you were aiming at
the "Justice" portion of this statement. Justice is not only achieved
through violence.
- "The Priests, as well as the rest of the Church, base their beliefs on
both the sacred text named "The Holy Codex" and the fundamentals of
Light, Righteousness and Order."
Again, this applies only to the Church, which you have already given
plenty of evidence about
- "The purpose of the Paladins is to uphold the teachings of the Church,
however they may change."
I realize that i cannot keep using the "this is only a segment of
Shallamese" because it will all add up to a whole by the end. However,
this again refers to the Codex.
- "The Magi Guild resides within the walls of Shallam, and seeks to
further the causes of Good and Order in Sapience. They follow the ways
of Good in search of the greater rewards its values bring."
The Magi seek to further the causes of Good and Order. This, again, does
not necessarily mean through violence. I believe the second sentence to
be irrelevant to your argument.
- "Finally, the way of the Magi is one of unselfishness."
Unselfishness. What does this have to do with anything? As you probably
have figured out, I am anti-war. I'm not going to give you a long speech
about why it is, but I will tell you that it has nothing to do with the
fact that because I am a Shallamese soldier, a lot of my pastimes would
have to cease should there be a war.
- "Vigilant against evil, the Sentaari strive for Perseverance, to stand
firm against all odds and defend the ideals they are so dedicated to.
All members of the guild share these goals"
Again, violence is not necessary here.
- "Sentaari monks seldom initiate aggression, but will act swiftly to
defend their guildmates, their ideals, and their city"
The Sentaari will seldom initiate aggression. This goes against your
argument. They will act swiftly to defend. Defending their guildmate who
has been kidnapped does NOT mean going to war. The last time that
Mhaldor kidnapped two Shallam citizens, there was no war initiated.
There was a successful rescue mission executed instead
You ask, "How is it that the city of Shallam can turn its back so
callously on one of its innocent 'sheep' that has been so viciously
wrested from the comfort of her flock".
Shallam has not turned its back on Ylniri. Not going to war does NOT, i
repeat does NOT mean that Shallam will not take action to get her back
from her captors.
With the utmost respect,
Tommy a'Bertal
Post scriptum/disclaimer. This post is of my opinions and my opinions
only. I do not represent the City of Shallam, the Magi, or any other
organizations that I may be affiliated with, so do not take it as such.

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Glacian, in the year 379 AF.