Greetings, friends.

I have been asked to post my arguments here rather than shouting my logic. If you do not desire to listen to my ravings, please skip this post. I am only stating my opinions on an endless debate, but only those strong of heart will inexorably strive for their cause. Even though it seems pointless and wasteful, like the many posts by Portis, the words of reform should be listened to. Only then can people be inpartial in making decisions.

1. Oppression - Oppression is the forcing of others to accept one's beliefs or ideals. Shrines are an indirect form of the Church's oppression. I still have yet to learn the full extent of their power, and it is possible that I shall never be able to understand it. What I do know is that it is the Church's power, in what it represents and in what it reflects. While those who disagree with the Church are allowed to dislike the shrines, they are not allowed to show their dislike through defilement. Forcing others to accept the shrines presence is what I described in the definition, and therefore, the shrines are oppressive. Even though the argument is thrown back at either Ashtan or followers of evil, it is not hypocrytical because it is what evil does, oppress. As far as I know, good is not supposed to be oppressive. If I am wrong, please notify me, and I will stand corrected.

2. Dishonourable Fighting - Fighting dishonourably is when one side has an unfair advantage not agreed upon by the opposing side. In order to prove strength in battle, a standard must be set to see who is the true winner. Shrines, as I am told, have influence over nearby locations, giving advantages to those who follow the Church. This I consider dishonourable, especially when there are very few locations not under their influence. If I am wrong here also, let me know.

3. Animal Sacraficing - The sacraficing of animals is a common usage of the Church to help raise the power of the shrines. It involves finding an animal and asking the creature if it will sacrafice itself as dedication to the gods. If it accepts, the animal can then be sacraficed. I have complained about this many times, because there are no animals who would choose to remain alive, that I know of anyway. All animals have a devotion to the gods for their creation, and they would naturally give themselves up for the gods. Since animals sacraficing is more powerful than sanctifying, it is done much too often. One argument was that difiling kills animals as well. For one thing, those who defile are generally evil, and it is natural for them to do such things. Many tend to use humans instead, but, as I said, evil seeks to destroy the weak, and since those who died were weak, they deserve to be butchered into a bucket. It should be easier to destroy a shrine than support a shrine, since it is easier to

I am trying to get across that the Church needs to reform. I am sure one of the many minds in the Church can think of a way to replace shrines, yet have the same effect be accomplished. There does not need to be shrines to show dedication, for there can be many other ways. Just think and act, then maybe we will be rid of this problem.
Also, it is ironic that I came to speak about the Church's oppression right after Deucalion's post. I am not attempting to question is statement, but instead ask a question about it. It states that the members of your order seek to save the oppressed, the good, the young and the innocent. Does that include those who are both good and oppressed?, or will it include the evil who are also oppressed?

May evil guide you on your path towards greatness.

Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Scarlatan, in the year 231 AF.