Legends of Belariath

Arnoch Bretail

Arnoch's Intro - The Code

They tell me as a healer, I must conform to a code. I must use my services with no charge, as the gift of life and health does not have a price, so I am looked upon to provide another way of earning money. They tell me I must serve regardless of bias or creed, never being able to refuse your services to any living being, be they good or evil. It is for this same reason that a healer must not take sides, as his loyalties cloud his judgement and therefore compromise his ability to care for the sick and injured. And above all, a healer must not kill, even in self-defense, as it is his duty to give life, not to take it away.

I ask you this, fellow patron. What good is it to fully serve if you are mucked up and held back by petty registrations? I do not charge my services because of some code. I do it because you find that patients who need your services are usually struggling between the thin avenue of life and death itself. To ask for payment, even after services rendered, borders on hypocrisy. Do you ask a man on his deathbed a piece of the estate? It is taboo, sir. I offer my gifts free of charge as fast treatment is needed, regardless of cost. If I end up a poor, bedraggled man because of it, then so be it.

It is also not because of an oath that holds me back from withholding services due to bias. You see, sir, I am a human. Humans, as you may recall, are the most xenophobic creatures on the face of the earth, despite what others say. They fear other older races and are jealous of their societies and cultures. Even the uncivilized pockets of humans loathe those who have had more...civilization so to speak. I've found through my travelling that prejudice is puerile. It holds us back from gleaning what lies beneath. You may find that under their dark expressions, even the drow are capable of feeling and caring for others. Believe me, after I learned that the drow were responsible for destroying my home, it was hard for me to cling to these beliefs.

And as for killing...let me tell you something about that. I have killed before. I probably will continue. I have garnered enemies, and I will continue to get them as long as I insist on protecting those I love. My mate, her children, her servants, if they are attacked, they will be avenged tenfold. I may not be as devoted a husband as I would like to be, God knows, but I will protect them whenever the need arises. I have killed many in my love's name, and as long as the two of us live, I will fight to protect her, to keep her safe from those who choose to hurt and harm. If it means flushing them from the mortal coil, so be it. So be it.

Perhaps it is the need to protect that brought me to Unigo, buried in the library of books to learn the crafts and lores of ages past, perhaps to uproot some arcane knowledge that will strengthen me, to aid me in my practice. Rincewind has helped me in this endeavor, as has Kytara, who I consider as a fellow comrade in studies, usually spending the long nighs poring over transcripts and tomes, searching for mystic assistance beyond our grasps. It is a lonely life, and I go for weeks without seeing my beloved and her offspring. It is a painful sacrifice for me, but one that is necessary to keep them safe. One day, when I have found my magical purpose, I will return to her side never to leave again. But until that time comes, I must practice and memorize what I can.

In the realm of magic, there are also codes and registrations you must follow. But as you might have figured...I don't intend to adhere to them. Too much.

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