Yeung Ling was posted in Drewsport. He had a mission. First, keep an eye out for irregularities. Second, to take care of the ‘toy.’ So the tall man in dark robes was standing, minding his business, when a gathering formed of people talking faith. Yeung’s dark eyes narrowed as he removed his dark hair off his forehead, revealing skin that has seen much of the sun it its time. He was tempted to join the conversation, but did not want to give away his true intentions. Yeung Ling was a well learned man, so he knew how to hold his own in a conversation about faith. He grinned stupidly, knowing that his desire to speak about the Church of Shadows would get him killed but would make for hilarious conversation.
He calmly waited his turn, careful not to interrupt anyone. While of course, he didn’t want to engage in religious argument, he couldn’t help himself, to some extent, refuting at least some of the major religions on Refuge.
“The world is filled with violence. Violence feed’s the world’s negative energies, one that cannot be counteracted by the actions of any single creature, being, or person. There are races that would subjugate the universe to it’s will, nations that wish to establish their dominance over others, and faiths would would bring darkness into the world and have us be their slaves. This violence, however, cannot be counteracted with violence. No, only love, compassion, and empathy will overcome these forces. But everyone can be redeemed. They must be given the opportunity, and we must love them as if they were our brothers. Defend them with honor, and show them honor above all else. We must peacefully meditate, bring our energies together, and make ourselves grow strong with love and harmony. But above all else, we must accept others as they are, show no hatred, offer no war, and understand them for what they are. Only by seeking this knowledge will we become enlightened, find ascension, and become one with the universe. Do no violence, accept and learn from others, and show compassion to others, even if they don’t deserve it. That is the way of the leaf, and how we bring balance back into the world.”
Yeung Ling paused for a moment before continuing. “There are a great many folk you can believe in, I’ve studied them all. The Lord Azrael, Joseph Blank, Matthew, a Pope, Lord Falos, the Qual N’drone, or even Camarel… all hold power, and all are worthy focii of devotion. But I say this, I do not put my faith in a single being. Beings, no matter how powerful, or how knowing, all serve their own purposes. I believe in myself, and what I can do for others, not in an entity to save me or fight someone else for me. Individuals tip the scales, one way or another. Serve others, and let that love serve you back. Love, not hate or war, overcomes all. I do not have any forbears, and I don’t claim my philosophy has any divinity. But it also means I can practice it anywhere, do it with anyone, and no single place or person defines my actions. Forgiveness transcends origin, purpose, or location. Redeem the ill actions of your brother or sister, and there will you find your salvation. One love, everyone, one love.”
Yeung Ling smiled at all those gathered. He would have offered his name, but it was better if he did not share who he was. Good ideas are better without a name, otherwise, he’d be no better than Candy, Morgoth, and other faiths who became cults of personality as opposed to serve a greater purpose. He smiled, ironically, knowing that few would be able to tell his true belief in his speech. However, he hoped he’d inspire some to do good deeds, and ignore that whole “let’s pray to kill” thing that often lead to the path of Warmonger. He wondered what his friends would have thought of his speech, as he waited to hear the next in line.