Dear people of the Basin, and anyone else who might read this,

I'm a bit concerned over things said of late regarding my faith. I'm a
bit shocked at some assertions made by many people from many different
places, including my own home.

If you need to hear the word of a prominent Celestian regarding any
truth, then look no further. I'll humbly declare myself now as one of
the foremost authorities on the subject, if such a thing could be said.

The Light is indeed benevolent, compassionate and just.

How do I define this? Simply. Benevolence regards the greatest good. It
doesn't mean "never kill" nor does it mean "kill when you have to, but
feel lousy about it". Compassion is caring for all living things, not
just living things you like or that agree with you. Justice means
ensuring equal treatment wherever possible and righting what wrongs one
may. Some may say there are conflicting ideals here, depending on the
situation. Some simply don't understand the simple and subtle beauty.

I don't really blame people though, as Celest has been gifted with this
marvelous faith, but just because a people have been shown the Light
does not always mean everyone understands equally. If Celest itself is
not completely unified in understanding, then how much can we expect
from the rest of the world? Indeed, my own guild should be setting a
better example. A point which I mean to stress and change if I can.
Nevertheless, please take my word for now.

There is a fair balance, and a simple and logical reason for all the
aspects of the Holy Supernals' teachings. There is a time to fight, a
time to kill. This need not be done out of lust for blood, nor need it
be regretted. If you should feel bad, then feel bad that those who's
freedom to choose you respected decided upon a path that is completely
contrary and threatening to your life. Be compassionate whenever you
may. If you can solve a problem with a kind and understanding word
before you have to raise arms, then do so. If you have no choice,
however, and must actively defend, even violently, then be prepared to
do so. It's a simple fact that all living things depend on other life,
and that death of something is necessary to someone at some time.

Of the many who spoke out on such matters, only a very few impressed me
in thier insight. Verithrax was one who made some intelligent points.
It's true perhaps to some that the Light may have just become a cheap
counterpart to Taint, indistinguishable by other than name, but I'll
disagree, regarding my own faith. In all my years of experience, which
number a good deal by now, I have seen the Taint's primary goal as
domination. Those who embrace its ways not only kill out of necessity,
but even indulge in unnatural deaths for personal power to further this
aim. They promote slavery and all manner of other repulsive things. Is
this alright because they're so enlightened and beyond "right" and
"wrong"? Verily, no. Don't forget the most basic teachings of thier
Demon Lords - to decieve and take advantage of whenever, wherever
possible. Perhaps the ultimate truth of the Taint is something like
"Survival of the Fittest", and they perhaps see thier methods as
justified along those lines. For the strong to evolve and grow stronger
to destroy the weak, to adapt and conquer.. that's what I see the Engine
of Transformation as.

Problem is, I see that as basically devoid of compassion, and without
compassion there can be no real understanding, communication, or
solutions. Perhaps some among the Tainted do indeed have compassion and
see thier way as best for mortalkind. Many of them are certainly
intelligent, some even honourable. I'm sure there are many who do love
each other. But I've also seen the side of them that rapes and pillages
and destroys simply for the sake of dominating. Could one accuse Celest
of the same? Perhaps partly. Perhaps at times some individuals have
presented thier shortcommings in such a way. This isn't the Light I
follow. Not the Light I preach. The mistakes of Old Celest really have
little to do with the present arguments. What happened is done, and now
people all over the Basin need to learn from these mistakes. The Kingdom
I once built wasn't an homage to the old Empire, but a testament to what
a new understanding of our faith can accomplish.

I have seen the good deeds of others, as well. I have seen the works,
and even worked with the likes of Narsrim, Marina, and many other people
I admire from the Serenwilde. Do they have selfish motives? Probably not
more so than any other mortal. Sure, thier organizations or interests
may lie toward self-preservation, but who's way of life doesn't? In
those times that they selflessly gave, which I have witnessed, they did
good and acted honourably. There may be a few bad apples in every bunch,
but the barrels haven't been completely spoiled. I've seen the best
people come together from all sides and accomplish tremendous good.
Let's forget the political posturing for a moment and reconsider, each
of us, those who've truly helped us, who pushed us to succeed and strive
for betterment.

This is my Light. This is what I see as truly able to guide and bring
people together. In my day, I was able to convert many, and not through
any false promises or pretenses. I simply followed my heart and did my
best. Let virtue into your heart and watch it grow and nourish it
through kindness and understanding. Will you have to kill to do this?
Sometimes, maybe. Even more rewarding is when you see this power make
even an undead heart beat again, and when you can embrace your former
foe as friend. There are actually many ways to victory, if you know
which best to use at what time.

My best advice yet - if you're still confused about the Light, just go
to the source. Speak sincerely to the Holy Supernals, and come to
understand for yourself. Don't let the actions or words of anyone else
sway you too much. You don't even have to listen to me, I'm just an old
priest. I have spent my life on this, though, and I accomplished much,
and actually I'm not done just yet.

Sincerely,
Galvadore, the Starsailor

Penned by my hand on the 25th of Shanthin, in the year 135 CE.