Hail and well met, citizens of the Basin of Life.

I hope today that I can discuss some of my thoughts regarding a somewhat
delicate issue, and one that has been particularly relevant in the Basin
for the duration of my lifetime: the matter of respect to Divinities. It
is to these mighty beings that this post is primarily addressed, though
I seek not in writing it to make an attack on any individual Elder or
the Gods as a collective whole. I simply hope to phrase what I feel is a
Shard's perspective on Divine-Mortal interactions.

Recently I witnessed an interaction - not unusual by any means - between
one of the Elder and a mortal citizen of Magnagora. I feel no compulsion
to name the participants - I doubt either is embarrassed by their
behavior, but this exchange typifies the issue well enough that I feel
it would be irresponsible to specify. In brief, this Magnagoran citizen
insulted the Divinity in question, who responded by - to put it
delicately - shuffling him rather prematurely from the mortal coil. When
his behavior persisted, Lady Estarra Herself intervened and repeated
this punishment, with a warning - something to the effect of "Think what
you will of the Divine, but it is foolish to disrespect Us so publicly."

I seek here not to question that such temerity is foolish. I must ask,
however - and any may answer - WHY it is foolish? Is such an action
foolish in and of itself, or only because of the consequences? Is
anything at stake besides the sacrifice of life?

In other words, does such action cultivate respect, or fear?

I would submit - humbly, and without rancor - that respect is earned,
never given. I would further submit that an Elder who wishes to TRULY
exert His or Her authority need do nothing more than cultivate
legitimate respect, the kind that stands when all incentives vanish.
You, the Elders, are very near omnipotent - why does it then become You
to respond to mortal mockery Yourselves, and with such crudity? Allow
Your mortal servants to defend such trivialities, and You will have a
truer demonstration of respect.

Your puissance places You higher than such pettiness appears. If a
mortal who insults an Elder HAS to be a fool, make him foolish not for
dying, but for giving breath to falsehood. Make a joke, and not a
martyr, of whatever mortals challenge You, and know it is a true and
real Respect that You command.

I thank You for Your time, and hope I have not seemed unworthy in my
characterization of events.

Respectfully,

Ashar d'Valeros

Penned by my hand on the 2nd of Urlachmar, in the year 168 CE.