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Do not read unless you have returned to Athlaka with the gift from Saermon Haermon.
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I am currently playing a Neutral Good Ranger (Stalker). After returning from the underdark, I proceeded directly to Waukeens Promenade. In front of the Adventurer’s Mart, I encountered a Githyanki war party. The leader wanted the silver blade back, told me he was a wild mage and that I really did not want him to start casting. It was a long (and humorous) dialog, but that is the short version.
Now, here is the ethical dilemma: We are in Waukeens Promenade, a public place with innocent townsfolk all around. Was the Gith Mage aiming his threats at my party and me? Or was he implying that many innocents would be hurt if I did not hand the blade over? I suspect that the game assumes the former, as you loose no reputation if you fight them. But then again, you can kill Adalon, a diabolical act, without loosing reputation (to be fair, killing any Dragon has zero effect on reputation either way) and I could imagine a PnP DM putting players in such an ethical bind. A fireball or horrid wilting spell could easily slaughter many innocents; a fiend could be gated in, etc. It is a classic “human shield” dilemma. Is it right not to give them the sword? But Githyanki are EVIL and a silver sword in their hands would certainly be used to commit atrocities. Which is the greater evil? Maybe it is just me, but I do not think this is a trivial question.
I am not even touching on what is the LAWFUL thing to do here, as the PC in question is NG, not LG. The silver blade rightfully belongs to the Githyanki, but in their hands it is an implement of chaos!
I played it this way: When I met the Githyanki after the Mind Flayer Dungeon, I chose the belligerent “I KILLED THE WHOLE DAMN BUNCH WITHOUT YOU” dialog path. I think this is appropriate as they betrayed me in the Mind Flayer dungeon. The Waukeens Promenade encounter was less than 36 game hours afterward. My PC was feeling very belligerent toward the Githyanki and was eager to have it out with them. The idea did briefly cross his mind that he may have been putting innocents at risk, but he was greatly influenced by his anger at the Githyanki. I was able to take them all down without any townsfolk being harmed. It worked out well in the end, but he is haunted by “what ifs”. I did not stop to talk to any townsfolk, so I do not know their reactions (if any). I think it will be an even tougher decision when my Cavalier eventually reaches the same point.
Any thoughts?
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- Cayle
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