Heroes
11
"Unfortunately," Qooql stated, walking down the dark streets, his guards following closely "We have many enemies. The false priests have incited our people against Ilsensine's truths, so much so that you are the first of our people I have encountered who was willing to even hear me out in fairness. There is also a particularly vile giant, who also happens to be a liche, who is actively seeking to destroy me."
"Our people are stubborn, it comes naturally, I suppose, when you believe your race to be superior to all other life in the planescapes." Ilix'Ith replied, "What sort of followers do you have?"
"Grimlocks, Dwarves, giants, humans... Even a few Drow. But I'm the only Illithid, thus-far."
Ilix'Ith shook his head in amazement, so many races, worshiping Ilsensine. He was not naive, however, he knew that some, perhaps many were either paid mercenaries or brain-washed thralls. Illithids viewed themselves as The Master Race, and their greatest creed was All that is not Illithid is thrall. They believed, quite honestly and earnestly, that they were meant to rule, and that they actually helped the lesser races they controlled, by removing their fears and hatred, giving them peace and a sort of prosperity. The fact that many were sacrificed to become food was both necessary and genuinely appreciated. Some, however, relished inflicting pain on their thralls, torture, horrors that would make even Drow shudder in disgust, such as the act of creating mental links with a victim while feeding upon them, forcing them to experience the sensation of devouring their own minds. Ilix'Ith was sickened by that, a shepherd may have to kill his sheep to eat, but to torment them...
"Yes, our people can be cruel," Qooql pointed out, and Ilix'Ith was surprised, he thought his mental barriers stronger than that, "Both to other races and to each other. I saw how you were treated at the temple, how that so-called priest insulted your faith and demeaned The Philosopher-Savant. Yet you spoke true, without Maanzecorian the races of gith would have completely effaced us from the universe. The ingratitude of the priesthood astounds me!"
Ilix'Ith looked down at his pendant, the silver crown with one red gem, "Can he return? Can Maanzecorian return?"
"Of course he can." Qooql stated with utmost certainly, "The Tentacled Lord is all-powerful! If we beseech him in faith, all is possible."
...
"You are a remarkable being, Uru Drowbiter," The priestess mused, "Far too often I see those, even among my own faith, who serve only in expectation of repayment. They have no love or concern for their deities, only for the power those beings can impart upon them. Yet you show concern for The Spider Who Waits, you wish for his healing and happiness."
Uru shrugged, "I sympathize with him. Lolth has robbed him, as she has robbed my people, of freedom and innocence." Innocence was a word rarely used in the Underdark, for the innocent were the easiest of prey. He shook off his sudden sentimentalism, or, at least tried to. "If you think that's impressive, you should meet my friend, Ilix'Ith."
"I am aware of the Illithid, and his devotion to Maanzecorian. To find love in the heart of an Illithid is rare, but Ilix'Ith truly loves Maanzecorian, as his god, protector and teacher." A cloud of sadness washed over her face, "Maanzecorian may not have been the most... Kindly, of gods, but he was by far among the most wise, alongside Ilsensine and The Overgod himself. His loss was a... great blow, hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of years of knowledge wiped away with a single word from a useless demon..."
"What is your name, priestess?" Uru asked, suddenly realizing that, while she knew so much about him, he did not know anything about her.
The female turned, looked into Uru's eyes, and smiled.
"My name is Eilistraee."
And then she was gone.
To be continued...
Notes:
Qooql truly believes what he's saying, but he's not exactly sane, and Ilsensine may or may not agree with his interpretations of the faith. Or, he may not care one way or another. As for Maanzecorian, he was a valuable servant, but he was also something of a rival for the Illithid's adoration. His death may have strengthened Ilsensine's position, on the other hand, he may still have use for him... Whether he'd be willing, or able, to resurrect Maanzecorian is unknown. Since this is my story and non-canon, I guess I'll have to decide, eventually... Perhaps Uru's brain-shaped Amulet of Protection from The Legend of Uru Drowbiter could play a role, who knows where it's power comes from?
The Unworthy of Ilsensine is a cult, but isn't every religion a cult at some point or another?
Qooql's giant nemesis is named, believe it or not, Dod Kong. Qooql and Dod Kong... Wonder where that came from...
To LadyofShadow
I think I understand what you're saying, for instance Zaknafein Do'Urden was not evil, he had to live according to the Drow society or be killed (Eventually choosing to be killed), but he himself followed his own code of ethics and instilled them in Drizzt. He had to obey the law, but not to the point of compromising his own ideals.
I like Rizzen and Gristle, we'll be seeing more of them soon!
I have an unfortunate tendency, even when I'm trying hard not to, to give my characters more... Morality, perhaps, than they should have. Human morality, at least. An Illithid would be considered stark raving mad to view other races as anything but thralls, let alone equals and friends. Their whole notion of the universe is based on the idea that they are superior in all aspects to all other species, to deny that would be like a human denying that the earth is round. Ilix'Ith may have been a bit 'different', and having his god die on him may have pushed him over the edge.
I don't want to re-create Drizzt as an Illithid or Chitine or troll, I want them to have realistic, negative qualities, character flaws, but I have a hard time working with it.