Submitted: 27 June 1999

Misuse Talents

by Wyndguard Odicio

"Wyndguard, long time no see, how have you been? Here's your drink."

Baresh is surprised as Wyndguard shakes his head and pushes the drink away.

"Thanks friend, I try not to drink, it affects my spellcasting and I don't feel like having one anyways."

"Something bothering you today Wynd?"

"You could say that. I was teaching in front of my Guild in Crossing, something that I enjoy doing, and the lecture was going quite well, I even added a bit of humor to lighten up the young minds I was teaching. All seemed well, until someone showed up asking to be shot with a Fire Shard. I looked over my spectacled to the fellow who happened to be a Moon Mage and asked as to why he would request such action.

"He then replied he wanted to bleed so he could learn first aid. I shook my head and declined his request not only because it would break my code of honor but because it's just plain wrong to shoot someone without a good reason. He understood and left, no more than a few minutes went by and another fellow came and asked for the same thing!

"I tell you Baresh, people are starting to lose it. If you want to bleed, go take on something you know will make you bleed, Warrior Mages seem to be the "I want a bleeder and you can give me one" sort of resource these days, something that my father -may his soul rest in peace- would have never imagined."

"I see, so what will you do about it? You are one of the older mages, won't they listen to you?"

"Elder perhaps, but people these days have wax stuck in their ears. Unless I'm selling something or have something of value it's hard to get and keep people's attention, perhaps you can help"

"Anytime Wynd, how can I help?"

"Well, everyone comes here, why don't you just try to spread the word a bit. If you want a bleeder go hunt something or become an empath, don't use a mage for something he wasn't meant to do, harm people. Warrior Mages have along history of helping the population, not hurting them. And Warrior Mages should have enough pride and respect to politely decline such requests."

"Sure Wynd, no problem. You sure about the drink? best in the house."

Wyndguard smiles and nods. "Alright Baresh, but only if you drink with me."

Baresh pulls another glass and serves himself.

"To good times" toasts Wyndguard.

"And to more customers and the tales they bring!" replies Baresh, and they both laugh.

Baresh will listen to your well-presented viewpoint on this, too.