#Ally Warlock turned redemption paladin, based in [[Magus Port]]. Was formerly the Warlock of Barlack Mountain, is now a paladin of [[Avandra]] Might end up dead (gods I hope not, Harperia will break) Has a gem linked to one carried by [[Tide]] that means he can teleport to the party, Harperia now has the gem. Harperia really respects him and does not want to disappoint him again. Much loved by rest of the party. Close with [[Ash Luminous Blackheart]] [[Harperia Schmidt]] exchanged the following letters with him: Dear Strauss, I am sorry for the problems I have already caused you, and I hope going forward that our group has a net positive impact on your life. Rest assured, I am heeding your warning. I am finding it ever harder to know who to trust, given the incident you are already aware of and the betrayal by the Kencu. I did not expect life to be so difficult away from the temple. Without wishing to add to your burdens, I wish to ask you something. How can you redeem someone after years of pain and misdeeds? I have found my father, and he appears to not have led a virtuous life. I know I should condemn him, but I do not. That would be both a rejection of the Moonmaiden’s teachings of acceptance, and a betrayal of my only family. People improve when they are given love and support, can we hold misdeeds against them in the absence of kindness? Your guidance is needed more than ever. Yours, Harperia Dear Harperia, Avandra teaches us that the road to redemption is a single step we climb forever. The good does not wipe out the bad, nor the bad the good. As the chains of a slave are broken, somewhere a blacksmith is casting new rings; as a tyrant dies a hero makes their first compromise; as the beast who kills a thousand feeds, it drags the meal towards its children. Redemption does not seek forgiveness, it seeks nothing, and yet, seeks nonetheless. It pains me to read you so burdened, so uncertain, and so stricken; I can only apologise for my lack of prior response, and inability to aid you, at least with my presence; there is trouble in Magus Port, Dahlia has left with the false Tragedy and political instability shakes the city’s peace. I have sent Ash ahead of this letter to support you. Never forget the one truth I have more faith in than my God - You are the heroes of the realm.