But think of the "God" portion of the requirement more as an analogy. It need not be the capital "G" sort of God, but more the ideas connecting most any religion, that of darkness and of light. Most tell the story of Creation in such a way, after all. First was darkness, then came light. Humanity was itself born into the light, but the darkness is always there as well. That comes with many a variation as explanation, but for our purposes, the base metaphor is what matters. To summon a demon, you are embracing the darkness that came before. You may call it that, or sin, or whatever else. It is rejecting the light entirely.
[ Sebastian pauses for a moment, since he knows that was rather dense, but he also doesn't feel the need to stop there and wait for Matt to catch up either. It's clear enough that he's already well familiar with theology, so basics like this wouldn't trip him up, Sebastian assumes. The pause is more to let it settle in, and slightly for effect, since just as with reading the poetry, Sebastian is just very purposeful with how he speaks, when it comes down to it. ]
So my masters were very rarely people with anything but selfish intentions, though it is also unfair to say it is simply that. After all, what wish is great enough that you would forsake your spot at judgement day completely? I have served a priest-king of Uruk to see his enemies weakened to ensure his line of succession, a víkingr seeking safe passage across a fathomless sea, or most recently, a young boy who did not even mean to summon me, but wished to take revenge against the people that slaughtered his family. They are selfish, certainly. Their actions and dedication to see their wish realized caused suffering along the way, but there is a sort of nobility to their wishes that does seem more rational compared to the price.
[ Another pause, another shrug ]
...That is not to say I did not serve people with baser desires, of course. But naturally, I find it preferable to at least grant a more interesting, complex wish if I am to be their slave.
no subject
[ Sebastian chuckles lightly as he shrugs ]
But think of the "God" portion of the requirement more as an analogy. It need not be the capital "G" sort of God, but more the ideas connecting most any religion, that of darkness and of light. Most tell the story of Creation in such a way, after all. First was darkness, then came light. Humanity was itself born into the light, but the darkness is always there as well. That comes with many a variation as explanation, but for our purposes, the base metaphor is what matters. To summon a demon, you are embracing the darkness that came before. You may call it that, or sin, or whatever else. It is rejecting the light entirely.
[ Sebastian pauses for a moment, since he knows that was rather dense, but he also doesn't feel the need to stop there and wait for Matt to catch up either. It's clear enough that he's already well familiar with theology, so basics like this wouldn't trip him up, Sebastian assumes. The pause is more to let it settle in, and slightly for effect, since just as with reading the poetry, Sebastian is just very purposeful with how he speaks, when it comes down to it. ]
So my masters were very rarely people with anything but selfish intentions, though it is also unfair to say it is simply that. After all, what wish is great enough that you would forsake your spot at judgement day completely? I have served a priest-king of Uruk to see his enemies weakened to ensure his line of succession, a víkingr seeking safe passage across a fathomless sea, or most recently, a young boy who did not even mean to summon me, but wished to take revenge against the people that slaughtered his family. They are selfish, certainly. Their actions and dedication to see their wish realized caused suffering along the way, but there is a sort of nobility to their wishes that does seem more rational compared to the price.
[ Another pause, another shrug ]
...That is not to say I did not serve people with baser desires, of course. But naturally, I find it preferable to at least grant a more interesting, complex wish if I am to be their slave.