Sharlayan Pacifism and Deus Ex Machina

[LilimoLimomo]

Again, as I said: they're isolationist, not pacifist.

Hmmm, I suppose the framing of them as isolationists as opposed to pacifists makes sense. I don't think having combat-capable Thancreds and assassins means that at a foreign policy level a country can't be pacifist, which is perhaps why I interpreted Sharlayan's actions and expressions as speaking to pacifist values. But on reflection, they never explicitly talk about pacifism, so that seems to be my label, not theirs. I probably didn't think of them as isolationists despite their relative isolation due to the fact that they seem to have gleaners importing all manner of goods from other nations, but that does seem at least closer to the truth.

Sharlayan's view on the conflicts around the world is basically 'not our problem, deal with it yourselves'.

Haha, that actually seems to hit the nail a bit more on the head. So they're just short-sighted jerks.

That said, I feel like I recall Fourchenalt rebuking Alisaie and Alphinaud for exacerbating conflicts (which seemed to echo what I recall of Louisioux's Circle of Knowing being rebuked), though I can't recall whether he said this as an individual or whether his views represent those of the Forum. Presumably a bit of both, as he seems to be an influential member of the Forum, which would suggest that his personal views would likely align with those of the greater Forum? These sentiments were at the core of my interpretation of Sharlayan's values, and the reason I made this thread. Perhaps someone knowledgeable can correct me if I'm misunderstanding.

[WhiteArchmage]

That said, I feel like I recall Fourchenalt rebuking Alisaie and Alphinaud for exacerbating conflicts (which seemed to echo what I recall of Louisioux's Circle of Knowing being rebuked), though I can't recall whether he said this as an individual or whether his views represent those of the Forum. Presumably a bit of both, as he seems to be an influential member of the Forum, which would suggest that his personal views would likely align with those of the greater Forum? These sentiments were at the core of my interpretation of Sharlayan's values, and the reason I made this thread. Perhaps someone knowledgeable can correct me if I'm misunderstanding.

It was not for exacerbating conflict, it was for meddling in other nations' politics since Sharlayan's isolationism extends to a non-interference clause. Louisioux's philosophy wasn't rebuked for conflict, either, but also for interference: using Sharlayan research and Sharlayan citizens for the benefit of the world at large. It's a major part of the Sharlayan side of EW, the morals of the Forum at present take the letter but not the spirit behind their founder's philosophy. After all, Nyunkrepf actively went out and gathered survivors from the flood, eventually settling in what became Sharlayan.

Louisioux believed in Nyunkrepf's deeds and that was at odds with the Forum's beliefs. Lou basically has a Spider-Man philosophy: Sharlayan has great power, and such has great responsibility to protect others with that power.

[LilimoLimomo]

It was not for exacerbating conflict, it was for meddling in other nations' politics since Sharlayan's isolationism extends to a non-interference clause. It's a major part of the Sharlayan side of EW, the morals of the Forum at present take the letter but not the spirit behind their founder's philosophy.

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for helping clear up my misconceptions!