It depends on your definition of justice. To me, true justice has to weigh the good as well as the bad. A justice system that does not allow testimony as to a person's good character and acts before pronouncing sentence hardly seems like a justice system at all. Whether or not a person is remorseful should be considered in determining the severity of their sentence. It would make far more sense to demand the death of Odahviing, who was Alduin's chief lieutenant and doubtless responsible for plenty of atrocities while carrying out Alduin's orders. He shows no particular remorse or desire to atone, and shows nothing but distaste for the Way of the Voice. He only bends to your will because you've proven yourself stronger than Alduin. He makes it clear that he'd like to eat a few souls in Sovngarde himself except that Alduin doesn't allow other dov to have that priviledge. Odahviing is far more a bad guy than Paarthurnax. (And yet, he's kind of a lovable rascal, and I doubt I could bring myself to kill Odie, either. Unless he crosses me. :)) I hope this doesn't turn into a polemic. Great response though- it has me in pensive thought again :sleep: . It's a strong enough argument to cause me to oscillate between my choices :o To kill Paarthurnax (Alduin's old second in command, who's most likely responsible for thousands of deaths as scribed on Alduin's Wall), or to let Paarthurnax live (As he's shown wanting for atonement, after he's caused the atrocities). Regarding Odaviing though, his situation almost correlates to that of Paarthurnax's. should our judgement be this spiteful? Considering Paarthurnax's old hierarchy among the dragons; hypothetically, Paarthurnax must have been worse. Ode' can easily find motive for atonement after he's caused further atrocities. Who do we judge then? Should we kill the Dovah who are on a murderous onslaught and let live the ones that weren't caught because an existential event caused them to sway their choices? It's almost the same as an individual whom is part of a group to kill a persons family, then turning around and saying "I'm different now! Look, i'll help you kill the rest of my old group members!". In my opinion, it "doesn't make him better, it makes him worse." (Dalphine)
