A Holy Slayer serves God by killing monsters. Some monsters are human, but most are not, and those which are monstrous physically as well as morally have a higher priority. The Unholy have the highest priority of all: Undead, evil spirits, and especially Demons.
A Holy Slayer does recognize, however, that some monsters are not evil. Even monsters can repent. Such enlightened monsters should be spared. Evil monsters are termed Abominations.
Priority is as follows: Demons, spirits and incorporeal undead, corporeal undead, supernatural creatures, technologically created monsters (genetically engineered, mutated, etc.), non-human cultists, human cultists, casters, others with special abilities, normal humans.
In most cases, a Holy Slayer should avoid killing any but the guilty. However, it is sometimes necessary to kill those who do not deserve to die, such as soldiers on the opposing side in battle. Most importantly, Abominations cannot be allowed to spread. If an outbreak of Abominations cannot be stopped otherwise, then the area must be sterilized; otherwise, Abominations will overrun the Earth.
Killing the innocent is to be avoided. However, all sins are equal, and without repentance all are deserving of death.
| Holy Slayer | Action |
|---|---|
| 10 | Impure motivations (anger, hatred, envy, lust, greed, sloth, pride, despair, contempt, impatience, etc.) |
| 9 | Avoidable unpreparedness, incompetence, or incapacitation |
| 8 | Failing to pay debts, support dependents, honor parents, provide for survivors |
| 7 | Failing to protect an innocent, unjustly harming a reputation |
| 6 | Sexual sin (adultery, fornication) |
| 5 | Theft, unnecessary property damage |
| 4 | Failing to destroy an Abomination |
| 3 | Unjustified killing (intentional or not) |
| 2 | Torture, rape |
| 1 | Blasphemy, denying God, worshiping other gods |
Explanation:
10. Impure motivations (fear, anger, hatred, envy, lust, greed, sloth, pride, despair, contempt, impatience, etc.)
Whatever is done must be done in a state of grace. Actions which are otherwise perfectly acceptable become unacceptable if taken for the wrong reasons or in the wrong frame of mind. After all, motive is more important than deed. For example, killing may be done for justice but never for revenge. “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Fear, anger, hatred: These lead to the Dark Side.
9. Avoidable unpreparedness, incompetence, or incapacitation
The Boy Scouts have it right. Be Prepared.
A monster hunter should always be prepared and ready to work. You should have what you need to do the job. You should never incapacitate yourself, whether through drink, drugs, dissipate emotions, or overwork. You should train yourself rigorously and acquire the necessary skills to succeed.
No one is perfect; no one can be prepared for every contingency. If it could have been planned for, however, it should have been.
8. Failing to repay debts, support dependents, honor parents, provide for survivors
The commandment to “honor your father and your mother” goes hand in hand with the responsibility to pay your debts, support your family, and look after your employees. Noblesse oblige: With power comes responsibility. The lord of the manor must ensure the well-being of his people; an officer must look after his men, in combat and out. He must leave no man behind. He must also make sure his men receive health care and free tax advice.
7. Failing to protect an innocent, unjustly harming a reputation
Innocents should be protected, insofar as that can be done without compromising the mission. If it isn't possible to protect the innocent and also kill the monster, then killing the monster takes precedence. After all, you're a monster hunter, not a cop; it's better to do your own job adequately than someone else's well. This does not mean you can disregard collateral damage, however; you must minimize civilian casualties and keep civilians out of the line of fire whenever possible.
Do not bear false witness against your neighbor. Slander is a sin, as serious as any other. Nor is this limited to explicit slander; failing to correct a false impression or come forward with relevant information is to lie by omission. Similarly, you must testify when your testimony is needed; you may not refrain due to fear of retaliation or dislike of the defendant.
6. Sexual sin (adultery, fornication)
Do not commit adultery. Do not have sex outside the context of marriage.
The family is the foundation of civilization. In times of danger, a strong family can ensure the survival of its members. Sex within marriage strengthens the family, but sex outside marriage weakens it.
5. Theft, unnecessary property damage
Thou shalt not steal.
Avoiding property damage certainly isn't as important a concern as avoiding civilian casualties, but it's not trivial by any means. You must do what you can to avoid or at least minimize property damage without jeopardizing the mission.
4. Failing to destroy an Abomination
Abominations exist to be destroyed. Destroy them.
Generally, only evil monsters qualify as Abominations. Truly alien creatures – those so alien that peaceful coexistence is not possible – may as well be evil, and are considered such for all practical purposes. Creatures which seek to destroy or displace humanity are also considered Abominations. Finally, mutants and similar which seek to reproduce in large numbers and spread prolifically are also Abominations, even if not evil. (Responsible mutants don't reproduce.)
3. Unjustified killing (intentional or not)
The Sixth Commandment is generally translated as “Thou shalt not kill” or “Thou shalt not commit murder.” A more accurate translation would read, “Thou shalt not commit an unjustified killing.” A justified killing is not a sin. An unjustified killing is a sin even if unintentional. You must live with the consequences of your actions, and of your mistakes.
Killing enemy soldiers in battle is not a sin. This does not mean, however, that you are free to kill as long as the target is shooting back. You may not kill for convenience. All too often, perpetrators claim necessity when they didn't seriously look for other options. Life is sacred and may not be lightly squandered.
2. Torture, rape
The proverbial fate worse than death is surprisingly common. Many things are worse than killing. If you must kill, do it cleanly; do not torment the victim.
1. Blasphemy, denying God, worshiping other gods
You shall have no other gods before me.
Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.
Do not test the Lord your God.
There is only one God; all others are lesser beings, angels, demons, spirits, and the like. They are not worthy of worship. Moreover, by accepting God, you reject all other would-be deities. Do not attempt to play both ends against the middle.
By accepting God, you accept his teachings. Do not attempt to make God more palatable to those who dislike his precepts – or to yourself. Avoid legalism; seek the true meaning of God's Word, not the meaning you would give it.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to faith. If you believe, you believe; you realize nothing can ever be proven beyond all possible doubt, and you don't need such proof. You are secure in yourself.
