Cardinal David Sarif

"“Is it evil to want to protect people? To ensure that the citizens of Velant can rest easy at night, knowing there is no threat of attack? Mothers knowing they won’t have to send their sons off to fight someone else’s war? Fathers know they can raise a daughter in a country where he can provide for her every need? Are you suggesting that free will is preferable to war? To death? To extinction?"

David Sarif was once a well-regarded professor of Astronomy at The Phoenix Academy, though he was eventually asked to reture by faculty after expressed beliefs and teachings that many viewed as treasonous towards the Kingdom of Velant. Sarif would go on to become the leader of the cult The Holy Light, adopting the title of Cardinal. Stating his goal was to protect the world from violence and destruction, Sarif worked with the cult for many years in the hopes of constructing a device that would allow him to control the minds of everyone in Velant from the Holy Light's headquarters on Mt Bestyne. At some point during his search for Primordial Light energy to realize his plans, Sarif came into contact with the mad Lightsworn Janus, and entered into a warlock pact with the entity. Sarif's ambitions would bring him into direct conflict with The Sanctioned, and the two would attempt to rid Velant of each other on multiple occassions. Sarif's notable crimes include aiding in the assissination of Viceroy Zenos, kidnapping, mind controlling several individuals including four members of the Sanctioned, and imprisoning King Galvus Solidor II in an attempt to gain political control over Velant. Sarif was eventually able to construct a mind control device he named 'The Beacon' using ancient schematics belonging to The Solanians. After purchasing a power source for the device from The Lord Commander, Sarif's plans were almost realized. He ultimately failed, however, thanks to the efforts of the Sanctioned. Sarif's ambitions and life was ended after being stabbed in the chest by Kath Ivoire.