Greetings,

For many years now, we have tried to work alongside Ashtan and its
rulers.

Although in the beginning it seemed as though the city would be able to
coexist with nature, or at least not trample it altogether to the
ground, their alliances soon proved otherwise. As Ashtan grew weaker and
less focused, it began to harbor those that sought only to harm the
forests, those that had exterminated hundreds of locations in forests,
making it utterly devoid of all life, UNABLE to support any life
whatsoever. These people were welcomed within the city, even elected to
represent it, forming its ruling body. That a city would stoop so low,
as to choose those that seek out only to destroy all Life to speak for
it, proves how much regard they really -don't- have for Nature.

After a brief period the thugs Ashtan harbored left, and the city seemed
not to be progressing, but also not becoming even worse. With the
beginning of this war, though, again they sought the help of the same
hired thugs to protect them. Besides some loyal citizens that seek to
save the city as a doctor would try to save a dying patient, even as his
own blood poisoned and rotted his limbs, only those that work for gold
or the dubious pleasure of killing stand by its walls. Once and once
again, they do the same mistakes. How can we expect this city to ever
get rid of the stink of its own past, if they keep repeating it?

The Council of Duiran hereby supports its Patrons and officially
declares war upon the city of Ashtan. By consensus among all its
leaders, and after witnessing for years the apathy that seems to be the
natural state of both its citizens and leadership, we see this as the
last resort solution to its problems, since all else has failed.

Just as Nature can renew itself after devastation, and seeds find
purchase in the charred soil, filled with nutrients, so it is our hope
that from the trials that follow, Ashtan will be renewed, and its ways
be changed for the better, so that new life will appear from the ashes
of the stinking unchanging mire that has confined it for so long.

-Alsai Forestwalker
Benandanti of Duiran

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Variach, in the year 123 MA.