Hail to everyone, for all of you, even in your smallest part have helped
this continuing disease on Sapience known as War. I will not say that I
am the realm's most able writer, and have had little experience at the
task at writing prose, but I hope at the end of all that I say, someone
will have learned something from it.
What can I say to all that I have seen grow before my eyes in the recent
months? I have seen more death and destruction than ever before in my
lifetime. War is a seductive Mistress, often involving far more than one
would think. It destroys friendships, loves, and families, often beyond
the point of reconstruction. It gives the perfect oppurtunity for
vultures and theives who have waited, no doubt for long periods of time
to claw people in the back, in the name of their Patron, or just for
blood's sake.
I am not here to complain about what has befallen me, for no doubt many
more have suffered in the war far greater than I. But the level of
malice, of pure hatred I have seen scares me, even reveling in all my
Consanguine nature. I have seen those who have no doubt helped form and
shape this realm strucken down by enemy forces, without regard for their
importance and virtues. This realm held debates for months about whether
or not Shanugis, the leader of the fishing people of Shasstan deserved
to be deposed or not, or whether or not "his people" should be prayed
upon. The rhetoric from both sides was sometimes inspiring, and
sometimes not. But, regardless, the fact that for once in a long time
philosophy and the pen was used before the claw and the sword was
monumental.
Now it seems, however, that all those efforts have been lost to the
wind. Even the inspiring notables of the land such as Epicurus, whom
without no doubt many of these maurading hordes would not have their
skills to wreak havoc, means nothing.
It was said that the city of Ashtan was a source of stagnation and
disease that spread itself throughout the continent. It is said that one
of the main causes for this was the leadership of the city not caring
enough, or following through with its promises, or a variety of other
complex arguements. But, at the end of all this, when families are torn
apart, friendships are ruined, and the people in general feel
misaligned...what stagnation will this cause? When people can no longer
form functioning communities because of remembered violence and when the
land begins to divide polararily, what progress with be achieved, what
problem solved. I have heard many joke and argue that the problems of
Ashtan have been caused by the doxy houses that reside there. Just
because things are more visible in one place does not mean they do not
exist in others. Appearance is quite often deceiving. But, then perhaps,
these women are happy and wonderful, like the young servant girls of
Shanugis. But, I suppose we shall never know, for I doubt anyone will
ask.
And what has been so far gained by this War? Experience and greater
strength for those who are winning? I don't doubt this. Perhaps the
better question, is, who is losing? I have heard many complaints that
random fires, no doubt arsons have broken out in the forests of
Sapience. Who does this harm? No doubt Sentinels and Druids who ply
their crafts and look for animal companions. But, the forests themselves
are injured, without whom none of us would have clothing, shelter, or
elixirs to heal ourselves. I am almost sad to know that I, and not one
of these groups has been the first to post this idea, but then perhaps
they are too busy joining the death wagon.
I do not doubt at all that a beautiful new city would add more culture
and glamour to these lands. I would provide a new perspective on life.
But I wonder, what would happen the day that city as well no long meets
approval, will it suffer the same fate? Or, what if, in the name of all
this progress, new citizens for all our citizens, leaving their pastoral
homes, or whence they hail flee our lands out of fear for their own
safety?
What if, at the end of all this, the only accomplishment is to cut off
and squeeze out, the new precious "lifeblood" that is often talked of?
New citizens, fresh faces. Not everyone wishes to live in a world
plagued by consistent death and destruction, but to contemplote on the
things that once made out cities so great. Art, culture, common desires,
and common themes. Once, their had been nothing in these lands, and look
at all that has come to be.
I am not saying I am for or against the war. I believe that the fate of
this truly lies with the Divine, whom I have no intention of speaking
against. I would just wish more of us would think before being so
overjoyous to help speed along to the unknown.
With a heavy heart,
Caera

Penned by my hand on the 20th of Variach, in the year 123 MA.