Ashtan has fought in two wars already, and failed to change
significantly because of it. It has already defended itself and had
several changes in Patron, all to no avail. It steadfastly refuses to
grow, to develop, to become anything of significance in the realm. The
only thing it has successfully managed to do is to mire good,
hard-working people into a muck of unrealized dreams and vague promises
of improvements that never come true.

There is no reason to think that stopping now would result in any
lasting change when it never has before.

I know how tempting it is to go searching for more, because you want to
believe there must be more. But there truly is no more. Kelsys is not
even in the same part of the realm, and has no need of anything in or
near Ashtan. The reasons I've given you all, are truly the reasons I am
doing this. They are sufficient in their own right. You are free to
disagree, free to think that these reasons are not good enough, but I
will no longer tolerate insults to My person in this manner. I am not
the Lady of Artifice and I am not telling you lies. I have clearly
stated My reasons. They are enough. I do not need any hidden agenda for
My actions as My stated purpose is sufficient for this action.

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