Dearest aetolians,

Many of you already know me, but for those of you that don't, I shall
introduce myself. My name is Azuya, and I am a humble dwarf, in seek of
many of the same things as you all, knowledge and power.

It is in this quest for knowledge, that I have quite voraciously read
every one of the war posts, and many many more. I have decided, that
while some of you may disregard this outright, others may feel
enlightened by my article.

I have noticed things during this time of trail.

First, I have seen members of the militias bicker with each other. I
have seen people shout out to other the injustice of thier demise, and
how terrible it is that the other side should do thier job. All too many
times, one may hear of the tragedy of being teamed by other militia
members. I ask you, when has war been fair?

To the unhappy militia members, I tell you that, because you have sprung
to your cities defence, your lives are endangered. Whether honorable, or
dishonorable, the tactics used by either side are "fair". If you do not
wish to fight, simply quit the militia.

War is about killing, about death, about forceably getting your way when
all other avenues have failed. War is not fair. Death is not fair.
However, the grace of our lord Varian keeps us alive to serve Him, and
you are still here.


This brings me to the issue of the Divinities.

I was surprised to see the Gods and Goddesses of this land join in this
war, in a more visible show of force than anyone might have expected, by
giving Thier blessing and curses out. However, this has been changed by
our lord Varian in recent times. And though that time is over, I still
hear people question the Divine authority. They who watch over us,
sometimes look out for us, and always are able to destroy us. Who knows
what the Divine have in mind for us? It is not our place to question
them anyway.

The bandwagon

Now remember, good people, that these are my opinions, and as such, you
may contest them in post after post, and I shall still stick by them,
and people will likely pass over your replies of outrage, if any. In the
last year, I have seen many guilds, orders, and cities jump into this
war. The Lady of Change says that She declares war on the Bastion of the
North. And with a resounding cry, everyone declares war on Ashtan. What
is this? Would you declare war on the city before? Now that a Divine
sponsors it, you decide that you need something to keep you from eternal
boredom? In truth, some organizations belong there. However, I noticed
that on both sides, there are some odd players.

Consider Spinesreach. I call the city my home, but as I have recently
moved there, I feel few ties, and I almost always spend my time away
from it. Because of this state of removal, I can, by my own opinion, say
that Spinesreach had no place in the war. This has also been changed,
and a new leader will come to power soon enough.

This is the bandwagon, and it almost never makes sense.

The byproducts of war.

As I stated before, war is not fair. I have chosen not to join the war.
I call the city of spires my home, because I need a place to live.
Therefore, I have not joined the militia and have remained neutral.
Though I am removed from the war, resigned the position of bystander, I
have seen its effects upon myself.

Herbs. I like to eat them. I also do not like going to Seasone for
refills, as fine as a woman as she is. Time after time I am told that
due to the state of the forests, the druids and sentinels are not able
to do refills. I think that the destruction of our natural resources is
a sad thing, and should never be a tactic in the war. Consider also, the
wildlife in the forests, and the many novices that may wander in, only
to find a conflaguration at its height.

Won't somebody think of the children?

Lastly I ask, where is this war going?

I sense that this war is at an impase. With my trusty brooch of the
underking, I see friends, enemies, and damn you Bloodloch, my mother,
every day. When both sides are taking heavy, but seemingly equal losses,
where do we go? The militia of Ashtan has put up an admirable defence.
Will a treaty be signed? Will you continue to bash each other into
oblivion? Will the Divine hurl down Judgement upon Ashtan, like the
ill-fated city of Hashan?

I leave you now, with any possible questions I may have sparked. I am
but a watcher in this war. A little-know informant and merchant. My
opinions are my own, contest them if you will.

I leave you, with my two gold pieces. Because after this war is over,
some of you will need them.

-Azuya Ohmsford-Elistar





Penned by my hand on the 13th of Lleian, in the year 123 MA.