Over and over again I see posts in the public section in which Aetolians
are complaining. Several people will get into an argument, each trying
to outwit the other. Suddenly someone feels compelled to whine, "You are
forcing me to spend my gold!"

Apparently, if a person were inclined to write something that someone
didn't agree with gold has been levitated out of the boo hoo's pocket,
pack, or bank account into the newsroom and their response involuntarily
scribbles itself into the public section.

Um...

That's silly

Why be surprised?
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It has been noted of late (and I could really care less) that certain
Infernals have made remarks indicating that the weak should be
protected. These statements have caused some bewilderment, as it is
written in their guild description that they seek to purge the weak from
the land. It doesn't seem strange to me at all and here's why.

Guild descriptions mean nothing. Nor do guild histories. When I
discovered guilds I wanted to live my life as a Sentaari monk. The
desire to be balanced in a world of inane, opposing forces guided my
every step. When I stumbled accross the guild description of the Daru I
was left with the impression that they were monks, that somehow the
Sentaari had strayed from their original path, and that the Daru were
somehow a restoration of that path. "Mired in apathy" is a catchphrase
I've heard quite often. After considering the matter I joined the Daru
and what I found was something not at all like the guild description.
They just are not accurate or up to date as guilds are always changing.
So after years of struggling with my conscience and reading quite a bit
of Sentaari literature, I thought I had a good idea about who the
Sentaari were, and their role in Aetolia. Grand Mistress Clio and I have
had our disagreements. Still she has been somewhat of a heroine and
rolemodel to me. More in spirit than action, and I will always hold a
deep respect for her no matter how often we argue. I started believing
that what Clio had perceived as apathy in the Sentaari was actually the
balance that I was seeking. Again my assumptions were incorrect. I
joined looking for a Sentaari that probably only existed before Clio
belonged to them. How can one be a monk seeking balance within himself
and balance in Aetolia when he chooses the path of a warrior and
involves himself in a war that is sensless. I expect this from other
guilds, but I did not expect it from the Sentaari.

My point in all of this is that guild descriptions are a very POOR
indication of a guilds nature, activities, and philosophies. So really,
why be surprised by such seeming hypocrisy? In the end everyone does
what they want to do and they say what they like.

Now, classless and lessonless by my own demise, I realize that in a way
the Daru are balanced because at least they "tolarated my insolence" and
heard me out no matter how much they disagreed.


The War Was Senseless Because:
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Ashtan was attacked. In defense they performed scorched earth tactics
which killed plants and not Aetolians. But everyone was so dependent on
the herb supply that no one was happy. For the most part that's what the
war was all about. So in retaliation the good holy people of Shallam
started killing Aetolians zealously, reminescent of that battle some 11
years ago. Yeah the one where you stewnods killed my family with your
precious raze. Still the past is the past I guess. I really hope this
never happens again.

One solitary good outcome came from the war. The orphanage in Ashtan is
locked. For now.. And Rahn willing it will stay that way.

As far as guilds being run out of Ashtan though? That's not a city mired
in apathy. If present guild behavior is any indication of past behavior,
I really can't blame them.

Whoever Maimed Hakhim is a Coward
----------------------------------
Maybe I missed it, but I was surprised to not see any posts about
Hakhim. Someone kidnapped him. Now he is back but he has no appendages.
How could someone do that to a man that doesn't do any harm to Sapience.
He just sits on Medina and goes about his business. If anyone cares that
hasn't already seen Hakhim lately, I'm sure he would appreciate a nice
hug. But don't drop any items for him to have BECAUSE HE CAN'T PICK THEM
UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With love

Penned by my hand on the 5th of Slyphian, in the year 131 MA.