To the Council of Duiran,

It is not uncommon for mortals to crave stability. In so craving, they choose to bury their heads in the status quo, holding faith in the promise that what they know will remain true; that what they love will last; that what they dream will reach fruition. Strife, however, is the blade that forces us back to reality: a reality that is not dictated by comfort, desires, or dreams.

To the Theocracy, Strife is progress. For how can we rise above the status quo if we keep to what is comfortable? We do not accept what is. No, we strive for more. Existence is a constant iterative process in which what fails is discarded and what does not becomes one step closer to our apotheosis - to the salvation of this broken world.

We have taken something from you, and with that comes struggle. But your own bid me to consider that you pay homage to Strife same as we, and I do. I simply ask that you prove it.

Through the actions of Spirean and Duirani alike, Strife has touched the Northern Ithmia. And with His storm comes His crucible: a crucible that tests and exposes what is false or unworthy. What cannot last. What does not deserve to be considered 'truth.'

We bring conflict, and with that, a test of resolve, strength, and belief. Instead of a singular battlefield, I propose a series of three trials:

A Trial of Ideals: A direct debate or verbal presentation of sorts. The Theocracy will put forth why the fate of Strife's Thicket most appropriately belongs with Science, rather than Life. Duiran will respond.

A Trial of Faith: A ritual demonstration of Dia'ruin power and connection with the area versus a demonstration by the Theocracy of what could be in its place.

A Trial of Strength: A battlefield in which only the strongest will prevail.

Through trial and conflict, we will lay bare the truth of the Northern Ithmia and its purported connection to Dia'ruis and Duiran and in so doing honor the Warlord's passing through the woods.

Note that I care little for victory or defeat in this matter. Should Duiran participate satisfactorily, the Theocracy will withdraw its claim upon the region soon after, with only the scars left by Strife itself to remain.

Deliberate, and give me your answer. The precise details are negotiable.

In Strife,

Sheryni Nebre'seir
Viceroy


Penned by my hand on Tisday, the 7th of Severin, in the year 13 AC.