Goche,

Freedom is not heavy.

Those of the other nations often like to see things only at their surface level. At that level, lines blend and shapes converge into a simple, easily digestible image. It is akin to a kid seeing their first painting and concluding that the sun must be an inch wide and just a few inches away from the tree peaks.

We are not surprised. Were most people to look at things more deeply, they would find there Chaos. And then they would not remain in those other nations once their minds are spurred by true inquiry.

A mortal mind knows freedom by contrast with that which surrounds it. Freedom is a burden featherlight, but it is encased in deceptions of duty, and in weakness compared to those in power, and in fear of the consequences. Those stand opposite to mortal will.

It is a fine distinction. Those who understand where their challenge lies know then where to direct their ire. Then they may at last turn against that which binds this miserable Creation, instead of trying to navigate the world shackled by their own misconceptions.

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I have long been fond of Hashan, this open display of how Order may assume most insidious forms. In an age when most nations submit to the Gods, few come close to our own in their claim of mortal democracy. And in Hashan's rendition of it, Hashan alone gives a clear demonstration that not only Creation's laws but mortals themselves will prove a heavy shackle to each other.

After all, in what other nation would their own Knight Commander decry his city's decisions and direct his charter to ignore them in a quest of political challenge? In what nation would its officials keep failing to decide whether they would uphold an agreement or not? In which city do the replaced councillors quickly become the council's most vocal enemies? Which of them, after all, is known for so much paranoia and vitriol under the guises of good intentions?

It is as if a web is cast over all in the Dark One's domain, over its weavers and pawns alike. When one of those bound desires something, they will tug at each other and seek to have others for their personal gains. When they tire, another takes their place, tugging the threads back. Hashan's very identity is one of internal struggle, priding itself in laws and freedoms and other such promises to get a slice of the cake that is the Court. Other nations may show signs of it; Hashan exemplifies it.

It is doubtful for this path to lead its followers anywhere, contrary to what they seem to think. People come motivated with the promise of freedom and political influence; they halt when met with many others who came for the same and pursue it at their own expense. Being locked in a tug of war is no promise of progress.

By the power of Chaos, many empires rose and fell, and many mortals forged the new and rebelled against the old. Entropy and Discord tore at the old structures and customs, and from them came the sprouts of potential. Regardless of how they work their ways at the Court of Shadows this time, whether Hashan will stay or fall or change entirely, for now it stands as a lesson: bogging down in such a struggle is not freedom. It is a promise to die a thousand deaths.

I leave this with a sole invitation: know Chaos better, and perhaps you will know to tear at that which binds you. Ashtan does already.

Penned by my hand on the 2nd of Phaestian, in the year 986 AF.