Lady Demeter,
While I do agree that we mortals are most tremendously audacious(Indeed
I would say it is one of the more pride-inducing qualities of my
likewise short-lived brethren), I must disagree that this is not our
business. Oakstone, as an organization, is probably the most influential
and powerful collection of individuals that modern history has seen.

Every man and woman in Sapience is more or less dependent upon the
Council, and more specifically those who harvest the herbs and provide
vials. If the concoctionists are prevented from performing their jobs,
life would grind to a very real standstill. Without herbs combat is
dangerously foolish, without elixirs it is likewise impossible to
survive. Thus, it is fairly reasonable to say that this is more then our
business, indeed we *must* be involved, for our continued business in
these lands relies very squarely on the good nature(pardon the pun) of
Oakstone.

Shade has led most eloquently into my next point, and I commend him for
speaking what many of us think(to a degree).

Oakstone has grown old, powerful, and bloated on its influence. It has
becoming too all sweeping, and far too.. crusty.. if you will, in
regards to its rules. Those who set druidic policy seem to be relishing
in their growing power(which I commend them on), but it is a matter of
no small concern for the rest of us. Many of these rules were scribed in
ages past, designed around much more tightly knit communities. In my
days as a Druid, I remember quite well how small and family-like the
guild was. Those days are gone.

What we are faced with now is many people who cling to the ancient
ideals while letting history pass. "So it was, so it shall be" seems to
be a common method of thinking amongst much of the Forestal leadership I
have dealt with. This is an incredibly flawed method of thinking, and
can lead to nothing but bad things. Oakstone must advance with the ages,
or else they risk becoming more and more outdated.

I conclude my thoughts with a single saying, one that I think applies
quite well to Oakstone in this instance: "The more you tighten your
grip, the more they will slip through your fingers"

In Antiquitas Veritas,
Jerle Minara

Penned by my hand on the 12th of Daedalan, in the year 344 AF.