An Achaean Experience


We wake, and know not where we are, perhaps we only dream?
Voices cry within our heads, 'be welcome', 'hello', 'nice name'.
We have no clothes, we have no gear, our shouts are soft and feeble.
Is there a chance that we might learn, and grow and not have trouble?


We learn of grace, we learn of guilds, we slaughter rats and Imp Lords.
Our voices change, our hunger grows, our learning reaps rewards.
We make guild-friends; and non-guild too, and find within the land,
That people kill, and people die with few to stay their hand.


What is this place wherein we live, that revels in the dying.
That glorifies the death of souls, rejoices in the crying
Of many gentle, curious folk who seek this land to learn.
"Is there no aid, no help or cure?" the question in us burns.


Have we no laws, no jails, no force, our peaceful ones can seek?
A way to grow within the land, safe harbors for the meek?
Or will it be but one more place where life has little meaning?
Another place to blunt our hearts, and lose the gentler feelings?


Oh Achaea, fair land, let not this be your fate!
A balance must be found, to win this war 'gainst hate.
All we who love this realm so rare, so wondrous and so bright,
Do unite our voices now in beseeching Gods of might.


Great Gods, Wise Ones, the Lords of All Creation,
Grant wisdom to us, that we may seek and find solution.
To succor the weak, protect the peaceful, determine what is best.
That all may walk their paths of choice, that all may seek success.


If we do kill, then killed we may be, but always with a reason
Far better than "well he was there" or "I was bored this season"
And if the road of peace we wish, let growth occur as well
For balance cries when most of strength requires us to kill.


Can there be light, can there be joy, can there be much of glory
To charm the souls of those who come to learn Achaea's story?
Oh yes! we cry, it can be done, a land for all who come
Whatever road we choose to take, whatever race we run.


Whatever route to glory go, whatever we wish to be
The consequences of our actions must be plain for all to see.
If we choose battle then in battles we may fight,
But if we serve with peaceful heart, then peace should be our right.


And as we sleep, our souls do freeze, and other realms awake
Where other calls and other quests, and other choices make
Achaea lingers in our minds, it calls us to return
To find again the wonders there, those things for which we yearn.


We will return to wander there, this we most solemnly vow
Although perhaps, tomorrow day, alas, 'twill not be now.
Achaean song in in our ears, its pulse beats in our blood,
We cannot leave for long it seems, this place we now do love.

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Miraman, in the year 201 AF.