I feel it my duty to report to the public events that have transpired
over the last few days which are going to have very important implications
for the future. This is not propaganda, and I think you will find my
words are supported both by Maran, a promenent member of the church, and
several postings I am reliably informed are present on the church news
section.

Three days ago, Maran and I entered into unofficial diplomatic
negociations in an attempt to end this long war for which many of you
are suffering unecessarily. Although we were not able to agree on a final
settlement we did both decide that a cease fire would be in the interests
of both parties to stop the slaughter and start the talks. My terms for
such a cease fire were simple :-

1. No defiling of shrines outside Ashtan walls. No exceptions.
2. No sanctifying/creating of shrines outside Shallam walls. No exceptions.

Those were the only two conditions for a cease fire which was due to last
for 14 Achaean months in an attempt to reach a solution to this conflict.

Maran, sensibly agreed to take these terms to his 'leaders' and let me
know when it was approved so it could be made official.

Two days later I tired of waiting and demanded from Maran to know what the
delay was, and I was astonished to hear his leaders did not approve of
such a cease fire because they felt it was trickery. This only angered me
as such good intentions are rare for me and they were being thrown in my
face quite literally, so I demanded that I have a response in 24 hours or
the offer was withdrawn.

Since I have still not received a response, I can only assume that either
the church is still locked in debate over this very simple issue or they
have rejected it. I want all the church to read the next paragraph very
carefully and make no mistake about it :-

The elected leaders of the church have exactly EIGHT Achaean days from the
posting of this notice to accept the terms of this temporary cease fire
or this war continues and we go all the way. I personally will not stop
until our original terms are met, and there will be NO discussions ever if
I don't get a response on this cease fire in the next eight days.

How the church can stand by and let its leaders block the progress of
peace, say big words, and make big threats, then leave the very people they
are charged to protect to suffer the repercussions is beyond me, but I
shall play my part in this terrible drama to the conclusion.

Mausolus, the Dark Lich - speaking for the City of Ashtan.

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Phaestian, in the year 219 AF.