To the Disillusioned Cyrenians out there;

I am Archaosa of Ashtan, and I write to you today not as an official envoy, but as a private citizen, as someone who believes in the value of choice, of change, of freedom, and of knowing when something no longer serves the person youre becoming. Today, I wish to speak about change, about Ashtan, and about the opportunities the Seat of Chaos presents to many of you as Cyrene changes and grows in its new identity.

For now, let us put aside my own opinions and feelings on the Gods. Let us close the door on that, as it were. There are more important things to discuss.

Cyrene has changed.

Change is perhaps the only constant in existence, and it is neither good nor bad. Did you know we consider Chaos to be the catalyst of change? Destruction is part of it, but what is destruction but an alternative form of creation? Trees bloom, lose their leaves, and bloom again. A child is born, grows, experiences joy and sorrow, and dies. A canvas loses its pristine white surface as it takes on a piece of art, which some may love and some may hate.

From what I understand, some of you like the change in Cyrene. For some of you, replacing Lord Scarlatti with Lord Neraeos provides you with a sense of purpose that has been lacking in Cyrene for centuries. For others, however, this change feels like a betrayal not only of your culture, but for those of you loyal to Scarlatti, a betrayal of your former Patron. Once, Cyrene was known for artistry and cultural depth. You had Scarlatti as your Patron, which was only right given your culture. Now, you have a new God, a new focus, and an alternative path which will forge a new culture and new priorities. Some of you even fear the loss of their ability to worship as they please. Some of you see this as a step towards dictatorship.

The bad news is that what has been done cannot be undone. If Cyrene were to make Scarlatti its Patron this very day, it still would not be the same. No, you cannot go back, you can only move forward. But this means that you have an opportunity before you. You have an opportunity to embrace change and move forward, taking what has happened and using it to shape your future into the future you want to see.

To that end, I have a suggestion:

Ashtan, the city of Chaos.

Here, we value artistic creativity as a symbol of Chaos and the constant cycles of change! A blank page, a white canvas, and a pile of unformed clay are all opened to the transformative powers of Chaos and its endless potential.

Here, we encourage our citizens to grow as they like, so long as they refuse to stagnate. The life of an artist is one that defies stagnation and defies being satisfied with ones current abilities. To be an artist is to improve constantly, to change and be changed by your work and practice.

Here, we embrace freedom. There are few gods whose worship we refuse, and those are ones who have caused us problems in the past, and those who want to see Ashtan entirely destroyed. That aside, do what you want.

So, In conclusion-

Those of you in Cyrene frustrated by the recent changes, mourning the loss of the home you knew and worried about your future? Ashtan would be an ideal place to forge your new path, to take control of the shape of your future. Ashtan is the place where Chaos can take you from what you are to what you could be.

In Chaos,

-Archaosa

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Phaestian, in the year 976 AF.