Good peasant,


Should this message reach you, either by parchment or by ear, know that we do not take assaults on the Hearth lightly.

However, unlike the enemies we routinely put to the sword in our defence of Their ideals, I do not believe that you do not act out of an ideological opposition to Their cause. You act because you feel that Their Empire has sleighted you in some way. For the lives you've taken, we have considered hunting you down, turning your loved ones against you, burning down your village if need be. The blood you've spilled certainly deserves no less, but I believe there is another means to solve this.

All are worthy of Redemption. That principle has guided Targossas since its founding. To redeem those who can be redeemed, to excise those who cannot. We do not hesitate to bring death and destruction to those who stand unshakingly opposed to Good, but what about those individuals in the middle? Ones who may feel wronged by our actions in ways we never coud have considered? It would be a grave injustice indeed not to listen to their concerns. To brush them aside in favour of those we might perceive as having more to offer the cause of Good. We have done our best to avoid making that mistake in the past, we will avoid it here as well.

We cannot easily forgive your actions, the Targossian blood you've spilled, but we will not silence your protests in the name of vengeance. Seek out the Hearth. Together we can discuss your grievances, and we can work out a better path to absolution for the lives lost by your hand. It is the same promise we offer so many. If it's a matter of money, we can provide that. If your family is your concern, we will ensure their safety.

Understand, this is not an offer made out of weakness, but out of compassion. You hurt so many with your actions this month. Many mothers who now weep for beloved children who were once so bright. Many fathers who will forever wonder if they could have been saved, if only they had been there, if only they had known. Many younger brothers and sisters who will never see their siblings' smiling faces again, who will never crowd around the dinner table and excitedly ask for stories from the university.

Still, we know you feel hurt as well. There is a better path than vengeance, we will help you find it, but you need to take the first step. To those of you like this peasant who see us as villains, know that we care for you as well. You who are fathers, you who are mothers, you who are children. There is a warm space for you beside the fire in the Guardians' Hearth.


Caefir Alyzar Al'Jafri

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Sarapin, in the year 993 AF.