I was once a citizen of Ashtan. I joined with little but surface
knowledge of Chaos. During my time in Ashtan I learned what Oblivion
truly is. It is just that, Oblivion. I learned that Ashtan truly seeks
only to destroy, not build an empire or shape the future. It was not
something that I could align myself with.

Further back, my time was spent in Eleusis. I was young and did not know
much of the world, but it was a fine home. I spent much of my time
defending the natural world. I have come to see much of the natural
world as a weakness that is indefensible. The strong of Gaia's followers
protecting the weak is a waste of effort that continues to this day. At
least they choose to fight for something though, rather than nothing.

I have come to learn that true strength is not defending pitiful values
such as forgiveness or empathy and is instead something that must be
honed, sharpened, and never put down to rest. Strength is also something
that cannot be built upon a world of nothing. It needs resistance,
because only by being challenged can the strong advance.

Only when Lord Sartan has finished His crusade to conquer the known and
unknown worlds will weakness be cast aside. Until that day I welcome all challenge that will temper me. I aim to further His cause by joining His city. I will grow strong by enduring hardship and cutting down weak wills and values. I will defend His world from the catastrophe that is Ashtan and I will prune the world of the weakness oft championed and valued by His enemies.

In Strength,
Talo

Penned by my hand on the 18th of Phaestian, in the year 1018 AF.