Containing information on the following:
1) Addressing Khejian, Master of the Iron Citadel
2) Addressing the subject of aggressive actions against the Exodus Battalion
3) Addressing the accusation of atheism


1.
Khejian,

For better than 20 years we have fought together as Knights. We have worked together (and quarreled together) as Guildmates. We have interacted as fellow secretaries, guild master and secretary, and mentor and protege`. Therefore, I would be remiss in my duty as a former ally if I did not fully speak my mind on recent matters.

Throughout the course of the innumerable battles, skirmishes, and duels in which I have fought, bled, and died, ne'er before have I been wounded quite so deep. I infer from your public words that you purport to have spoken and decided based upon the will of the Iron Citadel as a whole. I find it disheartening, howe'er, to note that you chose to do so at a time when a large portion of the Knights were not present to represent themselves, including three crusading Guild Officers (myself, Halo, and Piadda).

My opinion on the matter is thus: Throughout three guild elections (two of which were held at my personal call), the Iron Citadel did voice its desire to follow my lead, including one election in which you yourself challenged me and lost, and one election which I called for after I stated my plans for evacuation to the whole of the Guild. I reiterate the results which you undoubtably recall -- 3 times, the Guild voted for myself as Guildmaster.

I am reminded of your final words to me ere the Exodus Battalion set forth: words which expressed your gratitude at being chosen to command the Rear Guard, and words which expressed your intentions of following my orders to the fullest degree.

Therefore, only conclusion remains which I may reasonably draw: That you didst purposely and knowingly conspire with others to usurp control of the Iron Citadel from not only the majority of the voting populace, but also from the Knights who have been risking their lives and reputations to provide a better home for all Knights of the Iron Citadel, and did succeed in a spectacular fashion.

To yourself and any conspirators, I offer the following farewell: Congratulations, gentlemen. I have no doubts that you have brought Sartan much glory by successfully plunging your political blades between the shoulders of those who trusted you and risked their lives for you, as soon as our collective back was turned. As Sartan Himself has stated this was "an opportunity to grind into dust a friend and ally", and thus, has served the cause of Evil well, by the terms under which Lord Sartan has recently re-emerged to apply it. These actions, howe'er, were completely devoid of the second Founding Trait of the Knighthood of the Iron Citadel -- Honour.

Alas, the true responsibility is entirely my own. Had I listened to the counsel of those who advised me to cast out the dissenters, in keeping with the Infernal tradition of Zero Tolerance, this situation undoubtably would nae have occurred. It seems that my trust in the Honour and discipline of the Knights who once served with me and beneath me has been my undoing, and thus, the undoing of those who placed their faith in me as Master of the Iron Citadel, and again as Captain of the Exodus Battalion. To those whom my naivete` has harmed, I can only offer my most sincere apologies.

My position: That the body formerly known as the Infernals no longer exists. This body was based upon an eclectic blend of the ideals of Honour and Evil. One side is now devoid of all but a few vestiges of Evil, and the other side now appears to be devoid of its last traces of Honour. What once was One, has this day been forever and irrevocably rent asunder.

My intentions: To continue on my mission to establish a new fortification for Knights whom share my ethos, ideals, and beliefs, in a place where such may be freely practiced. While the best wishes of Khejian and the group now calling itself the Iron Citadel are appreciated and returned in kind, I regret to maintain that I shall ne'er again be personally associated with either the organization currently purporting to represent the Infernals, or the city-state of Ashtan.

Though I have severe doubts about the future of both the Guild and the city-state which controls it, I formally extend my best wishes to them both: May you live long, and die well.




2.
Those who seek to engage in aggressive actions against The Exodus Battalion are hereby challenged to summon the testicular fortitude to step forward and identify themselves and their challenge as men, rather than skulking about ranting from the protection of anomynity and shadows.



3.
Any whom might believe me to be of a belief-system accurately described as "atheism" are hereby invited to seek a better understanding, either from myself, my personal Patron, the Divine Representative of the Exodus Battalion, or any of those Immortals with whom I communicate on a regular basis.



-- R. Lucoster

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Phaestian, in the year 261 AF.