I never truly believed that it would come to this. Perhaps I was
naive. No, I'm certain of it. You see, somehow I believed that the
world was a place where people could make their own way. A place
where people would respect one another. A world where people would
act because of reasons. A world, very, very much unlike this one.
Certainly, I've had altercations before. And the cause of that is
one that none can deny. I have attained a high level. I possess
few skills. For no better reason than this I've been hunted. Most
of the time I've managed to escape. In fact, up until today I had
only slipped once, and fell before the might of the Logos himself,
during an event in which misspoken words held great consequences.
Then again, before today, I was not Guildmaster of the Magi.

Since becoming Guildmaster less than one day ago, I have been
involved in four battles. All of which took place inside the
walls of Shallam. All of which began with an attack upon
members of that city. And none of them for any better reason
than the random slaughter of those perceived to be unable to
protect themselves. I used to believe that a person could go
through life on the strength of his beliefs and of his actions.
I used to believe that a persons character held meaning.
Quite clearly, everything I used to believe was wrong.

We live in a world where the weak prey upon the weaker and
proclaim themselves strong. A world where everyone searches
not for ways to ascend, but for ways to trample. A world where
truth is trumped by force. Where strength is the only argument.
Where a man would sell his soul for power and consider it
cheaply bought. I never believed this before, and never wanted to.

But now I have no choice...

There's a secret I've been hiding. A deep, dark, terrible secret.
One I did not think would ever be revealed. Would never need to
be revealed. Inside me are seeds of power. I've known of their
existance since my beginnings. They've remained there, growing.
You see, I resisted their call. I struck out on my own, with
only that which I was born with. Everything I have now, everything
that I've accomplished, I earned it alone. How many of you can say
the same? I am Archmortal. I am the Guildmaster of the Magi. I
am the Keeper of Records of the Bards of Delos. All this, I earned.
And now, my shameful little secret will be revealed. For I will
let it free. I've made it this far on my own. From this point on,
I will partake of the same assistance that so many of the rest of
have. But always remember, first, I did without. Afterwards, I
suppose I will be a part of your world now. I hope you like it.

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Chronos, in the year 280 AF.