I find all of this anti-Ashtan, anti-evil propaganda fascinating. The
talk of herb bans is not so interesting except as it is being used as
some sort of fulcrum whose necessity is the thin disguise of 'young
merchants being attacked', in order to damage 'evil' or what is
perceived as 'evil' or 'chaotic'.

Just a few comments. First of all, why are Shallam citizens selling to
Ashtanites anyway? Or is there no real enmity between the City of Light
and the City that Defies what the City of Light holds dear? I wouldn't
think that someone who made their home in Lord Pentharian's realm, so to
speak, would want to help those who practice the 'unholy' arts of
domination and the 'hell-bent' trade of tarot. (Just using a few of the
examples from the Constitution of Shallam, I know that this does not
define Ashtan as a city, bear with me). But this is coming from a Druid
who understands little of cities and paved roads. Just curious about
these things...

Secondly, I just have to say that the last person that attacked me
multiple times without provocation, was an 'honourable' citizen
from...*gasp* Shallam. And one of the people I've had much trouble with,
who's leaders refused to correct, was a citizen of Shallam. Now, I have
had my share of trouble with people who call Ashtan their home, but I
simply point out that it was -individuals- who have harmed me, and no
city. I realize that because MANY thugs and honourless bandits live in
cities and they harm me, that it is not the CITY itself that has harmed
me. (whether it be Shallam, Cyrene, Ashtan, or Hashan). Oakstone is a
different matter, as that city did indeed band together to harm me, but
kids, that is a story for another day. POINT : if you have any
intelligence whatsoever you can differentiate between rotten apples and
the home barrel.

Lastly, we all know that herb bans are loosely organized, short on
actual pressure to the offenders, and merely a statement against
someone/something. Tigs, I'm really surprised, you were practically
flipping off Ashtan in your post. I'm sorry you don't like the city, but
it seems a little un-neutral of you. It isn't even the real 'seat' of
plain old evil anymore...so exactly what do you not like? Oh wait, I
covered that in my second point, nevermind. You're having trouble
keeping the apple apart from the barrel. An easy mistake, I assure you.
And, since you spend so much time in Shallam, you probably didn't see
the whole shift of philosphy that the city seems to have espoused. But
don't let me speak for Ashtan in any way, they obviously as from the
last few posts, can speak quite well for themselves. Good luck people
who need herbs and happen to make Ashtan your home, my pocketbelt is
open and herbs free when I'm in the mood.

-Vi

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Lupar, in the year 298 AF.