Most of Achaea are aware by now of the dissolution of the Infernals
guild following their declaration of war upon their former home city of
Ashtan. After the angry denizens of Ashtan slew Dacian, the Infernal
guild teacher, Dacian was brought back to a form of unlife by "the might
of the Infernals and Sartan" and along with an army of skeletal warriors
invaded Ashtan proper, attacking citizens on sight. The citizens and
allies of Ashtan bravely fought off this horde. My deep thanks to all
those who assisted, both citizens and those non-citizens who came to
Ashtan's aide -- I am honored to know you and to battle at your side.

Meanwhile, the former Infernals regrouped under a clan named the Interim
Battalion, and led by their clan leader Andelas assaulted Ashtan while
we were in the middle of battling their undead minions. In the end,
Ashtan triumphed, chasing down each and every skeletal warrior and
former Infernal who presumed to challenge the might of the Bastion of
the North and dispatching them repeatedly to their deaths.

The guild that declared war on Ashtan may be no more, but from the
actions and words of the Interim Battalion, I can only draw the
conclusion that the knights behind the declaration intend to follow
through with this war as a clan. If this is not the case, then I invite
an announcement to the contrary, or Ashtan will continue to take wartime
measures against the Battalion.

To the former Infernals of Ashtan. I once called many of you friends and
allies. Do not think it comes easy for me to meet you in the field of
battle, but meet you I will. It cuts me to the bone, but I will do so
gladly for the well-being of the city I love, as will as the countless
other loyal citizens of Ashtan. And our strength will prevail. I do not
say this with arrogance nor rancour. I state it as a fact. It is a
narrow alley you head down should you choose to continue to oppose the
Bastion of the North, and you will find that it is a blind one.

I know that many of you, especially the younger ones who had little say
in the actions of the guild that brought them to their end, are feeling
as if adrift far out at sea. Once you were a citizen of a mighty city, a
proud member of an old guild, denizens of the great Iron Citadel. No
longer.

Yet as one door closes countless others open. I have previously spoken
with many of you privately who did not agree with the actions of your
elders, but for varying reasons stood behind them nevertheless. Now that
the guild is dissolved, many of those reasons are moot. Choose the next
steps you take, as an individual and not as a member of a guild that
demands absolute obedience, with care. For once one door closes it may
not open to you again.

Regards,

Shakti Devi
Archon of Ashtan



Penned by my hand on the 14th of Sarapin, in the year 301 AF.