Coalition:

I find myself bestowed with a great honour from your cities - the undeniable acceptance of the truth. The truth that you are incapable of halting our advances without using the tactics of cloak and dagger. You hide your intentions, and strike when you know victory is assured. You take only when there is no resistance to be had, for you know should we muster even half of your numbers you would be doomed.


This brings me honour. My brothers and sisters have practiced, refined, perfected our combat into a beautiful and deadly art. You have acknowledged that we are superior by refusing to take the field to fight with dignity and a sense of decorum. For this revelation of the utter despondency and desperation among the ranks of our rival city-states, I thank you.


Now that you have thrown your gauntlets in our face, in my face, I respond in kind. Those who deem it necessary to strike from the shadows may in turn show Sapience that they are not dependent on underhanded tactics and face me in honourable combat at North of New Thera. As once Sir Travian Shea fought outside the walls of our glorious and ancient city, I too hark back to the days of old where duels were fought with reverence, rather than flippancy. Show your courage, and rather than sitting as a faceless member of the angry mob, step up and do something worth talking about.


As a second part of my challenge; Any and all marks from the four aforementioned cities, the infamous of their citizenry, or the thieves who plague Sapience that reside in these flea-infested ratholes you deem as home - You are on notice. My justice will be swift, brutal, and unrelenting. You will not be found outside of your walls without challenge, and should you refuse this challenge you will be hunted until you return to your hovels.


You have declared open hostilities against Ashtan while you hold hands with enemies who, not five years ago, were cutting your throat and stabbing you in the back at the same time. This alliance between Darkness and Light, Nature and the three cities who so callously rent Her realm to erect buildings and walls. It smells of desperation. I suggest you wash yourselves off. Cast off these binding chains and embrace your true potential without relying on alliances to win the day. Perhaps with practice, you too can become as efficient and feared as the descendents of Zarathustra.


In the end, all I crave is a good fight. I hope you provide.


Archaeon, Squire of Ser Aerek.

Penned by my hand on the 15th of Miraman, in the year 913 AF.