Let me be clear that I have less than no interest in squabbles between Eleusis and Mhaldor. I do, however, find claims of Divine favouritism curious enough to comment upon. A close examination of the three classes you speak of, the ones which Eleusians may not learn, will serve to illustrate.

You speak as though Ashtan's knowledge of the Unnamable arts is a token of Divine favour, yet it was obtained through our own efforts. Indeed, one God took issue with our workings and moved against us to intervene. If any force beyond Occultic mettle is responsible for the creation of Unnamable warriors, it is the sublime influence of Chaos, channelled through mortal will.

As for the arts of the Accursed, they were likewise developed by mortals. Eleusis chose to forbid its villagers from practicing them. What role Lady Gaia played in making that decision, I truly do not know, but I do know that it was Eleusis' choice to accept Her will as binding.

Knowledge of Alchemy, finally, was a decision that came with a cost. In learning Alchemy each city gave up the possibility of training or accepting new forestals; they gave up three classes to gain one. The necessity of choosing between the two was moreover imposed by the Cauda Pavonis, not by Divine decree.

In brief: the Garden is gone and the Gods owe you nothing. Take ownership of the outcomes of your choices. If you cannot rest easily in the place they have led you, perhaps it is time to begin making different ones.

Alashi Shiva
Archon, Magister, Archivist

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Valnuary, in the year 959 AF.