To the scattered souls of the northern bastion:

Yes, Sterion is no more.

The forests have ravaged your lands, killed your leaders. They have insulted you with false compassion, clucking over slaves as they simultaneously slaughter your kin and dismantle the purpose that guided you, that kept Sapience safe.

You need not seek vengeance. But you must build again, and grow - there is no other way one recovers from bitter defeat.

Many of your fellows reside within the walls of the Shadow Keep, property of the Carnifex and by extension Bloodloch. Many train tirelessly every day, Strength balanced with camaraderie and liquid courage both.

Scholars and warriors of shadow you were, and those of you living still are. And shall forever carry that part of you no matter what has befallen your home. The new regime that sits in your home shall never recognise what you are; you have always had a choice, and you may choose, as was written, to leave for new opportunities.

Come, find the Sanguine Fist, whose home is among the Vashnars and the forging heat of the Mhojave, all you who seek true Strength to stand again. Find the Carnifex, if you wish, for we are always accepting of scholars and warriors - certainly those whose skills have done their part to protect our world.

And if your feet cannot carry you on, take parchment and ink, and ask us for aid.

We will come to you.

Galilei Ladoran, Cultural Minister of Bloodloch

Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 3rd of Lanosian, in the year 503 MA.