View source for Andunorian Civil War of 184AR

Author: Eclavdra Sh'yalva
<br>Editor: Adelyn Belle'rose
<br>Publication: Nightal, 185 AR

=== ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ===
I would like to thank Crone Matron Kiaberra Khal'Belaern, General Ja'kk, and Commander Zhozzad for carving out some time in their schedules to answer my questions, Eternal Matron Araj Sh'yalva for providing the access to the sources and the late priestess T'risfalee (may her agony please the Spider Queen in the Demonwebs) for leaving behind the detailed notes.

=== I. FORWARD ===
They say history is written by the victors. They also say that history repeats itself, or something to that effect at least. Researching past events, we can indeed observe the same patterns repeating in cycles. In fact, more than once even in one lifetime, even as brief as human. People, understandably, grow apathetic, tired of watching the same repeating iterations over and over. Which also means that they stop bothering to leave a record of the events, even as momentous as wars, so no history ends up being written, not even by the victors. This saddens me greatly as a historian.

Taking the subject of this work - the Andunorian Civil War of 184 AR - a mere year since the events occurred - almost no documented traces of the war remain publicly available. With many of the prominent participants lost in the course of the war and many of the surviving participants having moved on, retiring, and/or leaving the island, the details are soon lost and forgotten. Newcomers to the trade city are mostly unaware that such an event had even occurred. Even among the surviving participants, a certain confusion already exists over something as basic as the immediate event that triggered the war. Naturally, lesser details, such as the particular sequence of the events or the exact dates may very well be lost forever at this point. Thus, I find the lack of written documents on the subject of this war quite unsatisfying. As we know, those who do not "know" their history, are "definitely" doomed to repeat it, even more so than the usual iterations of historical cycles.

With these considerations in mind I, not as a victor, but as someone who, despite taking no active part in this war, DID witness it and was fortunate to speak with some of its prominent participants, am undertaking the daunting task of documenting it, its causes, course and resolution. I'd like you to know that it is quite a challenge: finding whatever few scattered documents related to it remain, reaching out to the survivors from both sides of the conflict*, piecing together the available facts, and organizing it all in a narrative that can be preserved and passed on for the benefit of the future generations of Andunorians.

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<poem>The next page is covered with a scheme depicting a timeline of the events titled "Figure A: Approximate timeline of the 184AR":

- Month 1 (Hammer), 184AR: House Z'ress assumes leadership over Devil's Table district self-governance.
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- 05/21/184AR - a successful attempt is made on Lilith Vensurai;
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- Month 6 (Kythorn), 184AR: Hostilities break out as tensions rise between Z'ress and the Sharps.*
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- 7/11/184AR: Truce is signed between the Sharps (represented by General Ja'kk) and Table (House Z'ress) and House Loslansiran.
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- 8/8/184AR: Hostilities resume as Myryn returns to the Sharps, putting forward an ultimatum that demands Loslansira to leave Andunor and Z'ress to denounce their alliance with Loslansiran and pay reparations.*
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- 8/28/184AR: Hubmaster's Peacekeeper Commander's Decree enforces an end to the active hostilities in the city.
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- 9/11/184AR: Myryn calls to expose and expel Loslansiran agents.
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- 10/17/184AR: House Z'ress is forced to leave for Sibayad; Sharps declare Peace in Andunor, promising support and cooperation to the new leadership of DT district, whoever will emerge victorious after new elections.*
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-  19/11/184AR Sharpsfest is used by Myryn as the celebration of the war's end.*</poem>
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* Note that the sources that can be shared publicly are provided in the appendices (A - documents and B - interviews) for you to read the firsthand accounts.

=== II. INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND ===
In early 184 AR, Matron Wanre Z'ress ascended to the leadership of the Devil's Table district, claiming the title of Ulath'Ilhar (Arch-Matron) as the head of the district's self-government under the authority of Vaunted House Freth.

She won the election that was held in the last tendays of 183 AR running unopposed after employing threats to force the sole opposition candidate - certain Szordrin Sh'yalva, a male from a minor drow House of no significance, a clear outsider in the first place - to withdraw his candidacy.

From the outset of her rule, Wanre set out to implement a series of rather ambitious economic and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening the role of the district's Temple of Lolth (and through that further cementing Z'ress own grip on the district, as leaders of both the Temple and the district self-governance), stimulating the commerce, building up the army (both the Temple's standing military and hired mercenaries) and generally expanding the district's overall influence.

=== III. ECONOMIC POLICY ===
On the economic front, Z'ress imposed Market Regulation policies that were declared to protect the local merchants and, at the same time, ensure fair competition. [Appendix A: "Economic Reform, translated, by T'risfalee 184AR"]. To this end, the Merchant Guild was to be formed, whose responsibility would be curating the mercantile activity and aligning it with the goals of the district. Financial and tax incentives were to be provided to the businesses that satisfied the needs of the Temple, the district's military, and/or sold goods to Lolth Faithful (as defined by Z'ress and the Temple).

=== IV. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY ===
The most prominent of Z'ress reforms, however, and perhaps the only one that got actually carried out to a significant extent, if not completely, was the merger of the church and the state. It was meant to establish the Temple as the central authority in spiritual and political matters and dictate the positions within both the temple and self-government to be commanded directly from the temple ranks.

As relayed by Yathrin (Priestess) T'risfalee of the Devil's Table, the declared purpose of the merger was to restore the rule of the Matrons over the district by introducing a unified (* if complex & at times contradictory * - Eclavdra's commentary) governance structure where the Matrons of the Table were to be recognized as Ilhar'tallar (High Matrons) and Yath'tallar (High Priestesses) by both the district Self-Government and the Temple. [Appendix A: "Devil's Table: Merging Church & State by T'risfalee, 184AR"]

Matrons were also granted seats on the Matron Councils: one for the district Self-Government, presided by Ulath'ilhar (Arch-Matron) and second for the district Temple (jointly with the Temple clergy) presided by the Ulath'Yathrin (Arch-Priestess, dubbed "Arch-High" in the original documents to the peculiar linguistic delusion of the Andunorians).

Despite a Z'ress statement that "No longer will the two (* Self-Government and Temple* - Eclavdra's comment) be viewed as two separate entities, and no longer will limited resources be spread overly thin." the councils were actually separate entities, although Matrons had seats on each of them.

Moreover, an explanation that "Ulath'Yathrin would only become an Ulath'ilhar (Arch-Matron) in case she would succeed in assassinating the latter," as recalled by T'risfalee to be provided by Matron Z'ress herself,  further corroborates that certain level of separation of powers remained even in the proposed theocratical merger system, at least initially.

However, an aspect of the Z'ress program dictated that "The Matrons of all faithful houses, regardless of district, will serve upon the Archpriestess Council, comprised solely of Yath'tallar and Matrons, to advise and enact the will of the Archpriestess" along with House Z'ress's apparent intention to secure temple control by placing their highest-ranking priestess daughter, Imryl, in the position of Ulath'Yathrin (Arch-Priestess), arguably clarifies the real intent behind the reform, which only partially concerned the restoration of the rule of the Matrons over the district.

The overall goal was, most likely, to use the Councils of Matrons - the Self-Government Council presided over by Wanre Z'ress and the Temple Council, which was to be presided over by a Z'ress Ulath'Yathrin - to further subjugate the Houses and tighten House Z'ress's grip over the district and beyond (as Temple council seats were generously granted to Matron of Faithful, as deemed by Z'ress, Houses from abroad the district).

The reform, however, was also wisely designed to defuse some of the discontent by using the Councils to provide Matrons a platform to express their concerns and needs.

The title of Arch-Matron, however, was never claimed - contested between T'risfalee and Imryl in a fierce rivalry that stemmed from a peculiar conundrum of T'risfalee being the eldest acting Priestess of the Temple while Imryl was the highest-ranking priestess of the ruling House Z'ress. The turmoil of the war that unfolded before the scores were settled and eventual departure of House Z'ress from the city ultimately left the conflict unresolved and the post of Arch-Matron unoccupied.

Aside from the purely administrative reforms, House Z'ress also re-established Killian (Swords) as the military force of the Temple, intended to be stuffed by faithful warriors provided by each House and led by the Killian Commander who would report to the Archpriestess (establishing even further control over the Houses).

As a result of the reforms, the Temple experienced a surge in activity with rather lengthy sermons covering various aspects of Lolth's dogma and sacrifices being held no rarer than every two tendays (the exhausting nature of the sermons, however, arguably contributed to the apathy towards the fate of House Z'ress expressed by the district population in the later stages of their rule).

However, for all the reforms, grand plans, and successes in tightening their grip on the district in the field of internal policy within the district, Wanre's rule was cut short ere it reached its first anniversary, disrupted by the outbreak of the Civil War of 184 AR - fought between House Z'ress and a coalition of the Sharps and Greyport districts.

=== V. EXTERNAL POLICY ===
Primarily a military House, Z'ress conducted frequent surface raids, capturing and sacrificing many darthiir (surface elf) prisoners, further asserting its dominance beyond the trade city.

However, it was rather the alliance with Sharran House Loslansiran of Shadovar [Appendix A: Unveil the Shadow! by Myryn Blightscar], apparently inherited from the district's previous leadership, that proved to be the most fateful factor in the field of diplomacy for the House Z'ress, as the further events would show.

Long rumored to be scheming for a foothold in Andunor, Loslansiran were notorious adversaries of both Tharchion Myryn Blightscar of the Sharps and Domina Lilith Vensurai of Greyport. Accusations against the Sharrans included attempts to "corrupt" Roffin Lairmont, Myryn's predecessor as leader of the Sharps, orchestrating an attempt on Akorae's life, sending  Shadovar Human Iebrol Secundus - the would-be defector and Akorae's future lover [Appendix B:  Interview on 184AR w. Kiaberra Khal'Belaern] to kill her, and sheltering a Cordorian noble of House Sabel who was accused of targetting Lilith of Greyport [Appendix A: Reclaim Andunor 8/8/184AR by Myryn Blightscar, Appendix A:  The truth of this War by "Changeling"].

Despite the conflicting alliances somewhat straining the relationship with neighboring districts, House Z'ress continued, until literally the mere HOURS before the outbreak of the Civil War, to take part in the joint operations against the forces of Myon and Radiant Heart that were conducted together with the Oathsworn - the military of the Sharps and Baneites of Minmir Keep - the very forces fate would soon pit House Z'ress against.

Indeed, in an irony that parallels the peculiar background Matron Wanre shared with Commander Zhozzad of the Oathsworn. Who had once assisted young Wanre with her writwork in the past, mere tendays before the fateful conflict broke out, the Oathsworn was providing the security for the ceremonies held by House Z'ress in Devil's Table district Temple of Lolth as a token of inter-district cooperation.

=== VI. REASONS & CASUS BELLI ===
So what exactly happened, within some 16 hours or so, as we will see further, that caused the yestercycle's comrades in arms to turn against one another in a bloody Civil War that would shake Andunor for months, lead to the Hubmaster's Peacekeepers' intervention and end up in the departure of House Z'ress from the city of Andunor? What were its reasons, who delivered the first blow, and was the immediate event that set the whole conflict into motion?

Answering the first of those questions, most would in one way or another point to House Loslansiran - the longstanding enmity between these Sharrans and the leadership of the Sharps and Greyport districts, their alliance to House Z'ress and Wanre's refusal to denounce them, the failure of inter-district diplomacy to resolve the crisis caused by the old feud.

While, luckily, the tendency of collective memory to forget the minor details instead focusing on major takeaways does certainly help to filter out the noise, I believe that to really answer the question of the reasons for this war we will have to first cover its events and development,

so we will return once more to this question in the conclusion of this work.

Attempting to establish the party that REALLY delivered the first blow is itself somewhat hopeless as the perception of what is a mere reaction and what is the actual first blow differs among different people and boils down to the interpretation of events, even if the vagueness of the memories does not come into play. Thus, instead, I will provide the known sequence of the events without assigning any party as the first offender, leaving the interpretation to the reader.

And as for the latter question - collective forgetfulness offers no help at all. In fact, as mentioned in the foreword, the immediate casus belli is already a subject to certain confusion: some recall the seemingly successful assassination attempt made on Lilith, the Domina of Greyport district around 05/21/184AR, others point to the discovery of Loslansiran agents within the Devil's Table district, some cite Shadovar House's attack on the Sharps Oathsworn and yet others recall attempt at Krok Mankilla.

While each of the events did play a role in igniting the conflict, and from the Greyport's port of view war definitely began with an assassination attempt made on Lilith, the Greyport's Domina - as either House Z'ress themselves (it was rumoured that Z'ress coffers became 6 million lighter after the assassination) or their Loslansiran allies were accused of placing the contract [Appendix A: Reclaim Andunor 8/8/184AR by Myryn Blightscar, Appendix A:  The truth of this War by "Changeling"], what actually had triggered the immediate full-scale hostilities in motion was the combination of two factors claimed by the Sharps (led by Commander Zhozzad and General Ja'kk in Myryn's absence) as casus belli:

1. The lack of discipline on part of Z'ress' Loslansiran allies in the battle fought by Andunorian forces against Myon and Radiant Heart;

2. Two Sharps Oathsworn being killed in the Hub by the attack undertaken on Krok Mankilla by Z'ress Second Daughter Verfryn. [Appendix A: Reclaim Andunor 8/8/184AR by Myryn Blightscar], [Appendix B: Interview on the war of 184AR with Gen. Ja'kk, 22/11/185]

The Sharps leadership claimed that Loslansiran agents had shown a severe lack of discipline during the battle fought against Myon and Radiant Heart by a Reaver warband joined by both Wanre and Myryn. Commander Zhozzad recalls spending six hours discussing the actions of Zress' Sharran allies with Balok Z'ress, Vizier of House Z'ress, in the aftermath of the event. Balok reassured the Sharps that Loslansirans were merely used by Z'ress and there was no reason to be worried about it.

Within 10 hours after that, however, two of the Sharps Oathsworn got killed in the Hub standing near Krok Mankilla as he was attacked by Verfryn Z'ress. Krok Mankilla was an ogre characterized by Zhozzad as a known trouble-maker and annoyance, claimed to have a habit of picking up fights with people. As relayed by Commander Zhozzad, Krok Mankilla had been called "Zress Killa" by the Hub guard prior to the incident, thus provoking House Z'ress to defend their dignity by killing Krok. It is implied by the expressed displeasure the Oathsworn had with Krok over him picking up fights with the Sharps people, among the others, that the Sharps did not oppose Z'ress intention of killing Krok, in fact even recognizing that he had it coming. However, as the attack itself was rather indiscreet - carried out in the Hub, taking the lives of two Oathsworn soldiers who were standing aside from the intended target - Krok near whom they were standing, but leaving many witnesses and drawing the attention of the Peacekeepers, this event in combination with a prior confrontation with House Z'ress over the conduct of their Sharran allies was cited by the Sharps as somewhat "the last straw that broke rothe back" and served the next tri-cycle as the immediate casus belli, being interpreted by General Ja'kk, Commander Zhozzad and Slaughtermaster Nathrakh of the Sharps as a declaration of war.

=== VII. THE COURSE OF THE WAR ===

====   - THE FIRST ENGAGEMENTS - ====
While it is a matter of interpretation of the events regarding what constituted the first strike of the war, the first actual battle commenced as, fully warded, Generals Ja'kk, Zhozzad, and Slaughtermaster Nathrakh arrived at the Devil's Table district.

As recalled by Commander Zhozzad, Z'ress blackguard blithely left the door open and they managed to follow him inside the Z'ress compound. There Commander Zhozzad announced that "violence begat violence" and blackguard retreated into the interior where, reportedly, Matron Wanre Z'ress was also taking cover. Next the Sharps officers engaged the relief forces, as recalled by Zhozzad three against five and defeated them leaving their corpses by Wanre's shattered throne. Zhozzad recalled Wanre sending him a wisp promising to "end every member of his degenerate line and eat his heart."

The first engagement was followed by many more strikes delivered back and forth by the parties, each retaliating the previous to be retaliated by yet a next one. Z'ress and Loslansiran struck back and defeated Sharps soldiers in the Restful Mind establishment in Saltspar, attributing the blame for the strife on Akroae's intrigues. This, in turn, was followed by a retaliation delivered by Commander Zhozzad and General Ja'kk.

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"Now here the really INTERESTING, SPICY stuff begins!" - Eclavdra's commentary written by an excited hand.
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As the hostilities broke, the Saltspar Prison Garrison (an organization as much, if not more, devoted to raiding the surface for captives as it is to guarding inmates and enforcing punishment)  got naturally involved in the war. Not only was Saltspar Outpost itself under the dominion of Greyport - whose leadership accused Z'ress/Loslansiran of an assassination of their Domina - but the Warden of the Saltspar Prison Garrison, Iebrol Secundus, was Akorae's lover: a Loslansiran defector once sent to assassinate her, who ultimately switched allegiances. [Appendix B:  Interview on 184AR w. Kiaberra Khal'Belaern]

Of course, as it was a civil war, the lines between sides were often blurred and shifting. Even the Saltspar Garrison found itself divided - Kieaberra Khal'Belaern, a regular of the Saltspar garrison at the onset of the conflict and a devoted Kiaransaleean herself - driven by her grudge against Akorae and bribed by Wanre with a Wood Elf slave named Zalata whom they took captive during one of the joint raids with Loslansiran, defected and sided with the Lolthite House Z'ress as a retainer. Despite her being a follower of the Banshee, Z'ress bestowed on her the title of "Warden of Lolth's Darkness" to scry and hunt down apostates and heretics.[Appendix B:  Interview on 184AR w. Kiaberra Khal'Belaern]

As with every civil war, however, it also had external parties involved - Loslansiran, naturally, supported Z'ress while Baneites of Minmir Keep honored their alliance with the Sharps. Thus, fueled by long-held grudges, personal vendettas, and alliance duties, the conflict grew bigger.

====   - TRUCE - ====
Pretty soon, however, less than two months into the war, the sides began to experience war fatigue and acknowledged the futility of the back-and-forth violence. Arch-Matron Wanre approached General Ja'kk with an offer of truce, invoking an old debt he owed to Z'ress for their help in dealing with a chainbreaker crisis. There were allegations that the Sharps were aiding the chain breakers to free slaves, and Z'ress had shown Ja'kk where the slaves earned their freedom. [Appendix B: Interview on war of 184AR with Gen. Ja'kk, 22/11/185]

For posterity, I should note that practice when masters break the chains of their slaves as a reward for service was hardly uncommon and not particularly secret - for example, the famed warrior Nazkol used to be slave to Arak and was freed that way, as did Kit reclaim freedom with the help of House Briz'zek. The system of slavery is, of course, the backbone of the Andunorian society, but 2 million coins saved - are two million coins earned. In fact, House Z'ress themselves apparently used the knowledge of the chain breaking to grant their human slave and a veteran of the war - Fraudrin - his freedom as a reward for his service. It was, after all, rumored that the Z'ress war chest was heavily strained as the war effort consumed their coin reserves for bounties on the heads of their enemy leaders and materiel, so they had no spare millions to reward slaves.

In any case, frustrated by the "back-and-forth nonsense war" and honoring the debt to Z'ress, on 7/11/184AR, Ja'kk exercised his authority to sign the truce between the Sharps, the Table, and Loslansiran (or "Loslalans" as Ja'kk named them in his declaration) representing the Sharps side in the absence of Myryn:

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Declaration of Truce 7/11/184AR by Ja'kk

* Transcribed by Eclavdra from notes taken from Hub public board.*

"By the authority vested in General Ja'kk, this declaration establishes a ceasefire among the factions of the Sharps, the Tables, and House Loslalans. All parties agree to the following terms:"

+ "No party shall initiate attacks, or hostile actions towards another"

+ "All forms of eavesdropping, spying and covert observation between the districts and guild are hereby suspended."

+ "Hostile or surveilance or ending may only resume if a formal, public statement declaing an end to this truce is issued."

"Failure to abide these terms without due notice will be regarded as a violation of the truce. In event of such disregards coming from the Sharps, unless publicly announced a thrine before. I, General Ja'kk shall formally withdraw of this back-and-forth nonsense war."

"May we find strength in unity, or consequence in betrayal."

Day 11, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 1384 DR (184 AR)
<br>Ja'kk
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====   - RESUMED HOSTILITIES - ====
The truce, however, was short-lived. Upon his return, Tharchion Myryn of the Sharps expressed discontent with the decisions made in his absence by General Ja'kk and was determined to see the war through to its end. He temporarily stripped Ja'kk of his command and launched an investigation into his actions, suspecting him of acting in bad faith - perhaps even as an agent of Z'ress or acting under illithid control (general being an ex-thrall)[Appendix B:  Interview on 184AR w. Kiaberra Khal'Belaern]

On 8/8/184AR, Myryn issued a fiery appeal to Andunor, rallying support with a call to arms and putting forward an ultimatum that demanded Z'ress to denounce their alliance with Loslansiran, cease the violence, apologize to the Greyport, and pay up the reparations as the conditions for peace. [Appendix A: Reclaim Andunor 8/8/184AR by Myryn Blightscar] Z'ress would not denounce their allies, demanding evidence of their involvement in the alleged crimes, and the war erupted once again with renewed fury. Myryn's ultimatum was met with Z'ress' own peace offers delivered on the parchment soaked in the blood of their fallen foes and posted on the Hub board. [Appendix A: *Bloodsoaked Letter* by Wanre Z'ress]

The sides exchanged blows, avenging their fallen and falling to the other's retaliation. Bloodstained streets, littered with the corpses of the slain from the previous night's battle, became a grim fixture of the morning in the districts as the violence raged on the streets and spilled into Hub itself again and again. Truly disruptive, I saw with my own eyes the standoffs between the warring parties that took place at the Hub portal area, warded against teleportation. The clashes between combatants were followed by further violence perpetuated by agitated onlookers, not involved in the conflict itself, but excited by the display and thirsty for more blood.

====   - PEACEKEEPER INTERVENTION - ====
With neither side willing to give in, the war escalated, spiraling ever further and bloodier to its breaking point, when the threat to the trade and neutrality of the Hub called for the Hubmaster's intervention. On 08/28/184AR, Peacekeeper Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat issued the edict that temporarily suspended violence in the Hub and summoned the combatants for questioning.

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Peacekeeper Commander Edict - 28 Elasias Highsun, 184 A.R.

By the Authority of the Peacekeepers,

From the Desk of Peacekeeper Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat,

"To all residents, traders, and visitors of the sovereign Trade Hub of Andunor:"

"It is with the utmost gravity that I, Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat, address the recent violation of our sacred neutrality within the Hub. A conflict of unprecedented and reckless proportions erupted within our walls, casting aside respect for law and order, and endangering the livelihood and safety of countless patrons."

"This brazen act of aggression has disrupted vital trade routes, imperiled the city's hardworking denizens, and tarnished the spirit of commerce that forms the backbone of our community. Such behavior will not be tolerated."

"Thus, let it be known that effective immediately:"

"All combatants involved in the skirmish, whether direct participants or those who aided and abetted, are hereby summoned to appear before the myself at the Guard Headquarters within three cycles time. Failure to comply will be met with forceful apprehension."

"A temporary suspension of arms within the Trade Hub and its surrounding territories is declared. Any violation of this suspension will result in immediate detainment and the forfeiture of weaponry."

"An investigative unit will be dispatched to assess the full extent of damages, and reparations will be levied against those deemed responsible. The Hubmaster will be working with the district influences of Greyport, House Freth, and House Claddath to ensure that those who are deemed responsible are held accountable."

"Our mission, as ever, is to uphold the safety and peace within the trade hub and preserve the sanctity of the hub's trading status. To those who respect this, know that you stand under the aegis of the Peacekeepers' protection. To those who defy this, understand that justice will be swift and without prejudice or mercy."

"Let this serve as both warning and assurance: we will not allow our city's sanctity to be further marred by disorder."

Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat
<br>Peacekeeper Commander, Guardian of the sovereign Trade Hub of Andunor.

Day 28, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 1384 DR (184 AR)
<br>Peacekeeper Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat
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Additional elite guards were temporarily deployed in the Hub meeting any violence with a swift and unrestrained retaliation to enforce peace in the Hub. The combatants found guilty of violating the Hub neutrality were temporarily deprived of the Hub's services and banned from using its portal.

With that, the war still went on within the districts for some time, for instance, on 09/01/184AR Myryn addressed Andunor with a new eloquent appeal to hunt down Loslansiran agents, listing their names and known guises, [Appendix A: Unveil the Shadow! by Myryn Blightscar] but pretty soon began to dwindle down as whatever side was at a disadvantage at the moment would retreat to the Hub. I myself saw the Sharps people rallying their low-ranking men from the streets to seek refuge in the Hub and District Houses as the word of an impending attack force gathered in Shadovar reached Andunor.

Eventually, House Z'ress was forced to release their control over the Table and leave Andunor.

Already on day 17, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 184AR, Myryn proclaimed the achieved peace a victory for Andunor over what he called to be an insurgency and invited people to celebrate the cessation of hostilities on the Sharpsfest which was organized the next month on Uktar19th 184AR. Myryn also promised support to whatever new leadership the Table district citizens would elect.

=== VIII. CONCLUSIONS ===

====   - REASONS - ====
As we move on to draw conclusions, I would like to, as promised above, circle back to the question of the reasons for this conflict now that we have reviewed it in all the complexity and contradictions of its many aspects. Like a river swollen by countless tributaries, this civil war was fed by alliances, defections, conflicting interests, and mutual grudges, all converging to erupt in a violent tide. It saw yestercycle's comrades in arms turn against one other, it saw daughters of noble Houses provoked and defending their honor lashing out indiscriminate violence in the Hub, it saw Shadovar defectors fighting their ex-comrades to honor their duty to their new home and defend the drow apostate lover they were once sent to kill, and it saw their Kiaransaleean subordinate defecting to join the Lolthite drow House as a hunter of the enemies of their faith to have her vengeance, it was fueled up as allies of the involved parties honored their duties and answered the calls to join the battle, it saw assassination attempts and broken truces, it saw complex intrigues and manipulations, fiery appeals, accusations, and twisted truths.

Was the immediate war triggered by Verfyn's sloppy attack on Mankilla, provoked by some loudmouths in the Hub? Probably. Could the war have been avoided had the incident not occurred? I would say - unlikely.

An assassination attempt on Lilith or Verfryn's attack on Mankilla were indeed triggers that set the avalanche of pent-up violence loose. Loslansiran's alliance with Z'ress did certainly bother many of the city's high-ups, being their longstanding rival. Still, I would say it was the great mass of contradictions, the complicated web of suppressed conflicts, old grudges that piled up plagued the city's factions and figures, spiced up with customary paranoia and healthy distrust, biding their moment to lash out, that was the ultimate reason for war. Thus, neither the war was avoidable, nor did it have a single cause; rather, the causes were many, at times personal, peculiar to each of the participants. The conditions were ready for the war, and If it wasn't for the attack on Mankilla taking the lives of the extra two Oathsworn, it would be for something completely different, but triggering the same outcome.

====   - OPINIONS - ====
As for some assessments of this war:

Kiaberra, who became the Crone Matron of House Khal'Belaern, deems it to be a diplomatic failure and expression of fear the reactionary forces had for a rising new power;

General Ja'kk of the Sharps recalls it fondly as a good war and one that taught him much, praising Z'ress for their strategy aimed at severing his ward supply and proudly speaking of the time he broke in Wanre's manor killing everyone he could find.

Commander Zhozzad similarly fondly recalls the battles fought against Z'ress but blames Greyport and their endless meetings about meetings for burning him out.

I myself did not take any major part in the war, being busy with conflicts and street violence of my own. Still, it did impact me when it seemed I could pitted against Slaughtermaster Nathrakh, who I am proud to consider my friend, because of the district politics. Also, waking up to the House goblin (the Admiral, Aspiring Actor and Alcoholic) retainer reporting excitedly of the freshly slain corpses lining up the district streets after the previous night's clash did leave a certain impression and helped me to adjust my expectations for this city and this district.

As for the House Z'ress, I would note that despite having executed an impressive series of administrative reforms and consolidating their control over the Devil's Table district, facing no internal opposition, and, perhaps, expecting respective commitment from the district denizens, facing setbacks on the front of an external war, they found out that significant portion of the population was rather indifferent to the fate of their ruling House's. The regular long-winded sermons at the temple and frequent boasting of impressive successes in raiding the surface did less to endear them to the population than they would expect. This, however, is only my impression, rather than a verifiable fact, but one that surely teaches us something about society.

=== IX. AFTERMATH ===
In the immediate aftermath of the Peacekeeper Commander's resolution of the conflict, House Z'ress left the city - reportedly for Sibayad, where the Sharran House Loslansiran is said to claim abode. It was rumored that Z'ress was seen claiming a fortress in the far desert for a while after their departure from Andunor.

In less than a year after the events, Myryn Blightscar stepped down from his post as the Tharchion of the Sharps and moved on to Sibayad, where, according to some, he now collaborates with House Loslansiran - one of the prominent local powers. [Appendix B:  Interview on 184AR w. Kiaberra Khal'Belaern]

= = =
Fail Upwards!

=== APPENDIX A ===

==== Economic Reform, translated, by T'risfalee 184AR ====

* Originally written in Xanalress, this is one of the documents sent to the Matrons of Devil's Table, this copy was generously donated for the purpose of historical preservation by Matron Araj of House Sh'yalva. *

"I, Yathrin T'risfalee of the Devil's Table, have proactively set myself into the task of translating the new edicts of the Table into Xanalress and distributing for a more convenient perusal. Therefore, I am held liable should any misconceptions and/or misinterpretations have arisen from the translation."

"To enhance the district's economic strength by increasing profits for merchants, securing supply routes, and ensuring the district's wealth is channeled into building a formidable mercenary army."

Market Expansion and Regulation

-"Market Regulation policies will be implemented to protect local merchants and ensure fair competition. Tax incentives will be provided to businesses that align with the goals of the Temple and sell goods to Lolth's Congregation."

-"The Merchant Guild will be formed among the merchants of The Devil's Table. The guild will work directly with the Merchants to ensure that economic activities align with the district's needs."

Resource Management

-"Resources will be allocated strategically to ensure merchants have the supply lines necessary to maintain stocks in wares, without absorption of exorbitant material prices."

-"The Merchant guild will look to strengthen the district's supply chains by forming trade bands, material incentives, and supplier contracts with outside merchants."

Economic Growth Initiatives

-"Investment will be made in Infrastructure, using district funds to improve and support increased economic activity."

-"The district will also offer financial incentives to merchants and craftsmen who produce goods that support the district's military and Temple needs."

Keeper of the Treasury and Market Expectations

-"Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity in managing the district's resources, ensuring that wealth is used to strengthen the district."

-"Develop and implement a comprehensive economic strategy that aligns with the objectives of the district."

-"Consistently seek out new methods to improve the district's economic performance and driving growth."

-"Identify opportunities for trade expansion and resource acquisition that will enhance the district's economic stability."

-"Exhibit strong leadership, making informed decisions that will steer the district's economy towards sustained prosperity."

-"Manage the district's treasury, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to support the district's needs, including religious, military, and infrastructure projects."

-"Ensure the efficient movement of goods within and outside the district by establishing and maintaining trade routes."

-"Lead the Merchant Guild, ensuring that their activities support the district's broader economic goals. Provide guidance and directives to maintain alignment with the Temple's teachings."

-"Engage in negotiations and forge alliances with key trading partners and other districts, securing advantageous trade agreements and resources."

"Lolth be praised."

Day 26, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 184 AR (1384 DR)

Anonymous
----

==== Devil's Table: Merging Church & State by T'risfalee, 184AR ====

* Originally written in Xanalress, this is one of the documents sent to the Matrons of Devil's Table, this copy was generously donated for the purpose of historical preservation by Matron Araj of House Sh'yalva *

"I, Yathrin T'risfalee of the Devil's Table, have proactively set myself into the task of translating the new edicts of the Table into Xanalress and distributing for a more convenient perusal. Therefore, I am held liable should any misconceptions and/or misinterpretations have arisen from the translation."

"The purpose of merging Church and State is to create a unified governance structure where the Matrons of the Table are recognized as Ilhar'tallar and Yath'tallar by both the Temple and the Government respectively. The Temple will be the central authority in both spiritual and political matters, as well as the cultural epicenter of The Devil's Table. The government and Temple will be ruled by the Matron councils, lead respectively by the Ulath'tallar and the Ulath'Ilhar. Positions of Church and Government will be established directly from the temple ranks."

"No longer will the two be viewed as two separate entities, and no longer will limited resources be spread overly thin."

House Matrons

-"Matrons of recognized houses loyal to Lolth will hold the honorary title of Yath'tallar within the Temple."

-"This honorary title reinforces the Matron's sacred duty to the Temple of Lolth, to provide it loyal house members to serve its purposes and raise children more pious to Lolth than their mothers."

-"The Matrons of all faithful houses, regardless of district, will serve upon the Archpriestess Council, comprised solely of Yath'tallar and Matrons, to advise and enact the will of the Archpriestess."

-"The faithful Matrons of the table will serve upon the Arch Matron's Council, to advise and enact the will of the Arch Matron."

-"Matrons who serve in council will provide their priestesses in service of the Temple for ceremony, and their warriors will stand within the Killian, as the Army of Lolth."

Establishment of the Ulath'tallar Council

-"The council will be composed of the Matrons of all faithful houses, regardless of district, each recognized as Yath'tallar."

-"Yathrin who rise to the rank of Yath'tallar will also sit upon this council."

-"This council will have absolute authority over all religious decisions within Lolth's Faith, as well as the movements of Lolth's Army. Its decrees will be backed by the divine will of Lolth."

Establishment of the Ulath'Ilhar Council

-"The council will be composed of the Matrons of the Devil's Table, each recognized as Ilhar'tallar."

-"The Ulath'Ilhar Council will govern the district, ensure the enforcement of Lolth's doctrines, and manage the district's economic and social policies."

Establishment of the Ruling Council (The Inner Web)

-"Among the most pious and contributing houses, two Ilhar'tallar will be named Noble Ilhar'tallar and be granted landed nobility within The Devil's Table."

-"The Ruling Council will guide the growth of the Houses of the Devil's Table, each will ensure the growth and success of at least one minor house."

Restructuring of the Temple

-"The Temple will be restructured to ensure the indoctrination process of new arrivals. Priestesses will ascend through the ranks based on their devotion and service to Lolth, with the most loyal and capable promoted to positions of governance."

-"Rigorous training programs will be put in place to ensure all Yathrin are prepared for religious duties."

-"New arrivals will undergo a series of trials upon entering the district to ensure their loyalty to Lolth."

-"A curriculum will be developed to teach the principles of Lolth's faith, the laws of the district, and the role of each individual in serving the congregation. These will be given as tasks, missions, or targets, to show faith in Lolth, each with increasing rewards."

-"Temple Gatherings will be held a minimum of once every 21 cycles. At these gatherings, rites and ceremonies will be observed as Lolth demands, Lolth's faithful will be given audience with the Matron Councils, and New Arrivals will be tasked with missions of faith from those in need of work."

Yath'anva - Acolytes

-"The acolyte is one of Lolth's faithful that has yet to prove they are free of heresy or infidelity."

-"The acolyte will complete tasks assigned to her by the temple to teach and demonstrate The Eight Strands of Lolth's Web."

-"The acolyte will prove their fidelity to Lolth's doctrines and potential for advancement before being initiated into the Temple as a novitiate priestess or as a standing member of Lolth's Congregation."

-"Yath'anva may move into positions as District Merchants, Mercenaries, or as members of Lolth's Army (The Killian)."

-"Table merchants will be given tax incentives for business conducted with the Yath'anva of the District."

Ranks of the Temple and Advancement

"Ulath'tallar - Archpriestess" * "Andunorian drow are insane and use term "arch-high" for "arch-priestess", I still struggle to find explanation for this nonsense" - note by Eclavdra *

-"The Archpriestess is the highest-ranking priestess of Lolth and the supreme religious leader of the Temple."

-"The Archpriestess holds the ultimate religious authority within the City, her word is law in matters of faith and doctrine."

-"The Archpriestess is the august body of Lolth's will on Toril, interpreting and enacting Lolth's will with absolute authority."

-"The Archpriestess leads the most sacred rituals, makes final decisions on temple affairs, and ensures the temple's influence and power within our society."

-"The Archpriestess may act as a mentor to the High Priestess and other senior priestesses as she sees fit, guiding them in their service to Lolth."

Yathtallar - High Priestess

-"The High Priestess is second only to the Archpriestess."

-"The High Priestess wields the authority of the Archpriestess in her absence as a delegate."

-"The High Priestess sits upon the Archpriestess Council to advise and enact her will."

-"The High Priestess holds responsibility for overseeing the temple's daily operations and maintaining political and spiritual influence."

-"The High Priestess may delegate authority and responsibility down as she sees fit, and she guides the First Priestess as her right hand."

Yath'rah - First Priestess

-"The First Priestess assists the High Priestess, managing the temple's activities, and taking on leadership roles in the absence of the High Priestess."

-"The First Priestess will train the Priestesses of the Temple, observe their ceremonies and sermons, and ensure they are conducted to satisfaction."

-"The First Priestess is chosen among the Priestesses by the Archpriestess, as the Priestess who shows the most promise to rise to High Priestess."

Yathrin - Priestess

-"The Priestess is fully ordained and recognized in the Temple of Lolth, having been severely tested and found worthy."

-"The Priestess conducts regular rituals, provides guidance to followers, and participates in temple politics and governance."

-"The Priestess is responsible for training acolytes and testing novitiate priestess, ensuring The Eight Strands of Lolth's Web are well understood."

-"The Priestess is responsible for overseeing specific aspects of the temple's functions as delegated."

-"The Priestess will rise within ranks through her understanding of Lolth's will."

Yath'abban - Novitiate Priestess

-"The novitiate priestess is a recognized member of the temple, having been initiated but remains a novice in her Temple training."

-"The novitiate priestess has completed the tasks assigned to her as an acolyte to teach The Eight Strand of Lolth's Web."

-"The novitiate priestess will assist in rituals and undertake missions to demonstrate her loyalty and capability."

-"The novitiate priestess will learn advanced doctrines as taught within the Temple."

-The novitiate priestess will bring forth sermons to the gathered congregation to show her understanding of The Eight Strands of Lolth's Web. Should she complete these with satisfaction, she will be tested by the council and be fully ordained.

The Killian

-"The Killian is the divine army of Lolth. They stand as the stalwart defenders of the Temple and its clergy."

-"The Killian are the whip in the hand of the Archpriestess, who enact her will and bring the Temple sacrifices and glory."

-"The Killian is comprised of Lolth's faithful warriors provided by each Matrron."

-"The Killian is lead by the Killian Commander, and reports to the Archpriestess."

-"Two Captains will be named among the Killian, who will lead patrols and excursions in the absence of the Commander."

-"Among all the Killian, one Champion will be named, the mightiest of Lolth's warriors, and be granted the title of 'The Spider Knight of Lolth.'"

Day 17, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 184 AR (1384 DR)
<br>Anonymous

<nowiki>-----------------------------------</nowiki>

==== Unveil the Shadow! by Myryn Blightscar ====
"I fight against the Shadovar known as Loslansiran, or the Void Cult. Enemies to all peoples. These degenerate 'scions of Netheril' cling to faded glory, corrupted by Amn's decadent western culture seeping in through Cordor. They hide in the Fortress of Sibayad and its Manzil, with agents like Ethuud Hallow posing as 'defectors' even in Cordor."

Loslansiran Roster
<br>?-

<poem>Helwyn Loslansiran - Lady Myst
Kraston Loslansiran
Natanya Loslansiran
Altrin Gol
Ethuud Hollow
Crow Loslansiran
Velyere Loslansiran
Katya Nailo
Azahara Sabel - Guild Assassin moniker: Black Rose
Corvin Nyctarius Zirael
Sariel Shadowthorn
Theldron
Azurelle - Tiefling
Raeth Elugaunt
Selaphina Darkpocket - Halfling, alias: Atherta</poem>

"The shades strike and deny. Their deception being that there is no evidence of their existence. The Blade of Tempus shall pierce the veil."

"After Cordor, they were driven out of the Sharps when their puppet lost. They possessed Saltspar until ousted again. Now they have taken possession of the Devil's Table where they gloat about killing vagrants in the Arelith Forest who call themselves 'adventurers'. They could flee to Guldorand next."

"The Tharchiate shall fight all who threaten us. The regime protects our people from any threat. We fight for a better city. We spilled the blood of their forces in our district as Wanre Z'ress cowers."

"They hide in shadow with false-faces, with anonymous messages on boards. You see us on the streets, I sign my messages, and we are looking for you SHADE."

Tharchion in the West,

Day 1, Month 9 (Eleint), 184 AR (1384 DR)
<br>Myryn Blightscar

<nowiki>-----------------------------------</nowiki>

==== Reclaim Andunor 8/8/184AR by Myryn Blightscar ====

* Transcribed by Eclavdra *

"They whisper, twist words, and spread poison. Rumors, lies, tales spun to keep you confused, uncertain, docile, divided, and fearful. Since the shades? violent resurgence the city had blood spilled and their action followed by denial leaves most confused."

The Call to Reclaim Andunor

As Tharchion of the Sharps, I decree:

- "I call upon Andunor to join me in BATTLE to keep our city free and ensure our destiny remains in our hands, not in those of interlopers with ambitions of their own."

- "Loslansiran are our ENEMIES--an insidious influence that must not be tolerated. They are not more Andunorian than any one of us, and their attempts to manipulate us shall fail. Any who call them ally shall face our wrath."

- "The Sharps alliance with the Devil's Table is absolved. Wanre Z'ress's words of peace do not align with actions that threaten our city's sovereignty."
<br>?-

Unity of Andunor and the Rise of the Tharchiate

"People of Andunor, remember a time before this when the districts were bound together. We defended our realm from enemies above and below. Know that Andunor belongs to you, not those who live in the desert wastes who hide in their manzils and take advantage of the Devil's Table."

"A year past we stood shoulder to shoulder, crushing the insipid surface militias. My election was the people's voice, sanctioned by Exalted Claddath despite those who attempted to subvert the people. Since then, the Sharps has grown from ruin to a bastion of strength, a force for those of all lineages and creeds. United in a shared destiny."

"The Devil's Table's regimes have kept close to Lolth with Andunorian characteristics of innovation and tolerance through empowering those of faith rather than be distracted by crushing those of different mindsets. Greyport's prosperity and opportunity for sailors has supported the endeavors of the city and the people of the city saw the districts not only create a place of free expression, unity in military effort, and stability."

"Over time, the districts prospered with fierce warriors in the Ruathym Reavers, the forces of Saltspar, and numerous bands large or small who added to the security and prosperity of Andunor. The Pirates of Sencliff and the Minmir Keep have seen our works and know their fates are bettered by their connection with us in victory and wealth. In this era we defeated Myth Myon, Cordor, the Radiant Heart, and the Earthkin Alliance in battle. So thorough were our victories you may have noticed that there has not been an incursion in Andunor for almost a year."

"This is because we have crushed our opposition, engaged with surface realms to avoid the mistake of striking our realm and enjoyed stability and prosperity. Look no further than the resurgence of the Erudite Arcanum from when there was last conflict to its status as a cherished institution as the greatest center of knowledge in Arelith. Those who arrived in Andunor had many opportunities to join with organizations that fit their own ambitions between the districts and the various organizations."
<br>?-

The Shadow's Schemes

"The shadow has struck. Its venomous influence, unseen at first, became clear after the cowardly attack on Lilith Vensurai, leading to skirmishes in the Hub over petty arguments on faith and ego, spiraling into open violence. Soon after, a war of words ensued as bounties were placed upon district leaders."

"Years ago, a shadow war between Akorae and Loslansiran in information brokerage reared its head, continuing when Iebrol Secundus was ordered to kill Akorae for subverting their past intrigues. Lilith Vensurai was targeted by a Cordorian noble of House Sabel sheltered by Loslansiran. Z'ress shielded Loslansiran by demanding "proof" while accusing Akorae of absurdly betraying her friend and ally. Veirfryn Z'ress witnessed the events and pretended ignorance. This follows Loslansiran's tactics. Striking, denying, and hiding behind false faces to mislead and divide."

"The history of Loslansiran is long and affects us in each action. Initially creedless attackers under the Void Cult, they meddled in Andunor'ss affairs, now disguised as a 'noble house' from the realm of shadow. They infiltrated Cordor, influencing leaders and corrupting Roffin Lairmont, the Sharps' former governor, into the cult of Shar. Through agents like Iebrol Secundus, Corvin, and Sariel, they sought to control Saltspar Prison, while their interference extended to manipulating my election to favor the other candidate due to seeing me as a 'pawn of the Table'. I have seen their schemes firsthand, and they had ample time to justify their actions to me, choosing instead to blame Akorae while they sowed discord."

"Recently, Loslansiran agents fled after attempting to claim credit for a victory won by a Reaver-majority warband Wanre and I joined. Their actions reveal a lack of honor, and their manipulation continues to be a plague upon the city. The Reavers and I both were vexed by their lack of discipline."
<br>?-

Escalation of Hostilities in Andunor

"Following this battle, tensions escalated. Krok Mankilla and independent drow clashed with Veirfryn Z'ress, known for arguing petty matters in the Hub. The Hubmaster intervened, and the Sharps reinforced peace efforts, but violence persisted. Z'ress and Loslansiran killed many who opposed them, further igniting unrest."

"Later, Loslansiran and Z'ress harassed soldiers at the Restful Mind in Saltspar, and conflict flared again as they attacked Krok and my soldiers, Cleaver, Augustus Rex, and a slave. I arrived as the final soldier fell, witnessing their aggression. Wanre Z'ress attempted to portray Loslansiran as misunderstood, claiming Akorae's lies caused the strife and that Loslansiran was "more Andunorian" than most before offering to help destroy the decadent west."

"Following this, Commander Zhozzad and General Ja'kk avenged our fallen soldiers. Two struck for two of ours defeated. Loslansiran then twisted an old oath, which all Deep Legion Orcs except Arak were ignorant, using it to coerce my General into an unauthorized truce."

"They accused the Sharps of freeing slaves and being chainbreakers. I, indeed, have freed slaves?so they could serve me freely, as creatures who earned their liberty. Vortiger earned his by slaying Principes Nuhl who rots near Umbrick Hall."

"Nazkol, a celebrated warrior, would be celebrated in the Sharps were it not for her slave status was conjured by Z'ress by the slavecaller and killed for the mere crime of being a slave to Arak and serving the interests of the Deep Legion."

"House Z'ress and Loslansiran recently captured Myon's elves, using agents to infiltrate Minmir Keep and stage executions to coerce alliances with the Sharps. They then sent me a 'gift' of ears. A barbaric Nuhl practice, including the burnt ear of one of my Oathsworn."

The Sharps has upheld these principles:

- "Protection of Andunor's values as a trade city of opportunity where business and expression of thought can flourish."

- "Maintaining peace in the Hub as a center of business, where violence is rare and does not infringe on the Hubmaster's peace."

- "Safeguarding the city from threats--external and internal--to prevent foreign influences from destroying our way of life."

- "Respecting district autonomy, allowing each district to govern itself without outside meddling."

- "Upholding the Erudite Arcanum as a neutral institution open to all of Andunor."
<br>?-

What is the Cost of Peace?

"We all desire peace, yet peace demands strength. To attain it, the current regime of the Table must denounce Loslansiran, dissolve their alliance, halt violent purges in the Hub, apologize to Greyport, and pay reparations to the Sharps for their assault on our soldiers."

"Let us reclaim our city and, through the sword, forge a path to glory."
<br>?-

"GLORY TO THE SHARPS!"

Tharchion in the West,

Day 8, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 1384 DR (184 AR)
<br>Myryn Blightscar

<nowiki>-----------------------------------</nowiki>

==== The truth of this War by "Changeling" ====
"The truth of this War"

"Wanre, it's quite bold of you and your allies to deflect the realities of the conflict that you opened your doors to by aligning yourself with the Shadovar of Loslansiran. You speak out directly to Myryn after the Hubmaster has called for a ceasefire, after the butchery that you and your allies subjected the citizens of Andunor to, claiming that he is 'finally ready for peace'. You put much of the blame on this conflict on his shoulders, claiming that you pushed for peace."

"But let's be honest."

"A woman of peace does not march through the Hub, slaughtering merchants and writ-workers, and singling out proud warriors on the street to be bled like chattel."

"A woman of peace does not arrange the six million coin bounty of a Greyport district head to be collected by her allies, after they brutalize her to such a degree that she is no longer fit to rule."

"A woman of peace does not break into a theatre of the arts to brutally assault their owners who have tried to maintain neutrality against her aggression."

"A woman of peace does not align herself with warmongers and manipulators, who previously found purchase in serving Cordor's crown and killing Andunorians through fabricated raids that they defeated."

"A woman of peace takes responsibility for her actions of aggression, rather than spreading more lies and obfuscations about the alliegiances and activities of those who protect Andunor."

"The thought of peace in these moments were as foreign to you as a moth is to shite. It is by the honorable word of the Hubmaster who you fear and respect ONLY NOW, that you have ceased your attacks."

* "Wanre did offer peace prior to that, as can be seen by the preserved bloodsoaked notes, and she was the one who approached Ja'kk offering Truce to begin with WAY before he peacekeeper resolution, so whomever "Changeling" were they were interpreting facts reather creatively, seemingly writing more for the dramatic effect here, than recounting the facts" - note by Eclavdra *

"Allow me to share the TRUTH to Andunor of why the Sharps and the Greyport has made a clear-cut stand against your choice of allies, and your aggression."

"The Loslansiran once embedded themselves into Cordor's government as they do now with the Table. Before the Z'ress were in power, the Princess of the Table, Vasyrin Auvryndar, Chosen of Lolth, considered the Loslansiran to be enemies of Andunor."

"The Loslansiran dug skin deep into the Last Tyrant of the Sharps, Roffin Lairmount. Roffin was handled by a man named Iebrol Secundus who served the Loslansiran, before he turned from them to serve Andunor. Iebrol has testified to how the Loslansiran manipulated the Sharps district before the Tharchionate freed the people of the Sharran tyrrany. The Loslansiran directed Roffin to conduct raids against Cordor that they would convieniently defeat to gain prestige on the surface, all the while murdering citizens of Andunor for their benefit."

"Akorae of the Greyport intercepted their shadovar games with her intelligence network, one that serves the benefit of the city. It was by her efforts and the efforts of the former Table leadership that the Loslansiran's influence was expunged from the city, especially with the assassination of Roffin Lairmount. With his removal, the Loslansiran also lost their exalted position among Cordor's elite, finding themselves exiled, their treachery to both cities revealed."

"After the Loslansiran were defeated by the combined efforts of Andunorian merchants and true Daughters of Lolth, the Sharrans began a campaign of misinformation against Akorae. They spread rumors of her being a chainbreaker, and a moondancer. Lolthites unwise to the manipulations of the Sharrans, and without critical thought, drank up the information that the shadovar fabricated as if they had been adrift in the desert finding water for the first time."

"It has been during my tenure as Vizier, and my close friendship with Xveven, that I have been made privy to the extent of the Z'ress infatuation with Akorae's downfall on account of her 'heresy'. The misinformation spread by the Loslansiran also heavily influenced Veirfryn, who likely fed it into the ear of Wanre. I personally saw that Veirfryn went to great lengths to try and gather whatever crumbs of evidence that she could to paint Akorae to be a traitor."

"It was through Xveven that the Loslansiran was introduced to the House of Zress. I personally saw the Loslansiran blighting the farmlands of the Surface. Shortly after Xveven's death, the Loslansiran were recruited openly into the Table. This event also coincided with the attack on Lilith Vensurai, Domina of the Greyport, and one of Akorae's greatest allies. It has been noted that the Table's coffers had been drained of six million coin after Lilith's attack, and should provide an explanation to anyone about why they are currently unable to pay the bounty that rests upon Wanre's head. The Loslansiran and Z'ress constructed this attack to strike at Akorae."

"After this attack, they worked to spread lies about Myryn's rule, claiming that Akorae puppeteered him, and that she also controlled his warriors. They conspired to assassinate him, and have Myryn be replaced by the Reavers of the Greyport if they agreed to serve the Table. The Shadovar and Z'ress provoked attacks against Oathsworn warriors that also broke out into large-scale bloodshed, killing multiple individuals outside the regime and within. They started more fights in the Hub, one that specifically ended up with a hellball being thrown by one of the Shadovar combatants named Corvin. The attack on the Table's district house was lead by the Sharps Commander Zhozzad in honorable retaliation for their attacks against our people, but they tried to paint Akorae as being the mastermind behind this response."

"The Loslansiran and Z'ress manipulated leaders within the Sharps district again after this, by calling upon Arak of the Lost Legion to coerce Ja'kk, General of the Sharps, to sign a 'ceasefire' under the pretense that Akorae was manipulating the Sharps with bad intelligence. They also called back to an oath made by Arak to the old house of Z'ress many years before he served the current regime to force Ja'kk to kneel. They abused the priviledges the Slavemaster has granted to citizens by summoning Arak's slave Naz'kol with the slave caller, killing her inside the pit from their vantage of height and numbers superiority in front of the caller."

"One of the Loslansiran women approached me personally during the escalations of this conflict and tried to manipulate me in an attempt to embed herself in the Sharps regime. She admitted to me that Roffin was made her thrall, wrapping the Sharps around her finger. She admitted their hatred of Akorae and their efforts to see to her downfall. They admitted that they had the power to see Myryn killed, but elected not to, because they wanted to work with the Sharps. She tried to lie to my face that Zhozzad attacked the Devils Table under orders of Akorae. These schemers actively try to recruit people in secrecy, and have a halfling pickpocket from the surface that makes a habit of stealing from Andunor's residents, and still does so now. Her name is Selaphina."

"It was these actions of escalation, with the historical knowledge of Loslansiran influence that war was declared, and the Z'ress ceased to be present rulers of their district. They have murdered in the Hub, terrorized citizens uninvolved with the conflict, and breached the Hubmaster's peace. There has been little recourse for these actions because Wanre chooses an approach of hiding somewhere unreachable alongside her Shadovar allies, only striking when they have numbers advantage. I suspect they are hiding from the Hubmaster even now, if they have not answered his summons for their attack."

"Before you read anymore sharran lies on the board, ask yourself: have you seen Wanre, or her daughter Veirfryn, make a public appearance since this conflict began? Have you ever witnessed these shadovar make an appearance, if not to recruit for their cult, and to murder people senselessly? They also endlessly write anonymous missives constantly now, to spread misinformation. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to impersonate myself or the Hubmaster at this point: so be warned, and watch out for these individuals."

Day 9, Month 9 (Eleint), 1384 DR (184 AR)
<br>''Changeling''

<nowiki>-----------------------------------</nowiki>

==== *Bloodsoaked Letter* by Wanre Z'ress ====
"Our offer of peace still stands."

Day 20, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 1384 DR (184 AR)
<br>Wanre Z'ress

<nowiki>-----------------------------------</nowiki>

==== Declaration of Truce 7/11/184AR by Ja'kk ====

* Transcribed by Eclavdra from notes taken from Hub public board.*

"By the authority vested in General Ja'kk, this declaration establishes a ceasefire among the factions of the Sharps, the Tables, and House Loslalans. All parties agree to the following terms:"

+ "No party shall initiate attacks, or hostile actions towards another"

+ "All forms of eavesdropping, spying and covert observation between the districts and guild are hereby suspended."

+ "Hostile or surveilance or ending may only resume if a formal, public statement declaing an end to this truce is issued."

"Failure to abide these terms without due notice will be regarded as a violation of the truce. In event of such disregards coming from the Sharps, unless publicly announced a thrine before. I, General Ja'kk shall formally withdraw of this back-and-forth nonsense war."

"May we find strength in unity, or consequence in betrayal."

Day 11, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 1384 DR (184 AR)
<br>Ja'kk

<nowiki>-----------------------------------</nowiki>

==== Peacekeeper Commander Edict - 28 Elasias Highsun, 184 A.R. ====
By the Authority of the Peacekeepers,

From the Desk of Peacekeeper Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat,

"To all residents, traders, and visitors of the sovereign Trade Hub of Andunor:"

"It is with the utmost gravity that I, Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat, address the recent violation of our sacred neutrality within the Hub. A conflict of unprecedented and reckless proportions erupted within our walls, casting aside respect for law and order, and endangering the livelihood and safety of countless patrons."

"This brazen act of aggression has disrupted vital trade routes, imperiled the city's hardworking denizens, and tarnished the spirit of commerce that forms the backbone of our community. Such behavior will not be tolerated."

"Thus, let it be known that effective immediately:"

"All combatants involved in the skirmish, whether direct participants or those who aided and abetted, are hereby summoned to appear before the myself at the Guard Headquarters within three cycles time. Failure to comply will be met with forceful apprehension."

"A temporary suspension of arms within the Trade Hub and its surrounding territories is declared. Any violation of this suspension will result in immediate detainment and the forfeiture of weaponry."

"An investigative unit will be dispatched to assess the full extent of damages, and reparations will be levied against those deemed responsible. The Hubmaster will be working with the district influences of Greyport, House Freth, and House Claddath to ensure that those who are deemed responsible are held accountable."

"Our mission, as ever, is to uphold the safety and peace within the trade hub and preserve the sanctity of the hub's trading status. To those who respect this, know that you stand under the aegis of the Peacekeepers' protection. To those who defy this, understand that justice will be swift and without prejudice or mercy."

"Let this serve as both warning and assurance: we will not allow our city's sanctity to be further marred by disorder."

Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat
<br>Peacekeeper Commander, Guardian of the sovereign Trade Hub of Andunor.

Day 28, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 1384 DR (184 AR)
<br>Peacekeeper Commander Malhanar-Vakrith Galat

=== APPENDIX B ===

==== Interview on 184AR w. Kiaberra Khal'Belaern ====

* Interview conducted in the portal area of the Andunor Hub on Day 20, Month 10 185 AR and recorded by Eclavdra *

<poem>Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Were you the one asking me to interview about the civil war?
'Eclavdra'': Yes exactly''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Very well. I have some time at present.
'Eclavdra'': Oh well I myself don't have a lot of time perhaps but I'd like to start anyway''
'Eclavdra'': First could you please introduce yourself, and what was your station during those events?''
'Eclavdra'': So that I just write this down for the book''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Of course. I began the war as a regular of the Saltspar garrison, before defecting to house Z'ress as a retainer.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: My official title within the house was "Warden of Lolth's Darkness," as I could scry and my station was hunting apostates and hereticxs.
'Eclavdra'': Thank you''
'Eclavdra'': I know that generally the conflict was fought between coaltion of SHarps and Greyport and House Z'ress''
'Eclavdra'': But could you please share more details about what do you know how it started''
'Eclavdra'': Of course I know official version of Myryn's''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Indeed. The Sharps and Greyport accused house Loslansiran of assassinating Lilith Vensurai. House Z'ress would not denounce her allies without evidence.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Myryn refused any peace treaties or even talks with his subordinates, until the Peacekeeper Captain finally intervened to end the war.
'Eclavdra'': Aha... so it started with attempt on Lilith.''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: The attempt was successful, Akorae was officially Domina for much of the war.
'Eclavdra'': Aha, yes, I remember something like that myself but it was hard to keep up with the developments''
'Eclavdra'': I know there was a truce that was broken''
'Eclavdra'': Something about general Ja'kk and Z'ress''
'Eclavdra'': But I hope to speak to him about that later''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Yes, when Myryn would not speak to Wanre, she turned to the Deep Legion who had an oath to house Z'ress.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Ja'kk brokered an agreement between the Sharps, Z'ress, and Loslansiran that Myryn chose to break, ultimately.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: He also placed Ja'kk, his general, on administrative leave for a time.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Until he could confirm he was not working in bad faith as one of Z'ress' agents.
'Eclavdra'': Well he could always say Illithids made him do it *chuckles to herself*''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Very well might've been the suspicion.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Most treat Loslansiran as more dangerous than illithids.
'Eclavdra'': And Loslansiran are... Void Cult?''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: The Void Cult were some kind of Sharrans before Loslansiran, they're not the same.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Just similar methods is all I understand of it.
'Eclavdra": I see, yes that seems to make sense...
'Eclavdra'': They were called that way, but given their nature it was hard to follow between what's an accusation and what is not..''
'Eclavdra'': Also, if I may..''
'Eclavdra'': You fought on Z'ress side for a portion of war, but it is not like Z'ress deny their ties to the aforementioned Loslansiran?''
'Eclavdra'': Or should I write of it as merely Myryn's version of events?''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: I don't think Z'ress or I have ever denied our alliance with them, but many make it out to be more than it is.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Z'ress might have at the beginning of the war, before I joined, but I had no duties nor insight then.
'Eclavdra": Thank you, that helps a lot, because I try to stick ot the facts and present all information rather as "As claimed by X"
'Eclavdra'': But that may be not helpful to the reader''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: It is important to be objective, for historical contexts.
'Eclavdra'': Of course.''
'Eclavdra'': So Saltspar prison naturally fought on Greyport's side, both due to their status and perhaps warden's personal ties''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Both true, yes.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: The warden, specifically, is a Shade defector.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Was I suppose. He may be dead now.
'Eclavdra'':Oh, could you please elaborate on what "Shade" is in this context?''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: I am not sure if he was part of the -house- or just Shadovar. But both are an offense to them.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: He renounced Shar throughout the war.
'Eclavdra'': Oh, so he had story of his own with Lolansiran?''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Indeed.
'Eclavdra'': I see... I'll have to speak to his imp then''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: You might still find an old posting in the Blackguard, attacking his lover at the time, Lilith Blackwood.
'Eclavdra'': Thank you this really clarifies a lot of thing''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Context might be from them.
'Eclavdra'': Also if I may ask, what caused you to join Z'ress? Or rather, was it some event of historical significance that caused it or just personal choice in which case I would not dare to pry''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: I do not mind. I have a personal grudge with Akorae, and Iebrol sided with her. Z'ress had been trying to get me to join for a long time, at this point, though I am Kiaransaleean and did not wish to join a strictly Lolthite house.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: The Archmatron bribed me with a wood-elf slaved name Zalata we took on a raid with Z'ress and Loslansiran.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Slave named, rather.
'Eclavdra'': I see, thank you. Such things are sometimes interesting later for people who put a lot of faith in role of personality in history''
'Eclavdra'': Hm it is interesting however''
'Eclavdra'': That House Z'ress set out as House that merged church and state''
'Eclavdra'': Strengthened temple's role but themselves they were not strictly Lolthite?''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: They were - I'm not.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: That was my reservation.
'Eclavdra'': Ah I see''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: I worship Lolth, to be clear. But I place the Banshee at the front of my duties.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Vengeance at all costs.
'Eclavdra'': of course''
'Eclavdra'': Could you also help me to establish the timeline of the events? I know that the by 9th months of 184AR the war was nearing its end, so perhaps that was already after the Hubmaster's edict, and on month 10th SHarps celebrated Sharpsfest''
'Eclavdra'': So the war was over by month 10''
'Eclavdra'': But I have hard time establishing other dates''
'Eclavdra'': Oh..''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Let's see... I have some reportsd.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: The war began and ended in 184. IO'd place the start at month six, end would be the date on the Peacekeeper decree.
'Eclavdra'': Mhm''
'Eclavdra'': I couldn't find the decree''
'Eclavdra'': Even on Saltspar's board''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: A moment, I have a copy somewhere...
'Eclavdra'': Although it has posts from 183 AR''
'Eclavdra'': Oh that would be most helpful, thank you''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: 28-8.
'Eclavdra'': Aha, thank you''
'Eclavdra'': Well this was most helpful, I cannot even express how much progress I've got''
'Eclavdra'': Perhaps you'd like to share some of your thoughts about this event?''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: It was a failure of diplomacy, and the fear of stagnant forces about a new rising power.
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Z'ress was ultimately proven right, Myryn serves with house Loslansiran in Sibayad, and the Table was weak and ruined.
'Eclavdra'': Well the Table 'is' somewhat of a mess indeed''
'Eclavdra'': Thank you very much Matron, I won't steal any more of your time, your input is very much appreciated and indeed helped a lot in establsihing things, now I've got more than one "official" point of view to shar''
'Eclavdra'': Thank you''
Kiaberra Khal'Belaern: Of course. Let me know if you wish any further details.

Day 1, Month 11 (Uktar), 185 AR (1385 DR)
''Eclavdra''</poem>

<nowiki>-----------------------------------</nowiki>

==== Interview on war of 184AR with Gen. Ja'kk, 22/11/185 ====
<poem>"Eclavdra": Greetings General... if I could steal you for an interview..
Ja'kk: "Aye, just a moment."
Ja'kk: "Righ', wha yerh want tha talk about?"
"Eclavdra": Oh well... the subject perhaps may be not pleasant one, but you remember how there was war of 184 AR, between Z'ress and Sharps and almost nothing remains document of it in just a year
"Eclavdra": So I was tasked with documenting it and i "d like to speak with the participants
Ja'kk: "Ayeh ah remember, cause ah lead part of it."
"Eclavdra": Well, thank you very much, my name is Eclavdra
"Eclavdra": And I'd like to interview you on the events of civil war of 184AR
"Eclavdra": First I'd like you to introduce yourself - your position, status, at the time of the war too if possible
Ja'kk: "Ayeh, am Ja'kk, general o' tha Sharps fer over twenteh years, primehunter to tha' demon prince Demogorgon."
"Eclavdra": Thank you, and during the war you were a commander of Oathsworn, I believe?
Ja'kk: "Ayerh, n' general o' tha Sharps military."
"Eclavdra": Then, could you please tell us how and if possible when did your involvement start?
"Eclavdra": That is to say, when did the war actually begin for you personally
Ja'kk: "It started once tha' Los folk came tha' Andunor."
''Eclavdra'': Mhm... so it was before 184AR?
Ja'kk: "Ah can't narrow it down, but yerh, they started mingle in politics."
"Eclavdra": I beleive they used to try to get a foothold in the city during the rule of Myryn's predecessor
Ja'kk: "Ayerh, ah been there aswell durin' Roffehs." * Rufus - *Eclavdra's note*
"Eclavdra": But in regard to the particular conflict with Z'ress it must've started some time in the second half of 184 AR, I remember that not long before the war broke out Sharps even aided Z'ress temple with security for their ceremonies
Ja'kk: *He nods.*
"Eclavdra": Could you please tell me what exactly happened that triggered the war?
Ja'kk: "Hrm, the Los folk stationin' in tha Table ah believe."
"Eclavdra": Oh, so their people found refuge in the Table quarters
Ja'kk: "Ayeh."
"Eclavdra": Did Z'ress deny they were allied to them?
Ja'kk: "Nay, they were open tha it.
"Eclavdra": There was an attempt on Lilith too
Ja'kk: "Ayeh, they pressed greyport aswell."
"Eclavdra": Was it the same occasion?
Ja'kk: "Nay, it was spread out."
"Eclavdra": Los people who were hiding in Table were suspected for the attack on Lilith?
''Eclavdra'': Ah..
"Eclavdra": Well I undestand that it's difficult now but I'd like to establish the timeline
"Eclavdra": What was first - attempt on Lilith or Los people found in the Table?
Ja'kk: "Los people in tha table first."
"Eclavdra": Mhm thank you that clarifies a lot
"Eclavdra": And I take it Z'ress refused to renounce their alliance with Los people?
Ja'kk: "Ayeh, they got along well."
"Eclavdra": And did the hostilities start right away when Los people were found in Table?
Ja'kk: "Mmm, believe so yerh."
"Eclavdra": So assassination attempt happened already DURING the war?
Ja'kk: Yus!
''Eclavdra'': Aha... I see...
"Eclavdra": Well now the next question is probably going to be.. .uhm... not a pleasant topic
Ja'kk: "Aye, go fer it."
''Eclavdra'': There was a truce situation, and I uhm...
Ja'kk: "Ayeh, ah did tha'."
"Eclavdra": Well perhaps you're the best person to ask about what happened
"Eclavdra": How did it happen and how exactly it was later broken and by whom?
Ja'kk: "Ah fused tha truce because there were some heavy allegations against us, they had proof Sharps helped chainbreakers, ah fused tha' truce tha investigate it, where Myryn then took merh authoriteh as general."
"Eclavdra": UHm...
''Eclavdra'': Myryn...
"Eclavdra": Revoked your title for a while?
Ja'kk: "He stripped merh momentareh, ayeh."
"Eclavdra": There were claims that Z'ress manipuatied you appealing to some debt?
Ja'kk: "Mm, yerh they did."
''Eclavdra'': Something about legion
Ja'kk: "Look, they uhh showed merh somethin', ah was bloodeh shut when ah saw it."
Ja'kk: "They showed me where slaves break chains."
"Eclavdra": So there was truce but how it was broken? Was it when Myryn returned and refused to recognize it?
Ja'kk: "Ayeh, somethin' like tha', but ah was suspended, got out of loop how it turned out."
''Eclavdra'': Mhm I see...
"Eclavdra": I remember Myryn catching some Z'ress people
''Eclavdra'': Interrogating near Hub
Ja'kk: "Hrm, it has been some time."
"Eclavdra": Well uhm... then there were more fights I believe, some of the in and around the Hub that caused the intervention from Hubmaster
''Eclavdra'': And Z'ress fled to Sibayad
Ja'kk: "Mm, yerh ah heard tha' hubmaster interfered, n' kinda all watered down."
"Eclavdra": Before rounding up, I'd like to clarify...
"Eclavdra": Los-people were found in the Table, and... there were fights against them and Z'ress joined to defend them?
Ja'kk: "Nay, they cooperated along, but Sharps didn' like tha'."
"Eclavdra": Or was it just - Z'ress refused to reonounce their alliance and it caused a delcaraion of war?
Ja'kk: "Erhm, think they attacked one o' tha sharps."
''Eclavdra'': Aha I see
"Eclavdra": Well then just that last question about summing it up if you could so that I record your opinion on it
Ja'kk: "Ayeh, go fer it."
"Eclavdra": Well that was 'the' question - what would your opinion on it be - it's causes, how it
Ja'kk: "Ah enjoyed tha' battles, learned more, tha' berh better."
''Eclavdra'': Mhm... I see thank you
Ja'kk: "Ayerh."
''Eclavdra'': *To assistant* Wormie...
"Eclavdra": What do you think general meant when he said "Tha'berh better"?
''Eclavdra'': "There have been better|?
Worm-Bait (Assistant): Um....yes?
Ja'kk: "Ah nay, ah did enjoy it, they played smart by cuttin' merh ward suppliers, it was ah good war, bashed into tha Manor of Zress, killed any we could find."
"Eclavdra": Oh, glorious!
"Eclavdra": Thank you very much, General. It was most helpful
"Eclavdra": Should you like to add something later - do let me know!
Ja'kk: "Ayeh, cheers lass, nah its good, enjoy it."
"Eclavdra": well I hope we'll catch you later and be able to find some time for glorious hunts
Ja'kk: "Thank yerh, n' ayeh!"

Day 22, Month 11 (Uktar), 185 AR (1385 DR)
''Eclavdra''</poem>