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Dear Sister Amelie,

As you may or may not know, my Seat in the Council is working on both unearthing the mysteries of Orcan cultura and history... And the production of propaganda and disemination of information.

On this second aspect, I hoped to count with some accounts of the battles and our victories. Being the best poet on the Well, I wondered if you'd be interested in aiding our task. Should you not be overly busy, there are several areas where we may find use for your talents, both in prose and poetry.

Yours,

Alejandro

Dear Narwen,

I have added to my Cabinet an Ashfolk artist by the name of Zaheera. She shall be helping with another aspect of our duties: the production of informative and morale-boosting materials. That said, she is also a poet and musician, so while I am a bit too busy at present to aid you with our plan for the myth-magic, I have instructed her to offer her assistance. Should you find her, please feel free to ask her for some aid writing the myth-songs.

Yours,

Alejandro

My friends,

Without going into details: the Seat of Research and Culture is in charge of gathering records of those who will embark upon dangerous missions for the War, as well as take and enact their Wills, should that be necessary.

If, perchance, you feel that there are words you might want people to know if worse came to worse, please find me. While I am in the midsts of an Election, I assure you I'll manage to make time. Priorities, and all.

Yours,

Alejandro

Esteemed señor Bajica,

The Seat of Research and Culture shall soon begin the publication of some official materials, both of the informative and propagandistic variety. I know, however, that a pleasant presentation is an ineludible part of sucessful messaging, and I have no talent with illustration or design.

I wondered whether you'd be willing to be hired for such work, as well as your price and availibility.

Yours,

Alejandro

[Another letter makes its way to the College of the Balladeers of the Lost Hearth]

My friends, and former companions,

As you know, circumstance has thrust me into elections. I have been doing my best to represent the ideals of the League as best I could. It has come to my attention, however, that my candidacy has caused some issues within your ranks.

I would appreciate an opportunity for us to speak clearly and openly about our political priorities and positions. Similarly, a chance to speak with the three petals of the Rose as a whole would be most welcome. Please, feel free to discuss when a number of your ranks may be availible, and let me know when you'd care to speak, or approach me when you wish.

Yours,

Alejandro

//GMT+1 afternoons/evenings are best!

[A series of similar letters, the header is the main thing that changes. In one case:]

Beloved Sisters and Acolytes of the Sybilline Wine,

[In the other:]

Esteemed Ballestrieres,

[Before continuing:]

I find myself, at present in that most unpleasant of endeavours: an election. Given the circumstances, I wondered if a conversation may be had, so that policies and positions can be openly discussed in an Asterabadian fashion and I, as candidate of the White League, can heed your and the Rose's needs. Ideally, in the company of members of the other petals.

Please, let me know a time that may suit the Rose to speak. Feel free, similarly, to approach me at any event or in the streets of our beloved city.

Yours,

Alejandro

//Usually availible at GMT+1 afternoons/evenings

Dear Apothars and Nadiris of the Mount,

While I can imagine I am not your first choice of candidate, I still think it profitable to see our positions stated and discussed. As I hope my support in many of the Mount's projects has proven, I bear no ill will to the Astronomers of Q'tolip, even when I oppose some of their prefered policies.

I doubt that I may gain your vote, but I'd still love a chance to dispell any ill will, should you concede it. Please, let me know of a suitable time, when we may meet in forum with as many Apothars and Nadiris as possible.

Yours,

Alejandro

//I'm usually availible at GMT+1 afternoons, feel free to reach out on discord!

[A letter reaches each of the candidates]

Dear señor Balstan, dear doña Nasreen,

I write to you with the desire of seeing some debate organized. In truth, I'd ideally love to have several colloquiums, with Legates debating in depth one or two specific topics. I think all too often, candidates campaign behind closed doors, and I'd much rather see that changed in this electoral cycle: let the People, at large, hear what we honestly believe.

How are our schedules aligning over this campaign? Perhaps we may arrange one or two such meetings? I'd be happy to sit with either both of you or one, time permitting. Please, feel free to let me know.

Yours,

Alejandro

//I'm gin GMT+1 afternoons... Feel free also to reach out in discord!

[After Primaries ended a (some would say startled) Alejandro got to the Bellows to celebrate his candidacy. The speech, at best passionate and at worst clumsy, rung in the Bellows for all to hear]

Ahem, Alejandro, local Storyteller, back! As I was saying, it is the Lillies's belief that we must endeavour, during this war, to ensure we are a safe haven for the refugees that will no doubt find our walls, pushed by Iakmes's horde. Thus, we will redouble our efforts towards the construction of the new District and dedicate part of our treasury to ensure that the likely increase in displaced people will not affect our grain storages.

Furthermore, I not only do agree with candidate Balstan's proposal of dedicating some dinari to homaging our heroes, recording our battles and raising our spirits through Art but have already comitted my own personal funds to such.

Remember, oh Ephia: the League of White is not opposed to greatness, but to opression; not enemy of excellency, but of tyranny! For, as we work together, collectively, we are able to reach much higher than any single one of us ever would.

And with that little bit of a speech, I abandon the Bellows. I shall be availible at the altar of Warad, ringing my guitar and ready to be asked questions. Live and drink!

[Afterwards, it is said the candidate spent an hour or so by the Pilgrim, exchanging tales and songs with a few people. Of note: there were both voiced and voiceless. Of note, too, Atticus, Prelate of Nasreen Shabani, was also there... And apparently some of the songs were meant to "cheer him up".

Though they did eventually exchange arguments as to why their respective Leagues were more suited for the Seat, the event was still, no doubt, a tad unusual. Then again, not many candidates have a guitar, either?]

Colmes,

I write so as to spare us both a meeting. As you can imagine, with the current political situation, I have precious little time. I do not think you're faring much better.

After last battle, I have begun to consider the idea of expanding the work of the Seat of Research and Culture. Obviously, the priority is to find in the past clues to the future, ideas of how this War may be won as it was before. Narwen and I are working on something on that. It also seems the "Prince" has something to tell me about giants (though what, I cannot imagine).

However, I find myself wondering if we couldn't do more, specially after last eve. The people I am in talks with are apt writers, some of them artists. If you have no objection, I'd like to set some of them towards producing notes on the War, for the general public (evidently, only after a mission has finished, one way or another). That way, the People may have a reference on our efforts. They could also publish poems and speeches, for widespread distribution. I think it may be good for Morale.

If you have no objection, I shall begin hiring some people.

Yours,

Alejandro

Esteemed Students and Balladeers of the Lost Hearth,

Acolyte Narwen and myself are working on a re-enactment of certain ancient myths. We require four people, and I have thus decided to ask you, first of all. Two, shall perform the tale of a dying scholar who is given water by a mysterious entity. Two, a long and drawn-out battle between an orcan and another mysterious entity. These last ones must duel, for a long time, though with non-lethal weapons.

Due to some delays on official announcements, I cannot be more forthcoming with the exact nature of the request at present. If you have members that would like to aid in this matter, preferably members who are arround at times when Acolyte Narwen and I are as well, I would appreciate it.

Props will be provided. Payment, should you need it, as well.

Yours,

Alejandro Benjázar

//Looking for 4 PCs, that can be arround for crump and I (aka, usually GMT afternoon/evening...)

Esteemed señor Daoud,

I trust my missive finds you well. I find myself beginning Act IV of the People's History of Ephia's Well which shall cover the election of Qari, the murder of Zaniah, Kardesler, the preparations for war, the war itself, etcetera. This shall be a complex chapter to write, and hence I will require as many perspectives as possible. One of the perspectives I am most interested in is, of course, yours.

When discussing the murder of Zaniah, ex-Legate Qari adviced me to seek your expertise. I am not asking that you share confidential details, but some context would be most welcome. You are likely the person most closely informed of these matters, after all. And the Public, after all these months, surely deserves as much accuracy as we can muster.

I trust we may meet in the following weeks.

Yours,

Alejandro

Esteemed doña Nasreen,

While I know your time is probably rather occupied as of late, I would like to arrange for a meeting at your earliest convenience. I spoke with Marcellus on a matter, and he requested that I bring it up to you, as well, so it could be discussed in tandem.

Feel free to make a call, and I shall endeavour to attend.

Yours,

Alejandro

Dear señorite Millefiori,

My name is Alejandro Benjázar, local Storyteller and the Well's foremost expert in historical matters. I have read of your search for teachers, and felt it inapropriate not to offer my aid - for I love nothing more than to nurture scholarship.

Of course, I must admit my foremost flaw: I am, in fact, a young man (and a rather strapping one, at that!). If you'd be willing to overlook this matter - I assure you I am by no means scary - I shall happily offer you whatever education I may.

Yours,

Alejandro

Dear Colmes,

You may remember the lesson I gave on the False Dakhwar, when we all first heard about it. History repeats itself: I've been saving some special items, and preparing a history lesson for the moment a Warmaster was chosen. The past may yet hold the keys to the future and, as I proposed in the Assembly, a small team might achieve much exploring these topics...

Let's speak soon.

Yours,

Alejandro

My friends,

While I already shared this on the Bellows, it is my fear that you may not have heard them, and not all read the Bellow-transcripts. Hence, I take quill to paper to bring you a report: the Nusrum is lost.

Sandstone Student Elias Astor and myself were off performing some digs when we heard the marching of boots, and were interrupted by orcan scouts. Defeating them only revealed large masses of orcan were on the move. We ran to the caravaneer's camp, from whence travellers reach the Giant's Road, and were soon assaulted by siege-fire.

In an attempt to save the lives of the caravaneers, Elias and I warded and went forth to fight. We defeated a large number of infantry and shamans: twenty became forty became sixty. I do not know whether we bought time for some caravaneers to run off, but I know that when the cavalry charged, we were overwhelmed. Our retreat was far from elegant: Elias was wounded by a Whisperer and several riders, while only through trickery and the blessed Waters did I managed to survive the orcan assault. Hidden, I rescued my dear friend, as the orcans ransacked the camp. With him on my sholders, I rushed to the other encampment, dodging the warbands.

The spectacle in the camp whose caravans take people to the Southern Wold was not much better. It had been ransacked, and only one caravan-master lived. Blessedly, he took us along. Blessedly, too, Elias regained consciousness. As we travelled, we saw, in the distance, a fortress of ancient make. It was surrounded by siegework and soon to fall.

The Ramparts are lost, Legates.

When there was an Assembly, I proposed that we avoid an Accorded Warmaster because I knew the Accord would play games to see one of their numbers leading. As we argue, people die. I strongly suggest that a decision be made today. If the Accord cannot agree, chose from amongst them by decree or by chance. Perhaps roll a die and let it fall on one of them. Luck may be blind, but is better than hesitation.

Respectfully yours,

Alejandro

Miranda, Cawford, seek me when you wake.

Yours,

Alejandro

Esteemed señor mio,

As one of the most experienced Ashfolk inhabitants of our fair city, I was hoping you'd have some time to be interviewed for The People's History of Ephia's Well, which many are calling "the defining record of our recent history". Needless to say, appropriate charity shall be provided for your valuable opinions and insights.

Yours,

Alejandro

Dear señora Caddick,

Regretably, we were not able to meet yesterday. Thus, I find myself taking the quill to inform you of some curious development.

Friends in different corners have told me a certain recluta I am yet to meet (yes, the one who called for me) claims I have stolen from the Balladeers of the Lost Hearth. According to some insightful friends, she is a minstrel, and may seek to jumpstart her career by taking my songbook. She apparently was considering to "take matters into her own hands". Thankfully, she and I seem to keep different schedules, but I still feel it useful to inform you.

I presume that her desires have nothing to do with the College itself. However, if there are doubts about my behaviour in my leaving, I hope these may be raised in person, and without intervention of the Banda Rossa.

Besides this, I hope my letter finds you well. Please send my regards to Jacques.

Yours,

Alejandro

Esteemed Apothars,

As you are of course aware, I am writing The People's History of Ephia's Well, the definitive record of our recent past. I am currently in the process of finishing Act III, dealing with the troublesome election in which Estellise Azimi ran for the League of White.

Currently, the draft mentions that the now-Apothar Mae Stern was bought a Voice by yours truly, ran as a Candidate and was then made to choose between her promotion or still running for the White, taking the first. That is the information I was given at the time, after all.

In the interest of performing my due diligence, however, I send this letter to give either of you the chance of adding more context. Feel free to respond in writing.

Yours,

Alejandro