[A sealed draft, addressed to Isabella de Veend]

[Erudiche]

[A draft arrives in the mail of Isabella de Veend, containing an incomplete draft copy of the Wellwater, alongside a note mentioning that it is still undergoing revisions.]

THE WELLWATER

Truth's Gold 'gainst Liar's Pale Silver

Tabbah, 7787

Making Sense of Things

I will open this first issue of the Wellwater with a hearty greeting: hello! I thank you for turning your eyes upon our publication, the product of hard work and struggle.

I have not been in this city long, but it would take a fool and churl to have not become familiar with its history, the blood of its martyrs. Some ten years ago did the brave forces of the Cinquefoil Rose and the Sultan's 4th brave the fields of battle against the usurper Ibithal. Whose heart could but tremble at the tale, who could not weep for the fallen, who could not feel gratitude for the martyrs whose blood watered the desert sand, or else perished beneath the miracle of the Well? These heroes died for causes greater than themselves, and they died wreathed in the greatest honor, dignity, and sublime service available to any living being. I shall commemorate their sacrifices and noble works today, for they died for all of us, just as the Mother weeps for all of us.

Yet what has become of the Well that they had died for? What has become of great experiment which the Sultan has allowed? What has become of the miracle of water? I say: nothing but absurdity, but madness, but a foul mockery of those who walked before. Today's Well is the abode of the Shane Gallowses, the Monkey-Mad Alexanders, and the accumulated iniquities and dregs of the age. What was to be an outpost of life and healing has become an enclave of corruption and selfishness amid a sea of miserable hovels and starving refugees. The Stele of Law is perverted, used for worldly profit amid the sectarian conflicts of so-called clerics who seek to break the Wheel in the name of their own Spoke. The desert dries, the people thirst, and what answers have they from our city's ruling coterie? Nothing! Instead he must pay his wealth away in outrageous sums in all forms: taxes, licenses, the robbery of a Voice, so that he might enjoy his social, commercial, and civic rights. I ask you: what good is this experiment, these offices, these Legates, if they should fail to provide for the people? If they should fail to protect public order? Are we to simply ignore the attempt upon Legate Sol Auk's life, the defilement of the altar of Gellema, of Warad, of the terrible saga of the traitor Legate? Are we to ignore the horrors beyond comprehension of Qa'im, which even now slather ravenously for the blood of our citizens? No! These things should fill any sensible person with righteous fury enough to rival Urazzir! That the Sultan and His Most Sublime Garden must be so disgraced by these failures, His dignity affronted, arouses the passions and offends the soul!

I know that you, in your hearts and in your souls, desire something better than this! I say that it cannot be granted to you, that the Sultan in His benevolence has given us a great task: we must make for ourselves a society worth the blood of the martyrs. That we must repel vigorously iniquity, immorality, and absurdity. That we must, as one, redeem this bleeding city, cast aside sectionalism, rise above petty politics, wage holy war against the Pra'rajite filth, annihilate every desire for vengeance within our fair city, secure public order, nurse and distribute the Mother's waters, and build a paradise here within the Great Ash Waste. I know that this is possible, and together we shall take the first steps in our campaign against ignorance and darkness. Together, we shall carry the torch of open speech, of Izdu's wisdom, B'aara's kindness, Kula's vitality, Urazzir's consternation, Warad's wiles, Gellema's shrewdness, Agaslakku's honor, and the Twindari's sobriety. Let us, together, honor the three pillars of righteous life: the Sultan, His People, and the Gods.

Portents and Auspices

Love:
In the scorching heat of Tabbah, passions run high, and love blooms with intensity. However, be cautious of impulsive actions driven by this fiery energy. Embrace the warmth of affection, but also communicate openly and honestly to avoid misunderstandings. Nurture relationships with care, for love can burn brightly or fade quickly in this heated season.

Violence:
The raging sun during Tabbah hints at a potential rise in conflicts and aggression. Stay vigilant and avoid confrontations whenever possible. Channel the fiery energy into positive outlets, such as engaging in physical activities or practicing self-defense. Seek harmony and peace amidst the tumultuous atmosphere.

Discovery:
Beneath the wanton sun, Tabbah also brings opportunities for profound self-discovery and exploration. Embrace the transformative energy and venture into uncharted territories. Uncover hidden truths about yourself and the world around you. Engage in introspection and seek knowledge with an open mind. Let the flames of curiosity guide your path.

Profit:
The fiery energy of Tabbah can fuel financial gains and entrepreneurial endeavors. Embrace the burning desire for success and seize opportunities that come your way. However, exercise caution in financial transactions and avoid reckless investments. Stay focused, make informed decisions, and balance your ambition with calculated risks.

Betrayal:
Amidst the laughter of Pra'raj, trust may be tested during this tumultuous month. Be cautious of deceit and betrayal in personal and professional relationships. Trust your instincts and be discerning with whom you share your secrets. Maintain healthy boundaries and evaluate the loyalty of those around you. Guard your heart and beware of false allies.

Clarion Calls

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Advertisements

Ambassadorial Candidates Wanted!

Let it be known that the honorable Chancellor Isabella de Veend is seeking candidates fill the office of Ambassador to the following city-states: Banafsi, Spring's Gift, Kha'esh, Frostport, and Qadira. The candidates shall be assessed according to the criteria of competency, motivation, merit, and, above all, character. They shall be examined by Chancellor de Veend and vetted by the Legion to ensure suitable moral fibre and preclude those of criminal backgrounds. Anyone from any League shall be welcomed for assessment, although it shall be noted that preference is given to members of the Purple. Members of the Accord need not apply, so as to avoid the temptation to put one's section above the welfare of the whole. No existing experience as a diplomat is required, training will be provided to those candidates who are deemed suitable, so long as they display a basic knowledge of their assigned city-state and a fundamental comprehension of their duties as they relate to diplomatic policy. Those who are most appealing shall be forwarded to the state for approval. It is noted that this should prove a most excellent way for any aspiring politico to gain a sense of the world outside the Well and the value of our city to the broader world. Such a thing would be invaluable experience to any aspiring Legates.

Good Living

An essential, and difficult, task in modern society is the art and science of good living. To live well is not only to live righteously, but also to live in good health. One must pursue proper nourishment, free the body of maladies and miasmas, and attend to the balance of humors. The eminent physician Sireen el-Abbas, in her milestone text: the Splendid Study of Cuisine put forth a dish as part of her signature 'milk diet', which is said to tame the passions, soothe tophaceous gouts, and improve the vital essences. This dish is titled simply Milk Soup, and I have provided the recipe below according to her specifications.

Boil a quart of milk with cinnamon and moist sugar. Put sippets (bread slices, toasted or fried in fat) in the dish, pour the milk over it, and set it over a fire to simmer until the bread is soft. Take the yolks of two eggs, beat them up, and mix it with a little of the milk. Throw it in, mix it all together, and send it up to the table.

Today's parting thought is:

"Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend." -- Asterabadi

[Empress of Neon]

*A response is mailed back.*

"This piece is excellent; it's very informative! I recommend glamouring your copies with some art for the text to lay upon. Especially if it's relevant to the themes or items of interest. Otherwise, well done!

~ Chancellor de Veend"