Legates of Ephia's Well

[Moonlighter]

Legates,

Apologies for the tardiness of this letter.

I have taken some time in consideration over the responsibilities you've gifted me with regards to Arslan. It is a prestigious title, to be certain, and I am glad for the stipend, do not misunderstand. But it seems to me like a big job lies ahead of me, here.

I present to you, my vision for Arslan.

First, we must make of Arslan a prize worth having burned so many bridges for. Whatever you might feel about Kha'esh, it is no large secret that the Jackal was our ally at the Red Hill, and also provided the bulk of the military might we needed for The Scalding. The next crisis, they will be our opponent, and not our ally.

So Arslan must become a trophy worthy of the lives sacrificed to free her, past and future.

This satrap is not to merely exploit, but to use to build a brighter and more civilized future.

This is non-negotiable.

As a result, I think it is appropriate to proactively steward her rebirth. We cannot run roughshod over the place. We cannot whip them into the mines in search of some short term gain. The mines are not even functional, at the present, anyway!

We must take Arslan under our wing, yes?

It was once stressed upon me at a League of White meeting that Ephia's Well is the only Asterabadian experiment in the entire Disc. This should not be the case for much longer.

The people need Asterabadi.

Arslan capitulated to Iakmes because the Tutors of Arslan drove them to anarchy and messianic fanaticism. A grandeloquent Orc appearing with gifts from the Wheel stole their hearts so easily that they took up arms against us, their own kind. They did not need much in the way of convincing, to my understanding of conditions as-they-were.

It is obvious that Arslan cannot merely exist for the comfort of these Tutors. If it does, history will repeat itself, and our prize will be forfeit to the next beast who learns to lie well enough.

The Tutors of Arslan should instead use what remains of their once immense library to do their job and Tutor their people. More than just their Tutorial Guard. Teach to them language, and history, and science.

Educate these people so that they can build a proper republic.

Teach any who would come.

It is to my understanding that the Sisters and the Astronomers are grappling over this library. I'm ambivalent, mostly, but that is what I would have them do with it. Let everyone have the knowledge inside that library, whatever it may be.

The Janissaries want to build a Garrison there. This is fine with me. I encourage it, actually! I am operating as Governor at the behest of the Palatial Pyramid, and the Janissaries work, ostensibly, for you. They should help you enforce your claim and protect our satrap. I am fine with all of this, so long as they do not try to kill me about it. Training the populace to help supplement the Tutorial Guard is wise. They can wear green. It does not offend me.

I have bigger "fish to fry," as it were!

In the coming days I intend to visit Arslan and discern the progress towards rebuilding being made therein, potential roadblocks and ways to speed things along. I will also, undoubtedly, have to spend a deal of time making nice with the locals.

If there are any directives or requests, you know how to reach me.

Mirielle Rosseau
BANDA ROSSA

[Moonlighter]

A new copy of this finds it's way to Buster Grimes' desk.