Greetings friends,

It has been some time now, that the Basin of Life has been in turmoil.
Since the fall of the Holy Celestine empire, the major organizations
have been at war with each other, their ideals conflicting in such a way
that only the full destruction of the other would satisfy them. Light,
which used to be the dominant ideal, now opposes Taint, after Almighty
Kethuru left His mark upon our world. Natural forest opposes wyrden
forest, and though many, or even most, believe wyrd does not equate to
taint, the difference is still such that they cannot get come to a
peaceful agreement. Alliances between commune and city last for but a
moment, as the communes remember the old "sins" of the cities, or a
mutual understanding breaks down for various reasons.

And it will be so, until a time comes that one of these organizations is
wiped from the face of the Basin of Life: one losing power, the other
gaining, the remaining two deciding what is to be done with the victor.
Even with the return of the two lost cities, there will be no change,
because during the times of the Empire, the two cities opposed each
other, until finally, shortly before they were sealed away in time, they
raised arms against one another.

I do not write these words in an effort to sway you to put down arms, to
join together and once again form a singular empire. No, I'm not sure
that's possible, and for certain organizations, I'd not be sorry if you
were gone from Lusternia. I say this so that the dissenting minds of our
time may realize that they are not alone, and that there is far more to
our lives than constantly being at war. During wartime, when everyone is
a combatant, war tactics and tools are developed. When you are at peace,
you are free to live life, to reach greater heights, and to fan the
Divine spark within you.

For those wishing to live a different life, my offer is this: reside
within the aether, beautiful and wild, far enough away from our tortured
lives, but close enough so that we may still freely come and go to the
Basin of Life. I offer the Aethercity of Deepnight.

It is not for everyone. For those who believe so firmly that their way
is the only way, perhaps it is not for you. For those who have friends
and family, careers and futures, in your city or commune, it is not for
you. But should you heed the call to join our community, you will not be
disappointed.

The aethercity has facilities now that could not have been imagined when
we started all those years ago. It is nearly as large as the existing
cities surface area (that is, not counting sewer space). We have a post
office, a newsroom, a library, an astrolabe. The tradehall has a forge,
a tailoring bench, an oven, a jeweler's bench, a printing press, and a
flower garden (all, save the last, due to a generous donation by one of
our citizens). We have a channel, and a bank account. There is a store,
a magical art gallery, and housing options for certain citizens. The
Merchant's Guild, affiliated with the tradehall, owns subsidiary
cartels: one of each type.

We are from all walks of life, various different orders, but we revere
Roark Libertas and His great ideals. We are of all races, and bear no
prejudice towards one versus another.

Is this what you seek? Many have joined over the years, both friends of
the city, and true citizens. We are called rogues, but we have a home,
the same as anyone else. Ponder upon this for a time. Stand tall, and
know your true height.

Greatness and freedom await.

-Richter Carthan

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Avechary, in the year 177 CE.