\--==Official Submission==-- FROM: General Debinani Rahl RE: Chapter Eight - Let Freedom Reign Let Freedom Reign It is with a disconcerted state of mind that I pen this discourse to you, my bretheren. This night I took part in a small side-job to perform an assassination on some political enemy of someone else. It was an easy job, very dry run, however in the end I felt somewhat...empty. Almost remorseful. Now, don't get me wrong, the fellow was your standard political pig, but it seemed that at that moment the weight of duties come and gone rose as bile in my chest, and the flavour it graced my pallette with was less than inspiring. This has led me to thought. Throughout history, The Black Rose Society has stood as a symbol of stability in a constantly changing world. We have always been, at least to the extents of the collected histories of the realm. Throught history we have been called neutral...my father, Captain Turon, and the men who came before him, interpreted this as mercenary. Accepting money to kill. And thus, we have carried on that tradition to the present day, for no job is too great or too small if the price is right. My question to you, my brothers and sisters, is a disturbing one: Were our forefathers wrong in interpreting the old texts? Are we really meant to be mercenaries? I have arguments both for and against, however I will present to you my arguments against. First of all, we \*won't\* do anything for the right price. Even though we all claim to be for sale, I know for a fact that not a single one of you would take part in a war against good. We all want to fight the good fight. Don't get me wrong, I'm \*not\* a nice man. Not remotely. However I do have my morals, I do have my code, and I do know what's in the best interests of our world. Is it our policy that I am to throw these things aside when faced with the glow of gold? If this policy continues, I do fear for my immortal soul, and it's wellbeing in the afterlife. So what do I propose, you may be asking yourself? I'm not entirely sure. I was born and raised in my father's Society, I've known nothing else. But think on this: We are a force to be reckoned with. We've withstood the test of time in our current incarnation and now everyone knows that with the Black Rose's ire comes death. We've helped numerous friends and comrades throughout the years and have assisted (sometimes singlehandedly) in forcing the legions of Chaos away from our homes and friends. Away from innocents who have no place in war. Tonight, on the sextennial anniversary of The Battle of Yew, I'm forced to think back on the men, women, and children I helped slaughter. I have serious crimes to atone for, even though myself, and the whole Society, could not be held accountable for our betrayal by Daithomir and his circle. The price isn't right anymore, soldiers. I know what is right. In my heart and soul I know what is right and what is wrong and no amount of gold will change my mind. If this means I am not mercenary, then so be it. I am a warrior. I am a scholar. I am a wizard. I've even been called a rogue. I have under my command the finest assemblage of warriors and wizards and thinkers that I've ever had the honor of working with. I lead The Black Rose Society, whose name has been spoken since before history, and whose cunning and prowess are renown. I am not a murderer. I am not a pawn. I think it's time the Society stand on it's own two feet, not under the shadow of a King or Warlord. I think it's time we stand and fight for what \*we\* believe in, instead of fighting someone else's war. The Black Rose Society - Last FREE Company of Sosaria This has been our name for generations. I think it's time to be free. What say you? \-Rahl And so it was in the ninth year of my tenure as Captain, that The Black Rose Society was forever a free company.