The Talvela Edict
"Citizens of Mercadia, thank you for gathering at this ancient palace under the open skies. I strive to honor traditions set by the founding bloodlines by taking this sanctioned stage for my address.
Millenia have passed since the originators set sites on this sacred ground. A land full of great promise, wealth, and opportunity for all who would call this place home. No doubt there were times of hardship and struggle, yet we endured. And today, I stand here in the great city of the nation, once banished from my home and now returned. And I must say that I am ashamed.
While my time away from home was long, arduous, and deadly, it afforded my one thing, perspective. When I was but a child, I stood within these walls a proud citizen of this city, but I did not know then what I do now. The leaders and their guilds that would offer you this chance to claim some semblance of knowledge, power, security, or wealth only offer it on the premise that you must serve, exchange your freedom with the promise of success. Forever shackled to a master that would use you to accomplish its own ends!
I knew this better than most, as my father, while a great man, a rich man, lived his life in the same way. We have given to much of ourselves to a system that wants nothing more than to take everything we have and leave us a withered used up husk, a soulless and compliant slave. Time and time again corruption of the guilds has come to light, the Coup attempt by the Magistari to enforce their magical dominance. The cult calling themselves the Alliance with their brainwashing toxins. The Lumanari usurped the gods’ will in exchange for wealth and power. Even the Unchained, those who were wronged believing it best to destroy what we fought so hard to build.
Why do I tell you this? It is my duty as herald of the name Talvela to correct these wrongs and injustices of the people. The names of the four houses used to mean something to this city. I strive to return this great Mercadia back to its origins, one where the citizens can be proud to call it home.
To the guilds I say… Be ready to face the consequences for exploits. A new age is about to begin!" ~Castallon Talvela