–==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.