MISSION STATEMENT

This newsletter is an attempt at further transparency in my own department as well as a few other interest pieces. Because of the multi-faceted nature of this publication, the cost of printing and materials was taken out of my personal funds and not the school's.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION

Schedule
Currently the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor is set to open for classes on the first of Elient. Class will be held on the first seven days of the tenday, with three offdays to round it out. The school year will run until the 17h of Kythorn. Holidays: High Harvestide, Feast of the Moon, Midwinter, Greengrass, the Autumn Equinox and Commonwealth Sovereignty Day.

Enrollment

Children 4-16 may enroll. Additionally, adults over 16 may request literacy or Citizenship exam tutoring. All of these services are free of charge or tuition. Students 12 and over must choose a vocation to study. All costs of apprenticeship/internship are covered by the Academy. They will only take classes in the morning so they may focus on their vocation or trade study in the afternoons and evenings.

Travel

Starting this year, in recognition that some of our students may be moving to Guldorand, we will begin offering daily escorts to the Academy and back. Like boarding and lunch, this is provided free, just mention your need when you register your child. We are seeking to buy an armored cart and a reasonably fast but sturdy beast of burden to drag it. This cart will be staffed with security to to be as safe as we possibly can be. We will begin price research within the tenday.

Employment

We're currently seeking a full-time teacher to teach literacy and literature. This pays a 12,000 stipend per a month. You must be a citizen or a citizen candidate to apply. Applications can be found in the Cordor Commonwealth building. If you'd like to negotiate an internship or apprenticeship with some of our students, please inquire.

Printing Press

Thanks to the generous donation by the smith Haur, the Academy has its own printing press! This school year, we will begin offering apprenticeships for older students seeking to become journalists by staffing them on a school paper, which will be completely run and planned by students (with advisory and supervision by staff, of course). In this program, they will learn how to operate a printing press, journalistic style, how to investigate and other skills and experience necessary.

In addition, we will also offer printing services to the public. For a negotiable rate for materials and equipment, we'll print your advertisements, announcement letters etc. All the money from this endeavor will go straight to the school's budget.

Current Teaching Staff (Blue Skies Academy of Cordor)

Headmaster Andrew Fryar: Government, Philosophy, Law
Astraea: Math, Science
Joon of the Binder: Geography, History, Religion
Castiel Fryar: Student counselor, Job/skill counselor

Currently, all teaching staff are taking on extra classes to cover Literacy/Literature.

Monthly Budget (Blue Skies Academy of Cordor)

Teaching Staff: 12,000 (Four teaching staff, three waiving their pay stipend)
Full Time Cook/Janitorial: 5,000
Security: 32,000 (multiple guards, twenty-four hour security)
Maintenance Budget: 18,000
School Supplies/Uniforms: 3,000
Apprenticeship/Internship Budget: 50,000

Expected Costs for Elient: 120,000

Fundraiser

We'll be holding a fund raising dinner in the near future. It's only through donations that we're able to keep the school afloat as we do not charge tuition and do not receive tax funding. We'll send out announcements soon.

BOATS

Any one who lives in Cordor has no doubt noticed a disturbing trend: boats being impounded by the Commonwealth for not paying special taxes for boats. I've had a few people tell me that they tried to inquire or square their issues away, only to meet with clerks who were unwilling to address them or would be out to lunch for many hours. This bureaucratic maze is highly inefficient, especially when its base contacts are unresponsive. Keep in mind, these clerks are paid with the same coins that the crazy tax law put out. A formal inquiry for explanation has been sent, as well as an updated copy of the tax code.

I have been working on a petition to send off through Minister Hodgewall and into the Commonwealth Center. The petition reads simply that the signers are complaining about the unprofessional demeanor of the clerks. If you would wish to sign, I'll be available at the Long and Short nightly, but I'll also be near the school. Only citizens may sign the petition.

A local from south, Parulg, sat down with me to speak on behalf of the southie's current plight. He gave me five key problems that law makers may not be aware of:

1) Bureaucracy: the unresponsive and evasive measures taken by the majority of clerks is insulting and frustrating. (It's worth noting I've never had a problem with Clerk Franton, who has been a polite and model clerk in my experiences with him.)
2) Lumber Prices: They skyrocketed to four times their initial price in a tenday, and only then leveled out.
3) Silence/Lack of Communication: Quite simply, the Commonwealth isn't talking, whether through the so-called Clarion of the Commonwealth, Press Conferences or any other means.
4) Taxes and housing prices: Residents must share their homes with other workers. This is also seen in west, where several families may live in the same old manor house.
5) Salaries: Through all of the price rising and higher taxes, salaries have remained the same. This wouldn't be as much of a problem if the above problems were ameliorated.

Currently, the petition sits at 16 signatures and counting! Please seek me out – I'll be at the school during that day and in the Long and Short for a few hours every evening.

CRIME

I sent off an inquiry to the Ministry of Law in regards to two different occurences: A pair of homicides in West Cordor and the cordon of a home in South Cordor, allegedly belonging to a dock worker named Cole. No reply to my inquiries has been issued.

MISSION STATEMENT

This newsletter is an attempt at further transparency in my own department as well as a few other interest pieces. Because of the multi-faceted nature of this publication, the cost of printing and materials was taken out of my personal funds and not the school's.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION

Schedule
Currently the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor is set to open for classes on the first of Elient. Class will be held on the first seven days of the tenday, with three offdays to round it out. The school year will run until the 17h of Kythorn. Holidays: High Harvestide, Feast of the Moon, Midwinter, Greengrass, the Autumn Equinox and Commonwealth Sovereignty Day.

Enrollment

Children 4-16 may enroll. Additionally, adults over 16 may request literacy or Citizenship exam tutoring. All of these services are free of charge or tuition. Students 12 and over must choose a vocation to study. All costs of apprenticeship/internship are covered by the Academy. They will only take classes in the morning so they may focus on their vocation or trade study in the afternoons and evenings.

Armored Cart

Due to the recent events, the armored cart has been postponed for a month.

Employment

We're currently seeking a full-time teacher to teach literacy and literature. This pays a 8,000 stipend per a month. You must be a citizen or a citizen candidate to apply. Applications can be found in the Cordor Commonwealth building. If you'd like to negotiate an internship or apprenticeship with some of our students, please inquire.

Current Teaching Staff (Blue Skies Academy of Cordor)

Headmaster Andrew Fryar: Government, Philosophy, Law
Astraea: Math, Science
Joon of the Binder: Geography, History, Religion
Castiel Fryar: Student counselor, Job/skill counselor

Currently, all teaching staff are taking on extra classes to cover Literacy/Literature.

Fundraiser

We'll be holding a fund raising dinner in the near future. It's only through donations that we're able to keep the school afloat as we do not charge tuition and do not receive tax funding. We'll send out announcements soon.

Dinner

It doesn't take a lot of observation to see that the people of Cordor are feeling the bite of the new taxes. This has only been made more bitter by the recent rusting that hit Cordor, ruining vast amounts of property and trade ware. The Blue Skies Academy has budgeted to provide one free meal for citizens for a day. It's not much, but we hope it'll go to helping out our hurting brothers and sisters. Dinner consists of meat, fruits and vegetables, as well as clean water. Dinner will be held in the Blue Skies Academy's cafeteria at 19:00 in the evenings. Come get a warm meal, find comfort and solidarity with your fellow Cordorians, etc. The doors lock at 20:00. Wandering the school is forbidden.

RUSTING

A wave of rust overcame all the non-magical metal in the Commonwealth. The worst seems to be over, but massive damage has been done all over the city. The rusting is apparently linked to the ongoing kobold excursions against Cordor. The sewers are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The rust has halted, however, and metal is slowly being replaced across the city.

BOATS

An inquiry about the regulations has been answered. The records about the new regulations and taxes are not public record! At least, this is what must be assumed. I inquired about them to a clerk, who was more than helpful to my search. Unfortunately, said regulations were likely passed under Act 9, emergency powers. The Act reads:

"In the course of the Commonwealth's departmentalized government it inevitably becomes necessary for any given operational ministry to subsume, absorb, share, delegate, create, or eliminate the various duties and responsibilities of another ministry. These changes may be important responses to imminent threat of war or disaster in an effort to ensure the safety and stability of the Commonwealth, or these changes may occur in peacetime towards the purpose of improving efficiency, thereby ensuring a fully functional Commonwealth state from which all citizens may benefit equally and fairly.”

This means, in times of emergency or just whenever, the Speaker may draft up and take up the powers of other ministries. The government is not obligated to publish this or what ever other liberties it may take under the veil of the common good, and can justify not informing the public in the interest of security. While this measure is intended to be temporary, they can be voted to remain this way with a simple majority vote. Given that policy numbers were not provided, the crippling regulatory maze facing citizens is almost assuredly a measure enacted under these emergency expansions.

I will offer my petition for a few more days. In the evenings, I will be either at the Long and Short or at the Academy's free dinner. In the mornings, I will be in West Cordor near the hostel with my breakfast table, as usual. We currently sit at 61 signatures.

CRIME

No answer to my inquiry about the homicides in west or the cordon around the home of dockworker Cole.

Locals in West rioted and burnt down the stall of long-time merchant Boinar Borinsbane, due to a belief that dwarves and elves were responsible for the rusting sweeping though Cordor. This, of course, is false. Reliable guard sources point to kobolds as the cause of the corruption.

A kobold snuck into Cordor and attacked the Market Hall when he was confronted about the kobold ban, injuring one bystander before being brought down. Lt. Addams Hole called me 'noble' followed by a vulgarity (the one beginning with 'f') when he asked me if I had seen the kobold before, even though at that point I had not said a thing to him or any one else on scene. Classy. The kobold was disposed of, but later surfaced in Cordor again, where he slunk off without incident. Guards were alerted.

Murder struck in North Cordor. The killer was brought to justice and quickly disposed by guards on scene.

MHERUN XILPHAS

People have no doubt seen the article by a member of the Council of Tarkuul by the name of Mherun Xilphas. That last name is an anagram for Silphax. Who is Silphax? Jane Silphax was a resident of Waterdeep who came to Amia to find her sister, a resident of Kohlingen. Even so, she dedicated her time to various causes around the island, including helping former High Priestess of Sune Kaytie in regards to our own Temple of Love. It was soon discovered she was pregnant and that the child was magical and growing swiftly.

She was kidnapped in Tarkuul by a man known as Luca and one of his associates, and brought to the City of Shade. Yes, of ancient Netheril. I was among the people Jane requested visit her in the final days of her pregnancy. On the date of the birthing, I was brought there to the place where the remnants kept her prisoner, along with Kaytie, Corinn and Richard Johnson. I had snuck a portal wand into my boot with the intention of helping Jane escape since, as you can guess, she hated it there. We were told the child was the reborn Mherun, a great Netherese mage.

The birthing was horrific. When the child was born, Jane more or less exploded and was absorbed by the child. Soon, it began draining everyone else in the house, killing all of the guards, and nearly draining myself and the other visitors. I was just able to trigger my portal wand before I fell into unconsciousness. The rebirth and rapid regrowth of Mherun Xilphas, of the Council of Tarkuul, was powered in a blood ritual. A blood ritual fueled primarily by his innocent 'mother'.

MISSION STATEMENT

This newsletter is an attempt at further transparency in my own department as well as a few other interest pieces. Because of the multi-faceted nature of this publication, the cost of printing and materials was taken out of my personal funds and not the school's.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION

Schedule
Currently the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor is set to open for classes on the first of Elient. Class will be held on the first seven days of the tenday, with three offdays to round it out. The school year will run until the 17h of Kythorn. Holidays: High Harvestide, Feast of the Moon, Midwinter, Greengrass, the Autumn Equinox and Commonwealth Sovereignty Day.

Enrollment

Children 4-16 may enroll. Additionally, adults over 16 may request literacy or Citizenship exam tutoring. All of these services are free of charge or tuition. Students 12 and over must choose a vocation to study. All costs of apprenticeship/internship are covered by the Academy. They will only take classes in the morning so they may focus on their vocation or trade study in the afternoons and evenings.

Armored Cart

Due to the recent events, the armored cart has been postponed for a month.

Employment

We're currently seeking a full-time teacher to teach literacy and literature. This pays a 8,000 stipend per a month. You must be a citizen or a citizen candidate to apply. Applications can be found in the Cordor Commonwealth building. If you'd like to negotiate an internship or apprenticeship with some of our students, please inquire.

Current Teaching Staff (Blue Skies Academy of Cordor)

Headmaster Andrew Fryar: Government, Philosophy, Law
Astraea: Math, Science
Joon of the Binder: Geography, History, Religion
Castiel Fryar: Student counselor, Job/skill counselor

Currently, all teaching staff are taking on extra classes to cover Literacy/Literature.

Fundraiser

We'll be holding a fund raising dinner in the near future. It's only through donations that we're able to keep the school afloat as we do not charge tuition and do not receive tax funding. We'll send out announcements soon.

Dinner

It doesn't take a lot of observation to see that the people of Cordor are feeling the bite of the new taxes. This has only been made more bitter by the recent rusting that hit Cordor, ruining vast amounts of property and trade ware. The Blue Skies Academy has budgeted to provide one free meal for citizens for a day. It's not much, but we hope it'll go to helping out our hurting brothers and sisters. Dinner consists of meat, fruits and vegetables, as well as clean water. Dinner will be held in the Blue Skies Academy's cafeteria at 19:00 in the evenings. Come get a warm meal, find comfort and solidarity with your fellow Cordorians, etc. The doors lock at 20:00. Wandering the school is forbidden.

RACE

A trio of Cordor citizens rallied in Cordor West earlier in the tenday. The three citizens alleged that the eroding economy and quality of life in Cordor should be attributed to dwarves and elves. The organized for protests and acknowledge the possibility of rioting if the Commonwealth did not remove them. There are several elves and dwarves who are citizens of the Commonwealth who have been unfairly targeted for non-existent wrongdoing.

When I arrived on the scene, things were starting to boil. However, the crowd soon calmed and dispersed peacefully. About half of the crowd decided not to blame dwarves and elves quite yet, but instead to sign my petition regarding the inaction of clerks and demand restitution and explanation from the Commonwealth. The petition will be sent in a few days.

ACT 9

In my last letter, I mentioned Act 9 in passing in my previous newsletter and printed the exact text. I rehashed these arguments again at the rally mentioned above. Two of the arguments supporters of the rally follow: (1)Transparency isn't necessary because it is not always in the interest of security to be open and (2) Elections should only be done on demand rather than at regular intervals so that the ministers don't have to interrupt their work to campaign. I'll address both of these below and provide a brief summary of my arguments at the rally.

1) Commonwealth is derived from public welfare. The Commonwealth Legislation and Acts also refer to Cordor as a Republic. In order for the citizens to make a rational and informed decision and opinion about the actions of the government it must be aware of what is happening. Furthermore, the installation of new taxes and regulations (the ones that are currently forcing Cordorians into homelessness, taking away their boats and their livelihoods) was never formally announced and do not seem to have a place on the public record. How is it in Cordor's security to (1) tax its citizens into poverty and (2) also fine them for not paying taxes they were not informed even existed? Furthermore, not complying with the taxes results in the loss of property and possibly jail time. Having money taken under threat? We call that robbery. That there are no open records about these taxes (a full record of them could not be provided when I inquired) would seem to indicate that these were passed under the Emergency powers of Act 9, which are put into law by the Speaker, not by any one minister.

2) This is the same attitude that is taken toward nobles traditionally. Nobles, under the noblesse oblige, are to rule in their citizens best interest and have a divine right to rule. The idea of being removed from common cares so they may work to rule wisely is almost directly taken from the dogma of Siamorphe. The Commonwealth rejects that any one person has a divine right to rule. As no one is qualified to rule via birth, every one should have equal opportunity to rule. This is how a republic works. Regular elections acknowledge that, as men, we are fallible and should be held accountable to the people. Regular campaigns force more openness by forcing a minister to re-sell themselves to the people and continually move on the road of progress as they evolve to new issues. They also allow the citizens to decide what issues will be tackled and in what direction policy will move in the next term. They force elected officials to open themselves to criticism and questions, rather than be placed on a pedestal away from the concerns of the proletariat. This dialogue is vital to a republic.

I will address two more things before I end this segment. I learned what I have about the dogma of Siamorphe from the idol of Siamorphe located right within the Commonwealth building, in the back office and meeting area. There have also been exactly two elections for minister positions: Health and Public Welfare and Finance. Finance was previously held by its original seat-holder, Joseph Maximilian, who relinquished it for election. Before then, he had held both the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Finance as Law had been empty. Minister Maximilian, therefore, took over ministry of Law himself, rather than put it to a vote. The Ministry of Magic, whose seat holder has not been in Cordor in literally years and whose more or less entire ministry was suspended and put under investigation, has also not been subject to an election. This was an investigation, mind, that has never been fully disclosed to the public.

CRIME

A man named Darius was asked in by the guards for questioning in connection to a previous infraction. He refused and it came to blows. He killed a guard, but was executed and placed under arrest.

Still no word in regards to the investigation into the murder of the Browns or the cordon around the home of a dockworker named Cole.

MURDER

There was a small commotion outside of a West Cordor home. A pair of guards, Sergeant Branton and Corporal Coran, were blocking a family from entering their home. Another guard, Private Amber Agravar, arrived on scene. Apparently, Lieutenant Addams Hole was busily working inside. We raised enough issue for the Lieutenant to come and investigate himself. He mentioned five people in the building had been murdered. I, at about this time, left to escort the family to some place where they could rest.

Naturally, this matches the same events that occurred at the home of a dockworker named Cole. As such, I informed the family that they would likely not get answers. Furthermore, Sgt. Branton and Corporal Coran were on the scene when I arrived as well at the home of the dockworker cole.

The other residents of the home included five of the people who signed my petition. Lt. Hole was on scene when I gathered support at the rally a couple of days ago. Lt. Hole also kept Private Amber from even seeing the scene of a crime and later beat her and put her under arrest while I was away with the family.

I'll list out these points again:

1) The guards on scene were the same two who were at the home of the dockworker, Cole, whose information never came to light.
2) The was no kind of commotion until the family arrived at their home to find it barred off.
3) Lt. Hole, who has a tendency toward violence on duty, was the acting officer in the 'murder investigation'. He only answered why they were there under pressure.
4) The alleged murder victims were people who had opposed the racial riots and sought for transparency in the Commonwealth.
5) Lt. Hole refused to allow another guard who was not one of his lackeys into the investigation. Furthermore, he put her down violently and placed her under arrest when she tried to force her way in. Keep in mind, Private Amber was trying to get answers that the Ministry of Law has still refused to provide.

It is for these five points I allege that Lt. Addams Hole should be investigated and charged for Murder and Guard Corruption. As well, investigation into how deep this alleged corruption runs should also be investigated. As long as the Cordor 'Guard' continues to staff its ranks with plated thugs and bullies such as Lt. Hole, who feel they do not need to answer to the people who fund their pay checks, do not need to be respectful the people who they are to protect, who feel they're above the law because they have a badge, then the future for justice in the Commonwealth is bleak.

These actions are those of a police state, sons and daughters of the Cordor, not a republic.

HURST

Hurst's story pins the murder on an elf (a nameless elf of whom no witness has seen). Rather than promote the facts, the Clarion decided to capitalize random words to pull triggers and strings at the people of the Commonwealth, while also promoting a murder to further their agenda that turns people away from the abuses of the Ministry of Law and the outright arrogance of its clerks who disregard the people's complaints. What about the boats, Mr. Hurst? What about Act 9? The spiraling poverty due to regulations and taxes installed in secret under the Speaker's emergency powers? The lack of elections for years? How about guards threatening citizens? I notice all of these have been absent from your periodical.

And let's not forget, your story parrots the story of Lt. Hole, who in the past two days, oversaw a private threatening to beat a citizen for rightly criticizing guard brutality, threw another person into a trashcan (but didn't charge them with a crime), and hassled a hin who had proof that he was not guilty of a crime due to only arriving in Cordor moments before. This ticket, by the way, was submitted as evidence to Lieutenant Aurelius.

I would like to point out a few things:

1) Amber was a citizen. This means, her lineage was already laid out on her Citizenship application.
2) There is no proof of elves, nobles or harpers being involved in this murder. Lt. Hole barred entry of another guard into a crime scene for no known reason. His cronies have also barred entry into the home of a dockworker named Cole, and no answer was ever given for these either. Or the Browns.
3) Lt. Hole is an abrasive and violent man, as shown above. He has assaulted and insulted citizen and visitor alike multiple times.
4) A name for this murderer was never provided, nor an appearance. Therefore, I would charge either he didn't exist or they assaulted an innocent elf off the street.
5) Hurst was not on scene at any crime, nor were any of the Recorders reporters. I know this because I was there. Hurst, therefore, can only report what is fed to him from a guard who had something to hide.
6) Lt. Hole placed a hin under arrest who had evidence that directly exonerated him. This means he is either a terrible investigator or a thug.

This again brings me to my original point laid out in my previous newsletter: Lt. Hole is likely guilty for guard corruption, these murders and possibly more. And what is true for certain is he is guilty of guard brutality. Consider, sons and daughters of the Commonwealth: why would a guard need to bar another guard from investigating or providing any oversight?

PVT. AMBER AGRAVAR

No doubt, word has reached the streets. Amber Agravar, formerly a private of the Cordor Vanguard and citizen, was put under permanent exile from the Commonwealth from what the Law Clerk said was treason. She had been arrested for assault on Lt. Hole during his investigation into a murder, in which he refused to allow another guard to investigate. The incident in question closely resembled the cordon around the home of Cole of South Cordor, right down to same guards coincidentally on duty. A vandal scrawled 'It's The Guard Murdered Cole!' across the guard station. I would agree that Lt. Hole did indeed murder Cole, based off the presence of Sgt. Branton and Corporal Coran.

The clerk, in an unprecedented efficiency, found Amber guilty of having noble ties, accused her of being a noble-harper plant and alleged that her citizenship papers were forged. I dismantled much of this propaganda manifesto at the event, but I'll cover my points and those of Lt. Aurelius again here.

1) Amber Agravar was a citizen of Cordor. The scope of her alleged crime made her eligible for a right to jury under Act VI (Expansion of the Court System), Article 2.
2) Act VI, Article 2 reads: “Criminal cases where innocence is pleaded by the Defendant, and the stand-alone punishment for the crime is Death, Permanent Exile, or over one year imprisonment, Then the Right to Trial by Jury shall be provided.”
3) Amber was not given a trial at any point.
4) Amber's revocation of citizenship was also done without trial or any kind of oversight. Instead, it was an executive decision, apparently made by the clerk. This either displays a grievous infraction of due process, a glaring oversight in the basic governing document of the Commonwealth or a loophole to be abused.

The clerk mentioned that her credentials had been faked. This is almost certainly false. Lieutenant Marcus, an officer in good standing with the Vanguard, was also present when she received her citizenship. That there has been no case about this so-called harper-noble plant that is giving out fake citizenship papers would seem to indicate one of two conclusions: The ministry of law is unaware of who is responsible and therefore their claims in this case have no ground or, more likely, there is no harper-noble plant and this was just a flimsy and illegal excuse to both get rid of a pesky guard and send a message to those who would ask questions.

With tensions on the rise in Cordor, the need for answers for the crimes perpetrated on the people by those who should protect them grows. Bullies like Lt. Hole and arrogant clerks who grow fat on our tax coin whilst disrespecting us are signs that this stagnation is poison. It speaks volumes that it took a clerk less than a day to break the law and ban a woman without trial or jury, yet some citizens still cannot get their property back from impound.

With all the negativity, I must also praise certain elements of the Cordor Guard for maintaining decorum and dignity befitting an officer of the law. In particular, the man who tried to take me in did not abuse me or attempt to treat me inhumanely. I would also wish to express my admiration for all citizens who stand up and speak out against the wrongdoing you see, and those who have extended their homes and their food to their neighbors and family in need. Your compassion and courage is an inspiration. And those few clerks who genuinely try to help and do their job, good on you.

MISSION STATEMENT

This newsletter is an attempt at further transparency in my own department as well as a few other interest pieces. Because of the multi-faceted nature of this publication, the cost of printing and materials was taken out of my personal funds and not the school's.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION

Schedule

Currently the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor is set to open for classes on the Eleventh of Elient. Class will be held on the first seven days of the tenday, with three offdays to round it out. The school year will run until the 17h of Kythorn. Holidays: High Harvestide, Feast of the Moon, Midwinter, Greengrass, the Autumn Equinox and Commonwealth Sovereignty Day.

Enrollment

Children 4-16 may enroll. Additionally, adults over 16 may request literacy or Citizenship exam tutoring. All of these services are free of charge or tuition. Students 12 and over must choose a vocation to study. All costs of apprenticeship/internship are covered by the Academy. They will only take classes in the morning so they may focus on their vocation or trade study in the afternoons and evenings.

Armored Cart

Due to the recent events, the armored cart has been postponed for a month.

Employment

We're currently seeking a full-time teacher to teach literacy and literature. This pays a 8,000 stipend per a month. You must be a citizen or a citizen candidate to apply. Applications can be found in the Cordor Commonwealth building. If you'd like to negotiate an internship or apprenticeship with some of our students, please inquire.

Current Teaching Staff (Blue Skies Academy of Cordor)

Headmaster Andrew Fryar: Government, Philosophy, Law
Astraea: Math, Science
Joon of the Binder: Geography, History, Religion
Castiel Fryar: Student counselor, Job/skill counselor

Currently, all teaching staff are taking on extra classes to cover Literacy/Literature.

Fundraiser

We'll be holding a fund raising dinner in the near future. It's only through donations that we're able to keep the school afloat as we do not charge tuition and do not receive tax funding. We'll send out announcements soon.

Dinner

It doesn't take a lot of observation to see that the people of Cordor are feeling the bite of the new taxes. This has only been made more bitter by the recent rusting that hit Cordor, ruining vast amounts of property and trade ware. The Blue Skies Academy has budgeted to provide one free meal for citizens for a day. It's not much, but we hope it'll go to helping out our hurting brothers and sisters. Dinner consists of meat, fruits and vegetables, as well as clean water. Dinner will be held in the Blue Skies Academy's cafeteria at 19:00 in the evenings. Come get a warm meal, find comfort and solidarity with your fellow Cordorians, etc. The doors lock at 20:00. Wandering the school is forbidden.

CLERKS

Today I submitted a copy of the petition off to Minister Eli. Over the course of the past couple of tendays, an amazing surge of support and outcry for restitution has been echoed throughout the Commonwealth. Despite opposition from a few guards and clerks who would seek to circumvent the law, ultimately, the right to voice one's opinions – integral to a free and rational republic – will go forth. I would like to congratulate all of you heroes who stepped forward to sign your names. You're an inspiration to me, and the reason I can keep on speaking out and bringing attention to shifty business in Cordor.

Together, we can fight poverty and bring stability back to the Commonwealth.

CRIME

Still no information about Cole of South Cordor or the Browns.

AMBER AGRAVAR

Speaker Maximilian reversed a decision by Clerk Samuel Thackery to revoke the rights and citizenship of Amber Agravar, a former guard who ran into legal trouble when she tried to force her way into the crime scene under the investigation of Lt. Hole. Lt. Hole's history of violence, as well as the suspicious actions of his lackeys outside of the home of a dockworker named Cole, seemed to point to wrongdoing at the hands of Lt. Hole. Amber attempted to investigate the home of the murders, but was barred. It came to physical violence and she was arrested for assault. She later came into trouble again for interrupting the arrest of a hin who had a solid alibi for his whereabouts during the time of the assault he was being taken in for. As the unlawful actions taken by Clerk Thackery and Lt. Hole display, she had probable cause to suspect corruption, in addition to guard brutality.

Amber will be given her right to trial, and has said she will return when it is time to go to court. Lt. Hole, meanwhile, continues to 'patrol' the streets. Speaker Maximilian also announced he intends to investigate charges of corruption within the Ministry of Law, and reiterated the right of all citizens to enjoy a fair trial by jury. While I applaud the Speaker's statements, memories of the investigation into the Ministry of Magic (which was dropped) remain fresh in my head. The lack of transparency made the case being thrown out over a lack of evidence suspicious.

I am cautiously optimistic that the grievances that I have highlighted in this periodical and have been echoed by some of the good people of Cordor is being acknowledged. Now, eyes are on the Speaker and his investigation. I am not certain what will happen in the coming days. It is my opinion that Amber's actions were lawful and within her duties to defend her fellow citizens of Cordor and maintain the integrity of her badge and uniform – an integrity that Lt. Hole has not lived up to. I will be ever vigilant to ensure justice is fairly done and transparent.

I will keep you updated on what unfolds in both the petition and this investigation. It is my solemn vow that I will not allow this story or this petition to die.

DISASTER

A racially-charged protest grew violent today in East Cordor. Several of West Cordor's residents, who have been protesting the presence of non-humans under the leadership of a local Cordorian, Jacob Marington. The mob rallied in front of the Commonwealth building, where they insulted passerbys and other attendees alike. At one point, a member of the mob knocked the paperboy, Mike, into unconsciousness because he was trying to do his job. Mike was rescued from the crowd and brought to safety. A few adventurers tried to goad the citizens into rioting. Jacob Marington, interestingly, was not present at the event.

Eventually, it did turn to lynching, and the crowd moved in on some non-humans who were in attendance, near the back of the crowd. Lt. Marcus Aurelius, another bystander and myself positioned ourselves between the crowd and the others. It was then that violence broke out and it came to fighting. I pushed a few rioters back with my shield, and made frightened the crowd off. Then, one of the elves taking shelter behind us let loose a lightning bolt. I restrained him, and eventually had him arrested for murder. About a dozen died in the display.

And then Cordor South came under attack by a variety of blood monsters. The melee was frantic, with rioters continuing to fight in the south district. Man, woman and child alike fought, often alongside the blood monsters, like people possessed. The guard was deployed. It was also around this time former Captain of the guard and so-called Enemy of the State, Nevaeh Tarvenica, Richard Johnson and others joined the fray to help the lot of us beat the blood monsters back and break their ranks. Lt. Addams Hole and Clerk Reed also arrived on scene, and the guard attempted to arrested Tarvencia, who fled to East.

I followed the guard, along with most of the crowd. I insisted they focus on securing the district and tending to the injured over capturing the people who had aided in the defense of South Cordor. I then attempted to relieve Lt. Hole of command. Before the Nomad, Lt. Hole and I's antagonistic relationship bubbled to boiling, and we engaged in a duel when he tried to have me arrested. Once he was unconscious, Lt. Aurelius instructed the guard to secure the city and to focus on the results of the attack.

Richard Johnson provided evidence that the Arcanum had been behind the attack (Collaborating with the blood magic on display), as well as the names of people in an Arcanum-run, secret prison. Clerk Reed demanded the evidence. Lt. Marcus, citing the lack of confidence that even Speaker Maximilian has in the ministry of Law, took Richard into his personal custody, as well as witnessed, examined and copied the evidence implicating the Arcanum for the attacks suffered in South Cordor. I have also been granted to receive and make copies of this evidence.

Following the fiasco, Minister of Labor Elijah Cromwell, with a guarded escort, surveyed the damage personally. He has condemned the human supremacist's divisive beliefs and seems intent on involving himself in the recovery personally.

Personal Message

Over the next several days, once things start to settle again, I'll begin to release what evidence I have seen and copied. In the mean time, the Academy will delay its opening another tenday. We'll begin offering breakfast in addition to dinner in the Academy. The Academy has a policy of paying for the burial of any students of ours who lose their lives during their tenure as students. I am going to temporarily extend this service to all children who lost their lives today. Furthermore, all of the city's resident clerics are encouraged to attend the meals as faith and fraternity are what make Cordor's people strong.

In the interest of pursuing justice, I applaud Lt. Aurelius from preventing Clerk Reed, whose department is currently under investigation and whose personal retinue was absent during the melee, from keeping the evidence himself. Furthermore, several members of the Cordor Guard showed an exceptional amount of civic virtue. And finally, several guards lost their lives in pushing through the Arcanum's blood monsters. None of these deaths here today will be in vain. Cordor will unify and grow stronger in the face of the wicked. Some seem intent on muzzling the evidence and undermining our city. And we will not allow them to do so.

It is in these dark times we must pull together as free people to take care of one another.

THE ARCANUM

Below is the copy of the evidence I made that was submitted to the Cordor Guard, that implicates the Arcanum in the attack. Not former Captain Tarvencia, not elves, not dwarves, not nobles or anything else. This is the Arcanum – human blood mages who have worked against Cordor and its people and who had the case against them dropped by the Ministry of Law.

All I have done is remove specific details pertaining to the creation of the monsters.



OPEN FORUM/COUNCIL MEETING

There will be a council meeting in the next tenday or so. Several things will be on the docket. There will be a public forum, and I would encourage any one who has been affected by the recent events in Cordor to attend.

DINNER AND BREAKFAST

The Blue Skies Academy is currently serving two meals a day to any citizens of Cordor. The cafeteria will be open from 8 – 9 and 19 – 20. The left overs, if any are left, will be dispersed among the residential districts of Cordor.

DISASTER

I think we all know what befell our Commonwealth over the course of yesterday. However, I'll outline here what I was witness to in hopes to clear up any misconceptions.

It began a few hours before the scheduled council meeting, when a general feeling of irritation fell over the city of Cordor and its people. Tensions rose. The cause? Magic at the hands of the Arcanum who were responsible for the travesty that occurred in South Cordor that left around two thousand and five hundred of our people dead. The hostilities mounted and several of Cordor's citizens and guards rose to the occasion, attempting to maintain order and safety on the streets as people grew ornery and eventually turned to blows. Despite out efforts, the situation soon got out of control and Minister Xaviera and Eli issued out a call for evacuation.

Several people chose to leave, but several other chose to lock themselves inside and remain. I escorted the children who board at my academy, the children from the orphanage and their caretakers and helped them out of Cordor to Guldorand where they are currently safe and secure. (If you're a parent who has your child in our boarding program, they are fine. We accounted for every child in our charge at all times during the escort. If you'd like us to bring them back home early, let me know and It'll be so). The children will be brought back to Cordor in two days if the condition is stable.

During the midst of all of this, the army from Kohlingen came and knocked on our gates, moving in to attack and batter down the gate. This was due to a miscommunication that lead to an unfortunate altercation between a squadron of guards and the army. Ministers Xaviera and Eli arrived on scene to parley, and Kohlingen agreed to leave the bulk of their army outside of the city and send in only small groups to aid in securing the streets, helping with evacuation and tend to the injured. Order soon returned to the streets. Minister Elijah was set to helping things in South Cordor during the proceedings. Among those assisting in bringing order back to the streets was Nevaeh Tarvencia.

It was at this time that we congregated before the Commonwealth Center. Minister Maximilian arrived on scene. At first outraged, we talked him into listening and I presented him with the same proof I published for you in my last newsletter: that the Arcanum was behind the recent attacks. He declared the Arcanum enemies of the state. The Speaker was then quickly assassinated via blood magic before our very eyes, but the blood monstrosity that spawned from him was quickly put down. If you see any oozes or puddles of blood, please report them to the Cordor Guard.

After this, plans went out to secure the districts while Minister Xaviera – as acting speaker – and Minister Eli made to engage in peace talks with the Treaty of Light representatives there in the city. I went to fetch Minister Elijah from South Cordor and, while there, successfully fought off an assassination attempt from three unknown assailants thanks to the assistance of my companion.

Speaking to Minister Eli after the Peace Talks, he expressed optimism that the Commonwealth and its republican form of government would continue to exist and survive on, and his belief that Cordor would have relief for its woes soon.

Here is what is known, in summation:

1) The events of today were caused by the Arcanum.
2) Kohlingen arrived on scene to aid in re-stabilizing the Commonwealth.
3) Speaker Maximilian was assassinated in an overt attack by the Arcanum.
4) The Arcanum seems to have been weakened to some degree. The magical compulsion was interrupted at least. The contingency to summon blood monsters is still likely intact. Officials from both within Cordor and without say the city has been liberated of Arcanum control.
5) Nevaeh Tarvencia is currently an acting-guard officer of Cordor, having seeming been exonerated by both the remaining Ministers and the late Speaker Maximilian moments before his death.
6) Cordor's officials are currently engaged in Peace Talks with the other cities on Amia. Now that it has formally turned on the Arcanum, the cities of the Treaty seem open to talking.
7) The remaining Ministers seem dedicated to preserving Cordor. As such, it remains sovereign of itself.
8) There remains at least some cloak-and-dagger within Cordor, as I faced down an assassination attempt.
9) Ministers Elijah Cromwell, Eli Hodgewall and Xaviera Xee are in healthy condition.

I will keep you updated on the progression of the Peace Talks over the next few days, and how the recovery goes. Hold close to your faiths. The next couple of days will be difficult. However, our people have sustained worse and weathered it thanks to our tenacity and our compassion toward one another. Join together in fraternity to help your neighbor out. Literally, our bonds of love, friendship and compassion are the greatest weapons man has against the machinations of evil.

Take care of each other.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

There will be memorial services held for the late Speaker Maximilian and the rest of those lost both today and in the last Arcanum attack. The exact date and details of these events will be released in the next few days.

BREAKFAST AND DINNER

I'll continue holding my free dinner and breakfast in the Academy, even though the students are not there. If you need a hot meal, every citizen of Cordor is allowed to eat free. As always, food that is left over will be delivered out door to door.

WRITE IN

If you have a desire to write in your perspectives, please seek me out. I'm inviting everyone who was there, citizen or defender to speak out. It will be published unaltered, in-contect and without commentary, unlike certain other periodicals. I only ask you be civil in your writing and do not try and bait or incite a riot.

LIGHTS

Everyone saw the pulsing lights in the night sky. I misdiagnosed this as a threat and warned people to return to their home. Shortly after, I ran into Ulrik who provided an explanation about what was happening. He held a small question-and-answer for a few people in South Cordor, then departed. I requested this explanation for print.

RELIEF STATIONS
Currently, the Chapel of Lathander, the Temple of Love and the Festival Grounds contain places for people seeking shelter or nourishment. They also contain healing supplies and other goods.

CHILDREN

Any lost children should be brought to the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor. We are currently in contact with other stations throughout the city to reunite parents with their children as much as possible.

Parents, below is a list of the children we currently have staying with us. If you see your child's name listed here, you can collect them from sunrise to dark. There will be someone on hand at all times to ensure the safety of everyone and children will only be released to their guardians upon verification.

Allen Ackbarry
Jennifer Callsworth
Mary Custer
Flik Darrows
[...]
Robert Westin
Candice Zeal

This list is updated every night, so please, do not lose hope.

-Andrew Fryar

PINCER

Yesterday, former Secretary of Finance Penn E. Pincer was arrested on charges of embezzlement. He raised a ruckus over the charges, but was eventually imprisoned after Minister of Health and Public Welfare and interim Speaker Xaviera Xee also agreed to be arrested before the calls of a hostile crowd, made up mostly of adventurers. They were both brought to the prison, though later Minister Xee was released. She returned to prison at the day's end.

HURST

William Hurst was also to be arrested on embezzlement, however, a Law Knight and several others slew the arresting officers and allowed Hurst to escape, according to witnesses in Central at the time.

CHAOS

It was after this that Clerk Reed declared Mover the new minister of Law, flying directly in the face of any sense of republicanism and furthermore trying to establish the same corrupt tendencies that led to the state of the Commonwealth and the Ministry of Law. Remember, the Ministry was so untrustworthy that the late Minister Maximilian even lead the investigation himself. For years, the Ministry of Law threatened, coerced and shifted for power over the Commonwealth. Mover further declared myself, Minister Xee and Minister Eli enemies of the state and ordered our arrest. In summation, not only did the corrupt remnants of the Ministry of Law attempt to coup power from out of the people's grasp but also attempted the same tactics they used against Private Amber Agravar, whose case was such a grievous lapse of justice that the late Speaker reversed it himself.

So, when a Law Knight came to arrest me, yes, I resisted and unfortunately the knight perished. I resisted because, as a Cordorian Citizen, I have a right to defend myself. The Ministry that former Secretary Mover was over had a history of injustice. In addition to Private Amber above and declaring us enemies of the state without trial, I'll take a moment to recount the tale of my wife, Castiel Fryar. My wife, as some of you may recall, was arrested under suspicion of being an undeclared noble. This, of course, is an out right lie as when she submitted her citizenship application, she also attached formal documents from the court of Waterdeep, acknowledging that she has renounced her status. For close to a month, no investigation, formal charges or trial proceedings were ever laid upon her. Eventually, I had to contact the court of Waterdeep to send the documentation right to the Ministry of Law. At that point, I met with Secretary Mover, who said the documentation had been lost, and released my wife within the hour. This was all done while my wife was pregnant without now two-month old twins. One last story: Cole. The Dockworker who went missing under suspicious circumstances, whose home was cordoned for a night and no answer to inquiries was ever given.

All this taken here, do you honestly believe, people of Cordor, that I or others would've had any chance of a fair trial under Reed, Mover and the rest of their group, who employed a chromatic dragonkin and blackguards as muscle and who staged a coup and appointed himself Minister by completely illegal means?

Following my resisting arrest, Citizens of west, bolstered by defecting soldiers and adventuring thugs, marched on west toward the prison. Dockworkers and other southies stood with the guards and Minister Xee after she stepped out of prison.

Meanwhile, Eli has started gathering the other districts, and even some in West, in a song of peace, parading through the city in unity. I had left the prison by this point to join Minister Hodgwall and the others as the parade wound through the districts, singing together. They arrived at the north-west part of south, where opposition and guard forces had just clashed, containing the Western opposition. It was here that Minister Eli, again, made a speech, urging peace and unity, speaking with members of the opposition and seemingly settling things for the evening. This is the report he released today:



Following the speech, two instigators from West got into an argument with Parulg, a prominent dockworker of South. Though I kept them away at first, they ultimately slipped around me and murdered him. Parulg was able to be resuscitated and the pair were brought to prison where they will await trial. I will admit here to losing my temper and hacking the murderer in blind rage.

HENRY MORRIS

I feel I must address Mr. Morris's latest Hurst-esque rag. As an educator and a citizen journalist who has been involved and monitored Commonwealth activities for years, I feel it is my duty to fact check parts of his most recent declaration.



This is ignoring the fact that there is currently no Minister of Law. Appointing a Minister of Law would be a step in the wrong direction. Let's not forget that this is exactly what former Clerk Reed and former Secretary Mover tried to orchestrate. Proof of this is posted on walls all over West and Central.



This is exactly what happened. Following the death of the original Minister of Law, Hector Carton, Minister Maximilian did indeed hold two Minister positions. To quote the official press release from the announcement of election for Secretary of Finance in Alturiak of this year:



The late Minister Carton's death was announced on the tenth of Tarsakh in 1377. In Kythorn of that same year was the first address of the Commonwealth. I'm going to quote here from the transcript of the first address by the late Speaker Maximilian.



It's currently 1381 ((Or current year, if I got this wrong!)). This means for roughly four years, what was to be a six-month long stint was indeed lengthened several times over. Maximilian loved his city, but he did indeed lengthen his stay much longer than he should've legally done.



Mr. Morris hasn't been silenced, and neither has any one else. (1) He is indeed still voicing his opinion and (2) there is no warrant out for his arrest. Meanwhile, Morris continues to ignore that evidence showing Mr. Hurst's embezzlement was shown before a crowd of onlookers, the same evidence that will be used against him in the trial. What was stopped, however, was an organized attack by someone who appointed himself minister of law, illegally mind you, attempted to strip citizens of their right to trial by declaring them enemies of the state and hid behind hired muscle and frustrated but otherwise innocent people, marching them off to a situation that could only end in bloodshed.

Furthermore, Hurst isn't the voice of the people. He is a fat man who eats expensive foods, dresses in fine clothes and spins baseless propaganda while people starve.

Mr. Morris, Mr. Mover and his cronies forget that some of the voices of Cordor cries for peace – as proven by yesterday's peaceful demonstration by Minister Eli. A vocal minority does not speak for the majority, and it is only through the democratic process of voting that we can truly say what the people want as a whole. And as proven by Eli when he paraded through West singing a song of peace, not even all of West wants blood.

AID SERVICES

Aid services will continue as regularly scheduled. The Academy still has a few children left who are waiting to be claimed by concerned parents or family. You can come by any time during daylight hours and some one will assist you. Here are their names:

Allen Ackbarry
Mary Custer
[...]
Trevor 'The Road' Smithson
Candice Zeal

A Reply

I received a response to my newsletter, which I will respond to here point by point.



The people of south felt this was an unjust arrest. I am also of this opinion. The fact of the matter is that bloodshed was inevitable whether she was in a cell or not. West had invaded South with arms in hand by this point. Local defenders and residents of south had already united to defend what was for all intents and purposes an act of rebellion.



I was not there for either of these occurrences and therefore I will not contest them.



Former Secretary Mover and Former clerk Reed incited West into armed conflict to march on south and on the prison. Regardless of where you stand ideologically, Mover, Reed and their group did the exact same thing, save rather than stand with their people, they hid. Furthermore, when people march into your home armed with weapons, a soul is duty bound to protect themselves and their home. Consider that two of West supporters murdered a half-orc Southie for speaking his mind, this would seem to indicate that there was no peaceful intent behind said march or the arms it carried.



It was through song and peace that the majority of the city was rallied. It was unfortunately late that it was after Mover's failed coup that this occurred. This is also forgetting that some of the bodies were those of South Cordorians who had been firstly attacked by Mover's thugs before the march from west.



As I have outlined before, the Ministry of Law under Mover was corrupt and lacking in any kind of justice- furthermore, the issue for my arrest was made by someone who usurped power by declaration and not by democratic process and thus his orders were illegal. I did not recognize the legitimacy of the arrest because there was no legitimacy behind it. The same order declared me an enemy of the state without trial, thus denying my rights as a citizen of the Commonwealth.

Therein lies the problem. Mover, Reed and their group declared themselves rulers illegally and then attempted to arrest me. It is unfortunate that the guardsman perished in our fight, however to allow myself to be arrested would've been subjecting myself to men who have no justice in their hearts and no legitimacy to their claims. As far as the law would say, the guardsman was not acting with the authority of the Cordor Guard.



I thank you for this dialogue.

ARREST

Yesterday, in the wee hours of the morning, a group commissioned by Minister Eli discovered the hiding location of fugitives of the Commonwealth. These were former Secretary Mover and Clerk Reed. When we went to perform the arrest, a guard blockade refused to let us past to proceed onto the arrest. We tried to reason past, but it ultimately turned into a brawl that ended with the blockade defeated. We pressed into the district to the hiding place, avoiding confrontation as much as we could. We found the hiding place, made way inside and followed their path downward.

What was within? Some more renegade guardsmen, assassins of the same brand who tried to kill myself and the ministers as well as Arcanum mages. Mover and his posse had fled, however there was one arrest made. A lone witness and associate of Mover. He was taken into custody for questioning.

Furthermore, we also rescued a prisoner who had been badly tortured and mutilated when we found him. He is currently in recovery.

What we seem to have found is concrete evidence that Mover and the Arcanum have been acting in collusion for who knows how long. I won't try to say this justifies the actions we had to take (because honestly, it does not), but it is my sincerest hope that this'll be a step toward putting Mover in jail and holding the Arcanum accountable for the evils they've done.

REED AND THE MINISTRY OF LAW

I addressed a bit about this in my last newsletter in regards to the push into West Cordor for the attempted arrest of former Secretary Mover and the late Clerk Reed. This section is mostly in response to Mr. Hurst, who is wanted for tax related criminal activity, and his latest publication. He alleges that Clerk Reed was killed – this is, to my knowledge, true though I was not involved with the death. Reed, much like Mover and Hurst, should have been placed under arrest so they could be brought to trial. Hurst forgets that Mover and Reed are not only wanted for affiliation with the Arcanum (which there is solid evidence of), but also for declaring Mover a minister without any kind of legal authority or popular vote of the city – a blatant act of sedition. Let's not forget that Mover, Reed and their ministry of Law was the same that sought to punish watch-dogging, routinely broke the rules of due process, covered up murders and the evidence/trial of the Arcanum in a veil of bureaucratic ribbon and was ultimately censured by the late Speaker Maximilian so he could investigate corruption within the Ministry.

When the late Speaker was assassinated in full view of the people of Cordor East, with his last breath, he declared the Arcanum enemies of the state. Mover has been complicit with the Arcanum for who knows how long - I have published such evidence and reason in these newsletters. Hurst and the remnant Ministry of Law have proven to care nothing for the evidence and would instead throw out baseless accusations and buzzwords in all capital letters, such as 'NOBLE' and 'HARPER' (of which Mover or the Ministry of Law never attempted to arrest me for during their time as legitimate members of the Ministry of Law). Instead, my wife, who is a former noble who renounced her family ties and was cleared for release by the former secretary Mover himself, had been placed under arrest without charge or any kind of trial for a month. What about the mysterious murders of innocent families in West that were only investigated by the late Lt. Hole? Or the disappearance of the dockworker, Cole, who the Ministry of Law has never answered for? Or guards who would threaten non-humans and turn a blind eye while they were lynched? This is not the makings of a regime that supports the people.

A Journalist requires exactly two things to get started: A commitment to truth and the ability to write. Hurst has only one of these, and he is clearly literate. Instead, like Penn E. Pincer, he has garbed himself in finery and fattened himself on food.

TARKUUL

Tarkuul has accepted Eli Hodgwall's invitation to provide aid to Cordor. I will reprint my story on Archmage Mherun Xilphas of the Council of Tarkuul. It was written in response to him denouncing the Arcanum for corruption – this part I did not take umbrage with. Rather, I took offense with the implication such a man would care for Cordor from a selfless point of view.



For these reasons, I, the Academy and its staff will be refusing any aid from Tarkuul. I do wonder, however: why is Hurst so eager to praise Tarkuul?

TRIBUNAL

Several citizens of Cordor have formed a tribunal to oversee a vote on the Foundation, the election and the trials of high crime. This seems to have the blessings Eli Hodgwall and Xaviera Xee, who have agreed to submit to trial by the tribunal. The tribunal consists of:

Jacho Borimus of Guldorand
Clerk Franton
Tristina of Waukeen
Dawnmaster Redweth of Lathander
Hil’Rash
Captain Reynolds
Ser Hector Godric, Knight of the Law

Lieutenant Marcus Aurelius supports them as a field representative and legal advisor. The Tribunal has three stated goals:

"1. To oversee and judge by impartial and fair trial by law of the Commonwealth all individuals charged with high crimes against the Commonwealth.

2. To oversee and administer by impartial and fair means a popular referendum on the establishment of the Foundation of the Commonwealth, of which the outcome will confirm or deny the legitimacy of the Foundation of the Commonwealth as a valid and legal document of law and governance of the Commonwealth.

3. To oversee and administer by impartial and fair means general popular elections for the Council of the Commonwealth, while the Foundation has been approved by popular referendum, or the Council of Ministers of the Provisional Government of the Commonwealth, while the Foundation has not been approved by popular referendum." (quoted from their own release)

Upon completion of which, they promise to disband. Reception to the tribunal seems mixed across the city.

FREE MEALS AND BEDS

The Blue Skies Academy of Cordor is pleased to re-open its doors for free breakfast and dinner for any one who needs a warm meal. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 hour and supper will be served 19 to 21 hour. Meals vary from day today, but are balanced to provide vegetables and meat with fruit for dessert and occasionally sweet pastries.

Due to the temporary relocation/evacuation of the Academy's students and the orphanage, the Academy will begin offering free shelter for those in need until the Commonwealth stabilizes. There are limited beds and it is on a first come-first serve basis. Please contact Andrew Fryar to apply.

BUDGET

6,000 coin has been taken out of the Academy's funds to commission a large wagon and purchase two oxen. This vehicle, The Blue Sky Ship, will be used for transporting students on field trips and to transport students in Guldorand and across the city from the Academy to the building on a daily basis when school is in session.

OPEN LETTER TO BILL HURST

Dear Bill Hurst,

I hope this message gets to you, where ever you're hiding, no doubt stuffing your face on the fats of the people who trust you. Let's take a quick look at your situation:

Throughout the trouble in West and the rest of Cordor, you continued to dress in fine clothes and ate well despite the hardships the rest of the city was enduring. Alongside the Ministry of Law and the Arcanum, you essentially boosted yourselves as the unofficial aristocracy of the young Commonwealth. You all stood aloof from the suffering of the people. You were never at any riots, nor did you ever help the poor. You silenced and condemned dissenting voices repeatedly, including throwing my innocent wife in jail for charges of nobility that were outdated and false. However, this isn't about me. It's about you. How did manage to fare so well while owning the Recorder? Kickbacks.

What is attached here is a short excerpt of some of Bill Hurst's tax documents – the same that had been displayed by Eli during the riots some time ago. They show some wrongdoing.

There. I've provided proof that you're a tax fraud.

The charges laid against Secretary Mover are even worse than yours. You state that Nevaeh Tarvencia is an enemy of the Commonwealth, however the late Speaker Maximilian, as he died, not only forgave Tarvencia, but also declared the Arcanum enemies of the Commonwealth, based upon evidence that was published in a previous edition of my newsletter. These clearly showed that the Arcanum systematically kidnapped and murdered several citizens of Cordor, undermining their right to trial and basic human decency. The Ministry of Law later came under condemnation from the late Speaker himself for breaking these same right to trial for another citizen, Amber Agravar. You also took this opportunity to defend Lt. Hole, a guard who, despite your own words, does not have a record as a good guardsman and was suspected of the murders of citizens from both South and West.

Yet, Mover has ties to the Arcanum and signed off on their murders. You call me a Harper. What is a Harper? You've never laid out any evidence or cause for calling me this nor were any charges ever brought on me, even when the Ministry of Law's regime was still prevalent. Not until after you were placed under arrest for crimes against the Commonwealth – to be brought for trial – that Mover declared me an enemy of the state and ordered my arrest. An arrest I resisted because - as you recall –there hasn't been a public trial under the Ministry of Law's regime pretty much since the Duke's trial and even that was suspect. The trial against the Arcanum? Never public, and completely dropped.

Again I ask, what is a Harper? Certainly, it must be better than a mass murderer. The traitor to the people is you, Mr. Hurst. You and Mr. Jay Edgar Mover who, for years, approved the slaughter of the Cordorian People and turned a blind eye to the crimes of the Arcanum in exchange for your own power.

The Light of Morning pierces all shadows,
-Andrew Fryar

This newsletter is left in fairly large quantities the Nomad. the Long and Short and most other public gathering places in Cordor. A few are left in the Commonwealth Center.

The Amnish

You've no doubt seen soldiers of Amn milling around the various districts of Cordor. Perhaps you've spoken to them or shared a drink with a couple. Maybe you've seen their fliers detailing the evils of Tarkuul. I'm not here to refute this. I am, however, here to clear up a few misconceptions that may be remaining after reading their letters.

Let's consider this 'diplomatic' envoy. It consists of several warships. They claim they are here for our benefit, to protect us from the Arcanum. This is pure and one-hundred percent a lie, unless the City of Coin's duplicitous nature is so strong it can warp reality. This 'diplomatic' envoy arrived and gave an offer to the Tribunal. They allege that Tytalus of the Arcanum, during his time while associated with Cordor, destroyed the Amnian colony of Maztica. They gave Cordor three options:

1) Pay a restitution fee of about two-hundred and fifty million gold.
2) Allow the Cowled Wizards to open a branch in the city.
3) Death.

This doesn't sound like the trappings of someone who is interested in stopping the spread of an evil as viral as the Arcanum. This sounds like imperialism, pure and simple. Notice how none of these involved working with the local authorities. I'll approach each of these offers.

Two hundred and fifty million gold is an impossible price to reach. Even with the massive debt incurred under the Ministry of Law (much of which has now been severely reduced through the selfless actions of citizens and residents), this number is higher still. Several years of mismanagement, tax fraud and corruption could not even equal a fifth of the outrageous extortion that Amn is seeking in recompense. Thus, it can be safely assumed that this 'diplomatic' envoy does not wish the city to pursue this offer.

The next option is to allow the Cowled Wizards in. For people who do not know, the Cowled Wizards are an arcane police force (sound familiar?) with more or less free reign to do as it wishes. With the Cowled Wizards would ultimately come more Amnian occupation. Helmsport, the very colony that was destroyed by Tytalus, was the victim of such an Amnian occupation. This occupation was extremely brutal, filled with disease, death and raping of the land for its resources. The devastation was so great that it caused Helmites everywhere to shudder and The Vigilant One to wane in popularity. Occupation is evil in of itself, regardless of whose banners or cause it is under. Amn has a history of perpetrating this evil to its chilling conclusion.

The final option pokes a massive hole right in their so-called lack of desire for war: If Cordor does not pay and if it will not allow occupation, then it will take the city by force. Despite being aware of the 'Blood Contingency', they are willing to murder any one who stands up to them, thus advancing the goals of the Arcanum. On that note, who else wanted to satisfy the Blood Magic by soaking the city in blood? The Arcanum. This envoy not only consists of potential murderers, but these cowled wizards are all human males, similar to the Arcanum. We have not bucked the Arcanum and destroyed their cell to submit to occupation by more imperialists or wicked mages who would so willingly put the lives of every Cordorian man, woman and child in risk. It is an honorable act to defend people from evil; slaughtering them and advancing the cause of said evil is an absurd way to do it.

Mr. Steinberg asks if we will allow a cabal of mages dictate our lives. I say no. You can couch your imperialistic endeavors in what ever faux-benevolence you want. You can fly what ever flag you want over your deviance. The Cordorian people know a rat when they see it.