AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic - Diplomacy's Game Continues: Blood and Rebirth

A formal letter is penned to the "Speaker;"

Minister Xee, I'd like to know what formal accusations are brought against me. Considering I've been away from the islands for the past two moons, it seems extremely suspect that I've managed to enact some elaborate, instigational scheme in a period of twenty-four hours. Richard Johnson and Emilie are frequent acquaintances, though they have no formal ties to either myself or my work. I trust you realize that threatening a man with execution simply for knowing someone is hardly working towards ridding your city of corruption. I eagerly await your evidence and due process of law, and pray that the gods have mercy on the False.

~L. Severin

Marcus reads trough one of the notices, before adding to the one he is currently reading - and no others:
"Due to the death of Speaker Maximillian, former Secretary of Law Mover no longer holds valid and legal claim to the seat of Secretary of Law. However, only a Minister of Law may appoint a Secretary of Law. Such is his singular right and is the established precedent for all Ministries. This declaration adds yet another breach of the Commonwealth's law to the Council's actions.
- Aurelius

If any come seeking answers from the Commonwealth Center as a result, Eli simply quotes Article IV, which sets precedent for the Council to appoint non-minister positions when the existing Minister -and- Secretary are absent for extended duration in order to assure the continued function of a Ministry within the Commonwealth until such time that elections are held by the People may make their choice and appointments may be reviewed properly.

Two copies of Xaviera's posting are removed from various parts of the city. In the west district of Cordor, a certain passage of her notices are circled in red paint so that that portion is not obscured. Harsh red letters are written over the rest of the notice above it.

Armories to make it all the easier to bludgeon the citizens into submission. See how there are none in the west? They don't trust us, yet they want to beat oppression into us at will!

// Passage for reference

Xaviera wrote:

(3) In light of this disturbing news, the Council has decided to consider the establishment of armories in various districts of the city in case it should prove necessary to repel an invasion or to otherwise arm our citizens in defence of the Commonwealth and its people. Several locations are under consideration, specifically [there follow three addresses, located in the North, East and Southern portions of town; currently they are abandoned buildings or warehouses located near to guard posts].

Elorathall wrote:

"Due to the death of Speaker Maximillian, former Secretary of Law Mover no longer holds valid and legal claim to the seat of Secretary of Law. However, only a Minister of Law may appoint a Secretary of Law. Such is his singular right and is the established precedent for all Ministries. This declaration adds yet another breach of the Commonwealth's law to the Council's actions.
- Aurelius

DustSpray101 wrote:

If any come seeking answers from the Commonwealth Center as a result, Eli simply quotes Article IV, which sets precedent for the Council to appoint non-minister positions when the existing Minister -and- Secretary are absent for extended duration in order to assure the continued function of a Ministry within the Commonwealth until such time that elections are held by the People may make their choice and appointments may be reviewed properly.

Xaviera would also clarify that Mover's position is not invalid because of Joseph Maximillian's death, but because he has been discharged from his duties for crimes against the Commonwealth pending the outcome of his trial. If he is ever found and proven innocent he could conceivably be reinstated but the work of the Ministry must continue in the mean time and it cannot do so without senior officials. The same applies to any lower-level clerks who are sought on charges of corruption.

She reveals as well that the timing of upcoming elections is a frequent topic of discussion in Council, and states "We would love to hold elections immediately but, so long as the problems in west Cordor are keeping the city unstable, we can't guarantee people free and open access to the polls. There are many reports of citizens and even guards being intimidated or brutalized by rioters and terrorists and it saddens me that our city has descended into violence against its own when we have only just thrown off the yoke of the Arcanum. You have my promise that, as soon as things calm down, we can start moving forward on this critical issue. I remind you that the original Commonwealth Council promised elections within six months of taking power but it was three years before the people were finally allowed to speak and I was elected. I hope to at least keep to that six month timetable and would love to do so sooner if the situation is stable enough that we can ensure there will be no violence against candidates because of issues such as race, place or condition of birth, or political leanings. Once we get the process going I have proposed a series of staggered elections at three- to six-month intervals until all Ministries have been voted for. I urge anyone who is interested in running for a position on Council in the future to be sure that their citizenship papers are up to date."

/EDIT: If reminded that the lack of clerks and the unsettled situation are making it impossible for the Commonwealth to hold Citizenship classes or process applications at the present time, she will sigh and reply, "Well, then - the sooner we can get back to normal, the better, hm?"

Proclamations are glued and nailed with gusto. Volunteers rush to and fro with inspired energy. But one cowled man in a dusty black robe stands stark outside the Commonwealth Center day and night, not because he is bored, or has nothing better to do, but because he has nowhere better to be, unless it is the times when he is knocking with white-gloved hands upon doors or tent flaps with a wagon, come to collect the dead and take them somewhere other than Moribund for a burial. Once, he was seen rowing off shore with a bundle of bodies, the boots of the deceased standing lined up along the shoreline to be taken by the next tide, and when he returned, there were none.

At times, he sits down on the benches scratches words onto sheafs of parchment, covers them with a white powder, and then rolls them up and stores them in a scroll case.

If asked what he is waiting for, he is polite, but sounds monotone and maybe a little sad. "I await word from the Ministry of Health. I am a very patient man."

In response to Xaviera's proclamation, an open letter is sent.

Minister Xee,

Four years ago I fought to defend the people of Cordor against those who would lord over them, and think themselves their masters. That you would already begin to repeat the crimes of your predecessors does not surprise me. You did nothing to stop the horrors that continued daily under your city, horrors you were well aware of. You sat in your office and busied yourself with the occasional act of charity while thousands died bloody deaths beneath your feet. I ask you, what did you do during your tenure as minister to halt this? Or shall we pretend that you never heard the screams, or smelled the stench?

You accuse me of corruption. I have done nothing your Harper friends haven't during the course of this long battle. I have not hidden my intentions beneath shadows and low voices, nor kept the truth of the horrors from the people as you have. You accuse me of terrorism, It was not I who unleashed the armies of the north upon my own people, nor conspired in the dark to rob them of the freedom they so justly deserve.

You sentence me to Death. So be it. I would gladly give my life for this cause I have dedicated it to thus far. I would be honored to be brought down in defense of my home and it's people, as so many of my friends have ended their own lives.

I have fought the Arcanum, I have fought the Miller Gang, and I will not be frightened off by the likes of you. I will be in West Cordor with my people soon. If your threat is genuine, come get me.

-Richard Halifax Johnson, Field Marshal B.L.A.C.K.

Many bold letters are again painted in the back-alleys and behind houses where there are little to no guard patrols.

"MINISTER XEE IS SELLING US TO HER HARPER FRIENDS!"

"THE PEOPLE CALL FOR AN ARREST OF MINISTER XEE!"

"MINISTER XEE AND MINISTER ELI ARE RESPONSIBLE OR THE DEATHS OF THE SOLDIERS IN CORDOR NORTH! "

"MINISTER XEE KNEW ABOUT THE INVASION!"

"DOWN WITH THE NOBLE OPPRESSOR, MINISTER XEE"

A confrontation inside the Commonwealth Center between two groups of guards over the arrest of the Secretary of Finance, Penn E. Pincer, has accusations of corruption and treason flying back and forth; Xaviera Xee, the Acting Speaker of the Commonwealth, holds that he and others in the Commonwealth government are guilty of fraud and embezzlement, while Pincer accuses Xaviera of being a usurper, a tyrant and a traitor. Lt. Marcus Aurelius upholds the arrest of Pincer but demands that Minister Xee submit to the rule of law and answer to the counter-charges, while the opinions of bystanders on the issue seem about evenly divided. Xaviera, reluctantly, and citing an earnest desire to avoid triggering an armed rebellion, accedes to his demand. Addressing those present, she says

"If it is the will of the people then I shall place myself before them. However, I ask all here present to please put aside your differences and work for the people. They are the ones who need you."

She also adds the following warning to Marcus personally:

"I will place myself in your hands. But if the Commonwealth goes to hell, I shall lay the blame on your shoulders."

Richard Halifax Johnson,

-You- are -not- a Citizen of Cordor. -Your- past attacks against the peaceful people of this city have been noted and weighed. -Your- acts to stir the people to violence are grounds for your banishment. -You- claim that Minister Xee has Harper Friends, yet the people recall -you- fighting along side -Nobles- and -Harpers- during the Massacre and following Uprising. -You- arrived with them, as one of -them-. Show the people you at least have some dignity and leave peacefully without pulling the good citizens of the city into chaos.

~Eli Hodgewall
Acting Bureau of the Census Chief
Minister of Finance

In the southern district, a massive battle takes place between loyalists of the Minister of Law, Gilroy Reed, and the soldiers loyal to Minister Xaviera. Outside the Jail in cordor south there is a mighty battle where numerous knights from both sides fall by the blade.

Among the fallen are naturally commoners and innocent bystanders, The lifeless corpse of Evelyn Johnsson in particular - Mother of Simon Johnsson, Soldier of the commonwealth who was killed in action during the Defence of Nes'ek.
Her brown dress is drenched in the same colour as the red scarf she wears in sympathy for the western citizens.

Any attempt to resurrect her fails and she is counted as just another causality among the hundreds, if not thousands, who lost their lives this terrible day.

"Mother johnsson" would finally see her son again."

A short, pointed notice, dispersed by the Living Guard in plainclothes:

To the refugees of West Cordor, or any other Cordorian resident sickened and disheartened by the bloodshed, the Enclave of Tarkuul is pleased to offer sanctuary to any whom wish to make the short trek. Our men will be in the swamps keeping the creatures at bay. We offer safe lodging, healing for your sick and wounded, and more important, a place to start fresh, free from the tyranny of the Harpers, Nobles and their corrupt puppets. Within the enclave even those of the most humble means can earn the chance to shed off ignorance and take Fate into their own hands, be it through the strength and discipline taught by our loyal Centurions, or the academics of the Magisterium. Tradesmen and merchants will be paid handsomely to ply their work within our halls. Be not afraid to reach out for help should you have the resolve to look past the lies they wish you to believe of us. We will be here, and we will Listen.

~Castellan Severin

Dawn for the most part stays to herself cooking for the soupline when not out rallying suppliers or her frequent visits to see Andrew at the Academy. She voices no opinion of any political nature focusing more on tending to the refugees. She may have once been seen going into the commonwealth center to gain permission from the acting Minister to have shipments of ingredients be delivered from various suppliers she's worked with. This is fairly easy to find out as she remains transparent in what she's doing. If anyone asks she says she is not a member of the chapel and has no affiliations to anyone and her belief in Lathanders unconditional love is what motivates her, although mentioning, the chapel of Lathander is letting the people use the building, assisting with the soupline and giving aid to the wounded as needed. The chapel makes room however possible for refugees from any district. Recently she wears the red scarf which has become a common symbol throughout most of Cordor.

Quietly, Eli's last public letter gets rather difficult get ahold of.

*A bald tattood woman would roam around Cordor, though avoiding the west district, in the aftermath of the violance, offering herbs and bandages to the any wounded she may find. When she runs out of kits she leaves Cordor muttering about needing to find more herbs for more bandages.

Should she see any of the rabble rousing messages she snorts and reports them to the nearest guard, notes of the kind she finds are taken along and handed to a guard outside the government building.*

From the West, Henry Morris arranges personal copies of his own letter, placing them in key points throughout the City. Afterwards, he is not seen in public. Those that saw him place the letters, would note his evident sadness. The young man's typical smile and lighthearted behavior is replaced with a distinct coldness.

Quote:

Good people of Cordor,

I write to you today with heaviness in my heart. My hand shakes with sadness, with frustration, with defeat. I have watched our government betray our people time and time again. When is it too much? How much longer shall we endure? Though our grief may hardly be whispered, it must be written.
First, our own Ministry excuses the massacre of our Guardsmen in the North, as Kohlingen arrived at our gates to bash them down. It is, by the Minister Xee’s words: “What happens when two opposing forces clash.” But I tell you, good people, what should not happen is that our own residing government invites the invaders inside to begin dictating the fate of our city. As the people rallied and demanded that our invaders depart—Minister Xee expressed her surprise. She had, by her own words, expected them to stay for weeks longer.

Did my own revelation not reveal Kohlingen’s intent to arrange Nevaeh Tarvencia’s status as Minister of Law? When we had foiled their plot, they simply instated her as Secretary instead, after banishing our own Secretary Mover with warrant for arrest. Is it not the Minister of Law’s responsibility to declare his own Secretary of Law? In what government does our Ministry act within? As it would seem, they take what liberties they can, as it conveniences them.

Minister Xee slanders former Speaker Maximillian’s reign, saying that though he held a provisional status, he kept lengthening his term because it would be inconvenient for the People of Cordor for him to step down. When I mentioned elections to Minister Xaviera, she said that she was pushing the Council to open elections after Two Years. Six months, for each position. Six Months, followed by Six months, followed by Six months. What, then—shall we sit idle as they appoint ‘Secretary Tarvencia’ as acting Minister of Law for the next two years? Is it not as I have foretold? When I asked her why she had decided two years—good people, this was her answer: That it would be unsafe for Cordor to hold elections due to recent events. Inconvenient for the People of Cordor to simply open elections. To simply have the people’s Voice be heard. Be recognized. She does this as she admits, and verifies my previous work-- saying that Kohlingen had indeed sought to instate the Duchess d'Cordor as an unvoted Speaker of the Commonwealth.

Meanwhile, in her state of declared silence she begins arresting any and all opposition within the State.

I cannot stand idle any longer. My voice has been silenced, and indeed, I fear my quill will as well—just as Bill Hurst has been. If I cannot hold my quill, I will hold a sword instead.

This may be my final letter. Cordor is no longer safe. The blood of my People runs in rivers between our cobble streets, and the Republic that had been envisioned by the late Maximillian is replaced by a wicked mockery.

~ Henry Morris ~

Xaviera, meanwhile, sits alone in a dark cell in South Cordor's jail.

*The following is left in many locations around the city, as well as Guldorand and the Lowland Territory by mid/late afternoon. Sizable stacks are left by the entrances to West District. The Halfling Minister seen distributing them seems to not want to enter the district without a proper escort.*

Public Decree of the Free People of the Commonwealth

•Effective Immediately: Public trial proceedings are to begin for Hurst, Pincer, Reed, and Mover. All are wanted for the crime of theft against the People of the Commonwealth and Mover on charges of declaring himself a Minister without an Election. Any information leading to an arrest of any of these suspects still at large will be rewarded.

•In 3 Weeks: A public vote will be held on the reformation of the government as presented in the Foundation. Attached to this decree is a copy of the proposal.

•In 4 weeks: Open General Elections for all Ministries will commence! All present Ministers will remain in council until the final votes are tallied and they are either replaced or reelected. Included with the ballots will be the open vote to the People of the Commonwealth to hold trial for all presently elected Ministers. All Commonwealth Citizens are encouraged to participate.

This is the Proclamation and Decision of the Free Peoples of Cordor, by the Peoples of the Commonwealth, and bears the Open Endorsement of the Majority of Elected Ministers.

*As stated in the decree, attached are copies of the Foundation.*

Soon after, fairly large - but still considerably shorter and less arcane than the full Foundation - pamphlets are placed up in a variety of public areas across the city. Marcus also offers a pamphlet to citizens he encounters in the more distant corners of the city, and eagerly answers any questions on the Foundation he may receive.

Quote:

The Foundation of the Commonwealth - Summary

Commonwealth derives itself from the phrase 'common good'. The former texts of the Commonwealth were vague on its protections, rights and duties which allowed room for error and justifiable corruption. The Foundation suggested here addresses that issue. It endeavors to both constrain the power of the democratically elected council while also giving the true rulers of Cordor, the public, ample protections from the government itself to preserve the free thought, self determination and republican form of government for the Citizen. It does this by guaranteeing certain rights, due process and constraining the government's ability to call a state of emergency and receive expanded powers because of it. In essence, the foundation sets out to do what believers in the Commonwealth desired: to put every man and woman on equal footing before the law and recognize that no one has more inherent worth than any other; to preserve the progress of ideas and the worthwhile nature of civil discourse.

Please note that a full transcript of the Foundation may be found in the Cordor library, the Chapel of Lathander and the Blue Skies Academy. Additional copies may be created upon request.

Article I: Citizenship of the Commonwealth
In summary, Article 1 defines "Citizenship of the Commonwealth" as a voluntary, administrative and legal state within the Commonwealth that places upon those who hold it several rights and duties (which are described in Article 2 and 3). It declares that Citizenship may only be gained via the procedure of the Census or through majority vote of the Council, and that Citizenship may only be revoked through conviction of certain major crimes against the Commonwealth or through majority vote of the Council.

Article II: Rights of Citizens of the Commonwealth
Article 2 lists the rights that all Citizens of the Commonwealth are guaranteed by the Foundation. In summary, these are:

the right to vote for a single candidate for each open seat on the Council
the right to form guilds or factions, provided these do not threaten the Commonwealth.
the right to speak one's opinions freely, provided such does not inspire illegal acts.
the right to request trial upon being charged with a crime
the right to legal counsel during proceedings of law and trial
the right to receive all charges in writing in a language known to the accused within a day of being charged
the right to own property and land
the right to claim any benefits associated with marriage or childbirth granted by the Commonwealth
the right to submit motions to the Council
the right to declare candidacy for open seats on the Council
the right to request employment with the Assemblies of the Commonwealth
the right to forgo any and all rights granted by citizenship

Furthermore, Article 2 declares that no Citizen of the Commonwealth may be charged multiple times with the same crime, nor may any Citizen of the Commonwealth be held for longer than 3 days without having been brought before a magistrate or without the written authorization of a magistrate.

Article III: Duties of Citizens of the Commonwealth
Citizenship of the Commonwealth is held as a voluntary choice that reflects an individual commitment to the greater Commonwealth and a responsibility to one's fellow Citizens. As such, while Citizenship grants an individual many legal rights these also come with duties that each Citizen of the Commonwealth is expected to perform. Firstly, this is the obligation to pay taxes in accordance with the policy set by the Council - which grants the Council the means to maintain and improve the Commonwealth for the good of all citizens. Secondly, Citizens are expected to come to the assistance of one another in times of hardship, when called upon to do so by the Council or the Watch.

Article IV: Principles of Law of the Commonwealth
Article 4 of the Foundation describes the base of all laws of the Commonwealth. It declares that the laws of the Commonwealth apply to everyone in its territory - whether they are Citizens or not - and that no law may ever contradict the articles of the Foundation. Also, Article 4 states that the full extent of the books of law must be made available for the public to review. To continue, Article 4 declares what constitutes a valid session of the Council and the procedure by which motions may be approved and implemented.

Article V: Council of the Commonwealth
The next article of the Foundation is perhaps one of the greatest reforms that the Foundation holds over the Provisional Council of Ministers. It declares that all Councillors must be elected by the Citizens, yet the individual Councillors no longer directly head the Provisional Ministries (please refer to Article VI for a detailed description of the reform of the Provisional Ministries). Instead, the Councillors appoint Advisors, whose purpose it is to advise the Councillors and to implement the motions approved by the Council. Through this, the Councillors are freed of the day-to-day organization of the Provisional Ministries that they may focus entirely on the concerns of the Citizens - and that a stronger connection between the Citizens and the Council is maintained.

In summary, Article 5 holds the following:

The declaration that only the Council of the Commonwealth may create and alter the laws of the Commonwealth.
The declaration for the number of seats on the Council. This is dependent on the number of Citizens and by the current population would be 7 seats.
The declaration that each Councillor must be elected by majority vote of the Citizens, and that this grants the Councillor a term of five years. Each Councillor may be re-elected once.
The declaration that a Councillor may be removed from the Council through majority vote.
The declaration that the Council must convene at least once every 6 months or be considered invalid, leading to new elections.
The declaration of the voting rights of each Councillor. Of note is that Councillors may vote to delay a motion for one month should they believe further investigation and debate is required.

Furthermore, Article 5 describes the seat of Chancellor. The Chancellor is considered one of the Councillors, yet is elected by the Councillors to head the Council and serve as the representative of the Commonwealth. The Chancellor also holds an additional vote on each motion for the purpose of breaking voting ties. On the whole, the Chancellor seat is similar to the current position of "Speaker", yet the name has been changed to more accurately represent the Chancellor's purpose - as well as to distance the Commonwealth from the Council of Tarkuul, which holds the similar position of Speaker.

Lastly, Article 5 identifies the different Advisors - the individuals appointed by the Council to represent the different Assemblies. For the purpose of clarity, the Advisors are listed alongside their respective Assemblies in the next section of this summary, which describes the Assemblies of the Commonwealth.

Article VI: Assemblies of the Commonwealth
The second part of the reform the Foundation holds over the Provisional government is that of the reform and expansion of the current Provisional Ministries into the Assemblies of the Commonwealth. These hold a number of the original Ministries as well as a number of new organizations.

The Ministry of Labor is reformed as the Ministry of Industry, Mercantile & Infrastructure and holds the duty of monitoring merchant guilds, building and maintaining the public infrastructure of the Commonwealth (such as roads, bridges, walls and governmental buildings) and managing any resource camps or workshops owned by the state. The Advisor for the Ministry of Industry, Mercantile and Infrastructure is naturally known as the "Minister of Industry, Mercantile and Infrastructure".
The Ministry of Health and Public Welfare retains most of its former form and purpose, yet its duties have been expanded to include monitoring labor conditions and safety throughout the Commonwealth. The Advisor for the Ministry of Health and Public Welfare is known as the "Minister of Health and Public Welfare".
The College of the Divine is a new addition and is to be formed of a collective of representatives of the various faiths present in the Commonwealth. It holds the purpose to monitor the spiritual health of the Commonwealth, to oversee public religious rites and to actively oppose the presence and corruption of undead and fiends, and those who consort with these vile creatures. The Advisor for the College of the Divine is known as the "Pontifex".
The Ministry of Magic is reformed as the College of the Arcane. The Commonwealth must not be left defenseless against the magic power of its enemies, and the College of the Arcane holds the duty to ensure the Commonwealth is well-protected against such attacks. It also holds the duty to research magic with the purpose of enhancing the prosperity of all Citizens. Lastly, it serves as an academy of the arcane arts for students within the Commonwealth. The Advisor for the College of the Divine is known as the "Rector".
The Census Bureau is reformed and expanded as the Census, and is to serve as the central archives of the Commonwealth - to hold records on all matters that should be recorded.
The Advisor for the Census is known as the "Censor".
The Ministry of Finance is reformed as the Treasury, while retaining most of its former form and purpose. It holds the duty to collect taxes and manage the financial assets of the Commonwealth, as well as to maintain the Commonwealth's mint and coinage. The Advisor for the Treasury is known as the "Treasurer".

The Ministry of Law is thoroughly reformed, and divided into five individual, specialized Assemblies:

The Watch serves as the law enforcement and peacekeeping force within the different settlements of the Commonwealth. The Advisor and supreme commander of the Watch is known as the "General of the Watch."
The Navy holds the military and armed merchant ships of the Commonwealth. It is commanded by the "Admiral of the Navy", who also serves as Advisor for the Navy on the Council.
The Army holds the duty to defend the Commonwealth against external threats and patrol the frontier of its territory. It is commanded by the "Marshal of the Army", and serves as Advisor for the Army on the Council.
The Tribunal serves as high court of the Commonwealth and monitors the district courts of the Commonwealth. It holds three Advisors, each known as a "Tribune" - who together hold the duty to judge high crimes against the Commonwealth.
The Law Knights serve as the honor guard and protectors of the Council, and may in times be called on to represent the Council in situations where it is too dangerous for the Council itself to venture. The Law Knights are lead by the "Knight Commander", who also serves as their Advisor.

Article VII: Alteration of the Foundation of the Commonwealth
Article 7 describes the procedure by which the the Foundation may be altered. Such requires a four month deliberation period by the Council, during which a general referendum must be held that all Citizens may vote on the proposed alteration. All changes must be publicly announced and published.

Article VIII: Terminology and Definitions
The last article of the Foundation, Article 8, holds a number of definitions on certain legal concepts. In summary:

Popular election is the sole process by which a Councillor may be elected. It must be announced at least one month before the election is to take place, and the votes cast must be collected and counted by the census.
A sovereign realm is defined as an independent city or state, of which the government and laws are considered to be legitimate by the Commonwealth.
An Assembly is any form of registered guild, faction or company with a defined purpose and leadership that is held as legal by the Commonwealth.
A State of War is a period of military conflict between the Commonwealth and a sovereign realm or armed rebellion. Only the Council can declare or lift a state of war.
A State of Emergency is a period of disaster or unrest within certain districts of the Commonwealth which warrants a dedicated effort of all Citizens to resolve the matter.

Cordor yet reels from the madness of the day before...

There is a palpable sadness of anger in both the Southern and Western districts. Myriad tales speak of what had happened, but many lie dead in the South district, with no trace of blood on the ground. Tales tell armed citizens from West moved in. Many homes are pillaged and broken into, but the tales are diverse as those affected seem to have not recovered from the chaos.

The central district is rife with anger as well. Rumor has it Hurst was to be arrested, and fighting broke out. Hurst escaped the scene, but the people there did not react well to the confrontation, calling those attempting to arrest him a tyrant...

The next night, many fliers roam around West and Central, but some are found in the other districts as well... carrying a brief message

Quote:

To the Citizens of Cordor,

For their many crimes against the Commonwealth, Minister Xaviera Xuider-Xee, Minister Eli Hodgewall, and Andrew Fryar are hereby declared ENEMY OF THE STATE, and are to be detained and brought to Cordor West to face the judgement of the people.

Signed, Acting Minister of Law, Jay Edgar Mover

Those that thought highly of Eli, for his march through the West, seem to abandon their homes and join through the other districts...
However, most in West remain resolute, staying in their homes and not fleeing... and the guards there seem to ignore the current acting speaker's proclamations.

Meanwhile, once East hears of this, there is a visible uproar, condemning the actions of Cordor West, the term "Wild Westerners" becoming popular, a term denoted to those who would so violently spill the blood of their brothers and sisters of the commonwealth. They also take badly to hearing Andrew being named enemy of the state, calling it a farce and other derogatory terms.

The guards in the Western district seem to have gone along with Mover's orders, but after the disaster for them in south, where many guards loyal to them perished, along with numerous armed citizens, they seem to be more intent on fortifying their borders. A good number of them are also busy training what armed commoners there are in fighting, tactics, and urban warfare...

Those in the South as well, start fortifying up, beginning to erect barricades to the central district... though with the iron rot, precious few are armed though...

The tension has reached a boiling point... and now civil war seems all but declared...

This newsletter is left in fairly large quantities the Nomad. the Long and Short, The Theater and most other public gathering places in Cordor. A few are left in the Commonwealth Center. It's delivered by a determined looking Andrew. There are none in designated aid stations.

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:

Minister Eli wrote:

Public Decree of the Free People of the Commonwealth

•Effective Immediately: Public trial proceedings are to begin for Hurst, Pincer, Reed, and Mover. All are wanted for the crime of theft against the People of the Commonwealth and Mover on charges of declaring himself a Minister without an Election. Any information leading to an arrest of any of these suspects still at large will be rewarded.

•In 3 Weeks: A public vote will be held on the reformation of the government as presented in the Foundation. Attached to this decree is a copy of the proposal.

•In 4 weeks: Open General Elections for all Ministries will commence! All present Ministers will remain in council until the final votes are tallied and they are either replaced or reelected. Included with the ballots will be the open vote to the People of the Commonwealth to hold trial for all presently elected Ministers. All Commonwealth Citizens are encouraged to participate.

This is the Proclamation and Decision of the Free Peoples of Cordor, by the Peoples of the Commonwealth, and bears the Open Endorsement of the Majority of Elected Ministers.

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.

Henry Morris wrote:

When we had foiled their plot, they simply instated her as Secretary instead, after banishing our own Secretary Mover with warrant for arrest. Is it not the Minister of Law’s responsibility to declare his own Secretary of Law? In what government does our Ministry act within? As it would seem, they take what liberties they can, as it conveniences them.

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.

Henry Morris wrote:

Minister Xee slanders former Speaker Maximillian’s reign, saying that though he held a provisional status, he kept lengthening his term because it would be inconvenient for the People of Cordor for him to step down.

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:

One To Administer Cordor's Doubloons wrote:

...the late Justice Hector Carton was named Minister of Law. Upon his passing, Maximillian graciously accepted the position of Minister of Law in order to better reform the Commonwealth's security and justice system... Having long since accomplished this goal, the Speaker has now decided it is no longer in the interests of the people for him to burden his office of Law by performing double duty over the city's financial management as well.

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.

State of the Commonwealth Address: Year One wrote:

Therefore, I wish to make it public knowledge: the Council has decided that it is prudent to enact Article Nine, the Colligation and Fragmentation of Administrative Offices, and to, for a term of six months, absorb into the Ministry of Finance, under the direction of myself, Joseph Maximillian, Speaker for the Council.

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.

Henry Morris wrote:

Meanwhile, in her state of declared silence she begins arresting any and all opposition within the State.

I cannot stand idle any longer. My voice has been silenced, and indeed, I fear my quill will as well—just as Bill Hurst has been.

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

Without many words being exchanged a dark robbed man covered from head to toe carries sack after sack in at various times to the Temple of Love. He seems nothing out of the ordinary just very quiet as he does his work. Within the temple itself many healing supplies, food supplies, blankets and other various things of need are sorted into piles.

The man works with only a few people always being polite bowing as he comes and goes but never staying for too long, to the average eye it just seems like another person delivering good. The goods are left to be inspected by the people in the Temple itself to be looked over and sent out. Some times he can be seen helping moving some of the more heavy things around but like every time else it seems that he comes and goes.

But one day he seems not to show up so much anymore, instead a few other people seem to deliver the supplies. Little bit by little bit. As to what became of him no one really knows.

*Posted around various street corners, and light posts in Cordor*

Quote:

Proposition of Public Trials:

In an effort to prevent bloodshed and the inevitable civil war, if neither side complies...

It seems very clear to me, and many fellow citizens, that with the throwing about of charges and calls for arrest by both sides of government. That we, the people, should demand a public trial, with all of them present, on the stands, to answer directly to us, the people.

I purpose that we elect one representative from each district, five in total, votes coming from that district alone to decide it's own representative, to act as a combined jury, representing the Whole of Cordor.

Each representative will call forth witnesses, evidence, and demand justice and accountability from all our leaders, not just the half that the opposing side wishes jailed. Ministers Eli and Xaveria have agreed to public trials, in public, despite their latest announcement that it would only happen 'after' everything settled their way. Nonsense, the people demand accountability -now-. We can hold elections once we know who's guilty of what. Trials first I say. The people demand answers for the crimes against them.

There will be no traditional judge, as the people ARE the judge. Those on Trial with charges against them, can not be a representative for a district. The law of the Commonwealth will stand as the basis of rule. The ministers and others will -not- be above the law. They will be accused in the light of day, by the public and their representatives.

May the one with the best evidence win, before the sight of the people themselves and their representatives.

Then, we hold elections.

Signed,
Decon Aquis

...in loving memory of Evelyn, who died due to the violence between the factions.

Some hours after Andrew's newsletter is distributed addendum's are left in the Long and Short, Nomad, and placed around Cordor's other areas within the city proper. There are many in the West and Central districts, as well as some in the East and South

1) Minister Xee was illegally broken out of prison by the people of the south district and rather than return and stop the bloodshed she decided to stay outside and continue speaking, knowing it to be futile.

2) The Law Knight was the only one who defended Hurst, no others attacked. The guards sent by Minister Xee also slaughtered an innocent woman indiscriminately.

3) Minister Eli attempted to incite the people of the south district to take up arms, rise up, and violently defend their city. His words.

4) Minister Eli proclaimed, after the bloodshed, that the day was won with song and peace brought to Cordor because of it. As he stood amidst the corpses in the south district.

5) The Headmaster himself admits to using deadly force against a member of Cordor's guard. Such is highly disconcerting as he condemns others for doing the same. Is that Justice?

I was there for the entire ordeal. I know. I took no part in the fighting. I was merely a spectator to every disastrous event. I bring to you only the cold, unbiased facts. Merely look deep into what is said and remember that even those you rally for can color their words.

Everything else written by the Headmaster is more or less factual.

*The following is left in many public places around the Commonwealth that Eli can still access, including Guldorand and the Lowlands*
An open letter to Decon Aquis,

I have no issue submitting to immediate Public Trial of the People on 2 conditions, which are more than fair:
-It be held in East District on the steps of the Commonwealth Center.
-Mover, Reed, and Hurst also submit to public trial as well.

My reasons are thus:
-West District is not safe for Non-Humans, as is a well known fact in the whole of the Commonwealth.
-If I am to stand trial to the people, it should be at the -same- proceedings as the other suspected criminals of the Commonwealth. I would expect no less of any leaders who claim to be truly accountable to the Will of the People of the Commonwealth. If they are truly free of guilt, then they stand nothing to fear from the People they claim to represent.

I will be on the steps <Insert good time for applicable DMs and general populace to show up this weekend.>
I eagerly await the Commonwealth's decision on the matter. Citizen papers will be required to vote on judgements.

This otherwise does not change the open elections and call to vote on the Foundation.

-Minister Eli Hodgewall

*Decon could be seen running to the Commonwealth Center a message in hand, immediately following the reply of Eli Hodgewall*

Somewhere in the West district of Cordor, two men in red scarves speak silently to one another.

"The only way you will live as a people is through conviction."

"Survival isn't enough...

"One can survive by giving up, but by doing so sacrifices his very heart and soul to the oppressor."

"But everything is going out of control. War looms over the horizon and it's all slipping through my fingers."

"The Knights of Law are split. Imagine the pain they feel spilling the blood of their countrymen for their oaths."

"...."

"And now take that pain, and imagine what it must feel like compared to that of a man who breaks his oaths. He fights everything he believes, everything he is for your cause. He must cast aside fraternity and be labeled a traitor by his brothers to serve your cause."

"A civil war is on the verge of breaking out."

"Then you cannot die. You move these men, as their unified voice. They fight for your ideals and words, and they will die for you."

This a much smaller production is put out in response to his previous newsletter, but there are a few in his usual locations.

A Reply

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

Quote:

1) Minister Xee was illegally broken out of prison by the people of the south district and rather than return and stop the bloodshed she decided to stay outside and continue speaking, knowing it to be futile.

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.

Quote:

2) The Law Knight was the only one who defended Hurst, no others attacked. The guards sent by Minister Xee also slaughtered an innocent woman indiscriminately.

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

Quote:

3) Minister Eli attempted to incite the people of the south district to take up arms, rise up, and violently defend their city. His words.

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.

Quote:

4) Minister Eli proclaimed, after the bloodshed, that the day was won with song and peace brought to Cordor because of it. As he stood amidst the corpses in the south district.

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.

Quote:

5) The Headmaster himself admits to using deadly force against a member of Cordor's guard. Such is highly disconcerting as he condemns others for doing the same. Is that Justice?

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.

Quote:

I was there for the entire ordeal. I know. I took no part in the fighting. I was merely a spectator to every disastrous event. I bring to you only the cold, unbiased facts. Merely look deep into what is said and remember that even those you rally for can color their words.

Everything else written by the Headmaster is more or less factual.

I thank you for this dialogue.

Having read the copy of 'Foundation of the Commonwealth' within Cordor's Library, Davin has some copies of the currently available pamphlets made, and then begins to hand them out to folks he sees about the city. He actively greets people of all races, in all parts of the city, offering out his copies so that word gets around.

Davin makes the following offer to most common people he meets, regardless of how they're dressed or where they're from;

"In this Foundation of law, the people of the Commonwealth will truly be free, with protected rights and duties, and a government which must obey clear and transparent protocol. It is the strongest chance Cordor has of recovering from the horrible recent events which has been tearing the city apart. It is for the good of all of us, and you should know about how it will affect you! I am a strong supporter of this idea, and will happily break down the technical legal language into something more able to be understood if you wish to know more. If you would like to speak about it, join me for a drink and a meal, I'll pay."

this is a notice that has been printed for any around Cordor and the surrounding areas including postings in west Cordor where some copies have been posted but without witness of such.

Alright so I'm what some the west would call a knife-ear. That being stated and I can't refute it, considering the fact I AM an elf. I would just like to bring to your attention. I myself have consistently contested that I have no affiliation to any side nor do I condone or disdain either parties that are vying for the position of minister of whatever. I've been quiet and continued to feed the refugees along with anonymous others and clean up the MESS that has been created feeding and offering aid to those that need such. However, stlll with no political affiliation I feel it's in the best interest of Cordor that I speak up as a non-biased observer of the events that is tearing this city apart.

Have you EVER thought to consider that the Arcanum is actually behind the bloodshed to feed the very bloodmagic that you wish to defeat and circumcede? The blood in the streets of this civil war feeds your very enemies purpose. They simply LOVE and depend on your fighting amongst yourselves. For this reason I implore you stay your blades and the bloodshed until the official elections be had and an amiable and agreeable council be elected.

PLEASE!!! Let the bloodshed stop! The only ones that are benefitting from this isn't the citizens of Cordor. I honestly have no stake in this as I'm honestly NOT a citizen. I would think that would make me someone that is an unbiased observer to stress that you are being played like pieces of a chessboard to a given end of which the citizens of Cordor loses. Wait for the Election, honor the temporary Ministers and Wait for the Voice of the People, before there is no city left for the People to have a Voice in. A city divided cannot stand!! Stand against what? Now isn't that the question you SHOULD be asking?

Just a humble non-biased observer,
Dawn
Holy Knight of just trying to feed the People and keep them from killing themselves.

A document is brought to the offices of Sympathy for South Cordor, and from there copies are sent to the Ministers of the Commonwealth and to others about the city. It is not posted publicly, but its existence is known and those who wish to read it can do so if they care to look for it.

A letter from prison wrote:

I, Xaviera Xee, Minister of Health and Public Welfare and sometime Acting Speaker of the Commonwealth of Cordor, High Priestess of Sharess in All of Amia, do freely and of my own will make this statement in defence of the charges that may be brought against me, should I by some chance not survive to the date of my trial.

~~~~~

What, then, are these 'crimes' of which I stand accused?

* FIRSTLY, that I usurped power for myself contrary to the laws of the Commonwealth?

* SECONDLY, that I am responsible for the deaths of those who defended the North Gate against the army of Kohlingen?

* THIRDLY, that I surrendered the city of Cordor to an invading army?

* FOURTHLY, that I illegally ordered the arrests of innocents in order to suppress dissent?

* FIFTHLY, that I illegally appointed an Enemy of the State, Nevaeh Tarvencia, to a high government position?

* SIXTHLY, that I, under the vile influence of nobles and Harpers, treated with Kohlingen and conspired to reinstate the Duchess D'Cordor as ruler?

~~~~~

AS TO THE FIRST, I was named Acting Speaker by my colleagues on the Council. We are exactly the same Council as before Joseph Maximillian's death by the Arcanum's magics, save that we have one fewer member, and therefore have exactly the same legal status. One of us was a companion of the late Speaker in the original revolution against the Duke - I leave it to you to decide if his position is 'legal', but if you say that it is not then no actions of the Commonwealth Council have been legal and the appointments and actions of Mover, Pincer, Hurst and Pelczukr are also entirely illegal. In fact, two of the three of us were elected by the people of Cordor, so the loss of Joseph Maximillian does not make us less legitimate - moreso, if anything, because now a majority of us are elected rather than appointed. Therefore, a vote by a majority of the Council to appoint me Acting Speaker is entirely legal and proper.

AS TO THE SECOND, I had no knowledge that an army was approaching and no knowledge of any fighting until news of the clash at the North Gate reached me in the Commonwealth Center. The attackers and defenders were at a standoff when I arrived, and the killing had already ceased. I applaud the defenders for their efforts, which prevented the entry of Kohlingen's army into the city, and I mourn those who were lost, for they died in defence of us all and, in so doing, prevented further loss of life and the possible loss of our freedom. They did, I hope, what any of us would have done.

AS TO THE THIRD, I stand by my decisions in that regard. As I was given to understand the situation at the time, the magics of the Arcanum were causing the citizens of Cordor to attack each other with violence, and that any blood spilled was reinforcing those magics. It was for this reason that I found the city being evacuated when I arrived on the docks that day. I did not order the initial evacuation but, based on what I knew, it seemed reasonable that by emptying the city there would be no one left to fight and thus no one to fuel those foul magics. I therefore supported the evacuation, believing on all available evidence that it would prevent further loss of life. However, many citizens were unable to be removed because the Arcanum's magics caused them to resist the lawful orders of the Guard as well. I therefore allowed a force of one hundred Kohlingen guards into the city to assist our own people. I felt, first of all, that this would prevent an invasion by the entire army, which it did, and I believe it was reasonable to assume that, had the full army of Kohlingen entered Cordor, the entire city might have been destroyed. Second, by allowing in only one hundred particularly strong-willed troops, it was hoped that they could resist the compulsion to fight and were thus in the best position to assist our own guards in completing the evacuation. My desire at all times was to prevent an even greater loss of life, whether at the hands of the Kohlingen army or the magics of the Arcanum or both, and in this I succeeded. I deeply regret the deaths that did occur, but a good portion of those losses had already been sustained prior to the Kohlingen army's arrival, and when weighed against the possible destruction of the entire city and the potential for nine or ten times more death, I believe it was the right decision. Furthermore, my condition for their entry was that they leave within a reasonable time, which they did - I was prepared to accept their presence for a week or two if that was the amount of time needed to restore order, but they wisely chose not to outstay their welcome.
Let me add, further, that anyone who claims I allowed 'an army' into the city must therefore define an army as 'a group of at least one hundred men'. To those who wish to use this word in hopes of inflaming passions against me, I say that, by this definition, the forces recently raised in the west must therefore also be counted 'an army' and, given that the Council lawfully represents the people of Cordor (see the first point, above), any associated with it are therefore guilty of leading 'an army' in rebellion against the legal and proper authority of the Commonwealth. If the word 'army' is to be used against me, I will insist, in the name of fairness, that all who were associated with the rising in the west, particularly the leaders, be tried for treason, and that anyone who was associated with this 'army' in any capacity whatsoever must therefore be deemed a rebel and a traitor and unfit to participate in passing judgement against me.

AS TO THE FOURTH, the Council has clear evidence of the corruption and theft of Commonwealth funds by Secretaries Mover, Hurst and Pincer, and the treasonous actions of Secretary Pelczuker of the Arcanum, some of which are already known to you but which will no doubt be revealed in full at their trials. All of these individuals sought to enrich themselves at the expense of the Commonwealth's citizens, and conspired to blame and incite violence against others and to delay the rightful process of law in order to keep their nefarious activities hidden. It was under them, we learned, that criminal elements were allowed access to private and confidential records of citizens, that criminal records were deliberately removed or destroyed by clerks within the Ministry of Law on the orders of the Secretary of Law and others, and that secret trials, tortures and executions of Commonwealth citizens took place during this time. All of this will be revealed and will entirely justify my decision to remove the corruption that had taken over the core of the Commonwealth government in order to return to the intent of the Commonwealth as a government in service of the people rather than an opportunity for base and evil men to enrich themselves.

AS TO THE FIFTH, the late Speaker Maximillian, at his death, named the Arcanum an enemy of the State and apologized to Captain Tarvencia, in effect pardoning her. Captain Tarvencia has fought tirelessly against the corruption of men like Mover and Pelczukr in particular and has always defended the citizens of the Commonwealth. It was for these reasons that she could not be allowed to continue in her position and it was at the instigation of these men that she was forced to flee the city that she loves. When their corruption is exposed, all will see that she spoke the truth against them and she will be vindicated, as I will be. As for whether or not she should be named Minister, I proudly supported this appointment in the full knowledge of her true character and dedication to the people. The late Speaker appointed several individuals to high positions within the Commonwealth government, including Secretary and Minister, and the Acts of the Provisional Government appear to give the current Speaker - myself - and Council the same rights. However, we deliberately held off on naming her Minister outright because, frankly, we were not entirely sure that some of the late Speaker's actions were entirely legal and we did not want to start a new era of responsibility to the people of Cordor by breaking the law.

AS TO THE SIXTH, it is indeed true that representatives of Kohlingen met with the Council after the tumultuous events of that day. It is also true that they did make several demands, one of which included reinstating the Duchess D'Cordor as Speaker of the Council at least, all of which were rejected outright by the Council. We accepted that past citizens of Cordor - specifically those nobly born - might wish some day to return to the city in which they once dwelled, but we insisted that such people would be ordinary citizens, equal to any other and not entitled to any special privileges by virtue of their titles. We agreed that, in a city where members of Council are chosen by the people, there was no contradiction in someone with a title being elected to the Council if such was indeed the will of the people, and so it was in theory possible that the Duchess could in future hold a Council seat if she was voted to it in a legal and proper election. However, no promises were made. This was as far as we went and I believe we held successfully to the ideal of the Commonwealth as a society in which all citizens are equal in opportunity and under the law.

~~~~~

Since I was elected, and even before, as Mistress of the Temple of Love, I have always supported and worked for the people of Cordor. I have always spoken against greed, violence, hatred and the evil that men do to their fellows. I am an honorary member of Sympathy for South Cordor and was pleased to call Renee Flowers, the partner of the late Johnathin Leohnard, a good friend - both of whom, by the way, were murdered by agents of the corrupt conspiracy that has infested our city, and not by an adventurer as was claimed at the time. I spoke out, publicly and in Council, against the Arcanum and also against the late Speaker's decisions to concentrate power in his hands by the use of the infamous Act IX. I objected strongly to the laying of magical compulsions against our own citizens. I pressed repeatedly for the elections the late Speaker had promised, which eventually (after almost three years) resulted in the elevation of myself and, later, Minister Hodgewell, to the Council. I have worked with others in drawing up the document known as the 'Foundation of the Commonwealth', that we may have a government that is more responsible to its citizens, though I believe that it still needs work. I have supported Captain Tarvencia's fight against corruption in the government, and have myself been the target of assassination attempts by blood magic and by cloaked and hooded thugs. I have even on occasion taken up arms personally against the agents of the Arcanum in defence of the Commonwealth and its citizens. And, finally, when freed from jail during the rebellion of west Cordor, I stood with others in trying to prevent violence, and when that failed I voluntarily returned to the prison, where I remain. I believe that the evidence against Mover, Hurst, Pincer and Pelczukr will convict them and will show that my actions were taken in the best interests of the Commonwealth, to the best of my ability, and while trying to keep within the bounds of the law. I thank those who continue to believe in me.

I wait here now while the city burns because the loudest voices have demanded that I stop doing what I believe to be for the best of all and that I let them judge me for my actions when they finally decide to stop tearing down the Commonwealth around themselves. So be it. Let them decide, then, if there are any left to do so when this is all over.

(signed) ~ Xaviera X. Xee

Last edited by Murkoph on Wed, Oct 02 2013, 19:11 PM, edited 1 time in total.

Throughout the confusion and air of paranoia following the riots, a woman in a white cloak patiently seeks out every rare public message from those involved with these unfortunate incidents of the past weeks. Stepping in to read a copy of Xaviera's recent defense, she quietly and patiently copies it down word for word. Later it reappears copied several times, attached to every prominent public notice board with a neatly scripted response written on thick vellum.

Quote:

In the interest of public knowledge, and informed consent to public trial proceedings: This response to the Minister's defense is addressed to the good people of Cordor.

In response to Xaviera Xee's first point of defense: These proceedings were indeed proper for the appointment of a speaker. Minister's Xee's appointment to Speaker Xee should, however rightfully be called into question should she be found guilty of other crimes prior to her appointment which the Council that elected her was aware of. The people of Cordor should never stand for criminals sitting in any government position. Furthermore, any mention of events which were participated in or persons assosciated with prior to the events called into question at trial should be ignored as evidence. One can do a good deed one day, then commit a grave offense the next; prior assumptions of character does not discount the potential of an individual for criminal activities, whether through malicious intent or honest mistake.

In response to Xaviera Xee's second point of defense: It is accurate that these circumstances would find Xaviera not responsible for the deaths of these guards. The blame for their deaths should rest solely upon the soldiers of Kohlingen which ended the lives of those who defended Cordor; however this does not mean that Xaviera is not complicit in their deaths. The forces of Kohlingen did what they did on that night, and the government of Cordor has not apparently demanded reparations or compensation for the slain or their families, nor requested that Kohlingen's forces acting on their soil be held accountable for their actions. All citizens of Cordor have the right to protection under the law, and if the government condones the actions of foreign military forces trampling on those rights then that government should be held accountable. This leads into the third response...

In response to Xaviera Xee's third point of defense: This constitutes a confession. Kohlingen's military actions were a direct invasion of Cordor's sovereign territory. Whether or not Kohlingen sent more than a single company of soldiers into the city proper, their entire army remained in Cordor's Northernmost district. Under most circumstances the incursion of any number of armed forces entering foreign territory could be considered an act of war. Furthermore, Kohlingen's military attacked and killed individuals who were under the effects of mind tampering magic prior to Xaviera's surrender. This could be considered a more heinous crime as any Cordor forces slain by Kohlingen's military throughout these events cannot be proven to have been acting under their own better judgement, nor have been able to surrender or request a peaceful resolution. Under these circumstances, it should be known that Xaviera's actions may well have been to prevent Kohlingen from injuring any more of the people of Cordor, however this is no reason why Kohlingen should not have been held accountable for their actions by Xaviera herself.

Furthermore, in clarification an army is defined as an organized military force equipped for fighting on land. Kohlingen's forces allowed into the city could be defined as a single Army Company (or other similar organisational term specific to Kohlingen's military structure), and as already mentioned constitute an invasion of Cordor's sovereign borders and under most circumstances could be considered an act of war. Any civilian forces engaged in military activities should be defined as a Militia, and under many circumstances such activities are illegal. If this is so then those forces, and their ringleaders, should be held accountable for their actions in a proper and legal manner.

In response to Xaviera Xee's fourth point of defense: If this is the case, then it would prove that the actions of the day in question were a mistake of a most tragic nature. Whilst the actions of those on all sides of this conflict could have been done better; it is regrettable that no one, no matter their standing or experience is incapable of mistakes. All evidence to this account should be taken into account at the upcoming public trial.

In response to Xaviera Xee's fifth point of defense: In light of the last few weeks' events, it is evident that the majority of the problems facing Cordor's people are due to a breakdown in proper due process. Whilst Captain Tarvencia may have been issued an apology, it is assumed that as she was considered an enemy of the state that she was a wanted criminal and should face trial for all charges in a proper legal proceeding like any other person accused of a crime. That all evidence against her be brought into question and proven false or true on each account. Pardons may only be issued if an individual has already been found guilty of an actual crime, and is summarily forgiven for their crimes and have any legal charges against them reversed, and as the Speaker was almost immediately assassinated after this apology it is doubtful that he had gone through proper channels and procedure to acquit Captain Tarvencia of all accusations. It is rather evident at this point that Speakers do not have the legal right to determine guilt or innocence without a proper trial procedure.

In response to Xaviera Xee's sixth point of defense: If this is the case, and is backed up with proper evidence, then it would prove these charges against Xaviera are false; and that Xaviera is innocent of these charges. However that these proceedings are admitted to have taken place; without Xaviera demanding Kohlingen's forces be held accountable for their actions, by rights further implicates Xaviera as being complicit in the deaths of any individuals killed by Kohlingen's military forces present on Cordor's soil.

The tragic events of these last weeks have been due to a breakdown of communication and proper government procedures moreso than anything else, and it is in the best interest for all the people of Cordor that justice is done for all. Mistakes have been made by good people, and whilst times are hard for everyone, it is important to remember that good people can make bad mistakes. And while their hearts may rest in the right place, they are still accountable for their actions if they do not do right by the people they stand for.

The usual slander, grafitti and rude messages appear around cordor, Especially around the western district, following the public message. They have random messages about xaviera being a traitor, putting her friends in high places. There are a few lines about sharessans who sleep with anybody, in particular nobles, and random text with more cryptic meaning. The word "Assholes!" appear occasionally, too. its written with a chalk pen.

Quote:

In response to Xaviera Xee's fifth point of defense: In light of the last few weeks' events, it is evident that the majority of the problems facing Cordor's people are due to a breakdown in proper due process. Whilst Captain Tarvencia may have been issued an apology, it is assumed that as she was considered an enemy of the state that she was a wanted criminal and should face trial for all charges in a proper legal proceeding like any other person accused of a crime. That all evidence against her be brought into question and proven false or true on each account. Pardons may only be issued if an individual has already been found guilty of an actual crime, and is summarily forgiven for their crimes and have any legal charges against them reversed, and as the Speaker was almost immediately assassinated after this apology it is doubtful that he had gone through proper channels and procedure to acquit Captain Tarvencia of all accusations. It is rather evident at this point that Speakers do not have the legal right to determine guilt or innocence without a proper trial procedure.

The late Speaker, Maximilian, was the Minister of Law, his authority, up until his untimely departure, gave him the right to acquit Nevaeh Tarvencia of all the wrongful accusations laid upon her, regardless of having passed trial or not.

666WaysToHell wrote:

Quote:

In response to Xaviera Xee's fifth point of defense: In light of the last few weeks' events, it is evident that the majority of the problems facing Cordor's people are due to a breakdown in proper due process. Whilst Captain Tarvencia may have been issued an apology, it is assumed that as she was considered an enemy of the state that she was a wanted criminal and should face trial for all charges in a proper legal proceeding like any other person accused of a crime. That all evidence against her be brought into question and proven false or true on each account. Pardons may only be issued if an individual has already been found guilty of an actual crime, and is summarily forgiven for their crimes and have any legal charges against them reversed, and as the Speaker was almost immediately assassinated after this apology it is doubtful that he had gone through proper channels and procedure to acquit Captain Tarvencia of all accusations. It is rather evident at this point that Speakers do not have the legal right to determine guilt or innocence without a proper trial procedure.

The late Speaker, Maximilian, was the Minister of Law, his authority, up until his untimely departure, gave him the right to acquit Nevaeh Tarvencia of all the wrongful accusations laid upon her, regardless of having passed trial or not.

If the government elects individuals to hold ultimate unquestioned power - without any process to check that their rulings are just - and that power may be exerted in mere seconds without any measure to ensure accountability, or that justice is being done by those rulings, then it is no wonder that the government is troubled.

Several piles of fine grayish powder would appear at various locations throughout each of the five districts of Cordor, each one gently nestling a simple roll of slightly grayed and aged parchment, sealed with the official emblem of the Enclave of Tarkuul. Unlike the previous occurrence of the messages, these much more plain and numerous scrolls do not seem to bear any specific name or intended recipient, but rather seem meant as a public statement to the people of Cordor.

=========================================================================================================================

To the Council of the Commonwealth of the city state of Cordor,

The enlightened realm of Tarkuul has heard of thine recent tragedy concerning the misdeeds of the
enclave of sorcerous criminals widely referred to as the Arcanum. The injustice wrought upon thine fair
city and people by the callous arrogance of these dabblers in the arcane cannot be condoned, nor pass
without a severe reaction by the laws and forces that govern us all. Let it, henceforth, be known that
the Council of the Living City understands thine grievances in their entirety, and would like to extend
its condolences beyond the mere courtesy of the written word.

As but a humble token of good will and faith we have agreed to dispatch no less than seven hundred
units of mushroom-cuisines of the finest quality, capable of enduring tremendous amounts of time without
being spoiled, to be used as thou, in thine wisdom, see fit.

Yet there is more than the base needs of the common folk to look out for. The
arcane art is a dangerous one, and a determined soul, no matter how petty, can nonetheless wreak
untold havoc upon the unsuspecting and the innocent, if allowed to. As there is no telling what evil
may be brewing in the hidden dens of these scoundrels and renegades, the Council of the Living City of
Tarkuul has wisely decided to offer thee a hand in aid - a coordinated effort to see this threat removed
once and for all from the face of our lands. The finest arcanists of the prestigious
Magisterium Mortis will be, in the moment this letter reaches thee, already entirely prepared to journey
to your beautiful city and enrich it further, should you so choose, with the knowledge gathered within the
libraries of Tarkuul, and assist in a conjoined endeavor to remedy the malice that the
Arcanum have caused upon thee and eradicate this menace once and for all.

Furthermore the Keeper of the Crypts of Tarkuul shalt offer thee his aid in the obsequies,
according to the burial rites of the Scribe of the Doomed - Jergal. The Doomscribe shalt make himself
available to Igor of Moribund, and assist him in putting the remains
of the tragically deceased citizens of Cordor to their rest.

Let those who would conquer you through fear and terror tremble instead - for a joint effort of our cities
would truly be a sight to behold, and send many a shiver down the spines of witches and warlocks of
the Arcanum.

In solemn anticipation of thine response,
The Council of the Living City of Tarkuul
24th Eleint 1382

=========================================================================================================================

Glim wrote:

Several piles of fine grayish powder would appear at various locations throughout each of the five districts of Cordor, each one gently nestling a simple roll of slightly grayed and aged parchment, sealed with the official emblem of the Enclave of Tarkuul. Unlike the previous occurrence of the messages, these much more plain and numerous scrolls do not seem to bear any specific name or intended recipient, but rather seem meant as a public statement to the people of Cordor.

=========================================================================================================================

To the Council of the Commonwealth of the city state of Cordor,

The enlightened realm of Tarkuul has heard of thine recent tragedy concerning the misdeeds of the
enclave of sorcerous criminals widely referred to as the Arcanum. The injustice wrought upon thine fair
city and people by the callous arrogance of these dabblers in the arcane cannot be condoned, nor pass
without a severe reaction by the laws and forces that govern us all. Let it, henceforth, be known that
the Council of the Living City understands thine grievances in their entirety, and would like to extend
its condolences beyond the mere courtesy of the written word.

As but a humble token of good will and faith we have agreed to dispatch no less than seven hundred
units of mushroom-cuisines of the finest quality, capable of enduring tremendous amounts of time without
being spoiled, to be used as thou, in thine wisdom, see fit.

Yet there is more than the base needs of the common folk to look out for. The
arcane art is a dangerous one, and a determined soul, no matter how petty, can nonetheless wreak
untold havoc upon the unsuspecting and the innocent, if allowed to. As there is no telling what evil
may be brewing in the hidden dens of these scoundrels and renegades, the Council of the Living City of
Tarkuul has wisely decided to offer thee a hand in aid - a coordinated effort to see this threat removed
once and for all from the face of our lands. The finest arcanists of the prestigious
Magisterium Mortis will be, in the moment this letter reaches thee, already entirely prepared to journey
to your beautiful city and enrich it further, should you so choose, with the knowledge gathered within the
libraries of Tarkuul, and assist in a conjoined endeavor to remedy the malice that the
Arcanum have caused upon thee and eradicate this menace once and for all.

Furthermore the Keeper of the Crypts of Tarkuul shalt offer thee his aid in the obsequies,
according to the burial rites of the Scribe of the Doomed - Jergal. The Doomscribe shalt make himself
available to Igor of Moribund, and assist him in putting the remains
of the tragically deceased citizens of Cordor to their rest.

Let those who would conquer you through fear and terror tremble instead - for a joint effort of our cities
would truly be a sight to behold, and send many a shiver down the spines of witches and warlocks of
the Arcanum.

In solemn anticipation of thine response,
The Council of the Living City of Tarkuul
24th Eleint 1382

=========================================================================================================================

At least one of the visible, open notices are vandalized, probably with a big stick of charcoal. There is at least a message in them, written over the paragraph on the arcane.

We're alright, thanks. And you can stop trying to steal the Arcanum's secrets for your own ends, we'll stop you.

The individual poster vandalizing of those who would claim and pledge to protect
the secrets of the Arcanum, would be met with an absolute form of disregard.

Lately Dawns been bringing in more and more helpers. First it started with Hunter a long time friend, of not only Dawns, but of the Church. Easy lessons on how to do basic things like prepping the vegitables and the like even some basic cooking for the ones that can do it. Time and Again at least once a day she'd hear the colorful language of various areas of Cordor with someone saying something along the lines of "I'm 'Omeless not flippin' stupid, ya bleedin' knife-ear move 'side!! and commence to taking the cooking utensils trying to teach Dawn to cook. Which, in a way, it's sort of funny since after being told off she shuts up and listens learning what she can about cooking, she's behind but catching up when she can. Other than your occassional outburst of chaos or thievery the souplines are running like a well oiled machine from picking up the ingredients to the servers in the various souplines. One person is seen less and less in places where she really isn't needed, Dawn. If she's asked about most anyone knows she can be -eventually- found in the forest north of the Dale or her daily cliff diving off the seaside cliffs by Ceyrens Mill and she said something about her needing to work on her shot again. If found she believes that everything goes well with the soupline. Her house she had bought in Cordor seems untouched as of late.

*two of these banners are made for and held at the souplines*

Anyone that wishes to help out with either cooking or preparing see Nurse Hatchet at the Chapel in Cordor to be placed on a list.

Cordor is yet bustling with activity, yet tension and hostility is yet high in the air...

In South Cordor, the death toll is said to be at 300 among the dockworkers, and counting. Many of them enraged at how they were attacked with arms by an angry mob. Many of the guards in the district are sympathetic, having lost comrades in arms to their own. They also lament the loss of Dr. Karse Ignoma, praising his efforts in fighting disease, and a few quietly whisper and wonder whether it was Tarkuulian agents that killed him, “Much like they've tried twice now with Xee”. They continue to fortify themselves up, preparing to be attacked again...
Woodworkers in the district seem hard at work for... something...
Indeed, the Eastern district, having heard of the attack on Andrew, and many citizens having seen the destruction in the district, are sympathetic towards the plight of South Cordor, and rush to aid them.

The Western district reels as well from the night, and while their death toll is significantly less, a great number of their people have been dragged away to the jail for assaulting and murdering their fellow citizens in South Cordor. They continue to train themselves with the arms they were provided, and fortify their district... many of the people of Central Cordor offering support, though some continue to reel in disgust about what happened. The Orphanage often remains boarded shut at night, and the windows have been fortified.

North remains split about issues,.. evidently the farmers choosing to remain uninvolved in the descending madness between West and South, support torn...

The response to Tarkuul's proclamation depends on the district. In the Southern and Northern district, the guards diligently look for any putting them up, but so far coming up short. However, if they do happen to find anyone, they would be called away for 'questioning'... and likely arrest.
It is however, received in a much more friendly fashion in the Western District, the people thankful for the offers of food and consolation. The reception in the Central district is about as friendly, though some people murmur silently about what they think they're up to, fearing they'll be about as bad as nobles, or secretly controlled by Harpers.
The Eastern district's response is rather mixed, a lot grateful for the offers of aid, but many skeptical of whether or not they'll actually fulfill any promises, or if it is something sinister in disguise.

Nameless propaganda, abundant around Cordor these days, seems to have a most profound effect on those already polarized, those agreeing with it do so with much fervor, and those against the messages decrying what they say as simple non-citizen adventurer propaganda, or the act of someone too spineless to leave a name.

Many of the people in all districts remain skeptical about trials, but those in Central and East are most supportive of them happening, while the people of South and West think that they won't be fairly made, that the other side will cheat, that they'll be too spineless to show up, or the like. It does however, have enough support that Franton and a few of the other clerks in the city hall seem to be trying to arrange something.

Calls for elections seem near entirely lost in the other issues...

Meanwhile,... an article from the Clarion goes out public. They're not nearly as numerous in quantity as they usually are, but people have taken to putting them up in public places, though the ones in South tend to get abused rather quickly.

CLARION OF THE COMMONWEALTH wrote:

OUR MINISTERS STAND AGAINST US! Part 2!

Good people of the Commonwealth, I first write to let you all know that your beloved, one and only, Bill Hurst, was protected by the good people of Cordor from the forced and unjust arrest that the NOBLES and TRAITORS and HARPERS had put out for me! Oh indeed, it was a terrible confrontation! Guards came to arrest me, but I was protected by a law knight and several guards who hold the best interests of the commonwealth in mind! But the aggressors sent by NOBLES got aggressive indeed, and even turned their hostility on innocent bystanders! Why, an old woman was cut down without remorse and without regret right before my eyes!

Good people of Cordor, this is what the NOBLES and their supporters, and the TRAITORS they have placed in our government do to us! The sheer audacity astounds me, and it should astound you dear reader as well!

But that is not all of what had happened that terrible day, no! Why! The people of Cordor were furious! So they protested! And marched to the south district to voice their grievances, when lo and behold, minister Xee, a suspected TRAITOR, to the commonwealth, had been out of prison, against the wishes of the people and her own alleged surrender to the lawful process of the commonwealth! Minister Xee, who lives in a home in Kohlingen, a place filled with NOBLES and TRAITORS, who apparently holds herself above the law much like a NOBLE does!

And not only does she flaunt the law by not submitting to arrest, many of the protestors who went are now in jail! In jail for speaking their minds! And lo! They were met with violence as well for speaking their beliefs! Good people of Cordor, what madness does this TRAITOR make us descend to!

But lo, what remains of the ministry of law has heard your pleas good people! Pleas to have a trial undertaken! At the direction of the ministry of law, they will dispatch people to try the accused and reach a satisfactory conclusion, so that justice of the commonwealth can be done! Let the courts show what the truth of these matters are! Indeed, included here is a writ from Gilroy Reed, First Class Clerk of the Ministry of Law!

Quote:

Citizens of the Commonwealth,
The Commonwealth Ministry of Law has heard the pleas of the people, and despite the disorder in which much of the government finds itself, we are prepared to undertake trials, carried out by the staff of the Ministry of Law to determine the truth of the matters which have plagued our people, and which recent decrees were made illegally and which were made legally. We ask that any evidence pertaining the upcoming trials be forwarded to our temporary offices in West Cordor so that the trials may be conducted expediently and reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Gilroy Reed, First Class Clerk of the Ministry of Law.

There you have it good citizens of the Commonwealth! Our Ministry of Law continues to pursue law and order in times when NOBLES, TRAITORS, and HARPERS would undermine everything we stand for!

The situation continues to remain tense...

Rumor spreads by word of mouth that a counterattack was led against Cordor West, and indeed, a guard blockade remains dead, guarding one of the entrances from the Central district. Onlookers in Central are shocked by what they see, and rumors begin to spread like wildfire that Eli and Andrew are responsible for what had happened.

It's met with skepticism in East and South, but what support Andrew and Eli had in the Central district seems to be fading away rapidly.

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

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.

Following the rumors of the attacks, and a quiet investigation during the next night, pamphlets begin circulating once more. They remain relatively few in number, each copied by hand rather than by press-- Noticeably, the number pales in comparison to Henry Morris's previous letters. Whatever he had been using before to circulate the news-- be it companions copying letters by his side, or a friendly printing press-- the young man has it no longer. Instead, after the letter cycles through the districts, Henry can be found holding rushed meetings with numerous friends in his local Western District. Those who knew Henry before the recent series of debacles note an evident change of attitude. The once cheerful and inspired playwright has become terse, strained by his duties and lack of sleep.

His letter, should it be received, reads as such:

Quote:
Good People of Cordor,

There is a looming shadow cast over the waters. A shadow so tall, so large, that it could have only been shed from a once-great source. We are failing ourselves. Brother against Brother, we have forgotten what once made us great.

I write this letter in admitted desperation. The night previous, guardsmen in the Central and Western district were slain by a party of darkly clad adventurers. While the truth has yet to surface, numerous witnesses in Cordor Central have seen Andrew Fryar, Richard Johnson, and our own Minister Hodgewall attack and kill Cordorian guards. The West and Southern districts butchered each other in the streets only days ago, and with each passing hour, I fear that we are drawing closer and closer to civil war. I fear that compromise departs us.

The city is divided. Our current government is defunct. Following these recent events, I imagine there will be only one remaining non-imprisoned member of the Council leading our city. And while Minister Cromwell is a good man, there is simply too much placed upon his shoulders to remedy-- all with such precious little time. The West accuses the South and East of treason, and vice versa. Trials and voting were called to action-- but neither side trusts the impartiality of the other. Our very own guard have abandoned post to be with their families, to protect the ones they love, having lost faith in the Unity that we, as a People, once shared. Can we blame them? Light has become so convoluted, so skewed by closed doors, lies, and murder that we have taken to shielding ourselves against each other.

I no longer have faith in our current government to steer our city from its impending doom. And while I do not have faith in our dwindling ministry, I have Hope for the People.

I hereby invite local leaders from every district to join me in the Cordor Theater two days from now* to forge a new body of government. This will be a peaceful secession from the Commonwealth of Cordor, and under the documents known as the Foundation, we will create our future. In the absence of a functioning government, in the absence of a functioning Ministry of Law, and Guard force, we must choose a new path-- One not headed directly for mutually assured destruction. It is the intent of myself and my companions to include the entirety of the city in this movement-- but I understand with tensions as they are, that this process might take time. Thus, I pledge that in the event of successful secession, to peacefully maintain any shared borders, to quell riots before they begin, and to provide shelter to the People. I pledge transparency-- and while I cannot promise myself to fix this city's problems, I will do everything in my power to create a forum for which the People's voice can be heard properly.

I am well aware that our current Council awaits opportunity to vote on the implementation of the Foundation. However, given current circumstances, we must seek a separate route by simply enacting it rather than waiting. We are out of time. Between the West and South, there simply remains no more room for compromise-- and more bloodshed is on the horizon should we remain still. So rather than continue on the path we are treading, this is done with the Hope to introduce a new third party-- Another presence to help ease the tensions.

~~~

The First order of business shall be to create a Citizens Tribunal-- an idea pressed forward by our very own Guard Lieutenant-- to immediately remedy the Trial tensions between both sides of the conflict. All accused of treason from both sides will stand trial before a fair and neutral body of elected citizens. There, we will let the light of truth decide their fates.

The second, upon creation, will be proper security of borders (Depending on levels of involvement). The creation of a Citizen's militia to replace the defunct Ministry of Law, ensure the safety and well-being of those involved, and to keep the peace during this time of change.

Elected positions will be limited in number based on the amount of district involvement. This is done to encourage other districts into the fold in the future, as the entire city begins to stabilize.

~~~

I do not write these words lightly, friends. I do not speak without days of decision. And while in truth, all that I have is Hope that the people will do what is right to avoid chaos and death, by coming in peace to convene for a new dawn... I have a grave certainty that if nothing is done, the good people of this city will leap at each other's throats. It is time that we take responsibility for our future. To guide our fate by the voice of the People united, under law incorruptible and by elected officials who can administer Peace.

Be each of you safe in these troublesome times. Yet do not forget the light of the Sun, that it will return in these hours of darkness.

~ Henry Morris ~

*//Oocly, the date for this to occur will likely be flexible to accommodate schedules.

Small notices are placed near the tattered remains of previous Tarkuul correspondence, a flash of violet light and a deepening of the shadows being the only signs of the poster's passing. The notices seem largely confined to the Central and Western sections of the City.

Quote:

Citizens of the Commonwealth: The Living City stands ready to provide the aid promised, yet even now the men at arms of your fair city seek to suppress our message. This City does not wish to repeat the tragic bloodshed at your gates through a misunderstanding. We cannot help if we are met with blades at your gates. Citizens, we urge you to speak to your leaders and express your concerns. The Living City awaits formal permission to conduct our work.

~Castellan of the Living City

*A letter would be sent to Haur,the Blacksmith in Cordor South*

Mr. Haur, I have heard that the Citizens of South Cordor are having trouble with a rust plague on their non-enchanted metals. I have a rather large donation that I would like to present with your assistance. Please send word to Kampos Storehouse of when I can meet with you to discuss.

Signed "Hesh"

Eli is seen taking a cart with some Hin up to Guldorand. In the cart is a wrapped bed. He off loads it with some help from the driver, leaving it in his tent. Evidently the Minister is growing tired of sleeping in a sleeping bag on the hard ground.

Eli sets himself to the task of sparking word of a public gathering to be held on the day before trials are scheduled to begin, on the steps of the Commonwealth Center. He enlists Franton's aid in this as it appears to be government related. The call is to be sent to all districts, with the addition of Guldorand.

((Aiming for Friday afternoon/evening, CST))

After witnessing the arrival of Tarkuul's 'aid,' Branik stalked the streets of the Western, trying to warn people about the foul plot afoot.

'Listen, listen, friends, ye' can't be 'ceptin' no aid from no one outside the city. They ain't here t' help, they here to buy us, buy our freedom from us, buy it wit' food while we're hungry same way ye' buy a man's last possession when he be starvin' in the street. We got foreign troops occupyin' Cordor land now! They got themselves a base by the graveyard, free to come and go as they please. And now they say we need them, and I say if any man hold that power over ye', ye' canna call yerself free.

'I know ye' hungry, I'm hungry too, but how many of ye' would die on them barricades drivin' off duchal boot lickers? How many of ye' would die on them barricades to keep Cordor for Cordor? Each an' every one of us, we'd all die for it, 'cos we know if we given the choice 'tween dyin' free and livin' on our knees, we true citizens, we die every time. This threat be the same, but they no come wit' batterin' rams and fire, nay, now they come wit' bread, wit' gruel. They comin' jus' the same - nay, they not comin', they here, here with the blessin' of that traitorous half pint Minister! He be sellin' our freedom for scraps, and I can't and fer it.

'Ain' no freedom be given! Freedom always be taken, always! Orders be given, yeah, orders, and when we good and fed, what you think comes next? Yeah, them strings, them strings they be tyin' to us, they gon' pull them strings, make us dance. 'You wan' mo' food? Then we got a list o' things need doin'.' Because ye' know there ain't never been no free lunch, never! Always a price, always, and when a man come t' ye', and he tell ye' the price, that man's honest. But when they tell ye' it be free, that man tryin' t' fool ye'.

'I say, we take that food they bringing, and we show them what real citizens be. We throw it back in the water, show them we rather go hungry than 'cept charity, rather go hungry than let them own us. I say, if we be willin' to die on barricades then we be willin' to go this winter. No man be free if he can' 'sport himself, no man, 'cos when someone else got what ye' need, they got that power over ye'. We fought so hard for our freedom, don't sell it fer a bit o' bread. Stand strong, citizens! Stand strong and throw the poisoned loafs back in the faces of them that think they can buy what we won in blood!'

As his last formal act as Minister, the following is hand delivered by Eli to all cities across he region that are mentioned in it (with exception of Winya and Barak Runedar, whose copies were left in Kohlingen). It is also posted at the North and West gates of Cordor as well as by the Docks in the South District. Copies are produced for any citizens who wish for it at the Commonwealth Center, which once agains returns to being Citizens Only.

On behalf of the Citizens of the Commonwealth of Cordor, the Provisional Council with full permission of Acting Speaker Xee and support of Ministers Cromwell and Hodgewall, do hear by officially accept and recognize the Aid and Efforts offered to the People of the Commonwealth by Bendir Dale, the Shrine of Eilistraee, the Living City, Kohlingen, and participant members of the Treaty of Light.

Provisions:
This acceptance is stipulant upon no blood being shed, at any time, by any visiting party within Cordor with the understanding that any violence will be handled and subjected to the full extent of Commonwealth Law.

Furthermore, no visiting parties are permitted entry to the Commonwealth Center, where all voting for the new Government will be held, nor will any activity toward meddling in Commonwealth politics be tolerated.

After speaking to the others and going along for the tour with Eli and hearing the news of whats in store for Cordor. Stormy decides to go check on the souplines afterwords making sure they are still running as they should be. Reading over her own copy of what was given her as she shakes her head seemingly not believing what she's reading.

"Treaty of Light hmm...yes that glorious beautiful light just ask the moth what that's all about." She smirks, "Pshh, I'm cooking and thats -it-. They don't really even need me for that anymore, I'll still keep an eye out on the lines though. Just stay out of it Stormy you -know- how -stupid- they can get..."

Seemingly done lost her mind as she walks down the streets of Cordor speaking to herself as if she's talking to someone else. Practicing nocking arrows as fast as she can as she walks.

Diplomacy's Game Continues: Blood and Rebirth

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