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

Luca is seem roaming about Cordor with his Mage Guard escort, putting up his own letters and handing them out to anyone curious. He seems to make an effort to appear not quite so spooky, and answering any questions posed to him by anyone brave enough to ask.

Quote:

Honored People of the Commonwealth:

It has recently come to my attention that the Amnish invaders off your coast have been trying to slander our intentions. Rather suspect I think, considering we've put ourselves at considerable risk placing ourselves between you and their armada of a -dozen warships-. I will, however, not insult the intelligence of the people by dismissing their claims outright. The Netherese heritage of myself, my City and our Archmage is not questioned. Indeed, we are among the few that truly understand the horrors of misused magic and the potential for devastation the Arcanum represents. Tarkuul, perhaps more than any other, is committed to seeing that history never repeats the terrible tragedies of our forefathers. We stand by our commitment to free Cordor from the tyranny of malevolent wizards and to provide what aid we can. Unlike the ruthless Cowled Wizards that Amn brought with them, however, we will not linger where we are unwanted. Should the People of the Commonwealth decide they are better off without our experience, then we will gladly acquiesce and depart your waters. I must ask, however, do why the Cowled Wizards need a fleet of warships to extradite the single archmage they claim to be seeking vengeance for? It seems a question worth asking.

I also ask this of Mister Steinberg; Did you write this with a straight face? Did you truly accuse us of -forcing- ourselves on Cordor when you arrive, unrequested, with an army, and a sect of the most notorious arcane enforcers on the Sword Coast, without laughing at your own absurdity? “A cabal of wizards dictating how people run their lives” is very much your forte, Mister Steinberg. You are all but contradicting your own message. People of Commonwealth, our motto of “Knowledge and Power” applies to even the most humble among us. Seek Knowledge and Empower yourselves. Learn of us. More importantly, learn of the Cowled Wizards on these warships, and make your wishes known to your leaders.

~Luca K. Severin, Castellan of the Living City

*Kalinda would read either of the previous two posts carefully if she got her paws on them, circulating them both in Cordor North, starting with farmer Gilbert. She doesnt seem to have an oppinion yet, seeming to need time to digest the message*

*Some hours later she would roam Cordor again and tack a small note to Luca's notes*

Quote:

Castellan Severin,

Would like a talk with you and dont know how to contact you otherwise. Leave word in Nomad or with idol of mother Chaun-tea if interested in talk.

-Kalinda

*Kalinda would send a similar request, tied to a small stone, for a talk to one of the behemoths which would be delivered by a seagull* (I assume here she can use her animal emhpaty to persuade it to drop the note on the biggest ship)

Kalinda would have some difficulty finding a seagull in (or near) Cordor, oddly enough!

*In that case she'd frown and then look for another bird that can carry a small stone with a message tied to it and ask it to deliver the message for her to the biggest ship.

Failing that she'd summon a petal fey (monster summon two for druids) and tell her to deliver the message.*

With the domains of the Keeper now so close to Cordor his visits to Moribund grow more frequent but less lengthy over time. With the aid from Luca in constructing the barges the more cruder work of loading up the remaining corpses would be a heavy job for him and Igor. Regardless, he does it with great care and respect to to their ways.
Soon, all would be accounted for and given their proper passing.

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

The Amnish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A forlorn looking knight, wearing the trappings of scorch marks and bloody smears, can be seen departing the Salandran Temple grounds for a vessel back to Wiltun.

For a second day in a row, the Salandran Temple was the scene of violence: a massive explosion shook the Western side of the Temple compound, killing one templar in the blast and nearly setting fire to the Inner Sanctum. While the templars and a group of adventurers did their best to put out the flames, the Recovery Ward came under attack, leading to three more of Salandra's faithful losing their lives in battle with unknown assailants. Rumor has it that at least one attacker was slain, their body now kept in a secure location.

Soon after the release of the letter from Joseph Steinburg, the outright hostility of the populace towards them seems to turn into a more quiet, distrustful grumbling.

However, after Andrew's newsletter is released, the bitter hostility returns. Watching them suspiciously, a few thrown rocks here and there, excusing themselves from tables, several merchants refusing to service them. A new sign can be seen outside of the Long and the Short saying "AMNISH GO HOME!", and indeed, the barkeeps refuse to serve them. So far there haven't been any further outbreaks of violence, yet... but tension and hostility is brewing... dangerously so...

Should any commoners find Luca Severin in the streets, some would go and ask him about Tarkuul's stance on matters. However many ask him about what is said in the recently more publicized section about Mherun Xilphas. Depending on which district he is in, the questioning is either calm and polite in tone (Central), pointed, but not outright hostile (East), or barely better than a Lynch mob (South).

Meanwhile, in the early hours of the day, a notice is posted prominently outside the city hall:

Quote:

People of the Commonwealth,

The citizens tribunal will be starting the long overdue trials for those citizens and ministers accused of wrongs against our people. The trials will be made public so that any citizen may attend. All evidence in regards to the parties accused will be made publicly available as well. For these trials, we would ask that any evidence pertaining to the trials be forwarded to the Commonwealth Center at the earliest convenience.

The trials will be handled by the tribune of Captain Reynolds, Hil'Rash, Jacho Borimus, Farmer Gilbert, and Parulg.

Any accused party shall be allowed to select any person they desire to act as legal representation and council.

Those being tried are:
Minister Xaviera Xuider-Xee
Jay Edgar Mover
Nevaeh Tarvencia
Andrew Fryar
The Driscoll Brothers
Penn E. Pincer
Richard Johnson
Bill Hurst
Mick Carthy
Marcus Aurelius
(Many, many names populate the list...)
Eli Hodgewall

In the wake of the announcement, many people, Xaviera, Nevaeh, Andrew, and Eli find themselves crowded with people asking to help them, with enthusiasm, but sadly little legal training or much in-depth understanding of the surrounding issues. Xaviera is approached by visitors at nearly every hour of the day, throwing in their support. Minister Cromwell also makes many stops to visit her.

Movement around the commonwealth center is much more common now, getting ready to start the trials, and getting a makeshift courthouse ready...

Xaviera, visited in her cell at Cordor South's jail, offers a comment upon seeing a copy of the notice about the Tribunal:

It's about bloody time.

She also appears to find some wry amusement in the fact that she is, first, at the top of the list and, second, the only person actually referred to as 'Minister'.

When told about the Amnish mission's ultimatum, her expression takes on a sombre and troubled cast.

*Aiseth Nosdivan sends a notice saying she -will- act as a public legal defender for any and all suspected parties in need of legal defense. She can be reached at The Nomad for the time being, and intends to stay in the city for the duration of these trials.*

Eli is spotted in the Shrine today. He then was briefly seen speaking with Joon before heading to the Salandran temple. From there he seems notably displeased as he heads to Cordor and awaits Reynold's first available moment, having urgent news to share.

After assisting a terrified woman in dealing with "ghosts" in her home in the Central district, a young Wiltun Knight sits to catch his breath and recharge his equipment.

So...it's getting worse.

Gerald can be seen going around Cordor distributing copies of a notice in public places in the East, Central, West and North districts. Anyone willing to approach him with questions about the city is met politely and promptly answered. He seems more than willing to keep company. Extra copies of each notice are left at each notice board, presumably for distribution. Each one is stamped with the seal of the Living Guard.

Quote:

People of the Commonwealth,

These past few months will be marked as some of the most trying times in the history your history; and indeed your history for overcoming struggle is long. But, as a house divided, Cordor has become a crucible that tests the strength and resolve of its people, pushing the limits of its identity, and solidarity among themselves. But now whatever threats within your walls that may exist have been completely overshadowed by looming invaders. Amn's intent is clear, and your strength as a people will be pushed further than it ever has before.

But I understand the desire not to struggle any longer, not to fear for how you will provide for your families and homes, or how weather or not you are safe within your own city walls. It is in that regard, that I would personally extend the invitation to all of Cordor's people to make the short journey by boat to the City of Tarkuul. In the days of its founding thousands of years ago, it was the vision of Tarkuul that its residents not have to worry about trivial matters such as how to keep food in their bellies and roofs over their heads so that they would better persue the betterment of themselves; such is our mantra "Knowledge and Power," and as a city it is our desire to return to our roots in this regard. So we offer you, the free people of Cordor, the chance to live in our walls and be provided those three basic, but driving needs for food, shelter and security in our homes.

But, good people of Cordor, if we are to achive this level of prosperity, we will need your help. Through the hard work of Tarkuul and its people, we have built a city, made homes to live in, and with your help we can forge a stronger future. For you, for your children, for us all.

I would also like to ask that any extra copies of this document left be posted in the South by anyone able to. My presence is not wanted in the South, but I would like for all the people of Cordor to know that this offer extends to them. And to all people who do remain I must ask of you, beg even, that you set your sights not on each other, but on the Amnish war fleet that looms over Cariagh. If only for now, simply do what you must to survive as a nation; and do so together.

Knowledge and Power,
High Captain Gerald Edmund
First Knight of Tarkuul
Commander of the Living Guard

Two merchant ships enter Cordor's bay, both flying Amn's flag, and head for the western district. Once there, the sailors begin to unload the cargo: food, drink, blankets and other humanitarian aid. No formal announcement is made, no pomp surrounds this. The goods are simply unloaded and freely given out. If anyone thinks to ask what strings are attached, the answer is none - the sailors calmly inform anyone asking that Cordor shall receive more ships' worth of humanitarian aid, on Lord Sigismund Selemchant's behalf. Amn, it seems, has changed its stance: actions speak louder than words.

After hosting his free charity breakfast at the Academy that morning, Andrew heads straight to South Cordor to meet with Swords, the armed militia of Cordor South. He arrives with a blunted longsword strapped to his belt, alongside his cudgel. Once among Swords, he spends the morning giving them some basics in the longsword, his former weapon of choice, and apparently one he knows decently.

“The arming sword is one of the most popular weapons for a variety of reason. It's relatively lightweight and well-balanced. Able to thrust at medium range or produce devastating slashes. Easy to parry with and one-handed so it can be used opposite a shield.”

His cudgel was a makeshift guardsman baton that was essentially a metal club.

“The mace is the heavier evolution of a club. It has a ball on the head, usually with small spikes, to deliver crushing blows that can break through bone. It relies on the high weight at the end of the weapon to do this, kinda like hammering with a nail. It's short because otherwise it would be unbalanced.”

“The Warhammer. This little under-appreciated beauty is grown out of the carpenter's hammer. Much like its cousin, the mace, it is exceptional for crushing. However, its handle is longer and the weapon itself hurts more, but it takes more practice to get used to. It also can be used one handed and its blunt face allows the wielder to strike with full force on armor, rather than glancing like an edge weapon maybe. Its hook end can be used to puncture armor, as well.”

Andrew was by no means a soldier. He approached his instruction much like he approached his teaching: respectful, but firm, all while pressing that his was the final authority, but allowing some autonomy. His tactics, one would notice, rely principally on strength rather than finesse. They were also unprofessional, pragmatic and practically dirty fighting, likely cobbled together from someone with little to no formal training. He had some stuff done proper, like grips and footing, but his skills focused around surviving and skirmishing. It also included some light wrestling, rams and other unorthodox maneuvers typically avoided in professional sword play. He was with them through the morning and even a little into the afternoon before heading off to take care of his other charity work and prepare his trial defense. Though he promised to be back tomorrow morning.

Another humanitarian transport arrives in Cordor, the three amnish ships heavily escorted by vessels of Cordor's own navy, now unloading their goods to the city's Central district. The foreigners are kept under supervision at all times and even those receiving aid seem suspicious, but once their task was accomplished, the amnians leave, without any incidents having taken place.

For the first time since announcing the withdrawal of it's troops, after the ducal intervention alongside Kohlingen and Barak Runedar, does the Duchy offer a public statement. In it the Hand of the Duchess provides the current reports of three of it's ongoing investigations in a dry factual manner, allowing what has been uncovered speak for itself for now. Three days after the tribunal announced the trials will begin in hope to restore faith in the republic, the findings, if they are to be believed, are incredibly damaging.

Andrew scratches his head when he receives a copy of the reports, but proceeds to continue on his normal schedule of providing training and drill to Swords of South Cordor. After his morning drills, he can be seen going guard-to-guard in South Cordor, making inquiries and spreading word that they'll be trying to re-unite the guard who remain loyal to the city as opposed to Mover's regime. Specifically, he seems aimed at finding a leader-figure among the Southies to put into connection with the guards in East and North, to form a coalition.

If questioned about the reports, he simply points out that the information in the reports is the same stuff he's already covered in previous editions of his newsletter and that the guilty parties involved are already enemies of the state or wanted for trial. He promises to write a response 'soon', however.

*A more visceral list is tacked without description to the noticeboards of Cordor in red ink: the presentation of the piece appears to be in the format of a formal announcement, but the text does not suggest any decree or legislation, no formal office or title attached to it. It is only left more so as a symbol, some might interpret it as an intellectual challenge, while others pass it off as a disturbing lack of reason's presence, some may even find the the article of writing to be something of a memorial. A more skeptical person might try to deduct something from the numbers inside the piece, as if it were meant to be some kind of puzzle. But in fact, it just appears to be a list. Oddly enough the list appears to be written twice over. A possible misprint, but given the red ink, and some fragmenting on some of the dotted i's and crossed t's, it would appear an intentional mistake. An echo?*

Andrews, Selena- 25, Human Female, Blood Type: O+, DECEASED, Anderson, Bartholomew- 14, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, Anderson, Garrett-23, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, Anderson, Wyatt- 17, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Anderson, Matthew- 45, Human Male, Blood Type: B-, DECEASED, Andros, Brian- 32, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, Arbor, Jane- 19, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Ballinore- 25, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Boone, Petra- 34, Human Female, Blood Type: AB+, Boone, Michael-34, Human Male, Blood Type: B-, Brown, Christopher- 26, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, DECEASED, Brown, Harvey- 42, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Brown, Jennifer- 21, Human Female, Blood Type: AB-, Brown, Loren- 21, Human Female, Blood Type: AB-, Burnside, Velma- 21, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Cole, Sandra- 46, Human Female, Blood Type AB-, Cross, Frederick- 38, Human Male, Blood Type B-, DECEASED, Cross, Hovinga- 35, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Eknoyen, Garabed- 42, Human, Blood Type: A+, DECEASED, Dean, Laura-29, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Dickson, Patrick- 20, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Dickson, Martha- 45, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, Dieson, Arthur- 34, Human Male, Blood Type: O-, Grant, David- 56, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, DECEASED, Greene, Brandon- 22, Human Male, Blood Type: AB+, Goodman, Thomas- 16, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, Hart, Colin- 32, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, Hart, Regina-30, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Hopkins, Jean- 23, Human Female, Blood Type: B-, Kolff, Madison- 26, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Kolff, Emily- 8, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, DECEASED, Koopman, Derril- 62, Human Male, Blood Type: B-, DECEASED, Kremer, Larissa- 15, Human Female, Blood Type: AB+, Landsteiner, Gerald- 46, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Lane, Deagan- 18, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, DECEASED, Lane, Sarah- 19, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, DECEASED, Lasker, Weston- 51, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, Lewis, Kaita- 28, Human Female, Blood Type: O+, Lewis, Gregory-29, Human Male, Blood Type: O-, Lewis, Regina, 9, Human Female, Blood Type O+, DECEASED, Leonard, Jonathin- Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, Lynn, Vera- 24, Human Female, Blood Type: B-, Milton, Dianna- 17, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Moise, Burt- 38, Human Male, Blood Type: AB+, Newhouse, Marris- 35, Human Female, Blood Type: AB-, Nolte, Alan- 29, Human Mal, Blood Type: B+, Rearden, Tyler- 12, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, DECEASED, Reardan, Jacob- 10, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, DECEASED, Rocco, Michelle- 35, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Scribner, Terry- 28, Human Male, Blood Type: 0-, DECEASED, Smith, Bringham- 24, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Smith, Christopher- 46 Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Smith, Gunther- 13 Human Male, Blood Type: B-, Smith, Joseph- 53 Human Male, Blood Type: B+, DECEASED, Smith, Richard- 17, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, DECEASED, Smith, Yolanda- 37, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, Talaro, Kathleen-19, Human Female, Blood Type: AB+, Yossarin- ?, ?, Blood Type: ?, Wright, Harold- 64, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, DECEASED, Wright, Jill- 26, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, Aelverand, Simon- 34, Half-Elf Male, Blood Type: A, Aelverand, Marisse- 35, Half-Elf Female, Blood Type: B, Aelverand, Torelan- 14, Half-Elf Male, Blood Type: A. Bronzebeard, Mhurin- 43, Dwarf Male, Blood Type: ?, Stormhammer, Kazan- 54, Dwarf Male, Blood Type: ?Andrews, Selena- 25, Human Female, Blood Type: O+, DECEASED, Anderson, Bartholomew- 14, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, Anderson, Garrett-23, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, Anderson, Wyatt- 17, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Anderson, Matthew- 45, Human Male, Blood Type: B-, DECEASED, Andros, Brian- 32, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, Arbor, Jane- 19, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Ballinore- 25, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Boone, Petra- 34, Human Female, Blood Type: AB+, Boone, Michael-34, Human Male, Blood Type: B-, Brown, Christopher- 26, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, DECEASED, Brown, Harvey- 42, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Brown, Jennifer- 21, Human Female, Blood Type: AB-, Brown, Loren- 21, Human Female, Blood Type: AB-, Burnside, Velma- 21, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Cole, Sandra- 46, Human Female, Blood Type AB-, Cross, Frederick- 38, Human Male, Blood Type B-, DECEASED, Cross, Hovinga- 35, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Eknoyen, Garabed- 42, Human, Blood Type: A+, DECEASED, Dean, Laura-29, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Dickson, Patrick- 20, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Dickson, Martha- 45, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, Dieson, Arthur- 34, Human Male, Blood Type: O-, Grant, David- 56, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, DECEASED, Greene, Brandon- 22, Human Male, Blood Type: AB+, Goodman, Thomas- 16, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, Hart, Colin- 32, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, Hart, Regina-30, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Hopkins, Jean- 23, Human Female, Blood Type: B-, Kolff, Madison- 26, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Kolff, Emily- 8, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, DECEASED, Koopman, Derril- 62, Human Male, Blood Type: B-, DECEASED, Kremer, Larissa- 15, Human Female, Blood Type: AB+, Landsteiner, Gerald- 46, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Lane, Deagan- 18, Human Male, Blood Type: A-, DECEASED, Lane, Sarah- 19, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, DECEASED, Lasker, Weston- 51, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, Lewis, Kaita- 28, Human Female, Blood Type: O+, Lewis, Gregory-29, Human Male, Blood Type: O-, Lewis, Regina, 9, Human Female, Blood Type O+, DECEASED, Leonard, Jonathin- Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, Lynn, Vera- 24, Human Female, Blood Type: B-, Milton, Dianna- 17, Human Female, Blood Type: A+, Moise, Burt- 38, Human Male, Blood Type: AB+, Newhouse, Marris- 35, Human Female, Blood Type: AB-, Nolte, Alan- 29, Human Mal, Blood Type: B+, Rearden, Tyler- 12, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, DECEASED, Reardan, Jacob- 10, Human Male, Blood Type: B+, DECEASED, Rocco, Michelle- 35, Human Female, Blood Type: B+, Scribner, Terry- 28, Human Male, Blood Type: 0-, DECEASED, Smith, Bringham- 24, Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Smith, Christopher- 46 Human Male, Blood Type: A+, Smith, Gunther- 13 Human Male, Blood Type: B-, Smith, Joseph- 53 Human Male, Blood Type: B+, DECEASED, Smith, Richard- 17, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, DECEASED, Smith, Yolanda- 37, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, Talaro, Kathleen-19, Human Female, Blood Type: AB+, Yossarin- ?, ?, Blood Type: ?, Wright, Harold- 64, Human Male, Blood Type: AB-, DECEASED, Wright, Jill- 26, Human Female, Blood Type: A-, Aelverand, Simon- 34, Half-Elf Male, Blood Type: A, Aelverand, Marisse- 35, Half-Elf Female, Blood Type: B, Aelverand, Torelan- 14, Half-Elf Male, Blood Type: A. Bronzebeard, Mhurin- 43, Dwarf Male, Blood Type: ?, Stormhammer, Kazan- 54, Dwarf Male, Blood Type: ?

*Eli immediately takes the notice down in East District and brings it to his office. He then cross references the list with the names of the known dead.*

After having spend the majority of three days in the Commonwealth center and Chapel of Lathander, Marcus heads to the south barracks with a package - seeming to hold a number of documents. There is a hint of doubt or sadness in his posture as he does.

*Kalinda spends most of her time in Cordor in North still, often near the idol of Chauntea or in Gilberts vicinity, talking to the farmers and asssiting them when she has the time and they need the help. She's always ready to talk about the farmers current concerns.

When not in North she is in central, trying to engage people in dialogue about the tribunal, keeping en eye on when the next meeting in the theatre is.

She seems to ignore the name lists as she does with everything unsigned, stating that anything written without an honest name under it isnt worth reading.

She seems to be slightly puzzled by the letters from the duchess.*

The amnish vessels' next stop with provisions and humanitarian aid is Cordor South - where they get a less than warm reception. In fact, the people there outright refuse any aid and threaten the ships' crews with violence should they refuse to depart. After a brief round of negotiations, with both South and East, the foreigners do indeed depart, their ships unloading their cargo in Cordor North instead. The following day, Cordor North receives yet another shipment, as do West and Central. South and East's wishes seem to be respected and they're left alone.

*If Kal gets wind from the supplies being delivered to North she'd ask Gilbert if she can inspect them. Should she find nothing wrong with them she urges for stockpiles to be created*

*The following is a quoted piece with added commentary, posted primarily in the West and Central districts, although a few scattered copies can be found at other popular spots such as the Nomad*

Bobo_Underhill wrote:

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

Let's consider this 'diplomatic' envoy. It consists of several warships. They claim they are here for our benefit, to protect us from the Arcanum. This is pure and one-hundred percent a lie, unless the City of Coin's duplicitous nature is so strong it can warp reality.

Like Kohligen did with its army as they seized our financial records by force and took over our Commonwealth Center?

It is likely they wish to compile a record of past grievances against nobles to then demand later payment for these funds, much in the same way Amn declares payments of funds.

*The flier is left unsigned*

*Also found primarily in the West and Central districts with some scattered exceptions*

Quote:

Citizens of Cordor, let's us have a moment to think and gather our thoughts for a moment to describe the situation in which we and our city are in:

There is an armada of ships from Amn on our coastline demanding payment, or control, or they will attack.
There is a floating city-isle of Tarkuul in-between this fleet and us, giving them pause.
There is an arcanum ritual still in place absorbing blood that falls to the ground, for some dark ritual.
There are offers of Aid from both Tarkuul and Kohligen (Tarkuul with perhaps mysterious mages, and Kohligen with obvious nobles who invaded us)

We still do not stand as a united front in defense of the Commonwealth from all of these threats and more and it is a matter of concern to me.

No we shall not accept a Tribunal that does not give the people of the Commonwealth an equal say and equal representation. Minister Eli for all his faults, does at least agree here. I find the need for the people to come together at least on the matter of mutual defense of our city, other matters still withstanding. At this time trials do not seem feasible, especially given with how Reed was 'dealt with', I however have been given word that the potential magical hazards of timerifts and so forth on behalf of the Arcanum may be harming us within a week's time.

We do need people to represent us to discuss matters of dire importance, that fleet from Amn will not sit idle forever, nor will the Arcanum's magic, nor will Tarkuul, nor will Kohligen, and we are in a state of weakened disarray.

I do, once again, purpose that a 'Tribunal' and I use the term very loosely, be formed consisting of one representative from each district and one representative from Guldorand as it is also a member of the Commonwealth be held.

One from North
One from South
One from East (not three or more, just the one thanks)
One from West
One from Central
One from Guldorand

With these six members I think we can then begin to address, and defend from if need be, these foreign entities after we have come together to work out some of our basic grievances.

I'm not asking for trials anymore, I, personally, think that is silly given how Reed was 'treated'. How could we ask others to come face against that? On the contrary Reed's death is a crime in itself from my estimation, worthy of trial for his killers. The other side is vehemently opposed, this is one such example where I don't think we can agree. So I want to make it clear.

I'm not asking for a tribunal for trials at this point (before Reed's death I did) , I'm not asking a tribunal for vote on the foundation (which has several gaping legal holes in it by the way and I would not approve of it as is).

I'm only asking that we come together to prepare for our mutual defense of our city, to address these foreign entities wisely and with full representation.

I ask that the leaders of these districts, supported by their people in their district, come together to discuss these matters.

Do we need aid against these foreign threats?
What do we need to do if we don't?
If we do need aid from a foreign entity, who, and to what extent, under what terms?
How will these entities be addressed? -for they shall not wait forever.
Which of them will help and which of them threaten to destroy us?
What can we do to prepare ourselves and make sure we're united in the defense of the city and our homes?

...and after that is addressed, perhaps we can -then- focus on our domestic issues with trials, laws, and elections. However at this time, coming together for the mutual defense of our homes, from outside threats, needs to be addressed.

I ask that each district place it's stamp of approval upon one representative they feel supports them most. Pick your strongest leaders for these trying times.

For the Commonwealth, and in memory of those whom we have lost already,

I, Decon Aquis, hope we can save ourselves.

It seems that early morning came and a strange new sight was seen. There was neither mask to this man nor any reason he felt to conceal himself. Though it was known to many his purpose and why he was there. A young knight like man dressed in armor showed up in the morning in Cordor South to meet with Andrew and the Militia.

As promised days before it seems strange though that he would be coming there in such an hour. But not so strange to him in the exercises. As he looks to the gathered men he smiles politely to him. A dulled longsword remained in his hand and a bunch of shields layed upon the ground. They were not large shields or even tower shields. They were small shields all forged by hand and extremely strong.

The young man looked to those standing around before he began to speak. He was surprised at the numbers that had shown up, but not surprised at the determination they held in there eyes.

“So, today we will begin a new form of training. I know many of you are stout in body, and strong in spirit.”

He looks over them all who seem very capable men. Each of them physically fit.

“So today we will try something new. I will teach you defensive techniques. Before we get started pick up the shield in front of you. This shield will become an extension of your arm. Now, I know many of you are perhaps wondering why such a small shield. I am sure many of you also are looking to these shields oddly, but let me explain a few things to you.”

The young man picked up a shield himself and tossed his blade down into the ground. He smirked and looked to them all.

“Most people can pick up a blade, an edge and claim they can use it. Many people in battle will seek to do the most damage they can to you, seek to harm you and seek to win in combat. Just like in a brawl. But this is where you separate the warriors from the brawlers. What you have in your arm now is not just a shield, not just a form of protection. But also a very deadly form of offense and defense.”

“A shield can be used to protect your vitals, it can stop a deadly arrow, parry a cleaving sword. A shield can be held out to your brothers and sisters in arms to stop what many would call a death blow. But a shield can also become a weapon.”

The young man moved his arm in a form that seemed almost fluent and natural. First it arched up into a defense, then in a quick flash the shield pushed forward then side ways as a weapon would.

“You get hit with a sword, you tend to bleed. You get hit with a mace you tend to be dazed. You get struck by an offensive and skillfully placed shield, you my friends are flat on your arse’s wondering what sort of behemoth just trampled you. It will daze you, it will stun you and it will keep you alive.”

“There are many forms of defense, and many forms of offense. A weapon in hand and a shield in the other can become the two most versatile forms of both. So today we will work on your shield arms. We will work on parrying, we will work on deflection and we will work on stunning blows.”

“It won’t be easy, many of you will be feeling this session tomorrow, but I can assure you. This will save your life. But not only you own life, it will save those who stand next to you. As we progress with this we will increase the size of your shields, we will balance them and we will fit them.”

“So for now I would ask for you all to pair up. One with weapon in hand the other with shield. We will rotate the strikes and I will be there with you all. So strike hard, block harder. We will condition you all this day. For tomorrow, we will begin anew.”

With that the young man pairs up with another. He lays drill after drill with the men who come. He would get bruised he would laugh, he would train and he would remain focused. These were good men and they would learn this day how protection can become the best tool in the books. Many forms would be done over the time and would continue, breaks would be had and he would help those up that tipped over. It was a swore day, but it was a bloody good one.

When asked about the unsigned fliers, Andrew simply calls the person a coward and continues with his work getting the city's defenses up and running. He is seen the next day with a cart with the words 'Blue Sky Ship' written on it full of supplies drawn by two large oxen, filled with metal and wood. It slowly wheels its way into the city...

((Will drop 'em off tomorrow!))

*Kalinda grins as she reads Decan's signed flyer, showing it around in North. The other one she dismisses as 'cowardly unsigned babbles'*

Looks like someone in West -finally- drew the same conclusion.

Rumor spreads throughout Cordor that three bodies have been found in a little-used side-alley of the city's South district - three human males and one human female, all identified as citizens of Central. The bodies reveal that the four have been dead for less than a day, with the cause of death having been a slit throat, despite the victims' bodies showing signs of having been beaten mercilessly with a blunt object while alive.

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

MURDERS

Four bodies were found in South Cordor: Three males, one older and a female. Cursory investigation indicated they were residents of Central Cordor. At the time, the guard did not have any leads. Some investigation into the bodies revealed some gruesome details: The bodies had been brutally beaten, but they all had a single slit throat. They were completely drained of any blood, and the bruising was a lighter blue than normal, indicating it was possibly done after the victims had died. Investigation also seemed to indicate the victims had been standing or kneeling when they perished. They were also stripped of nearly everything they had, including most of their clothes.

According to another investigator on scene, this modus operandi matches the slayings of Salandran Templars when former Secretary Mover was sprung from his cell. The bodies being completely drained would seem to implicate the Arcanum or someone with a motivation to not only feed the blood magic but also spurn increased hostilities between the city's districts. A guard who found the bodies reported that they were very poorly hidden, as if they were meant to be swiftly found. This follows quickly on the heels of the plea by Decon Aquis.

To reiterate:

1) The bodies matched the slayings of the Templars at the Salandran Temple, who were guarding Mover's cell.
2) The bodies were drained of all their blood and then beaten to look like it had been a lynching and had been dragged and deposited in South Cordor.
3) The bodies were left in such a way that they would be easily found.

These grisly slayings are an affront to sensibilities, motivated by hatred and a desire to further irritate the already tense atmosphere of the city. My prayers go out to the families of those who were lost. Justice will be had for your loved ones.

RIOT

A riot broke out between a hin playwright and his cast and a group of residents from West Cordor outside of the theater. The West Cordorians were trying to drive out the hin, with chants of 'Cordor is for Humans'. The riot evolved into a brawl and eventually was subdued by guards. The guards indiscriminately clubbed everyone involved. No charges or arrests were made.

Aiseth exits the Commonwealth Center and a short time later with a stack of letters made, and sends this letter out to the following arcanists by name, neglecting both any political affiliation tied to sender or recipient. The letter would arrive, one for each of these names:

Ael'kaenmah Le'Quella
Adela Griffonheart
Agam
Auraj
Captor
Di'rien
Eli Hodgewall
Harold Kendry
Kirby Cottonfoot
Kristinne Mars
Kylie Ky
Laiath
Liress Rowa
Rashad Jelucian
Robert Stanwall
Rolligant Coe
Rosary Doodlekins
Sam of Caraigh
Shyllia Elrian
Siferet
Sorrow Dragonwound
Sumana Dibtiiri
Tazlin Kenlyl
Tuomas Valo
Windiara Bluesoul

Wizards and Sorcerers of Amia and Ruathym,

You are called upon for a public safety training:
Spellcraft Against Colin Reyes and the Arcanum.
Located central of the Forest of Despair in the recently warded and cleansed Mystra's Grove, future sight of the College of the Arcane. This training is to provide you with both an examined history of the Arcanum Fraternity, The blood contingency, the timeslip, as well as their current standings in the Western Realm, what they intend to do to our home, and how you can prevent their success. The insights that I am going to provide you is free for all arcanists whom may find themselves among the war that is coming to the island in total. You have the right to this knowledge and should begin training to defend yourself and the people you care for, as war continues to swallow the land. The frequency in which attacks on the island occur will become more happening as we now near the days of what the Arcanum refer to as Reyes' rebirth.

Who I am: For those of you who do not know me well, my name is Aiseth Nosdivan and I came here from Halruaa. I have worked under Kohlingen's Shields, in Tarkuul's Magistrium Mortis, with Wiltun's Jarldom, with B.L.A.C.K., and Cordor's Ministries, each of these as an arcanist like yourself, to solve the matters of the Arcanum's deceit and intended destruction of the balance of magic. By this time you should have at least heard the name the Arcanum, or have some knowledge as to what this fraternity is given the heralds of the past. I have involved myself in several operations such as entering the Arcanum's secret blood prison, freeing its prisoners and destroying the facility's remains. I have fought my way to Cordor's Keystone, the supposed ritual place of the Arcanum, where Colin Reyes unhinged himself from our world and trapped the Duke d'Cordor in a place outside of time and space. And I have stopped the Arcanum mages in the underbellies of West Cordor. I have joined the Magistrium in aiding their search below Moribund for Arcanum remnants. I have battled their blood beasts, released their prisoners, and battled some of their elite members whom had caused great devastation in their reign. I have also been actively fought the paradox spectres among you when they arise. And now, my friends, the Amnish are arriving with promises as to how to stop 'deviant mages' in the realm here. But even aboard the Amnish ships I have visited, I have seen too the puppetry of the Arcanum. Not only here, but even westward, north of Waterdeep at the Spine of the World, hoards are gathering under the Arcanum's adopted sigil: Sa. Rebirth.

I have been criticized for my past relations with the church of Loviatar fairly, as at a young age, I was mislead and seduced by their half-truths. As well the parties of Kohlingen and Tarkuul have called me a betrayer for associating with the opposite party. A fear-paranoia complex of those whom enter the world of politics, a world in which all players lose. But I am not a politician, nor have I ever claimed to be, that is not who we are. We are the arcanists. It is our duty to have learned from our past errs such as the fall of Netheril, how hubris alone acted as catalyst to utter chaos, destruction, and the evolution of our monsters, the magician's monsters. We whom let ourselves grow unchecked, as the Arcanum had in the Tower of Mystra, and had later destroyed its predecessor, the Monolith. How Colin Reyes was able to inspire and control a population, attaining a respect of his contemporaries of goddom, and fretfully, the power of great devastation at his hands. A half truth. It is from the simplicity of belief in these half truths that ones demons overshadow us, feed our basic needs, and give us darkly a thing to trust in. A will to a way. The Arcanum fell prey to this weakness and have made Reyes into a god of their own creation, feeding the lives of innocents under the umbrella of greater Cordor to their blood prophecy. I have witnessed the results of these atrocities, in the cells of their prisons, where I expected to see glad faces, the dried remnants of people trapped as liminal creatures, whom have forgotten they were not dead. The Winding Way made these victims for twenty years now, blood has been collecting from the tortured and slain lives in the Arcanum's cabal settings. For twenty years, silence has dominated those whom have known their plans and this prophecy better. Attributing to it with silence, a half-truth in its own way. Silence, paranoia, ignorance. These are the ingredients that have made monsters out of all of us. By battling the Arcanum and what they believe in, I have chosen that I do not want to be a monster. And now as we stand on the horizon of great tragedy, a war that shall determine the shape of the world you live in, I urge you the arcanist, to assist us all in this plight. I will teach you about this enemy in its various forms, and I will train you to protect our realm today before it is forgotten and lost to the darkness that is coming.

-Aiseth Nodivan

Contact me on your own time and I will set up this training with you and like-students at various times. Our time is already thin.

A reply missive is sent to Aiseth.

I will endeavour to attend your proposed class, depending on timing and location.

Tuomas Valo

Receiving the letter, Captor examines the contents wherein slowly.

A reply is not forthcoming from him. He pockets the letter and steps aside from the anvils of the Wyvern Forge that evening. Sitting near the idol he ponders something.

Eli receives the notice from Aiseth and drops by Bendir Dale, conducting some business with the nick-knack trader before departing. He leaves orders with Godric and Reynolds that the Commonwealth Center is to remains in a state of high alert and closed to the general public for the their own safety.

*upon reception of the letter Sumana hastily and impulsively sends a missive back to the sender*

My heart is true to the cause and I offer my full support. I offer my assistance as for light to prevail and shine through the darkness that threatens to harm the innocent. I will meet you at your convenience.

Sumana Dibtiiri,
Master Conjuress and follower of Bahamut

A letter is sent to Aiseth.

While I ordinarily have zero concern for what happens to people who have stupidly embraced evil beings and elevated them to power, I can confess I see that this is a problem that will affect us all, and the innocents of Cordor, such as the children, are those I will seek to protect, if I am able. I would prefer to leave politics out of this, for the time being, for the sake of the greater good.

I will attend, and lend what aid I am able.

Liress Rowa

This short announcement 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. Surprisingly, exactly one finds its way to other locations: Bendir Dale, Uhm, Wharftown, Kampos, Guldorand and Nexus Falls.

PURPLE GHOSTS

Rumors abound about the appearance of purple spectres appearing in various locations around Cordor and in Amia in general. I will break down a bit of information about them and a few recommendations about how to deal with them:

What are they?

This is difficult to explain. They're temporal anomalies. I don't know any other way to explain it, but basically they aren't quite from our time, a hard as that is to understand. They're highly dangerous and hostile, but they seem to be, at least temporarily, tied to their manifesting location. At least some of them exhibit anti-magical capabilities. They don't exist, yet they do. They're paradoxes.

Recommendations: Civilians

Report sightings of the purple ghosts to the watch as soon as possible. By no means should they be engaged without proper preparation or protocol. It's best to remain evacuated from the general area until after the location and disturbance has been cleared.

Recommendation: Watch and Guard Units

When sightings of the purple paradoxes are reported in, quickly evacuate any civilians from the afflicted area and secure it until a powerful unit can be constructed. This unit should consisted of the strongest military or watch members available, with magical arms and equipment. It's recommended to conscript adventurers into the excursions to destroy the spectres.

The spectres are highly resistant to physical damage, but not invulnerable. Particularly, the warriors are resistant to pain. I've been told that cold can harm them however. The mages are roughly on par with arcanum mages and have traditionally relied a lot on missile storms. These represent the biggest threat and they should be dealt with quickly. They're prone to be knocked down with a stiff shoulder ram or being grappled and choke slammed. The warriors hit hard and are fairly hard to hit. In a few cases, the spectres have been able to anti-magic spells and protections off.

The spectres have been accompanied by a few different events: In smaller cases, the sound of indecipherable whisperings accompany the spectres and, once they're gone, the whisperings fade. In a few cases, they've been accompanied by a darkening sky or an open rift. These last two seem to constitute a larger scale attack and thus more precautions should be taken. It is recommended that all squads that are used to attack the spectres stay together to keep from being overwhelmed. Every guard and/or watch member in the area should be alerted to the disturbance as soon as possible.

-Andrew Fryar

Eli revisits all the towns he had not yet heard back from. Whatever he is up to seems to be moving forward.

Rumor quickly spreads through Cordor that a fresh pair of bodies has been found, this time in the Central District in the alley behind the Theater. The victims are both from the city's Eastern district, one male and one female and, this time, there is a connection - they were husband and wife: Jill and Gregory Fletcher.

Both victims were brutally beaten prior to death and present multiple cuts upon their bodies. Oddly enough, neither the bludgeoning trauma nor blood loss seem to have led to the couple's death. It would be obvious for any who looked upon the bodies that the two were hanged, then carefully moved out into the alley.

Recently, a plainly clad and hooded stranger can be seen walking the grounds of Guldorand. His visits are frequent, if sporadic in their timing. During his visits, he does nothing more than pace the settlement, or politely nod to others if acknowledged.

If anything, he seems to be waiting or looking for someone.

A big man in spiked plate armor of dark steel and a horned helmet can be seen hanging about in front of the arena of West Cordor from time to time everyday waiting for something perhaps.

In Cordor, over a thousand refugees can be seen piling into ships with the oversight of the High Captain of Tarkuul, aided by the Law Knight Sir Lawson and his men. It would seem that the purpose of such was to allow refugees to make the voyage to Tarkuul. It would seem that the Living City has made good on its offer of sanctuary.

Last edited by Dead on Mon, Dec 09 2013, 10:07 AM, edited 2 times in total.

Back in the Living City, the High Arcanist welcomed around one thousand and four hundred refugees,
organizing a quick census to register all the family names and the family member count so that the
commoners could receive the appropriate housing. As it appears, everything went in order. All the
refugees were accommodated properly, and they were regaled with one additional meal and a drink,
on the tab of one of the members of the LivingGuard.

"Er... beggin' yer pardon, Miz Minister...?" the jailer murmured, tapping on rusting bars of the cell's door with his baton, peering hesitantly into the murky depths of the long room. At the sound of the man's voice, Cordor's erstwhile Speaker and some time Minister of Health and Public Welfare uncurled her legs slowly from where she'd been sitting in front of the image she'd scratched on the slippery stones of the jail's nitred wall, crude yet recognizable - a doorway, a nude and beckoning long-haired female figure within it, several cats around her ankles.

Placing one dirty hand upon the wall, she pulls herself to her feet stiffly, the straw beneath her rustling as she does, then brushes back her long stringy white hair, and looks toward the door. The jailer averts his eyes from her nudity, looking down the row of cells, and clears his throat, embarassed. "Ah... there's been talk, yer Priestess-ship...," he murmurs, "that yer trial's gonna be soon. Maybe soon as a coupla days, yer Ministerness. I, ah, thought ye should know."

The Sharessin stretches, her joints cracking loudly in the echoing confines of the cell. "Thank you, jailer. May Sharess bring you joy," she replies, touchhing her forehead, nose, lips and between her breasts with a fingertip before gesturing in the man's direction, accompanied by a slight smile. "Aye, thank ye, Lady. I... er... best o' luck, eh?" the turnkey replies, bobbing his head several times, taking a last peek from the corner of his eyes into the cell before shuffling back down the hall.

The priestess turns to the image on the wall, brushing her fingers over the curves of the woman's image, remembering the Goddess as she herself had seen Her. "Perhaps I shall be with you soon, My Lady," she sighs, smiling wanly. "Either way, it sure sounds like things are going to Hell out there."

At the tenth hour of the evening, the major towns and cities were inhabited by screaming.

Wharftown:

Ol' Reg. Beloved by all for the years of service he put into Wharftown with magic tricks and assisting Zeek at the forge was found stuffed in the chimney of a residency. The townsfolk shared a minute's silence at the Slanty Shanty for his passing as news was finally broken to them.

Guldorand:

A citizen was found lying face down in one of the many mountain streams, having being fished from the water only feet from falling down the falls. That male citizen was identified to be a wizard: a retired Mage Guard who sought to live out his years in the peace of the mountains. According to the townsfolk, he got his wish sooner then he would have liked.

Underport:

A momentary lapse in trade occured upon the tenth hour of the evening. No details are known, but trade resumed shortly after it had halted. Secrets are whispered that a human mage was found in a private traderoom.

Kampo's:

The well-known temper of the one and only Kampo was howled into the sky at the discovery of a dead patron in his bar. Not only does the death look bad on his reputation, but the human mage had blocked the latrine cubicle for three hours prior to the bodies discovery creating even more unimpressed customers.

Winya Ravana:

Rumours circulate around that there was a death at the Iron Butterfly. For now the guards are being extremely tight lipped about the situation, with High Captain Amilith vigilantly watching over the crime scene himself.

Kohlingen:

Two boys, identified to be wizard apprentices were found face down in the public baths. The families grieve deeply for their sons along with many of the community.

Cordor:

A total of eleven murders were recorded upon the tenth hour of the evening: Four from the central district, two from the west, two from the south, three from the east. From the gossip on the streets, two were believed to be serving Mages of the Cordor Guard. The rest were believed to be student wizards or individuals with latent arcane talents. All of them were male.

As the stories start to spread between cities, the timing of the attacks were perfectly conducted on the tenth hour of the evening. Such coordination can only note one thing: such was planned.

There is immediate dissent amongst the student wizards of the various cities, particularly the males. Many do not attend their studies the following day.

A sealed letter is delivered to one of the Winyan guards, addressed to High Captain Amilith. Councillor Auvreattln gives the guard a clear order, "This must be handed to High Captain Amilith as soon as possible."

A letter of considerable length is placed up on the different noticeboards throughout Cordor, Guldorand and the Delta. The sheer volume of dry text might cause those with no stomach or patience for such to soon lose interest, though perhaps that may have been the purpose all along - an appeal to those of more educated backgrounds.

Quote:

The future of the Commonwealth
Our Commonwealth has suffered tragedy upon tragedy. We have been betrayed again and again by those we held as our leaders, we have suffered the loss of countless friends and families. And we, the people, are held responsible for the sins and crimes of the terrible evil that threatened and manipulated us into compliance - and the weakness and failures of the supposed leaders that collaborated with our enemies, within and without.

Maximillian, who is upheld as the father of the Commonwealth, may have held the most commendable ambitions for the future of our realm, but he was a man beset by weakness and doubt. in his weakness, he compromised and bartered the future of our realm away; out of fear, and insecurity, he gave Cordor to the Arcanum. Make no mistake, he was doomed from the moment he accepted their offers - and we shall mourn his passing and remember him as a leader and a man, flawed and imperfect.

However, we are now left to carry on without him. And it is revealed the Arcanum has long corrupted countless more, driving the tendrils of its infiltration and deceit deep into the government. They seek to destroy us utterly and wield magic, politics and economics to do so - they have placed contingency upon contingency to ensure they reach their objectives. And we have been left stunned and indecisive with grief in the wake of such treachery and loss.

No more. It must end -now-. Our grief paralyzes us, and the prospect of greater loss still makes us continue to delay and twist as the noose of our enemies closes around our necks - and we knowingly allow it because thus far we have refused to accept a single truth: we must yet sacrifice more. We have deluded ourselves into thinking that we can somehow save everything - and I ask what exactly we would be saving. Eli Hodgwall would have us flee. He demands that we scurry away as rats, and abandon everything. He says that above all we must survive - that survival guarantees hope. I call him a coward, and a defeatist. To abandon our city, our home now, is to admit defeat, to surrender all hope. It is to betray this Commonwealth and the promise it holds, and to see its spirit utterly broken and cast asunder. The handholds to pull ourselves out of this pit of darkness are layered with thorns, and it will take strength of will and determination to climb towards the sun. Yet we must, for to fail is to suffer a fate worse than death; it is to surrender to nihilism, and forever more be nothing more than a pawn on the lanceboard of vile things.

What is this Commonwealth? Is it but the creation of insane mages to further their own destructive ambitions? Is it the veil that served to obscure the weak and the corrupt as they drained its people for their own malicious and egocentric gain? As more and more hidden truths are revealed, our realm’s existence seems to be an ever great lie. It seems to have been nothing but a figment, an illusion.

But this is not what it must be. The Commonwealth yet holds potential for greatness beyond our imagination if we have but the strength and will to grasp it. If we are willing to rise above the pain of our grief and the depression that muffles our vision, to learn from the mistakes make and pull ourselves out of this darkness. Make no mistake, there will yet be sacrifices to come. And our future is all but assured, so great are the challenges at our door. But I would rather save a tenth of this Commonwealth and see it grow to greatness than lose it entirely to death - or worse, complacency and nihilism. Efforts are already in motion, but they are made without direction - without vision. What do we seek to sustain and protect? The Ministries that failed to govern? The memory of those that died due to the manipulations of men unworthy of being called such? The preservation of a status quo of complacency, ignorance and doubt?

Or shall we acknowledge that through complacency and willful ignorance, we all carry a measure of guilt? That we continue to serve not the interests of the greater Commonwealth and all within, but merely our own fears, doubts and insecurities? Shall we learn to forgive and offer the hand of peace and cooperation to each other, that together we can undertake this great and painful climb out of the pit?

We have all heard and seen the words of Amn, Kohlingen and Tarkuul - and I say that these are poisonous offers. How can we ever rise to stand on our own feet, if we would evermore crawl underneath debt to foreign realms. These realms do not seek to aid us out of compassion, but to advance their own gains or to counter their enemies. Our situation may seem grim, but I say that if we join together and muster our resolve, we shall stand defiant. We shall sacrifice and endure and overcome any challenge - as is the way of the Commonwealth. That we have not abandoned the city yet is testament to our will to rise again, that we shall not surrender so easily.

Shall we stand as humans or crawl as vermin under the price of cowardice and weakness. When we stand, we may stand alone - but I would rather stand and fight and die in glorious defiance of tyranny - no matter what guise it may wear - than to live under the illusion of foreign compassion. I assure you, the price for this so called “aid” shall be steep when it comes. We are a great community brought low because of our compassion and our tolerance for malicious creatures undeserving of such.

We are not a nation of beggars! We have been laid low because we tolerated the weak, the malicious and the corrupt in our midst, and I say no more! From this day, our Commonwealth shall stand and rise to be a beacon of civilization - or to die a flare of defiance against tyranny. We shall leave behind our fear and doubt, and reach for the future - a realm of unimaginable prosperity, strength and beauty. And never again shall we permit our destiny to be compromised and undermined by fear and weakness.

One Path. One Purpose. No Compromise!

The proven threat of mages: terrible power, terrible hubris.
It is my opinion that arcanists as a whole have no place in this Commonwealth - nor any other realm - and most especially not in governance. Arcane magic can be the means of great and wondrous achievement, yet only when it is wielded by those with the sufficient humility and piety to resist the corruption such power offers. Unfortunately, such individuals are exceptionally rare.

The great majority of arcanists wield the power to change the world in most direct, selfish and anarchic ways - at their own whim and without consideration of any others. They are not beholden to any greater authority, and are universally driven to dominate and alter the world around them. How can one claim to solely seek knowledge when one applies that knowledge to corrupt living creatures to undead, to destroy families and communities, and to enslave the will of others. While a very few may retain greater discipline and moral purity, should we not treat them as we do drow, or Banites; a near universal threat to all people, including themselves?

Look to history for evidence and see those realms that fell into evil and ultimately destroyed themselves when arcanists rose to power: Netheril fell due to the hubris of its archmages, Narfell was destroyed by its own fiend-summoning ways, Raumathar’s warmages destroyed their own realm when they weaved a spell they could not contain, Imaskar’s mage-artificers were destroyed when their slaves rose up in a great revolt that ultimately saw the birth of Mulhorand and Unther.

We are ourselves perhaps more familiar with the evils of Thay’s Red Wizards, and since then we have continued to suffer by the hand of mages. The Arcanum’s hubris and evil needs no further evidence. The former duke was a known chronomancer - wielding magic forbidden by the gods. What of the necromancers and fiend summoners of Tarkuul? What of the mage “Beauty” who destroyed those families in the arena? What of the mages of Kohlingen that were among the leading elements of the invasion, and when the occupation began immediately conducted an illegal ritual within the Commonwealth center itself?

I know from own experience that adventurer mages are amongst the most dangerous and most disrespectful elements amongst that population of vagrants. They are quick to argue that arcanists are integral to the existence and prosperity of any realm, but in light of proven history are they not simply retained as a deterrent to other mages? Is that not the argument of these Cowled Wizards as well? What do they truly contribute to the city? What sort of power do they wield that cannot be mustered through more wholesome, meaningful divine magic and honest, hard labor?

I ask you now, are these not arguments enough to bar wizards and mages from our Commonwealth - save from those very few that have a long and proven history of loyalty, dedication and true value as individuals? Let us build our future not on arcane rites and insular cabals, but on hard and honest labour. On craft, industry and engineering. On piety and faith in the guidance of those gods whose ideals we strive towards.

Patrons of the Commonwealth
As we would set our Commonwealth upon the path of destiny, we must take care to choose those divines whose guidance we would look to - and by extension which morals we would adhere to. Though there are those that might claim the Commonwealth allows freedom of religion and faith, this is not so; we have chosen to banish the practices and worship of Bane, Cyric, Lolth and others. While not all faiths may carry our approval, we have chosen to reject these few as as inimical to the Commonwealth above the others. Likewise, there are those that we may hold above others as the patrons of the Commonwealth, for they each embody a number of qualities that we might strive to uphold within ourselves, and within our community.

Waukeen has been held as the greatest patron of the Commonwealth since its inception, and with reason. Historically, Cordor has ever been a mercantile realm. In more general terms, a civilization is raised on prosperity and surplus, and our Common Wealth should ever strive to increase the general level of prosperity of its citizens. We must not do this not at the expense of other realms or entities, for we are not a nation of raiders and bandits. And the principles of supply, demand and economic efficiency have far broader application than trade alone; Waukeen is not the only to encourage this application, for Lathander decrees “consider the consequences of your actions so that your least effort may bring the greatest and best reward”.

Lathander has ever held a presence in the Commonwealth, and the Morninglord will prove to be an intrinsic companion and guide on the path towards a greater and brighter future. Though His tenets are all of importance, I especially refer to the simple yet comprehensive “perfect yourself, and be fertile in the mind and body” which would be applied by all citizens individually through constant care and growth of mind and body, and the avoidance of excess that would fatten our bodies and starve our souls into weakness.

Chauntea is both the mother of all life and the spirit of our world itself. Should we strive to prosper yet fail to show proper reverence for the Earthmother, we shall be doomed to fail. We must ever be mindful of our place, never betray the mother of all life through necromancy and consorting with fiends and ever seek to balance the needs of civilization with the splendor of our world - that yet has many things to offer and teach.

Inevitably, we shall face a multitude of challenges and perhaps outright war. We must face these with discipline, unity and strength of will. But we must also face these with intellect, organization and strategy. Hence, to hold the Red Knight as a patron of our new Commonwealth would be the logical step to take. While we respect the Foehammer, we seek to apply the tenets of the Red Knight in civil and military matters alike - that all things may proceed in orderly fashion, ever vigilant for potential threats, and to ensure we are prepared to face whatever comes with valor and resolve.

As we have rejected the domination of a single bloodline or a coven of ‘nobles’ for self-determination and governance by consensus, so we do reject the subversive threat of arcanists and their self-proclaimed necessity in favor of a new paradigm; that of honest labour, craft, engineering and innovative thinking. We look to Gond the Wonderbringer to inspire our workers and artisans, and seek to emulate him as an honest, humble and hard worker of lasting contributions to the greater whole.

While we act in piety and faith, these five patrons shall see us rise in strength and prosperity towards a greater tomorrow, for all the Commonwealth.

On the meaning of Citizenship
There is no such thing as equality amongst individuals. To believe such exists is to discount the individual characteristics, talents, skills, flaws and ambitions of all sentient creatures. As such, every community will have those that are regarded as higher of station than others - whether it is by merit of physical strength and intimidation, magical ability, by wealth or by bloodline. Within the Commonwealth, we must differentiate between Citizens and Inhabitants. Empty rhetoric aside, for too long citizenship of the Commonwealth has been held as little more than an administrative registration that bestowed a number of vague privileges. What it is intended to be is a contract, entered voluntarily between an individual and the state.

Citizenship differentiates those who are committed to the good of the Commonwealth as a whole from those who simply live within its territory. To take up citizenship of the Commonwealth is to place the greater whole, the state, before the individual. It is to surrender a measure of personal freedom in exchange for a place and purpose within the greater whole of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth promotes and protects self-determination yet failed to account that such comes with a far greater personal responsibility. Under a heredity government - whether by blood or by any other measure - one’s life is determined by the ruler’s will, yet one does not hold full responsibility for oneself either; a slave merely acting on the commands of his master is not responsible for his own acts. Freedom comes with responsibility - one is responsible for one’s actions, of themselves and within the greater community.

A Citizen chooses to dedicate its life to improving the Commonwealth as a whole rather than only himself and relinquishes the trappings that would falsely elevate him above his fellow Citizens. In exchange, the Commonwealth guarantees food and clothing, housing, security, healthcare and spiritual guidance, employment and education to any and all Citizens. As the Commonwealth rises, so it shall raise up its Citizens with increasing standards of comfort and satisfaction. As such, a citizen’s investment into the Commonwealth is ultimately repaid onto him.

A Citizen rejects the notion of individual ownership of property and wealth - as such is simply another measure that leads to false dominance over others - and draws satisfaction and meaning from seeing his fellow Citizens and the greater Commonwealth rise ever higher. However, the Commonwealth does acknowledge the desire for individuals to identify themselves as such. While the Commonwealth provides and maintains housing and basic necessities to all Citizens, each Citizen is also allocated a certain budget to spend on additional luxuries as desired by the Citizen. This budget is set and may not be exceeded, though Citizen’s may sell possessions in order to free up budget for other things. It is also permissible for a citizen to purchase a base good, improve its value and then resell it. Such would ultimately not bring him monetary profit, yet may reward him with the satisfaction of creating a unique item or variation. Naturally, as they hold no true income no Citizen would be taxed - and the Commonwealth would seek what income it requires through tariffs and the taxation of non-citizen inhabitants based on their income - even those who do not share a citizen’s commitment to the Commonwealth shall be expected to contribute to the greater whole. The base budget is established by the Commonwealth’s council, yet individuals may see their individual budgets raised due to notable commitment and proven service to the Commonwealth. As such, an artist responsible for improving the beauty of the Commonwealth may see his budget improved, and the budget of veterans injured in defense of the Commonwealth would naturally be considerably improved - as there are few sacrifices as great as that of life.

The Citizenship exam is a meaningless procedure, for ultimately it does not guarantee that the applicant would be a valuable and honourable asset to the Commonwealth. Citizenship must be earned through a term of service in the militia or a longer term of communal service for those unable to serve in such capacity. On occasion, an individual with extraordinary proven loyalty and commitment might be granted Citizenship by the Council, but the Councillors who approved such would forevermore be held directly responsible for the actions of this exception - as such bypass should never be made carelessly. Service in the military allows the applicant to prove his dedication, and it instills the values of discipline, teamwork, responsibility, dedication, respect for lawful authority and sacrifice that must be inherent to all Citizens. Upholding the principle of self-determination, Citizenship remains ever voluntary. Barring circumstances, any Citizen may choose at any time to relinquish Citizenship and all associated privileges. However, a Citizen who chooses to lay down his Citizenship may never again regain such - for leaving service to the community is not something that must be done whimsically.

All Citizens are de facto members of the government of the Commonwealth. They alone hold the right to elect a new Council, and each works for one of the Assemblies. The open positions shall be advocated to all Citizens, and any Citizen may apply to fill the position. If so required, the Commonwealth shall provide the necessary education to fulfill this role. Any Citizen that remains unemployed shall be assigned where he is deemed most needed, though ever he retains the right to apply to an open position when it becomes available. Above all, each Citizen will work with the assurance that he plays a part in the continued process of improvement of the Commonwealth. The Council shall be elected from amongst the Citizens, by the Citizens. They must be held to the highest standards of dedication, leadership and will. For this reason, each candidate must earn a token of blessing from each of the five divine patrons of the Commonwealth; while mortal tongues have proven deceitful and mortal minds often conceal malicious ambitions, such things cannot be concealed from the gods. The Commonwealth holds faith with its divine patrons, who in turn trust its Council to govern with strength, resolve and piety.

-- Aurelius

Mike the paperboy would soon begin slipping in a new cry into his usual news bulletins (though only when no member of the Alpha Division is in earshot).

Brutal guard seeks to make children fight in militia to become citizens, read all about it!

If anyone should ask him what he's talking about, he would gladly point towards the last section of Marcus' lengthy proclamation, and recount his tale of how three individuals were brutally murdered by Marcus right in front of him, despite the boy's cries to stop.

Diplomacy's Game Continues: Blood and Rebirth

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