The quiet streets of Cordor erupt in every district this morning as news spreads about the new Speaker for the Cordor Council. The man in question, Adam Fairchild, was once a member of the Ministry of Health and Public Wellness, his work focusing with the people directly. This method has earned him high regard from the people, and seems to have been the driving force behind his appointment to the long-vacant position after seemingly countless months of bureaucratic bickering.

Reactions throughout the city are largely positive. Fairchild has been known to be vocal opposition to the stagnation of the current government - including the dismissal of regular elections. While his battles against this have been quiet over the last years, this breakthrough is anything but. With the current administration stepping aside for new blood, it seems Fairchild heralds a time of change for the city. Reform is hot on his heels.


For the first time in years, elections will take place for a brand new Government structure.


Additionally, citizenship examination forms all over the city have been removed by clerks and other staff. Citizenship qualification has been simplified, allowing a greater number of applicants to receive the right to vote and run for office. The goal with this, it seems, is to allow for more transparency and to minimize prejudice against those who struggle with such things as research, reading and writing, and reaching the city clerk's office around one's work hours.

There is even talk that Fairchild wishes to reach out to Cordor West to include them in this new structure, so that all citizens of Cordor can have a place to stand together again. This particular news is met with general cynicism and doubt from all sides, but most seem to be curious about just what this new Speaker has in mind. After so many years of silence from the government, all eyes are on this new voice bringing about change.

Soon, talk of the elections fills the streets. Nominations for the positions pour into the City Hall in Cordor East.

-----

Reform

The reformed structure is straightforward, with each District serving as a hub for each industry. The following information is available throughout the city.

Government Structure

Cordor Ministry

Speaker
Duties: Acts as the Chair of the Ministry. Appointed by the current presiding Ministry.
Seat: None

Minister of Finance
Duties: Oversees trade both foreign and domestic. Works closely with merchants and crafters throughout the city.
Seat: Cordor East

Minister of Law
Duties: Oversees military management. Ensures city laws and policies are up-to-date and fair.
Seat: Cordor South

Minister of Religion
Duties: Oversees religious matters in the city. Tends to the public health and wellness.
Seat: Cordor North

Minister of Magic
Duties: Oversees magical situations in the city and abroad. Coordinates with other city officials for magical assistance.
Seat: Cordor Central

Minister of Recreation
Duties: Oversees events and public entertainment efforts. Works with the public to promote diversity in recreation.
Seat: Cordor West

Minister of Agriculture
Duties: Oversees agricultural projects and self-sustainability programs throughout the city and its lands.
Seat: Guldorand

-----

Each Minister also oversees separate smaller branches of the city's structure, such as Education and Labor. Queries for other branches can be submitted to the Ministry building in Cordor East and the appropriate Department will be in touch.

_________________

_________________

A little over a week has passed since the announcement of the upcoming election. Nominations have been streaming into City Hall over the passing days. Another announcement makes its way through the city today.

ATTENTION

Nominations for the Ministry of Cordor

Minister of Finance:
Haur Haugstaff
Griff Arnemen
Mathias Rich
Anna Chaney

Secretary of Finance:
Boinar Borinsbane
Master Cheng Wu
Giovanni Hanson
Anthony Prince

---

Minister of Law:
Alice Dearing
Maci Barrera
Kaiden Phelps
Elijah Anthony

Secretary of Law:
Rosanna Evensly
Trish Williams
Ryland Wilson
Logan Andersen

---

Minister of Religion:
Nawiel Le'tnermalla
Mard Hallenesen
Piper Estes
Isaac Boone

Secretary of Religion:
Jeffery Abbott
Deborah Duffy
Iris Short
Michaela Valenzuela

---

Minister of Magic:
Lorvo Vatari
Kaylin Ayers
Makenna Irwin
Rebekah Leach

Secretary of Magic:
Ildrar Obaulkirr
Zachery Meyers
Jovany Flowers
Johanna Morse

---

Minister of Recreation:
Madam Bouvier
Pinky
Fisher Berg
Nina Schroeder

Secretary of Recreation:
Elaine Frye
Julissa Kennedy
Tiana Mathis
Willie Doyle

---

Minister of Agriculture:
Jacho Borimus
Vastin Haley
Paulina Costa
Fatima Kane

Secretary of Agriculture:
Richard Snows
Gustav Mennet
Alexandria Hinton
Dax Baker

Votes can be made in the City Hall in East Cordor. Only citizens of Cordor will be allowed in the voting rooms.

Voting will be open until 15 Tarsakh, 1387 DR. Nominees are responsible for their own public campaigns.

_________________

The nominees have each made known their stances on current issues and the reformed government. Some were surprised by the nominations and not as excited as others. Each is a resident in the districts/areas pertinent to the position given.


//If you presently have a character for Cordor, feel free to PM me a vote/request for information/whatever, or respond here how you like. Note: This is a temporary election, which is why there aren't any PC openings yet. Another will take place dependent on player interest in participating in Cordor.

_________________

With the proposals forwarded by the new Speaker of Corder, Adam Fairchild, public copies of an amended Constitution become available to all citizens of Cordor. The new Ministry, once the election is complete, will be able to vote on the amended Constitution. Citizens can also submit their votes to the City Hall so that their voice will also be heard in the decision.

The amendments thoroughly align with leading the city toward Unification, a term used more and more throughout Cordor as the Speaker's proposals spread through the citizenry. This Unification proposes both West Cordor and Guldorand into the city as formal Districts, and removes the separation of the former Duchy by inviting them to live among the established districts as citizens no longer held apart (or elevated).

The information circulated also indicates that failure to pass the amended Constitution will incur another round of modifications, which seated Ministers will tend with the input of their district citizens.

Voting for the Ministry of Cordor will conclude on 15 Tarsakh, with the announcement of the winners on 22 Tarsakh.

Voting on the new Constitution will take place on 28 Tarsakh.

((These dates will each have IC events to note the occurrences. April 15th, 22nd, and 28th, at around 3pm USA Eastern Time.))

Proposal: Amended Constitution

Law of the Republic of Cordor

Preamble

In the interest of forging prosperity and equality of status for the citizens of Cordor, and in recognition of sins performed by previous incarnations of this government, the Law of the Republic of Cordor guarantees basic protections, restrictions and government mechanisms to best serve the citizens of Cordor. The ideals of self-determination and fair business appeal to the Cordorian people. The text within this document thus preserves and protects all citizens of Cordor and applies to every district, territory, or protectorate therein.

Table of Contents

Basic Rights

1) of Cordor Citizens

• Right to Trial: Any citizen charged with a crime is guaranteed a fair trial.
• Right to Equality before the Law
• Freedom of the Press, Speech and Protest
• Protection from abuse on property and person from guard and government.
• Right to Self Defense: A citizen has a right to defend his life and property.
• Right to own weapons.
• Right to be bound to no man or organization save by their own free will.
• Right to vote: A citizen may vote once per election cycle for each Ministry position.

2) of the Churches, Guilds and Corporations

• An organization or company may maintain private guards to maintain the peace in their owned property. The law and justice are still the domain of the Ministry of Law.
• An organization or company may ban and remove trespassers from their owned property.
• Criminal acts committed on owned property is still subject to the state’s justice.
• May not vote as an entity.
• Shall be treated as citizens before the law.

Structures and Processes

1) Electoral

• Every term shall be six months long
• A citizen may hold office for two terms out of any two-year period beginning from when they are first elected.
• Nominations shall begin on the 1st of Hammer and Flamerule. Announcements of nominees and voting shall begin on the 15th of the month. Election shall close and winners announced on the 30th of the month.
• The newly elected government will take power on the first day of the following month.

2) Legislative

• The Ministry Council must meet at least once a month.
• Any new law or motion must pass a majority vote.
• Amendments to this constitution require a unanimous vote of the council and a majority vote from all Cordorian citizens.
• All council votes will be published publicly.

Courts and Justice of the State: All evidence must be presented up front to both sides.

1) Criminal Law of Cordor

• All citizens and civil servants of Cordor are guaranteed a right to trial before a criminal judge.
• The Ministry of Law prosecutes criminal cases in each district, however the Minister seated in the involved district(s) may appoint their own legal team(s) as necessary.
• Any case may be appealed. An appealed case goes before a three-judge appellate panel, one of whom will be chosen by the Ministry seat of the involved district(s). If a case is further appealed, it can be taken by the Minister of Law for review.

2) Civil Law of Cordor

• All citizens and civil servants of Cordor are guaranteed a right to trial before a civil judge.
• The Ministry of Law hears all civil cases.

3) War Crimes Tribunal

• A special court for War Crimes may be called.

4) Military Court

• For when members of armed services have not broken the law, but have broken decorum, protocol or rules of the guard.
• In the event of law-breaking, private armed personnel (guards, etc) must stand before the court of the Ministry of Law.

Limitations, Responsibilities and Roles.

1) of Cordorian Guards

• To protect the rights, property and livelihood of citizens of the Republic of Cordor.
• Are to act as military police, providing security in peacetime and serving as the backbone of the army in wartime.
• May not infringe on the rights of citizens or abuse them or their property.
• Are subject to the law.

2) of Ministers: Ministers are responsible for day-to-day operations and land use in their district. They are each subject to oversight by the Ministry as a whole.

• They must appoint a secretary to be a successor in the event of their incapacitation.
• A secretary may be removed by their Minister at any time or by a majority vote by the Ministry as a whole.
• Ministers are responsible for representing the interests of the people to the Ministry.
• Local policies may be overridden with a majority vote from the Ministry as a whole.
• Records must be maintained with City Hall monthly for archival.

3) of Local Ministries: Ministries are responsible for services or major governmental components that apply to the entire of the Republic of Cordor. They are subject to oversight by the Ministry as a whole. Ministry policy may be overridden with a majority vote.

• Finance: Tasked with the collection of taxes and setting the tax code, with council oversight and maintaining the budget. Oversees trade both foreign and domestic. Works closely with merchants and crafters throughout the city.
• Religion: Oversees religious matters in the city. Tends to the public health and wellness. Responsible for maintaining schools and attending health matters, poverty, and any issue related to citizens' quality of life.
• Magic: Oversees magical situations in the city and abroad. Coordinates with other city officials for magical assistance.
• Law: Holds jurisdiction over the guard, writs of passage, and the Courts of Cordor. Oversees military management. Ensures city laws and policies are up-to-date and fair.
• Recreation: Oversees events and public entertainment efforts. Works with the public to promote diversity in recreation. Responsible for maintaining public recreational facilities.
• Agriculture: Oversees agricultural projects and self-sustainability programs throughout the city and its lands. Responsible for maintaining parks and collection of waste for a cleaner city.

4) of the Speaker: The Speaker of the Cordor is a minister with extra responsibilities and duties.

• The de-facto diplomat, unless another official is appointed.
• Calls and directs Ministry meetings.
• Responsible for delivering announcements and news to the people.

Taxation
All departments and districts must publish their finances to the public quarterly and submit income reports monthly to the Ministry of Finance. Specific numbers (below) may be adjusted by the Ministry of Finance. Adjustments may only be overridden by majority vote.

1) Districts

• Districts must pay taxes on their independent trade and finances to the city.
• They shall pay a 10% tax on their net earnings, compounded quarterly.
• Finances shall be maintained independently by the Ministry of Finance.

2) Businesses

• Businesses pay an 8% tax.
• Businesses headquartered in Cordor pay tax compounded yearly, based on their net earnings.
• Businesses not headquartered in Cordor pay tax per transaction, based on the gross value of the goods or services rendered.
• Individual merchants are considered businesses for Tax Purposes.

3) Imports/ Exports

• Import taxes are 5% of the value on the goods' manifest.
• There are no export taxes.

4) Property Taxes

• Ministry of Finance determines the value of each property.
• The owner pays 2% of the value back to the city as taxes.
• The lowest 20% of residences do not pay taxes.

Infrastructure of Cordor
All lands under Cordor Jurisdiction are subject to Cordor Law and Justice. All lands of Cordor are subject to scrutiny from the Ministries of Cordor to ensure a level state of security and quality of life across the Republic.

1) Districts: A district region of Cordor. These are North Cordor (including the Festival Grounds), South Cordor, East Cordor, West Cordor, Central Cordor, and Guldorand.

• May maintain a district militia.
• Maintains a Seat of the Ministry.
• Equal in status with each other and with protectorates.
• May draw from city funds and resources.
• Responsible for district building and street maintenance.

2) Unincorporated Territories: Newly annexed land, or land with a population so small as to not require leadership. These are Mira’s Bay and the Lowlands Delta.

• Subject to direct rule of the Ministry.
• May not elect a governor, however citizens may still voice concerns and vote.
• May be assigned a Secretary to oversee operations.

3) State of War

• A State of War may only be declared via unanimous vote.
• A General is appointed as dictator of the city and supreme commander of the Cordorian Army for military operation and cohesion.
• A State of War must be renewed by unanimous vote every six months.
• All militias become active duty.
• All armed forces in Cordor Jurisdiction become part of the Cordorian Army.
• Unincorporated territories may not declare war.

4) Festival Grounds

• The lands formerly designated as the Ducal Protectorate will be returned to order as the Cordor Festival Grounds.
• The Festival Grounds do not have the infrastructure to act as a separate district or entity, and will be linked fully to North Cordor's governing.
• Former residents of the Ducal Protectorate may become full citizens of Cordor, equal in rights and station.

Enemies of the State

An Enemy of the State is stripped of all (if any) citizenship and ties with the government of Cordor. Such designation may only be given by a majority vote by the Ministry.


Government Holidays
On Holidays, all government offices close for the day and clerks are given a day off. Guard on duty are given 1.5 x their normal wages.

• 6th of Mirtul: Cordor Sovereignty Day
• 10th of Marpenoth: Reyes’ Fall

Legislative Acts
Outcome of Council Meetings (including votes cast)


Signatures pending approval.

_________________

ATTENTION

Nominee Campaigns for the Ministry of Cordor

Minister of Finance:
Haur Haugstaff - Has not made any campaign promises or speeches. Doesn't want to leave his forge.
Griff Arnemen - Has not made any campaign promises or speeches. Doesn't want to leave the Nomad.
Mathias Rich - Wants to focus on checks and balances in the financial system, performing regular audit rotations.
Anna Chaney - Wants to focus on leveling out the economy between adventurers and the people, easing the burden of cost for citizenry.

Secretary of Finance:
Boinar Borinsbane - Has no interest in the position. Does not like politics and wants to run his shop stall.
Master Cheng Wu - Has no interest in the position. Wants to stay at Okappa's.
Giovanni Hanson - Has had extensive experience working with Tristana in the past, but is quite stuck in his own ways.
Anthony Prince - Presently works in the Ministry of Finance with nominee Mathias Rich, and mostly supports his proposed methods.

---

Minister of Law:
Alice Dearing - Has not made any campaign promises or speeches. Hasn't had much of a public presence since stepping down.
Maci Barrera - Promises to focus on ensuring the laws are fair and clearly understood - and modified when needed.
Kaiden Phelps - Has not made any campaign promises or speeches. Prefers to remain a Cordorian Guard.
Elijah Anthony - Wants to focus on the Cordor Guards and Law Knights, ensuring that all who serve do so comfortably and justly.

Secretary of Law:
Rosanna Evensly - Has worked as clerk in the South Cordor prison for years. Sympathetic to most former Ministers of Law.
Trish Williams - Has a well-known background with the Sympathy for South Cordor, and wants to elevate her work to the next level in the Ministry.
Ryland Wilson - A lesser-known worker from the South Cordor prison, he thinks the people need more say in the day-to-day law dealings.
Logan Andersen - Has no interest in the position. Prefers to stay out of the public eye.

---

Minister of Religion:
Nawiel Le'tnermalla - Has not made any campaign promises or speeches. Enjoys working in the Temple of Love too much to leave.
Mard Hallenesen - Waukeenar. Wants to keep the religious focus on trade and coin.
Piper Estes - Chauntean. Wants to focus on keeping the peace and maintaining public safety and welfare.
Isaac Boone - Lathanderan. Intends to work extensively with the people to put the focus on making the city healthier and more spiritual.

Secretary of Religion:
Jeffery Abbott - Helmite. Has a background in the current Ministry of Health and Public Welfare. Mostly worked with Lanie d'Cordor.
Deborah Duffy - Lathanderan. Has spent most of her time in the Temple of Lathander as a healer and midwife.
Iris Short - Ilmateri. Spent most of her time as a nurse in the Temple of Ilmateri in West Cordor. Has recently been working in the Temple of Love.
Michaela Valenzuela - Waukeenar. Mostly aligns with nominee Mard Hallenesen's ideals. Works with the ACTF alongside him.

---

Minister of Magic:
Lorvo Vatari - Has not made any campaign promises or speeches. Work in the Nexus is too important.
Kaylin Ayers - Wants to focus on spreading knowledge of magic, that the people can be better protected against it.
Makenna Irwin - Wants to focus on freedom to use magic, so that others can see the joys it can create.
Rebekah Leach - Wants to focus on regulating magic, to avoid future abuse.

Secretary of Magic:
Ildrar Obaulkirr - Has no interest in the position. Doesn't really seem to care.
Zachery Meyers - Has been a messenger/runner working with the Nexus for about a year now. Has a deep interest in protecting against arcane threats.
Jovany Flowers - Has an extensive family background in government work. Supports nominee Rebekah Leach's proposed regulation methods.
Johanna Morse - Once worked extensively with the performers in Central Cordor. A bard who now wants to see the art of "cantomancy" return.

---

Minister of Recreation:
Madam Bouvier - Intends to focus on safe, quality entertainment, with open ideas for entertainment in the other districts.
Pinky - Promises to make things "interesting" every week. A generally slimy campaign all-around.
Fisher Berg - Wants to encourage a variety of rowdy, energetic entertainment fields throughout the city.
Nina Schroeder - Has not made any campaign promises or speeches. Too intimidated to oppose Bouvier.

Secretary of Recreation:
Elaine Frye - One of Bouvier's former girls. Now works in the Arena to support her two daughters.
Julissa Kennedy - A part-time dancer in the Gentlemen's Club. Aligns strongly with nominee Madam Bouvier's campaign.
Tiana Mathis - A rough, roguish woman with a particular interest in the Arena and in "exciting" events like the old Fight Nights.
Willie Doyle - Has no interest in the position. Doesn't want to do the work.

---

Minister of Agriculture:
Jacho Borimus - Wants to focus on safety in agricultural projects. Believes in self-sustainability for all.
Vastin Haley - Promises to put a focus on expanding jobs, and fighting for better pay.
Paulina Costa - Wants to expand farming lands and increase growing productivity.
Fatima Kane - Intends to work closely with current farmers to give them better quality of life.

Secretary of Agriculture:
Richard Snows - Moved to Guldorand when Cordor made it a satellite Protectorate. Works as a mediator between guards and workers.
Gustav Mennet - Currently works in the Logjammer. Has a big heart full of love for the people of Guldorand.
Alexandria Hinton - Has no interest in the position. Prefers to work in the Logjammer.
Dax Baker - Has a background in merchant trade. Wants to settle down in Guldorand and put his knowledge somewhere useful.

Votes can be made in the City Hall in East Cordor. Only citizens of Cordor will be allowed in the voting rooms.

Voting will be open until 15 Tarsakh, 1387 DR.

// Sorry this is late! Had some RL stuff and ill health crop up, so I never could sit down and finish this till now. Even if you don't cast votes, these things are good to know.

((Still a few days left if you wanna throw in a vote as a PC!))

_________________

Speaker Fairchild holds a gathering in the Festival Grounds tonight, where he announces the closing of the polls and addresses a number of questions posed by citizens and visitors present. The evening wound down with drinks and food supplied by Griff of the Nomad.

The spirits of the city's people are high!

_________________

The city was quiet this evening, even amidst whispers about what to expect in the upcoming announcement of the winners of the election. The people are preoccupied and the guards are busy with their outward and inward patrols.

At the behest of the Cordorian Guard Captain, Geran Vaisan, a group of citizens and adventurers traveled into the sewers to check into a disturbance which the Guard believed could be related to some recent missing persons reports. The group delved into the sewers and came back a few hours later, smelly and sodden but successful. They received their monetary rewards and were invited to answer future such calls for help.

_________________

The people of Cordor grow excited (or anxious) as news spreads that the winners of the election will be announced tonight!

// There will be a little announcement in-game at 7pm GMT. About 5 hours!

_________________

Anouncements spring up around Cordor tonight, sharing the names of the winners of the election!

ATTENTION

New Ministry of Cordor

Minister of Finance:
Mathias Rich

Secretary of Finance:
Anthony Prince

---

Minister of Law:

Maci Barrera

Secretary of Law:
Trish Williams

---

Minister of Religion:
Piper Estes

Secretary of Religion:
Jeffery Abbott

---

Minister of Magic:
Kaylin Ayers

Secretary of Magic:
Zachery Meyers

---

Minister of Recreation:
Madam Bouvier

Secretary of Recreation:
Elaine Frye

---

Minister of Agriculture:
Jacho Borimus

Secretary of Agriculture:
Dax Baker

The new Ministers and their Secretaries will take office starting on the 1st of Mirtul.

((Ministers and Secretaries take office on May 1st!))

_________________

The doors to the City Hall are unceremoniously locked after an emergency meeting of the Ministry is called into order by Speaker Adam Fairchild. Given the increased security on the walls and the quickly-spreading news of Kohlingen being utterly destroyed, it's clear there is some link.

_________________

With much fanfare and excitement from the people (and some chatter about some of the changes), the new Ministry finally ends their days-long meeting. Announcements pass through the city both on paper and from the mouths of town criers throughout the city:

Unification has passed! Cordor District Rule is disbanded! Cordor West and Guldorand are officially incorporated into the city proper!

The new Constitution makes its rounds, available in all districts along with written updates of the laws. Workers gather around the Law Tablets in East Cordor to make the appropriate changes. The law changes in particular cause some talk among the people, especially regarding the legalization of licensed prostitution. Word spreads quickly that the Gentleman's Club has been marked as the only licensed prostitution establishment, thus far.

Interest in this news, however, is quickly taken over by the decree placed up by Captain Geran Vaisan shortly following the release of the new documentation. Town criers add it to their list of announcements, as well. The decree applies to all humanoid monstrous races, including but not limited to: Goblins, Kobolds, Orcs, Hobgoblins, Ogres, Ogrillons, Orogs, Trolls, and Giants. The guards at the gates begin to strictly enforce this, and any such beings found within the city are promptly escorted out - or arrested if they resist.

Monsters are no longer welcome in the city of Cordor!


The New Constitution



-----------------

Laws of Cordor, 8 Kythorn, 1387 DR

The following acts are illegal within the City of Cordor ((changes indicated in green)):

* Damage of Public Property.
* Assault/Attempted murder.
* Possession/Sales of illegal/stolen items.
* Theft.
* Unlicensed Prostitution.
* People-trafficking/Slavery.
* The supply and/or possession of false documents.
* Extortion or Bribery of public officials/organizations.
* Impersonating a guard/Public official.
* Disturbing the peace.
* Discussion/Planning with intent to cause harm or commit crime.
* Interfering with Cordorian Guard Investigations.
* Aiding and Abetting.
* Attempting to incite a riot.
* Offensive Spellcasting.
* Familiars/Animal Companions/Constructs larger than a human.
* Temporary creature summons of any size.
* Resisting Arrest.
* Shifting into monstrous forms.

Regarding Cordorian Guard Authority

All Cordorian Guard personnel have the right and power to detain or charge you for something not otherwise marked on these tablets, if such an act is innappropriate for either the safety and peace of yourself, someone else, Cordor, or the like on any level. They may also detain, or arrest suspicious personnel using any non-lethal means neccessary for questioning/searches/etcetera.

All citizens have the right to protest unfair treatment. If you feel you have been targeted unlawfully by a detainment under the above clause, submit your complaint in the City Hall in Cordor East.

_________________

While the city is still underway with its mass evacuation, many places in Cordor become quite bare. Burglaries are on the rise, but with the added detail that there isn't much reported stolen. Most houses broken into are abandoned, cleaned out, or have little to steal. Central Cordor especially is completely vacant outside of the usual beggar or two. But even they seem to be losing some of what little they have. Despite this, there is an increased guard presence in Cordor Central. Few mage guard are seen out and about the city, other than those in the Watchtower or tending to the evacuation portals.

While the shrinking of the population has led to fewer rumors, adventurers in the city can still detect that there is tension in the air in the City of Water. Those who would pass through the Nexus to partake in the portals within find themselves faced with Law Knights urging them to turn back. Those who insist on going through are not forced away, however. Whatever the case, it is clear that something within the Nexus has the city guard and officials on alert. Even the Minister and Secretary of Magic have moved into the Watchtower with their guard escort to help oversee matters.

_________________

Warnings pass quickly to the adventuring population that the danger of the Nexus has grown. The smaller citizen population becomes more tense, and some of those who were holding out decide they should probably leave before things get worse. There are still an impressive number who stay within the city, however. Several thousand people remain stubborn. Cordor is their home, after all, and they are not ready to give up on it. After all they've been through, surely they can make it out of this, too.

The mages working for the city, however, become intensely focused on the Nexus. Adventurers are urged more forcefully not to make use of the portal (but they are not stopped, if they insist on going). Portals leading the people elsewhere close down. The official evacuation appears to be over as attention turns inward and outward alike. Those who remain in the city are there for the long haul...

_________________

A disturbance took place today that rocked Central Cordor. Quite literally, in some respects. The Watchtower shook, making the water around the stone building ripple and shake. Guards and citizens alike looked on with alarm.

Some time later, a somber mood settles over the city. Word spreads that the Minister of Magic, Kaylin Ayers, and the resident mage Ildrar Obaulkirr were killed in an incident in the Watchtower. A few others speak of the Kohlinger Lord Tuomas Valo, who also perished in the same burst of energy that had struck an entire group of mages who sought to stop something terrible from happening. As far as anyone can tell, their sacrifices helped stop the unstable Nexus from causing far more harm - and greater loss of life. Those who remain in the city grieve quietly, but must not linger on the loss for long. There is far too much to do...

_________________

Another disturbance took place today in Central Cordor. Agents and citizens of Tarkuul were seen going into the Watchtower. After a time, the ground rumbled dangerously, upsetting the water surrounding the building's foundation. Dozens of mages, adventurers, and guards alike poured out of the Watchtower as it roared and shook violently. With a crash of stone and a rush of water, the building acting as a containment for the Nexus portal and the rift that had been growing unstable of late collapsed. Shortly afterward, a beast climbed out of the waters and attacked the lingering people gathered. A great battle ensued, during which many members of the Cordor Guard were felled by the powerful beast. Sometime after it was slain, the group of visitors, guards, and adventurers whom aided the efforts were seen traveling to the City Hall in East Cordor behind Speaker Adam Fairchild. They did not stay long, each person leaving again in their own time.

A short time later, a deafening crack split the air over South Cordor and a portal opened - from which dozens of demons poured out onto the streets. A number of citizens milling about were slain, but the guard acted quickly to get as many other people out as they could, and to barricade the district for the adventurers and more skilled members of the guard (led by the esteemed Captain Vaisan) to intervene and stop the demon invasion. It was eventually successful, though the damage done to the buildings - and the morale of the people - would be lasting...

_________________

An announcement goes up in each district in Cordor, including Guldorand.

Citizens of Cordor!

We are pleased to announce that the Nexus portal, which had been growing increasingly more unstable over the last months, has been closed!

Two days ago, an incident which could have been disastrous was stopped by a mixed group of Kohlingers, adventurers, a Belenoth mage, and our own Ministry of Magic and Mage Guard. As we know, our own Ildrar Obaulkirr and Minister Kaylin Ayers were killed in this incident, along with the Lord Tuomas Valo of Kohlingen. However, according to Secretary Meyers, their work and sacrifices helped to prevent the Nexus from erupting in magical energies that could have taken many more civilian lives. We thank the people of Kohlingen and Belenoth for their aid in preventing this from happening.

Yesterday, a large group of individuals from Tarkuul and Belenoth entered the Watchtower. I am told that even Mherun Xilphas was among them. Under his direction, their mages worked with ours to perform a great ritual which was meant to close the Nexus permanently. During the ritual, beasts from within the Nexus slipped out and attacked, but the circle of mages held firm whilst those gathered defended the casters alongside our Law Knights. The result of this is that the dangerous Nexus rift has been closed. The Watchtower building collapsed into the sea immediately afterward and the bridge went along with it. A beast emerged from the ruins of the Watchtower in the water, and those same individuals - along with some additional adventurers who heard the ruckus - felled the creature, preventing it from being unleashed on the city unfettered.


We have suffered tremendous losses of late. Hundreds of citizens were killed in the sudden demon invasion which struck our South District yesterday, and we have lost dozens of guardsmen and women over the last weeks to various skirmishes and incidents. But in this moment, let us remember that adventurers and friends outside of these walls still fight for us when they do not have any cause to do so outside of their own wish to do what is right and help those in need - or to prevent greater threats which would affect the world as a whole, in the case of the Nexus.

The people of Cordor stand not alone. Today, we extend our gratitude to Belenoth and Tarkuul for closing the Nexus rift at long last. Their visit may have been unannounced and unexpected, but their good deed will not go unacknowledged.

Let us look forward together to an end to our tribulations!

Adam Fairchild
Speaker of the Ministry of Cordor

_________________

A fifty-year-old man in South Cordor was found dead in his home tonight after the Guard were called to check on him when he didn't show up for work two days in a row.

Hours later, a young woman collapsed on her way to West Cordor and she was taken to the Ilmateri hospital. She died during the healer's examination.

A young man of sixteen years suddenly came down with a terrible illness and was rushed to the hospice in South Cordor. Healers hurried to aid him, but their spells were not working as expected. An older healer who had been working in the rapidly-erected burn ward after the demon attack seems to have been able to stop the escalation of whatever had happened to his patient. The young man, however, remains weak and bedridden despite the recovery.

Whispers begin to spread through the city that some kind of plague has now come upon them. Few leave their homes. Fewer still take it as a sign to vacate and depart the city to go to various other locations - namely the Triumvir, Guldorand, or Wharftown.

Throughout the city, the Ministry works to reassure the people. The guard cannot be spared often from their duties of patrolling the lands around the city or of keeping the peace as unrest grows, but some are seen moving about the quieter locations in Cordor. They seem to be searching for something...

_________________

Come the following talks with Speaker Adam and Father Redweath a winged unread slayer is seen spending time in the city of Cordor. He tends to the sick donning medical examiner's uniform and subjects a few individuals to a battery of 'tests' mainly going through a few methods of elimination to decipher what is wrong with individuals. He queried what they've have to eat or drink for the past few days or where they got their food and drink. He queries their day to day activities and queries their symptoms. His intent is to discern the cause of the sickness and identify what exactly it is, be it disease, poison or something stronger such as a gease or curse.

Matthew reviews his list of Spells and prays to Lathander for guidance in his endeavors.

As he works on his sickened subject he goes through the following methods in the following order :

He places a
upon the subject and takes notes on any changes the subject experiences between the steps he takes.
He starts off with casting Cure Serious Wounds: (Cures 3d8 damage +1/level (max +15).) 1/4 4th lvl spells
He casts from a scroll Regenerate on them, and has them drink a bubbly potion.
He then attempts to Remove Disease: And takes some notes on the effects or any noticeable changes.[Remove Disease (Sp): At 6th level, a paladin can produce a remove disease effect, as the spell, once per week. She can use this ability one additional time per week for every three levels after 6th (twice per week at 9th, three times at 12th, and so forth).] Paladin stuff
He casts Delay Death Ward:And takes some notes on the effects or any noticeable changes1/4 4th lvl spells
He casts Delay Poison: And takes some notes on the effects or any noticeable changes. 1/5 2nd lvl spells
He then casts Detect Poison: And takes some note son the effects or any noticeable changes. 1/5 1st lvl spells
He then casts Restoration, Lesser: And takes some notes on the effects or any noticeable changes. 2/5 1st lvl spells
He then casts Dispel Magic: And takes some notes on the effects or any noticeable changes. 1/4 3rd lvl spells
He then casts Remove Curse And takes some notes on the effects or any noticeable changes.2/4 3rd lvl spells
(This pattern continues between casting of the following spells)
Break Enchantment: Frees subjects from enchantments, alterations, curses, and petrification.2/4 4th lvl spells
Neutralize Poison: Immunizes subject against poison, detoxifies venom in or on subject. 3/4 4th lvl spells
Restoration M: Restores level and ability score drains. 4/4 4th lvl spells

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/ ... nknown.png
He reviews what he can of anything he gathers from the various patients trying to discern if there is a commonality that points to a direct cause of their sickness as if they may have come in contact with anything that could have been the contamination or origin of the sickness. Matthew spends the day tending to the sick in this fashion resting when needed exhausting himself before the days end... Near the end of the day he makes effort to check the water supply of fresh water for contaminants.
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/ ... nknown.png

If Matthew discovers anything of importance or use he shares his finding with the various healers in the city as well as giving such over in written report to Speaker Adam.

_________________

Those suffering from whatever had plagued them (rumors circulate among the populace that it was some kind of magical poison) have gradually recovered - aside from the 13 who died. The various hospices empty of their patients over the last week, thanks to the diligent care of the resident and visiting physicians, and things seem to settle to normal again. "Normal" for these dark times, anyway.

The people of Cordor have been battered and grim over the last months. Of the roughly three thousand citizens of Cordor who remain on Amia, about two thousand are found within the city proper - about half of whom live in South Cordor as guard or government officials. The rest have taken refuge in Guldorand, which is seeing growth to its own economy and workforce as a result. Many of the residents have taken to building gardens to help feed those still living in the city proper, an effort aided by the Shrine of Eilistraee and a few others who have opened soup kitchens or begun growing their own food supplies for the needy folk of the City of Water.

The various gates around Cordor have recently been bolstered by the arrival of a handful of Platinum Knights. Joining them in Cordor North are a small regiment of Kelemvorites who have placed their focus on the Undead threat which seems to have been growing just to the east. They are both small contingents, but their arrival offers an additional boost to the morale of the people. They are still frightened and tense, but the outpouring of aid they've received from outside entities and adventurers alike despite the city's long history of scoffing at anything from outside their walls puts a measure of hope into the people.

Law Knights, Guards, and Mage Guard are on constant patrol through the city and its sewers. Every man and woman on the payroll, despite wages being cut due to the hard times, seems to work double-time most days of the week. Most importantly, though, there is a shared sense of patriotism between the majority of the Guard forces. They are not a large force or an army by any means, but they are determined. Their open determination to defend the city and its people lends the same to the citizens.

With Speaker Adam Fairchild and the various Ministers also making their rounds and talking to the people to encourage them, hope finds a foothold.

It seems the City of Water is not one to give up.

_________________

After a group of mages gather in Cordor, shimmering lights of various colors can be seen taking the form of spherical barriers in the various districts. Most of the areas around the city fall within the area of these barriers, although there are a few outliers. Word spreads quickly that Las'Claianna, Almare of Belenoth, Kurchin, Mihaela, Ivan, and Adela and Kyrathyl of the Mage Guard tended to a set of defensive wards in an effort to prevent such things as the sudden demon invasion which had struck South Cordor, as well as to hinder enemies which found themselves inside the effect. The barriers themselves shimmer for a very brief time before fading from sight, but any of arcane talent can determine their presence.



The Ministry of Magic can be seen going about, checking the newly-applied wards. They do their part in upkeeping them, and those who took part find they receive a warmer welcome within the city.

_________________

Further arcane efforts from helpful individuals have led to the city erecting two emergency evacuation portals in the East and South districts, manned by Mage Guards to ensure they are not tampered with - and that they are closed quickly in the unfortunate event of a breach by enemy forces. The portals lead to Guldorand, and anyone who wishes safe passage from the city without traveling north or west out of the city on foot is welcomed to use it. Anyone who chooses to use one is advised that it is a one-way portal.

Thus far, none of the remaining civilians take advantage of the offer. The vast majority take note of these portals, however. Those with arcane knowledge will be able to determine that these evacuation portals were carefully positioned outside the active areas of the wards recently placed to hinder non-leyline teleportation - incoming or outgoing.

_________________

It was a peaceful day in the City of Water. Spirits were high after the recent magical wards had been placed over the districts, and two emergency evacuation portals to Guldorand had even been conjured recently just-in-case. Civilians went about their day, helping to fish or to gather what food they could to help out their neighbors. Some even took to continuing clean-up and repair work in the South. The damage from the demon invasion was still rather prevalent, after all.

A fishing boat idled in the waters of the bay, drawing up a net laden with plump fish. The skipper, a former North farmer named Joe Wilders, smiled to himself as he took stock of the catch. With this load, he would be able to sell a bit extra and pick up a gift from the shop for his daughter's birthday tomorrow.

It was a good day.

As he steered the fishing boat into the docks, he caught sight of one of his deck hands leaning over the port side, staring at something in the waning light.

"Oi!" Joe called out. "What are you lookin' at there, Jeffrey? I need you starboard to do up the ropes."

The lad looked up at him and pointed out toward the docks. "There's a lady there! Just standing, staring at the water, Skipper."

Joe drew the boat in closer to the docks, almost near enough now that Jeffrey just needed to throw the ropes to the dock workers. Sure enough, just down by the next dock there stood a short, thin woman wearing white. She was small enough that Joe wondered if she was an elf. Her head turned and Joe caught a glimpse of her face as the wind pushed her hood back. It wasn't just a lady elf - it was a drow! A pretty one, too. For a moment, he stared at the lovely lady before Jeffrey shouting at him got his attention.

"What are you hollering about, you lunati-?"

He yelped and grasped the wheel of the boat when the vessel suddenly bucked beneath him. He cursed, and then looked around wildly. On the nearby cobbles by the docks, dozens of adventurers and guards appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Joe didn't have time to wonder why, though, for he suddenly had to grasp the wheel again for balance when the ship lurched up. His stomach turned and his eyes widened as he perceived that his fishing boat was rising up into the air.

His deck hands' shrieks mixed with the cries of the dock workers who were also caught up in whatever was happening. The boat tilted dangerously to the right, so Joe caught his foot on the base of the wheel and kicked with all his strength toward port side wall. His stomach twisted as he heard Jeffrey's scream grow distant behind him. The lad hadn't been able to grab hold of something sturdy, as the other deck hands had. He heard them shouting at him, begging him to tell them what to do. Joe Wilders was in his fifties, a widower, with his youngest daughter still living at home and unwed. He had grown up in the life of a farmer, but had abandoned his fields when they had been poisoned just weeks ago. He'd turned to fishing, unable to help wanting to provide for his little family. He had learned all about fishing from his uncle, who lived in Wharftown.

But his experience did not extend to flying boats and whatever was making that rushing, roaring sound beneath them!

Joe finally hauled himself over the side of the boat as it teetered. But he lost his grip and skidded down over the edge. The slick hull did not give him any new grips, and he shrieked with alarm as he fell. As he did so, he abruptly became aware that there was something very large beneath him. He was heading straight for the hard shell of a beast he'd never even read or dreamed about. It was a turtle. Or... something like one. It was enormous, carrying with it a huge chunk of the docks and a portion of the cobbles that made up South Cordor as it rose up out of the sea like something straight out of a horror novel.

And then he landed with a painful thud against the hard shell. He screamed in pain as his leg broke upon impact. He skidded down the rough shell, his arms and hands slicing open upon the jagged surface. Still, he managed to find purchase and stop his descent. Bloodied and dizzy from pain and the sudden fall, he eventually managed to focus his gaze on the head of the beast upon which he had landed. The dragon turtle's head lurched high above him. It let out a bellow...

"La... zu... li..."

It didn't make any sense to him, but he didn't have time (or a desire) to puzzle out the meaning. The beast which carried him moved forward, straight toward the city. Joe's stomach dropped when he heard the screams of the people, of guards shouting and pounding on doors, demanding that civilians leave immediately.

This was it. This was how he was going to die. His daughter would-

Joe sat up straight, and then howled with pain when the movement (and that of the massive turtle) jostled his broken leg. But he shoved that pain aside and began to crawl across the turtle's back. He had to do something... His daughter was at home. This damned creature was moving straight toward it. Tears of rage and desperation stung Joe's eyes as he struggled across the dragon turtle's back. Pieces of the docks and various ships and boats still held fast to the shell crashed and splintered around him, but he was determined. All he had to do was find a way to get down.

Magic spells blasted around him and he realized that the adventurers were trying to kill the beast. He closed his eyes tightly and turned his face down, clinging to the shell when the turtle plowed right through the southernmost housing district. The harrowing sound of screams filled his ears, beyond the roar and crash of the monster. People were dying all around him, and the tears which stung his eyes anew were no longer from pain or anger. He was going to die today. His daughter was going to die.

Joe dropped his head to the shell and he screamed all of his regrets and frustrations into it. His bloodied hands gripped the shell tighter when he heard the crack of splintering wood above him. He turned his head to look up, catching sight of the crumbling portion of the very dock he had used every day since he had purchased his little fishing boat. It broke away from the rest with a shudder and fell down straight toward the fisherman. Joe Wilders closed his eyes tightly and turned his face down again. He murmured a prayer to the gods - to anyone who would listen at this point.

"Help her get out... Please..."

The falling portion of the dock crashed into the shell of the dragon turtle, splintering into hundreds of bloody pieces.

------------

The gargantuan dragon turtle continued to decimate South and East Cordor. Guards and adventurers alike helped as many civilians as they could escape, but once the main bridge in East Cordor fell apart, there was little more they could do. The foundations which held East and South over the water of the bay in the Trackless Sea had been crushed beneath the sheer weight and destructive power of the single-minded dragon turtle. In moments, what remained south of the bridge began to crumble and sink, taking anyone who hadn't been able to reach safety into the sea with it.

The beast struck Cordor North next, tearing through the abandoned farmlands and destroying several of the buildings there. It continued on through the outermost wall as if it was but soft clay. Adventurers, guards, Platinum Knights, and Kelemvorites fought the beast - and a great many fell before it. The dragon turtle continued off north into the Frontier, leaving the city of Cordor, once the Jewel of the Trackless Sea, devastated in its wake.

------------

City officials and guards took point in helping to take account of the losses. The City Hall and all government buildings in the South had been lost, so there were no official records to cross-reference. But the number of dead was daunting to a city that had already been relegated to a fraction of its size. In the coming hours and days, Guards began to patrol the water's edge, fishing up the dead as they surfaced and taking them out to the North in the hopes that some could be identified. Small fishing boats and gondolas owned by survivors from the West trawled through the sunken remains of East and South, plucking up anything and everything they could find that could be of aid - or whom needed buried.

------------

The death toll climbed to over a thousand souls and Adam Fairchild, Speaker of Cordor, excused himself suddenly from the report one guard had been trying to deliver. He stepped out past the statue of Duke Montgomery and covered his eyes with one hand as he wept. They had lost so many of the men, women, and children they had tried so hard to protect. He had himself been thrown into the sea by his Law Knight bodyguard the instant the knight had seen the beast crashing through the South. It had saved his life, as he had been able to swim to Central along with some of the others who had seen the gesture and decided it was better than trying to outrun the monster on the crumbling foundations of East Cordor.

He knew he was feeling survivor's remorse; like a deep pit had opened in his stomach, swallowing all reason. They had lost the Ministers Rich, Barrera, and Estes; Secretaries Prince, Williams, and Abbott; Captain Vaisan; and hundreds of government workers and guardsmen and women. More than half of the government had been completely eradicated in just a few hours. And he was meant to pick everyone back up and lead them to a brighter future? He had become Speaker, vowed to help the city find its feet again, to improve and succeed... just in time for it all to fall apart because of monsters and madness.

His hands tightened into fists as he gazed out at the sea: his home that had become a watery grave to so many. Anger and sorrow clashed in his heart, while his mind struggled to get both under control. He had to keep a cool head. He had to be the strong one, the Voice of the People, the one to reach out for aid and politics abroad. But gods damned, it was going to be difficult.

Adam drew in a deep breath and ran his hand over his face. He wondered how unkempt he looked. He hadn't bathed since the destruction had happened, and he was sure he was starting to smell bad.

As he was about to turn away and return to the poor guard he'd left standing by library, he caught sight of another boat approaching from the south. This one had a handful of living bodies on it, huddled under cloaks and blankets. Adam turned back hopefully. Had someone found survivors? With a shout, he called over some guards to prepare to aid in retrieving whoever had come.

The boat drew closer and Adam felt a wave of relief wash over him. It was Geran Vaisan, Captain of the Guard. He had Secretary Trish Williams with him, along with five other civilians. Adam reached out to help Trish out of the boat whilst the guards aided the others. He drew her onto solid ground and she burst into tears of relief. Overcome with emotion, Adam simply embraced her until she quieted. Captain Vaisan had stripped out of his armor and wore only trousers. His cloak was wrapped around Trish and he hadn't bothered to take one of the blankets. When he met Adam's gaze, the hardened warrior's demeanor cracked slightly. In all the chaos of the last months, the two men had grown to be quite good friends. Seeing that the other was safe lifted a weight from both men's shoulders.

"What happened to you?" Adam said. He guided Trish to another guard who could take her away to see to any needs she may have.

Geran sighed heavily and looked back at the boatman, nodding his thanks to him. "I was trying to help fight the thing, but the ground was too unstable. I decided to help get people out. Trish, some civilians, and I got separated when we tried to open up the prison. I think some of our prisoners got out, but we weren't quick enough before the ground cracked and threw us all into the sea."

Adam didn't say anything as Geran paused and looked out to the water. Guilt nagged at him as he realized he hadn't thought of the prisoners even once. Bless Captain Vaisan and Trish for thinking to let them out, rather than just let them all die.

"Swimming in armor is impossible," Geran eventually continued. "Had to get rid of it before I could help Trish and the others. We were able to get to Moribund."

"I'm glad..." Adam sighed heavily. "I don't think I'd forgive you if you had died in there."

Geran grunted, but was appreciative of the attempt at levity, despite the dismal tone of their conversation. "Couldn't get to Maci," he said quietly after a time. "She was hit by one of the towers."

Adam closed his eyes and the pair stood in silence as the guards finished taking the survivors from the boat. It was going to be hell to recover from this. But they would try...

At least they hadn't lost all...

_________________

_________________
http://www.d20srd.org/indexes/spells.htm

In the wake of the chaos, E'Milliah Emberwatch has followed suit with Matthew of the Fellowship in setting up make shift hospices in north Cordor and tending to the fleeing injured of south and east residents near the gates by the Frontier. Using her Emberwatch Industries cart to go into what is left of the city to bring back the survivors, she tends to them well long into the night doing the best she can. Grim faced with dread in her heart she ponders on what to do on the marrow. Move who can be moved next to the Wave and Serpent guild. Get them away from the dusty packed cart roads. West Gate needs more protection. Letters to write for help of aid with food, herbs and medicine with a hefty coin incentive. Seek the top members of the Guild and work out a plan of action. So many thoughts running through her head. So many vital tasks to do. A yawn of many, Milly curls into a ball in the back of her tent, exhausted from tending to the wounded, so much blood, bandages, fresh water...soup...she falls asleep in a tormented fitful dream as her loyal companion Haven tends the soup kitchen.

_________________
Imperial Knight of Ireland
E'Milliah Emberwatch follower of Helm the Vigilant One
Milly can run the Mino Maze in under 12 Parsecs

_________________

In the wake of the destruction and travesty that over took Cordor several individuals donning red took to setting up a field hospice attending to the injured and dying and gathering people who needed assistance. The Arch druidess Malandria had been briefly brought to one of the hospices as a few individuals worked tirelessly either trying to revive what was brought to them or assisting those grievously wounded.

As treatment was given and their numbers of injured dwindled they took to assisting gathering the dead and attempting to revive them if it seemed at all plausible. They gathered them up and for those that went up claimed were gathered in to a pile for Pyering as Funeral rights were issued. It was exhausting work but they did try to identify the dead they found and made a list as well accounting for whom and what they could. With the mutated machinations and threat of a necromancer abound talk of Pyering appeared to insist it was for the best.

Tiresome work waged on until the unsettling stillness and silence took over the ruins of the city of water.

_________________

_________________
Devlin Faramond - Warrior Priest of Tempus
Aithne Ryrathrak - Red Dragon Disciple, Bronze Dragon Slayer
May'rinna D'vilrath - Underdarker and Noble House Sorceress

Zayn would do his best in Guldorand to make himself useful somehow. Moving belongings for anyone who needs help with it, as scarce as they may be, setting up tents, however an additional set of hands might help, he would attempt to aid. Nonetheless, it would seem he has a particular interest in keeping an eye on the Guldorand Jail, for the time being.

Keeping an on who enters, who leaves, and in general seemingly always being in the area when he finds himself with little or no work on his hands at the moment.

Numbers eventually become known. Those lost in the Dragon Turtle's "attack" are noted down and the refugees in Guldorand and West and North Cordor mourn alongside the many allies who mourn with them.

The Fallen

• 515 Cordorian Civilians and Government Personnel
• 635 Cordorian Guards (Includes All Branches)
• 75 Visiting Merchants, Sailors, and Other Guests
• 4 Kelemvorites from Nes'ek
• 3 Platinum Knights

Among the Government Personnel, Ministers Maci Barrera, Piper Estes, and Mathias Rich are named - along with Secretaries Anthony Prince and Jeffery Abbott. The remaining Ministers and Secretaries seem to have survived, with word spreading that Captain Geran Vaisan had managed to get some survivors (including Secretary Trish Williams) to safety in Moribund.

_________________

A message is addressed to Adam Fairchild:

"Sir,

If there is any way I can assist the families of those who were lost please let me know via a message at the temple of Ilmater in West Cordor. I understand a number of people may have lost all their possessions and could be going hungry or naked. I will gladly serve to provide any bread or other baked goods as I am able and will purchase outfits for the others. I would also like to offer to pay for proper funeral and burial expenses for the destitute that their families will have a proper place to mourn.

I look forward to your response.

-Kuria, faithful of Ilmater"

_________________

A document begins to circulate around some gathering points on the island: Bendir Dale, Kampo's, Demonreach, Guldorand, Tarkuul, and West Cordor. There is no marked author, but various different couriers were seen distributing them. The refugees and citizens in Cordor react with uncertainty and sorrow, while the remaining government officials and guards become agitated. The message has clearly struck many chords.


--------------------


Report of the Current State of Cordor

The population of Cordor: 2,250, with only about 200 guards and government workers left.

• East: ---
• South: ---
• West: 500 residents
• Central: 50 residents
• North: 50 residents
• Guldorand: 1,700 residents

Recent deaths from the Dragon Turtle attack:

1,150 Total Residents Died

• East: 300
  
• South: 700
• West: 50 (visitors and helpers)
• Guldorand: 100 (dock workers/carpenters)

Cordor was struck a massive blow when the giant turtle lay waste to the South and East districts. Not only did the creature destroy countless homes, but it also killed hundreds of guardsmen and women. Our hearts bleed for those who were struck the hardest, but we who remain have our dues also. Many citizens of Cordor West traveled into South and East when the attack came, attempting to aid in the evacuations. Fifty of those individuals fell in their attempts. Not that our Speaker or Ministry bothered to thank any of the numerous people who aided and/or died when they certainly didn't have to.

From what we have gathered, there are roughly one hundred guardsmen and women still alive after the attack. This includes those who were already stationed in Guldorand before the attack, as well as all Law Knights and rank-and-file guards. What does this mean? One hundred men and women must maintain safety and peace in all of Guldorand, Cordor West, Cordor North, Cordor Central, and what remains of Cordor East. It also means that none of these areas (save perhaps Guldorand) will truly be safe. It means that the so-called government of Cordor has essentially fallen.

But West need not fall with it. We will endure. We will flourish. Most of all, we will do so without the oppressive hand of a failed government.

Thank you, Adam Fairchild, for saving us all with the new Constitution and elections and "Unity" between the districts. Really did a lot of good for the people, didn't it?

_________________

Tacked on Alethias's note...

Lady,

We're already way ahead of you. The secession started weeks ago.

- Thomas Leynthall

Whispers begin to spread throughout West Cordor, Guldorand, and North Cordor about a pending agreement for the Ministry of Cordor to withdraw all government personnel and guards from Cordor in order to relinquish control of what remains of the city to West Cordor's ringleader: Thomas Leynthall. The farming population (those who remain, anyway) are quick to note that North is excluded from this agreement, and that they are welcome to come or go as they please, with the Wave and Serpent (as well as visiting aid in the form of Platinum Knights and Kelemvorites) acting as guardians over them.

Everyone has a different idea about how this is going to go down, what it's going to cause, and when it's going to take place. With most of the officials still lingering around the areas, it's clear that it's not immediately in effect, at least. Rumors do fly, however, and most seem to be nervous about the prospect of the guards potentially leaving while the Horde is still a threat.

Guards, however, reassure anyone who approaches them about it that they're not abandoning anyone in the middle of a crisis.

_________________

Throughout Cordor, guard personnel and city officials begin to withdraw from their stations. It seems the final agreement with the two parts of the city have completed. A vast majority of guards follow along with their leadership, but a small number do remain behind both within the city proper and in the now-independent north district. They just don't keep the colors of the Ministry or of Cordor.

The Platinum Knights and Kelemvorites stationed throughout the city depart their posts. Some return to their superiors in Chalkcliff and Khem, but a number remain behind still in North Cordor to help keep the borders safe, just in case.

The southern tip of the isle is gradually settling... For now, at least.


((Area updates pending reset.))

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