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

Some days ago, in Winya, a notice would have been made informing its Armathora not to enter Commonwealth lands...

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Comrades,

Members of the Armathora are to avoid Cordor where possible. Officers are under strict orders not to enter the Commonwealth without permission of either myself or a member of the council. - That means you Viranirn.

-Captain Laerira.

As well as a more recent addition, for those recently within Winya as well addressed for the elven population at large

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A notice is written up (only in elven, with no translation offered) for those of the elves to read upon, and bears the mark of Winya Ravana's council.

Greetings kin

As many of you may be aware, the lands are in a tense state with the humans actions bubbling away beneath the surface. In no short time these actions are likely to grow and encompass many of you. So we, your kin and council, offer the presence of our enclave as a safe haven and urge you to keep any and all presence to the Commonwealth to a minimum. Danger lurks in their lands and you shall find no such in ours.

Come home where we await you all with open arms.

The Seldarine bless you all

- The council

_______________________________________
A message is printed and spread across the island of Amia and the neighboring regions, with recent Reaver attacks and mounting tensions, this public notice is widely published...

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People of Amia,

May it be known among all good and free people of the isles of Amia that we stand upon the edge of a great darkness. The Commonwealth of Cordor, having allied itself with the corrupt and rapacious conclave of wizards known as the Arcanum, has sent soldiers forth from its walls under false pretenses. The dreadful truth is that the Cordorian forces currently present in Guldorand and the Lowlands Delta are the mere vanguard of an army of conquest which, under the guise of a legion of scouts and guardsmen, stands poised to force Cordorian rule upon innocent and unaggressive neighbors, in effort to replenish their dwindling coffers, sate their lust for power, and fulfill their leaders' delusions of grandeur. In order to cast aside the shroud of misdirection that conceals the actual purpose of Cordor’s military opportunism, let the truth at last be spoken aloud against their litany of lies. In order to expose and evidence the genuine goals of the Arcanum and its ally, let facts be submitted to a candid world:

•They have decided together to engage in coercive and brutal tactics, both military and economic, in seeking to forcibly annex the territories and economies of Wharftown, Guldorand, and the Lowlands Delta.

•They have asserted the inherent inferiority of all non-human races, and sought by murderous means to impose the absolute dominion of humanity over all races deemed unworthy of liberty.

•They have anointed their members as the sole arbiters and inheritors of all arcane craft in the region of Amia, and sought by murderous means to enact their absolute dominion over the Weave.

•They have engaged in acts of sabotage and murder against the guild of the Monolith of Mystra, resulting in its destruction and the loss of many innocent lives.

•They have plied insidious arcane mental influence upon the populace of Cordor, in order to artificially dictate public sentiment and suppress all voices of dissent and criticism.

•They have abducted, imprisoned, and subjected to savage and prolonged torture the Duke Montgomery d’Cordor and the bard Yossarin, committed many acts of murderous brutality against their own citizenry, and committed conspiracy against and overthrow of the just and lawful d’Cordor government.

May it be known among the good and free people of Amia that under the leadership of the Arcanum, the forces of Cordor pose an imminent and dire threat to all non-human settlements, to all peaceable and prosperous tradesfolk, to all independent practitioners of arcane craft, to all free peoples within the reach of their blades, and to all folk of honor who would stand in stalwart defiance of tyranny and brutality.

May it be known among the oppressed and exploited citizenry of Cordor that any with the courage to throw off the chains of their overlords and speak out in defense of liberty and justice will not stand alone.

May it be known among the schemers of the Arcanum that no longer shall Amia remain ignorant of unwarranted aggression, no longer shall the voices of truth be shouted down by mass-distributed lies, no longer shall the opponents of treacherous imperialism be scattered in discord and disunity, no longer shall the champions of light stand idle as darkness scowls northward with hungry eye.

May it be known among gods and kings that the good and free people of Amia do hereby to these words solemnly pledge our sacred honor.

We call upon Cordor to expel the Arcanum from their positions of power. We call upon them to expel the corruption that is crippling and strangling their government and by extension, the innocent peoples of the city. Members of the Treaty of Light will remain a bastion of hope against the darkness that desires to spread and create rot. We stand united for this cause and will undo the evil we stand against.

So we swear,

*Multiple Signatures follow: Kohlingen's Council, Copper Industries, The Eilistraeen Shrine, Barak Runedar's High Councilor, Wharftown's Mayor Garth and The Elven Council of Winya Ravana. Most prominently, the Justicar of Kohlingen.

Joon acquires two of these statements. On one of his usual visists to the Commonwealth Library, he slips the other paper between a tome on public speech and rhetoric, to be stumbled upon by some curious reader. The other, he rolls into one of his scroll tubes.

His history classes of the week concern the border skirmishes of Cormyr and Sembia, of the competition between Suzail, Marsember and Arabel, of the ever-problematic dynamics of autonomy of city-states and unity of the realm. Coming from a Cormyte, it is an unusually critical and balanced look at the different forces and motives at work. The children, of course, are just happy to hear stories of purple dragons and poison cows.

Simon stumbles upon the proclamation and takes a moment to read it all. Concern paints his face as he reads it. What happens now, he thought, and where do I fit in the grand scheme of this?
Did it make sense? Probably not.

Where were the hard evidence? He didn't understand. But if all those officials of kholingen and those other people had signed that bill, was it true then? ... but it couldn't be, could it? He had a cousin in wharftown, and they had always been commonwealth friendly. Or had they?

Was the isle turning against his city? Space was perhaps running out on the isle.

Simon read the pamphlet again and hurriedly made his way to the Seven stars academy. There was a frequent visitor in the tower he wanted to speak to, one of the councillors from kholingen.
Surely he had answers.

On his regular rounds around the isle, Loynis approaches the notice with a curious expression. After taking the time to read it he thinks about the notice for a longer while and then nods his approval. He leaves the notice where it is and doesn't take any notes on it to return to Cordor. Under his breath he speaks as he continues his rounds.

Bring forth the end of tyranny, my friends.

An old, worn Weave Knight emblem sat on a table.
Multiple sets of meticulously cared for weapons flanked it, as if waiting.
A copy of the proclamation and condemnation in her hands.
Dark eyes scanned each word critically several times before the paper was set down.

It was too early to say 'Finally'.
It would always be too early, until every last one of the Arcanum were ribbons of meat of the ground before her dripping blades.
But this was a start, for the first time in years.

Shala stood, covering herself in armor, blades, and vengeance.

~.. And so the struggle against the Arcanum and it's influence over Cordor, as well as Cordor herself shall take a different tone..~ Tuomas thinks to himself as he quietly attends his duty in Kohlingen.

Easily recognizable, Councilor Kaithan Cylverand makes a point of seeing to it that copies of the proclamation are placed prominently about Winya Ravana: on the public message board, in the vestibule of the Temple, in the merchants' stalls in the Outer Sanctum, and (if the owner agrees) in the Iron Butterfly. She gladly pauses in her rounds to speak with any of the People who wish to bend her ear; her responses center around the sections of the document that refer to the Arcanum's persecution of non-humans and their lust for controlling all the realm's magical secrets - including High Magic. "The Arcanum *will* come for the People," she says, "unless they are halted before they are able to."

When Marcus inevitably finds a copy of the notice, he gives it a quick read-over. After considering for a moment, he takes it down and with him.

Those who keep an eye on a particular point in the Lowland Swamp would find what might prove to be a surprising bit of information.

It would seem that, though obviously not a member of this new "Treaty of Light", even the Living City has little care for the group of wizards known as the Arcanum. Perhaps the timing of this notice's appearance is coincidental, or perhaps not, only the City knows for sure.

In the morning following the issued proclamation, Kohlingen's new Chancellor stood atop Dragonstone Keep, overlooking the city as he was often wont to do. He had added his signature alongside the rest of the council of Kohlingen, the first to sign below the Lady Justicar. A point had been reached and passed. Yet the occasion had caused the magician to reflect in a way similar to a certain worn Weave Knight, far away. Grasped within the hand of the magician was an old Weave Knight commander's emblem.

It was only fitting. It was only proper. As it had started, so should it end. The worn, battered emblem was affixed to Ulrik's cloak, for the first time in years.

A moment later, the wizard was back to his office. There was work to be done, and Sendings to cast.

gorgometh wrote:

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People of Amia,

May it be known among all good and free people of the isles of Amia that we stand upon the edge of a great darkness. The Commonwealth of Cordor, having allied itself with the corrupt and rapacious conclave of wizards known as the Arcanum, has sent soldiers forth from its walls under false pretenses. The dreadful truth is that the Cordorian forces currently present in Guldorand and the Lowlands Delta are the mere vanguard of an army of conquest which, under the guise of a legion of scouts and guardsmen, stands poised to force Cordorian rule upon innocent and unaggressive neighbors, in effort to replenish their dwindling coffers, sate their lust for power, and fulfill their leaders' delusions of grandeur. In order to cast aside the shroud of misdirection that conceals the actual purpose of Cordor’s military opportunism, let the truth at last be spoken aloud against their litany of lies. In order to expose and evidence the genuine goals of the Arcanum and its ally, let facts be submitted to a candid world:

Xaviera presents the document to the Council, insisting that something be done. "The entire island is turning against us," she says, waving the paper in the air. "In fact, the only town of any note not on this list is Uhm." She snorts and tosses the declaration on the table such that it slides across the polished surface to stop in front of Speaker Maximillian. "It's propaganda, I agree, but, unfortunately, it's all true. The trial of the Arcanum drags on with no resolution. Two past Ministers of Magic fortunately fail to destroy the world but succeed in annihilating the Monolith. Two of our best and most popular ministers, Johnathin Leohnard and Hector Carton, dead of 'natural causes'." She makes quote marks in the air with her fingers. "The Commonwealth sticks its nose where it's not wanted, the bureaucracy is riddled with corruption and is half in Boss Miller's hands, and the Council loses another excellent guard captain through its inability to see what's really going on in this city. We can't keep acting like this or we are inviting trade embargos, blockades or even war upon our citizens."

"Speaker," she says, addressing Joseph Maximillian, "I know that you are... firm... in your desire to see your vision of a true Commonwealth enacted in the City of Water. But your actions have caused you to sell the substance of your dream for an image by letting others eat the heart out of our city and deceive you by holding up to you a worm-riddled husk. Cordor is only a step from tyranny, whether by the actions of the Arcanum, the criminal underworld or those who inflame the people's passions for their own personal gain" (if the Secretary of the Press is present, she turns a meaningful glance in his direction). "We have as many enemies inside as out, but they are enemies of our own making!" Xaviera pounds her fist on the table, then settles back into her high-backed chair to catch her breath, brushing an errant lock of white hair from her face.

"Speaker, you have allowed the revolution to be turned from its path - from your vision. We must take action, but it must be action to cleanse ourselves and right the wrongs that have been done, not more oppression. The trial of the Arcanum must be concluded. The Ministry of Magic needs to be reorganized and start working for the people again. We need to purge the bureaucracy and get rid of those who have sold our state secrets to Boss Miller. We need to pull back from the Lowlands Delta - if we are claiming to protect Amia from the reavers, let's rent marine forces from Wiltun to patrol the seas instead. Anyone who is still under the Arcanum's geas must be freed. And elections must be held." She adds, almost as an aside, "In all the years since the People's Revolution, there is still only one member of Council who has actually been chosen by the people..." She looks around the table, down at some notes before her, then turns to Maximillian. "I would also like to remind you, Citizen, that when you took over the Ministry of Finance, you promised that it would only be for six months. That was, mmm, almost four years ago now." She sighs and shuffles her papers, squaring them into a neat pile before her. When she speaks again, her tone is weary.

"Colleagues, Cordor must be seen to be a city of honest people, not crooks and tyrants. We have never come so close to this point before, Councillors. The entire island rises against us. Yet the people of Cordor still go about their business, most blissfully unaware that they stand on a platform that becomes more unstable by the day as those whose job it is to hold it together enrich themselves by selling the very supports from under their feet to the highest bidder. But if we do nothing, there will be another revolution. And it will be we who have brought it on ourselves." She pushes the papers before her away with the flick of one long finger and leans back in her chair, wincing slightly as if in pain, and awaits the Council's response.

In Cordor, advertising fliers are found in most public gathering locations as well as finding a full page advertisement in the day's release of the Amian Recorder:

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Good Citizens! The Commonwealth Needs You!

Do you think you have what it takes to stare down Adventurers and even the Harper Menace? The Ministry of Law invites you to defend your Civil Liberties and join the Vanguard!

Is direct conflict not for you? Augment the battle effort against the "Scaled Dogs" by attending the Ministry of Magic's courses on Alchemy!

Good Fortune Find You!

On the back of the page is a full page, glowing review and advertisement for Okappa Otama Ice Cream. Rated 6 stars out of 5 for "deliciousity" by Bill Hurst himself! "A true Commonwealth Patriot's treat!"

_________________________________

As the noon hour tolled in the Holy City of Kohlingen, a vessel bearing black and green banners, with the emblem of the jarl of Wiltun would peaceably approach the docks. Mooring some distance away, under the undoubted watchful gaze of Kohlingen's war ships and Silver Dragons. A small vessel is lowered into the waters, and makes way for the docks. Two unarmored Ruathym men row the boat to its destination, where it is tied off. A third man, unarmored and unarmed, wearing a green and black tabard would approach the gates. A document is offered the guards, ''for the court of the Lady Cystana, Justicar of Kohlingen.''

At around the same time, a similar scene would play out in Cordor. An identical document delivered to ''the provisional government of Cordor, to whom it may concern.'' The slight intended in not naming or addressing the Speaker of the Council would not be lost on many Commonwealth citizens or officials.

With the documents entrusted for delivery to the two governing bodies, one in the north, one in the south, the couriers would then read aloud the proclamation in each city's respective square. Small crowds of curious citizens speaking in hushed tones amid the atmosphere of growing tensions.

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"On this day, Alturiak the 13th of the year 1382, may the denizens of the isle of Amia know the will of Lord Arsant of Wiltun:

By decree of His Grace, the jarldom of Wiltun declares its neutrality in the growing conflict between the city-states of Kohlingen and Cordor, and any allies among them. We neither support nor hold hostility towards the theocracy of Kohlingen or her citizens. Likewise, we hold no support or hostility towards the usurpers of noble rule in the city of Cordor or her citizens.

Know well, and take heed, that the Lord of Wiltun holds his waters, his land, and his subjects under his protection.

Thus proclaims Lord Arsant Wiltun, fifth of his name, the rightful Lord and Sovereign of all Wiltun and Caraigh!

The messengers, and the Wiltunian vessels, would depart peaceably and return directly to Ruathym waters.

Along the Western Coast

Despite the growing tensions and whispers, Castiel continues to teach her classes as normal at Blue Skies Academy, her pregnant belly getting bigger every day.

________________________________

The following was pronounced from the steps of the Commonwealth Center by the Speaker himself. It was a short address on a rainy morning, and no questions were taken. The notice finds itself widely distributed throughout the city, posted at all gates, barracks, and public places with word of its content quickly spreading north by trade caravan, ship crews, and the lips of adventurers and other travelers.

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People of Cordor:

Let it be known that on this day, the fifteenth of Alturiak, special dispensation for drow possessing insignias from the Shrine is Eilistraee to enter our city is hereby revoked. This banishment will remain until such a time as the leadership of the Shrine distances itself from the dangerous rhetoric coming forth from the city of Kohlingen, and officially acknowledges the illegitimacy of d'Cordor rule in our fair city.

Henceforth, and until further notice, all drow are banished from the city of Cordor.

- Speaker Joseph Maximillian

The chatter amongst the majority of citizens finds that the decree holds a great deal of support. "Good riddance!" and "About time!" seem to be rather common exclamations heard following the announcement. And while the ire of the masses has not yet turned upon any other racial group that has condemned the city, a small number begin to question what business elves and dwarves have dictating affairs of the city. No doubt in response to the signatures of the leaders of Barak Runedar and Winya Ravana upon the latest condemnation. Though such questions have not yet turned to violence.

The Shrine itself receives official notice later the same day, informing them of the decree.

A young priestess reads the note and sighs, going to update her files.

Ally leaves cordor with her son Nalkyr and nephew Jason with her. She heads to the shrine in a rather fowl mood and hopes mengala will find her there

There is a flurry of rumors surrounding a reported incident of one Castiel Fryar being escorted in chains from her home to the front door of the South Cordorian Prison late last night. To match this tale, a flurry of papers are seen being thrown in the trash at the offices of Secretary of the Press Bill Hurst and the Amian Recorder, Clarion of the Commonwealth.

"Stop the presses! Stop the presses!" he screamed back and forth as new media is shoved into their respective printing places. "Yes, yes.. that scathing review can wait.. We've got some real news here. A piece for the people! Something to shock the innocent families of our dear city!" Into the early hours of the morning, hot off the presses, a news release is distributed around the Commonwealth.

Are Your Children Safe? Blue Skies School Teacher Charged With Treason!

Late last night, at the residence of Blue Skies Academy Headmaster Andrew Fryar, Law Knights under the watchful eye of Ministry of Law Clerk Mick Carthy executed an arrest warrant and took into their custody School Teacher, and allegedly renounced NOBLE, Castiel Fryar. The charges are as serious as they are shocking. This thought-to-be-wholesome school teacher has been charged with Suspicion to Commit Treason, Conspiracy against the Commonwealth and allegedly forging documents from Waterdeep to sever her ties her NOBLE family and inheritance.

News of these charges came as a shock to the trusting and innocent populace of the Commonwealth. Families whose children have, for some time now, attended classes at the Blue Skies Academy under the tutelage of teachers just like alleged Traitor Castiel Fryar. What practices and lessons are being taught to our children? The most malleable of us all, what could they possibly be learning inside this school that, by all accounts, seems to be harboring NOBLES and traitors right in our midst? Not to be undone, Headmaster Andrew Fryar has also released a statement, decrying the efforts of our men and women in the Ministry of Law. His own words:

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Brothers and sisters of Cordor.

The Ministry of Law has chosen to charge my wife on suspicion of treason. They believe that she has falsified her documents that formally renounce her noble bearing. The documents are true, and a simple check with the Court of Waterdeep would verify it. We've sent a request for a signed document to be sent to the City of Cordor as well as a copy sent to myself and to Bendir Dale, being a neutral settlement.

Castiel Fryar has been a citizen since our marriage shortly before the opening of the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor. She has taught math and science to many of your children and has worked diligently alongside the Bureau of Education for months before. Many of you have seen us. You know that our hearts belong to the Commonwealth. We have faith in the wheels of Justice and Truth that the innocence of my wife will be proven beyond a doubt within a few days.

You've seen us both helping in humanitarian endeavors around Cordor or helping defend its people with swords in hand against the shadows or the wicked. You know, sons and daughters of the Commonwealth, that we are loyal to you to the end – so much so that she would shake off her nobility and her inheritance so she could help you.

We have faith that Truth will prevail.

Lathander's blessings,
Andrew Fryar,
Bureau of Education, Chief

Though Mrs. Fryar's citizenship seem to be up for review with these most recent developments, officials ensure me that she may be given a fair trial if the status of her citizenship holds up. As such, Adventurers do not boast the same rights.

Mini-Law officials refused to issue their own statement in response to the emotional ramblings of one man, but an official close to Mick Carthy stated that the Ministry of Law is dedicated to "protecting the principles and the and laws of the Commonwealth against any alleged threat, both foreign and domestic."

How thankful we should be to have such dedicated Ministry staff and how much more careful must be as citizens be to stay on the lookout for individuals that mean our great city harm. As it stands, and for what it seems, they could be walking among us, teaching our children, or even serving us our food.

Several signs show up around the isle bearing the following inscriptions. As well, it appears on a large number of fliers placed in each settlement on the isle, as well as at Barak Runedar, and a few drift down into Cordor from above a couple nights after the Ministry's announcement regarding the drow signet rings:

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To the Free Peoples of the Isles of Amia,

It is not unexpected that Cordor's government would decide to strike down the signet ring system, given our stance against Cordor and it's government's arrogant, imperialistic, and illicit behavior over the past few years. It is sad that such has come to pass, but it was only a matter of time. Collin Reyes started this when he gave the order for the wife of the Shrine's Seneschal and Cordor's at-the-time Militia Commander, Jud'vardas Kenlyl, to be kidknapped in order to stop him from representing Duke Montgomery. Such showed the true mettle of Cordor's new leadership, and no investigation has taken place, even though Jud'Vardas told the Speaker and various guardsmen about this personally and multiple times. The real questions now are, will this also apply to the signet rings given by Secretary Mover to certain drow refused such by the Shrine of Eilistraee, for aid in his investigation of the Arcanum? Will Cordor still be allowing rings granted to agents of Tarkuul, Edonil, and L'Obsul by officials of Cordor's government to be honored? In addition, what of the rings possessed by drow not of the Shrine or of Eilistraee, the Lathandran and Sharessan drow who have lived peacefully within the Commonwealth? Why does Cordor insist upon punishing them for us speaking our minds, something over which they have had neither control nor input? When will the Cordorian government extend this officialized policy of racism and hate for anything that doesn't toady to them to dwarves and fair elves? They signed the condemnation of the City of Corrupt Politicians as well.

Unfortunately, we do not find this surprising, in that the Cordorian government has become so vindictive towards those who have never spoken against it, to my knowledge. After all, a proper atmosphere of fear of retribution must be maintained, for the sake of the government's control. Bane would be proud. As for those affected by this, take heart. Unlike the city of Cordor, which gave us rings through which all manner of unpleasant magics could be channeled, and with auras that could be used to spy upon us, the Holy City does not require such things. Even now, the Shrine of Eilistraee is about to unveil a better system than that created by Cordor. For now, we would suggest that if you are considering taking your rings and returning them to the Cordorian government, you should do so by messenger, lest you end up in the hands of Captain Yance and his merry band of officially-sanctioned murderers and kidknappers down in Cordor's sewers.

Sincerely,

*the signatures of the shrine's leading members appear in flowing script*

*Samrael hears the news about Andrew, having rested that night in the Hinn Inn. Those who enter the room at a later time might find traces of a Winyan Insignia in the fireplace.*

*Reading these things, a Hin moves to action*

[A young elven woman picks up one of the papers in Cordor, and sighs heavily with a concerned expression crossing her face. She then departs Cordor and heads back to her home in Winya Ravana.]

In Bendir Dale, the Mayor is everpresently seen in unprecedented fashion, though her mood is at times uncharacteristicly grim and her demeanor bespeaks a steely determination.

Her office hours are are reduced to the bare minimum as she moves about her Township constantly, speaking quietly but urgently to every merchant selling goods in the Dale, the Militia Drillmaster, the Guldorand refugees, offering encouragement to her Militia officers and Troopers alike and bustling about on a hundred unknown errands at once. Visitors of note are quickly and quietly hustled inside the Townhall for brief periods, while gawkers are shooed away.

Questions are met with the silence of a lonely grave and nothing but a furrowed brow and pursed lips. The tension in her normally relaxed body is palpable, even to those who barely know her. Something troubling is afoot and though her mouth is closed her mannerisms speak volumes.

Public missives are released:

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In the past tenday the Living City has become aware of a coordinated attempt to embroil us into the conflicts of the islands, and cast doubt upon our stance of neutrality. The ringleader of this attempt has been identified as the elf known as “Velden”. He formerly served the Living City at the rank of Captain, but was removed due to emotional instability. We can only assume his actions reflect a harbored bitterness towards the City. It is suspected that the kidnapping of Corinn Aldaine by the rogue agent Tairisrade is connected to this man's actions. Both Velden and Tairisrade have been forever banished from the Enclave.

It is with a heavy heart that the Living City laments the decision of the Holy City to level hostilities against our neighboring Commonwealth, as well as the decidedly imperialistic overtures in Wharftown. Though Kohlingen's intolerance of any ethos save their own is well-known, Tarkuul sincerely urges them to change their course before any innocents are slain in the name of crusade. With that said, the Living City reaffirms it's commitment to political neutrality. We believe that violence and chaos stand contrary to every individual’s Gods-given right to personal freedom, knowledge and individual power. Civilization, art and science do not progress in a war-torn landscape. As such, we will not contribute to the spread of War in any form.

We do, however, recognize the truth of the Northern Alliance's allegations against the Arcanum of Cordor. We feel the lessons of ancient Netheril have been lost on the cabal, and their exclusive and tyrannical views on the Art stand contrary to the beliefs of Tarkuul. Their practice of hoarding knowledge to the detriment and subjugation of the people of Cordor has ensured that our doors will remain closed to the cult, and it is our hope that the Commonwealth citizens will be able to free themselves without bloodshed.

As always, our doors are open to any person or family who seeks refuge from the violence and chaos that plague the land. Within our halls, all beings, whether low-born of high, are free to pursue their trade or scholarly pursuits without fear of being caught in the crossfires of religion and politics. In these troubled times, we are doubly committed to the safety of our residents. Our waters and city will remain strictly neutral. Warships and soldiers of any foreign power will be politely asked to turn away from our holdings before more forceful measures are taken. Trading vessels and peaceful business will be left unmolested, as always.

~L. Severin, Speaker for the Council of Tarkuul

Late in the evening, a contingent of two parts militia, two parts guard and one part Law Knight, makes its way out of the City of Cordor through the northern gate. They number approximately two or three score strong and seem to travel along the road heading north.

Floating Notes

Kurchin in the Triumvir has, to any onlookers, looked a lot more tense and worried of late. Perhaps it might be due to his planned acrobatics show fizzling. Or perhaps it is stress accumulating, or a burnout... or maybe attributed to the turbulence of the outside world...

Whatever the case, he does spend some more time alone in his small room at the lodge...

By Lliira I hope it doesn't come to this... He thought... spying a little piece of paper he'd written... before stuffing it away.

ATTENTION CORDOR!

THE BROKEN ARROW TAVERN IN WEST CORDOR IS NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP!
KAYTIE MELIEA OF CORDOR HAS BOUGHT AND RENNOVATED THIS HISTORIC BAR FOR THE PEOPLE OF WEST CORDOR.
RE-EXPERIENCE ALL THE GREAT ATMOSPHERE OF THE BROKEN ARROW YOU KNOW AND LOVE, WITH SOME NEW ELEMENTS INSPIRED BY SUNE HERSELF.
COME AND VISIT TODAY!
LOCATED ON ARENA STREET, IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THE ARENA.
PS: It is not a lounge.

*Notices are sent out from the Chapel in Cordor*

http://amiaworld.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=70484

One evening, the Alpha Division Vanguard marches out of the northern gates and heads into the direction of Guldorand, carrying a good amount of supplies with them. A training exercise, supposedly.

It seems the suspected traitor and noble, Castiel Fryar was released from prison in the early morning hours with minimal attention or fuss. While no official announcement was made clearing her of charges, it doesn't take long for rumors to abound that she did return to her home with her husband, Andrew Fryar. It remains to be seen if a follow up report will be made to the papers.

The news about Castiel having reached her, Xaviera sighs with relief and slips a partially-completed letter to Joseph Maximillian between the pages of the tome of Cordorian Law she was studying and relegates the book to the dusty top of a shelf in her office in the Commonwealth Centre.

A scroll-case is delivered to the once duchal palace of Cordor, now Commonwealth Center, by a man wearing the livery of Kohlingen. The case is sealed with blue wax bearing the symbol of the Holy City: an imprinted silver dragon. It's arrival is humble enough, perhaps, during the daily hustle and bustle about Cordor's seat of political power.

It is addressed to none other than 'Mr. Joseph Maximillian, Speaker of the Provisional Council.'

Nivo wrote:

A scroll-case is delivered to the once duchal palace of Cordor, now Commonwealth Center, by a man wearing the livery of Kohlingen. The case is sealed with blue wax bearing the symbol of the Holy City: an imprinted silver dragon. It's arrival is humble enough, perhaps, during the daily hustle and bustle about Cordor's seat of political power.

It is addressed to none other than 'Mr. Joseph Maximillian, Speaker of the Provisional Council.'

Marcus keeps an ear out for any mention, gossip or rumours regarding the event and the nature of the message - and Maximilian's response to the message - whenever he enters the Commonwealth center during his regular routines.

Bobo_Underhill wrote:

A release goes out that night, to parents of students and the staff of the Academy

We at the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor would like to extend our deepest sympathies to those who lost their lives at the arena this evening. Among the fallen are three of our own students: Stewy, Billy and Chitters (Charles). We grieve with the families and friends of these three students. Cordor has lost good people today, and our heart aches with our people.

If any of Billy, Stewy or Charles's friends need a shoulder to cry on or emotional support, Councilor Kaytie's office is open, as is the rest of our staff. Tomorrow morning, there will be an assembly in the auditorium/cafeteria. Parents are invited.

-Headmaster Fryar

A notice is put up in Cordor regarding the Fight Night incident

Quote:

The Chapel of Lathander's doors are open to those seeking answers in the wake of this Nights events.

The Chapel can provide final rites for the fallen and counseling for those grieving.

May you find peace in the MorningLord's Light

Signed
Brother Lawrence

As the light of Lathander breaks over Cordor the morning following the incident at the arena, a special edition of the Recorder hits the shelves.

Fight Night?
Massacre Night!

Dear readers! You've no doubt heard about the travesty that befell the Commonwealth last night. Alas, it is but truth that bad news spreads faster than good, and this news has no doubt burned through the entire Commonwealth. Through our streets, our homes, the shops and bakeries and restaurants and eateries that grace our city. News that an ADVENTURER murdered five Commonwealth citizens! That is right, dear citizens. Three of whom were dear children! This is a travesty, and our heartfelt condolences reach out to our fellow citizens who have lost a loved one in the wake of this terrible, horrible, horrific incident.

And after sympathy and compassion, the masses of the Commonwealth must turn to those responsible. Over the last months, a 'Fight Night' has been hosted in our arena. In these events, adventurers were pitted against one another for little more than the fame and notoriety that all of their ilk crave. They butchered like animals for sport, like rabid dogs. And while such an event is not my cup of coffee, which would have to be taken with a delectable chocolate pastry from such a place as Paula Goode's Pastry Shop on Southon Avenue, who am I to condemn hard working Commonwealth citizens for seeking recreation after a long work day? That is the blessing of living in our Commonwealth, my fellow citizens. Freedom to pursue your recreation of choice, without the taskmasters of the nobility breathing down our necks!

But that all went awry last night, when a vixen in black unleashed her magic upon not only her uncouth adventuring opponent in the arena. No, her blood-lust could not be sated! She turned her HARPER magicks upon the People! Driven by the base desires that possess all adventurers. Calling down rocks from the sky in the ''name of Duke Montgomery,'' according to some bystanders. Others claim she cited NOBLE propaganda against the people, and was striking them down in the name of her wealthy benefactor. No doubt a NOBLE conspirator who is part of the NOBLE'S ARMY hiding away somewhere in the north! Perhaps Lord Goldberg, who hides behind Kohlingen's walls even now, with the other noble criminals!

The fact of the matter remains, dear readers, that ADVENTURERS have wanted to LORD over us for as long as the NOBLES have. They seek power over their fellow man. They seek to thrust themselves upon us, defiling the virtues of the Commonwealth. Remember the fall of the once great Nevaeh Tarvencia, now ENEMY OF THE STATE! It was ADVENTURERS, along with NOBLE lies and HARPER ideology that corrupted our virtuous captain, and stole our shining light from us.

The same shining lights snuffed out by the adventurer vixen, who claimed to be LEADER of the adventurers, and named herself codename 'Beauty.' You heard it here, dear readers, a cabal of adventurers now stands against us! We may soon need to consider drastic action against these brutes. All of them. Last night was not the first crime they committed against the Commonwealth, and it will not be the last!

Thankfully, we have upstanding public servants. First Clerk Mick Carthy of the Ministry of Law stood bravely upon the steps of the Commonwealth center, in the wake of this travesty, and against the horde of adventurers who still defile our streets, pronounced the justice of the Commonwealth upon the adventuring harlot. Her execution was swift and painless, unlike the gruesome deaths suffered by the victims of her HARPER magicks. Gods bless you, Mick Carthy. And gods bless Joseph Maximillian. Our Commonwealth shall endure this tragedy, and we shall all have justice upon the HARPER-backed and NOBLE-funded ADVENTURING cabalists!

But now, I shall step aside, and allow the people's voice be heard, now immortalized in print!

Hrothmus wrote:

The Chapel of Lathander's doors are open to those seeking answers in the wake of this Nights events.
The Chapel can provide final rites for the fallen and counseling for those grieving.
May you find peace in the MorningLord's Light
Signed
Brother Lawrence

Bobo_Underhill wrote:

We at the Blue Skies Academy of Cordor would like to extend our deepest sympathies to those who lost their lives at the arena this evening. Among the fallen are three of our own students: Stewy, Billy and Chitters (Charles). We grieve with the families and friends of these three students. Cordor has lost good people today, and our heart aches with our people.

If any of Billy, Stewy or Charles's friends need a shoulder to cry on or emotional support, Councilor Kaytie's office is open, as is the rest of our staff. Tomorrow morning, there will be an assembly in the auditorium/cafeteria. Parents are invited.

-Headmaster Fryar

"My poor, dear, precious wife! They stoled her from me! Forty years of marriage ended by that woman's magicks! Give us justice, Maximillian! Save us from adventurers!" - Jacobson Blumpers, farmer

"We had assembled outside the arena in protest of these gruesome spectacles. Gods help us, we did not want them to end this way. Not this way." - Victoria F., 'Citizens Against Fight Night'

"It is a shame, that Fight Night had to end this way. It was a boon to our entire industry, and brought delicious sausages to fill the mouths of citizens everywhere. But in the wake of so much death, we stand beside our fellow citizens. We grieve with you. We, too, are victims of the adventurer class. Our voice joins you, in solidarity. Give us justice, Mister Speaker! Do something about the adventuring menace!" - Clyde Roberts, Spokesman for the Sausage Lobby

"One moment, I was watching the fight. I got so caught up in it, that I did not realize she was no longer targeting her opponent with her magics. Her eyes, they were filled with such hate and malice. Next thing I knew, rocks fell from the sky. One fell on the woman next to me. All I could do is run out, screeing for my life." - Lana R., citizen

"Kill all the [censored]! Drag them through the streets like [censored] dogs! Death to adventurers! Death to Harpers! [Censored] nobles!" - 'The People's Champion!'

There you have it, readers. The voice of the people is crystal clear. And I, your Press Secretary, shall join hand-in-hand with the masses in solidarity against the ADVENTURING menace. You have my sincerest promise, that I shall speak with our beloved Speaker himself. Stand fast, men and women of Cordor, against all enemies of the state! Foreign and domestic, for we know Harpers and NOBLESmay lurk anywhere.

A sarcastic laugh came from one of Cordors very own guardsmen as he read the latest edition of the Recorder.

"Playing on the ignorance of the citizens? A new low, even for Hurst.." He hook his head and departed the barracks to do his duty to the city.

Picking up a copy, a man in the armor of Wiltun reads the special edition apparently from lack of anything better to do.

Still up to the same old tricks, playing to the fears and ignorance of the people to boost your readers and make situations worse. Why the so-called Harpers haven't dealt with this peice of trash is beyond me. he mutters before tossing the copy in the trash and stepping off down the streets, wandering into the city in search of someone.

*Eli breaths deep upon hearing the news, learning of it following one of his typical stump speeches. If asked about the incident, his only words are as follows.*

"May the gods be merciful to the souls of our recently departed. My prayers go out to the victims of this horrible act. I also offer my condolences to the Sausage Lobby as Fight Night was undoubtably a boon to sausage sales. I place my faith in the Ministry of Law and their talents to see that such an occurrence never happen again, and in their investigative abilities to make certain of any ties the guilty party may have had to any of the parties or organizations our illustrious Press Secretary has named so that proper recompense can be sought from those responsible."

As Ser Robert finishes reading the most recent production of fine cordorian fiction, he pushes a strand of greying hair from his face, his eyes resting upon the Dragonstone Keep for a long thoughtful moment, as if waiting for something. Shaking his head slightly as if awnsering his own question, he looks to his son playing on the beach of the Feylake.

Perhaps he just has become too tired to care about the politics anymore that have consumed so many years of his life in this region. It would not be suprising, as it was hardly a secret he had little love for politics. But what ever the reason may be, it seems that the newest developments of this conflict are not something he is about to sully himself with.

Reaching for his next letter, he gently breaks the red wax seal inprinted with the purple dragon of Cormyr.

*Somewhere in the ocean, a Great White Shark has a magical rod fastened to its center by hemp rope.*

Andrew's assembly is a typical thing, though he does emphasize the need for investigation. After the assembly to his students and after school lets out, the Headmaster put on his raggedy trench coat. With a copy of the recorder in hand, he made his way swiftly home.

In the aftermath following the tragedy of the "Fight Night Massacre," as many citizens have come to call it, new office space is rented, not two days after, and renovation begun in the Eastern District near the Commonwealth Center. Volunteer workers of all ages and skill, clerk-types with their note pads and quills, and even the occasional merchant are seen congregating within the newly formed meeting space. It takes an entire day, but in the early hours of the evening a sign is hung on the door of this new government lobbying group..

-Coalition for Citizens of the Commonwealth-

Word does not take long to spread. This new and influential group has acquired an expedited business license and its first act as a newly formed institution is to issue a press release to the masses of the Commonwealth, denoting their mission and the reason for the Coalition's formation.

Quote:
My Fellow Citizens,

Even in these progressive and changed times, we continue to shoulder the weight of so much heart ache, turmoil and endless tragedy in the face of Noble oppression and the Adventuring menace. Know that our hearts and prayers go out to those who are directly affected by this massacre in the Arena, for it is we, the collective citizens, that must stand united with one another in times such as these, when the innocent are murdered. But, in the wake of this most recent tragedy that claimed the lives of so many of our friends, our sons, our daughters, our wives and our husbands, we are faced with a single question. How much more heart ache can the citizens of this great state bear?

It is not enough that we, the people of Cordor, toil for means to make it by another day. Scraping together what we can to put food on the table for our loved ones. That family after family is burdened under the fear of higher taxation, economic uncertainty and growing unrest at the political climate of Amia. How much longer must we wait until our elected officials, until our -government- stands up for the principles that they swore to uphold? How much more heart ache can the citizens of this great state bear, Speaker Maximillian?

Blood is continuously spilled in the name of adventuring greed and malevolence. Our children are not even safe at public and guarded events. Adventurers having grown too strong and powerful even for a number of our own elite protectors. What are we, as common citizens, to do? I echo, How much more heart ache can the citizens of this great state bear, My Fellow People?

I tell you now, that we of the Coalition have borne enough of this burden, enough of this heart ache and fear. That we are no longer willing to accept the normalcy of Adventuring Malice and Governmental Impotence. The Coalition of Citizens is thusly formed with one purpose and one purpose alone: To see the yolk of Adventuring Indecency thrown off of the good peoples of this city-state once and for all. Will you not stand beside your brothers and sisters? Will you not take action in the face of those evils pressing so close against us within our own borders? I tell you this, that we will not rest. That we will not cower in the face of Adventurers. We will not give in until the government, that we so support with all of our hearts, has enacted real change and lasting policies that allay our pains and prove to us that they support us with a similar loyalty that we bear for them.

We are a city of the People. A city pieced together by the blood, sweat and tears of a populace that has had enough and deserves more. It is time that we took back and held dear what was always ours in the first place.

Stand with us, Citizen. Stand for Cordor.

May the Gods forever Bless the Free Peoples of this, our Commonwealth.

Citizen Mason Wright
Chairman of the Coalition

It is yet to be seen how the Citizens may react to this newly formed "Coalition" but one thing is for certain, they intend to be vocal.

*Eli makes a point of at least stopping by to wish them well and find out more about what they stand for in person*

An article is distributed and left around Cordor in a few prime places. They're all handwritten, in what is easily the same hand if compared: Andrew's

For many of us, the horrors of the past Fight Night are still very real and very disturbing. However, I feel I must clarify a few things to give a clearer picture of what happened that evening. The Recorder's coverage contained primarily two words, capitalized for emphasis: noble and harper. It was almost purely speculation. Here is what actually happened, according to witnesses:

The guilty party, Beauty, was competing in the arena. One witness claimed she had gotten in an argument after losing, but I couldn't substantiate this with any other witnesses. She summoned a pink dragon, likely a prismatic dragon, and brought down spells from the sky, which crashed into the audience. She was subdued and brought before the Commonwealth Center, where she was interrogated by Clerk Mack Carthy. She was already gagged by then.

He asked her what her name was. 'Beauty'. Then if she was working for nobles. She said they couldn't afford her. She claimed to be the 'master of adventurers'. She was gagged once again, brought before the statue of Duke Montgomery and executed without further questioning. That was the extent of her questioning.

Back to the Recorder's coverage. It continually repeated 'noble' and 'harper'. This is in direct contradiction to the only bit of motive that we might have on her: she denied being employed by nobility. Further more, 'harper' was never even mentioned in the interrogation. Witnesses at the arena also noted that the guilty party never claimed to have an affiliation with either nobles OR harpers. The Fight Night promoter did shout 'harper magics', but the witnesses told me he does that every time someone casts magic.

All this considered, the Recorder's continuous claim of 'noble' and 'harper' are baseless when it's not completely contradictory to what evidence we actually have. Every bit of interrogation by Clerk Carthy was done in clear view of the public eye and with Beauty's death, her secrets go to her grave. This glaring lack of journalistic integrity on behalf of the Recorder is both disgusting and sorely disappointing. The so-called 'Clarion' of the Commonwealth should deal in facts, not fiction. And if their claims did have any base, they should have printed their citations. Instead, what we're left with is a useless piece that is an insult not only to journalists everywhere but to Cordor itself.

This being said, however, the Cordor Guard does deserve praise for taking swift control of the situation and ensuring the tragedy did not spread any further. Their commitment to public safety and justice were well needed in the hour following the attack. And, as ever, my prayers go out to the families of people who were lost to the attacks, including three of my students.

-Andrew Fryar

The newly renovated historical bar, the Broken Arrow, in the western district of Cordor seems to thrive alive these days! The owner of the busy establishment continues to pay her respects to the staff and the patrons, but also is seen carrying bundles of "Vote for Eli" posters, and small pins that also say the same thing. A few of the posters are hung on the walls, but the rest of the stack is left sitting on the bar for individuals to take and read as they like. The pins, however, are to be provided with each drink, courtesy of the owner and staff of the Broken Arrow. It seemed they have established a political following for a certain individual, and used their business to campaign proudly.

Cordor

The young man with the dark skin and incongruously sunshine-blonde hair was startled to see the desert woman in the city park, looking as out of place there as a rose in a stew pot. Even more puzzling was the fact that she was the third Khemite he'd seen that evening. What was up? he wondered. Curious, he returned to the temple, to ask some of the brethren if there might be some sort of convention in town or something.

The scene that met his eyes as he entered the atrium was stupefying : dozens of Khemites, milling about with distraught looks on their faces, filled the temple. It didn't take long for him to find out the horrible truth of what had happened to them.

"Good Lord! Mother Si'Neela!" he blurted out without thinking, his mind filled with images of the people who had been his brothers and sisters for the first several months of his mission. He wondered what had become of them, of all of those who had stayed behind. Were they dead, their bodies lying twisted and broken upon the sands? Or worse -- dying, in pain, watering the harsh desert night with their blood? He couldn't bear the thought ; they were friends !

He hurriedly strapped on his breastplate and mace and hurled himself out the temple doors, bound for for Nes'ek, his only hope that a mere acolyte could somehow make a difference.

Diplomacy's Game Continues: Blood and Rebirth

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