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

Another publication from Bill Hurst goes out around Cordor. Starting in west and spreading elsewhere quite quickly. It reads as follows.

Embellished Article wrote:

MURDER IN A FAMILY'S HOME!

It is the painful duty of the CLARION OF THE COMMONWEALTH to announce the MURDER of five innocent and hardworking citizens of our glorious Commonwealth. Citizens Darmon Sackson, Elisa Sackson, David Winter, Dominique Winter, and Walter Toran. Our friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters. All cut down by a blood-thirsty, vicious elven murderer!

Consider the following, fellow citizens: It is well-known that elves live hundreds of years, frittering away their long years, looking down their noses at those of the human race. Now know a little known-fact, fellow citizens. In their language, humans are referred to as "n'tel'quess.'' The exact translation of this is "non-person." We are, in their own language, not considered people! No wonder this elf slaughtered - in cold blood! - our fellow citizens. They were not people to be given mercy or compassion, but insects to be stepped on. No wonder the elves of near-by Winya Ravana issued their call to elves to return! They hide behind the Treaty of Light, the HARPER and NOBLE infested alliance led by the so-called "holy city" of Kohlingen. Do the elves plan war and slaughter of our people? In these dark days, we can not be certain of the intentions of the elves, or any other of the demi-human races who are allied with our long-time enemies. They do not think like us. They do not live like us. They do not even consider us people. Why should we tolerate them in our homes? On our streets? In our midst?

However! Regrettable as these murders are, we can be thankful for the quick response of our brave guardsmen who managed to apprehend the murderer, who instead of surrendering resisted arrest and was slain in the process. At least the murderous elf will no longer harm the people of Cordor, thank the gods. Unfortunately, while the guards were investigating the event, one of the privates of the Vanguard itself committed treason! Accusing trusted, loyal guardsmen that protect us from this madness, she went and attacked them! Trying to break into their crime scene for who knows what ends? Perhaps to tamper the evidence, some may suggest. But again a quick response from our guards has brought this TRAITOR to jail, where we trust the Commonwealth will make her answer for her deeds!

Diligent investigation into the matter shows this private, one Amber Agravar, to have NOBLE ties, mentioned in her own application to the guard! Has our very own Alpha Vanguard, led by Captain Reynolds and Lieutenant Aurelius, been compromised by the enemies of the Commonwealth? A disturbing notion, indeed! We can be thankful that the rest of the guard remains vigilant against all enemies of the Commonwealth. Harpers, nobles, and their demi-human thugs who would murder you in your own home, all because of the hatred they hold towards our glorious Republic and the envy they have that we have thrown of the yoke of NOBLE task-masters.

May the gods show mercy on the souls of our murdered citizens, and protect us from our enemies. Be they foreign or cloaked and in our very midst.

Andrew acts equally as fast, even giving a smile to any one he sees spreading the Recorder. This special edition of his newsletter is left in fairly large quantities the Nomad. the Long and Short, The Theater and most other public gathering places in Cordor. None of them are at Andrew's relief breakfast table in West Cordor at the morning or at his free dinners in the Academy in the evening. It's also passed out alongside copies of the Recorder. He also includes copies of his previous newsletter

HURST

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

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

I would like to point out a few things:

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

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

A copy of both Hurst and Andrew's reports are quietly removed by a woman in white, black, and gold, tendrils of red hair showing under her hood. She bears a mage staff, and is very small; it's likely she's an elf.

She doesn't say anything, she merely forwards the papers to the Council of Winya Ravana.

This edition of his newsletter is left in fairly large quantities the Nomad. the Long and Short, The Theater and most other public gathering places in Cordor. None of them are at Andrew's relief breakfast table in West Cordor at the morning or at his free dinners in the Academy in the evening.

PVT. AMBER AGRAVAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

____________________________

In the mid-morning hours a small detachment of Cordor's elite Law Knights march upon the stately Ministry of Law adjunct offices. Twelve of Cordor's elite, clad in shining armor and crisp tabards fluttering in the morning breeze. Many citizens going about their daily business took pause, and a small crowd would gather about the Ministry of Law. The lead Law Knight would step forward with a rolled parchment in hand, his helmet held under-arm. A stern face and salt-and-peppered hair, his voice was firm and commanding. He addresses the two guards standing watch at the double-doors of the Ministry of Law's offices.

''In the name of our Speaker, Joseph Maximillian, stand aside! We bear writ for the arrest of Clerk Samuel Thackery, and lawful audit of these offices! You men are relieved of duty until further notice.''

With those words spoken, four Law Knights would descend upon the two guards, who quite simply surrendered and were relieved of their posts. Amid the hushed and worried whispers of the assembled citizens and onlookers, the rest of the Law Knights entered the Ministry offices. Their platemail armor clanking and causing no small disruption throughout the offices and clerks accustomed to quiet amid their paper-pushing. It would not take ten minutes to see Samuel Thackery dragged from the Ministry of Law offices in chains. A smug looking Thackery would simply state to the crowd that a ''terrible mistake was made' and that he understood ''these Knights are only doing their duty, as I did.''

Four Knights of Law would remain at the adjunct offices, issuing various subpenas and writs. They would explain to citizens and clerks alike that they are under orders from the Speaker himself to investigate the case surrounding the former private Amber Agravar and other cases of 'alleged corruption.'

An hour later, an announcement is read from the steps of the Commonwealth Center. It is published and spread through the various districts of the city.

"Our Speaker, Joseph Maximillian, hereby condemns and overturns yesterday's unlawful decree stripping citizen Amber Agravar of her rights to due process, and her very right of citizenship itself. Earlier this morning, Law Knights under the Speaker's orders arrested Clerk Thackery and have begun an investigation and audit of the Ministry of Law. Sir Gillfory has been charged with leading this investigation into the grievous abuse of power by the Ministry of Law and Clerk Thackery.

Citizen Amber Agravar is hereby offered formal apology by the Speaker and Ministry of Law. She will be granted her right-to-trial, as is the right of any citizen. A right that can not be stripped without due process of law.

It is in these dark days we must remember we are all equal under law, and common in wealth, common in health, and common in prosperity. May the gods bless our city and people."

This new posting is picked up by one of your average streetrats, one people may have seen take a header into a trashbin at Lt. Hole's hand. She brings it to the center of town, waiting for either Andrew or her fire genasi to show up and tell her what the words she doesn't know mean.

Against the best judgement of the Gnomish Testing Range's Physician, Tuomas made his way back after teleporting there in an emergency and having been caught in a weapons test as it was going off. Thankfully the Physician managed to nurse him back to the point he was able to move, and when he got back he seemed subdued and thoughtful.

Later, somewhere quiet in Kohlingen a copper wire was burnt with a message transmitted upon the Weave.

A woman looking of Elven descent wearing black and dark purple stands outside the Ministry of Law, and after hearing the proclamation of Amber Agravar's rights being restored simply smiles and heads out of town.

The red haired former guard sergeant, Loynis, gave a short laugh as Amber's rights were restored. He left the city, decisively not taking the cart, he followed the north road, through Bendir Dale, the forest, Kampo's Storehouse and eventually Kohlingen.

Should he have happened to pass Amber on his trip, which was most likely his intention, he'd pass on words of wisdom;

"It's a trap."

This newsletter is left in fairly large quantities the Nomad. the Long and Short, The Theater and most other public gathering places in Cordor. None of them are at Andrew's relief breakfast table in West Cordor at the morning or at his free dinners in the Academy in the evening. Parents recieve an abbreviated version, containing only things under the 'Bureau of Education' header.

MISSION STATEMENT

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

BUREAU OF EDUCATION

Schedule

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

Enrollment

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

Armored Cart

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

Employment

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

Current Teaching Staff (Blue Skies Academy of Cordor)

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

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

Fundraiser

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

Dinner

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

CLERKS

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

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

CRIME

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

AMBER AGRAVAR

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

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

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

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

"... I can't promise you it won't happen. It's a very real possibility. But I'll defend you to my last. I can promise that."

Beat.

"Thank you..."

Gerald sat in his office having a rather difficult time processing it all. But the ledgers hadn't changed at all in his absence, so at least that would be under control with him around again. A pamphlet lay not to far away from a bottle of scotch he was a good ways into as he began work on several important letters.

He'd been away for a while, and it was time to get back to work.

A certain Halfling Minister sets both himself and Franton to the task of calling for an emergency minister council session. The official topic on the public docket is "Emergency session to touch base and strengthen the Commonwealth." This is followed by a request for a "Public forum" in Cordor East following the council session.

((See here for details on time.))

Xaviera advises Dima and Nawiel and the priestesses and staff of the Temple of Love that anyone inciting hatred toward non-humans on the premises is to be asked to leave and the Guard summoned to eject them if necessary, citing the Temple's rule that all are welcome who respect the goddesses and the other patrons. She argues that to reject anyone (at least human, elf, dwarf or hin - and even Eilistraeean drow) is to prevent them from engaging in the very same worship and activities that the Temple exists to promote.

"Our name says it all. We are the Temple of Love, not the Temple of I-don't-like-your-kind-so-bugger-off."

Before the Nomad, a rivalry surged to violence. "Arrest him," said the Lieutenant. The guard moved in, hesitant to place the teacher under arrest. "Do it yourself," snarled the teacher, "like the sub-man you are."

Steel clashed. A few guards through in a jab from the crowd, and one even move to flank, but the teacher kept on. The guards slowly backed away to let the duel play out. Each of them took a drink from a heal potion, and the fight began again in earnest. Martial power and disciplined swordplay versus raw strength and bardic magic. The Lieutenant plunged his sword through the teacher's lower stomach. The teacher, through gritted teeth, slammed his shield against the soldier's helmet, knocking him into unconsciousness.

The victor's vision blurred as the pain churned through his nerves, all of them blazing. He somehow managed to stay up, however.

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

DISASTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Message

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

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

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

A day later in the early morning a tall human male wearing a silver and copper dyed armor walks the streets of Cordor. Politely asking citizens about the events and if any were injured or killed?
During that time he picks up a copy of the newsletter. Reading it carefully he later folds it neatly and takes a copy with him, resuming his walk to talk to the citizens of Cordor.

Beldak had been immensely entertained by the whole spectacle and even attempted to add to the tension with a few choice words himself. In the end though, he leaves the city disappointed as well, as Clerk Reed is unsuccesful in getting his way entirely. With his next trip to Cordor in sight, he wonders if he might want to add to the political chaos should he be able to.

Moments after obtaining one of the pamphlets from the Nomad's, a man dressed in black
and silver, bearing no symbols or markings whatsoever headed to the southern district
where he disappeared in the narrow streets.

* * * * * * *

Soon enough, back in the Living City, the High Arcanist made the pamphlet available to
the Hands of Tarkuul.

Delila had grabbed her lover in a panic when they'd started chanting about lynching non-humans, getting the fire genasi out of the city as quickly as humanly possible, getting to safety in Bendir. She'd come back to watch the aftermath, speaking quietly with a tall, blonde armoured woman that she seemed to be at least passingly familiar with.

Having no intention of being subjected to another irrate human mob, and the damage and pain they could cause, the Sorceress had taken the one called Marcus’s advice and strolled out of Cordor – even as a good quarter of the soon-to-be rioters moved toward her menacingly. Exiting the city gates Tempest looked over her shoulder briefly making sure she was not being pursued. The ink of her well-exposed body tattoos absorbed the afternoon sunlight. The dark blue and bruise purple colors appearing to roil in upon themselves mimicing the angry storm clouds on the horizon.

She had never found anything worthwhile during any of her visits to Cordor. It would be no great loss. Static electricity from the air continued to be drawn into her skin; so much so that if someone were close enough they might have heard it crackle. With a sultry twist of her body she turned north, white curls bouncing lightly around her half-human features, and set her sights elsewhere.

Aiseth settles away from the island in its turmoil out in Howness, the isolated village in the white north. It seems she has the intention to vacation here, but interestingly enough she had brought a lot of blood-stained paperwork, evidence, and a Spellbook with her to work through in good detail on those cold and frozen nights. In the day time, she goes out hiking and even tries to teach herself to shoot a crossbow to hunt deer.

A posting is found in various places in Cordor overnight. It is located in areas of the city where guards are not posted, but instead they would have to actively patrol to locate. They were not hidden, for the most part, simply secretively placed by an unseen person.

Not many are posted, though it's possible word of them would get around anyways. In Cordor North, several homes would awake the next morning to find a solitary copy had been slipped under their doors. Some more could be found sparsely scattered around the city and surrounding environments. It would appear that the culprit figured word of mouth would be enough.

Each is completely devoid of any legible fingerprints, and it would appear that the parchment and ink and even quill was bought for the sole purpose of writing the flyers; thereby removing the possibility of using divinations on them.

Quote:

Good citizens of the Commonwealth,

I have seen and heard of the events that have gripped your fair city. I have read the accounts of the papers and newsletters that have printed in the wake of such atrocities. What my eyes have seen causes me to fear for the good city of Cordor. I speak not of the current climate against non-humans, but of a far more nefarious foe.

Good people I come to you as a man, a humble servant of justice, and my gift the the truth. Cold, hard, honesty. You see, the Speaker's Government has lead you to believe the lies that they espouse the further their agendas. Their plans. They control everything around you. They control the laws, the guards, the buildings, the docks, the merchants, the wealth, the power. How long now have you been burdened with the yoke of the Speaker's so-called 'emergency powers'?

The truth is that you allowed this to happen. I write that not as an accusation but as an acknowledgement. I understand why you did so. You were afraid, and who would not be? The Duke had been killed. A Minister slain. Chaos surely would have reigned had not the Council, lead by one Speaker Maximillian, stepped up to do their duty to the Commonwealth. Free elections were just around the corner, merely sign your life into citizenship.

But remember, dear friends, that the truth is not always what is told to you. After all, consider that the Speaker's Government controls the very paper you rely upon to gain your information. If you do not believe me, consider when was the last time that you saw the grand Bill Hurst contradict anything of the Government? I mean, truly speak against it. Or, even, report anything negative about them? Oh, yes, he does a very lovely job of providing damage control for the Speaker's Government, feeding you the lies they want you to believe and minimizing any wrongdoing on their part.

No, according to them all every issue has to do with adventurers or Harpers or nobles. I won't tell you that they do not have their share of wrongs; from Harpers meddling in everyone's affairs to nobles working to oppress the good people that aid in their accumulation of wealth to adventurers muddying the waters. Oh yes, indeed, they cause troubles as well. But they are not your most pressing enemy, good citizens of Cordor. Not at all.

The truth, ladies and gentlemen, is that your enemy is the very Government you look up to for protection and your well-being. The Government that seeks to squeeze it's hold on the city, on yourselves, I suspect that even now, as you read this, officials of the Speaker's Government are shouting orders and waking politicians and so-called reporters to formulate a response. They will tell you I am a lunatic, that I am nothing more than adventuring scum or some Harper menace or perhaps even a noble trying to undermine your very way of life with lies. No doubt they will even spin the events of yesterday into some sort of Harper attack, something to twist your thinking and perpetuate the lies of the Speaker's Government. Do not let them pull the wool over your gaze any longer!

No, you know the truth. You have known it for some time, that something is very wrong with the Commonwealth. With the city that you all love with all your hearts. But you have been afraid, and justly so. What could a handful of voices do against bullys with armor and swords and the means to use them? Remember, friends, of the power of words. For while the club and sword can be used in lieu of conversation, words never loose their power.

I am but a man, a person like yourselves, but what I give to you is far more powerful that a man. I give to you a message, ladies and gentlemen of Cordor. Do not ever forget it, for it is the cornerstone of government. You have the power to effect change, far more power than you realize. Remember, good citizens of Cordor:

People should never fear their governments. Governments should fear their people!

// Whoops! Forgot to add, posted with slkNihilus' blessing

One of these notes are hastily removed and delivered to a guard by a man identifying himself simply as 'Brown', with instructions as to where it was found.

Naivatkal wrote:

Quote:

Good citizens of the Commonwealth,

I have seen and heard of the events that have gripped your fair city. I have read the accounts of the papers and newsletters that have printed in the wake of such atrocities. What my eyes have seen causes me to fear for the good city of Cordor. I speak not of the current climate against non-humans, but of a far more nefarious foe.

Good people I come to you as a man, a humble servant of justice, and my gift the the truth. Cold, hard, honesty. You see, the Speaker's Government has lead you to believe the lies that they espouse the further their agendas. Their plans. They control everything around you. They control the laws, the guards, the buildings, the docks, the merchants, the wealth, the power. How long now have you been burdened with the yoke of the Speaker's so-called 'emergency powers'?

The truth is that you allowed this to happen. I write that not as an accusation but as an acknowledgement. I understand why you did so. You were afraid, and who would not be? The Duke had been killed. A Minister slain. Chaos surely would have reigned had not the Council, lead by one Speaker Maximillian, stepped up to do their duty to the Commonwealth. Free elections were just around the corner, merely sign your life into citizenship.

But remember, dear friends, that the truth is not always what is told to you. After all, consider that the Speaker's Government controls the very paper you rely upon to gain your information. If you do not believe me, consider when was the last time that you saw the grand Bill Hurst contradict anything of the Government? I mean, truly speak against it. Or, even, report anything negative about them? Oh, yes, he does a very lovely job of providing damage control for the Speaker's Government, feeding you the lies they want you to believe and minimizing any wrongdoing on their part.

No, according to them all every issue has to do with adventurers or Harpers or nobles. I won't tell you that they do not have their share of wrongs; from Harpers meddling in everyone's affairs to nobles working to oppress the good people that aid in their accumulation of wealth to adventurers muddying the waters. Oh yes, indeed, they cause troubles as well. But they are not your most pressing enemy, good citizens of Cordor. Not at all.

The truth, ladies and gentlemen, is that your enemy is the very Government you look up to for protection and your well-being. The Government that seeks to squeeze it's hold on the city, on yourselves, I suspect that even now, as you read this, officials of the Speaker's Government are shouting orders and waking politicians and so-called reporters to formulate a response. They will tell you I am a lunatic, that I am nothing more than adventuring scum or some Harper menace or perhaps even a noble trying to undermine your very way of life with lies. No doubt they will even spin the events of yesterday into some sort of Harper attack, something to twist your thinking and perpetuate the lies of the Speaker's Government. Do not let them pull the wool over your gaze any longer!

No, you know the truth. You have known it for some time, that something is very wrong with the Commonwealth. With the city that you all love with all your hearts. But you have been afraid, and justly so. What could a handful of voices do against bullys with armor and swords and the means to use them? Remember, friends, of the power of words. For while the club and sword can be used in lieu of conversation, words never loose their power.

I am but a man, a person like yourselves, but what I give to you is far more powerful that a man. I give to you a message, ladies and gentlemen of Cordor. Do not ever forget it, for it is the cornerstone of government. You have the power to effect change, far more power than you realize. Remember, good citizens of Cordor:

People should never fear their governments. Governments should fear their people!

// Whoops! Forgot to add, posted with slkNihilus' blessing

Late the prior day, a terrible tragedy struck Cordor.

It seemed to come out of nowhere, after a day of tension, rioting, and open racial hatred. Clashes were had, but this was not the worst of it...

Vile, drider like creatures came up from the ground in South Cordor, as well as many red spirits, with one goal in mind, the slaughter of every living being they could find. They caught the city completely by surprise. Coming out of the sewer grates, many by the merchant stalls were slaughtered as they bartered. Many that tried to run were cut down as well. Local guards, disorganized, tried to fight against the wave of creatures, but were slaughtered as well.

Rumor has it that an organized counterattack was led by one former guard Captain, and enemy of the state, Nevaeh Tarvencia, and with the help of many others, beat the attack back, but not after the blood creatures had caused immense damage to the district...

Damage is spread all along the southern district, most of the homes are intact, but the cost in lives is likely in the thousands, and is still being counted. Bodies line the streets, viciously ripped apart as they stood or fled.

But curiously, even after all the fighting, not a drop of blood remains on the ground or on the victims, evidently drained away...

After that, a confrontation brewed on South, and on east... the guard struggled to maintain order in the aftermath, the guard now looking for the former captain... but is nowhere to be found...

There's a sombre mood over South Cordor, many of the dockworkers utterly shocked and stricken with grief. Productivity in the districts stops nearly entirely. Civilian casualties are immense, people lock themselves in their homes, mourning, to shocked to be riled into rage. The Long and the Short is eerily quiet. Many families are wiped out entirely or are missing family and friends by the end of the day...

No official estimates of the damage are forthcoming, but it is well agreed that the damage is immense. Guards patrol the streets in large force, looking for the culprits responsible and keeping order where they can. Needless to say, productive activity along the docks comes to a near halt in the wake of the attack...

As a new sunrise rises over Cordor, it seems not even the bright sunlight can illuminate the dark, tense mood that has crept all throughout the city.

On the next willing merchant vessel bound for Cordor from the frozen port of Barak Runedar, packed with the usual cargo of dwarven metal crafts and ores is an ordinary looking crate filled with one hundred bronze door bolts. Upon arrival in the Cordor docks the crew is instructed to deliver the crate to the dwarven merchant in the western district of the city along with his regular order of metals.

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

THE ARCANUM

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

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

The1Kobra wrote:

It seems that part of the prison facility was also a laboratory of sorts, where experimentation with blood magic was done.

It seems that they have managed to create a special kind of undead, 'blood spirit'. These undead are created from those who have been ritually drained of blood, their spirits harvested as well. They're not sentient beings, but are filled with an utter hatred of the living who yet have blood. These spirits are extremely dangerous to the living, seeking to make them bleed, yet are harmless to anything without blood, the spirits won't even sense them. It's also mentioned they will not strike those who have been specially marked.

. . .

Other documentation present reveals that they were indeed, making an army of these creatures. With intent to unleash upon Cordor...

OPEN FORUM/COUNCIL MEETING

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

DINNER AND BREAKFAST

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

To any inquiring at the Commonwealth Center, the Minister meeting is set for the week's end.

((Early afternoon on Saturday, CDT.))

This newsletter is left in fairly large quantities the Nomad. the Long and Short, The Theater and most other public gathering places in Cordor. A few are left in the Commonwealth Center. It's delivered by the oddly energetic Andrew. Despite the days events, he seems cautious optimistic, if very tired. Finally, one or two manage to find their way to Kohlingen, mostly addressed to 'Mr. First Knight' and 'Ethan Starr'.

DISASTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is what is known, in summation:

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

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

Take care of each other.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

BREAKFAST AND DINNER

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

WRITE IN

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

Staying back with the bulk of Kohlingen's army, a veteran knight adorned herself with utility belts layered with bandages and healing potions. To any who need aid, she stood prepared. Offering both mundane and divine healing.

~~

Meanwhile, on the front lines and in the city, a young halfling ran chaotically through the city. He broke into the clothing store and kidnapped Riappi, taking her to the safety of the Dale. For the most part, he stayed back, letting Cordor bring ruin upon itself, sticking by his fellow shortlings. Once the maddening fog cleared and the city had finally calm down for the most part, he escorted Riappi back to Cordor and then to her store, apologizing for any inconvenience he caused.

~~

While in Wharftown, a lone War-Knight patrolled the north-south road, ensuring no Cordor or Kohlingen army sought to take advantage of the small township.

Working along the commonwealth guard, the duchal divisions under command of Captain Nevaeh continue to guard the duchal palace and provide security to high ranking foreign officials. The exact number of duchal soldiers present is hard to estimate, as they keep out of sight except when required to assist the commonwealth guard in keeping the peace in the districts or escorting an official. Perhaps a hundred, perhaps two.

As Ser Robert returns from Kohlingen, he is followed by a cadre of ten of his men. Tensions between the duchal loyalists and the rebels remain evident. Especially between the Hand of the Duchess and those cordorian law knights who turned on the Duke years before. Clearly that those who swore to protect the royal family chose to abadon their sacred trust is an act not easily put asside.

In the meantime, with much of the Guard's command in shambles an increasingly drained (in more than just the physical sense) Marcus struggles to organize patrols and guard posts to try and restore order to the west and central districts, which continue to be plagued by unrest. Though he does his best to present a front of stability and order in the unusual times, at one time a hint of his true thoughts does slip trough - due to fatigue, lingering effects of the day-long compulsion on the city or perhaps for other reasons still...

"We are called on to pacify our city and act against our own people while they rightly resist the aggression and occupation of a foreign realm, brought into our gates by those we trust to lead and represent us. Vae victis."

Tension remains at an all time high in Cordor...

It came as quickly as it passed, but all of a sudden on that day, the people of Cordor were afflicted by an intense rage... which came and passed. Lethargy came after the rage... the effects of which resulted in numerous clashes and violent incidents...

Then the forces from Kohlingen came...
They met surprisingly little resistance, perhaps violence was only stayed by Cordor's own ministers, seeking to keep control of the situation... or perhaps still under the effects of whatever madness was causing the surge of anger... or perhaps the people were too exhausted to resist afterwards...

And then came the sudden death of Maximillian, after his proclamation of declaring the Arcanum Enemy of the State... it placed the people in an even more sombre mood...

At the dawn of the next day though, tensions flare up again... commonwealth guard only an inch away from openly clashing with the 'guests' from Kohlingen... or sometimes even getting into outright fighting...

Rumor mill continues to spread. Many citizens however, are outraged at being forced to evacuate, or that Kohlingen troops are now inside Cordor.

"Ey were right... it's those bloody nobles, they're takin us over!"...

Cordor West remains very hostile to foreign entities, as does Cordor north, the farmers who witnessed bloodshed between Cordor and Kohlingen forces taking to outright hostility again, hurling tomatoes at them when they're not looking, or just glaring at them. Even in East they aren't welcomed. South remains the most friendly, but even that's stretching it...

Overall it seems Cordor as a whole is not happy about this new political arrangement, and it's very, very clear.

The dwarven regiment from Barak Runedar generally mills about waiting in Cordor north, remaining vigilant but keeping their distance from the Cordorian and Kohlingen forces, letting the manfolk work out their own differences. Aaegus, noting the situation calming down leaves the troops to make his way back towards Kohlingen and the portal to Brogendinstein to attend to any duties back at the dwarven citadel that may need his attention.

Lady Le'Quella paid a visit to Commonwealth Center, attempting to inquire after the elven people who stayed in Cordor or if there is any fallen. Her visit to the clerk was distrupted by a scene caused by Sir Robert and Cordorian Law Knight. After a while of remaining passive, she moved into action casting, what seemed to be a single spell, when the situation seemed to move into violence. After casting a spell, the Cordorian knights strikes against Robert were halted by something invisible.

Nontheless, the situation was soon over and Ael'kaenmah was able to get the information which she could. She would have moved to see those of the People who remained in Cordor, introducing herself to them and discussing in polite manner, finally offering them to come visit their House and if denied, bluntly asking if there was any basic nesseceties they would be in need of.

She would have then taken her leave, ignoring the non-peoples insulting comments or mannerism, actually she paid almost no attention to any words thrown at her, expect if it was in elven. Otherwise she did her best to avoid hostile contacts from the Cordorians.

A young man sits at a small writing table in the privacy of his own apartment. Before him are a series of documents collected-- newsletters composed by Andrew Fryar, written testimonies from citizens. The man quietly pieces his own story together, and upon completion, delivers only a dozen or so written copies of his own letters, unable to compete with the quantity of the others due to methods of production. It reads so:

Quote:

Good People of Cordor,

We have survived. Not without sacrifices, not without loss. As we wade through the confusion and the sorrow, we must remain alert. For there is a greater danger, the threat of apathy-- Silence. Yesterday, we lost our Speaker. Today, we will not lose our Voices too.

When the Commonwealth was forged through our blood, it was forged not with the compromise of survival alone. We had seized the reins to guide our future, not to simply survive as a slave to another, or to battle toward our next meal-- But to live a life worth living.

Where are our Voices now? Where are the questions that must be asked? The passion of a free People?

Why was Kohlingen at our gates? It has been said that they were invited in to help assist with the chaos-- but it must be asked, isn't it convenient that a small army was ready to assist outside of our walls? And why now, knowing them as enemies, do they insist on staying? If eliminating Chaos was their true intention, should they not realize their presence stirs the passion for freedom within our veins, and brings us closer yet to the brink of upheaval? Nay, it would seem that they are here to instill an order of their own. One not of our choosing.

We have lost our Speaker, but let us not lose our Voices. Let truth be brought to light, and the next Dawn raised by the will of the people.

~ Henry Morris ~

*Harold would leave Cordor as soon as the fighting ended and it was clear no more fighting was expected.

Heading to Bendir to see if he could assist any refugees who wanted to head back to Cordor now the situation was stabilized and no seemed to need him in the city.
He would escort refugees if they let him or patch up minor wounds with his healing kits supply. Keeping an eye out for orcs and goblins. Walking the road between Cordor and Bendir as many times in both directions as needed. Using magics to bolster his strenght and stamina.

After that a no doubt tired Harold gets himself back to Kohlingen for a good nights sleep.*

Provided Henry's letters are left out in the open, one of them would go missing and would be replaced with another note:

"I'll publish it in the next newsletter.

-Andrew"

Just as a copper kin is preparing to leave the Holy City, a small satchel at her hip, she pauses at her door and goes still. The suddenness of a Sending does not even startle her anymore.

"Zelly, do be careful when you return. Robert and I both attacked in the palace by Cordorian guards. Tensions high, guards ignore Council's orders."

She slowly draws her hand back from the doorknob and frowns. Her claw tips come to rest on her belly and she sets her jaw before speaking a quiet response.

"I'll wait until tensions ease before going back. I'll still help, but maybe have the others send the financial reports to me here for now."

With a quiet, relieved exhale she drops her satchel next to the door and turns back around. With tensions so high that the guards are attacking "outsiders" in the palace itself, it doesn't seem a good idea at all to go back. But she won't give up on them, either. She knows she can help. But until the random acts of aggression cease she'll have to do it from afar.

Xaviera can be seen travelling about the city, appearing in various districts (escorted by a Law Knight or three), speaking to the people and offering cures for those who were wounded or attempting to raise those who died during the recent events. She moves slowly, appearing in to be in pain, and looking rather older in her weariness. But she continues on, speaking to whoever will listen.

My friends, the dark spell that I predicted years ago at the hands of the Arcanum has finally fallen over Cordor but, thanks to the Gods and Goddesses, our allies and the brave folk of the Commonwealth, disaster has been averted, if only barely. Now it is time to heal.

Both Collin Reyes and Tytalus, past Ministers of Magic, were behind the events that have affected our city for the last few years, in their attempts to gain power for themselves and the evil cabal that is the Arcanum. It was they who challenged the Gods and nearly destroyed the world by meddling with time itself. It was they who were behind the destruction of their enemies, the Monolith of Mystra, using us as their puppets. It was they who nearly brought us to war with every other city or town on Amia. It was they who were most likely responsible for the deaths of the late Johnathin Leohnard and possibly Hector Carton as well. It was they who cast foul compulsions over many of our people and enslaved their minds.

Citizens, I have personal knowledge of all these things and have, as you know, been calling for the expulsion of the Arcanum from our city for years, on the grounds they are loyal only unto themselves, and not to you or to the Commonwealth. In addition, they have allowed, through their actions, the infiltration of the Commonwealth government by thieves and felons - not the Harpers or the Nobles about whom you've been fed fairy stories and scare tales by Bill Hurst and Speaker Maximillian, but corrupt men who pillaged the Commonwealth purse, after everything they could grab for themselves without concern for the citizens - you - whose backs bore the weight of their crimes. We will bring these people to justice. We will purge the Commonwealth of these criminals.

As I said, the Arcanum has been responsible for past hostilities against Kohlingen, among others, and it is understandable that, when they saw these evil mages make their final bid for open power, they moved against an enemy. Not you, not us, not the city of Cordor, but the Arcanum. Had they not arrived to assist with the evacuation, the Arcanum's foul blood magics would have fed on the anger and violence they compelled in you and they would have grown more powerful, even destroyed our beloved city. Through talk and negotiation we have prevented the entry of the Kohlingen army and the use of force that would have cost even more deaths. A small group of Kohlingen guards will supplement our own dedicated city guards and Law Knights to help us to maintain order and to rid our city of the last of this cancer, and then they will leave, and if they are not gone within a reasonable time - say, a month or two - I shall resign my Council position in protest. We will continue to speak with our neighbours, to hear their voices and their concerns, to uphold our own rights and sovereignty but in a way that avoids trampling on those of others.

We will hold to the ideals of the Commonwealth as best we can, but changes must be made. Minister Maximillian's ideas were sound in principle, but his zeal made him blind to certain truths - among them, the hateful agenda of the Arcanum. I regret that it was only in his last few moments in the Square, when they attacked him personally as no longer useful to their cause, that he truly saw what they had done. We have escaped destruction and been given a second chance. We must remove the disease that has infected us and take the time to heal. We must call upon those who are best fit to lead us, whose skills can help us to move forward. We must find those people who are prepared to take on this responsibility. And we must move on.

What has happened here has shown that all men, whatever their birth, whatever their origin, can be corrupt. Nobles can be corrupt if they do not bear the responsibilities of their position in supporting the people who support them, but there are others who truly care about their subjects. Rich men and politicians, clerks and stewards, can be corrupt if they seek to take more than is their due, to use their positions for power and wealth, but there are those who are truly dedicated to their jobs and to serving the people. THIS is what is important, my friends! The people! You! It is well said that with great power comes great responsibility, and those who have the power MUST bear the responsibility, noble or commoner, rich man or poor, mage or merchant, carter or Councillor. We pledge to uphold that responsibility in ways that you can see, so that we are accountable to you.

Citizens, we remain dedicated to you, the people. Without you, this city would not exist. It is you, working together, that give us strength. May all the gods watch over us.

(Various informal written versions of the Minister's comments circulate as well.)

Ulrik Valis, once 'enemy of the State,' following a public proclamation of Minister Eli Hodgewall in the wake of the fighting of the last day can be seen around the Commonwealth Center and working within. Fatigue still set upon his face, alongside a rather fresh bruise, he addresses any Cordorians who approach him politely and courteously. In spite of rather crude and brash words spoken to him by some of the guard. Such behavior does not seem to shock the grey-haired magician in the slightest. Nor does it deter him from his business in the city, of which he would make no secret.

"The legacy of the Arcanum must be handled now, lest the threat they pose to the people of this city and the whole of Amia return once more. Perhaps in time, we can hope that the people can see that not all magicians behave as that malign cabal that wrought so much harm has. That the Art can serve the common good. And that it will, once more."

These situations have a ways of making some drink. For a few days after the riots a woman in black and smelling of smoke recounts her version of events around the Cordor inns over drinks. How she'd seen ranking members of the Cordor government out patrolling even before the violence started, said he was the education minister or something. She would freely admit that she stalked them - thought they were up to something, then again she thought everyone was up to something that night. She had been affected by that magic like the rest of them. However... All those people who were now telling them to be calm and sit back while the Kohlingen boys handling things had seemed to be very conveniently unaffected by the blood magic that could pierce the most effective mental wards she knew of.

She'd been asked to help them evacuate as many people as she could, asked directly by those ministers. When she asked how to stop people from murdering one another, what did they do? Told her to break up fights one at a time: A stupid way to stop a citywide riot. Why, that tactic would only work if you had... Say, a whole army present to break up every individual fight. And how convenient, one just happened to turn up when needed.

This woman couldn't make a dent in the problems that went on that night, and when she went back to those ministers? To ask their advice? Ask them what the heck was going on? Their bodyguards knocked her back, told her to keep her distance. They just wanted to keep themselves safe until the cavalry came! Such brave officials indeed.

"Of course now the whole city's back in working order. All your ministers can handle those nasty Arcanum wizards, and if they can't do it alone then they can just call in their friends from Kohlingen." Asya would say, doling out the coin to pay off a bar tab. "Definitely sounds like someone's profited off all this misery..."

*He walked about, garbed from head to toe in dark clothing. Hanging parchment that read identically. The parchment would be of elegant hand,
but the message would be simple. No doubt meant for the working class, to incite a riot if nothing more.*

Good people of Cordor, you've seen, or perhaps heard of the conflict within The Nomad. Guards, the Elite of your city breaking law after law.
The very law they've sworn to uphold, with Kohlingen breathing down our necks already, is it wise to allow such tyrannic actions? Do we give the
Duchal soldiers a reason to stay, by showing them our feral side? Or do we now, as a people take a stand. Cast aside those that do not hold our
best interest at heart. Do we scrutinize our leaders for their inaction? Or do we fall in silence as we sit idle, doing nothing until the noble of Kohlingen
take what we've worked so hard to achieve?

Something of an argument happened in the western district, between a certain sun-eyed guardsman and a halfling minister - and the guardsman appeared to have no scruples about uttering strong and critical words in front of an already agitated population.

"You will be needed in the government center more often."

"... Why? The Commonwealth no longer has a valid government. Whatever remained of it betrayed us and invited Kohlingen to turn us into a client state."

....

"The Foundation was intended to be the stone upon which this republic could finally cast off the shackles of the duchal regime and the corruption that plagued it. And now it will be twisted and nothing more than smoke to obscure the illegality of all that happens here."

....

"... And all because when it truly mattered, you and Xee faltered and failed us all.
"To the contrary..."

"... No? What of the guardsmen that died in Kohlingen's illegal assault - a war that was never declared? What of the Arcanum, who may have been suspect but were citizens still .. and held right to trial. Instead, they were butchered by outsiders and adventurers."

...

"We would be bowing to someone who is misguided into thinking they are better than the rest of us for having been born into a name they didn't earn."

"... You bow all the same. When you addressed us, you were surrounded by Kohlingeners. There was not a single citizen there."

...

"... Why should the people of the Commonwealth even consider the council as valid anymore?"
"If they don't, what would they see it replaced by?"

"... You never even spoke out against their military aggression. ... You simply opened your arms to invasion. Collaborators and traitors. ... We would have fought. We would have sacrificed and endured. Or perhaps we would have died, but we would have died for our will to determine our own path."

...

"... Kohlingen's mages were already in the council chambers when their army arrived. And one does not mobilize thousands of soldiers in an hour. ...Even if not directly responsible, Kohlingen knew what was to come and prepared to invade us when we were at our weakest. ... And you helped them do so. ... And now they sit in the center and claim all authority, and you are puppets to their will."

...

"... Return to the center. I cannot guarantee your safety here."

Graffiti and painted messages appear around cordor, especially in places where guard patrols are scarce. They bear ominous messages!

First cordor, then the island! Stop the knights!

The arcanum are a product of kholingen!

Coincidence or convenience?

Take up arms against the oppressors!

The only good paladin is a dead paladin!

Monarchy and noble rule - Or democracy and people rule?

Bill Hurst was right - The harpers came for us!

How long before they toll and tax us?

*A young woman in black leathers and chestplate, possibly identified as Nadya Simmons by some Cordorians, delivers several hundreds of pounds of fresh Megabison meat all over Cordor's soup-kitchens. She asks nothing in return, nor accepts anything if offered. She simply delivers the meat with blessings and leaves with as little noise as she arrived.*

Aly brings in a cartload of food, mostly venison and barley, and under Xaviera's guidance drops it off near the gates of Cordor, a stout dwarf helping her unload the bags of grain. It's not a lot, but it's certainly something, and she feels a little better for it as she heads back to the Shrine.

Andrew cleans a couple of pieces of graffiti he finds near the school, shaking his head in disappointment.

"I am betting this wasn't even put up by a citizen. Probably a Sharran or Banite," he asks any one who asks him why he's cleaning it off. Then, he'd point out: "If they've a grievance, they should be open about it and sign their name. Not act like a coward."

"It hasn't stopped other protesters, or any one. This here is just inciting a riot and clumsy manipulation."

It was a night ago, Aeraline recounted to those around the fire. She had just gotten off of the cart to Cordor from Bendir. It was Monday, which means it was her weekly tour through Cordor to visit some dear friends that hovered near the lamp posts and to inspect the city trees. Much to her surprise, as she hopped off the cart, thanking the driver for the not-so-rough ride this time, she saw from the corner of her eye a woman being carried by a man near the temple of love. What caught even more of her eye was the blood dripped from the woman.

“Hey Lady!!,” she called hoping the woman was merely being taken for treatment or it was some hoax. seeing it was not she screamed, “Hey!!,” This time sternly directed to the man. He took her to the fair grounds beating hasty retreat from her. As she tracked them down she saw the man toss the woman’s limp body to the ground and he started throwing darts. A second man also with a black cloak began throwing dark as well. She immediately cast Haven upon herself and started improvising a defense, bark skin, mind blank and a few others, then she started clanking mythals together pointing at the would be body snatchers. A million butterflies flocked toward where she pointed, blinding and dazing the men. AS she saw the men thrashing at her little friends she grabbed the woman and headed for the temple.

She quickly climbed the stairs with the woman on her shoulder and entered the temple. Two more bodies lay in the entry hall. Aeraline’s eyes widened and she cursed as she thought she went from the frying pan to the fire, but as she turned the corner she saw an attendant hiding in the nearby niche with the porting lantern. She rest the woman on the ground and the attendant ask what had happened to Xavierra. With all the confusion Aeraline didn’t know if Xavi was dead or unconscious so she hastily cast restoration to no effect. Xavi was dead. “I hope she answers Mielikki’s call,” she spoke to the attendant pulling out a scroll and reading it. Xavi’s eyes opened and she ghasped for air, blood running from her throat and out her mouth as she choked.

A man was sent for the guards and after seeing Xavi rise she turned to guard the sole entrance from any other would be assassins or body snatchers. It wasn’t long before guards arrived and the dead were brought back. Darts were salvaged by the guard for later examination and Xavierra thanks Aeraline as Aeraline made her way for the door. Aeraline didn't know what all this meant, but wasn’t use to being a hero and the unwanted attention certainly wasn’t to her liking. She peaked out the door to make sure no other men in black cloaks were near and headed for home, the butterflies at the map post and the trees could wait another day.

In the shaded darkness of the stairwell a hooded figure played a beautiful dirge as she sat on the steps pausing only to take a drink now and then. She never was much for laws and order and the like but obeyed them when needed. Luckily no guards came during her playing session to ask her to remove her hood even though she would, even if he minded perhaps Ol' Griff overlooked the fact of such due to the darkly splendid music that pervaded the Nomad resonating from her harp. She lost track of time whilst sitting there mostly in her own world trying to forget and drown with drink and song the past that haunted her, but it was a futile effort. She even thought this to herself as someone she was sure she recognized walked past her to the bar, said something to Griff and started to leave. The shadows betrayed any glance of the person but his voice to her highly acute elven hearing was not mistakable.

"Long time", she said, but to no recognition by her old friend. She had to remove her hood before he recognized her but really it wasn't any type of grand reunion anyone would expect. Andrew seemed lost in thought battle scarred and in a hurry. After some small talk she went with him to the school he had told her about a few years before. He explained although briefly of the events that had been occurring in Cordor after being asked what was wrong. Two old friends speaking little but volumes when doing so is the most that could be said of the evening. She suggested he get some rest and volunteered to keep an eye on things as he got that which was much needed. Dawn went into reverie her ears twitching now and then to the slightest sound. She resolutely kept guard over the school and the children within having one earcrusher arrow handy if needed to sound an alarm. She had offered to "scout" around and Andrew accepted and she has been doing just that.

Her mastery of stealth -mostly- unmatched by any, aids her as she scouts around Cordor finding out what she can and reports back to Andrew. -If- she is seen she is wearing a plain brown hooded robe and mask. Should anyone call out to her the shadows flutter and creep across the ground but for a moment and she is gone. At other times she can be seen wearing normal attire as she goes about collecting the latest newpapers and fliers posted about gaining as much insight as she can concerning recent and current happenings. She rarely speaks to anyone keeping mainly to herself considering most people in cordor's stance on non-humans.

//Master Shadow Dancers Stealth(if needed)= Hide: 95 base/MS 91 base, Imp Invis, Ext Silence, Greater Shadow Jump

Diplomacy's Game Continues: Blood and Rebirth

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