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

In Kohlingen, a Red haired female clerk in service to one of the Knights sends a missive to the watch officer who investigated the specific

To the watch officer responsible for investigating last eve's murders:

Please avail a copy of your reports and analyses to Sir Tuomas Valo at earliest convience, I am requesting such on his behalf.

If further explanation is required, Sir Valo would be glad to attend in person.

Scribe Anne Meridian

Andrew, lantern in hand, arrives in Moribund to investigate the newest batch of bodies with permission from Igor.

Afterwards, he heads up to his Academy's second floor to prepare a newsletter.

Bobo_Underhill wrote:

Andrew, lantern in hand, arrives in Moribund to investigate the newest batch of bodies with permission from Igor.

Afterwards, he heads up to his Academy's second floor to prepare a newsletter.

Andrew's lantern would not be the only one shining light over the bodies of Moribund. The Keeper of Tarkuul is ever present it seems and if asked, he would be able to tell where the bodies are being kept until prepared for their final rest.

Xaviera is escorted from the jail by a guard of three Law Knights to meet with the Tribunal in the Commonwealth Center. She emerges after an hour or so, leaning on the arm of the slim albino Alanna Molov. Her white hair is stringy, her face and arms smudged with dirt from her cell, and her eyes puffy with tears, but she manages to smile and wave to the cheering crowd gathered outside, blinking in the sunlight. By order of the Tribunal, she has been released pending her official trial and allowed to resume her duties on the Council. "Thank you, everyone," she says to her well-wishers. "I promise to do my best for you until such time as you, the people, decide otherwise." With that, she shuffles off toward the Temple of Love, holding on to the other woman for support.

Various lights can be seen bursting from the Forest of Despair. It would seem as though there was some sort of arcane convention, or perhaps, the preparation of various spells were being used and tested live over the area there. Whatever it was, it ends in the day time and returns sometime the next evening; more flickering lights, and the soft crackling of energy hoarsely turns a quiet forest into a busy one for an hour a day.

A great deal of cheer can be heard around Cordor South and Cordor North as it is announced that minister of public health and welfare Xaviera Xuider-Xee was released from prison in her bail hearing in the commonwealth center. Her full trial will occur at a later date...

Meanwhile...

The murders of the mages, and especially the mage guard has Philippi in a frenzy, he and his mage guard thoroughly investigate the cases. Should he meet any Amnish he would have them questioned at length, and does not take kindly to any lack of cooperation. He also makes sure that his mage guard is generally well supervised, in teams of no less than three, with very strict schedules and recording.

Andrew's announcement about the purple ghosts has much of the city scared, for the nights of it's release. Many of the empty homes in Cordor South have their entrances boarded up, as if a precaution against a haunted house. Places where people were murdered even years before are evacuated, in fear that the ghosts could appear there as well. Still, so far, there haven't been too many further recorded incidents, but the fear of them showing up is ever present.

Decon's notice is read and read over and over again, there are many a debate in the Cordor Central theater about what to do in light of it all. The orphanage sisters in particular plead that they should make contact with the rest of Cordor so that peace and unity can be achieved once more. The wealthy businessmen of the district however are far more skeptical, thinking that they would just be walking into a trap. Cordor Central is emptier now, around 900 of their citizens having fled to Tarkuul, and many of the more polarized ones, particularly ones on the lower end of the wealthy spectrum, have migrated to West Cordor. With the migrations, there is a significantly greater portion of the people willing to make contact with the Tribunal, but it seems that they still yet remain undecided,..

In Cordor West, there's a quiet, perhaps defeated mood among the people. Many commoners continue to look out to see, where their fellow citizens left for a better life in Tarkuul. The mood is quiet and sombre, for the most part. While many having read Decon's letter think they should at least take some part, it seems the bitter resentment still lies deep. Still, it has been rumored that one balding old man seems to be making more trips to Central and East Cordor these days...
They are still welcoming of any from Tarkuul though, and while cautious of the Amnish, do seem to be steadily getting less hostile towards them.
In the Arena, many of their citizens continue to train for any eventual fighting. Former members of the guard help to drill and instruct the citizens, though it seems that training is slow and discipline is somewhat lacking. They tend to give the large man in spiked armor a few glances, but mostly seem to go about their own endeavors.

In South, the generally rowdy militia is helped shape up. They take well to the rough, unprofessional maneuvers, and do seem to love a good brawl. Progress is slow though, and while eager, seem to have some trouble adjusting to fighting as a unit.

Meanwhile, in Moribound, Igor continues to work dutifully, though is still extremely grateful for Grim's assistance. He doesn't seem very interested in the politics, only with continuing his duties. “Their journeys all end here eventually,..”. It does seem that the gravedigging is going more smoothly these days, thanks to help and a lack of more massive influxes of corpses.

The murders continue to heighten regional tensions, the barricade that South has draws a lot of distrust from Central, many thinking that they have it set up so the South can get away with the murders. Swords of South Cordor however, seems to have no intention of giving up the barricades, keenly remembering what had happened when the rioters of West Cordor stormed their district.

Minister Cromwell continues to work hard with caring for the day to day affairs of the people, and does his best to mend ties. He finds himself overjoyed at hearing of minister Xee being released though, and makes sure to visit her frequently in between his tasks and trying to ensure that the people of the commonwealth come together once more.

Few seem inclined to read through Marcus' notice, especially after the proclamation by Mike, some of the guards snickering about 'that crank cultist' without even reading it. Others do actually read it at Mike's behest, though only seem half interested and skim over it before getting back to their lives.

All in all, Cordor remains a place of tension and chaos, though there are some glimmers of hope as some efforts of cooperation take hold...

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

DECLARATION BY MARCUS AURELIUS

Marcus Aurelius of the Cordor Guard recently posted a lengthy explanation and dissertation about what he feels the Commonwealth is about and what the Commonwealth stands for. I'll unravel what he buried in ton of legalese and complex, pointlessly dry language for ease of understanding:

Cordor has historically had a great merchants guild. The Temple of Waukeen as Cordor's most prominent temple has always been a nod to the mercantile and free-trade culture that Cordor has had. He speaks out against private ownership of property and business. The Commonwealth, the state, would instead provide everything needed for life and a budget based on how they serve the state. The only cost would be a lack of self-determination, a concept Mr. Aurelius slammed, despite it being the underpinning of the Commonwealth. A citizen would hold 'no true income', and thus their ability to determine their destiny would only extend as far as the government wanted it to.

Though he dropped the conscription that had originally been in the Foundation of the Commonwealth document, he has included it as a necessity for citizenship in his new a bizarre essay.

Finally, he has wrapped all of this in jargon, undermining merchantry, undermining private ownership, undermining the rights of citizens, in a ridiculously dry and lengthy manifesto to dissuade people from reading the entire thing. The 'citizen' having a narrow definition he defined on his own, when such a thing should be decided by the people, not a guard with a history of overwhelming use of force and who is so prideful he's called other people 'mortals'.

Considering the corruption of the previous Ministry of Law regime and the brutality of Lieutenant Aurelius, I am less than willing to support any kind of overly powerful state control. Aurelius's suggested state is one of unquestioning law and inhumanity, for the good of the State. Aurelius's view of what Cordor should be, in this writer's opinion, is very far removed from what Cordor precedence and from reality in general, more akin to his own view of utopia, rather than what the people would want – for Aurelius, it's never been about what the people desire, but rather what's good for them.

MURDERS

Jill and Gregory Fletcher, two residents of East Cordor, were found in Central, near the theater, beaten and killed. Eleven male mages across the city were also killed at the tenth hour. Every one of these mages were killed by surprise, according to my investigation: Four were murdered in their sleep, two had their throats slit, two were drowned, one was hung and the two mage guards fought valiantly, but were too taken by surprise to succeed.

I believe these murders are all tied together, likely the work of Arcanum that have either (1) newly arrived with a certain delegation of foreigners or (2) survived the purging of their numbers. More news will come out as it is learned. I am very much of the opinion that these murders are not done by Cordorians, but by Arcanum. Targetting human, male mages was their old modus operandi. Furthermore, the murders of the Fletchers were placed in such a way to spark further tension between the districts of Cordor, similar to how the late Lt. Hole murdered people to pin it on 'enemies' of the Commonwealth.

My greatest sympathies to those who have lost family in this pointless violence.

HURST

Multiple sources say Bill Hurst, who is wanted for tax fraud and who had his guard kill guards who were trying to arrest him, has been given asylum by Tarkuul. I've yet to fully confirm this information.

AMN

The time that Cordor was given to decide between it's three “options” is drawing to a close. We have not paid, we should not bend. This leaves one final option. I do not know what the Tribunal intends to do. I know I'm done living under tyrants and intend to fight the Amnian invaders every step of the way. If any would join me in standing for Cordor's independence from any outsider, I'd welcome it.

Not long after Andrew's newspaper is released, pages of it appear on noticeboards throughout the city - with some commentary.

Bobo_Underhill wrote:
for Aurelius, it's never been about what the people desire, but rather what's good for them.

Exactly.

A weak government that holds the absolute freedom of the individual over the good of the many has worked ever so well for us.

- Aurelius

A reply is left on those Andrew finds.

Elorathall wrote:

Bobo_Underhill wrote:
for Aurelius, it's never been about what the people desire, but rather what's good for them.

Exactly.

A weak government that holds the absolute freedom of the individual over the good of the many has worked ever so well for us.

- Aurelius

And a strong government to decide 'what was best' for the people worked splendidly under Maximillian or Mover. This is also the same philosophy as Sir Robert of Kohlingen. It worked well for a brutal guard like you. I know that I, personally, have no desire to live in your warped perception of how Cordor should be, and I'm not alone in that. That you insist on writing in abstract language during your manfesto indicates you do not respect the people.

I'm not surprised you're not bothered by the oppressive Ministry of Law we lived under.

-Andrew

A day later, a reply is placed up in turn.

Quote:

Bobo_Underhill wrote:

And a strong government to decide 'what was best' for the people worked splendidly under Maximillian or Mover. This is also the same philosophy as Sir Robert of Kohlingen. It worked well for a brutal guard like you. I know that I, personally, have no desire to live in your warped perception of how Cordor should be, and I'm not alone in that. That you insist on writing in abstract language during your manfesto indicates you do not respect the people.

I'm not surprised you're not bothered by the oppressive Ministry of Law we lived under.

-Andrew

Mister Fryar,

I must say that your reply leaves me in a state of disappointment, for while your tone suggests you do not agree with my writing - something I shall shed no tears for - I had expected a self-proclaimed teacher to support such disagreement with impartial observations and considered arguments, rather than seeking to provoke me in a low-brow epistolary spar. If this is the means by which you prefer to communicate, then I shall humbly oblige you. It appears you find written language “abstract” and “disrespectful to the people” - a statement that evokes a measure of confusion with me, for I hold the people to be literate and capable of higher reasoning, and not in need of translation as if they were simple. Regardless, allow me to hereby reply to your writing in words and phrasing I have made effort to adjust to your preferred level, through the use of short sentences (no longer than ten words if possible) and mean terminology. I shall also make every attempt to keep my reply brief as to not exhaust your limited attention span.

The Commonwealth has never had a strong government. It would be highly flattering to say it had a weak government. (Such is twelve words, should I rephrase?) In truth, the Commonwealth was created by the Arcanum for the sole purpose of facilitating (to facilitate. synonym: to support, to make easier) the destruction of Cordor. By extension, those it permitted within the upper tiers of government were either knowledgeable and malicious, ignorant or simply impotent to affect any measure of change. As such, the Commonwealth’s “provisional” government undertook no noteworthy planning, reform or investment to ensure long-term prosperity. In essence, the government did not govern. A few token efforts, such as the pacification of the south district, were made when the general populace was still drunk with "revolution", yet since then there has effectively been no government.

To illustrate: while Act II of the Provisional Government empowers “the republic” to vote on legislation, the exact nature of “the republic” is not defined. Does “the republic” refer to the Provisional Council of Ministers? Does it refer to the Commonwealth as a whole, and all Citizens in it?

On that note, the Constitution was never written - let alone passed. As such, the presumed rights that Citizens hold (such are right to trial) have never been ratified. In effect, there is -no- right to trial, and trial is merely a luxury held arbitrarily at the whim of whoever claims the
authority to judge, be it the Ministry of Law or the Citizen's Tribunal. Act IV details the “expansion of the court system” but there is no legally defined court system to begin with. And certainly, the Ministries were never legally empowered to hold any authority - unless such was done in an impromptu manner and declared with a whisper in the backroom of a tavern, as seems to be the current and past mode of handling such matters.

Failure of necessary governmental reform aside, the current code of “law” (though I am loathe to use the term in relation to the following document) is a laughable document (singular!) that serves as a poor veil to obscure tyranny by sword, intimidation and bribery. And while no doubt you would prosper in such an environment, Mister Fryar, having already seen to the assassination of Gilroy Reed, the abduction and attempted murder of Jay Edgar Mover, the assault on and death of multiple guards and officers (including one of the Law Knights), you hardly stand alone in your desire to alter “civilization” to a state of absolute anarchy; Neveah Tarvencia, Richard Johnsson, the collective of Harpers, nobles and associated adventurers have likewise set a precedent of resolving conflicts and challenges through means more commonly attributed to raging orcs.

I myself have experimentally followed your precedent and attempted to resolve the problem of the notable criminal Richard Johnsson (who continues to violate banishment with the unofficial sanction of Eli Hodgwall) trough the application of violence and death, yet I have found it to be an inefficient "solution" and I cannot grasp why you continue to believe such means yield any positive result, as he once again walks the streets of our city in service to .. Jay Edgar Mover? Tarkuul? Wiltun? What will it be this week?

Regardless, please find hereby attached the FULL text of the “law” of the Commonwealth, as it is retained amongst the guard, with the necessary annotations to clarify its complexity to you.

BrainSplitter wrote:

• Damage of Public Property.
The destruction, damage, or defilement of public property. Such actions will be punished under the judgement of Cordorian Guard officials.

Is "Cordorian Guard" intended to refer to the "Commonwealth Guard", or does it only refer to those members of the Guard stationed in Cordor? By extension, would damage of public property in Guldorand or the West Delta be processed by the Cordor-stationed Guardsmen? And what exactly is the standard penalty for violations of this sort?

• Assault/Attempted murder.
Any action which is directly harmful on a physical level falls under this law; examples of such being direct attacks, kidnapping, and the like. This is punishable by fines or execution.

A rowdy tavern brawl, or even a slap from a woman, is placed on equal legal base as being attacked with a battleaxe. Also of note is that there is a charge of "attempted murder", yet no charge of "murder". Hence it is illegal to fail at murder, yet not to succeed at murder. Perhaps this article was inspired by drow culture.

• Possession/Sales of illegal/stolen items.
Holding illegal or stolen items on one's person is deemed to be breaking this law, without regard to purpose. Sales of such items is also illegal.

If a guardsman has confiscated stolen goods, has he not committed a violation of this sort? Also, what is the standard penalty?

• Theft.
Taking items from another without consent of the owner by way of either; coercion, pickpocketing, or the like is deemed to be a violation of this law.

What is the standard penalty?

• Prostitution.
Illegal, period. Prostitution is not to happen on the free streets of Cordor.

Prostitution is not legally defined (and hence could be anything), but clearly it is illegal throughout Cordor - except on captive streets.

• People-trafficking/Slavery.
Within the walls of Cordor the sales, possession, trade, and use of slaves for any task is illegal.

What is the standard penalty for doing so? What is to become of any slaves in the Commonwealth? Are they immediately freed? Are they considered stolen property and confiscated by the state? Are they forced out along with their owner?

• The supply and/or possession of false documents.
The possession, sales, trade, or use of false official documents is illegal within the City of Cordor and is punishable as seen fit by Cordorian Guard personnel.

Should I be in need of false documents, I shall travel to Guldorand and openly trade for them. And I shall certainly see fit to have any caught with such documents in Cordor spend a week cleaning guard post latrines or cleaning potatoes.

• Extortion or Bribery of public officials/organizations.
Influencing a public official or organization by means of coercion, bribery, or other acts of a similar nature are illegal within Cordor and punishable by law.

Standard penalty? Not illegal in Guldorand? What exactly is the definition of "influencing"?

• Impersonating a guard/Public official.
Impersonating any Cordorian official of any caliber is illegal within Cordor and punishable by jailing and/or execution.

It seems I am at liberty to claim to be the Speaker of the Commonwealth, while I do so outside of Cordor.

• Disturbing the peace.
This applies to any act that is intentionally disruptive to persons or offensive in some way. Hawking of wares is not disturbing the peace. Shouting, carousing, public nudity (complete or partial), are all offenses that fall into this category.

An exercise, perhaps? Name at least three legal faults in this article.

• Discussion/Planning with intent to cause harm or commit crime.
Such actions will be punished in the same manner as the crime or law violation being discussed.

Within acceptable tolerance, if only barely.

• Interfering with Cordorian Guard Investigations.
Attempting to interfere with a Cordorian Guard investigation on any level is a fineable offense. Examples of such are; blatant distraction, attempts to bribe officials, lying about details of an incident, and refusing to acknowledge Cordorian Guard orders in such investigations.

This does not bode well for the Guldorand Militia.

• Aiding and Abetting.
Any action that directly assists in the performing or success of an illegal activity, such as hiding stolen goods, causing deliberate distractions, providing false information to Cordorian Guard Personnel about known criminals. This law is subject to the judgement of Cordorian Guard Personnel.

No law is subject to the judgement of the Guard. A decision during an incident, however, may be made subject to the judgement of the Guard. Standard penalty?

• Attempting to incite a riot.
Any attempts to incite a riot or significant disturbance within the City of Cordor is deemed to break this law, examples of such being attempts to bring the citizens and adventuring populace against the His Grace directly.

It seems that the entirety of the Commonwealth is guilty of attempting to incite a riot, and should be brought before the former Duke Montgomery d'Cordor - who is currently removed from liminal time and living in Kohlingen, I hear. Then again, it may be argued that there was no mere attempt but a successful act against "His Grace" altogether. I would be interested to learn of the standard penalty of this violation regardless.

• Offensive Spellcasting.
Offensive casting of all kinds is not permitted within the city walls (Graveyard, infested ship, and sewers excluded). If you are caught casting harmful spells in town (includes rods and wands) you will be jailed for an appropriate amount of time, no warning. Non-offensive spells must be cast only on oneself or people who give you permission (healing excluded).

"What is the "infested ship"? Which Graveyard? What is an "appropriate amount of time"? Should I receive written permission from a dying man before healing him?

• Familiars/Animal Companions/Summons.
Must always be kept outside the stonewall gates. Undead beings are not permitted with Cordor's limits in any fashion or manner and will be dismissed immediately. You are responsible for unsummoning all creatures accompanying you. This law does not apply to trade animals (oxen, horses), domestic animals (cats, dogs), and birds.

Undead beings are not permitted with[in] Cordor's limits in any fashion or manner and will be dismissed immediately, unless they are on city that floats into the waters of Cordor or brought into the city to aid an excavation in the graveyard under the pretense of "aid" - all with the unconditional permission of the Provisional Council.

• Resisting Arrest.
Will land you straight in prison. This applies but is not limited to: Ignoring the person arresting you, fleeing the scene as you are placed under arrest, or violent protest of your arrest. Non – violent means of capture will be used unless the suspect has caused bodily harm of any kind to another being. This law also applies to failing to yield to a Cordorian Guard order.

Evidently, you have taken to ignoring this law altogether - responding instead by decapitating the arresting officer.

• Shifting.
Any and all unauthorized creatures of a non-humanoid form, or standing taller than seven foot tall, are deemed to be in violation of this law and must assume an appropriate form within Cordor or leave. There is no need for this behavior except during a defense of Cordor. This law is subject to the judgement and assessment of Cordorian Guard Personnel.

Evidently, all non-humanoid creatures taller than seven foot are welcome in Guldorand. And again, the Cordor Guard appear to be empowered to judge this law. I judge it to be poorly constructed.

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

At the very least, I am legally empowered to detain and charge for "inappropriate acts" of any sort. And detain or arrest suspicious individuals for thorough questioning and searching. Etcetera.

I would note that there is no mention of Treason of any sort. As such, there are currently non who could legally be charged with treason, as this charge simply does not exist - which will rather simplify the coming trials. On that note, there is also no mention of the following potential violations:
* Espionage
* Sabotage
* Torture
* Trespassing
* Squatting
* Concealing the face
* Carrying unsheathed weapons
* Adultry
* Trade or possession of black necromantic components
* Trade or possession of demonic or diabolical components or artifacts
* Blasphemy
* Illegal rituals
* Despoiling sanctified grounds
* Mutiny
* Desertion
* Abuse of legal authority
etc.

And I am certainly not in favor of placing all these under the carte blanche that is the last article of the current code.

Clearly, even you will see that the Provisional Council has thus far been neither a strong government nor one that has governed "for the good of the people". I would furthermore offer you the advise to no longer presume to hold expertise on matters of governance and law, and focus on your expertise as semi-educated swordsman. Should you ever develop the basic insight into the process of law, and the necessity of such, I may have considered to invite you for recruitment into the Guard. However, we tend not to favor those who slay our own.

Finally, I would conclude by saying that I know that I, personally, have no desire to live in your warped perception of how Cordor should be, and I'm not alone in that.

-- Aurelius

A blonde elven woman can be seen reading the pages.

"No you. NO YOU! No you. Friggin' kids."

An amused laugh came from a red head priest of Lathander after he finished reading over the rather lengthy arguments. Shaking his head, he wandered off, returning to the chapel for the first time in nearly a tenday.

Xaviera is seen collecting a copy of both Andrew's newsletter and Marcus' reply.

A day later, a reply is placed up in turn.

Elorathall wrote:

Mister Fryar,

I must say that your reply leaves me in a state of disappointment, for while your tone suggests you do not agree with my writing - something I shall shed no tears for - I had expected a self-proclaimed teacher to support such disagreement with impartial observations and considered arguments, rather than seeking to provoke me in a low-brow epistolary spar. If this is the means by which you prefer to communicate, then I shall humbly oblige you. It appears you find written language “abstract” and “disrespectful to the people” - a statement that evokes a measure of confusion with me, for I hold the people to be literate and capable of higher reasoning, and not in need of translation as if they were simple. Regardless, allow me to hereby reply to your writing in words and phrasing I have made effort to adjust to your preferred level, through the use of short sentences (no longer than ten words if possible) and mean terminology. I shall also make every attempt to keep my reply brief as to not exhaust your limited attention span.

That's certainly not the case. I'll not respond to your simplification the laws for me since, quite frankly, it's not worthy of a response and your asinine arrogance is on full display with the majority of your reply. However, I'll point out some things that you've apparently been too unintelligent to pick up on during your time as a resident of Cordor.

Quote:

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

At the very least, I am legally empowered to detain and charge for "inappropriate acts" of any sort. And detain or arrest suspicious individuals for thorough questioning and searching. Etcetera.

And this is part of the issue, right here. The vague nature of the current law code and the potential for abuse by the Speaker and the Guard because of it lead to the oppressive situation that has been the backdrop of Cordor current events for years. The open interpretation and lack of proper oversight grew the Cordor government to a point where it was able to do anything it wished with nigh impunity as it was technically allowed by the law. This included seizing private property, unwarranted arrests, guard brutality, attempting to silence opposing viewpoints and voices, lack of transparency, etc. If you need further evidence of the happenings, please refer to the great amount of documentation I've covered in my newsletters over the past several months. Regardless of what is actually written in law, the government institutions and officials were able to use these gaps and lack of oversight to run Cordor into the ground. Yet, with the problems right in front of you, from Amber's sham of a trial to your lack of progress with investigating Lt. Hole, you sat back and let it all happen.

Just because you didn't oppose it doesn't mean it isn't wrong. Even with something as blatantly contradictory to one of the few stated civil laws as Amber being declared an enemy of the Commonwealth and sentenced to exile despite a lack of trial, you could only sit their and wring your hands. Yet ultimately you still carried out your orders despite everything in your heart saying it was wrong - and don't tell me it didn't, because I saw the anguish in your actions. If all were like you, society would be stagnant and the people would be continued victims of the state, without bringing their ire against the authority that was committing wrongs against them. This is not to say everything should be like me, however, as that would certainly bring about an anarchy.

The Law failed to serve or protect the people. It instead served to bind them down. Hence it was not legitimate.

Quote:

Clearly, even you will see that the Provisional Council has thus far been neither a strong government nor one that has governed "for the good of the people". I would furthermore offer you the advise to no longer presume to hold expertise on matters of governance and law, and focus on your expertise as semi-educated swordsman. Should you ever develop the basic insight into the process of law, and the necessity of such, I may have considered to invite you for recruitment into the Guard. However, we tend not to favor those who slay our own.

I'm not opposed to the Law, however your government structures leave this potential open for abuse. I'd imagine if you were capable of discerning what is right and what is wrong, you'd understand that signing off on the secret arrests and murder of hundreds and thousands of people tends to be a bit wrong. If being a servant of law requires being impotent, as you've so much clearly displayed when you're not imploding people in front of children, then I'll gladly remain outside of the Cordor Guard. But, no, I wouldn't let a man take me in to Mover - who was wanted for trial (How did catching him go, by the way?) - for crimes against the Commonwealth. That would've been a death sentence and you're the only one too stupid not to see that.

Quote:

Finally, I would conclude by saying that I know that I, personally, have no desire to live in your warped perception of how Cordor should be, and I'm not alone in that.

-- Aurelius

That's fine. My perception of how Cordor should be is one where people are free to make their own choices and follow their own destiny. If the city chooses to follow your way via popular vote, then I'll not fight it. That's ultimately where our differences are coming from. I'm not seeking to force one view of how Cordor should be onto the citizens. Rather, I want them to choose how they proceed in the future. You've stated before that Cordor Law, as it currently stands, is absurd. That's something I agree on. It allows men to apparently flout the law (e.g. Mover, Reed), hampers or encouraged the Guard to go along with these corruptions (Lt. Hole, You) and dissuades people from standing up to it either in the courtroom or otherwise.

-Andrew

A darkly clad, and heavily armoured vessel approaches Cordorian waters from the North Western side direction. For now it seems contempt to keep several nautical miles out to sea.

Andrew's drill the next day dealt with some more situational information. He carted out a cheap set of full plate and a tower shield. He propped these up and set a helmet on top of them before the militia men that morning. With his drilling arming sword in hand, he went about his teaching.

“Full plate is a set of plates usually over a chain hauberk or something like that. It's expensive, so most rank and file soldiers and guards probably won't have it, however it's not that uncommon. Therefore, it's important to know how to kill a person wearing it. I'm not going to lie, it can be difficult. Plate armor is heavy and thick to repel slashes from arming swords such as this one.”

For emphasis, he thwacked his practice sword against the armor a couple of times, allowing the crowd to see the demonstration.

“But it's not impenetrable. The typical plate armor has weak points in the armpits and around the neck region. These are protected by chain, but a solid thrust'll break through that. That's only for those of you who have arming swords. To those of you who have mace or a hammer, you're going to want to be hitting the same spot repeatedly.This'll wear down the armor itself and eventually lead to a fatality. The thing about spears is that they concentrate all of your force on a single point, giving it some substantial penetrating power. A hammer and a mace rely on energy and gravity to carry the relatively heavy weight. You can, with sufficient blows and strength, cave in a set of plate and neutralize the man within. With a hammer, if you have enough of an opening, you can swing it to the 'spike' end and punch right through armor, but this requires you to have some substantial time to recover from a successful hit. And a glance with the spike of your hammer means your weapon is stuck and you're at the mercy of your opponent.”

He pushed the display off to the side and sheathed his practice sword. He took out a cowl of an Arcanum mage and held it up for display.

“The presence of a mage on the field constitutes a serious threat, and you should leave it to professional soldiers to deal with. Particularly in the case of one of these Blood Mages. They'll generally be able to see through your invisibility potions as well. If one of those shows themselves, focus on getting civilians out of the area and to safety. Really, though, that should always be our first priority: protecting and helping our neighbors to safety.”

The Minister of Finance has not been seen or heard from for the past few days.

In Tarkuul, soon after the approach of a massive vessle, a large group of people can be seen at the portal greeting an ilithid with four tentacles, presumably of the Ulithari caste. They all promptly head into the castle for some form of meeting.

A large half orc and red haired tiefer female with ram horns and horse ears enter a home across the street from the Arena in West Cordor. The Half Orc can be seen heading into the arena for long periods of time before returning to this house

Andrew sends along the following information to all the guard and militia units he can, including passing a few out to Central in hopes they spread through to West.

In addition to the hyper-powered blood mages seen stalking around the island, Tytalus is also returned, claiming to be serving a higher power. This higher power is almost certainly Reyes. Should either of them arrive, they should be treated as an extremely dire threat. It is my recommendation as a civilian that civilians be removed from the area should one arrive. Do not attempt to engage without an army at your back.

-Andrew Fryar

After stopping by to see Parulg with a letter in hand, Samantha, dressed in black leathers, seems to have taken it upon herself to assist Andrew in his flyer distributing and drills. She attends South Cordor Militia meetings and assists those trying to learn in their offensive and defensive stances. When discussing plate mail, she goes over movement. "Each move must be purposeful, otherwise one wastes a large amount of energy on simply adjusting the metal shielding your body. It is more prudent to stand still, like a rock, than to attempt to outright run in anything heavier than leathers." She teaches them the difference between soft leathers and hard leathers, spending most of her time helping them with information.

A certain Tarkuulian official spreads Andrew's posting through the west.

The following notice appears here and there throughout the city, though not with great fanfare, particularly at approaches to the Western district. A copy is also placed on the gates of Moribund. Others are handed to known representatives of the Living City by members or agents of the Guard, some with a "Just thought you should know" or "Thought this might be of interest to you" or "Thanks for your help". Obviously, the attitude of the individual toward the Living City and its people may modify this reaction somewhat.

Quote:

The government of the Commonwealth of Cordor thanks the Living City of Tarkuul for their aid and assistance during our recent time of crisis. The need for any further official presence on the part of the Living City within the territory of the Commonwealth is hereby concluded.

Tarkuul is kindly requested to withdraw its personnel from lands held by the Commonwealth and to return to the custody of the Cordor Guard any persons within its territory who may have been accused of crimes against the Commonwealth in order that they may stand trial before the representatives of the people in the persons of the Citzens' Tribunal.

Cordor remains dedicated to the freedom of its citizens and visitors to pursue activities that do not conflict with the laws of the Commonwealth or the well-being of its inhabitants.

~X. Xee, Speaker of the Council

During his brief walks through Cordor the Keeper of Tarkuul once seeing the notice and taking it with him he would go to Moribund. There he would thank Igor for the opportunity to work beside him and explain that the city of Cordor had decided that his presence was no longer needed.

After the request for Tarkuul personnel to be removed from Cordor lands, a woman in the tabard and cloak with the colors of a Knight of Tarkuul is seen delivering a letter to the Cordor town center. She then immediately heads for port and extracts herself from the City of Water by boat.

A copy of a brief letter finds its way into the hands of each of the members of Cordor's Tribunal and Cordor's Ministers and Speaker, each branded appropriately:

Quote:

Esteemed Tribune/Minister/Speaker,

The thirty day grace period on your reply to the country of Amn's offer has expired and, while we are aware such a term was a short on indeed, we require an answer. We eagerly await a response and hope that there can be cooperation and understanding between our two nations. Please deliver a response to our mission in Cordor and it shall be relayed to the Council. May peace and sanity reign over us in these hard and trying times.

-Joseph Steinberg, Delegation of Amn

Notices are placed up throughout Cordor.

Quote:
Citizens of the Commonwealth,

I hereby wish to inform you that I have by chance stumbled upon a meeting in the Commonwealth Center between the provisional Council (including Minister Xee), certain members of the Citizen's Tribunal (including Franton) - and Robert of Caris, the Hand of the Duchess and most notable of the remnant nobility, and his attendants.

Despite my appointment as representative and legal advisor of the Citizen's Tribunal, I was not informed of this meeting and upon my arrival was immediately demanded to vacate the chambers. This demand was further enforced by an armed Ser Godric of the Law Knights.

As the Citizen's Tribunal has thus proven to no longer require my service or desire my participation, I hereby resign as its field representative and legal advisor. Furthermore, I offer sincere apology to all Citizens of the Commonwealth for my part in its creation and assembly. While I did so with honest intention to create a forum and means by which our divided Commonwealth could come together and process matters or urgency and gravity, my creation has since evidently determined to collaborate with the past and present enemies of the Commonwealth - and to do so behind closed doors, away from the eyes of the people it was created to serve.

- Aurelius

Once again, Mike the paperboy would busily point out a copy of the notice to anyone who passes by, that isn't tied to the Alpha Division.

Obviously he doesn't realize that the Tribunal just couldn't trust him anymore, that's why he wasn't included, I'd wager. It's made up of citizens, you and me, and they heard me out when I witnessed Marcus' brutality. Why don't we just ask them what the meeting was about?

Emilie takes a look at one of Marcus' notices as she carries an armful of rolled parchments. She shakes her head, her expression amused. "A beacon of light in the darkness, indeed... It seems I may win that bet after all." She shuffles around the parchments and leaves one of them at the Blue Skies Academy in Cordor square. She huffs, blowing a lock of hair from her eyes, looking tired as she mutters under her breath, "Richard, where are you?"

Quote:

Esteemed Tribune/Minister/Speaker,

The thirty day grace period on your reply to the country of Amn's offer has expired and, while we are aware such a term was a short on indeed, we require an answer. We eagerly await a response and hope that there can be cooperation and understanding between our two nations. Please deliver a response to our mission in Cordor and it shall be relayed to the Council. May peace and sanity reign over us in these hard and trying times.

-Joseph Steinberg, Delegation of Amn

With the impending expiry of the Amnish ultimatum, Cordor's Commonwealth Center is a hive of activity. Ministers Xee and Cromwell, Law Knight Sir Godric and several members of the Tribunal are closeted in meetings, including - if Lieutenant Aurelius is to be believed - with representatives of Kohlingen. Secretary Fryar is seen entering the building in the afternoon. Guard Captain Reynolds storms in at one point during the evening, clearly furious, then storms out less than an hour later, only slightly less livid. The meetings continue late into the night.

Before the sun has yet risen, John of Gars, squire to Ser Robert of Caris, is escorted into Cordor by two ducal guards. Regardless of the hour, each member of the Commonwealth Council and Tribunal is sought out personally, and handed the same leather folder bearing the seal of the Hand of the Duke. Once his charge is completed, the young man departs from the city with his two companions.

Last edited by Xaviera on Wed, Dec 18 2013, 4:20 AM, edited 1 time in total.

In the late afternoon on the day that Amn's ultimatum expires, a group of Mage Guards and Law Knights surrounds the building in which Amn's delegation is staying. The Speaker of the Council, Minister Xee, presents a letter to the head of the group and politely requests that they immediately gather their belongings and return to their vessels. The delegation is informed that, should they wish to conduct further discussions with, or present a reply to, the Council, they are welcome to submit their requests in writing to a Law Knight who will be stationed on the docks for the purpose of receiving their communications.

At the same time, groups of Guards take up positions on the docks and at various locations in North, East and South Cordor, including the main square, the bridge to the north and the gates. Another contingent presents itself at one of the entrances to the Central/West districts and, if not rejected or repulsed, conducts discussions with rebel guards at that location; they have orders not to engage in combat and, if turned away, will retreat and act as a reserve force for South, East and North. In the docks area the Guards are augmented by the Swords of South Cordor militia. In each of the groups are several individuals carrying large green flags and flares and what appear to be loud hailers (speaking trumpets).

A large pile of supplies, including tents and other gear (such as might be needed for an army on the march, save that weapons appear somewhat under-represented) is being assembled near the Temple of Love by yet another group of Guards.

Concurrently, the following notice goes up on billboards around town. Copies are presented to guards in the Western and Central districts for distribution there as well.

Quote:

!!URGENT NOTICE!!

Attention, People of the Commonwealth!

The Council, after careful deliberation, has presented its reply to the emissaries of Amn.

Having rid ourselves of the Arcanum - a process that is still ongoing - we choose not to once again subject ourselves to the demands of a secretive group of wizards who will not be answerable to our people, but to their own agenda alone.

We understand that our rejection of their demands may provoke an attack upon the city, and we urge all residents to be prepared to evacuate should this occur.

We remind the people that the Arcanum's Blood Contingency remains in effect. This means that the spilling of any blood within the bounds of the city will produce a mental compulsion to commit violent acts, which will in turn cause more violence. If this is taken to the extreme, there is the potential for massive loss of life. Should an attack occur, then, we urge everyone to avoid conflict at all costs and to evacuate as quickly as possible if the order to do so is given!

Citizens in the Western and Central districts should evacuate through the Western Gate. Those in the South, East and North districts should evacuate through the North Gate. Please follow the instructions of the Guards with the green flags.

We pray that the gods will watch over us and that we will not be forced to endure further dangers and hardships in pursuit of our freedom, but we urge our citizens to be prepared.

~ Council of the Commonwealth of Cordor

The following, being a copy of the letter given to the Amnish delegation, is appended:

The Council of the Commonwealth of Cordor wrote:

To Mister Joseph Steinburg of Athkatla,

The Commonwealth of Cordor wishes to take this opportunity to respond to the 'offer' made by your 'diplomatic envoy' - to whit, pay an indemnity of at least one-quarter million gold coins for the destruction of Helmsport, allow the establishment of a chapterhouse in Cordor for the Cowled Wizards, or go to war with Amn.

First, regarding the 'restitution' you have requested, the Commonwealth is absolutely unable to pay such an amount. If the actions of Tytalus or the Arcanum have been responsible for losses to you and your people, you are more than welcome to get in line with Cordor and the other Amian communities who have been affected by their depredations and take it up with them personally.

Second, I will point out that Cordor has previously rid itself of the Thayvian mages and is currently attempting to purge itself of the Arcanum's poisonous tyranny. We are not ignorant of Tytalus' history, nor are we unaware of the origins of the so-called 'Living City'. We have no desire to subject ourselves to any arcanist cabal - not the Red Wizards, not the Magisterium Mortis, not the Arcanum, and not the Cowled Wizards of Amn. To be honest, your demands, those rumours that have reached us about the Cowled Wizards, and the information we have received about the connection between the latter and the Arcanum itself, do not inspire us to expect anything different of you, and we therefore see no benefit whatsoever for us in allowing another organized group of mages with their own agenda to establish themselves on our territory. Only the the Council itself, or a body that is absolutely subservient to it, will be allowed any role in overseeing the activities of mages within the Commonwealth.

If you are genuinely concerned with stopping the activities of the Arcanum we would be happy to discuss any assistance that you might be able to provide - which, after all, would be to our mutual benefit - but we have no wish to become a vassal of Amn, a threat that is implicit in your letter. While the Commonwealth greatly appreciates the aid you have rendered to us in our time of crisis, you may best assure us of your good and peaceful intentions by providing us with any information you may have about the Arcanum, in particular how to defeat them and lift the Blood Contingency, and immediately departing our territories.

Further, if you wish to establish yourselves in this region for your own purposes, that is entirely up to you, but it will not be on the territory of the Commonwealth or with its consent. If no other group objects, we suggest that you may wish to consider the island in the Ruathym group that was once home to the Monolith of Mystra before it was destroyed by the Arcanum. Perhaps you will have better luck there than they did.

Finally, if you choose to take our rejection of your first two conditions as a pretext for war, that also is up to you. I submit, however, that if your concerns are genuinely with Tytalus, Collin Reyes and the Arcanum, then your resources would be better directed at them than wasted in combat with the Commonwealth and those who will join us in support. Whether or not you decide to take this as an opportunity for military conquest on Amia will go a long way to showing where your priorities truly lie.

Sincerely,

~Xaviera Xee, Speaker of the Council, Commonwealth of Cordor

The small amnish diplomatic group of thirty five leaves peacefully, via Teleportation spells. Their departure occurs entirely without incident, not as much as a single insult or threat offered to Xaviera.

Several hours prior to the official posting of Cordor's response to Amn's ultimatum (see above), word is sent to various people in the city and around the isle that an attack upon the Commonwealth may be imminent. Any friends of Cordor and its citizens who wish to help in its defence are asked to come to its aid. The initial message, at least, is sent from person to person by word of mouth only.

Because of the Arcanum's Blood Contingency magics, people are reminded, care should be taken to avoid combat within the city if at all possible, as it could lead to people being afflicted with a compulsion to act violently. Therefore, should an attack occur, priority must be given to helping the population evacuate and any combat should be, if at all possible, limited to preventing a landing by Amnish forces.

OOC: Since Amn's response (see above) is to leave peacefully, no attack occurs immediately. However, this communication goes out before the refusal is presented, and any who respond to it may wish to remain in the area in case evil DMs decide to do something nasty in the days following. :evil:

cc:
Amarice-Elaraliel
Burningoutbright
Gers
Mahtan Tasadur
Mr. Hackums
msheeler
Nivo
Peeves
Rigela
The1Kobra
AlannaMolov
P Three
psycho
SkyfallingHaven
Luckbringer
IronAngel
Greyweaver
DolphinRacer
Alkor
Hudson
Zaldra5
Kraniumbrud
Ravenovf
Tomato Sword
TheGoddessOfAmazing©
Mengala
CTX
Kudark
rafaelmacgyver
BrahamBones
TYP
Naivatkal
AngelsCry
Grymia
Gobbledygook
Galenson
666WaysToHell
Yossarin
Bobo_Underhill
Estara
Elorathall
Very_Svensk
AzureLuna
Pony

After his daily prayers in the chapel of Lathander, Loynis walks out from the building and gazed up at the sky. The sun appeared brighter than usual, perhaps his mind was playing tricks or it was a message. He opened his arms outwards to the sun as if to embrace it. The Morninglord as my witness, I will see these people safe.

He then made his rounds around the South, East and North districts, offering a hand where it was wanted, occasionally reassuring the people everything will be fine as long as they have hope.

The delivery is taken by a weary and pained looking drowess and is hung up in the Shrine, both outside and inside, so all who dwell there know what risk is coming.

Xaviera's messenger delivers his or her message to Yossarin in an upstairs room in the Nomad. The bard is attentive even though several sheets of parchment scarred by precise quill point litter the tiny work desk, the bed, the sitting chair, the floor and haphazard empty spaces on a dusty bookshelf.

He sticks out a pink tongue to wet the edge of the quill. A bluish blotch colors the tongue dead center where much ink has already been culled out by his moist and invasive kisses. White eyes smile at the messenger.

"Tell the Minister I acknowledge the warning, but am not the kind to seek violence of any kind. And also suggest to her that the populace be told to anticipate a signal they would all hear to evacuate. Say, five rapid succession peals of the bells in the Commonwealth Center. Every bell. That way, the need for a mass evacuation can easily be communicated swiftly."

He then looks under several pieces of the parchment and finally locates a few spare golden coins. Five of them are handed to the messenger before the bard begins a second and less fruitful search for where he set down the rainbow-feathered quill that is tucked behind his right ear.

In the morning of the 18th of Nightal, a joint statement of the Hand of the Duke, the Herald of the Duke and House Valis of Kohlingen is released. While those sent to the officials of Barak Runedar, Bendir Dale, Ceyren's Mill, Cormyr, Cordor, Endir's Point, Howness, Kohlingen, Nes'ek, the Oakmist Vale, Ostland, the Shrine, Wharftown, Wiltun, Uhm and the States of the Lord Alliance are bound in a fine leather covering and printed in high quality, the mass production that follows is not.

It is evident that what ever print is releasing them, is overburdened by the quantity and this statement has been rushed due to the threat to the region. At times words are smudged as the ink had not yet fully dried, before the pages were bound together. Others have not been properly bound or the pages were not printed on straight. Stacks upon stacks are handed to well compensated merchants, the cart services and ship captains for distrubtion for all across the region. The focus of distrubtion appear to be the settlements of Amia, and most prominently, Cordor.

On the evening of the 15th of Nightal, as Lieutennant Aurelius has so dilligently informed you, I have indeed addressed the gathered members of the Commonwealth Tribunal and Council. Those with me, refered by him as my attendants, were my squire John of Gars and Sir Tuomas Valo of Kohlingen. The meeting pertained the following matters:

- Assurance that the Duchy is not in the process of preparing or planning to reclaim the City of Cordor. This was felt necessary to do, due to the rumors that have circulated since the return of his Grace, Duke Montgommery d'Cordor, that suggested otherwise.

- Assurance that the Duchy's first and foremost endeavor is to continue to safeguard the people of Cordor deal and with the threat of Collin Reyes and the Arcanum. The Duchy has in light of this offered military assistance and building materials for defenses, should Amn continue to threathen the people of Cordor.

In addition, information regarding this threat was presented to the Commonwealth Tribunal and Council, and questions in it's regards awnsered. They were further more informed of our intent to release the now made public statement pertaining the history and threat of the Arcanum and Collin Reyes, to improve the capabilities of the region to stand against it.

A draft of the statement was requested, and delievered on the morning of the next day to the beforementioned officials. While it was asked what our plans for the future of Cordor are, our awnser is simple; To ensure it has a future. All else can and will need to wait until the sons and daughters of Cordor are safe.

Ser Robert Henry Richard of Caris
Hand of the Duke

Several copies of the history are added to the Commonwealth Library catalogue and bound in simple, sturdy covers. One of them is displayed on the counter next to a "New and Recommended" sign. Joon also recommends the book to any visitors, with words such as "from knowing comes doing" and "remembering is the way forward".

Following Xaviera's message, he moves about the streets more than usual. Though he can hardly match official endeavors in scale, he nonetheless distributes minor potions of healing to the people, advising them to drink up immediately if they get wounded. He even hazards a stroll through the Western district.

In the morning hours following the mass release of the joint-statement of the Offices of the Duchy and House Valis, Lord Ulrik would be seen delivering several copies of the statement - plainly but neatly bound - to the Seven Stars library.

The grey-haired magician would refer any who had questions regarding current events surrounding the various attacks by blood mages, temporal spirits, or the situation with Cordor and Amn, to the lengthy report.

The commonwealth messenger is curiously but not unexpectantly received by the dwarven councillor in the great hall of Barak Runedar. Still clad in a blacksmiths apron blackened with soot and fresh sweat from the forge fire still on his brow, Aaegus simply and gruffly thanks the messenger for his words.

Later that day after the next messenger arrives to the chilly lands of Brogendenstien, the same dwarf reads over the leather bond joint statements with interest, assisted by a fresh jug of ale in the council chambers.

Meanwhile a ragtag group of militiamen are being trained to use sword, spear, battleaxe, and crossbow by a large half orc in the Cordor Arena of West Cordor. This takes place daily from 0500 to1200 without break.

Meanwhile, Dirg's feline-acting wife slinks around,searching out those of the militia with talent for shadow-use, or the desire to learn them.

Xaviera reads through the lengthy missive from Sir Robert, then takes quill in hand and drafts a short reply, thanking him for the document, correcting some minor points and adding a few additional details.

She then returns to the Temple of Love for some much-needed sleep, leaving instructions with Dima and Nawiel not to wake her for anything short of 'acts of god or invasions by Amn'.

Several copies of ducal statement are collected and preserved by a weary traveler.

A letter is urgently penned and sent to the following people:

Acting Speaker Xee
Minster Eli Hodgewall
Minister Andrew Fryar
Secretary of Law Nevaeh Tarvencia
Lieutenant Marcus Aureluis
Justicar Cys'tana L'saenirais
Lord Ulrik Valis
Sir Robert Richard Henry of Caris
Sir Izareal Skyfall
Councilor Kaithan Clyverand
Lady Le'Quella
Saylgrix
Emilie Everguard
Richard Halifax Johnson

Each letter is sent with multiple copies for the intention of Mass Distribution by the powers that be. In places where the author cannot personally enter, a hungry looking courier is sent and he looks to have recently been fed mushrooms. Delicious, delicious mushrooms.

(Name or Recipient here),

The following has been forwarded to you from my offices in realization of the correlation of certain obelisks appearing on Amia. The intent of them is uncertain, but the realization is troubling, in that it seems to form a giant summoning circle. This may be key to the rebirth of Collin Reyes or perhaps something worse, or more immediately dangerous.

I believe that the man reported to be Tytalus is somehow Tytalus himself projecting his power through liminel time with the assistance of Collin Reyes, who himself is outside of reality and may be attempting to allow Tytalus a measure of influence in the realms. He is like no other being I have fought, physically powerful, a master of Blood Magic, and possed of extreme regenerative qualities through use of blood magic. In the ruins of the forest near Winya Ravana he nearly destroyed the team I led for investigation before being harried away through hit and run tactics by Luca Severin and his apprentice. In short: he got frustrated and left. We stood no chance.

The report below is one sent to me upon a discovery by one of the Living Guard. You must act on this information. I believe Tytalus will attempt to summon the Undoer using an amulet recently recovered from the corpse of an Ulitharid that has origions predating humanity. While the amulet is a psionic artifact (thus functioning even when the weave did not at the moment of Karsus folly) it is still quite powerful and it may be used as a surrogate for the origional amulet used to control the Undoer somehow. I belive he is trying to call an Undoer from an alternate reality into our world, having had the one beneath Moribund destroyed.

This cannot be allowed to happen, act on this information immidiately. Mobilize your men and tear down the obelisks if you must, but do not stand idle.

I hope this reaches you all in time,
Sir Gerald Edmund
Hand of Tarkuul

A Living Guardsmen wrote:

High Captain,

If my theory is correct I thought I'd plot out what I know of things and past events. I had a fairly active part in bringing attention to others that the obelisks were in fact forming a pentagram with the Dale being close to center. I don't know the whole story but I'm sure some research by others far more qualified than myself could be delegated to find out more.

That said and what I touched upon briefly the other day when you were busy is the fact that it's my belief that Tytalus along with Reyes has gone back in time with the use of chronomancy and in so doing the creature known in infamy called the Undoer that almost laid waste to the isle but was eventually stopped, has been aided by them to succeed causing an alternate eventuality resulting in the anomalies and paradoxes and possibly this is what is causing the blight and food shortages and tainted grounds in the Dale, Shrine and Cordor that is slowly -leaking- into the present, much like you would lay a dry cloth over a puddle of water and it eventually seeps through effecting the cloth. In this analogy the instance, the water, has already occured the cloth being the present is slowly being effected by the occurance. I've spoken with Councilor Souris and Centurion Asya and Initiate Vaaros and Draco as well they seem to all believe there is some validity in what I propose in my theory and thus far the evidence points to the very same conclusion.

I've attached a map I had made at the time of the first occurance that I had stored in my packs in which I've plotted out the areas the obelisks appeared leading to the Undoers summoning and eventual defeat. Note that the center is the Dale. I've researched and there is a known portal there that a placard has been placed stating that some hin gave there life to seal the portal. You can speak with Souris or investigate this yourself to verify, however, I worked close with the Dale in the past concerning this historical threat I'm well aware of the portal and the sacrifice made.

If my theory is correct then the blight that has taken Cordors crop followed by the Dale and Shrine is next going to hit the Crouching Lemur Monestary or the Nexus Falls/Green Lake area (the temple we encountered the blood mage isn't far from there). If this is the case then I'll have no doubt of my suspicions. I would advise that we do what we can to learn as much as we can about these obelisks what was done to deal with them as I, even after my invaluable assistance in the matter was pushed to the wayside due to my previous groups reputation before my taking over. None the less the information I provide you now and the information I provided the ingrates then proved invaluable in heading off the summoning.

Much is readily available in the archives (// public forums amian recorder archives) concerning the Undoer and the Obelisks. Draco mentioned an amulet that Tytalus used to control the Undoer as well that he was rumored to have. It's my belief and something along a plot that I had considered that this blight is intended to weaken the isle and cause a famine resulting in inner squabblings and weakened forces which assuredly has taken place in Cordor. It's almost as if I was causing all this to happen myself even though I no longer think in quite the same manner it is quite eloquent how it's falling into place like one intricatley planned lanceboard manuever. Once I find out more I'll let you know. I'm going to meet with the Councilor as soon as I'm able to see if she's found out any more since she told me she was going to look over the records in Bendir Dale concerning such.

Knowledge and Power,
Watcher Calypso

the scroll when unrolled reveals the following;

[/color]

Wiltun's First Knight gets his hands on a copy of the Duchal release, nodding as he read through the indexed sections.

"The enumerated my transgressions well, if missing bits and pieces. I'm just worried they waited too long to educate the masses of the truth."

Andrew's drills in the morning hours in South Cordor increase in advancement. Now, using blunted weapons, Andrew often pairs off people for sparring and practice, matching them roughly based on skill level. He's quick to put his healing powers to use should someone get hurt or let them rest and recover. Generally, he doesn't push them to hard. A drill normally starts with stretching and flexing to limber up, followed by drills, then sparring. After a few hours of this, a cooldown ensues of practicing evacuation tactics. Some times, these evacuation practices even extend into the East and North districts. Occasionally, he even attempts to recruit a few good-natured civilians to assist and to practice themselves. For the most part, he tries to keep morale high, seeming to never falter in his energy, enthusiasm or optimism. Something of notice though: he generally requests at least a small militia squad active and assisting patrols throughout the day, offering recompensation out of his own pocket if it's desired.

Andrew's two-hundred pound black mastiff, Princess, also joins him on his walks and drills, silently watching the proceedings with intense, intelligent observation, almost as if she was learning from them herself.

Wharftown is a flurry of activity. Alanna, dressed in the colors of the Hands of Ieriyn, Wharftown's adventuring militia, emerges from the Shanty at dawn after a sleepless night spent speaking with mayor Garth and several concerned citizens. Immediately she gathers the on-duty militia and briefs them at length, after which she goes door-to-door and asks each family to gather outside of Selune's temple for an emergency meeting.

"People of Wharftown!

Recently we've been beset by ill tidings from all over the isle, and I am afraid I must bring yet another. Yesterday evening, a threatening letter was delivered by a bandit believed to be under the compulsion of Blood Magic, an old and sinister art not tied to Mystra's Weave that allows the caster to control another's very life force. They can control your movements, forcing you to do things against your will. Their servants are Blood Spirits, malign beings that appear as moving clouds of blood. They are extremely dangerous and are to be avoided at all costs, and combat with them should not be entered in to under any circumstances.

This brings me to the most unsettling information I must report: the Blood Mages have threatened the children of Wharftown. Children under thirteen should be supervised by an adult at all times. There have already been several victims from Uhm and Actland. As a result of this threat, I've reccomended that the civilian militia instate a curfew, beginning at sundown and ending at dawn. I realize that many of you do your fishing in the early hours before the sun, and an exception will be made for you to continue your work, but all dock activity will be monitored by no less than 4 armed guards, and all citizens will be escorted from the docks to their homes by militia.

I have also asked Zeek to make several small horns to pass out to each family. If you should spot one of these blood spirits, a tan-skinned man with a shaved head in orange and dark blue clothes, or a townsperson begins acting strangely or out of character, blow your horn. If a horn is heard, all citizens are to gather in the Temple.

Follow the directions of Militia, the Hands, and Selune's clergy. We will get all of us through this safely, that I promise in the sight of the Moonmaiden. We have survived worse- this, like all things, will pass."

Diplomacy's Game Continues: Blood and Rebirth

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