After a public meeting in the Duke's hall, rumors begin to fly. Reports announce that Cordor's economy has been in a slump because shipping which used to arrive in Cordor has been redirecting to Wharftown in order to avoid the high import tariffs, which have risen in response to the losses from the recent cataclysm (and to avoid customs officials as well). Meanwhile, bandit activity and piracy in the Wharftown area have risen to unprecedented levels, and the village has proven unable to cope with the threat. In order to promote both the protection of Wharftown's citizens and the economic revitalization of Cordor, certain advisors close to the Duke have been urging him to bring order to the near-lawless town.

// You may use this thread to post your character's involvement in the story and/or perspective on the issue. If you're looking to question any NPCs about the events, cosmik or I will help if we're available.

_________________
One thing I know for a fact:
Moustache stays
Right where it's at.

// Too tired and lazy to much check for spelling and grammar errors.


A letter given by hand to the Duke by a woman seen entering the hall in
green and gold robes with a hooded cloak drawn over her head to cover her face until she reached the saftey inside. She presents it, curtsies and
leaves quickly.


Our noble Duke Montgomery D'Cordor,

I have at great personal risk involved myself in a group of ne'er do wells
that answer to the man named Gareb, also referred to as simply - "The
Boss". In his employ is the dwarf Hexx, whom your guards escorted out of the meeting. I am deeply distressed to learn of a horrible plan set into
motion soon by nobles of this very city!

The consorters to the man Gareb and plotters of these vile acts against the states of both Cordor and Wharftown are Alexia Farris, Frederick Bernard, and the official of your own office - Thomas Masterson. They plan to cause many disasters to strike the peacefull city along the coast and force your hand into action. They will set fires to homes, and bribe the brigands to attack whom they choose.

They intend to use these raids to prove to yourself, good duke, and the
people of the city that Wharftown cannot survive on it's own and requires
our leadership. I quote: "With Thomas' exaggerated reports on how Cordor's economy is floundering due to the losee of shipping, which we've diverted to wharftown it will be easy to stir the Citizens into joining us to pressure the Duke."

The focus in these foul plots is a grab for power over the town itself by
the same nobles. They would make Gareb appear a saviour to the acts of
arson and vandalage. The land will be owned in full by Alexia, whom already presides over a full half of land in the greater Wharftown areas. Gareb wishes to rule over the people as a mayor, however he would report to her as he is a paid lackey in matters discussed.Alexia seems to be the leader of these instigators, and stated she wished her name to be known as the leader of a city that has risen to become more successful than Cordor itself.

I entrust your foresight and good judgement to not endanger my continued activities within this group, to allow for further gathering of information.

Graciously in your service,
Vyri Carreira

Member of the order of the Ruby Rose
High priestess of the Lady Firehair
Resident bard of the Mystran Tower

After speaking to several of his employees they have agreed to remain in wharftown evaluating incoming shipments and scouring the area for wrong'doers

_________________
Characters:

"I make love to trouble, and when its bastard children grow up....I eat them."
~Gareb Vasante
~Black Flag

Cinder watches froma dock nearby as the laods of shipments come off the boats in wharftown making note on a sheet of paper to turn into Gareb

Her 'Voices' around the town inform her of rumours of Cordor's economic slump. The information to her disapproval is some what late yet the value does compensate for the timely delivery. This meant only one thing in her mind, a power struggle and a turf war. They will never see it coming, when she ripps the carpet from out under them. They will know that this is her playground and the are playing her game.

*Written eloquently and posted through Wharftown, Cordor, and Kholinghen*

In efforts to rid Wharftown of neighboring terrors, I, Gareb Vasante propose a 15,000 gold piece bounty for any reasonable proof of the death of any leader of the coast's brigand community. The reward will be paid in full once proof is shown and proven authentic.

G.V.

_________________
Characters:

"I make love to trouble, and when its bastard children grow up....I eat them."
~Gareb Vasante
~Black Flag

A rather large, expensive-looking piece of papyrus is nailed to the temple doors in Cordor. The borders of the decree are stamped with an intricate gold design, and the calligraphic script is beautiful, to say the least. The ink itself is no definable color, but the message as a whole seems to be enchanted in a way that weather or average "wear-and-tear" has no effect. It states:

"Humble Citizens and People of Government alike;

I tend not to involve myself with politics or the workings thereof, nor do I seems to have the require level of tact (or dishonesty, whichever you prefer) to be a true political figure. However, in recent times it seems that the common people - and the uncommon - need a source of logic and reasoning, since it is apparent they have no such boon.

I consider it my duty, then, as an intellectual and as a resident of these lands, to voice my opinion, purely in hopes that someone will hear me and find the solidity of my arguement, thus preventing the impending catastrophe. Wharftown and Cordor have coexisted, I have discovered through my studies, for hundreds of year now. The relationship of the two port cities has been rather symbiotic: Cordor, being a larger and more influential power, has taken the large shipments of generic goods (such as spices from Calimshan or ores from the Windspear Hills); meanwhile, Wharftown has accepted the smaller, more specialized and unique trade. Both of these economy types are valuable, and the two areas have traded freely, each taking advantage of the other's specialty. In recent times, however, taxes have been raised due to the recent destruction of Cordor, the excess funds needed to repay the debts incurred after repairing the massive city. This has brought about change. Merchants have taken their bulk goods and moved their business to Wharftown, using the small village as an import channel to funnel the goods to the rest of Amia. Sadly, Wharftown is neither of the size or of the political strength to handle such a responsibility. The moment the boatloads full of valuable spices, foods, and other materials began entering the docks at Wharftown, the local bandits and pirates saw their opportunity (Wharftown lacking the military strength that Cordor does). All of these events, together, have caused the rise of the current issue.

Now, annexing another sovereign power is a violent, invasive action. It takes years and years of strife and unrest, bloodshed and war, until order is even nearly put into effect. It seems logical, to me, a humble mage, what must be done:

1.) First, Cordor must lower its taxes, provoking more of the merchant shipments of large-scale goods to return to the ports.

2.) Second, Wharftown must turn away its new mercantile companionships and direct them to Cordor, so that goods of a more commensurate level can be traded through its docks and political order can be restored.

3.) Thirdly, Cordor must send aid in the form of military power to re-instate order and peace in Wharftown, yet neglect to change the current policies, government, or laws through that military strength (In other words, help without a coup d'etat).

4.) Fourth, a treaty or pact of some sort must be written and signed by each port-city's government leader declaring war between the two states illegal.

5.) Fifth, and lastly, an agreement on certain trade and merchant guidelines must be set up to ensure future competition (other than healthy economic balance) does not cause revolt or war.

I believe my points are clear and direct, and that, even if I am not a normal politicker, my views will be heeded by all concerned. Stopping, thinking, and logically working a problem through is always a better road than impulsively beginning a conflict.

- Saarith, Mancer of Mystra

There are similar sheets of paper nailed to the doors of the Slanty Shanty, the forge in Brogendenstein, and most other places of business throughout Amia.

// I'm thinking of using friday evening and/or saturday towards the running of events related to this plot. If there's something you and other characters would like to do involving this plot, be it as simple as investigating, make a reservation here? Leave details of what you'd like to attempt, or send by PM if you'd like to keep it secret. We'll see if it works.

Preference will be given to groups of people, and to those already involved in the plot. Here's your chance to impact Amia.

_________________
One thing I know for a fact:
Moustache stays
Right where it's at.

(( I would like to reserve a spot in this plot line. Saarith with be attempting to bring both sides of the conflict into reason, letting them see their mistakes and necessity for co-existance. ))

// I'm afraid I'd need a good IC reason why the Duke of Cordor (arguably the most powerful man in Amia) and a representative of Wharftown would agree to a call to negotiation by a random stranger without a reputation, especially when matters are already strained? Perhaps if you give me some details we can come up with something, but I can't make any guarantees.

_________________
One thing I know for a fact:
Moustache stays
Right where it's at.

(( I wasn't suggesting a meeting, but I am fairly positive that the Duke and a representative from Wharftown would both be informed of a politically radical suggestion having been nailed to almost every door of public forum - and when I say "radical", I mean, much different than what has been suggested so far. Someonewould have told them, and, if they are indeed reasonable people, then they would at least be interested as to the person who's brought up ideas that have not been introduced or thought of thus far.))