AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic

People of Amia,

Greetings to every one of you. I feel the need to explain a few things because of some mail I have recently received. First of all, I am the owner of Copper Industries, a trade and craft house based out of Kohlingen. It has been said that I have ties to the Heralds of Triumvir, which is true. What self-respecting lover of the arts wouldn't look into the Heralds and see how they could help out? However it has also been said that I helped to steal the paintings which bound Cordor and the Triumvir together.

This is not true. I'm not sure who started this rumor, but I can assure you that I had absolutely nothing to do with the taking or the hiding of the paintings. I didn't know anything about it until well after it happened, in fact. I will explain what took place, so that the common people can see what was going on, and what motivated the individual who was responsible for taking the paintings.

Elorathall, Prince of the Heralds of Triumvir, was the one who took the paintings. He did so of his own volition, without the help of any of the other Heralds or residents of the Triumvir, let alone a copper-kin who wasn't even a Herald or a resident. My company was not involved, and neither were any of my many clients or associates.

The reason behind Elorathall's actions may be called into question then, so I will do my best to explain why, based on my own knowledge of the situation. If after my explanation further clarification is needed, then by all means contact the Heralds. I and my company will not answer further queries about it, since it was not at all in our hands and we merely wish to clear our name of the insults and accusations being thrust our way.

Elorathall had a meeting with Speaker Maximilian, during which they spoke of a possibility that the painting in the theater would be moved out of the city walls, for safety reasons. After this meeting took place, there were several incidents where Arcanum mages entered the Triumvir library to steal books of a very specific nature, particularly nautical logs pertaining to travel between the Frozenfar and the Amian isles, all from a very specific time frame, as if they were trying to hide something in the logs. This I did personally witness, as I happened to be present when the Arcanum mage entered and went into the Loremaster's Guild. Perhaps the Arcanum would like to explain the missing logs and the contents they held, in order to shed some light on the situation, in fact. It would certainly help in sorting this growing mess.

Because books and logs were being taken with no indication that they would be returned, and because it has been happening for a very long time, Elorathall felt that the safety of the Triumvir and of the knowledge and immense volume of lore within had been compromised. So he discarded the idea of the paintings being moved as per the Cordorians' wishes and took them away himself before something disastrous could happen. It is what he felt to be the best course of action. Whether it was or not is not for me to decide, as it was not my doing and the only directly adverse effect it has had on me thus far is wrongful accusations and libel against my company.

I was present in Wharftown when Speaker Maximilian nearly annexed Wharftown to get the paintings back, though. As I understand it, the paintings were such a threat that he was willing to take away the sovereignty of another settlement in order to get them back. In the end, the painting leading to Cordor was destroyed, at the Speaker's request. I'm afraid that's as detailed as I can be, since I was heavily distracted by the shock of the situation. Not to mention the Law Knights and the Adventuring Guard representative whom I didn't know were rather intimidating and I am rather known for being jumpy.

If anyone doubts my account, please feel free to ask anyone mentioned herein for corroboration, including the High Priestess of Selune in Wharftown, who also witnessed this altercation. It is only a short description of events, I admit, as my only goal is to clear my company's name, so if you'd like a more detailed account, again, just find a Herald who was involved or someone else who was present. I'm sure they would happily be forthcoming with the information.

I hope this clears a few of the miscommunications which have been spread. Thank you all for your time in reading this!

Zelly
Copper Inudstries
Founder

Zelly finds her press release reprinted entirely for free! in the following morning's edition of The Amian Recorder, so that it sees a circulation much, much greater than she could have anticipated.

Of course, the release is couched in copious editorials from Cordorian citizens, primarily, espousing the valiant actions of Speaker Maximillian.

"That he would put himself at personal risk for the safety of Cordorian citizens, travelling to an unguarded location in Wharftown where there are already rumors of anti-Commonwealth activity to guarantee that these paintings, this terrorist highway, was destroyed, only goes to show that I have placed my own faith in the right man."

"Have you even bothered to check the crime rates in Cordor? Within the walls? Thanks to Maximillian keeping the adventurers terrified of retribution, something Duke Montgomery never did, adventurer-on-citizen crime is at an all-time low. Thanks to him, we are finally able to live in peace. And it gives me such a thrill to know the adventurers hate us for living in that peace."

"As an academic trained in Amian history, I can assure you that the Commonwealth of Cordor, even before becoming a Commonwealth, has always held a claim to the Western Wharfs, now known as Wharftown. Official sovereignty was never granted - their sense of sovereignty merely formed out of an indifference on the part of Cordor and a necessity on the part of the Western Wharfs. Legally speaking, Cordor has every right to claim Wharftown's citizens as it's own citizens and include them under our aegis of protection against the many enemies united against us."

Bill Hurst, for his part, makes gallant mention of his attempts to reach the Arcanum for comment.

"Since their total departure from the Commonwealth government by the decree of the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Magic, also more recently known as the Arcanum, have been impossible to contact! Which leads me to only one conclusion, dear readers...

...is it not conceivable that these magicians who worked on our behalf, once excised from the protection of the Commonwealth, were picked apart by our enemies - the Harpers, the adventurers, the Noble's Army, the Thayvians and the Horsemen - in the manner that tuna are picked apart by sharks? A false claim against them, levied by the Mystrans and backed by Kohlingen, forces the Ministry of Law to extricate them completely from Cordorian life, and, once extricated, the Arcanum suddenly falls prey to our enemies, silently, assassinated in the dark and in the shadows, bodies never uncovered.

Why else would I be having such a difficult time tracking them down for interviews and responses to stories like this one?"

People around town who get a good look at Hurst notice he has gained a good thirty pounds since being named Secretary of the Press, leading them to speculate that the only other logical reason for his inability to track down the Arcanum is his inability to walk more than two city blocks without getting so winded he needs to stop off at a bar, a diner, a tavern, or a restaurant for a caloric pick-me-up.

Added around Cordor in Response-

Perhaps the Lady Copper tells the truth that this was done without her knowledge.

However:
- This account clearly indicates Elaranthall as the perpetrator of the theft.
- Eloranthall did not act alone and actively conspired with his Heralds on holding and moving the painting.
- The stolen painting was hidden in a Wharftown Temple endangering the clergy by involving them in an on-going crime.
- The Cordor Law Knights attempted a lawful, non-violent search for stolen property but where hindered by a large, militant gathering of Heralds.
- Rather then return the stolen property on the grounds that it be moved to the Temple of Love, Elor chose to destroy it, not knowing the danger of doing so, inside Wharftown's temple. He did not permit opportunity for Wharftown's clergy or any by-standers to get to safe distance and joked about killing himself and everyone present.

I am glad to see you invite questions, please answer this- will Copper Industries provide wares or finances to the Heralds as a group, individually? Will Copper Industries continue their support of the Heralds in light of this situation?

If you would accuse me of thievery, at least learn to spell my name correctly.
- E

[edited]

Upon seeing a copy of the Recorder, Zelly can't help but palm at her face in a mixture of amusement and agony. When she notices the other posting in Cordor, though, she quickly pens a response.

I would much prefer to know for sure who's asking the questions, but since it seems you were there to witness the altercation in Wharftown, I have a short list to choose from. In any case, I shall answer the questions regarding the company.

First- Copper Industries does not make political ties to any settlement or organization, except where a contract is drawn by the owner and the leader of the settlement or group. Copper Industries has several of these contracts, but they do not at this time include the Heralds of Triumvir, nor do I expect one will be made in the future. There is no cause for one to be made.

Second- You say "continue their support" as if Copper Industries has supported the Heralds in the past. As owner of the company, I can assure you that we haven't received even an individual order from any one Herald, let alone the group as a whole. As stated before, we don't "support" anyone diplomatically, unless it is written in a trade contract to do so, which at this time none of our contracts do. So I suppose the answer to that question is no, since there is no "support" going on.

Copper Industries is an independent company, which does not automatically gain the political ties that its founder may have. I personally have many diplomatic ties, including those with Barak Runedar or Kohlingen, but the company does not hold those ties, and should be separated from such claims, whether you think them good or ill. The company holds no diplomatic power with the Heralds or any other non-contracted group, and I would personally prefer to keep it that way.

I hope these answers are suitable for you, anonymous inquisitor.

Zelly
Copper Industries
Founder

*a note tacked up to the reply quickly, as if the answer received was anticipated*

Misleading doublespeak.
Will Copper Industries do business with the Heralds now that their leader's criminal activity has been brought to light?

I will say this one time, and only one time, so please feel free to keep this as record.

If this "Prince" tries to stop me, or anyone else of Tarkuul, from rightfully seeking out the knowledge contained within the Triumvir's Demiplane of Knowledge, I will stop him.

By any means necessary.

I will not have my people threatened with Dismissals or violence simply because they seek knowledge that IS NOT ELORATHALL'S TO REGULATE! I do not seek violence, but if violence is visited upon me, or any under my care, I will return it, to the very most of my ability.

That plane is there for learning, not for some human to decide in his hubris he knows better than those of us who actually make a life out of learning.

Irae'arra Div'urden
High Magestri Mortis, Tarkuul.

The pink note is taken down, wherever it was left.

Copper Industries does not restrict business with anyone, except those of evil intent, or those who worship evil gods, such as Banites or chromatic dragon kin or Undead-woshipping necromancers. We don't restrict those of chaotic tendencies, as that would mean we wouldn't do business with ourselves.

Additionally, Elorathall acted on his own, without consulting the Heralds before he did it. If you have proof to the contrary showing that Elorathall acted out of some evil intent, please do present it. Until then, the Heralds as a group will not suffer because they have a chaotic (but not evil) leader. There is a very great difference between those of evil intent and mind and those who simply act out of chaotic whim.

If a Herald wishes to order a basket of sapphires, I'm not going to say no simply because of this incident, no. That is what you really want to ask, so that is what I will say. We do not change our policies on a whim. That would be poor business, anonymous one who is quickly becoming less anonymous.

Also, directed toward the High Magestri Mortis from Tarkuul, please don't make responses to this public message if they are not directed at Copper Industries. If you have a problem with the Heralds, take it to them. Copper Industries is not affiliated with the Heralds.

Zelly
Copper Industries
Founder

*written across Zelly's reply*
In Short: YES! COPPER INDUSTRIES DOES BUSINESS WITH KNOWN CRIMINALS!

In my fairly broad experience, those that women bed, they usually attend to in other walks.

Therefore, my warning stands for you and your people as well.

Irae'arra Div'urden

For one reason or another Belalad has become annoyed and removes future random slander postings from the City of Cordor. Specifically if no names are even listed on the slandered postings.

Fortunately for Copper Industries, we have no intention of restricting access to the Triumvir. We have no business there anyway, so there's nothing to say about it. I thank you for your warning, High Magestri Mortis, and I hope that you understand that regardless of who the owner of the company is personally friends with, Copper Industries is entirely independent of any other group. I have many diplomatic ties, personally, but none of them include Copper Industries in my dealings with them, I assure you.

Zelly
Copper Industries
Founder

*Eli grins at the messages and tags a reply.*
Firstly, with all due respect, High Magestri Mortis, outside of Tarkuul, the rules that govern all that pass within its walls cannot be enforced in any sense of legality. Do not lower yourself by playing these games with words when your true power lays within the Living City, not outside it.

Secondly, I would wager that Copper Industries contracts with as many criminals as the Amian Trade Federation or any other trading company or individual. My basis for this comes from market observation and sensible, realistic, intuition. How do the farmers know who not to sell grain to? Is there a true gauruntee that the bread the bakers make from it won't go to feed the criminals that stalk the back alleys and sewers? In much the same way, these adventurer traders have no way of knowing the intent of the buyer. Even if name and description are given, some dishonest buyers would still don disguises, adopt false aliases and forge fake citizen papers in order to fool even the most honest of traders. We cannot assume the decency of all, not in the present at least, no matter how much our society may strive for it. I have faith, however, that our Commonwealth may one day achieve this ability.

Thirdly, I am suprised at Bill Hurst and demand further journalistic inquiries into the following: If the Harper stories are to be believed, why were there so many Arcanum members in known Harper hangouts, and coming and going in peace no less!? Why were they not acting against them at all? Can we trust the Arcanum if they simply speak to terrorists and make no move to destroy the Commonwealth's enemies where they stand? Our very safety is at stake!

Is the Arcanum truly on our side, or have they defected to the Harper Menace and are attempting to lure out our very own Speaker and manipulate him to their own dastardly ends? Afterall, organizations may come to an end, but the individuals within them do not simply vanish or disappear. It is my fear, as a citizen of Cordor, that these men we once turned to for support, may already be corrupted by the Harpers! Please Mr. Secretary of the Press, I implore you to put these fears to rest that I and my fellow citizens may sleep better and not worry that our Commonwealth may have been infiltrated!

~Citizen Eli

Aisling, please get yourself well and truly ravished. It would do you good.

You are trying to stoke a fire that already died. The matter between myself and the Commonwealth was settled. You were rejected from becoming a Herald because you are arrogant, spiteful and a hypocrit, and this only proves me right. You claim to be a scribe, but cannot even spell correctly. You claim to be a Deneiran, but instead of recording and gathering knowledge, you do nothing but critize others that genuinely do so; it's no surprise you are not a priestess. You claim to defend the free sharing of lore, yet it is the acts born of blind self-importance such as this that prompted me to do what I could to protect Triumvir.

Your words are as empty as your soul. You know nothing but bitterness, and would rather crush the joy in others than find it yourself.

May Oghma grant you vision child, that your blindness may be lifted.

And to those that have found their entrance to Triumvir denied, I apologise. It will be restored as soon as possible, though it is unclear at this moment that, with the loss of one of the magical paintings in the connection, the entrance painting will continue to function as before. However, I am confident that Aisling's betrayal did not lead to more than the destruction of a priceless magical piece and the near annexation of Wharftown.

- Elorathall.

Eli; your words are seen and respected. However. As that particular area is under no law to my knowledge, I will do as I must to ensure that it, like so many other areas, is not closed to my people. I care little who beds whom, or what intrigue ripples through the isle, and if some nancing priss wants to call himself a prince, it does exactly nothing to my life, or my studies, so he may call himself whatever he wants, and trade in whatever he pleases. The same goes for the Copperkin's goods. I don't honestly care if she trades with the Nine Princes of Hell, so long as my people are not kept from what is rightfully ours. (Idly, if she does, I have some goods I need.)

I don't consider it "stooping" to make it publically known that I will hold exactly nothing back to ensure my people have what should be given to them, in the name of learning, and in the name of advancement.

I don't intend to make it a crusade, either. Past this one area, I would happily trade with any of said people, and not bat an eye. I truly lack any motivation to hate them individually; my hate is reserved for those that actively earn it.

I will therefore apologise if either the dragonkin or the Herald-human thinks I dislike them personally from my words, or actively wish them ill. That is not so, and I beg forgiveness. While I try to be serious, my nature and youth often betray me.
Irae'arra Div'urden

Elorathall wrote:

Aisling, please get yourself well and truly ravished. It would do you good.

You are trying to stoke a fire that already died. The matter between myself and the Commonwealth was settled. You were rejected from becoming a Herald because you are arrogant, spiteful and a hypocrit, and this only proves me right. You claim to be a scribe, but cannot even spell correctly. You claim to be a Deneiran, but instead of recording and gathering knowledge, you do nothing but critize others that genuinely do so; it's no surprise you are not a priestess. You claim to defend the free sharing of lore, yet it is the acts born of blind self-importance such as this that prompted me to do what I could to protect Triumvir.

Your words are as empty as your soul. You know nothing but bitterness, and would rather crush the joy in others than find it yourself.

May Oghma grant you vision child, that your blindness may be lifted.

And to those that have found their entrance to Triumvir denied, I apologise. It will be restored as soon as possible, though it is unclear at this moment that, with the loss of one of the magical paintings in the connection, the entrance painting will continue to function as before. However, I am confident that Aisling's betrayal did not lead to more than the destruction of a priceless magical piece and the near annexation of Wharftown.

- Elorathall.

Prince of Heralds,

What I am is a witness who testified against you.

XXOOA3B

To whom it concerns,

For the record to clarify the situation the Cordorian Guard will be making a public notice shortly. Until than please stop claiming certain people are crimals, terrorists, ect. If you have questions in regards to the event, it is in my hope that the statement will resolve them. Further questions or concerns you are welcome to send to my office, in a timely manor will be answered provided you give me your name and return address.

Sergent Belalad Feiwallyan
Cordorian Guard Adventure Branch

*with a grin on her face in big red script posted over the last message*

Aisling battles fiercely against metallic dragons! Will she receive help from her chromatic allies?!?!?!?! Support your local tiamat church!

Last edited by Naivatkal on Thu, Aug 11 2011, 23:17 PM, edited 1 time in total.

DustSpray101 wrote:

THE HARPERS INFECT CORDOR:
A PLOT FROM WITHIN?

If the Harper stories are to be believed, why were there so many Arcanum members in known Harper hangouts, and coming and going in peace no less!? Why were they not acting against them at all? Can we trust the Arcanum if they simply speak to terrorists and make no move to destroy the Commonwealth's enemies where they stand? Our very safety is at stake!

Is the Arcanum truly on our side, or have they defected to the Harper Menace and are attempting to lure out our very own Speaker and manipulate him to their own dastardly ends? Afterall, organizations may come to an end, but the individuals within them do not simply vanish or disappear. It is my fear, as a citizen of Cordor, that these men we once turned to for support, may already be corrupted by the Harpers!

-Drafted from the mind of Citizen Eli (doesn't that just sound peachy keen?)

Perhaps oddly, the excerpt is copied down and duplicated. Each copy is hand-written, some slightly rushed though in readily legible Common, and several bear signs of a person growing tired of such a fevered pace. Within hours of the original posting, they are quickly posted throughout Cordor. They are also found almost randomly through out Bendir, the frontier, Amia forest, the outskirts of Kohl, outside of Kohl's walls in the farmlands, on Wiltun's ground, in the settlements of Khem, on the island of Caraigh, on the slain bodies of orcs and kobolds and mylocks and trolls, and even on the back of one hapless beggar.

It seems someone was busy indeed.

// crossposted in the DM Event thread, The Opening Move of Diplomacy's Game

*Eli eyes the forged signatures with disdain and reports it to the Cordorian Guard.*

// *facepalms* That's what I get for doing more than one thing at once and not proofreading. Fixed the posting, much as I hate having to do that sort of thing :/

Surprisingly (or perhaps not so surprisingly), Eli's message in its entirety and without editing sees even greater circulation when it hits the Recorder's pages, dramatically outpacing even the "very busy person's" attempt at putting it up randomly on messageboards.

No editorializing is necessary.

Over the following days, the people of Cordor finally do begin to wonder just where the Ministry of Magic went to. And, in fact, they start using the word "Arcanum" to refer to them, rather than the Ministry of Magic.

"Those Harper bastards have everyone running in a loop," a circle of merchants come to a consensus over morning bagels and cream cheese. "First they are friends with the Mystrans, then friends with the Arcanum. You ask me, they're not friends of anyone, least of all the people of Cordor. Maximillian had better be very careful about who fills the ranks of the Ministry of Magic if the Arcanum's proven entirely guilty in this investigation. If even one Mystran or Azuthan gets into office in that Ministry, I gods-damned guarantee you he or she will be a Harper sympathizer."

"It figures arrogant wizards and a society of spies and assassins would get along well together. Just makes you wonder who is pulling whose strings in this alliance from hell - the Harpers, or the Arcanum?"

"They'd better finish this investigation soon..."

Harpers, already copping a poor reputation, begin to cop an even worse one while the Arcanum's public opinion begins to decrease in the confusion.

[Amian Isle Cities] Triumvir Paintings

Who is online