3. Zyphlin Re'cual's Election Campagin

Zyphlin Re'cual's Election Campagin


  • Along Bard Street leading up to the Myrie Makere College of the Arts are streamers and balloons of various colors and sizes. Upon tables near the front of the Theater is food and deserts of many varieties along with a collection of creamy stout and wine along with apple juice. The walkway into the theater has a podium upon its raised steps, a fine azure bunting with the initials ZR stitched in silver upon it hangs down the front of the podium. Runners go through the streets of Peltarch, announcing that the Magistrate is set to give a speech outside the college. As people begin to amass and gather in the concourse of the college Zyphlin emerges through the grand doors adorned in his glowing blue silk tunic. He moves up to the podium, looking out amongst the crowd as their eyes turn to him. Smiling kindly and honestly as he looks out upon the crowd, raising his arms to quiet them, he takes a breath and speaks

    Men and women of this noble and illustrious city, hear me this day: I stand before you not as a politician or as Magistrate, but as a fellow citizen. A citizen that has, for too long, seen the great people of Peltarch wronged and underestimated, abused and maligned.

    It is for a sorrowful reason that I have to speak to you this day, for it is due to the passing of some of the finest men and women our city has ever seen: the fallen senators Ayanie, Shana Jelan, Myrie Makere, and my mentor, Adam Bromley. Since their deaths, the Senate has been a weakened entity in need of repair, but, more importantly, in need of men and women who care not about their own interests, but the interest of the common man and woman of the Jewel of the Icelace. It is for this reason I speak to you this day, as I have long fought for the common good of all within this mighty city, and I seek the support of all of you, so that I may be able to fight for it at the highest of levels.

    Many in this election will speak of their hopes and aspirations as a Senator, and many of them may seem commendable; however, the true question lies in one simple three letter word, "how?" Many wish to increase trade, but the true question is, "how?" Others want to increase the number and rank of our guard, but, yet once more, "how?" Still others will promise you the utmost of prosperity, yet again they will give you no inclination as to how they would go about this. So you, the citizens of our great city, must ask yourselves, "do you want someone that shall simply talk, or someone that will push for action?"

    For twenty years, I have served you: the people of this state. During the Civil War brought on by the traitor Koreth, I stood at the front, alongside our brave soldiers during their charges upon the gates, and helped lead the small task-force that finally slew the treasonous Sent and his most elite of guards, to take back the heart of the Docks. While imprisoned, framed by agents acting against the well-being of Peltarch, hoping to keep me from being given the chance to serve you great people as Senator, I aided Adam Bromley in discovering the cure for the fearful Lotus Plague. When the Thayans kidnapped our Senator, and attacked our city, I led men and women into the perilous realms of the Underdark to recover the Senator from her malicious captors.

    For twenty years, Peltarch has faced adversities and I did not sit by and watch as others solved these problems, or hid in some far-away city, rich off my family's money; I was at the front, serving you, the people, and letting actions speak volumes louder than any man's mere words could ever hope to reach!

    As Senator, it would be no different. But, of course, you all must be asking yourselves, "how am I any different than the other candidates, that speak but do not truly say anything?" It is simple: experience and vision.

    None in this election have had more experience serving you, or been as loyal to you, the people of Peltarch. None have served or stood beside you as long as I have. And thanks to these years of experience I have seen the truth of Peltarch and have the vision of what must be done. It pains me that the descendant of our noble founder has chosen to spread fear and turmoil throughout our weary city, instead of focusing on the issue that his own ancestor understood, which can not be overlooked if prosperity is to run freely through Peltarch: freedom of trade. It was because of this ideal that the wise King Fisher established two organizations to serve the people of Peltarch: the Senate and the Wavebreakers.

    However, these organizations established by our great founder in the hopes of creating freedom for our citizens have fallen into disarray due to those that would take your hard-earned freedom from you! The Wavebreakers, who have long sought to serve Peltarch, as a whole, have been coerced, threatened, and muscled out of business by the Seafarers, led by men who want only to see their own wealth become greater; while the Senate has sat by and allowed the freedoms of our city to be taken from us, and has allowed a single guild to set the price on all goods that enter our city. We have men and women starving within our city because of the inflated price of grain and food, due to a monopoly upon trade, while Vastar Ashald sits within his house, drinking the finest of imported wines, and feasting himself upon boundless amounts of food. It is due to this monopoly that honest, working citizens, who in any other city would be living comfortably with a warm roof over their head and food in their children’s stomachs, are, instead, scrapping to even survive the winter. It is due to this monopoly that those already fat from their riches grow even fatter on the blood, sweat, and gold of you, the common men and women of this city . . . And, to that monopoly I say, "no longer!"

    No longer will this monopoly stand and hold down the hard-working peoples of our city. No longer will one organization set the prices through the means of manipulation, fear, and treachery, so that they may line their own pockets while they bleed the heart and soul out of this city. No longer will the greed of the few damn the lives of the majority! If you elect me to the Senate, I will see that Peltarch is made to be a city of free and open trade; I will see that all those that work hard to earn a living will have an honest and fair shot to earn that living and not be held down by the wealthy, who look out for their own interests only. Free trade will bring prosperity to all citizens, not just to those that are already wealthy or those that enslave themselves to the whims of those select few.

    In the coming tendays, I will continue to speak to you and to show you more and more of my plan of action for this great city. I ask only one thing: I ask that you continue to hope . . . to hope for a fair chance for all, to hope for a better quality of life, and to hope for a better future for Peltarch. For, with your hope and support, we will bring Peltarch into a new era of prosperity and promise that every citizen can enjoy!

    Raising his fist in the air with the last words, letting the crowd react as they will. He moves down from the steps and the podium and moves off into the crowd to speak to those with questions for him quietly in the midst of it all before finally retiring back into the theater.

    ((Seraphaine Edit to add crowd reaction))
    ::many in the crowd stand and watch at first, listening intently to the well known and charismatic bard, but several gasp as some of the words. Public accusations against the Ashalds and the Seafarers cause a serious stir. A few hurry off, others chear him on. Some wonder if he has been drinking.::


  • Ocean jerks awake from her habitual dozing through Zyphlin's epic speeches at the mention of the orphanage and applauds loudly at the end of the speech as usual.


  • A large stage is put up near the voting location in the commerce district. Upon it a band is playing jovial tunes while finely dressed women move about the area handing out food and drink to those coming out. The area seems to be reserved and a number of merchants, the majority of them your typical hard working merchant that barely gets a fair shake in the city, all have wonderfully set up stands selling their goods. Off to the side of a stage is a large wagon filled with blankets, toys, furniture, and many other goods. Banners hang all about with one being very familiar: “For hope to Win, choose Zyphlin”. Zyphlin is seen then, walking up onto the stage, carrying a large sack which he puts down on the stage next to him. Looking out to the people he calls out

    People of Peltarch! Today is a day for change!

    Today is your chance to shed the shackles of this monopoly, of this disenfranchisement, and put in a vote for hope in this city. Those that wish to hold onto this monopoly have done all they could to stop the good people of the Jewel that wish to help you, the soul of our city, by any means necessary. They had worked with Banites to ruin my chances and sabotage my campaign. Bounties have been put on my head and the heads of a number of good souls including Senator Roland and candidate Mariston! For years upon years now they have held this city in their grasp and held down all that disagreed with them, but it is time for that to Change! And it can with your vote!

    ::He reaches into his vest and pulls out a fine parchment with the seal of Barrim Asbravn::

    Here I hold in my hand the statement of the truth. This is the decree by the Magistrate that I was found not guilty on every charge brought against me. I am not a criminal, but a victim. A victim, just like each and every one of you, to power hungry bureaucrats and mad men that believe they are above the law. But this time their façade will not work, not if you do not allow it. Vote against the use of Banites for intimidation, vote against those that would use any means to manipulate the system and take away your voice, and instead vote for someone that will fight for a change and will fight for you! Do you want a city where the leadership walks hand in hand with the black gauntlet of Bane, a city of Tyranny. Or instead do you wish a city of freedom, of prosperity, and of hope!

    So I implore all of you, see the truth! Do not let false accusations made by Banites urged on by the politicians that hold each and every one of you down keep you from voting for the person that will bring change and bring a chance to you. Do not allow their plan to take away your voice to actually render you all mute. Put your hope behind me and I swear that the monopolies will be toppled, the corrupt will be expunged, and the people will be lifted on high!

    Now, as you all may have heard, I was not present for a tenday to continue my campaign because there was something that needed to happen. Senator Roland needed my aid at his side as we tried to secure the ancient burial site of our great Founder and never would I turn down the senator or such a noble deed. And while upon this trip we came upon the great terror of the Giantspire, Lord Hashnar the ancient white dragon, and with the aid of Helm our brave Senator slew him. And with the death of a dragon comes the finding of a horde.

    ::He holds up the sack with a smile::

    But I on our way back I realized something. I realized that with this gold I must do as the man whose tomb we went to secure would do. And so, in the spirit of the Fisher King…the one that is not a two bit con artist who lived like a leach off the city that his “ancestor” despised and fought bravely against…I am donating five thousand gold pieces to the Defenders in hopes that they use it to better defend our great city or they use it to repay the families and realities of our brave dead warriors.

    [[i:14ee59aa94]::He takes the sack and hands it down to a defender who thanks him and heads off to turn the gold in. He looks back up with a smile:::

    And now, there is one more thing I must do before I let you good folk leave today. As you know, for months now I have been speaking of the virtue of free trade. I have been threatened, bribed, and even framed, yet I still remain in my belief that a Peltarch of free trade is a better Peltarch, a wealthier Peltarch, and a more prosperous Peltarch. A Peltarch of free trade will give you all the opportunities you so rightly deserve and will destroy the monopoly that holds you all down. It will bring all of us, from the lowest dock worker to even the most high up noble, hope.

    And with that desire for hope, I have one more donation. In talking with many merchants in this city I know that they wished they could follow the footsteps of a man like Mirkali and be charitable to the good causes around us. Yet with the stringent laws of trade that come up from not having a Free Market, they do not have the coinage to do it. So, located in the wagon next to the stage are numerous items bought all from talented, hard working, and good merchants who refuse to fall under the tyrannical, Banite type rule, of the monopoly. And this wagon will now be taken to the caretakers of the new orphanages in Peltarch and it shall be donated to them in the belief that together we can bring hope not just to the workers of Peltarch but to the children that will lead it into the next decades.

    So I ask you all today, do not let the acts of tyrants and banites keep you from voting for your freedom, for your prosperity, and for your own hope! Cast your ballot for Zyphlin, cast you vote for Free Trade, and together we will turn Peltarch into a city for all of us!

  • S

    Senator Brynmor says he will be voting for Zyphlin, a voice for positive change in the city.


  • _The following day a stage is set up in between the Dock District and the Commerce district. As people from both areas begin to make thier way to the stage Zyphlin jumps up upon it and smiles, calling more over as the crowd widens, seeming excited as the days go on.

    First I want to say thanks to all of you that came here today. I know that in this city these days its hard to make enough at times to provide even the necessary things for your families so I understand that taking the time out of your days to listen to me talk is a big thing. So with that in mind, I have a couple of simple things I’m going to promise to you right off the bat here.

    First, I’m going to cut through a lot of the bullshit that seems to be spewing from many peoples mouths whenever the word “election gets brought up”. Truth is, there are a lot of fine people in this election and a lot of fine people in our government, and frankly its time to start actually talking about things that matter instead of doing as everyone else and doing nothing but running down the competition.

    Second, I’m going to tell you exactly why you giving your time to be here today is going to pay off ten fold in the future.

    We are, without a shadow of a doubt, the trading power upon the Icelace. From the moment Hoarsgate betrayed the great Fisher King and in turn the brave Tidus and his Wavebreakers repelled them from the city, our Damaran neighbor could not touch us for trade. Merchants from all over…Impiltur, Damara, the Great Dale, and more…come to our ports because they know that the Jewel of the Icelake is the land of opportunity for their trade.

    And yet, for those within our own walls, it is quite the opposite. For many of you hard working men and women, Peltarch has proven to be an opportunity for poverty. An opportunity to barely scratch your way through life. And I say that this must change. If we are to be the economic and military power of the Northeast then too should our citizens be the most free, the most prosperous, and the most talented of the Northeast as well.

    Put your vote behind me, and I pledge to you that this will happen. With the Dock Renewal Project, along with a Free Trading Peltarch, we will generate more jobs and more revenue that all citizens will have the opportunity to enjoy. We will bring Hope back to this city; and with that Hope we will return the Jewel to the glorious beacon that its founder had intended it to be!_


  • _Standing on a small stage set up in the commerce district, the familiar banner hanging over head stating boldly the slogan…“For hope to Win, choose Zyphlin!”…upon its fine material. Zyphlin stands upon the stage, the familiar friendly and happy smile on his face as he speaks with the crowd gathering quietly at first, talking to those at the front and shaking hands. Finally, as the crowd grows he looks out with a bit of a smirk

    Well now, I must say, it seems that my humble self has caused a bit of a stir. The elite of this city would like to make you believe that I am out of this race, that this frame job perpetrated by the insidious Banites and backed through the Senate by Rath and Bravickus killed my chances and muted my voice and thus muting all of your voices! But you see, they have begun to realize that no amount of political sabotage, no amount of coercion with nefarious groups, can silence the people of Peltarch or kill the spirit of a true Peltarchan.

    So they send out our good boy Aarron Ashald to slander my name once more, all the while claiming I speak lies. He tells you I have been accused of criminal crimes, and indeed I have been! What he fails to mention that I have been found not guilty on each and every count that was brought against me. And more than that, he fails to mention that it was his own blood relative upon the Senate that backed these charges by Banites and pushed along these frivolous charges; charges that if levied against any other person, at any other time, would have not registered upon the senates notice nor took months to sort out.

    But I can not fault poor Aarron for you must expect such from a boy like him. He is very much correct, he never has been convicted of a crime in Peltarch; afterall, he’s only actually spent a small portion of his life here and the rest of it in some far off school. And why in the world would we expect such a fine Lieutenant Guardsmen….though I must stop and wonder ::pausing for a moment, finger to his chin::, I have never heard of any arrests by him prior to his promotion. Actually I had not even heard of him being a guard before he was announced as a lieutenant, but of course this is besides the point_::shrugging a bit, continuing to smile as he moves from the aside::_…that such a fine Lieutenant Guardsmen would ever do any act that could be conceived as illegal? See, I am not offended nor taken aback by the lies and mistruths that good Aarron tries to state because the words are not his own. They are simply what he is told to speak by those above him so that their agendas can be pushed forward. He is but a pawn, and one can’t truly be mad at a pawn. So Aarron, to you I state, please; continue to tell the people how I was falsely held in the most dire times of a political campaign, how all the charges were false, and all were concocted by a group of Banites with the support of such wonderful Senators as the noble Rath Ashald and Torin Bravickus.

    You see folks, I do not see this as a time that we need to be tearing each other apart…though I shall not stand by and watch as others disrespect you with lies and falsities. Instead, it is a time for Peltarch to rise up together. It is a time that we realize that this great city can give each and every one of you a chance to attain your wildest dreams. There are those that may try to vilify the notion of a Peltarch of Free Trade; and those people do it because they are full of fear. They fear change. They fear honest competition. They fear the day when men and women will be able to buy the goods they need and sell the goods they make without jumping through a dozen hoops. They fear the day when any man could do like my good friend Captain Talgrath has done and rise up fairly, through actions and not name, within the ranks of our great armed forces. They fear opportunity. And most of all…they fear hope.

    But I do not.

    And I ask that all of you put your voice behind mine, put your faith behind my cause, and together I promise you; we will bring Hope to all within this city and we shall do it without fear for we will know that our path leads to a brighter jewel!

    At that he gives a great smile to the crowd, speaking passionately but kindly throughout the whole speech. He heads back through the crowd and spends some time talking with people and asking for any concerns they have as the election closes in_


  • Sergeant Shannon D'Arneau lauds Zyphlin for his valor shown in the recent Eastlander conflict.

    He helped defeat a great foe with great risk to himself. If any feat could be performed that would show more willingnes to take action, let it be known to me, for I know no other. This is the man I want in charge of my city; my home.

  • E

    As Zyphlin walks through the crowd he meets Eowien, Staff Sergeant under Captain Talgrath of the Defenders. She talks to him for a short bit, congratulating him on his fine speach and ideas. She also speaks of memories they've shared on the battlefield fighting for the Jewel of the Icelace, of the Civil War and the strike force that went into the sewers and so on. She tells him that an insurance to make sure the families of the fallen are taken care of is something that should have been approved years ago and that she is glad to hear him speak of it. She ends their conversation with telling him that she supports him for Senator.


  • At Zyphlin's rally, Captain Talgrath steps up to give a brief speech

    "I'm not one for long talk, so I'll get straight to the point. I've known and fought beside Zyphlin for over a decade. He is a fine man of great integrity and I know that he won't give the Defenders the short end of the stick. I support his bid for election to the senate fully."

  • S

    As news trickles back from the Nars Pass, it is heard that Zyphlin fought on the front lines in the recent battle, slaying a bandit champion who had broken through Defender ranks and killed several men.


  • _As training for the day lets out on the practice field Defenders, Guards, and other military units see a bit of commotion and crowd just as they are leaving their military barracks. A simple stage is set up with Zyphlin standing before it in his leather armor, smiling and talking with some of the Defenders at the front while more people gather. Finally, as it seems the crowd has grown to a decent size, he looks out over the mass of military men and women and smiles before speaking

    Thank you to all of you brave men and women who are here giving me an ear this day. I must say, while it has been an honor to speak to you and stand before you on the numerous battlefields we’ve fought upon it is much more relaxing and much less stressful doing it in the middle of Peltarch before we all go home to a nice dinner. _He pauses a moment with a grin, letting a bit of a laugh go through at the joking statement, hoping to give a feeling of a slightly relaxed and friendly atmosphere after the day of hard training. Myself, and Peltarch, can not begin to thank you enough for the hard work you all do, but I’ll be damned if I do not try. It is through your blood, sweat, and tears that myself and everyone else in this city can sit comfortably in an inn to have a drink or spend time with our family to have a relaxing dinner.

    With all this in mind, I think it needs to be a priority for any senator to see that our armed forces are at the top of our mind when they sit around their table. Right now we have some of the best leadership the military over and some of the best soldiers we’ve ever had, and I want to see this attempt for excellence to be continued. I would like to see that each and every one of you has the best equipment we can get you to face whatever problems you face. I think it is a travesty, and absolute travesty, that issues of defense and equipment for our guards sat on the senatorial table for months and years during the time of the Chesssakhan attacks because some on the Senate simply didn’t want to try and find a way to make it fit in the budget. Without you all, and the job that you do, they would not have the luxury of sitting there growing fat off your taxes and hard work while ignoring the things you need.

    I’ll tell you what also is a travesty. It is a travesty that the other day I traveled into the docks to visit a young woman by the name of Beth; a woman who now, along with her two children, is barely scrapping along enough to feed and cloth them all let alone find housing for them. You see, Beth’s husband was a defender that fell during the civil war, and was precisely the type of woman I donated my 2,000 gold I won during the Festival of the Fisherking to the families of dead soldiers. With the job market is now in Peltarch Beth could hardly find a decent enough paying job after the death of her husband. Her husband, a brave man and a hero, died for this city and in return the city has nearly destroyed his family. That is a travesty and is disrespectful and is something I never wish to see happen.

    If elected I plan on starting a system of insurance, to make sure that people like Beth and her family do not have such situations fall upon them due to the sacrifices of their brave family members. With this system in place the families of soldiers who give their life in defense of our great city will be financially stable and able to continue their life and have the chance they need to be able to regain their footing after such a terrible loss. It is my belief that you all give everything you have to us as citizens and it is only right that we return this in spades.

    So when voting day comes, I hope all of you will cast your vote not in favor of me, but in favor of respect. Respect for what you all do for this city day in and day out and respect enough to fight for you at that senatorial table. If you vote for me I promise to each and every one of you that much as I have done by your side in the past, I will fight for you in the senate just as hard as you all fight for us out on the battlefield!

    With that Zyphlin gives a thumbs up and thanks to the crowd as he moves down, looking for some of his friends in the defenders and talking with them for a bit afterwards.__


  • Oreth finds a few farmers in town, having a drink after bringing their crops to market. He settles down at their table, and asks how they're settling into their new locations. He smiles, and adds

    You know, that's not all we druids can help you folk out with. I could easily see my way to putting a blessing on your fields once a year or so, make them more bountiful. This time next harvest, you could be bringing in easily twice the crops for the same amount of work…

    Thing is, more food's gonna make for a growing city, and we druids are a bit....skittish about that sort of thing, as a general rule.

    If I'm going to help the city...and you...like that, I'll want to know that there're people up in the leadership who won't be completely daft and irresponsible. Now, there's already some good people up there, but there's some real morons too. Not naming names.

    So I guess what I'm driving at is this: I'm not going to outright say "I won't be blessing any fields if Zyphlin's not elected", but it would go a long way to making up my mind. Man's an old friend of mine, and if there's any city politician I'd feel comfortable aiding, it's him.

    In the mean time, next round's on me, aye?


  • _The theater is packed on a fine evening towards the end of a tenday as the election begins to run on its final legs. Throughout the city heralds and bards move through the streets announcing that former Magistrate Zyphlin was hosting a town hall meeting and that people were invited to come watch. Inside the familiar banner stating “For hope to Win, choose Zyphlin” hangs above the podium set on stage. Chairs with people line the lower section, semi-circling around the podium while onlookers fill up the ramparts overlooking the stage area. The room is loud as people chat and discuss the campaigns of everyone until Zyphlin walks out to applause and takes the podium. As the crowd dies down he smiles and looks out over the throng of people.

    First off, let me thank each and everyone of you coming here today and to state that it is an honor to be able to stand before you. Now, I know fully how things normally go in senatorial campaigns; one person gets up on a stage and blabbers incessantly for tendays on end as you all are simply forced to sit and listen. I don’t think that is going to get myself, you all, or this city anywhere and thus is why we’re here today…to give you all a chance to express your own voice so that you may better understand mine. Throughout the evening I will do my best to answer the questions you have to me to their fullest and to better show you how together we will bring a new era of prosperity and hope to our fair city.

    As the crowd lets forth a brief round of applause Zyphlin moves out from behind the podium, moving around in front of the crowd as the moderator of the evening moves up to one of the people in the seats. The woman stands, a lady of decent dress and middle aged. She smiles, though looks a bit nervous, as she looks up to Zyphlin and speaks her question…

    Middle Aged Woman: Mr. Re’cual, first let me say thanks for letting us speak with you today. I guess what I am wondering is…well, your recent legal troubles are well known and I was just wondering if maybe you could tell us a bit about the charges that were levied against you?

    Smiling at the question, Zyphlin nods a bit towards the end, opening his hands up welcoming in front of him. An excellent question, and no need to thank me for it is an honor to speak to you all. I’m sure many people are wondering about the recent criminal troubles I have ran into, and as they should be. It is not a coincidence now that for two straight elections I’ve suddenly had false charges brought against me. Why? It is quite simple, there are many people that don’t want to see Peltarch reach the heights it’s capable of.

    The first time was by the foul Blackguard of a dark god, a man that sadly took many good senators from us. This time it was from another group following a dark god, a good of slavery and tyrannical rule; A god whose followers have long intimidated and bullied the good folk of Peltarch in the guise of “freedom of religion” and they themselves counting a number of fugitives and convicts amongst them. These are the people that brought the charges of corruption and assault against me after my years of serving you, but what is worse, these are the types that the senate listened to and demanded that I was put under constant guard surveillance and that I was brought into court over. These are the types that the senate listened to just as I started my campaign stating how I would make sure that the senate worked for you the people and not just for their own selfish ends.

    And despite these charges and false accusations made from a group of Banite criminals with the backing of certain officials I was found not guilty on all counts. And while this tyrannical plot of the followers of Bane has stopped me from speaking to the good citizens of this city for a fair portion of the senate race it will no longer silence me! I for one do not want a city ran by Banites and I believe that you people do not want this either. So I must ask, do you wish another that would sit by and follow the whims of slave drivering criminal Banites or someone that will stand against them? Because I promise, each and every one of you, that I will not see any other person in this city have their lives thrown into a whirlwind due to false accusations from anyone trying to use the law to their own dark goals.

    The crowd lets forth with applause as Zyphlin smiles and the woman nods and thanks him before sitting down. He moves back towards the podium as the next stands up, a man barely out of his teens in a fine shirt and simple smile. The crowd quiets as he asks his question…

    Young Man: Mr. Re’cual. A hot button topic for many people this time around seems to be education, but you haven’t spoken much about it. Could you perhaps give us your views on education?

    Chuckling slightly with a grin as he begins to speak. I’m glad you asked that, as education is something near and dear to my heart. Even now, we sit within the opening chamber of the fine Peltarchan Bardic College, of which I am headmaster. For twenty years now I have taught a number of classes here, from history to music to swordsmanship, for the people of Peltarch and I have loved every minute of it. I believe that every Peltarchan that wishes a education can get one that will match the education they could find in any college in any city Faerun over. If elected, it would be my goal to continue, as I have as Headmaster, to find ways to make it possible for more citizens to take classes here and to get the education that they so rightly deserve. You see, I believe that education is the basis of our society. Whether it is education of a trade to something more worldly such as history education allows people to succeed in life at whatever they strive for. Unlike others that seemed to believe that they had to go half way across Faerun for an education, I believe that Peltarch can educate people just as good if not better then any other place. It would be my dream to see every citizen in Peltarch with the chance to learn anything their heart would desire, and I believe it’s a dream that could happen.

    The young man gives a charming smile, seeming satisfied as he sits back down. A few of his friends, teenagers as well, clapping him on the back as the moderator moves to the next hand. A man looking to be the typical dockworker stands next…

    Dockworker: You’ve been talking quite a bit but frankly many of our senators come in and nothing seems to happen. If you became a senator Mr. Re’cual, what would you like to see changed in the city?

    Well sir, I understand your distress there too as its one I’ve felt myself. We see Senate races every few years here in Peltarch yet rarely do we see much change for one reason or another. The reason for this is that while some may be charismatic or have influential ties, they lack a firmly need quality: Leadership. If I am elected I do not plan on stopping at that point, just as I never stopped striving for the best for this city once I became Magistrate. I will fight for the people of this city and for things that are needed. I will fight to see trade monopolies abolished so that all have the chances to succeed at life. I will fight to for my Peltarch Renewal Project to happen and our docks extended and renovated. I would like to see the many orphaned children left over from the war find a permanent and safe place to live while seeing those that are regulated to life on the streets have a chance to find jobs. And whether it takes me a day, three days, a tenday, a month, I will make sure that those on the senate realize that they were elected for the citizens and as such they should be there voting and passing things the citizens need!

    Applause rings out through the hall as Zyphlin makes his way back out front of the podium as the moderator heads to the next man, the dockworker grunting a bit but seeming half satisfied. Next up is a merchant, a beard somewhat disheveled upon his face but decently groomed….

    Merchant: Ya keep talking about this Dock project or Peltarch renewal thing, but what exactly is it? How is it gonna be ‘elpin me and my shop and is it going to make me be paying more in me taxes?

    Smiling, raising a finger in recognition of the question. Ah, a very good concern, but one you need not have. My plan here is really simple actually. You see, we’re going to expand and strengthen the infrastructure of Peltarch…that being the docks…and in doing such it will make everything built upon that stronger. I plan on tripling or quadrupling the current size of our docks, allowing more trade in and out of it and opening up dozens of new jobs between people building these docks and people manning them once built. Hand in hand with this, I want to see the district itself expanded with government sponsored buildings being made and sold for a fair price to allow for possible low cost housing complexes or businesses to handle the increased trade.

    Holding up his hands, pointer finger extended on both, moving them back and forth a bit in front of him as he speaks, excitement raising as he seems to be passionate about this. You see, by doing these two things together, the amount of revenue generated within the city and coming into the city will increase while the jobs created will give more and more citizens incomes to spend on things the need and in some cases even luxuries they simply want. More money in the pockets of the workers…who are increased in number themselves…means more money going into the pockets of businessmen, which in turn allow them to expand some and hire more people, thus continuing the cycle. And all of this will be started through a fund of donated money by good souls within our city that understand that the PRP is for the best possible thing we could do for this city. Already, despite some delay due to my false accusations from the banite throng, we have raised pledges totaling 50,000 gold for this with more donations coming in every day. With the help of these donations, and with the help of you fine peoples vote, we will bring in a renaissance of trade to the Jewel of the Icelake.

    The man nods a bit, seeming to understand a bit more, and states a quick bit of thanks as the applause starts before sitting. Zyphlin moves back, leaning an arm on the podium as he stands in front of it as the next person up is a younger pretty woman, speaking a bit shyly…

    Young shy girl: Hi, um, Mr. Re’cual. With all the things happening to you, it seems you haven’t stated your thoughts concerning the poor orphaned children all around the city. Could you maybe, tell us, what you think about them and how you’d fix it?

    Grins charmingly to the woman, nodding a bit as he moves some of his golden hair out from in front of his face. Well first let me say a few things on this. I want to first state how amazingly proud I am that two of our fine bards of this city were some of the first to get together and push for the help of these poor children and I think miss Ocean and Lilly should be looked upon as heroes for what they’ve done. Along with that, a man who has long been my apprentice should also be considered one, and that is Mirkali. The giving spirit of their hearts is a wondrous thing and it is something that I hope many Peltarchan’s share.

    One of the reasons for my Peltarch Renewal Project is the hope that we can get many low budget housing complexes set up in the docks, allowing a place for families that don’t have much money to still afford a roof over their head for them and their children. As far as the orphan’s that have no parents, I would push for the government to help support the orphanages within the city as well as help to set up a program to match these children with parents looking to adopt. I think if we had more families like Mariston and the new magistrate Anna Sigerlson…who through their kindness adopted an orphaned child…then this “problem” would not be happening, and it would be my hope that we find all those families that are like them but simply don’t the option is open to them.

    He gives one last warm smile to the lass as she sits, blushing a bit as her girlfriends around her giggle slightly. The moderator next moves to a hand in the back as a rather large man, possibly a guard or defender from his build and demeanor, speaks in a low voice…

    Defender man: First let me say that I fought beside you in the civil war and it was an honor to fight behind a man such as yourself that was truly risking his life when he didn’t need to simply out of his principles and good will. With that said, between the eastlanders the kobolds and the ever on the edge possible giant problems, what are your thoughts on defense for the city?

    Zyphlin seems honestly a bit humbled and embarrassed by the praise from the man. He gives a small nod of appreciation before speaking. Honestly, I thought of it an honor to be able to fight along side all the brave soldiers and volunteers in the war and believe that the job you do takes the utmost courage. Now you ask a good question, especially with the recent situations. I’ve never been afraid or a strange to defense of Peltarch. Between attacks by the Chessakhan, kobolds, eastlanders in the past, and the Thayans I have stood at the forefront of assaults dozens of times and helped to come up with plans of defense just as much. I understand the difficulties and dangers that such things present and as Senator I would seek to make sure that we do all we can to minimize the loss of life for our brave men and women. I would push for increased vigilance, benefits, and numbers for our far scouts division so that we may know of threats to the city in advance. I would see that we have guards in all areas of the city to insure that our citizens are safe, be it night or day, civic district or the docks. And I would do all I could to make sure that our defenders have the best training, equipment, and support that our city can give them. It is my hope that Peltarch will understand and see how important our armed forces are and treat them as the precious and valuable warriors they are. If it was not for those men and women, we would not be able to live the peaceful life we have in this city, and for that I believe we all should be thankful to them.

    With a gruff nod the Defender sits down quietly as the moderator makes his way back up through the applauding crowd. The next up is a finely dressed man with slicked back brown hair and noble clothes…

    Nobleman: Headmaster Re’cual, as you know while we are a wonderful city we are far from the only thing in the north. How do you like to see the Jewel in relation to the other powers, organizations, and ::with a bit of disdain:: settlements in the region?

    Since arriving in Peltarch I realized one thing, that this city had great promise. Already it is the pinnacle city of the country, yet there are problems. For one, despite our trade dominance the prices for necessities are more in this city than in almost every city around the Icelake, Damara, or the Great Dale. I think that fact is one that should never have ever occurred and must be stopped, and I firmly believe that a free trading Peltarch will fix that. I believe that good relations with the small towns to the south, such as the farming community of Jiyyd, can help in times that our food needs are strained. I believe that having good relationships with organizations such as the Divine Shield of Jiyyd to aid us against the dark forces of this world and with the Druid Circle of the Rawlinswood to aid our farmers and bless their fields are instrumental in furthering our city and would be irresponsible not to persue. I would like to see Peltarch become the Jewel of not only the Icelace Lake but the entire northwestern portion of Faerun, and I would like to see it happen not just in name but in practical matters such as the price of goods and the education of our citizens as well. If you elect me I can assure you that I will do all within my power to reach that goal, and bring the hope for a brighter future to every citizen.
    With a slight haughty look at the thought of some of the statements, the nobleman sits, smoothing out his silken clothes. People clamour and talk through the applauds as a young man with a sarcastic smirk is picked next with the moderator letting it be known this is the final question…

    Sarcastic Young Man: Well, we’ve been hearing you talk all night and you said some interesting things but frankly, I want to know what you think makes you so special compared to all those others we have to vote for?

    Chuckles as the young man looks back to his friends who are cheering him on, and gives a cunning smile of his own. Ah, this is a simple one but still, a good one none the less and a great final question. First, let me state that I have the utmost respect for most of the candidates in this election. I applaud all of them for a cleanly ran campaign that, with the exception of a few unsightly posters that I’m sure were perpetrated by simple pranksters, has been above the playing field from the start. I wish them all the best of luck and I shall be interested to see who you, the people, put into office.

    That being said, I do believe that there is something that distinguishes me from all the candidates and that is experience. There is no person in this election with the experience that I would bring to the table. I have been a public servant in a political position for twenty years and have served it well, helping out the people of Peltarch anytime I could through my connections. I have been the advisor of two great senators of this city with the late Ayanie and our brave Senator Vino and understand the senatorial process and have seen what is needed to actually get things done. While I may not have ran out and joined a military group in the past few months, I have been assisting them extensively for years upon years now. My first few years here in Peltarch were actually aiding the spearheading of a Cerulean Knights investigation into a horrible cult found beneath our streets. I have been the Headmaster of the illustrious Bardic College of Peltarch for half a dozen years now and a professor for even longer, showing my experience in the realms of education and showing my talents at leadership. It is this experience, in politics, in defense, in leadership, that sets me apart from all those in this campaign.

    So I ask all of you when it comes time for election day to remember; the people of Peltarch need and deserve a man that will work for them, that will make their voice heard, and will fight against whatever injustices that face them be it a bourgeoisie monopoly or the corrputable influences of Banites. And if you vote for me, I will take up the banner of that fight and I will let it fly high and proud until my last breath and I will promise you all that Hope will win out in the end! Thank you all for your time and may the Lady’s Smile shine down upon each and everyone of you!

    With that he throws his hands up, waving to the crowd with a smile while those in the seat stand and begin to cheer and applause. He moves through to the front row, shaking hands and thanking a them for coming before moving off to the door at the side of the stage. The moderator moves up to the pedestal, informing people that Zyphlin will be speaking more in the coming days and wishing everyone a pleasant night and thanking them once more for coming._


  • ..Rolling a coin 'tween the knuckles of his fingertips, having draped himself in a comfortable slouching position and taking two seats in the commons, the orange haired bard casts a glance over to two gossipping commoners, musing a grin at the corner of his lip..

    "I remember the hundred-or-so odd assaults held upon our City Gates; from giants, kobolds or whatever else you can imagine–in which he stood on the front lines; aiding our troops and mending our morale with song."

  • S

    _A fair number of bards and messengers are seen going around the city talking about Zyphlin. In the taverns, they are liberal with their coin and buy free rounds as they discuss Zyphlin's campaign. Some talk about how he has finally been found innocent of all charges despite attempts to frame him by Banites and other unsavory types. Others regale listeners with tales of his heroic deeds in Narfell.

    "I still remember when he spoke to the troops in the civil war…"

    "I hear he came close to catching Koreth, too..."

    "...and remember when he helped old Bromley cure the plague?"

    "I saw him defending the temple alone when it were attacked by demons!"

    The various bards say little about other candidates, though they speak favorably of Mariston and Eowiel if they are asked._


  • Zyphlin moves out of the court room after the long trial, a smile worn on his lips and determination written across his face. He looks out to those gathered waiting for the verdict and speaks with an uplifting voice.

    Thank you to everyone here waiting to hear the results of my case, and to all those that knew that these outlandish charges were false against me; and I am proud to state that I am found not guilty on all charges!

    As you all know, before this case, there have been many accusations against me. Many people have asked if I am the sort of man who should serve on the Senate. Many people have asked who the real Zyphlin is. I will tell you.

    I am not some debtor from Hoarsgate who wants to take away your liberties and rule you under false pretenses. I am not a spoiled boy, raised as a prince in far away lands, returning here to claim his inheritance. I am not a drunken fool who claims to be a god. I am not a lackey who bows to the King of Coins.

    For twenty years, I served this city faithfully as a Magistrate, judging wisely and putting bad men in prison. Twice I was accused of crimes I did not commit: once, by the blackguard Zargothis and his servants, and a second time by Banites; both of them groups who continue to work against Peltarch, forever conspiring against us and seeking our ruin. Each time, the accusations against me were made AFTER I announced my intentions to run for Senate. Each time, the accusations were found to be completely false. In the last election, I abandoned my bid in order to face the charges against me. I will not make that mistake again.

    The stakes are too high for me to give up now. Look around you. Peltarch is the greatest power on the Icelace. We are the wealthiest city in the region, yet grain here costs five times what it does in Hoarsgate or Damara or the south of Narfell near the Great Dale. We possess the finest craftsmen and artisans in the land, yet they can barely afford the raw materials with which to ply their trade. We are surrounded by mountains of silver and gold and virgin forests, yet the price of lumber and metals is ruining our economy. We have won great wars, and yet we remain slaves in our own homes. How can we be expected to go on like this?

    It is time for change. My enemies, the enemies Peltarch, have tried to smear my good name and dissuade you from voting for me. Why? Because they fear the change that I promise to bring. They fear a stronger Peltarch. They fear hope.

    I want a strong Peltarch. A Peltarch of peace and prosperity. A Peltarch for all of us. A Peltarch of oppertunity and hope!

    It is time for change. It is time to cast aside the shackles of corruption and deceit and monopolies. It is time for free trade. It is time to give every merchant and every citizen the opportunity to be rich, if he works hard; to live in peace, if he follows the laws; to be honored, if by his deeds he brings glory to Peltarch. If elected, these are the goals I will work towards, together with like-minded colleagues on the Senate. If elected, these are the changes I will bring.

    Many of you know of my project to renew the docks, to expand the city's infrastructure and industry. Already, I am proud to say that over 50,000 gold pieces have been pledged towards this project by local merchants and investors. And we have hardly even begun to tap all of our resources.

    The opportunities are limitless, if only we have hope. It is now within our means to fundamentally change the character of our city. To open up new commercial links and expand the economy. To root out corruption. To strengthen our borders so that we can ensure peaceful and steady trade. All it takes is one thing: your vote. Choose change. Choose hope. Choose Zyphlin!

    With that he gives a bow to the crowd, a joviel grin upon his face as he moves through the throng of people and back to the Theater, for the first time in months traveling without an cadre of guards following behind.


  • With a healthy donation from the law courts of Peltarch, Ocean announces that there will soon be a second orphanage built and that the care of the orphaned children of Peltarch has been one of her main priorities sicne the Civil war when she first began to look after them.

    ///Need to get the building Toolsetted and IG, but the money is there

  • R

    Sir Richard post a question in public to the candidate for the senate. "I have the upmost respect for those who wish to run for public office. I wish to ask an important question.
    With the war with the eastlanders the people who have been hurt the most have been the children of peltarch for their are many orphans who have lost their parents in this war. The city's orphanage is past full capacity their is no more space and their supplies are poor at best. What do you propose on doing to bring some sort of normacy to these children who have lost it all.
    I have seen the faces of these childrens and held them tight as they cry for their mothers and fathers who are no longer with us. I tell them things will get better and that their loved ones fought for the safety of the city. They where brave and courages and mommy and daddy ask them to be the same in the days to come.
    How will you deal with the issue.What they need is not a hand out but a hand up. A hand in helping them find new families that may love them and help them. How will you do this.


  • Oreth looks up at Rando's little aside, and says in a loud voice

    And if a man like Rando hates him enough to take time out of his patrols (which are funded out of your pockets, if I understand the tax system properly) to opine on his campaign, Zyph must be doing SOMETHING right, aye?

    The druid grins and laughs, and otherwise just mingles with the crowd, not commenting much until the small hooded figure speaks his poem, to which he simply adds a single "Bravo" in draconic.

  • S
    Council of Moradin

    The crowd starts off sizable enough, but as the speech goes on more and more people stop working to come over and listen. Alot of smiles and murmors as the bard speaks and at the conclusion a great deal of clapping.

    At one point there was a bit of a disturbance as a man tried to push his way to the front. It seems he fell and a very cold bath in the lake dissuaded him from whatever it was he wanted to approach the speaker about. A couple very stocky dwarves could be seen waving to the man as he swam away.

    Those in the docks district don't seem to care about senatorial investigations or charges. It would be safe to assume most people here have spent a few days in the care of the Guard.