Told from the Rant Stand
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Magistrate D'Arneau, in modest plain clothes, rather than his usual armor, takes the rant stand, placing his notes on the lecturn.
People of Peltarch,
I take this stand, during troubled times, to remind you that the Jewel of the Icelace is the great city that it is because of you, its people, and your ability to choose the city's leadership.
I am not here today to persuade or argue with you in regards to what you want for your city - how trade is handled, or even how the Senate operates. Those are your choices to make. I am here, however, to implore that all this change is made peacefully and legally.
It is with that in mind that I caution you to beware propaganda and to question the sources of information - particularly that of Carlos Roam and Daughters.
He makes a pause.
Fraud.
Peltarch statute 1.16 - An intentional perversion of the truth, in order to induce another to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right…. this is a violation of the law.
The ability you have to vote - and to make that choice without being swayed by lies is certain a legal right that each of you has.
He pauses again.
Carlos Roam and Daughters have offered their services to all of the political candidates. Pay them money and they will create propaganda for you that will lift you up - or smear your opponents. Pay them money for immunity to the smear campaigns.
Several candidates have come to me questioning the campaigns being run, propaganda being distributed, and what can be done about what they deem to be horrible lies spread about them and others.
I have examined a good number of the posters spread throughout the city… and have found that there are no explicit lies contained within.
While the statute does specify a "perversion of the truth," it clearly lies in a gray area in the eyes of the law.
He sighs, looking down to his notes.
I do not believe it is legally possible to prosecute these people for the actions they have taken. They are legally within their limits and as such I cannot by warrant sequester what deals they have made with your candidates.
However… I still believe that this tactic is morally dishonest.
Therefore, I would ask that, in the interest of the truth, all candidates immediately disclose what business they have done with Carlos Roam and Daughters.
I urge you all to demand honesty from your candidates - as it is only right that you should do so. The people of Peltarch are owed at least this much.
With that, the Magistrate gathers his notes and descends from the rant stand.
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Fancy bearded grumpy old wizard Draeldun Murdin steps up to the rant stand with a raven sitting atop his hat.
"Fellow citizens, I dare say I have something with which I should like to rant about.
I tire of these brain dead parasites running for senate. Half of them came up from that mud farm to the south. Well, I suppose if you can't properly defend one place you may as well try here, right?
Oh but don't worry, they all have so much coin. They want us to nod our heads with buck toothed grins as they inform us of how much they just love the orphans. All the while they spend thousands of gold pieces to blow smoke up their own fat rumps! I would place my vote with the Rat-Master General but clearly even she couldn't keep these vermin out of our city.
I ask you, who truly has kept our city safe this whole time? Who keeps our city safe every day? Who took action as the senators had a tantrum at each other? I say General Neverith needs to step up. That's a man I'd put my vote with! Not any of these grimy goblin fingered pinheads."
The raven on his hat gives out a loud "Squak!"
"Too right." Draeldun nods and leaves the stand.
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- A letter reaches Raul shortly after his speech from a Mister Jason Selious *
Please seek me out immediately upon receiving this letter, I have some word of Marie and I would like to speak to you regarding it. Thank you Kindly.
Brother Jason Selious.
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Raúl waits patiently near the Rant Stand until someone making a speech manages to gather a large ammount of people. Whoever it is, matters not to Raúl, and he gets up and tells him to shut up a moment, while waving his hand annoyed at him.
He then speaks, short but clear.I'll give ten thousand coins to anyone that gives me a valid clue of the whereabouts of Marie Scuttlestone.
If I pay to you and find out the information is invalid, you pray your gods I don't find you. is about to leave and stops, looking at the crowd And I -will- find you.He then gets down from the stand, dropping a small coinbag to the guy that was talking with 100gp in it ((trashed))
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Ashena repeats a similar speech in Norwick itself, and the Silver Valley after that, encouraging those that can do so to fight, and those who cannot, to pray to the good gods of whatever pantheon they follow.
((rather than repeating the same post thrice over, I opted for this far lazier alternative.. though my paladin is hard at work, of course!
))
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One sunny morning, the Order's young Swordarm, Tormish paladin Ashena Teroldys, takes the stand, her gold and blue armor gleaming with a mirror shine, silk cloak fluttering lightly in the breeze. Though not tall, she does stand proud and straight, facing whatever onlookers there may be with a soft and steady gaze. Her voice is clear and determined as she speaks up, growing steadily in passion:
"People of Peltarch; good labourers and merchants, sailors and gentry, farmers, soldiers, heroes and adventurers, hear me!
The evil lurking 'neath Norwick's soil has long been a taint upon the lands, a threat which now grows and festers, spilling out of its dank crypts to threaten all which lives above. Again and again, the town's defences has been tested, but we shall sit and wait no more! Now, the time has come to strike back, to put an end to darkness and undeath!
The Order of the Divine Shield has put the call out, we rally all able men and women to the fight. Have you the strength of arm, the courage and the capability to combat this evil? ~Now~ is the time to put those skills to the test, now is the time to use your power for to make a change for the better - otherwise, what good is it to anyone? This world will not be a better place for simply wishing it so - no, we need to MAKE it so!
Those that have, must give. Those who can, must do. These are the words which set me upon my path as Torm's warrior. Those who can fight must do so, to protect those who cannot. But strength of arms is not the only sort of power! People of Peltarch, aid us now in keeping spirits high: light a candle when darkness falls and think of those of us who march into the night. Hold us in your heart and in your prayers! Pray to Tyr for insight, for the wisdom to choose the right path, for rendering righteous judgement!"
Ashena touches fingertips to her temples, then places her hand over her heart as she goes on, her eyes bright.
"Pray to Ilmater, for mercy, for hope and compassion, for He is the heart of the Triad, his kindness a gentle but unstoppable force, without bounds!"
Finally, she holds her gauntleted hand out infront of her, a solemn, heartfelt smile on her lips.
"And pray to Torm, the Hand that wields the sword, unswerving and unyielding, steadfast and true!
Praise the Triad, walk in the light and that light shall spread tenfold! Light a candle as we march, and together, we shall stand victorious!"
((Charisma 24))
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_Upon hearing the news that a treaty has been signed between Norwick and Ostromog, a tall woman with ash-blonde hair and striking features takes the stand.
She eyes whatever crowd may have gathered with a scornful gaze before speaking loud and clearly._
"People of Norwick; it is my understanding that you have reclaimed your home through diplomacy. Such a feat is admirable, if inadvisable. Still, it is a boon to the gods that the lives of many innocents have been spared further bloodshed."
"As I dwell upon the events that lead to the town's capture, it is clear to me now that your people lacked vigilance, and piety. Devotion to the gods of Law and Order, Virtue and Integrity would have guarded you from the Bugbear incursion."
"But there is hope for you yet. Clearly the gods have bestowed upon you a second chance to prove your worth by allowing you to reclaim your town. Heed the teachings of the preachers and clergy from the temple within these walls - a Temple that stands forever vigilant against the forces of malevolance."
"As soon as you step back inside your town's walls you must demonstrate your devotion to the Watcher, and the other gods of the Triad. Your trust and faith in the worthy gods shall see your town kept safe from the forces of chaos and evil for eternity."
"And I, Olwyn Wyvernskull of the Vigilant Eyes, shall stand amongst you; ever-watchful of Evil and leading those confused by chaos and disorder back to a path of righteousness and dignity."
"Walk in the light…"
((Charisma 16 - taking a 10 for a Charisma check of 13))
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After a lengthy period of time (probably several weeks) Val takes to the stand again
Good people of Peltarch and Norwick, I come to you with news this day. The elven priest known as Havon has been questioned extensively, and has been found innocent of involvement in the co-ordination of the undead assault on Norwick. Subsequently, he has been released and is free to return to his loved ones.
May Peltarch always prosper, and Norwick be returned to its people.
// taking 10 on a Charisma check, for a total of 17
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Val takes to the stage and addresses the crowd
Good people of Peltarch and Norwick, I come to you with news this day. The atrocity of the Undead Attack on Norwick, and the loss of more than three hundred civilians, is currently being looked into, and a trial has been held for one Sirion, formerly of Norwick.
The trial was presided over by Magistrate Miranda Greywing, who was given authority by Lady Daisy to act in this instance, under powers given to her by the former chancellor, Biswan.
Sirion was found "Not Proven" on the charges of Necrofelony and High Treason, neither guilty nor innocent until further evidence can be found, and a new trial called. Rest assured that those who love the light are seeking out for evidence to prove the identity of the villain who committed this crime, and that when we have it, justice will be done.
May Peltarch always prosper, and Norwick be returned to its people.
// taking 10 on a Charisma check, for a total of 17
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Hands clasped before her and in silent prayers Celia walks up and down the streets of Peltarch
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Moon dressed for battle stands ready for whatever actions…. when everYashi spends her time by the Peltarch stables looking over the sturdy but short legged breed of a war horse and haggling for the price for one of the stallions covering her mare
Mystic.. well she sits curled up in front of the fire in one of the back rooms at the Mermaid Inn, quite content drinking her mulled wine, with a great sneaky black cat at her feet.
Aza'ael seems lost
((OOC: oh just realized this maybe moved to rumors...))
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John slides infront of Martouscha from the shadows of the crowd, ready to defend his senator should need be.
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Rath on the other hand can be seen nodding slightly as then orator speaks, then shaking head at Havon's speech. While he doesn't comment on the matter more, it seems clear that he would support 'one united Narfell'.
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Even Havon, as he departs either away or to a place from which to observe further speeches, perks a very confused eyebrow at the heckling and abuse.
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Marty us utterly stunned by the response, nimbly dodging the volley of hurled filth. She then remembers that she has a double.
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_Many Norwick refugees in the crowd throw fruit and horse dung at Senator Leaffall as she finishes. A few even draw weapons, and suddenly have Peltarch guards ushering them off.
Mutters of "Murderer" and "Slavedriver" float in the air.
Many in the crowd look taken aback by this, as even the Senator's harshest critics have never accused her of slavedriving before. Does she even know how to drive a slave?_
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Senator Marty Leaffall bows to Havon as he finishes his speech. She then Stands upon a barrel to make a short speech of her own
Peltarch will always stand as a beacon of freedom and civilisation in these lands. My heart is broken for the people of Norwick. It is far from our city's character to take advantage of the tragedy that has befallen our southern neighbours. On the contrary, I feel I speak for every decent person in Peltarch when I say that we will stand by our friends from the south and will do all we can to ensure their tragedy is turned about.
For now I encourage everyone, sons of Norwick and of Peltarch, to stand united. Now is not the time for political drama or bickering. It is a time for effective action. It is a time for compassion. And above all it is a time for vigilance and determination. Narfell has had it's storms in the past and we have weathered them out as we shall this one!
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_The aged elf Havon of Suldanessellar, his dark hair accented with brilliant, elegant silver, takes the rant stand after the prior orator. He projects his voice - louder than his usual, default, calm, indoor volume - so that all who heard the previous orator might hear him now.
"I appreciate your seemingly good intentions. The people of Norwick - and the remnant of its defenders - many of whom died to protect their home and impede Ostromog's northward progress, which impede they did - would also appreciate yours and Peltarch's aid in liberating Norwick from its Bugbear conquerors._
**But to be annexed by one rather than another is no solution for Norwick's people! _The friendship between our people and yours - the people who cooperatively oppose slavery, who champion freedom and liberty together - would be greatly strengthened if Peltarch were to aid in our liberation. But know that the Norwick Remnant lives, and know that we will not only aid in securing Peltarch from Bugbear conquest but also contribute, if not seize alone our own liberation!
Know that our leaders are not dead. If before, Norwick's leadership was weak, then the weak have been purged with the loss of their town. And in this vacuum there will rise stronger leadership: better leadership, which has learned from the mistakes of its predecessors. But this leadership must be of Norwick - it cannot be of Peltarch, for think: Too independent are Norwick's people. We cannot accept foreign leadership - only our own. Just as the Norwick Remnant, whose pamphlets and fliers you see on every door and every wall - the mark of our perseverance! - will not accept Bugbear control of our own people.
And finally I will say: look at the faces of our refugees, my Peltarchan friends. Look at their reaction to the idea - the idea that they would trade one occupier for another! Those are the faces of people who would scorn the false liberator. If you value justice or liberty, my friends, aid us in liberating our people and our town from these brutes - but do not become the brute yourself!"_
(Charisma 15, persuade roll 31, confirmed by Lager.)**
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An orator takes the stand to give a speech.
"It's a damn shame about this bugbear invasion of Norwick. A real tragedy. And because of it we're likely gonna have to step in and fight em off, or it'd be hobs and bugbears at southgate come next month.
"But I have to ask you, how'd this come about?
"It came about because Norwick had WEAK leadership and a weaker 'militia'. Their entire host would barely make a Peltarch platoon. No wonder they went down like a drunken sailor!
"This jumped-up bugbear lord will run like a scared little child when the Jewel marches against him. But since the Robin Redcloak has gone extinct in these parts, he'll just be back next year.
"My friends, the answer is clear. Peltarch must annex Norwick. Their leaders are dead, their soldiers as well, and their people at the mercy of any goblin with a club. With Norwick garrisoned by our soldiers, led to prosperity by our guilds, and ruled by our laws, the land shall flourish and all may live in peace and safety."
Most of the crowd seems to applaud the idea, although the refugees in the crowd look distinctly unenthused.
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A red haired woman nearly all would recognise as Val Kyrie takes the stage, calling out for silence. And although her words are in celestial, all of moderate intelligence or greater (Intelligence of 8+) can understand her.
Good people, tragedy has befallen our neighbours to the south. Do not be downhearted though, for in this hour of need we will all band together.
Those who have escaped the horror of the attacks on Norwick can take shelter in the Theatre. There is not an unlimited amount of space though, so priority will be given to the wounded, the women, and the children. We will organise bedding, food, and healers to attend to you.
If you have questions, please, seek me out. I am Val Kyrie, Master of the Bardic College, and I will be there for the foreseeable future.
If we work together, we can prevail despite the odds. Do not give up hope! Trust in the goodly gods, and work with your fellow man, we will find a way to repay the forces of evil for their dark works!
// OOC: Perform base 37, taking 10 for 47 on Perform:Oratory
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Herald Damian Fisher ascends the stand, flanked by a pair of bureaucratic flunkies and reads a rather short prepared statement.
"Citizens of Peltarch, it is my duty to inform you of the resignation of one of your Senators, namely Senator Adrian Petrarch. Glory to Peltarch and may she be well served by his replacement, when such time comes as the Senate decrees the vacancy shall be filled."
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_Those listening to the speech are clearly moved by the persuasive power of the speaker, though the large majority of them are baffled by the actual message itself. The concept of "democracy" is largely alien to citizens, who would have no reference point for it in a land ruled either by even firmer oligarchies than Peltarch's, or by Kings, Lords or Priests. The people also fail to grasp the speaker's points about conflicts of interest, given that the city's merchants are its lifeblood, the vast majority of people take as gospel that the wealth of the City's Guilds is the wealth of the City itself, meaning the idea of condemning Senators seeking to benefit the fortunes of their Guilds is also rather foreign to citizens.
In the end, the crowd chants some anarchistic type slogans vigourously by the end of the speech, quite fired up into a real anger against the Senate, though few seem to take on board the actual suggestions and concepts included in the speech…likely the only ones truly erudite enough to fully comprehend what was intended are indeed those few nobles actually listening who happened to be perusing the marketplace at the time._
