3. Ravos Calchais' public rumours and opinions

Ravos Calchais' public rumours and opinions

  • DM

    Ravos was seen for the 2nd time running coming back from another foray beyond the walls along with a number of rag-tag adventurers, Meadow and Lady Varya.

    Clearly all involved were tired battered and covered in all sorts of foullness, as well this time the all perfvasive smell of musty books. After speaking with an old shouty priest of Oghma who seemed pleased with the outcome, he returned to his usual seat, ale in hand and orders a big bowl of rice and chicken from the Mermaid.

    "That bastard is starting to irritate me.." Fetch one of the ceruleans won't you , this has gone on long enough.". he says, mouth full as he eats heartily of his evening meal, leaning back in his chair as he finishes, satisfied as he again pays close attention to his huge hunting knife at his side, inspecting it's edge.

    "Oh wait a moment.. he remarks to himself, I've got the perfect way to be rid of that necromancer..." :: he makes a note and then goes back to his ale ::

    Recent rumours speak of recent battles with a mighty necromancer, and now hushed whispers speak of a fight with the most terrible undead wizards whose name few dare to utter, unconcerned Ravos leafs through his scroll case rubbing his chin in contemplation.

  • DM

    :: Ravos has yet again been seen heading back from the farmlands of the tiller barony and the nars with a number of other local adventurers, with farmers cheering in their wake ::
    "It was no trouble", he's simply heard to remark. - as they emerge from a hole under the farm covered in lizardkin blood, other gore and other entrails of some hideous creature or such..

    "the boy is safe and sound now at least, and rest assured there would be no trial for what held him".

    :: Ravos asks again of the military command of Peltarch for defenders to resume their patrols of this area, and asks the farmers to remain vigilant of any futher sounds of subterranean digging ::

    Other wild rumours point to posessions, huge worms, and kobolds under the thrall of something horrendous, with demons and other monsters speculated upon.

    "They will not make a mockery of our throne, and let all things who prey on the locals of this area know that the throne will not be compromised. Neither will the hard working efforts of the farmers we owe our lives to, far more than a few adventurers".

    :: Ravos then heads back to the city via the construction site of the chauntea shrine close by ::

  • DM

    :: Ravos was seen after the recent trial where he was requested to act as prosecutor, "my first time in the role", he's heard to remark to the clerks... - consulting and discussing for many hours the interesting jurisprudence with court officials and inquisitors. Some of the matters concerned some highly original and perhaps wise insights from Magistrate D'Armeau, even setting a precedence under the principles of Curia novit iura - "the court knows the law", the basis that a Magistrate can introduce new procedures into their own court in their own style, and perhaps when the case suits ::

    :: Tired from the long hours of preparation for the case, and the exchanges with the remarkable intellect of Salin Ashald, he retires to his quarters pleased with his own contribution to justice and the profound lawful collaboration of many different individuals even when it may not suit them individually, with the "peoples" contribution ::

    "Truly a victory for all the people of the city, for the statute and law's prominence and most importantly Meadow. She clearly will be an active participant in the pursuing of the individual which evidence showed in the court to be highly dangerous and, now that "it" has crossed paths with the city, meadow, myself and the investigative and lawful entities of the city, it is clearly nearing the end of it's particular story. Hoar and Tyr will be watching as revenge is no doubt exacted upon this thing."

    :: Ravos wakes, glad to find the realm still in one piece, though deeply concerned with the loss of life of close friends and associates :: remarking that,
    "all those who were able to travel forth to this place of battle with the shadow, be remembered, recorded and appreciated without hesitation through their sacrifices. Let the city recognise those who were there, and their names be recorded for historians to recall in the far future".

    :: Heading off to the farmland, watching the many visitors leave the city, he goes to seek the health of those most important to him, as well as bid farewell to the travellers, wondering what consequence the contribution and name of the city will bring to the lands they return to. Notoriety, envy or admiration for the Jewel ::

  • DM

    :: Ravos was seen among desperate defences of the western and southern gates against Orc hordes and countless undead in recent days ::
    The alarm was raised by Ceruleans investigating the western gate, and he stood with Lady Varya Tiller by the gate for most of the engagements , with orcs battling with defenders, adventurers and guards alike.

    :: With defenders rapidly manning the walls, even Varya and Ravos were dropped by the assaulting forces; with a Defender healer and Silver beside her managing to revive Ravos as a huge group of cold wielding shadows emerged from the dead orcs as they fell and thrust for the only entrance the lone gatehouse at the western approach. ::

    ::Ravos was seen praising the defenders, seeing them heroically charge the enemy forces even as they assaulted the gates. No threat was seen over the walls though, and later he singled out powerful priestesses for death, each bearing the trappings of the faith of Shar, before a desperate battle against swarms of huge shadowy undead, few of the defenders seeming able to harm them. ::

    "A close call and lessons were learned for all i feel.," he remarked. "But inevitably the forces of this faith have no chance against committed soldiers and brave folk of this city... The city has plenty in reserve, and the Jewel will not falter in it's duty".

    ::Ravos was then seen seen with Defenders and Scouts, arranging warnings to be sent to Norwick and High Hold about the threat, with a detailed writeup of the capabilties of the forces sent. He then returned to city hall to offer his condolences to any families who had lost anyone in the fighting ::

  • DM

    :: After endless forays on many serious errands on a matter of grave importance, Ravos eventually gets back to city hall to review the latest guard reports for the guard general::

    ::Seeing the private intent of the Tiller Barony to ban the entry of this "Leandro" from the estate, and hearing of the commoner exploded by way of a "gift" from this man. He goes to pin a note to the Tiller Barony for the attention of the family, or for anyone else to read passing by which he's known to be well aqauinted with ::

    It simply reads.

    "1.05: Negligent Murder - To act without regard for a person's safety and, in
    doing so, directly cause their death is a violation of the law.
    -Recommended Sentence: 10 years to Life

    1.10: Negligent Harm to Another - Acting without regard for a person's
    safety and, in doing so, directly causes them harm is a violation of the
    law.
    -Recommended Sentence: 90 days to 5 years

    " I'm certain the commerce district Guard Captain, Captain Halbrook will be ready to receive any written witness statement of those who witnessed the "explosion that resulted in the citizens death". :: He remarks to farm workers and those close to the family ::

    • Ravos leaves word with guards at the gate that "Leandro until which time charges are brought should be watched closely, and we'll see if he comes forward to explain the matters that have been associated with him."
      "But remember he's a distraction, though negligent deaths are not a trivial matter, it could be that the person is seriously afflicted or otherwise in need of divine or magical ministration"
      :: A description of his appearance is issued to the guard, and his mannerisms and behaviour.::

    :: Ravos has been seen in the company of Lady Varya Tiller far more than usual of late, and spending a long while touring the farmlands and family estate of the Tillers ::

  • DM

    ::: Between council meetings Ravos, has been seen up and down the nars quite a lot, and yes some say with amazement even in Norwick. Rumors speak of him facing down demons, retriving vital artifacts, ambushing bandits and visiting knights in the Gaol ::

    "Well, all i did was my duty to the city. Norwick our ally came under attack, and spellweaver too. So i assisted as an ally does and with magical assistance we pursued these raiders and thieves to the ends of the realm of Narfell, and saw all we found put to the sword. Heretics of unpredicatable faiths, as we now find ourself assailed by surely should be dealt with by their own faith first. May they not become a threat to those undeserving of such, and should adopt their place in the proper order of things. If they be an enemy, let them declare themselves such and the faiths or forces assailed against them may give battle. Let not farms and caravans be assailed, there is no honour in these battles, they are simply the actions of bandits. No faith can claim any position with such actions against their name."

    :: Heading up and down the Nars pass with soldiers, princesses, priests and civilians alike Ravos, with others drove back elementals, fanatics, fire giants and other mindless forces of destruction. He was seen most obviously close to the southern city gates, rushing to put out the fires in the fields of the farms that serve the city. Seemingly unimpressed by his own efforts, he simply remarked... :-

    "At times past we would see leaders of enemies at the head of their armies, now these weak individuals or entities cower behind the lives of their deluded followers. We are not so easily distracted by all this noise in one place, or indeed many places. The veil of their strategy is thin, and soon it will be fatally pierced."

  • DM

    :: Ravos was seen heading back into the city with a contingent from Peltarch, including Salin Ashald V, Lady Varya Tiller, Meadow, Vic, the daughter of Vick Blake, and a few others not familiar to him after and encounter in the commons with some seeminly mad individuals, or quite inebriated on drugs or other things. He was seen to express his reservations for even engaging individuals such as these but so long as there was a possible danger to the young, it surely should be investigated ::
    :: After hearing of children in danger in the Gypsy camp, they set-off at speed with a rather strange but self-confessed professional individual known as Leandro, whom another person also approached - who ran foul of pursuing guards after this approaching individual drew what was a "sword that screamed" in the commons simply to show those present ::

    "Well we couldn't ignore the possibility of children in danger,", Ravos was heard to remark after, but in quiet words only to his personal contacts he recounted a tale of being assaulted by demons of every shape and size on the way from the Nars to the remains of the Gypsy camp.

    "Lady Varya and I took the frontline against these things of course. Fine to fight alongside her again it was. We used every resource we had, items, potions and weaponry to deal with it, with the healing skills and magical wizardry of Salin V, who is really quite the marvel indeed, but that's why we collect these things, so at times like this we can stand against these type of enemies", he remarks to his allies, keeping these comments from the public so as not to alarm the citizenry.

    "Turned out, the man who had a screaming sword, turned out to be a Balor himself, trying to rid himself of a rival who had sadly murdered and defiled the remains of children in the Camp, pilgrims to the area by all account." " Yes we faced the Balor down, yes i know that was not amusing... but after removing the balor and it's allies we confronted the other man who then assumed his true form, yes i know another Balor, but this one ran after a short while seeing taht it could be hurt by us and the magics assisting us".

    :: Ravos goes to report to the Guard General as soon as he arrives back in the city, and asks Guard Captain Oscar Halbrook of the commerce district to be vigilant for people selling candles made of human fat. To this end he advises placing guards on the door of the mortuary in the docks ::

    : He then goes to speak to the sheltering Kelemvorite contingent within the city, to advise on a burial party to rectify the shallow graves the killed pilgrims now occupy in the Gypsy Camp ::

  • DM

    In reply to a recent rumour:

    [Rumors spread, slowly, from the various Narfellan docks -- from those who do business with Gaunttown in one way or another: The Razenk Clan has massacred a cohort of Kelemvorite Paladins and Clerics that sought to bring them to justice for raising the dead.
    The Razenk Clan's repute in Narfell grows darker and more nefarious. There are no bodies they will not desecrate and no one who opposes them they won't kill, so people whisper.]

    Ravos remarks "Well those of this colour of cloth inevitably find themselves at an all too ironically similar position if evidence is forthcoming they summon the dead, due to misadventure or other nefarious alliances they may make. While they are clearly not willing to commit their crimes within the city of Peltarch they would be well advised to remind themselves of the lands which Peltarch will prosecute it's rightful laws. If they come before the courts, may their punishment fit any crime committed should they be found guilty. I do hope that whenever they meet their end, they are properly buried or burnt in a manner befitting the good an honourable ancestors they surely have in their lineage. We are indeed fortunate to have shrines to Kelemvor in Heroes Bluff as well as within the city itself, and the city i'm sure will be happy to assist. May they always find peace and closure in his embrace when that time comes."

  • DM

    :: Ravos was seen heading back to town with a few councillors recently, the Herald to the Princess Reyhenna and the Princess herself, as well as a few other well known faces around town as well as some sometimes not noticed ::

    :: After the peltarch bardic college emptied - before putting on some dark, terrible (or great) drumming performance, folk seemed to have been moved magically en-masse out of the commons for no reason other than some strange magic, ceruleans, priests and many others alike.. what happened in the Nars pass will it seems remain in the bardic archives ::

    :: On the way back they were carrying a large bundle of bones, and they headed straight to the temple of the triad where rumour starts about how the council are now in the business of saving paladin's souls, or fighting demons or devils, or swimming in freezing rivers, or at least drying off various damp female swimmers after a hard pass in the Nars ::

  • DM

    :: Ravos, Kings Council advisor to Guard General Velhar, has been seen not quite as busy as late, following the most recent council meeting. Some clerks may have observed he wasn't that best pleased with the outcome, hearing of his disappointment that certain public observers seemed displeased with the outcome, but he doesn't speak of the proceedings:: He simply states "Minutes and public notices and decisions of the council are the the domain of the decision of the regent, and the clerks that attend the council".

    :: In his time away from the paperwork and his presentation on behalf of those petitions whom he considered right and proper for the people he's been seen in the residential district, quite often consulting with those there on the recent published lease proposals. He's also been seen entering Violetta's shop more than once in recent days, with folk speculating as to why ::

    "Perhaps he's payin' 'er a visit with some hot kaffe from Blackbridge", a guard jokes to a passing market trader. "Nah, he's just outfitting something other than his armour surely, it does rather catch the sun in these times, or trying to find an outlet for those fancy shoes and his cobbler business investment "

    :: What is certain is that he seems to have turned down a few mercenary or adventurous forays into various dangerous regions :: He simply remarks "When it's my duty to rid some region of some threat, i shall act but i'm attempting to focus some will to all matters within and without of the city, to enemies seen and unseen, be that enemies of commerce, the diseases that assail our young or the proper expenditure of the city funds for good law and respect for the hard working people of the city"

  • DM

    :: Ravos Calchais, Kings Council advisor to the Guard General has been seen in recent days with a draft of a rather large volume with amendments, and notes pinned to it in various places, he doesn't speak much of it, only saying "it's a work in progress" ::

    "Yes i've been going over the minutes of the last public meetings in the Jewel," :: he's heard speaking to clerks and herald Thaddeus, ::
    "No i don't quite know how much money there is to spend from the city's perspective, i just like to see the right and proper thing done for the law abiding folk of Peltarch, nothing more nothing less. And that the guard and defenders do their duty as they pledged in their oaths."

    "All i know is i've seen a few things written up from the previous public petitions, and i hope the council can make some rapid decision quickly as i suspect there will be a lot of petitioners".

    :: Ravos makes occasional conversation with the guard sergeants, and officers, and is seen equally in drinkiong establishments in the docks as well as frequenting the markets daily. He makes similar conversation whether he is in the maid, the mermaid or the bathhouse ::

    "Personally folk coming with ways of saving coin, respect and upholding of the law, increasing prosperity and trade that benefits all, are the things i want to see, and less extraveagent projects, gestures and expenditures. While the potential for fraud, abuse and worship of vile things still exists, i won't rest until the wishes and the general lot of the city's hard working tradespeople, visitors and yes even nobles concerned for their continuity and stability of the city - remain unresolved."

    "Time for a little less personal glory and instead turn to the success of the city, instead of outside influences"

  • DM

    :: Ravos was seen leaving the latest lengthy council meeting, and was seen sitting in the place of Guard General Velhar. He appeared slightly weary but with a pleased expression on his face, clearly enjoying the experience ::

    "E's got some fancy shoes now at least," says one visitor to the market. "I wonder who made those, thems say he donated the leather from some exotic animal or paid for all their tools or something"

    "Seems like everyone is going in and out of the council chambers thesedays, seafarers, the master of coin as well as those close to the previous royals, as well as the Queen herself", remarks a barkeep serving drinks in a nice corner of the Mermaid. "I don't know how he came to be speaking to those lot, but he seems to work as hard as the traders he speaks up for so much. Perhaps i should see if they want drinks serving in there... seems like everyone gets to go in and get involved thesedays..."

    "Ah public petitions to the council soon aye.... that'll be good, says one defender we needs better 'ealin supplies funding our patrols, thems no priests in the defenders te' speak of thems all in the blue-lot, and with one company increasin' in size, oi might 'ave to start readin' military regulations if i want te get on more than Sergeant...."

  • DM

    :: Ravos was seen returning to the city carrying a large bundle of weapons as well as a sack of other loot, alongside Toisin, Vick and Nord ::
    "Fek knows where's e's been but the council business must be slow if he's got time to head out to who knows where, and like all 4 of them covered in blood that wasn't their own, but smelling of musty damp dog" said a guard scratching her head seeing the group dump their baggage near to the commons and divide up the spoils.
    :: Nord's characteristic virgin snow coloured armour was observed to be almost as crimson and deep red as Vick's outfit , whether it's from his blood or the blood of his enemies who can tell ::

    "I'll be visiting thge bath-house -again- " Ravos was heard to remark after, though this time he wasn't seen attending accompanied by the princess, council members, military and other delightful women of the city, as he was in previous visits.

    :: The trader's stalls wer piled high with ugly but well made weapons of the Gnolls for many days, before they managed to get rid of the stock, though the smell of the gnolls lingered for longer, probably the reason they paid so little for the weapons"

    "And no i'm not a Paladin, " he was also heard remarking to Chea Allin, a cerulean knight in the commons recently "I clearly don't have a squire to clean all my own armour, i do that myself as i've always done. A bit of hard work never killed anyone".

  • DM

    :: Ravos Calchais in recent days seems rather pleased with all matters Cerulean, visiting the Mystra shrine and speaking with city command structures about some of them to their credit ::

    "Shesarai Foutopolis is truly the hardest working cerulean i've seen. To see this paragon of divinity head down into the mire and muck of the sewers to fight Azuth knows what down there, is truly beyond extraordinary. She's even mapped the place, and still hasn't received any compensation for it. I've even heard rumours that she hasn't been paid in 7 years." Ravos was seen exchanging words with the Herald to this effect, and a few clerks. "Perhaps then she'll find the time to promote that fine cerulean Leofric, truly a brave man to stand beside the General of High hold's forces, while being called a "Peltarch Spy". Truly a force for unity of the two strongholds and their inevitable loyalty to the King of Peltarch, his heirs and regents." "I do hope the city records Leofric's promotion quickly and the matter of her wages, - his promotion was ordered by the Regent directly ages ago, and i'd like to know who isn't performing their duties to the crown as speedily as possible."*

    "Wot's wrong iv im, looks like someone's threatened to muddy his armour or somethin'" said one guard as Ravos emerged from city hall handing off a note to be delivered to Guard General Vel'har in recent days. Ravos was closed mouthed about it, simply stoically remarking that he did his duty, when asked if there was a tinge of sadness in his expression. "No idea wha' could be tha' matter, oh well perhaps he has to pay his ale tab or something" - said another guard, "He's only been hanging around with his usual associates. "Thems ceruleans, chae and that, a few dwarfs, that Barbarian woman from oop north, listenin' to tha' pale old elf and the usual council lot, thems lots be ok, i can't imagin' what's botherin' him"

    :: Ravos goes back to his latest reading material on Azuthan Theology and the Origins of Magic, and closes the door of city hall behind him leaving at a late hour as usual back to his accomodation ::

  • DM

    :: Ravos Calchais, Advisor to Guard General Velhar has been spending his evenings as well as most of his days in the company of council members and advisors, though more often ceruleans and the defenders in some of the areas in the mermaid that are quiet enough for conversation and debate ::

    "I do like having some of these discussions in public, and why not indeed. I look forward to the next public session of the council meeting so that after the current matter at hand is resolved then the people will know precisely what their voices have decided upon - on behalf of their districts.", he's heard to remark.

    :: With one hardworking man, the sweat and grime of his daily work still on his clothes coming to the "Royal Table" with princess Reyhenna in attendance, Ravos was seen to ask the staff of the mermaid to let him through to say his piece. The man's son Geoff was heard to be sick from the "spots" in the docks, and a cerulean, Shesarai Foutopolis stepped in to heal the boy ::
    "We need to be for the people not just of the people", Ravos was heard to say following the report of the fletcher and his son, and "By Oghma, lets ensure all those who have to complete paperwork can get assistance from the college as a priority in order to complete it the Herald and the clerks are i'm sure at their limit as it is".

    :: Geoff's father, the fletrcher was heard to remark that the queues for healing in the lighthouse were incredibly long, and Ravos later said that "Well there is no temple in the commerce district, though there are plenty that seem to have little place in the docks established there" "Perhaps the commercially astute and plentiful businesses affiliated to deities, could expand to offer a clerical service to those that bring them wealth in the commerce district? ::

    "no there aren't many in the commerce district who venerate, Azuth, Helm, Mystra or Savras as I do, but perhaps again the Bardic college could facilitate also, as they are in the commerce district. Oghma again would be useful for their reading and writing assistance always freely given at their own expense". "Perhaps a meeting between Scott Grimm and the Masters of the Bardic college is in order?" "Oh but wasn't there a meeting between a Waukeen priest and Scott Grimm only recently?"

    :: Ravos puts an expecially large tome back into a small magic bag, and then heads back to city hall, this time taking no wine or ale with him claiming there are more important things than my own pleasure, namely the passions and hard work of the citizens of the city. ::

  • DM

    :: Ravos has been seen in the company of a number of different advisors, voices of the people and other interested observers from the city as well as a number of clerks. In certain areas reserved for those within the inner circles of city hall ::

    "It seems to me, remarks Ravos. That there isn't enough focus as to the efficiency, well being and above all respect given to the administrators, clerks, messengers and aides that serve the Jewel at the King's pleasure"
    "Due respect should be given to those who hold the high administrative offices of the kingdom, and the city, and i'm sure their duty of stewardship and care over their staff is second to none.
    " I know from my past, although partly military in nature full well the long hours and ceseless work piled on top of existing piles by those in command, the regulations laws and military dispatches i had to deal with back on the sword coast were as formidable as any corsair raid to deal with. But prevail i did, and let the duties of every clerk, court official or scribe be remembered as much as any marshall, mage or magistrate"

    :: He takes time to thank the clerks even more often than usual for their efforts, and asks after their families as they hurry home to be with them after long hours of work, in which Ravos is often seen working long into the night, always seeming empassioned and energised with his service ::

    A marine is heard to remark, "Why that fekker, works so hard i don't know, he always has time for a drink, though he nay drink that much either. I guess he 'as te get up early or somethin'," as the man staggers back to his barracks.

    A passing noblewoman is heard to say, "Why no i don't know where he spends his nights, probably in the inn though i don't know if he has better accomodation lately since he's an advisor to an elf, the Guard General no less... Oh yes, i hear he has a lot of time for elves himself, oh no, i couldn't say as regard to his personal affairs he seems rather devoted to the statesman's life and he does keep some vared female company i'd say... strange quiet ones who say little, and those who seem very high and mighty and holy.. nothing like that no as for myself - though personally i think he has an eye for that charming advisor to one of those councillors, she's quite lovely so i've heard him remark when he was quite without an ale in his hand...."

  • DM

    :: Ravos seems to be enjoying time in the commons more than usual, despite the snow, spending longer outside of city hall in the last few days ::

    :: In one exchange he was said to have invested in a cobbler's business, to avoid as he put it "Relying on kings and regents as purse holders but instead seeing them as kings in their own right as it should be".
    "It seems right that citizens should decide and invest in those businesses or guilds they are interested in, it can only be good for the economy of the region, and i'm sure there is plenty of gold sloshing around the various adventurers, or citizens with a keen care an interest in the city. Perhaps they could consider more than just the next grand gesture, or just empty charity, but to consider the value of a hand up, where someone can hold their head high in pride and not just a hand-out."
    "I'm sure they'll deliver me up a new set of boots, as sure as anything. I can't imagine them wanting to disappoint a stranger to their eyes like myself. I have a feeling about these two craftsmen, and their operation will be so small as even to be noticed by other crafters. It's more an investment in , or faith if you like in people as a whole, and those who have spent as long as a wizard takes to learn their craft perfecting such a seeminly everyday item as boots."

    :: He's heard to remark that noone should take the crafts of folk for granted, and neither the passion that drove them for 10 or 15 years to learn a skill ::

  • DM

    :: Ravos has been seen in and around city hall increasingly of late, noone seems to know why he's spending time there ::

    "P'robly takin' 'is library books back", laughs one sailor who staggered out of the Mermaid empty of pocket, back to the docks after a night drinking with the rich merchants.

    "Someones plaything isn't he", scoffs one passing trader watching him follow behind Lady Tiller, and Princess Reyhenna...

    "Trying to join up with the rest of the scum heading into Reyhenna's unit is he, doesn't seem to be in that class", remarks a defender marine senior NCO.

    "Perhaps he's just finding somewhere to shelter out of the snow", remarks a clerk, "he seems very nice though, and polite too".

    :: Ravos simply thanks the herald for his latest book recommendation, looks up from his latest intense conversation on threats to the region. He seems to be there sometimes when new recruits approach the defenders and heads out of the city hall waving to a couple of clerks before heading out into the Nars, exchanging some down-to-earth words with the guards on the gate ::

  • DM

    :: Ravos has been of late seen in different districts of the city sometimes being asked to read some pronouncement or notice, as he's now known among inns to be an avid reader - for some folks who can't read or struggle so ::

    "Well i would propose that the long standing bardic college be asked to provide lessons not just to the young, but also the older generations whose wisdom can surely be so well communicated, be they seafarer, merchant, trader or soldier of old wars, or even nobleman". "Only then are the strong institutions of monarchy and the institutions that support them fully in close concert, a dance even - with the populace".

    "Here let me read you a passage here from a book the Bard Nate once gave me you know, in a meeting with High Hold, Lord Sent and the young King Thalaman"
    "the book is entitled - Dynastic Renaissance - Peltarch's Royal Profile"

    "The Kingdom, its Royals, and its People must remain ever vigilant against all threats to their collective way forward. The Kingdom of Peltarch must avoid the Senate's fate. But such threats can only be resisted by a strong political culture, marked with a participant, attentive, and vigilant citizenry. It is necessary, if we want to keep our rulers as wise and humble -- and indeed, as caring -- as King George."

    "See there we go you see, what did i tell you these are the things we should all strive for."
    "A strong political culture - so we'll need regular places of debate, and discussion, with proper respect and concern for the laws being well known and respected, and their arbiters, be they guard or magistrate both visible and even handed"
    "A participant, attentive and vigilant citizenry - So the voices will have to listen to you all, you'll all have to be able to read and write so as i've been saying about that, and vigilant so the dogma's of the clear seeing gods should be spoken widely in the city. I've been to the Temple of Helm just the other week, existing as it does in the ruins of Jiyyd"

    "And as for wise and humble the young king will i'm sure make a wise, brave and strong warrior forged by the support of the Regent and his brother, and a few sword lessons perhaps, but i'm sure he'll be teaching us all before long"

    :: Ravos heads back to city hall returning some books to the city library, and advises anyone where they can obtain a copy of "Dynastic Renaissance - Peltarch's Royal Profile" ::

  • DM

    "Well then, we know what a king is, but what be a Duchy", someone is heard to ask Ravos one evening in the mermaid. "You're from one of those places aren't ye, sort of like a kingdom right?"

    ... "Something like that", Ravos says in reply, "It works like this. Imagine if you will, if our King was perhaps not just the King of Peltarch, a city state, and claiming the surrounding lands and working hand in hand with high hold. Well imagine if our King one day becomes the king of -All- of the Narfell area. I'm sure he'll do fine becuase he'll be brave and wise and all such, so Norwick would be happy with that, and the Gypsy Camp when that is back with folk living there again, and the Silver Valley, they are all nice places and will no doubt operate independently but so long as they respect the King. By Siamorphe i thought most people would know this. Perhaps that fine man Isaac Thaddeus, can write a colume on the nature of rulership and kingship for you all?"

    "Well, see, a Duchy would be ruled by a Duke, and would usually be a piece of land or a distinctly separate place, but bordering usually the main base of the king. For example that Lord Sent, could well be named Duke Sent, with all the rights of a king in his own lands, as he already has, then he'll be able to appoint Lords to run things." Perhaps he'll be the "Duke of Highhold and all the Frost-lands of the north"

    "Yes, i know there could be a Duke of Nor-wick, in that system but because it's a town, it would probably be a Lord who ran a place like that", perhaps that Silver Valley once Detective Roslyn is finished building it, could well need perhaps not a queen but a Duchess, yes that sounds good. Duchess Roslyn..." :: he remarks with a smile ::.

    :: Another man somewhat inebriated comes up to Ravos:: "What bout therres... 'ere fine ladies.. who serve's us drinks 'ere in the mermaid.. they be like princesses right?"

    "Ah no, you see they are the traders in ales, the keeper of the safety of the inn, of higher honour there is few, and perhaps according to Siamorphe the ownership of their Inn should perhaps surpass in common use any other title they do hold? But, i'm not a wise sage of Siamoprhe, no no those who own Inn's are called "Innkeepers", as you lot very well know!" :: chuckles Ravos as he buys another round of drinks :: "So next time you meet someone who owns an Inn, if you are not sure what to call them , just Innkeeper will do, or whatever name you inebriated lot choose to shout at them! :: he raises his stein and laughs with a visiting off-duty Defender Marine ::