Ravos Calchais' public rumours and opinions
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[4th June 2022 IRL]- [Crossposted out of Peltarch Defender Forums]
"And in closing..." Ravos remarks to a collection of officers, NCOs and other ranks in the Guard after a thankfully short address beside the statue of the captain of the old Commerce distrct, Lisa
"You all knew me before I served as Captain, and i'm sure our future associations will be thankfully completely lawful, as i know very well your efficiency, loyalty to the jewel and to your own sense of honour and courage. Let none doubt, you or compare you unfavourably to any force in the region. You were unaffected by scandal, disciplinary issues as seen in the defenders and have always adopted an even and determined hand to those who would bring disorder and destruction to the district and the city as a whole.""It's been my utmost priviledge to serve with you, and I know you will continue to serve your own duty and honour no matter what winds blow through this city or the heights we may aspire to or the depths we will endure in future. All of you have your proper place here, and i've seen many of you promoted and given responsibility perhaps you never knew you could perform. I saw your potential, and i understand every one of you."
"As for your new captain, we'll he needs no introductions, and it's been said in the past that he gets the job done, and it's also been said that noone seems to like him other than me. That may be the case. But don't blame me : he remarks jokingly: in having him back, you all know him. I presume he's the same man he ever was. "Oh and Lieutenant Jansson," he remarks to the well built officer and frequent advocate in the force, flashes his highly insightful gaze of his back at Ravos: "Don't let him mess up those prisoner records again, we spent months sifting out those the ceruleans should have dealt with years ago and even more which are languishing with no trial date set. See if you can carry on in that vein there's a good chap".
"I hope i leave you well fed, from my families farms... hells even the prisoners are better fed now.. :he jokes:, and better protected with healing drafts in which you were often forgotten previously. Those whom i will represent in future, House Daedalus you all know. Cobin is a fair man, and at least i can rely on you telling me where the cracks are starting to form in the defences, wherever you may find them...":: Ravos then withdraws to the armoury before returning his armour and accotrements of his position to the quartermaster, before emerging in formal attire - heading for the tiller estate to retireve another set of armour and garb representing his new guild affiliation as House Daedalus' delegate. ::
:: Spending the rest of the day meeting the armed formations of the house, he then returns to his wife and son in the Tiller estate ::
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Perhaps Ravos has been consumed with duties of family and duty and businesss of late, with his resignation from the Guard and assignemnt of a position in House Daedalus, that perhaps when he does choose to take a turn around the commons in his new livery to some observer's perhaps he's not quite himself or changed somewhat.
Some talk of him pouring over engineering treatises for too many long hours, or his ceasing of drinking which he's done of late.
Some speak of perhaps it's that Raazi that's finally pissed him off one too many times, who can say. Some say he's more fun since he resigned from Captaincy, perhaps less caring about the laws and regulations? Some say he even asked someone elses opinion on the laws the other day, even asking the thoughts of a young aspirant Tormtar. Asking someone else opinions indeed? Whatever next?
The only thing that seemed to please him was Gnarl's recent mining in the commons. But that's another story.
The only words he was recently heard to utter in private was something about Guard Regulation 103c and something about "...she said she couldn't even ride the damn horse...", as he raged into a private dining area slamming the door behind him.
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:: In a temporary break from his fatherly duties and when not on Guard Captain duty.. Ravos consults the military code of laws and posts a notice in City Hall for all to see ::
Let us all celebrate the clearly wise alignment of our Military code with our civil laws!
Long Live the King!Excerpt from Military Law:
"It is proposed that in the case of civil law also being broken by a member of military personnel, that the offender would be liable to face both the military penalty and the civil penalty, the latter following after the former."
Excerpt from Civil Law of the City of Peltarch and all it's domains:
1.11: Harboring a Criminal - Knowingly aiding a person who has committed a crime is a violation of the law.
-Recommended Sentence: Up to or including the maximum penalty for the crime commited by the person being harbored.1.12: Aiding and Abetting a Criminal - Helping a person escape from
prosecution is a violation of the law.
-Recommended Sentence: Up to 10 years1.13: Obstructing Justice - Failing to help in the apprehension of a
criminal by concealing evidence or information.
-Recommended Sentence: Up to 5 years
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An Open letter to Issac Thaddeus Herald to King Thalaman I
:: Ravos sends this additional letter along with a copy of his book "Proceedings on the Perfect Arte of Navigation and Responsibility" ::
:: As it is open, it is pinned to the civic noticeboards inside the city hall on the ground floor - so able to be seen by all those who may have business there ::Dear Herald Thaddeus.
Following the impressive and peaceful coronation conducted in quite the right spirit to my view, i look forward to when our new monarch do call his generals, and appoint various ministers as direct sworn members of the court and administration.
As you know i'm but a humble captain of our guard in the commerce district but as you know i'm very much honoured that the city hall and seat of the monarch sits within my responsibility. As you may know from my book, i favour the concept of letters of marque and royal charters very highly. I also support the traditions on the nullifications of all previously awarded ranks including lords, baronys, and royal assents with a view to all these holders being required to come before the king and re-affirm their loyalty by oath.
To this end i wanted to put forward this proposal to your good councel and consideration that all the following offices should be asked, ney demanded to re-swear an oath to the monarch. Perhaps you can present this idea as a suggestion based on the tradition of the ascension of a new monarch.
I do propose all members and holders of any office of captain or above do swear this bond, including all family of the monarch also. All those in service,. be they friends of the monarch, or of the family or not who claim any royal licence, titles or marque are obliged to swear this oath.Guard Captain Ravos Calchais.
Tenet of Loyalty - "I the speaker of this oath, do swear this bond of loyalty to the monarch which marks the adherance to all other oaths and laws as unbreakable."
Tenet of Law - "I the speaker of this oath, swear to respect and act within the law, to respect and act within the current laws of the land, be they our domestic or foreign laws when we visit other lands is a pillar of our oath to the monarch. Without the law we are living in a wasteland of disorder, desparation and suffering without consequence."
Tenet of Courage - "I the speaker of this oath, do solumnly swear to act according to all necessary measures to preserve, maintain and act in courage the order the monarch do preside over. This I swear to do irrespective of the apparent odds, as ordered by the monarch's ranked military leadership"
Tenet of Responsibility - "I the speaker of this oath swear to not shrink from my reesponsibilities given to me by the monarch's ministers without fear or favour and for as long as this oath of loyalty to the monarch holds i will not shrink from the consequences of my actions".
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:: Ravos in an almost uncharacteristic spring-like mood, with only few knowing why this should be the season of his spirit at this time heads around the commerce district mainly speaking to labourers, wagon hands, and other manual workers and strong respectable folk ::
"The city's prospering again eh, i'm glad you are all getting a decent cut of the profits of the caravans or the cargo and everyone is looking up not toward the sewers of depravity and chaos which clearly has been the norm for a long time."
"Look what we shouted ourselve hoarse to achieve in the old council, some houses so close to the order of the divine shield in the residential district it was almost a formality that they should take them, but no they went to form part of a veterans place of accomodation for those who were severely injured defending the city and can no longer serve. Families get justice not thrown on the streets."
:: Ravos pays close attention to lamp-lighters, street sweepers and even the more studious students of law of the college, as well as defenders who have left the service or mercenaries with no previous associations he doesn't approve of:"Certainly we see more guild troops on the street now instead of the guard, but the current guard general has assured me it will be back to normal soon with old veterans as well as new guardsmen and women on the streets. Perhaps some of you wouldn't mind serving eh, the pay is good and i won't give you permission to die without good cause eh? ::he chuckles as he hands round a few bottles of ale::"
"Let's be certain, we're all loyal to the position, not the commander. There's no place for those who only seek their own advancement no matter the destruction left behind, we serve the positions older than ourselves and the pay isn't half bad either, it's enough to set you up for life so long as you serve the law as much as I do."
"Sure they commanders of us all seems to be ever changing, but the position remains the same - come join me if you wish, we'll soon sort the city out - look at the excitement and prosperity of this district, the other districts will be sure to follow. Commerce is our lifeblood, we have highhold trading companies selling here now, and mithril like nothing ever seen in the realms drawing purchasers from across 100s of leagues. Imagine what we'll encourage through secure and safe guardians in every district!"
: Ravos then heads off to the farms in the south taking some supplies with him ::
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Ravos Calchais - Captain of the Commerce District Guard, has relieved of his position as gaol administrator, by Cobin Daedalus has been seen out of his office in the open more often than usual.
Eager to bring an air of stability back to the city after the destruction of the courthouse by Whyte, he's been seen taking guard duty beside guards of every rank. He's also been asking his officers to make themselves more widely known in the commerce district for the purposes of bringing in new recruits.
He was seen to be dragging along with him Cobin Daedalus himself out of the collapsing inferno, battering alongside the general obstacles out of the way, clearing a path to the exit with his reflexes which don't seem to be diminishing as he grows older.
The deeply troubled dark expression on his face did not last long having little time for thought, as he was soon off with the survivors to assault the traitorous forces of the seafarers who decided on the path of madness and vainglory rather than stoicism and balance.He's particularly prominent on cold nights, visiting the braziers and speaking with citizens, wagoneers, merchants and guards and sharing some salted pork or an ale outside the mermaid.
Predictably though, his movements always take him to pay his respects "by way of Kelemvor" to the statue of the fallen guard captain of the commerce district, Lisa, with always one eye on the polluted fountain outside city hall. "Mark my words we haven't heard the last of this business..." he's often heard to remark in that direction.
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:: Ravos, Guard Captain of the Commerce District, perhaps eager to see new recruits enter the ranks of the guard, seems to be showing his face outside of his office when not engaged in the endless duties of security and commercial wellbeing of "his" district ::
"It seems like many are again talking again about High Hold. Good I say. They've show themselves surely as our allies having suffered their own attacks recently. Neither did they take arms against us when we were attacked, as many fools would have expected. Yes fools, becuase their blood and families and relations oft hail from one or other of these places and let brother and sister not war because that is what Peltarch and High Hold surely are"
"There is absolutely no separation between Peltarch and High Hold, unless it's the doing of the hidden forces of division of those who would lust after war and economic ruin of both proud places. Peltarch here clearly has those best placed to deal with her needs as does High Hold. Our new councils' formation was a pragmatic move, and that is the essence of both places. I personally look forward to welcoming Lord Sent and his advisors and retinue again here, as I am sure to the council for the good commerce and goodwill among kin."
:: Ravos then returns to checking on the guards on duty before paying his respects at the statue of guard captain Lisa , then returning to the Tiller farms to work in an honest manner on the land and estate after his duties are done for the day ::
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:: Ravos over recent months, has been keeping himself out of the public eye, working hard folks say in the office of Guard General Velhar on the logistical readiness and efficiency of the guard as a defensive force in the city as well as their role as guardians of law and order. Having long seen the danger of the diminishing strength of the defenders as an institution despite his approval of Sally Williams' style, he has sacrificed much personal gain in order to secure the supplies and readiness of the guards to deal with an inevitable attack. So when it came, it was no surprise. ::
:: During the attack of the bandits, he maintained support of supplies and communication to the commerce district, and maintained the integrity of the gaol knowing full well it was time for the city to step forward in arms. With all the citizenry not simply waiting for the defenders to do their duty but for the whole city to come of age as a people. He intentionally avoided any personal glory, seeking to look beyond the immediacy of the attack watching the moves of key players who were conspicious, always with one eye on what was hidden as much as what was meant to be seen. ::"They have made a move, that's all. Soon it will be time for others to move too, these forces know this, they anticipate it. This is only the opening act of this play", he was heard to utter, before once again returning to the Tilkler farm's while he was off duty, returning to see what is being done to aid the lands to recover.
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:: Ravos has been seen to be most pleased with the stability and order returned to the military of late, and oft credits the divine influence of Varya in such inspiration as wel as the prudent and good sense of the Defender General Sally Williams. He's even seen to be pleasantly resolved to the return of the capable princess Reyhenna, and is heard to say "Well, lets see things get back to normal now, there's a place for everyone of duty and competence in the royal armies, high or low, rich or poor, and yes even beggar or reformed rogue" ::
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It has been seen that while Guard Captain Ravos Calchais isn't on duty, he's been leading attempts to gather up any bodies washed up on the shores of the icelace or by the farmlands rivers and docks. It's widely known that he's been said to have gone to battle against the cult of the dragon before when he and others were assailed by them. He's seen to have informed a previously sheltering contingent of Kelemvorites in the city also.
He's seen to have commended in writing any guards who also volunteer to assist when they are off-duty and marks the conclusion of each foray by some quiet words at the statue of the fallen guardswoman in the commons.
He also seeks the aid of any dockworkers in need of work, or visiting adventurers he's familiar with in the commerce district.He's simply heard to remark. "I don't much care who they are, but rumour speaks of an undead dragon slaughtering what seems on the face of it - the dragons' previous allies."
"These cultists we've taken for proper funerla rites or burning on pyres are still deserving of this honour. Only the foul undead creations that they are traditionally associated with are deserving of no such efforts."
"Perhaps in time, they'll see the error of their cause and see that the dead should be honoured in Kelemvors' name - and only the undead must be reviled."
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After many complaints, and word among the guard and defenders - that direct orders were given from Velhar: Captain Ravos announces the following in the commerce district - He also places notices on the noticeboard, and makes a statement at each board displaying the laws in the district and to each on-duty gate guard lieutenant.
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All riding animals, mainly horses left unattended, not being ridden or led are to be traced to their owner and a fine of 200gp will be issued under the statute for disturbing the peace.
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Horses, while quite magnificent in their bearing indeed, left unattended they are potential sources of theft and may attract such thieves into the city, where your mount could be taken in dark alleys or my those well practiced in the handling of animals.
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Horses left in this manner obstruct legitimate trade, and the afrementioned fine will be issued to those meeting these criteria.
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Owners will be traced, and if owners take steps to conceal their ownership, they will be observed by guards left to see whom reclaims their mount.
[2.18: Disturbing the Peace - To disrupt the daily
lives of other people in an obtrusive fashion is a
violation of the law.
-Recommended Sentence: Fines and minor amounts of jail time; not much over a week.]
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:: After getting a couple of drinks when he got off duty, Ravos headed off to the officers part of the inn frequented by Defender Cavalry, Marine and Guard officers, not something he does every day, preferring the conversations round a brazier with the men and women on duty in the Guard, and the military vessels of Peltarch. ::
He's heard to remark, on those bandits and brigands of the region without ties to neither tribe nor king..
"Folk without any sense of restraint, amoral, craving lucrative posts, cruel killers, ferocious when banded together, cowardly when face-to-face with an opponent, lazy, inclined to vice and excess; in a word, the enemies of ordered society…Law courts mean nothing to them. The local authorities are loathsome; many of them are illiterate; our laws are simply unknown to them."Mind you , that new Marine Captain eh? What do you think of her hmm? I oft thought she'd do well, but i don't mind being right.. now and again eh? yes yes.. :as he accepts the jeers from the officers: Yeah i know... i don't mind at all.. : he chuckles raising his tankard to the group:
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:: Guard Captain Ravos was seen to go among serving guard and defender officers and serving ranks when he has the time telling the story of a heroic death of a woman who was intending to join the defenders ::
"I was told this story by an adventurer who spoke about how Emeliah Davis, born and bred in the docks of this fair city, saved the lives of three others while battling deep underground the enemies of the city. Kuo Toa, and far worse, unnnatural hooked horrors and displacer beasts"
"It was told to me how she sharged in and held the line for the longest time before finally sucomming to the onslaught, allowing her companions time to withdraw to avoid certain death"
"May this serve as a reminder to all in the city that we have the finest people in the lands living here, and from the hardworking and strong backed, law abiding folk do our lives depend as they venture forth every day on patrol to monitor and interrupt the patrols of the enemies of the city."
:: He goes to remind the Defender Lieutenants, Sergeants and the recruitment panel of the Defender General in order that the story be publicised as a true hero of the city even before she took on a uniform ::
:: He then heads to the docks to trace the family of the woman, in order that her personal posessions and coin end up in their hands, as was the wish of one of her companions "Varak Weaver" - and informs them that a patrol will set out of likeminded adventurers to recover her remains for proper burial or cremation ::
:: Sends a note to the Guard Captain Fortescue of the docks to trace the family of the fallen woman, advising that the lighthouse temple is watching over the body of the fallen - a note added with thanks to Asha for her assistance ::
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:: Following the military tribunal, Ravos was seen speaking with guard officers, nco's as well as privates on their opinions on the goings-on, eager to ascertain the mood of the guard as well as introduce himself now that General Velhar had assigned him as Captain of the Commerce District. ::
"Perhaps the most thankless job in the city, i'm sure to be a guard but it seems we've never had problems with recruitment. The guard are drawn from volunteers from the very districts they often were born in, or make their home in business, by the docks or in some relationship with the noble families and temples of the city."
"The guard seem to my eyes in my experience of working with General Velhar are not only sentinels and watchers on the walls, in the alleyways and in places of public discourse and commerce, but they also the first to hold the line until the defenders arrive in times of war."
"Let us remember the fallen of the past, by Kelemvor and those whom the guard protect from thievery, assault and the machinations of those who would see the city descend into disorder and disaster. May we all remain vigilant at this time"
Speaking to the guards of the commerce district he remarks:
"You know me to be a decent fighting man, and i've stood with you against threats to our walls and even aided in criminal matters. You also know that i understand the law, and i'll be with you as captain as ordered by the general to offer any advice that i'm sure you will not need." :he jokes:
"It will be good to have the blessings of a group of guards that know well the blessings of waukeen from their family upbringing as sons and daughters of caravan guards, shopkeepers and market traders, i can't offer you an increase in wages, but at a time when defender numbers are lower than usual you can be assured I will not let all in the city in whatever district forget the value and worth of the guard, you have my word on that.":: Ravos then heads for the armoury and to visit the notable buildings and shops of the commerce district to introduce himself ::
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:: Ravos has been spending a long while going through the list of current warrants, and records of fines, and military judgements that were conducted in public previously. He's also been speaking to Guard Captains Gerard Fortescue, Ahbrus Garand, and the Guard General Vel'har about the status of Oscar Halbrook who was seen standing with the Defenders. ::
Later, as he has also been spending some time in the mermaid to relax after the stresses of the recent times, he's heard to overhear some rumour of high-hold,
"Did you hear that High Hold is sending a letter to the Regent to continue peaceful interactions and negotiations?
it seems Sent does not want a fight...he is asking for an Embassador exchange.
Trade goods have been a boon to this city...
With better trade over the roads it will force the Seafarers to better prices".:: In response to this, he goes to seek out the original copy of this letter for legitimacy in the diplomatic files of the council, while asking around as to whom is the source of this rumour. He then starts to speculate among cerulean allies of his as to whom will be the ambassador sent from High Hold, and he wonders whether ambassadors will have rights to sit upon the council. "One can only guess who that may be... A representative from the Siamorphe shrine? Maeve Fellsworth? Lieutenant Eric Destal? - Either way, i hope this is a sign of an injection of enthusiatic alignment of the purpose of Peltarch and her sturdy fortress partner of High Hold."
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In recent days during the recent troubles, Ravos was seen standing shoulder to shoulder with the Magistrate Shannon, Guard General Velhar, and Cerulean Jonni,... and Meadow in what Ravos diplomtically calls, "fundamental mistakes, misjudgements and failures of duty of very specific defender officers which he says is highly disappointing grieving him that these institutions members have made such fundamental mistakes, and those of other branches who stood with them"
He's seen to spend a lot of time in available office space in guard premises rather than city hall, and he calls for a meeting between the Magistrate's office, Defender General Sally Williams and Guard General Velhar and himself to brief the Defender general on the events of the recent times.
He's also heard to remark on the excessive workload of the clerks of the court, magistrates and other civic officers and clerks at this time, and remarks that Peltarch should be looking outward, not inward at this time. He's heard to remark to Thaddeus, and Cerulean officers: He als
"If someone chooses to draw a weapon be that written, verbal or physical all should expect an equal an opposite response from your adversary, using whichever weapons they think have the best chance of victory with. Lawyers, warrants, pronouncements, satires and swords are all weapons available, and those with responsibilties should always be careful lest the city you are a part of descends into something unrecognisable to anyone."
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In recent times, Ravos along with some female companions, one a hin councillor of repute, another a famous bard of remarkable beauty, and another lithe woman of relatively unknown nature, was seen returning to speak to a colourful man outside the mermaid.
Quite why these companions were with him, and why he seemed almost to be in a "bodyguard" role, is a matter of question and rumour.
While they all appeared, dented, battered and bruised on return - many may assume they were on an adventure together, but Ravos was seen chuckling to himself about the circumstances of the trip at times. Although at other times he was seen angrily speaking of the sickness of the individuals they had to face, which he described as "barely human". He's heard to remark to the local marine officers, that at least this time there was no arrests - in the wild places of the world, and when describing their crimes against their victims folk seem to agree.Ravos still remains :relatively: close mouthed on the subterfuge choices made by the party to approach and "penetrate" the target installation, which he assures peltarch military - was crawling with "desperate" men, "bent" on merciless torture and appeared to be bandits employed by a wizard, who Ravos was heard to remark that, "He would have happily killed that bastard more than once given the chance, though we must be thankful to Azuth and Mystra for any learning opportunity in combating the profane arcanists of the realm"
: He then is heard to send a note to request cerulean accompaniment for all council trips in future, making a special note to inform Leofric, and Chea whom he's known to be closely associated with. ::
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:: Ravos was seen trudging back inside the mermaid and being handed a strong brown ale as he did so by a waitress in recent days. Perhaps he had ventured up to the foothills of Mount Nar, the Giantspires or across the freshly snow covered plains of the more southern regions?::
Brushing more snow from his cloak and armour, and what's left melting from his boots in the warmth of the inn fires, he sends out some meat pies to Grigna in the square outside city hall remarking to the waitress they come courtesy of Lady Varya and the Tiller estate, the waitress looking at him questioningly for a moment before shrugging, and remarking, "Oh not yourself? As you wish then ser."
"That was an interesting little browse of that book...", he remarks quietly to himself, sipping his ale. "The plan seems to be all too clear, so clear in fact that we are meant to see it, so there is more to it on behalf of whomever is pulling his strings..", he mutters to himself quietly amid the noise of merriment. "We must be patient, as with all things like this it will inevitably float to the surface".
:: He retuirns silently to his drink, occasionally looking up as the inn-door bangs open blowing in snow as folk tumble in and out as predictably as the weather ::
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:: Ravos was seen to be incensed in recent days reportedly on the matter of some magical disturbance in the commons ::
Calling out the ceruleans to attend the scene of a half orc and human wizard battling one another in the commons, whose identities were unknown he noted with approval that Chea Allin attended, and she called out the other ceruleans to assist. It appears these mages disappeared before setting up a sort of magical portal for interested "mercenaries" to contribute to their battle in some unknown destination."To those magical practicioners that think it's funny or exciting to do what they like in public places, perhaps tell that to the scared local folk of the commons who had to run for cover as rains of fire and other magics rained down on the commons the other day all in pursuit of one wizards' supremacy over the other."
"By Azuth i'm in full support of the ceruleans initiatives in dealing with Magical crimes to an even greater degree than i already was. I can only hope that the finest wizards of the land join the ranks of this bastion of Azuthan and Mystran good order to work tirelessly against those who would simply ignore the protocols the gods have set before all magic users, and even more simply the benefit of ordinary people of Peltarch who just are wanting to go about their honest business without being fried by vainglorious wizards"
:: Ravos seeks out the ceruleans later to see if the identities of these Wizards has been determined, and what their fate was at each others hands ::
(Thanks DMcilba for the event)
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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.
