Told from the Rant Stand
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Adrian watches the speech with interest, though doesn't respond. After all, it would be politically risqué to publically support such a message. Still.. he doesn't seem to dissaprove either.
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Elidur takes the stand, he stamps his foot on the wooden stage and beckons his crowd over, with calls and waves of his hand.
"My darling Peltarch, do you remember this sound?" he continues to stamp ever louder. "It's the drums of war, and they're coming from over there!" he swings an open hand out to the south. The stamping stops and he once again turns to the crowd.
"That's Oscura, sounding their tattoo as they plan against us. Hah, what is it you're thinking? I've lost my mind maybe - you can hear nothing? I know that, Peltarch. But that's because they're waiting for us, for 'you' to make the first move. To paint 'you' as the bad people, those who would wrong a peaceful city - what nonsense! Peltarch, you have a 'duty' to your fellow, your countrymen, your neighbour. You have the 'right' to stop tyranny where tyranny holds. You have the 'strength' to stop all of the suffering if only you'd try."
The first tier of his speech ends and Elidur strides across the stage, a serious - determined frown to hold the crowd.
"Now ask me, why does it matter what those dirty cave-men think? Who cares what some backwards-thinking, mushroom-loving, sandcastle-dwelling scumbag does in his own home? Well politics, dear Peltarch, has turned 'you' into a target! Nows the time when pressure builds, and tempers are tested. Mark me, my Peltarch, and listen carefully to my words for I have 'always' said that no good would ever come from that place. Oscura have abducted and threatened me in the past, it's true. I've made an enemy of your enemy, Peltarch, and I'm not afraid to speak out against the murderous villains of Oscura! Their noble class, their peasant class, they've all blood on their hands. Slavery, who among you would sell your own to slavery? And who among you would keep a slave, a slave that you'd not feed because it was CHEAPER to REPLACE than to feed?"
Stamps his foot again, and nods along the crowd, to give the impression that he's speaking a reality.
"And they're rich, too. Rich off their slaves, rich off the blood of anyone else they can chain and force into labour. Rich off everything 'you' and I call evil, good Peltarch. Not so long ago one of theirs came here for an auction - and paid nearly THREE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND for a silly suit of armour, 'three-hundred-thousand' on that? I wonder how much coin he spends to keep his slaves, probably no older than your own sons and daughters, fed. Three hundred thousand, how many of you have ever held even a thousand? A hundred? How much are you paid a week for your labour? No, Peltarch. I'm not rousing you to war - I'm not telling you to make an enemy of Oscura. I'm asking you to decide for yourself, to decide if you can live with 'that' on your doorstep. Knowing what you now know, of the slavery - of the necromancy, the creation of undead! The dirt under their nails that they call a way of life. Things we don't even allow in our city! When was the last time anything came from their city that 'we' use, or want anyway? When was the last time you heard of anything but grief and pain coming from Oscura? I can't remember that time at all!
Go on Peltarch, you decide! You decide!"
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Only a day or two after his announcement of Sedea's banishment being lifted, senator Ronan Redralen again takes the stand. Seemingly this time though, he has two defenders at his side.
Good morning, citizens. I come to you with some good news at last.
The N'jast war criminal known as Zanetar has been captured. A man whom tried to destroy our way of life, invaded our home… is now no longer a threat. He had been boldly living in Narfell still, even after the war. Finally, he is going to be given justice. It is one less thing we must worry about. It is another victory.
A smile graces his lips.
Glory to the Jewel.
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Senator Redralen again takes the stand, clearing his throat to make an announcement.
Citizens of Peltarch,
Let it be known that the banishment of Sedea Sterr has been lifted. Various testimonies and new evidence concerning the incident was brought to my attention. While I do not condone her choice, I feel it could've been prevented if other individuals involved had played things out differently.
I was hasty in my decision, and for that I apologise. That is all.
Long live the Jewel..
Ronan then steps down
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Passing between her daily activities Telli frowns some… the news of Alrinn's banishment displeasing... but the slave killing priestess brightens her resolve to Peltarchs actions.
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Being banished, Sedea is not able to offer any statement
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Senator Ronan Redralen takes the rant stand, looking a little forlorn. He speaks
Citizens of Peltarch, may I have your attention.
I have issued a banishment to a one known as Sedea Sterr, for murdering slaves in cold blood just outside of Oscura. She is clearly lacking in judgement and I fear she may be a danger to you all. She showed no remorse, laughed at the deaths of the slaves, thinking it all a game.
I do not think such should go unpunished and I believe such a horrid act deserves justice of some kind, even if outside the laws of any city..
A soft sigh..
That is all my friends. Glory to the Jewel…
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The elderly Senator looks momentarily mystified at the interruption, evidently unaccustomed to heckling, but then he offers a clarifying reply.
"The Senate based its decision solely upon the eye-witnessings of our Far Scouts. We took no counsel from necromancers or other unwholesome characters when we made our decisions."
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Elidur isn't slow to voice his opinions, as usual. Heckling from the crowd.
"This is outrageous! How many times has Peltarch been saved by magic? You can't take the word of a bunch of slavers and necromancers, and Banites over one of our own!"
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Flanked by his nephew the Herald and Captain Velhar of the Peltarch Guard, Senator Ryan Fisher takes the stand to make a short announcement.
"It is the view of the Senate of Peltarch, that the elven sorceress known as Arlinn has demonstrated a continued inclination to the violent and unpredictable use of her Art and must therefore be considered a rogue mage. For this reason, henceforth let it be known she shall be banished from the City of Peltarch lest by her presence harm should befall our citizens.
Let this serve as a stern reminder to all practicioners of the magical arts who would enter our gates; the scourge of magical malpractice will never be permitted within these walls. To the banished; if my words reach you, you have two days to make your exit from our City and may the Gods have mercy on you."
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Interested eyes looks on from the corner of the wall. The familiar, young, half-elven, man listens very carefully and grins but only a little, looking back at the city hall and then to Ronan with a contemplative look
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Ah'ria stands back in the shadows, listening to Ronan's little speech. She smiles to herself until he makes that joke at which time she facepalms, shakes her head and mutters under her breath
<e>I can't believe he said that…</e>
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Senator Ronan Redralen takes the stand in the market, having a pleasent smile upon his handsome features. When a few people give him their attention, he makes a sort of announcement.
Citizens of Peltarch, good day..
I come to you today to ask a question or two: Have you, your husband, your wife, your children, or anyone else you know have a natural tendacy toward magic? If so are they receiving advice or training in such?
I remember during my younger years, I struggled with my gifts, struggled to understand them. I feel the citizens of Peltarch, rich or poor, should be given an opportunity that I did not have when I was younger. A chance to learn their gifts and understand them at an early stage. Which is why I am willing to offer my advice or perhaps even training with your innate gift. While I admit I am not even close to being the most knowledegable mage in the land, I feel I can perhaps offer some advice should you be having trouble. If I've no answer to your particular question, then I can certainly refer you to someone who likely does.
If interested, do find me in the commons as that is one of the more common places in the city I tend to be. Commons, common… get it?
Ahem..
Anywho, that is all. Long live the Jewel!
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Calen is seen visiting the jail to see Benji.
//Via PM
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The Guards, led by a heavy-set and none-too-pleased looking Sergeant, carry Benji off to the jail and toss him in a holding cell for a few days.
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Marty rushes to the scene after the sound, to spot Benji being dragged off
<hin>… Doh!</hin>
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Telli attention is arroused by the boom on one of her trips through Peltarch. She mutters to herself as the guards start to approach him.
"I thoughts Theaon lockedededs da farkings wine cellar ta da hin!"…
Telli waddles off towards the jail cells to see how long it will take for the love struck halfling to be released.
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//This post, which includes some NPC reactions, is endorsed by DM Moob.
During a bustling afternoon in the Peltarch Market Benji climbs the stairs to the Rant Stand.
Attention, People of Peltarch.
The sound of the crowd drowns out his voice.
People of Peltarch!
_As again, no one pays heed, Benji tosses a small vial of black powder from his pocket onto the empty stage next to him. He takes a deep breath, draws a Gnomish Blunderbust, and shoots the vial.
BOOM!
The crowd is rattled. Some duck. Others scream. The guards eye Benji and approach swiftly._
PEOPLE OF PELTARCH! Do not believe any slander that you hear on the name Lady Marie Scuttlestone! I was a love-sick selfish COWARD and she is a woman of her WORD!
She was jus- Hey! WAIT! I'm not FIN-
The guards reach Benji. There is a short scuffle with some gnomish cursing before Benji is subdued.
//DM team please collect fines and jail time at your earliest convenience.
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"Booo! Boooo!" Elidur obviously doesn't like what he's hearing. "Other Senators make time to do what needs to be done - it's their crap policy of not doing anything FOR the city that's the problem. Get back in the damned seat Calen, don't you make me come up there!!" Apparently, the foot is put down. "If you don't get in there and change things for the better RIGHT NOW!!!" … and leaves the outcome to the mind of the guilty party, although the scornful look might have said it all.
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Calen Ashwynd, steps up to the podium and calls out to the crowd, holding his hands high. He then lowers them and stands before the crowd quiet as his eyes scan about looking to each face, nodding to each, taking slow deep breaths and then he speaks in a calm, deliberate tone
Peltarchians, Fair People of the Jewel, Friends…
We have worked together, we have stood together, we build together, to make a better Peltarch than that which was afore the war. There have been many, many changes, and the Jewel stands strong. I am honored to stand here afore and with you, each and every one of you. From the time I first began campaigning to enter the Senate I told you that I am one of you.
Regretablly, I find that in me I see a change in that. Whence I started on this journey I gave my oath to you and my Lord Helm to protect you, to work with you through it all. I have found that the opposite seems to have happened. I sit and listen, in your Senate, to all of the conversations, debates. Only to be disheartened at the changes I have seen it cause in me and others there, over time. I still believe in the Senate and the Senators that all of you voted for. Know that I hold great respect for the Senate and tis out of that respect and quiet contemplation that I know that my duty to my Lord and the you, the people is better served aside you as one of you.
This was not an easy decision, my friends. I need be honest with you. Aft much thought, I have pondered two questions. First, how can one protect those that he is sworn to protect, when surrounded by four walls of stone? Hiding, keeping him safe, whence the eddicts I follow state the opposite. Second, how can one put his family, friends, loved ones, and the people at risk by being absent from them? My answer has come as a hard lesson. He cannot. I cannot.
I have presented the Senate with my letter of resignation. I have informed them that I am speaking with you now. I shant hide any longer ahind the safety of the walls of the City Hall. I shall be amidst you, working with you, aside you as it should always have been. May Helms watchful eye continue to watch o’er us all. Long Live the Jewel!
He looks through the crowed area meeting eyes with as many people as possible with strength and conviction in his eyes, he takes a deep breath then bows to all watching and quietly, purposefully steps down
