::New rumours heard in the Mermaid::
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A rumour spreads among the hin of Peltarch. At it's essence: "Sasha Lil'foot for Senator".
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((Not that they arn't great or anything, but isn't it a little ooc/out of place to have big election speeches in the rumours thread? ))
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Magistrate Barrim goes up to remind Corana that senators do not lead security forces, that was rather the problem with the traitor Koreth before he was exposed. Promising to clean up all crime with your own private army is something similar to cries of "there will be order" - he remarks that such attitudes are the mark of a zealot.
He welcomes her efforts to ridding the city of crime, and points out the loyal guards in uniform that are already doing well, and have suffered much under the recent troubles.
He smiles, and then asks her if she is no interested in clearing up crime to submit any information to the office of the captain of the guard, where proper due process can take place. He also reminds her that there are always positions in the guard for the most trustworthy of individuals.
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Rumors spread that the rat problem in the sewers is growing worse, and that these vermin are becoming braver, not hesitating to steal what they can from both wealthy and impoverished kitchens alike. Residents are encouraged to take what precautions they can against potential injury the spread of disease.
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The past few days Zyph has been seen less in the commons and far more in the dock districts. Rumors don't spread about pointless speeches months before elections take place, speeches people won't even remember by the time it starts. Instead it is said that he has been seen moving through the docks more often, hoping that at least his presence may keep some of the recent troubles from happening as much and hoping for a chance to stop what he can. He has said to be trying to speak with some of the working women of the street, attempting to get them to try and make a better life for themselves, but as of now it seems to no avail. Still, the bard seems to not let it kill his spirit as he continues to try to travel and speak to those in the district.
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Sipping on a glass of Chateaux du Rose 1345 in the inn trying to unwind after hearing all the long winded and scathing speeches while trying hard to ingratiate himself with the the prominent organizations and people, Gailyn overhears the two women talking with regret at the misfortune befalling the docks district and anger at the lack of action.
This is it…Gailyn realizes If I'm to gain prestige enough to be considered a worthy candidate, this is my oppurtunity…
With that Gailyn stands atop his chair, wineglass in hand and pronounces loudly with a smileCitizens of Peltarch…I will not trouble and bore your already bleeding ears with another speech filled with empty words and promises. You have seen me risk my life to defend yours time and again. Repelling kobolds, bandits, and fighting for your liberation in the civil war that cost me dearly, but the wounds I suffered I am proud to bear because I earned them doing the right thing, for you all. Proclaiming past heroics won't help you NOW though, it is past time for words and time for fulfilment. I will let my actions speak for me and do what I can to help right NOW, so just remember the name Gailyn of house Daedrus when you hear how the streets of Peltarch have become safer…cheers
with that he raises his wineglass to the crowd and finishes off the remnants of the wine, then descends throwing his cloak about his shoulders, checking to see that his sword is clear in its scabbard, striding with determination towards the Docks District as dusk falls
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_All across Peltarch people gather in its busy pubs and inns chatting over pints of ale and fine wine, while sharing the latest gossip. "did you hear about the murder.." one would start, just to have a neighbor reply "..the one in the docks?" and rarely would they be talking about the same one.
Tales goes about an innocent girl working for the seafarers guild, being forced up against a wall and robed as she left the building after hours.
Another tale speaks of a woman coming home to find her house burgled and her husband dead in the lounge.
There is the tale of the man who flung himself off the roof.
The prostitute that hung herself.
The Paladin girl who was assaulted on the way and left dead and robbed in the street.
The prostitute that was strangled and about to be dumped in the sea.
And numerous of assaults of hooded men, attacking swiftly and suddenly from the narrow and dark streets of the docks.
Meanwhile the senator candidates talk._
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::The orange haired bard, in a pure black and obsidian vest and outfit, once again gathers his things and stands among a tiny crowd::
''Fellow Peltarchians, …''
::He addresses them in a familiar tone, his face calm and impassive, clear blue eyes acknowledging the people restecfully. He steps up on a soap box yet again::
''My name is Nathen Wingates, most of you know me as Nest. I'm representing and speaking for Sierra Ju'ent – a woman with a vision. A vision not only restore Peltarch to it's former glory, but make it better, more able, and productive then before.''
::The bard in black takes a breath before continuing::
''What matters must the city be considering for this betterment? We've a lack of food, education, able men in the guard and the defenders – not to mention the traitor Koreth and his followers who've fled west.''
::He clears his throat before beginning with his first combined argument::
…Let's take a look at the lack of nutrition as well as the traitors. Sierra Ju'ent believes Koreth should be brought into custody, Sierra Ju'ent believes he should be judged by the city and the senate, aye, many people do. The question still remains; what of his men? His followers, simply followers, most of whom most likely wanting to return to the city. Most of whom have wives and children here, in Peltarch.
Treason comes at a cost, and it's not just one's honor. Sierra Ju'ent believes the followers of the betrayer Koreth are to work in the fields, work in the plains, the farm lands close to your east. They would farm, as prisoners, under guard, every day; a fair price for betraying the city. They would help rebuild what they destroyed. Much more productive then simply sentancing them all to death. If you vote Sierra Ju'ent for senate, you can bet she'll be pushing and fighting for this to happen.''
::The orange haired man takes a small breath, exhales quietly and closes his eyes a moment, before continuing and moving on to his next argument::
''Now we move on to the problems of Education. Our future, fellow Peltarchians, lies within our education. Where will our next generation be if our children cannot read, or write? How will a guard write a letter to the senate, how will files he stored? Thousands of children, our next generation, do not have the resources available for a decent education.
The people of Sierra Ju'ent 's campaign are to volunteer themselves to help educate these children, as well as hire several teachers, be they bards or wizards. We know many more then willing to help. Orphans will be recieving this education for free, fellow Peltarchians. Better they be schooled, and fed, and housed properly within the orphanage then end up stealing or begging, wouln't you agree, fellow Peltarchians?''
::The bard clears his throat, smoothens his pure black outfit out, and moves on to his third argument::
''The guards in the docks are at a lack. The city needs better security, which means more guards, which means more salaries, and more equpment for said guards. Fullplate armor and swords do not come cheap.''
::He states, rubbing his finger against his thumb in a money motion::
''Luckily, we of Sierra Ju'ent 's campaign have a solution. Seen as our traitors in the west will be stopped, captured and properly sentanced, they will have no more need for weapons or armor. This equipment can be given to the newer guards in the docks, solving and putting aside one obstacle stopping us from saving our docks from crime.''
::Takes a small breath::
''These ideas come from a brilliant woman: Sierra Ju'ent. Some say ambition clouds reason, but I assure you, fellow Peltarchians, this is not the case. Sierra Ju'ent is resourcefull, quick thinking and has a sound, humble mind. She is fighting for you, fellow Peltarchians. She wants to better this city, for you. She is perfect for the senate, fellow Peltarchians. But these ideas, suggestions, – these solutions to our problems can only be faught for if you elect Sierra Ju'ent, for senate.''
::And the dark clothed bard steps down from his soap box, gathers his papers and things, before smiling politely and conversing with a few citizens.
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Chaevre hears yet another winded speach and smirks
Obviously someone doesnt quite know how things are done in the government, you can snap your fingers and make things happen, being senator gives you a vote it doesnt make you a god.
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Dressed in her Umberlant ceremonial robes, Corana stands in the center of the commons, addressing the usual crowd of commoners, merchants, and adventurers.
"In recent days, you have been hearing nobles, politicians, and the like speaking of high ideals and theoreticals for the upcoming election. I say to you this: what have you heard of plans to restore this city to its former glory? What have you heard of solutions to the crime problems in the docks? Citizens, theory and philosophy do not restore order where there is none; they do not stop crime; they do not prevent murder.
I, Corana Lyonsen, as high priestess of her majesty, Umberlee, can offer you two promises in which you may place your trust if I am voted into the Peltarch Senate. First, I offer you a security force to aid overworked and outnumbered soldiers in rooting out those responsible for the anarchy in the docks, a group of capable individuals whom you may trust so that you will no longer need to fear for your lives when you walk the streets at night. Second, I offer you the favor of the Sea Queen, that we might, as a city, rebuild our commerce and wealth through safe trade on the waters of the Icelace and beyond. Just as any woman revels in attention paid to her, so too does the Sea Queen. Her favor can be earned through simple offerings given with appropriate humility. I, citizens of Peltarch, can lead you in gaining this favor and thus secure our trade routes and bolster our economy.
These two points, together, are key to our city returning to glory. When you vote, keep these issues in mind, and consider me for election."
After addressing the crowd, Corana returns to her usual seat on a bench to converse with any who wish to speak with her.
((OOC: anyone with details on money, etc. that would be required to actually run, please PM me. I'd love to get Corana in on this process, but I want to make sure I can actually afford it first… :oops: ))
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Ting casually mentions to the merchants in the docks and commerce district with whom she is friends
Well hey, if everyone else is running to become senator I might as well give it a shot.
she laughs with a bright grin
And I don't have to kiss babies in the docks to make people think I care, they've probably already seen me around enough for the last few years to know I'm not just toying with them.
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Magistrate Barrim voices his approval of Anna Sigerlsons speech and her highly suitable and intelligent assignment to the senate. "Wisdom without intolerance, and Leadership and Intelligence without the stain of the opportunist, criminal or mercenary upon her"
"If she doesn't get to the senate, the Defenders is a perfect place for her" her is heard to mention to the new General Lavondo, and his second in command Varid whom both he speaks to having got to know them well and is said to respect them both highly during the re-taking of Peltarch.
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Chuckles listening to it all
Bloody hell, starting already. Well, guess I got enough gold to run another campaign, if you know…no hugely threatening forces outside my control want me to not be voted in yet again.
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Chaevre' listens to the long winded garble of the prospecting senators and smirks thinking to herself that they are getting way ahead of themselves, as though they seem to want to rush something that has to be taken through the steps of due process to have an effecient campaign, she can also be heard muttering about how she has no idea what the woman just spoke and that she ought to voice her policies rather then voice a bunch of winded nonsence no one cares to try and understand
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_Amidst the different women all running for Senate, Elissa takes her time to visit the docks and spends some time with the people that knew the recent suicide victim. For a while she listens to their worries and then offers her usual view on how to approach it. Sometimes she leaves a few simple charms to ward of minor accidents, like tripping or getting knocked up, in the care of these people.
It is also said that Elissa spoke to a Senator about his duties and seemed to have shown an interest in what he could achieve. When asked if she's planning to run for Senate, too, she just shrugs and answers that she's already serving the people and doesn't need another title and responsibility for it which would just be in conflict with her more important work._
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Rumor spreads through the mermaid of a speach given today in the Commons. It seems Anna Sigerlson walked into the Commons wearing her armor and addressed the crowd briefly
Citizens of the City of Peltarch, I stand before you today as a servant of the lady of tactics and strategy. I stand before you as the daughter of a poor farmer who was himself murdered by the Red Wizards of Thay. I stand before you a proud citizen of this fair city willing to serve if you see fit as your Senator…your representative. I am Anna Sigerlson, Priestess of Red Knight. I have a history of civic service even before my path led me to the City. I served as Minister of Defense to Norwick, led the armies of the Red Fellowship on the plains of Akanx in Chessenta, and now, I serve the City as Advisor to Senator Mildsilver. I ask for your support in granting me the opportunity to serve you as a Senator of the City of Peltarch.
We consistently have adhered to the principle that the will of the people is the paramount consideration. Our goal today is to reach the result that reflects the will of the voters…. The laws are intended to facilitate and safeguard the right of each voter to express his or her will in the context of our representative democracy. Technical statutory requirements must not be exalted over the substance of this right.
All to often in this city, we have seen the effects of the subterfuge of the body politic through patronage and pork barrel projects. And today, I ask you what is politics save the strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. We must stand opposed to politics and in favor of true principles. The hard work of the crafters and tradesmen, the support of the family, and the other principles we, as a people, have held so dear.
The government of the absolute majority is but the government of the strongest interests; and when not effectively checked, is the most tyrannical and oppressive that can be devised. No free system was ever farther removed from the principle that the absolute majority, without check or limitation, ought to govern. You are the rulers of Peltarch. The people through the election of their representatives are the sole proprietors of their electoral states.
The freedom to express varying and often opposing ideas is essential to a variety of conceptions of democracy. If democracy is viewed as essentially a process – a way in which collective decisions for a society are made – free expression is crucial to the openness of the process and to such characteristics as elections, representation of interests, and the like. The best weapon of a dictatorship is secrecy, but the best weapon of a democracy should be the weapon of openness. We must strive to be a government where the people are apprised of the actions and political endeavors of their representatives as the Senators are to answer to the people not vice versa. The most certain test by which we judge whether a state is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities.
We must be willing to be a voice for those who have none. We must be willing to step up to the challenge of addressing those issues, which may not be popular but are in the interest of the people
People of Peltarch always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. I look forward to the opportunity to be your voice and to serve you.
It is said she spent a great deal of time afterwards discussing her positions with curious merchants and others
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::Nate Wingates stands among a tiny crowd in the commons, speaking clear and rythmic, looking very calm, collected and intent::
''Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Peltarchians, …''
::Clears throat slightly, before stepping up on a soap box and lifting a finger, looks left and right at whatever people that stop to watch::
''Hundreds if not thousands of children are homeless and without parents after the horrifying civil war. Those who've got the slim lick of luck of having mothers or fathers still alive barely have enough food to survive. Then there are those forced to beg on the streets. There are those who havent got a choice to to resort to stealing – to survive.''
::His calm blue eyes scan the crowd a moment, his face serious, voice ever calm::
''This isn't the only grim tid-bit of information, fellow Peltarchians. People are murdered every day within the docks, why? Because of the lack of guards posted in the district. Think of the poor old merchand lady, wanted to earn a coin for her starving grand children, picking up her stock at the docks – Only to get mugged of all her belongings because she was headed home through the docks district late at night.''
::He takes a breath, exhaling slowly before continuing::
''Perhaps it is time for a change. Perhaps. Rumours are circulating that there will be a re-election of one or multiple places on the senate. Think of those starving choldren, think of the homeless widows in need of food for there families. Think of the security of our people, fellow Peltarchians.''
::Slowly takes another breath, his face serious, eyes intent::
''If you vote Sierra Ju'ent for senate, these things can be changed. You can vote, you can make a difference.''
::Pats himself off, nodding to himself, satisfied. He steps off the soap box and collects his things before setting off, nodding to and shaking hands with whatever crowd attracted::
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"Another one, Registrar."
Without comment, the gaunt figure stands from her desk, walks across the morgue, and begins to prepare a slab.
"Prostitute, they said."
"I see."
A winding sheet is laid out, along with a decanter of water, a knife, a razor, and several jars.
"Hung herself."
"I see."
A book is produced, a quill and inkstone as well.
"Found by the docks, so shouldn't be long."
"I see." A pause, as if considering something. "Please be alert for any requests from other departments."
"Foul play, you think?"
"A pattern of deaths is likely to be investigated. I do not speculate on anything else."
An awkward knock at the door, as if from someone carrying an burden, ends the conversation. Such as it is.
-Lagermane
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Amid the burning of incense and whispering of prayers, slippered feet paced the temple's marble floors. Word came from the city, as it always did, by way of timid heralds and runners in Tyrran livery, all too young to appreciate the value of their information. It was good that they got out of the temple once in a while. Receiving the news with his usual pat on the shoulder and a handful of coins, the grizzled paladin added yet another to the list of innocent victims in the docks. As innocent as a prositute could be, anyway…
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As sun rises over the docks, the white lights bathes on a smooth pale skin of a girl dangling in the morning breeze. Her head lulls in movement to her swaying body, a rope tight about her throat, her red hair fluttering over her still dead features. "Suicide.." a guard murmurs, they have become particularly common these days, and not much can be done about it, it seem. "..she was a prostitute" a worker comments as he helps in hoisting the corpse down.