Mariston's Election Campaign
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*Mariston spends a lot of his time speaking with folk, stopping to answer any questions asked of him and maintaining a presence at his clinic. He reiterates his pledges and expresses his hopes for the city. To see it rise to its potential. He holds several rallies where he can address larges crowds. He speaks calmly and warmly, always courteous of his fellow candidates. He speaks happily of his hopes for the city, including allowing greater freedom of trade, the defence of the city and the policing of its streets. *
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Mog is seen in the crowd clapping and smiling at Mariston.
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Further rallies are held, again food and drink are provided and entertainers of many types fill the area. There is again a joyful and festive air to the proceedings. Mariston works his way through the crowd speaking and shaking hands of the folk who approach him. There have been pavilions set up to protect from the cold and the food is hot and filling. Tents and benchs line the area, each filed with goods that represent many of Peltarchs crafts. Crafted metal utensils gleam, wooden bowls give off sents of resin and fine cloths catch the eyes of many. A fine trade fair gathers many and the merchants hawk thier wares. A string voiced man announces an auction and many folk flock to see what bargin can be found. Through this Mariston watches with a happy smile, and awaits his time to speak.
Fellow people of Peltarch, as we know the time of the elections draw nigh. Tis a time when through thee, thou shalt affect the direction and the future of the city. Tis a weighty responsibility and I know the people of Peltarch art well trusted with such a duty. Thou will ask why thou should back me, and rightly so. I hath be looking at some resent posters.
::Sighs softly and shakes his head::
I wouldst let thee know I hath no such ambition for power and to rule. I seek only to aid thee all and the way that this can be done most effectively is through political means. I will add mine voice to the senate and through that voice the reasons upon which thou voted for me shall be heard. I shall to the best of mine abilities see that the city is well defended and I hath begun to ensure this. I would further allay thine concerns that recent posters may profess. The towers built contain trusted defenders of this city, no troops do I gather.
::Smiles as he addresses the crowd and sweeps his arm to indicate them all::
Thou and the other people of Peltarch art those whom we of the senate seek to aid and should aid. I hath stood with thee through many years, and shall continue to do so for many more to come. I wouldst see this fine city rise to its potential, as a great trading centre; where folk can come and trade freely and without fear. A city that aids its people to spread the name of Peltarch and its fine crafts and skilled artisans. Such that we shall be sought by other lands for our goods and skills. For this city holds many finely skilled folk and they should be encouraged to seek these for trade in both the local and foreign markets. With this trade established the flow of trade will increase to the city as the name of Peltarch becomes more widely known. This increase in trade will hath many benefits, more coin shall come to the city, greater opportunities for employment, new business shall need be created and the markets shall increase in size. All of these art of paramount importance to any trading city and let us seek to do so for Peltarch.
Peltarch can and should be a bastion in these lands, where shelter is given from those whom wouldst subjugate and try and rule through violence and fear. We hath faced our own tyrants and we shall stand wary and ready to face such threats again. With an open and true senate, we need not fear again the rise as one such as Koreth. Peltarch is strong and its people strong and true. We shall and always will stand against any aggressor, I shall stand with thee as I hath now for many years.
With thine backing I shall endeavour to see these ideals brought forth as a reality. Let us see Peltarch aid all its people, and let Peltarch grow and be known a great and noble city.
//Happy Hogmanay and a wonderful New Year
//
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Mariston seems to have locked up the support of the Defenders of Peltarch and many of the Guard as well. From his frontline defence of the town to his personal sponsorship of the construction of watch towers it is very clear who the fighting men of Peltarch will be voting for.
The men of the docks don't seem as entusiastic, but are still throwing their weight behind Mariston. The split here is directly on Seafarers vs. Wavebreaker lines. Wavebreakers support him completely while the Seafarers say he's a devil in disguise and will be shown for his true character just as Koreth was.
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smiles to Richard and outlines his policies on the issue
Sir Richard as thou knowest Lady Anna and mineself hath adopted one of Peltarchs orphans caused by the war. This would be one way to reduce the numbers that cause need for larger and larger orphanages. By starting an adoption oversight group the city can re-home those whom hath been subject to the tragic lose of their parents. The children’s safety can be aided by putting in place stringent criteria for those whom wish to adopt. Both mundane and magical means can be employed to seek to make this as infallible as possible. This will of course only be able to account for a certain number. There are of course those whom seek to master a craft or fallow a calling. Many such children are cared for by the respective bodies whom wouldst take them in. I wouldst propose a grant to be provided to aid with the initial settlement of these children and ease the burden on those whom wouldst take them in. The need for the orphanages will remain and we should ensure that these are well maintained and found to be a haven from any ill that these children may hath suffered.
Those whom were orphaned by the war were unfortunate to hath returned to a city in ruin but now seven years on from that time the city is rebuilt and we can turn our attentions to those whom need us most and ensure that they art cared for by a kind and compassionate city.
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Sir Richard post a question in public to the candidate for the senate. "I have the upmost respect for those who wish to run for public office. I wish to ask an important question.
With the war with the eastlanders the people who have been hurt the most have been the children of peltarch for their are many orphans who have lost their parents in this war. The city's orphanage is past full capacity their is no more space and their supplies are poor at best. What do you propose on doing to bring some sort of normacy to these children who have lost it all.
I have seen the faces of these childrens and held them tight as they cry for their mothers and fathers who are no longer with us. I tell them things will get better and that their loved ones fought for the safety of the city. They where brave and courages and mommy and daddy ask them to be the same in the days to come.
How will you deal with the issue.What they need is not a hand out but a hand up. A hand in helping them find new families that may love them and help them. How will you do this.
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_The streets fill again as Mariston holds a rally, many entertainers come and ply their trades and the area takes on an air of festivity. Table are filled with foods and hot drinks to hold the cold at bay as the winter takes hold of the city. Warming braziers are lit and in this atmosphere many come to relax and take a moment to enjoy themselves as they look forward to Deadwinter day and with its passing the promise of the spring to come.
The young knight Mariston walks among the people speaking with them one to one answering any question they may have of him. Mariston speaks plainly but his words are touched by a deeper wisdom and his pleasant and happy demeanour relax those around him.He answers questions regarding his policies on trade, of he will push to see the markets made free and how this will aid all the folk of Peltarch not just the few. He explains that a free market will promote trade within the city elevating the constraints placed upon the small independent trader and those whom wish to start new businesses. He points out, that a monopoly is a sure way to stagnate growth and squeeze the life from a market. And as Peltarch is a market city whose very basis is trade any form of artificial pricing or monopolising of goods is neither good for the city nor its people.
He states his commitment to the people of the city, speaking of seeking to improve health care provision for the city’s most vulnerable folk. Thus trade can be opened without the fear of the plague that occurred sixty years previously. This improvement of the conditions for the cities poorest folk will in turn see that those whom rely upon these folk to man their businesses, will find that the work force will be become more reliable and with a healthier populace a more efficient workforce. Therefore the costs of such a plan wouldst be certainly outweighed by the massive benefits.
Mariston speaks happily about his plans to see the guard increased, and to see the levels of crime reduced and the safety of Peltarchs people insured. He also notes that with a well provisioned guard who have sufficient numbers, that not only will the this cause a reduction of crime and an increased detection and improved clear up rates, that this will have a nock on effect for the city’s businesses. He states his goal to target those whom organise crime and prey upon the citizens of the city. This would include targeting of smugglers, who undermine the very structure of the city’s survival. He states that organised crime is a blight that will be sought out and removed for the good of the city and its people.
He assures those who ask of his commitment to the defence of the city. He reiterates his policies of increased defenders and the training of folk in the bow. He will happily go into greater details for those who ask.
He speaks jovially with the people who come to see him offering hospitality. He talks of his hopes for the city and how all its peoples lot can be increased and the general standard of living improved for all. This he states is very important and will ensure the city will continue to prosper and grow. Growth he states is very important, with growth comes the need for jobs and increased trade. Both of which are vital to ensure a vibrant and fair city._
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@d84094ac9b=EodenValmer:
//Even untrained bowmen or semi- trained bowmen can fire up to 4-7 shots in a minute a trained longbowman could fire every 3-5 secs. Also longbows required less care than a crossbow, due to a lack of any mechanism. Not anyone could pick up a crossbow and use it, unless you refer to the cranequin..but that in itself added a metal device which required carefull care. Also historically it was much easier to get large numbers of longbowmen orginised than crossbows. Accuracy is not an issue with massed fire. Also historically in England it was a law that each man be spend an hour (may have been two) once a week in bow training. The bows where easy to maintain where as crossbows were prone to all sorts of problems. Also in NWN terms the rate of fire for a bow is much higher than a crossbow.//
Mariston loooks to Mog Well Mog from mine training tis always been advised that ranks of bowmen art easier to train and equip than crossbowmen..I shall bear thine thoughts in mind.
//crossbow is a simple weapon so yes, anyone can pick it up. Longbow is martial which a commoner does not get. Historically peasants used crossbows, why cause they were easier(as I read sometime ago). Longbows required Yew wood which well england figured out. NWN accuracy is, long range you are looking at -6, -8 to hit in addition to the -4 for non prof. In NWN the rate of fire is not higher due to rapid reload which allows you to fire at your attacks per rd which you can get at 4th lvl. SO at lvl 6 both a longbow man and heavy crossbow are both firing two shots a rd unless the longbowman is using rapid shot. Pretty sure a bow is more hurt by cold wet weather than a crossbow though I could be wrong on that point. A bow string and bow get wet they are hosed, I think a crossbow fares better. Now, neither crossbows nor bows require attention in NWN however in ganes I have played people take great care to make sure the bows stay dry. So a commoner can pick a crossbow up and shoot it with no problems as opposed to the -4 a untrained bowman would get. Obviously our history lessons differ on the crossbow as I have always read the crossbow was the easier to use weapon and more common for th peasants. Thusly, unless I messed up that a crossbow is not a simple weapon, the crossbow is easier to use mechanically (meaning D&D rules wise)Note I am going to feel really stupid If I screwed up something here as I don't have my books handy.//
::nods politely::
Mog only try help Mariston, Mog wish Mariston luck with the training.
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Mariston loooks to Mog Well Mog from mine training tis always been advised that ranks of bowmen art easier to train and equip than crossbowmen..I shall bear thine thoughts in mind.
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::chuckles as he wasn't meaning to start and argument::
Mariston bring up good point except few things.
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Longbow have better range yes but longbowman not going to hit anything unless lot training. Sure Longbow can shoot hundreds yards away but without training not going to hit anything anyways.
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Anyone can pick up crossbow and use one. Longbow requires lot training. If want numbers crossboww better choice. Sure can get 10 decent longbowman trained or 100 crossbowmen.
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Rate of fire? Crossbowman and untrained longbowman fire some speed. Even trained crossbowman can fire same speed as trained longbowman. So, while Mog larger sqaud of crossbowman maybe not shooting as far away and missing, when they get closer more Mog crossbowman hitting cause Mog got more.
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Having problems with crossbow not working then bought bad crossbows. Buy good stock and not a problem. Longbows require more care than bow so would have keep bows maintained. Normal civilian no have time to do that unless going to have quartermaster keeping up with them then civilians have go get them in time of need.
In addition, since crossbow easier to use any citizen could pick crossbow up from dead defenders body and use it to help protect the city with ease. Citizen untrained lucky not to lose arm first time shoot bow.
Mariston want more troops to help defend now or years from now? Mariston Mog friend, Mog not trying to make problems, Mog just trying to give advice to help Mariston.
((seriously wasn't trying to start and argument, just pointing out crossbows really are easier to use than longbows both historically and game mechanicwise..see if I try to help ::shrugs:: ))
((DM feel free to delete my posts on this matter if Mariston would rather not have this convo))
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Mariston answers "While the crossbow can certainly be an easier weapon to learn the use of, the reason for the longbow is threefold;
Fistly, the greater range of the longbow makes it more effective as volleys of fire can be loosed before attackers are close to the city walls.
Secondly, quicker rate of fire of the longbow allows many more missiles to be fired. These two aspects combined mean that very many more foes can be slain.
Thirdly, while the crossbow is easy to use tis also more prone to malfunctions of its mechanisms.
Thus is the longbow more effective and efficient and training in its use will be provided."
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Mog quietly suggests to Mariston that the untrained use crossbows as they are easier weapons to learn then the longbow and provide greater punch.
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Mariston speaks to a group of folk gathered in the streets by the commons. A group of targets for bows set up and various longbows are set aside. Those that wish are welcomed to fire a bow and test their skill. Mariston speaks with each person as they do so offering any advice he can.
Fellow citizens of Peltarch, I again come to speak with thee all regarding policies upon which I stand. With war upon us, I wouldst speak with thee of defence of the city. I spoke before regarding the series of towers to be built and the increase of defenders and guards. These will certainly aid us against most foes and the skills and courage of these loyal troops and watchmen is beyond reproach. Yet we must not become complacent, the defenders require greater numbers, with the kobold and ogre threat to the west and now the war to the south. Training is therefore a priority and most importantly the facilities to do so. The recent extension of the harbour has seen to many of these needs. I would also propose that those of young to mid years spend some hours each tenday practicing with a longbow. Thus in times of need the city can man its walls with a great force of archers. The wood from these bows will come from the lands claimed to the west which can be forested and harvested as needed for the cities needs. This will also create many jobs from land management to the crafters required to cut the bows.
The walls of the city are strong and can stand against many foes….let us give the walls greater reach and thus provide us all with a safer more secure city.
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In the civic district in the square outside the temple and the smithy another rally is held. Many folk gather and again there seems an air of festivity at the gathering. Before the speech the crowds are entrained by skilled bards and entertainers of all kinds.
Mariston stands before the crowd and speaks to those gathered.
“Fellow citizens of Peltarch, at this time the city requires to be allowed to prosper under safe and secure conditions. The present system sees costs set far too high and this impacts upon all the folk of the city. For as goods are set at an artificial price this impacts upon all merchants. This leads in turn to a down turn in the market and the jobs of fine craftsfolk threatened.
To remedy this, when I am elected I will speak with mine fellow senators and work with them to aid the folk of this fair city. Monopolies aid the few and harm the many, let this practice stop for the good of Peltarchs people. Let the goods of our fine crafters be sought throughout the realms and may we in return be open to goods out with our city that will aid the quality of life of our citizens.
I was asked recently what good art the towers in the border lands? These sets of defences allow early warning and provide a secure and defensive position for the city’s brave defenders to be stationed as they keep our walls safe. The southern tower for many years has proven greatly effective at this and the newer western tower has also proven its worth. Let the defenders be adequately outfitted and protected to do their difficult jobs in the safest way possible. With a network of these towers around the lands the city will have true and proper warning of most attacks. The towers can easily signal the main defence to warn and also hold at bay most attackers. As most know the standard ratio in a siege of a defensive building is at minimum around twenty attackers to each defender. And with the Defenders of this good city I am sure that number will be much higher. This holding action allows for defence of the city and also counter attacks to be launched into the flanks of any attackers.
The guard also requires aid with its number increased and resources allocated to fight organised crime. Thus honest folk can rest easy knowing that a well equipped and trained guard art securing the streets. And this in turn will aid the goodly folk in the guard to do their jobs with greater security and safety.
How some wouldst ask would these increases to the safety of our city, defenders and guard be paid for. With the increased revenue created by a more buoyant market some of the earnings can be ploughed back into the city to ensure that Peltarch is always the jewel of the Ice Lace.
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Mariston speaks quietly with Barrim answering the questions posed to him. The young knight seems quite at ease as he puts forth his policies. Mariston is seen often speaking with the folk of the city, he spends some time speaking to those who visit his clinic and answers any questions they ask. He can be found laughing and speaking with many of the citys peoples. Always with a kind word to say about the other candidates he goes about the city.
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One of the wittier heralds laughs and remarks that if anyone would know about such things, it would be the man who resigned from the Senate to spend more time with his mistress. The others joke and smile at Nico, suggesting that he had his chance at city politics already, but everyone is glad he decided to drop in for a visit.
Apparently, someone has gone to the trouble of hiring a lot of talented heralds for Mariston.
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Nico Black is still seen chuckling and commenting on -Sir- Mariston's campaign ploy in the Marketplace that started the new elections. He's often discussing the show that involved a naked woman and makes comments such as… "Now that is the way to get votes I say. Mothers everywhere will want to have someone who advocates public nudity in the Senate..."
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The Magistrate Barrim, a well known steadfast combat ally of the Knight on a number of occassions goes to speak to Mariston. He asks him at one of his public gatherings where he would intend to expand Peltarch's territories as he menioned this in his last speech; if he was made senator?
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"Mariston holds a dinner for merchants and shopkeepers during which he discusses his plans to strengthen the city's economy. The dinner is held in the Dancing Mermaid Inn; the tables booked for the evening. He speaks of the necessity of reforming the trade laws and stamping out corruption in order to reduce the cost of imports and raw materials. Free trade will mean a fairer and more profitable system for merchants and, indeed, the whole city. He says that business will be bad so long as the city cannot feed itself or provide affordable raw materials for its many skilled artisans. If elected, he will work with others on the Senate to see that new laws and programs are enacted to deal with these problems and lead the city into a prosperous future for all of Peltarch’s peoples.
As a well-known defender of the city, Mariston says he will also work to protect Peltarch from foreign threats. He will ensure the military remains strong enough to defend the city's lands and resources as it expands, ensuring stability and healthy growth that will foster trade. Internally, he will work to end the smuggling and theft that rob honest merchants of their livelihoods and pray on the city’s most venerable folk.
Also Mariston is seen speaking with each merchant privately learning of what they feel would aid the economy of the city. Also later that same tenday Mariston meets with Lisa of the guards, and spends much time in conversation. He seems quite at ease with all the folk he speaks with regardless of class.
Welcoming those that approach him with questions Mariston indicates why he feels these changes are required.
With news of the war, Mariston speaks with the defenders and and seeks to learn what he can do to aid. He speaks of the need for all Peltarchians to stand ready to defend the city and the lands against the threat now posed.”
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Elena Arguyle has been seen more often in the temple of Tyr in Peltarch, tending to the sick and invalid. If payment is offered, she smiles and says that a portion of it will be diverted to sir Mariston's campaign, aside from the donation to Ilmater. If the person presses further on the subject, she would then explain why she supports sir Mariston, citing amongst other examples how he came to her and her husband's aid when she was kidnapped after her wedding.
If she is serving at the soup kitchens, she would be noticeably stationed near a Mariston election poster: "If you are satisfied with my service, please vote for him."
