3. Mariston's Election Campaign

Mariston's Election Campaign


  • Posters festoon the walls of the Dancing Mermaid Inn, the pillars of the open air market to the west of the commons and by the trade hall opposite the temple. They show the smiling face of Mariston Thel, Above the face proclaims “Vote Thel!, A new hope for Fairness, honesty and Compassion”. Beneath the face is written “Mariston Thel, a brave knight who seeks your vote! The Wavebreakers, defenders, guard and the temple have pledged their support for this fine upstanding man. Peltarch needs reliable and incorruptible leadership. VOTE THEL!!"
    The commons fill with an air of festivity; stalls have been erected and many street performers dot the locale each displaying great skill in their chosen profession. Jugglers deftly show their abilities, while nearby a storyteller engages a rapt group with tales of heroism and legends of times past. From the stalls waft the glorious smells of finely cooked foods. Feshly baked Blackbread the Amnish speciality, sit next to fruitbreads. Local Dararite red cheese nestles by Luiren spring cheese. Barrels of imported Old One Eye a fine ale are opened along with several of Westgate ruby a bold red wine. The Festhall is also open to all, the music of its band filters out onto the commons. Mariston walks through the folk gathered speaking to them listening to their concerns and answering any questions directed at him regarding his policies. He seems at ease as he does so smiling often and speaking cordially with all.
    After a time there is a call for some quiet and Mariston approaches a lectern.

    I stand here before thee all, I seek a roll as senator. I do this not for any personal gain or power. Tis mine wish to aid all goodly folks of the city.

    In recent times the city hath suffered much, the people of Peltarch hath shown their mettle through all these trying times. Filled with an indomitable spirit and a loyalty that is inspiring to witness.

    As a senator I wouldst see mine duty to the peoples of this city as paramount, set before any personal wishes.

    In this I wouldst seek to ensure trade is free and open to all, no fixed prices or artificial price setting would be tolerated. This would benefit all people of the city. Food prices would lower as would other much needed goods of our most venerable citizens. Larger trading groups would find that outside groups would be flocking to this beacon of just and free trade. Thus they wouldst hath the trade routes opened to them in return and in such the quality and value of Peltarch’s fine goods shall be known in distant lands. To stifle trade in such a way for the benefit of the few is to hold a weight over the heads of many. Tis to starve and freeze the poor while those that benefit give naught in return. I think all wouldst find such a situation unacceptable.

    In a view to this I wouldst take steps to aid those of the city whom find themselves affected by the seasonality of Peltarch’s economy. We hath some finely skilled workers within the city, some of the best in the realms I hath no doubt. We also rely heavily upon the Ice Lace lake for much of the cities means and growth. With a harsh winter we hath seen what this can do to the cities economy and people. As such we must seek to cultivate and calm surrounding lands, such as the western hills and the plains to the east. The hills can be planted and make excellent timbre producing lands, also the natural mineral deposits located within the hills can be used also. To the east the farmlands can be secured, improved in farming methods and thus yield greater self sufficiency. With these changes, and planned activities the city would increase the available employment and improve the standard of life for all our people.

    Many of thee may hath noticed the tower to the west, tis mine wish to see more of these towers at the borders of the cities land. Not as an insular and standoffish sign but as a practical and much needed system to provide early warning of any attack or need. Improved defence is certainly a consideration; the city faces many foes and hath prevailed against many. Yet we must not be lax in our defence of the people of the lands and the city. We must applaud the guard and defenders whom on a daily basis protect the city with their lives, what I seek is to make their task a safer and easier one. Also with the guard better protected we can also tackle the foul and insidious organised crime that a trade city will draw to it. These foul and lowly folk seek to undermine and weaken the city all for their own greed. They wouldst see many jobless and starving to line their own pockets. They wouldst use the velvet glove to mask the iron fist beneath, and they art cowards and skulking loafers. No people should suffer such, and I would see that such folk art hunted down and brought before the courts. Also with increased defence, trade routes art protected. With safer trade routes trade will be encouraged to the city.

    I hath heard many say that a senator should not be a devote follower of any god, surely in these realms and through all that hath affected them this is not something that is to be frowned upon. With the recent events in the city which saw the forces of both hell and abyss test us. I as a member of the Order of the Divine Shield placed mineself with the Order and stood against these attacks, and learned of and with the aid of others prevented the gravest of consequences for the people of the city. We hath seen the result of those of dark hearts gaining the seat of senator and the destruction rained down upon the city. Let this not occur again.

    I hath heard said of late “What can a paladin know of the plight of the common people?”

    To answer I say this, I hath bled with thee, fought with thee, stood firm and resolved with thee to protect and safeguard this city and its people. I hath seen what thou hath suffered at the hands of those that wouldst claim lordship over thee. I hath spoken with the often and heard thine hopes and fears. I would hope that this above all others wouldst grant me some insight into what thou wouldst see this city become, how thou wouldst see its people treated; with compassion and fairness regardless of class or race. How thou wish to be able to trade thine goods free from corruption. How thou wouldst see the lands prosper and its people prosper with it.


  • A female elf in red and gold half plate, with a long, flowing red cloak, congratulates Mariston heartily, stating that she is "proud that a fellow paladin has been elected senator, and I am sure that great things are to come for you and the city"
    gives him a pat on the shoulder, then walks away, tapping a finger on the hilt of her sword

  • DM

    The Magistrate having kept his opinions to himself during the election to ensure his unceasing impartiality goes to congratulate Mariston, declaring him as someone who will

    "surely be most ardent in the defence of the city from all dangers, as well as a significant supporter of the continuation of our city's law and order".

  • S

    Senator Brynmor publicly declares his support for Sir Mariston, saying he is a strong leader who will serve the people well.


  • Mariston makes his way to vote

    The time for words now ends and actions now count this day. I wouldst urge thee all to use thine votes and be a part in shaping the future of this fine city. I hath presented mine case to thee and shared mine hopes for our city. Free trade, aid to our defenders and guards and the increase in our self sufficiency.
    Let this day mark the beginning of a new direction for this fine city. One that sees it rise to its potential and fulfil its possibilities.

    Mariston then casts his votes


  • Mariston holds a subdued meeting, and speaks ot those gathered his tone somber
    With the recent war tis inapproraite to bandy words of the election, I hath said all I can on the matter and will be available to answer any questions thou wish to pose.
    Now is a time for reflection and rememberance, let us sing the songs and speak the prayers that will guide and comfort those whom hath lost family and loved ones these last tendays.
    The sacrifices made by those for their duty and loyalty to this city art beyond words. Truely noble they art."
    With that Mariston makes his way to the tower west of the city, and speaks quietly with the defenders there

  • E

    Eowien, Staff Sergeant under Captain Talgrath of the Defenders, can be heard in the crowds speaking of how fine and brave a warrior Mariston is and what he has done for the city in the past. She can also be heard stating that she supports Mariston in the elections.

  • R

    Elena Arguyle is mostly seen in the crowds, quietly showing her support for the candidate.


  • Captain Talgrath makes a brief announcement in support of Mariston stating:
    "Mariston Thel is a fine warrior and damn near a hero. He's helped me and the Defenders in keeping Peltarch safe many times now. I fully support his campaign for election to the senate."


  • Mariston addresses a group gathered at one of his rallies, again hospitality is provided.

    Fellow people of Peltarch, the time of the elections draws nigh. I ask a great boon of thee…..That of thine trust and support. Tis much to ask of anyone, and to ask of so many. Yet I feel I am capable of seeing that such trust is not abused nor used in a way that is contrary to that given. I will through the senate seek to address the issues thou hath raised with me. I shall seek to implement all that I hath spoken of in the past.

    Together we can forge a greater future for this fine city. Let us see to an open free city of trade. That will be a beacon in the north, attracting many to its markets and ports.
    Let the lands be safe and such vile beasts therein quelled so the city may become more self sufficient. Let us see that our guards art secure as they secure our streets.

    All of this I hath spoken to thee of before and in great depth. Now I seek to ask thee for thine support in this election. Let us see this city rise phoenix like and alight the north.

    Mariston smiles as he speaks to those gathered waiting to answer any questions that may be posed to him


  • Further rallies are held throughout the city, his clinic is open to any who wish to ask him questions.

    Fellow citizens of Peltarch I seek thine backing so I may aid this fine city. I wouldst see it become more than it is, achieve its potential and in so doing aid its people. This is an opportunity to set into motion that which can aid in this. A city, requires fair and just rulership. A trading city thrives on a strong and healthy economy, this requires open, fair and just oversight. A city needs strong defence; this requires forethought and wisdom. These basic principles if acted upon will aid greatly all of Peltarchs people. To become more than we are we need strive and show our determination. I wouldst join thee upon this journey to see this fine city grow and thrive. To watch its peoples grow and thrive with it. This I wouldst see as truly joyous.

    Let the city trade freely in the market, may Peltarch become renowned as its artisans should be. With the freedom to trade we shall see an increase in revenue, more jobs will be created and with this the economy will improve. With such improvements in the basic economy we can reinvest increased revenue back into the people of the city. The standard of living can be increased for all, not just the few. Let not a monopoly again hold our people back and dictate unto thee. Let our artisans work shine as a renaissance of the city.

    Let our borders be safe so the lands within them can be harvested, with care and renewable ideals to bolster our economy and self sufficiency. With the harsh climate experienced in these lands, greater storage facilities need made, farming land increased. Let not the folk of the city go without an adequate food supply again. Constructions of walled areas with fortifications hath been shown time and again to strongly defend such outlands. And with such fortifications may the fine defenders of this city go about their duties in greater safety.

    I wouldst see our brave and true guards also under greater protection, they doth aid and protect the city and its people also. Though they oft need to fight against more insidious threats, they face many dangers. Let us see that such duty and loyalty art protected and that the skills and knowledge of senior officers hath time to become known and taught to newer recruits. Let us aid the guard in the difficult tasks.

    I hath spoken often on these points and how I see they can benefit all aspects of life within this fine city. I ask now one thing of thee. That thou aid me to do so.


  • Yet again Mariston seems puzzled by these words Tis part of a code I follow, I hath invited folk to come and listen to me. According to the way I was raised I should provide hospitality to them. Tis not intended to cause offense.

  • N

    Nyda sighs and mutters quietly to those close by "More rally's, more expense. I agree with the mans policies for the most part, but trying to buy an election with money that could be better used furthering the poor and needy of the city?.."


  • *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. *

  • S

    Mog is seen in the crowd clapping and smiling at Mariston.


  • 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 😄 //

  • S
    Council of Moradin

    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.


  • 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.

  • R

    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.


  • _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._

  • S

    @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.