North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-05-05 - Rise of the Remnants: Chain Reaction (log)

Ivastaen 5-6, 5123

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Disclaimer

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character or characters who were present to record them. Leafiara's player and the TownCrier hold no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.

Synopsis

Amos thanks everyone who protected the baystone mine and has an announcement: he'll be running again for Mayor of Wehnimer's Landing. Councilors Kayse and Vaemyr endorse him over Thadston, but Councilor Kiyna disagrees and doesn't support him. Councilor Pookia offers a more middling response that she supports Amos' right to run, but that she won't miss her next ballista shot at him if he ever messes with Tyrrax. After a bit of discussion about platform and philosophies, Amos says the mayoral election may move fast since the town won't benefit from a prolonged campaign season during a time of conflict, then wishes everyone a good evening.

Not long afterward, a scream comes from North Ring Road and search parties scramble, but nobody can find the source. However, Ordlyn's voice soon emerges over thoughts: his target is a man named Jeffrey, who he describes as an Imperial from Mestanir and a "Koar kissing pilgrim." His Remnants slit a bound man's throat on the roofs and toss the body into the alley.

His next target is a man named Kenneth, who Ordlyn says has served in Moot Hall for three years but never gained citizenship and sends most of his pay home to Jantalar, which bled the Landing in the past. He's the next one tossed off a roof.

People rush to the roofs, but can't catch up, and Ordlyn says the Remnants are untouched and unseen, so enjoy the show. As people discuss patterns to the attacks, an arrow flies into Vaemyr, but when it only breaks an arm, he mocks that the real Rooks are better shots.

Ordlyn's next target is a woman named Carla, who he says doesn't pay local taxes on her shop profits and funnels her silvers to Mestanir, where her sisters nurse members of the Blameless back to health. She fights back against her captors better than the others, but Ordlyn snaps her neck and tosses her over the side of a roof.

Another arrow flies into Kiyna, but as with Vaemyr, it hits her arm. Kiyna asks if all he has is little arrows and he says they're for little brains. She calls him a common murderer who will perish like one and he says there's nothing common about it. Another arrow flies into Kayse; this one hits her leg. Vaemyr calls Ordlyn just like the Blameless, a corruption of what were good ideals, but Ordlyn says he's fully responsible for his actions and understands the burden of freedom that he carries for everyone and weighs heavily upon him.

Ordlyn's next target is Rian, the militia member who Tyrrax had once held captive to record his journeys and who had asked the militia to send his wife Elizabeth home south to their Imperial homestead in Aldora, where his investments really go. However, nobody sees his body get tossed [OOC note: either that or it wasn't monsterbolded and I missed it]; Kayse demands to know where he is and Ordlyn says they'll bury him at sea so his krolvin masters can take him back.

The sounds of dragging chains echo from North Ring Road, South Ring Road, and West Ring Road and adventurers rush to check the areas, but find nothing. Soon dozens and dozens of townspeople pour out of alleys, shops, and street corners wearing chains and red paint over their cheeks. They break into a song: "We fight for freedom, we fight for what is right. To keep our tomorrow, shining bright. We'll never let the Empire push us down, in Wehnimer's Landing we wear the crown."

Marshal Stormyrain and Wolfloner note similarities between Ordlyn's tactics and Drangell's with the spectacle and dropped bodies. Meanwhile, the song continues: "The empire may be big and bold, but we have something they can't hold. Our hearts are filled with passion true, and that's the strength to see us through. We fight for freedom, we fight for what is right. To keep our tomorrow, shining bright. We'll never let the Empire push us down, in Wehnimer's Landing we wear the crown."

Ordlyn rallies the crowd by asking if they'll wear chains and getting a resounding shout of no, then they symbolically break away from their chains and finish their song to close out the night.

Editing Protocol of this Log

• NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
• Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
• Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
• Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
• IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
• OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
• Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
• Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
• Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
• Combat is excluded.

Log

Idle Chatter

[This happened in Town Square Central at some point, but nothing further came of it; might have just been misdirection or something to pass the time.]

A tiny, glossy black spider drops from the tree overhead and spins in place for a moment, hanging by a thin strand of its own silk. Suddenly, the miniscule creature descends to the ground and skitters out of view.

[10-20 minutes later...]

The sky begins to fill with huge clouds, dark and grey on the bottom, pale and white atop, their puffy crowns ascending toward the heavens.

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see an amber-eyed tawny range wolf, a red-necked falcon that is flying around, the Kelfyr disk, a grizzled porcupine, a large acorn, the Sjofn disk, the Renlyn disk, an ivy-covered white monir tower, a mottled grey ragamuffin cat, the Tayler disk, a sharp-nosed grey puppy with long corded fur, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a faltering wasteland spirit that is flying around, a green-eyed white kitten, the Peche disk, a lazy wild deep red dog, the web-draped Missoni disk, a coil of thick rope, the Emperia disk, the sparking Neithan disk, a ruby-throated emerald hummingbird that is flying around, a sulky badland spirit that is flying around, the Spharai disk, the Chamorr disk, the Arahnim disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Korpacz disk, a rose-marrow potion, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it and an old well.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Town Councilor Kiyna, Pukk, Kippe, Morbidity, Seaward Gutstorm, Alosaka, Kelfyr, Kalindon, Markx, Sjofn, Renlyn, Sarissa Tayler, Light Keeper Kayse, Miss Chandrellia, Chronicler Falvicar, Perigourd, Sepoid, Tikba, Lady Guennwhfar, Conquerer of Reim Peche, Missoni, Andromalius who is sitting, Emperia, Bellaja, Dame Evia, Sir Geijon, Conquerer of Reim Neithan, Spharai, Chamorr, Conquerer of Reim Arahnim, Conquerer of Reim Irval, Blerod, Korpacz, Sir Cryheart, Sozett, Krysia, Zeysa

Speaking heartily to Tayler, Chamorr says, "My favorite color too, amber."

Speaking to Kelfyr, Markx says, "No. They aren't. They are not on me now. So they aren't everywhere."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara asks, "Have you given the call?"

Speaking to Chamorr, Tayler says, "I have no idea if it'll be good, but it's nutmeg and cinnamon, seems a safe combo."

Speaking to Markx, Kelfyr asks, "You sure?"

Pukk says, "I did."

Markx says, "So devine. So force."

Speaking heartily to Tayler, Chamorr says, "This is good stuff, well done, thanks."

Speaking to Chamorr, Tayler exclaims, "Glad you like it!"

Markx asks, "I don't understand. We are just waiting for spiders to start crawling up outa the trees to kill us?"

Speaking to Chamorr, Tayler says, "Keep the bottle."

Tayler says, "I can always make more."

Speaking to Markx, Chandrellia exclaims, "Exactly!"

Chamorr heartily says, "Wow, thank you."

Pukk recites:

"Join Cryheart! We will investigate things and afterwards he will buy everybody a round of drinks!"

Speaking to Markx, Leafiara says, "Pretty much."

Speaking to Markx, Alosaka says, "We're open to suggestions."

Markx says, "Umm."

Speaking to Markx, Bellaja asks, "I'm shocked we haven't heard more from the ranks of Arachne. Don't you think they would want their spiders kept safe out of harm's way?"

Markx says, "This strategy is not the best one. To put it mildly."

Speaking to an amber-eyed tawny range wolf, Pukk says, "Join Cryheart."

Markx asks, "Do we know where they hail from?"

A cool breeze stirs through the area.

Markx says, "At least locally."

Speaking to Wolfloner, Pukk says, "Join Cryheart."

Chandrellia asks, "Webs?"

Speaking to Bellaja, Vaemyr says, "I mean there was a priest of arachne leading some of the spiders."

Speaking to Markx, Alosaka says, "Some are summoned by the Ember Vale shamans. Others are simply spiders."

Speaking thoughtfully to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Leafiara says, "You know, Owly, I've been thinking about what you said the other night and you're right. Even if you solved the Landing's every problem by yourself, it would make everyone grow complacent and reliant on you, then new problems would crop up and you'd be stuck in the cycle."

Pukk says, "A cool breeze. Something bad is going to happen."

Markx asks, "Well. Why aren't we in the spider temple then?"

Kelfyr says, "Another one came down from the tree, I think."

The coppery barn owl hoots at Leafiara.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Leafiara.

Speaking philosophically to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Leafiara says, "So, as ever, you're choosing wisely."

Markx says, "Seems like the most logical choice."

Alosaka asks, "You're worried about being eaten by spiders so you want to go to the Spider Temple?"

Markx says, "Unless I'm uninformed which is entirely possible."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Bellaja says, "Away from town? I wasn't sure of the details other than he might have been hurt or killed."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Owly is rarely wrong. The only time I've known him to be wrong was a time he told me that he was wrong. But it turned out it was an error and he was right."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Bellaja says, "You never know what's true and what is gossip."

Markx says, "Waiting here to die isn't a strategy, I don't care what resources are in play to know what's may or may not happen."

Falvicar says, "Aha... a double negative."

Sluggard says, "Checking wands."

Speaking to Bellaja, Vaemyr says, "Uhh I saw them with my own eyes, and saw him leading spiders about, which then attacked the town, and he has been struct down a few times in return."

Cryheart asks, "And what if the spiders came from the west...and not from the east?"

Vaemyr says, "Not a rumor."

Speaking to Markx, Geijon says, "Sounds like a lot of guesswork. I don't ever intend to die."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Bellaja says, "Thank you for clearing that up, sir."

Speaking to Geijon, Markx says, "Neither do I."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna asks, "What did he say last time? His children would feed on our husks?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Bellaja says, "The lot at Helga's had all kinds of versions."

Awaiting Amos

[General] Amos thinks, "Good evening, Wehnimer's Landing."

Vaemyr says, "We did chase him back to the temple, but I think his words were something like..."

Cryheart says, "Something like that."

Chandrellia asks, "I wonder if teh Thors have struck a deal with the Archane and have set them upon us?"

Chandrellia says, "Thorns."

[General] Evia thinks, "Yep."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "Evening, Amos."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "Yes something like that."

[General] Kayse warmly thinks, "Fair evening, Amos."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Indeed, a fine evening."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "Well there went the good times...I mean...Hi Amos!"

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Good evening Amos."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Good evening, Amos."

Speaking to Geijon, Markx says, "But There must be a tactic or else we are all just here, get attacked at once by overwhealming spider forces and we all dead good sir."

[General] Jadedragan exclaims, "All hail the Merchant King of All He Surveys, our lord, Amos!"

[General] Neithan confusedly asks, "Say what?"

Cryheart says, "Amos thinking."

[General] Tikba politely greets, "Amos."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Awe hello Amos, so good to hear your thoughts, I do hope your travels as of late have been well."

Pukk says, "Yeah. If it has to do with silvers. Amos thinks about it."

Speaking to Markx, Geijon says, "When you project defeat, you lose. When you envision success, you make it possible."

Pukk says, "Then again. Leafi thinks about silvers too..."

[General] Irval thinks, "Look what the register rung in! I jest. Greetings Amos."

Pukk says, "But she is cuter."

Geijon says, "Rooks keep on hoping it'll happen."

Xorus says, "I think more of Amos than that."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "It will one day."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "No."

Xorus says, "He also thinks of gold, platinum..."

Speaking to Geijon, Markx says, "Both take a plan. I only see one for the former."

A huge orange cat pads in.

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "If you say so."

Irval says, "Mongo..."

[General] Goldstr asks, "Wha ya wab Money Monger?"

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk says, "Oh yeah. I forgot about those. I'm too poor at understanding him."

Pukk says, "Literally."

Cryheart says, "Good evening, Mongo."

The orange cat purrs.

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon asks, "What is the mission goal of a Rook, Chandrellia?"

Speaking to a mottled grey ragamuffin cat, Vaemyr exclaims, "Hi mongo!"

[General] Amos thinks, "I shall be inside the Darkstone Bay Consortium shortly for an announcement."

Tikba mildly says, "Amos has asked his Red Watch to guard the Landing, and has contributed to its defense as much as any citizen."

[This being Amos, Leafi ignores it and goes to hunt the Sanctum of Scales. Switch of character perspective here...]

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia asks, "Uummm well, do I look like a rook?"

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "I heard that Thadston has Roblar check under the bed at night for the Xorus."

Kelfyr says, "To the Consortium, I suppose."

Speaking to Lylia, Bellaja says, "That dirty cat is really cute."

Markx says, "Ok. Forget a plan and strategy. Just bring the spiders."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "By all accounts."

[General] Pookia thinks, "Boy oh boy."

Cryheart asks, "Moot hall?"

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia asks, "I see, so I guess that makes you a Thorn then yes?"

Kelfyr says, "Consortium."

Tayler says, "Consortium."

Evia says, "The consort-ium."

Goldstr says, "Nae his shops."

Cryheart asks, "Aye, and where is that?"

Geijon asks, "How about...what are your personal goals for success?"

[travel]

Kelfyr says, "West Ring Road."

Tikba says, "Just south of here."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "To do what I always do, heal the weak and injuered, and I must say, I am damngood at it."

[Consortium, Lobby]

The entrance of the Darkstone Bay Consortium is grand, with an expansive lobby that stretches far and wide. There is plentiful wall space in which rows of cushioned chairs rest, providing a comfortable option for those waiting to conduct business. Huge arched windows and a rustic wrought iron chandelier bathe the area with an ample amount of light. A thick deep blue carpet runs from a pair of iron-bound doors and ends near a high dark elm desk where a lithe blonde-haired elf sits. You also see a huge orange cat, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild deep red dog and a carved ironwood archway.

Lord Juramis just came trudging in.

Cryheart says, "Thank ye."

Kelfyr exclaims, "Team effort!"

Cryheart says, "Good evening, Juramis."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Heddo Mondo."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Leafiara, you made the right call. Juarmis showed up."

Speaking heartily to Juramis, Chamorr says, "Hello again."

Bellaja says, "Of course."

Neithan quietly notes, "This is such a nice ... lobby."

[General] Leafiara amusedly thinks, "Mongo was there, so that was a given."

The elf behind the desk says, "A lot of people tonight."

Juramis huskily asks, "Oh. Good evening. Are you all here to listen to Lord Amos's announcement?"

Irval exclaims, "Yah bring out the good stuff!"

Speaking in Elven, Markx exclaims something you don't understand.

Speaking confusedly to Juramis, Neithan inquires, "Who?"

Pukk asks, "Oh. Is that what is about to happen?"

'Juramis glances at Neithan.

Speaking to Juramis, Evia says, "Rumor your were handing out free wine samples."

Speaking huskily to Neithan, Juramis says, "Lord Amos."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "That doesn't really align for people who notice. One thing can also be true if th' other is."

Juramis nods once at Neithan.

Pukk says, "Well....I'm heading back to town center."

Speaking confusedly to Juramis, Neithan replies, "Riiight..."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "My question was do you want the Rooks to succeed because you directed it at me then evaded it."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "I'm glad you know what you are saying."

Speaking quietly to Irval, Neithan whispers aloud, "Someone named Amos?"

Speaking to Juramis, Kiyna asks, "What's Amos the Lord of, anyway?"

Geijon says, "I tend to be clear."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia asks, "What are you going on about?"

[General] Pukk exclaims, "Everybody false alarm. Amos is going to make an announcement. Nothing special is happening. Again, false alarm!"

Evia says, "Lord of Coin."

Speaking quietly to Irval, Neithan whispers aloud, "I guess he lives around here?"

Cryheart says, "Accurate."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "When I get asked questions. I answer. You can stop addressing me."

Speaking to Tayler, Evia says, "Thank you that was gracious of you."

Speaking to Neithan, Irval says, "One could say that."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "Yes your majesty I'll stop addressing you."

Speaking knowingly to Irval, Neithan replies, "Which one?"

Speaking to Evia, Tayler says, "If he's not doing free samples, I always am."

Lylia says, "Pardon me a moment."

Speaking to Neithan, Irval says, "Not sure."

Speaking to Tayler, Evia says, "It is delicious."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kayse where me picture?"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kayse asks, "Picture?"

Speaking to Evia, Tayler says, "The secret weapon to that wine are the raspberries I grow on Teras."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Da founder Paintings, me and Xorus are nobility here."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Evia says, "Its on your back and its says Kick Me."

Xorus says, "As is custom."

Lylia says, "Speaking of pictures, I have heard such a buzz about an art history presentation from earlier..."

Cryheart says, "Was grand."

Juramis huskily asks, "What sort of announcement do you think Lord Amos is going to make?"

Juramis raises an eyebrow.

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "I couldn't keep my mouth shut, sorry. Had to explain what you talked about."

Amos' Announcement

Lord Amos just arrived.

Chandrellia says, "Perhaps the Rooks should start a chapter in Ice Mule too, I mean it would definately benifiet them."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "Kiyna told me all about it, I'm sorry I missed it, but it sounded pretty amazing."

Speaking to Juramis, Lylia says, "He is either buying the town, or running for office within it."

Speaking to Juramis, Perigourd says, "Seems' we're about to find out."

Juramis nods to Amos in greeting.

Evia asks, "He bought himself a new gilded throne?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse says, "Thank you. I did a lot of research for it."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "They already did."

Speaking to Neithan, Irval says, "Pretty much Amos, is head chief of the consortium of merchants."

Amos grins.

Speaking mildly to Chandrellia, Tikba says, "I understood they already had."

Lylia says, "But I hope that in either case, I have not stolen his thunder."

Amos says, "Good evening, good evening."

Alosaka speculates, "He's looking for a new office for his maoral desk?"

Speaking to Amos, Vaemyr says, "Evening."

Chamorr heartily says, "What if he makes an anouncement, and nobodys here to hear it."

Speaking quietly to Kiyna, Neithan whispers aloud, "Hey, that's the guy."

[General] Quietrroar asks, "Where you at?"

[General] Gilandrial thinks, "By training admin in warrior guild in landing."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia asks, "Well, then I guess I answered your question as to whether I am or not, as one would think being in their group I would know yes?"

Evia says, "Then he could publish it in the Pouter Papers."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "I'll pass."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "Thats what she said."

Amos says, "First, my gratitude to those who risked life and limb in helping dispatch the Reivers who recently attacked the baystone mines."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "You can stop."

Juramis mutters under his breath.

Juramis agrees with Amos.

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "Oh I Know, just dont feel up to it now."

Juramis huskily says, "I went there earlier this evening to make sure the quotas are still being met."

Amos says, "It was only a matter of time. In the last week or so they've moved closer and closer, and the Red Watch is letting them near it, by any means necessary."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "You were a city councilor. Show some decorum."

Speaking to Juramis, Evia asks, "And if they aren't?"

Amos says, "Oh Juramis, quotas rank less than lives, but thank you."

Amos smirks.

Juramis glances at Evia.

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "Aahhh was, which means is no more, so I do not have to."

Juramis huskily says, "Just making sure we keep things on schedule, Lord Amos."

Juramis pets a huge orange cat, which nuzzles his hand softly.

Amos says, "Now to more pressing matters."

Evia says, "Who's a good boy.."

(Evia pat Juramis on the head.)

Juramis squints at Evia.

Speaking to Tayler, Evia says, "Must be spicey wine."

Amos says, "By early next week, it is expected that Moot Hall shall announce several upcoming elections, the first of which is likely to be the next mayoral race. Of which Mayor Thadston, of course, has declared he will run for re-election."

Falvicar whispers something to Chandrellia.

Amos says, "I won't make this about him tonight, there will be time for that."

Amos says, "However, I will be running again, seeking the office of the Mayor of Wehnimer's Landing."

Geijon says, "I wonder what th' surveys say on his tenure."

Kiyna flatly says, "I'm shocked."

Amos says, "But, I believe there are some additional things that need to be said."

Amos asks, "Councilors?"

Kayse glances appraisingly around the room.

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse says, "Go ahead."

Vaemyr chuckles.

Amos grins at Vaemyr.

Vaemyr nods at Kayse.

Amos grins at Pookia.

Amos grins at Kayse.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Well shaid, counchlersh." [there was a long pause]

Pookia flails her arms about.

Pookia says, "I didnt know i was supposed to SAY something."

Pookia says, "Sheesh."

Pookia says, "Oh yeah! i support amos's right to run for mayor or whatever. i demanded a skylight in the moot hall and said if he lays a finger on tyraxx i wont miss with the ballista next time."

Vaemyr says, "I would like to formally announce my endorcement for Amos for mayor. I believe that while Thadston has done an admiral job, that the current times we are in, we could use a softer voice, and to focus on building up our infrastructure and town. I believe Amos will be better at those tasks."

Pookia exclaims, "Anything to split the vote for gutstorm!"

Pookia turns toward Gutstorm and renders a sharp hand salute.

Vaemyr nods at Amos.

Gutstorm pokes Pookia in the ribs.

Pookia grins at Gutstorm like an idiot.

Speaking drunkenly to Pookia, Gutstorm whispers aloud, "Amos ish da BAD guy, member??"

Pookia wiggles her fingers at Gutstorm.

Speaking to Vaemyr, Chandrellia says, "Yeah one so quiet he dissapears when the invasions start."

Geijon says, "What Mayor actually did do a good job I wonder."

Amos bows to Pookia.

Amos bows to Vaemyr.

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "I never saw you running for mayor."

Speaking to Geijon, Tayler says, "Walkar."

Speaking mildly to Chandrellia, Tikba says, "That is what the private army is for."

Tayler says, "Until he didn't."

Kayse grabs a slim flute of peach-infused champagne from a small pocket inside of her leather jacket.

Speaking to Tayler, Bellaja says, "He certainly tried at first."

Speaking to Tikba, Chandrellia says, "Oohh yeah! I forgot, he has others do his biddings, so he doesntget his hands dirty."

Goldstr exclaims, "Walkar gave his life!"

Kayse offers Amos a slim flute of peach-infused champagne.

Amos accepts Kayse's peach-infused champagne.

Kayse announces, "I will be formally endorsing and surpporting Amos for Mayor as well. I would like to congratulate him and look forward to creating a prosperous Wehnimer's together."

Goldstr says, "Thadstom almos."

Amos raises his peach-infused champagne in a toast!

Amos turns toward Kayse and renders a sharp salute with his peach-infused champagne.

Amos takes a drink from his peach-infused champagne.

Speaking to Kayse, Chandrellia says, "Yes kind of expacted that, seeing as you doi business with him."

Amos says, "I will not place the wagon before the steed...."

Kiyna says, "I disagree with my fellow councilors. I do not support Amos. That is all."

Kiyna folds her arms over her chest.

Kiyna closes her eyes for a moment.

Amos says, "But I am quite looking forward to earning not only endorsements, but votes."

Amos says, "A prosperous Wehnimer's Landing is a free and peaceful one."

Juramis huskily says, "I have heard rumors that the cost of chairs may be going up, given the regular need for replacements in someone's office."

Speaking to Amos, Chandrellia says, "Yeah buying votes gets you real far."

In a fair imitation of Kiyna, Gutstorm says, "Me will endorsh Gutstorm fer mayer."

Amos says, "That is not what I said."

Amos nods at Chandrellia.

Speaking darkly to Amos, Wolfloner says, "Can you define your vision of peace/."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Evia says, "At this point maybe many would."

Amos says, "Not to your liking I am afraid Wolfloner."

Amos smirks.

Geijon says, "Rather fight spiders than discuss Mayors."

Speaking huskily to Wolfloner, Juramis says, "I half-expected you to ask that while holding a sword, but you didn't."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "For once I agree."

Tikba mildly says, "You are certainly free to fight spiders."

Evia says, "Cranky bunch, they all need more wine."

[General] Directed to Gutstorm, Pukk thinks, "Hey Gutstorm. I don't think you should put one of your signs on Amos. You shouldn't do that."

Chandrellia exclaims, "Well, you all have a great night, Thadston for Mayor!"

Miss Chandrellia just went west.

Amos says, "I appreciate the kind words Councilors Vaemyr, Pookia and Kayse."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dey whine enuff already Evia."

Juramis stares westward.

Pookia says, "Sure."

Pookia cackles!

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Gutstorm, it's 'do the opposite of what Pukk says' day."

Juramis scoffs.

Markx says, "It shall be noted."

Speaking to Juramis, Geijon says, "No hangings I hope."

Amos nods at Lylia.

Pookia says, "Im just trying to fit into this town by having incomprehensible politics."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Gutstorm always does the opposite of what I say."

Pookia nods sagely.

Geijon glances at Juramis.

Geijon says, "She said she was done."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Oh, well then please do sign things appropriately Gutstorm."

Alosaka suggests, "It's never too late to try and bring reason to the process of governance."

Speaking darkly to Amos, Wolfloner asks, "For the benefit of everyone else then. Your vision for peace?"

Speaking huskily to Geijon, Juramis asks, "Why would there be a hanging? Do you speak of that captain who was arrested?"

Amos says, "Thank you all for your focus this night. I look forward to future debates, if the Mayor agrees to them, and we shall see how we can shape the future together."

Speaking to Juramis, Geijon asks, "You really don't remember your past do you?"

Lylia says, "The debates are the best part."

Amos says, "Some cling to the past more than others."

Amos nods at Geijon.

Evia says, "Especially if Lylia asks alot of questions."

Geijon chuckles.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Lylia, kin interragate me anytime."

Speaking politely to Amos, Tikba asks, "What are your views on Darkstone Barony?"

Lylia says, "I shall keep that in mind."

Amos asks, "When you see a butterfly, do you harp upon it and chide it for its days as a caterpillar?"

Amos peers quizzically at Geijon.

Juramis leans back.

Pookia says, "Yes."

Amos says, "Besides Pookia."

Amos smirks.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Amos bush broked me brain."

Amos says, "The Barony of Darkstone will exist, let us not pretend otherwise."

Amos nods at Tikba.

Speaking heartily to Amos, Chamorr says, "Ya stick a pin through its head an stivk it to a board."

Amos says, "It's seeds right now, argubly a sapling, but soon it will be a cluster, a grove, an entire woodland."

Speaking to Amos, Geijon asks, "When you earned your first coin. Did you ever imagine it would become what you are now?"

Juramis huskily says, "I have no interest in holding a position that could allow that to happen by my hand. If you want someone hanged, I suggest you talk with someone else."

Amos says, "But because it will bring shade, does not mean Wehnimer's Landing must live in its shadow."

Amos nods at Tikba.

Tikba nods thoughtfully at Amos.

Markx says, "Thar."

Speaking to Amos, Kiyna asks, "We should forgive sins and move right past them, is what you're saying?"

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm whispers aloud, "He talkin bout butterfliesh or planntin a garden?"

Amos says, "A town full of opportunities and profit for all, is a free town, and a peaceful town."

Amos says, "Through strength, through profit, through trade, through value."

Speaking to a mottled grey ragamuffin cat, Kelfyr says, "Careful, those quills don't come out easy."

Speaking heartily to Amos, Chamorr says, "How bout open the ports to the krolvin."

Speaking to Kiyna, Bellaja says, "Redemption is important."

Amos begins chuckling at Chamorr!

Speaking to Bellaja, Kiyna says, "Perhaps his next deal will be struck with Grishom Stone, then."

Juramis stares at Chamorr.

Amos asks, "Does that suffice, I wonder?"

Amos peers quizzically at Tikba.

Speaking heartily to Amos, Chamorr says, "We do have a peace treaty wif dem."

Speaking to Amos, Goldstr exclaims, "Yer words be true as it be profits fer you!"

Speaking to Kiyna, Bellaja says, "Perhaps. This town has had many deals with Stone."

Speaking to Amos, Geijon inquires, "So you are running on moderation?"

Speaking to Kelfyr, Tayler says, "He's incredibly powerful, that cat, watched him burn a krolvin man o' war down to it's timbers once."

Amos says, "I am not sure what you mean precisely, Sir Geijon."

Speaking politely to Amos, Tikba says, "It is a clearly stated answer, and a reasonable one."

Speaking darkly to Amos, Wolfloner says, "Peach through subjugation is your plan then. Not very original. Hard to tell you from the current mayor."

Speaking to Tayler, Kelfyr asks, "Knocked over a storm lantern?"

Evia says, "Yay for peach! a very good fruit."

Wolfloner darkly says, "No choice at all."

Juramis huskily says, "Asking krolvin to abide by words and agreements. As if these things have any meaning to them."

Geijon asks, "Well. You fought Caspihia and Thadston in th' streets on tours. He became Mayor and you did not, but you are now advocating a more moderate view because Thadston has not represented th' Landing this cycle as Mayor properly?"

Speaking heartily to Juramis, Chamorr says, "Same as the empire."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "While Amos and Thadston are running for mayor please remember that Gutstorm will be running for mayor too. Remember a vote for Gutstorm is a vote for Free Hugs!"

Juramis shrugs at Chamorr.

Goldstr says, "But to save our own."

Speaking to Amos, Geijon asks, "What will you do better?"

Amos says, "I would remind you to revisit your history, since you spoke so fondly of it to Juramis moments ago. I defended myself, if that is your concern."

Amos nods at Geijon.

Speaking heartily to Juramis, Chamorr says, "They abides treaties as long as it favors them."

Lylia lightly says, "No matter who the mayor is, there is a flinty little fleck of the population that will despise him, or her. This small piece of grit is insufficient to break the axle on which the wheels of governance spin."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Well, A Moose is probably a better choice than Arms for Days, but Gutstorm definitely has them beat by a mile."

Speaking huskily to Chamorr, Juramis says, "The Empire does business in silvers. Krolvin burned our docks to the ground. I see a distinct difference."

Amos says, "Thadston, for all that I find wrong with him, and his actions to me in the past...."

Amos says, "He is not bred or built for politics."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Do you know what you call Amos in a dress? A dandy lion."

Amos says, "The woodcrafter's guild of town would tell you that a thousand times."

Tikba amusedly agrees, "Yes."

Amos smirks.

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Dey will do wottedder dey kin to block me from runnin!"

Speaking to Amos, Perigourd says, "Possibly a thing in his favor then."

[General] Chandrellia playfully thinks, "Ok now that was funny."

Speaking to Lylia, Evia says, "Oh no, now someone will insist thats how pearls are made."

[General] Jadedragan exclaims, "You just stand up for yourself Guts, you deserve the position!"

Speaking to Amos, Falvicar says, "And yet, he is mayor and you are not."

Amos says, "I would fight alongside Thadston. We have. Many times, even when it did not serve me to in the end."

Speaking heartily to Juramis, Chamorr says, "The empire have killed more residents than the krol."

Amos says, "That does not offend me."

Amos nods at Falvicar.

Speaking to Amos, Falvicar says, "It wasn't meant to."

Amos says, "I did not take an election loss and retreat to the shadows, break a desk, throw a chair, or choke a clerk."

Speaking to Kiyna, Evia says, "And form the Flinty Fleck Faction."

Amos smirks.

Speaking to Amos, Geijon says, "It was pretty sharp."

[General] Pukk thinks, "You can't believe anything Amos says. He is always lion."

Lylia says, "It is, after many years, and the grit is muffled away beneath layers of nacre. Would that we could coat all such irritants."

Kiyna says, "The Empire tends to breed -and- build people for politics, and they don't seem to fare much better. It's irrelevant in what makes a good leader."

[General] Toxyrox asks, "Wait what?"

Amos says, "I believe prosperity is possible for every living breath in this town, if they so choose it. When people value their lives more than their conflict...."

Amos says, "We will achieve wonders."

Geijon asks, "Who is looking out for th' town. Who are your candidates? Amos can declare, but do you want him?"

Tikba mildly asks, "Did we want Thadston?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "Amos never does anything anyways. He's always lion around."

Lylia says, "That is the point of an election -- to find out who the people want."

Amos says, "I have business, I appreciate your time."

Amos says, "I look forward to our discussions in the future."

Evia says, "Lylia, we want Lylia."

Amos says, "I am of the understanding the mayoral election may move fast."

Amos says, "We are of course in the midst of conflict, and the town does not benefit from a prolonged campaign season for mayor."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me calt dibsh on Lylia already."

Speaking to Amos, Kelfyr asks, "Do you intend to divest yourself of your business interests to alleviate any concerns about conflicts of interest, should you win?"

Speaking softly to herself, Bellaja says, "Yes, and business seems more important than all else to some."

Speaking to Evia, Bellaja says, "To be fair, he did."

Amos grins.

Amos says, "Good evening."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Da debate shtarted early, gettem Kelfy!"

Lord Amos just went through a pair of iron-bound doors.

A Bit of Talk Afterward

Kelfyr says, "Sounds like he should be running for Steward, instead."

Evia says, "Glad thats over."

Geijon says, "Wonder how a straw poll would go."

Chamorr heartily says, "I stayed up late fer that."

Goldstr says, "Sir Andrews Loves our town! nae da silvers we may get."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Bellaja says, "Let's face it. Not everyone looks good behind a podium."

Tikba politely corrects, "Thadston. He is no longer a knight."

Chamorr heartily says, "Gutstorm fer mayor."

Speaking to Tikba, Kelfyr says, "And reaffirmed such when he refused the call to take the role on again."

Geijon says, "Elect who you want."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "It's not something that washes away so easily."

Speaking heartily to Gutstorm, Chamorr says, "You be a write in canidate."

Speaking to Perigourd, Tikba says, "You are right."

Goldstr exclaims, "Spurs er nae Sie Andrews will always be a Knight!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Good idear."

Speaking mildly to Perigourd, Tikba says, "Once you have sworn loyalty to the Empire, it is no doubt difficult to put that aside in favor of your new home."

Speaking to Juramis, Perigourd asks, "You're not running, eh?"

Juramis huskily says, "Glad to be rid of those shackles. I did not find an office in Moot Hall to my liking."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Juramis, why ye put up wit Amos?"

Lylia asks, "Do Imperial citizens swear oaths of loyalty?"

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "That assumes the two are opposed."

[General] Pukk thinks, "What do you call Juramis standing next to Amos? A copycat."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "You could take over da conshorshum if ye kill him, ye knowed dat right?"

A scream resounds from along North Ring Road.

Speaking to Perigourd, Tikba says, "It assumes they may one day be."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Generally speaking, no."

Lylia says, "Most people do not; they simply live in the place they were born, and they feel allegiance to it as may --"

Speaking heartily to Juramis, Chamorr says, "I rather think you look good in shackles."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "That's a possibility."

Bellaja exclaims, "Someone needs help!"

Juramis scoffs at Chamorr.

Kiyna says, "I make such a decision based on principle. I think Thadston would die to protect the Landing. Frankly, I don't think the same of Amos. That's something that matters to me, at least."

The orange cat nimbly jumps into Juramis's open arms and nestles into the crook of his arm.

Juramis huskily exclaims, "Well I!"

Lord Juramis just trudged away moving west, with his group following closely behind him.

[General] Pukk thinks, "A scream from north ring road."

Thrassus says, "We had best see what that commotion is."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Looking for the source."

Lylia wearily notes, "Why is it that when someone screams, it is never the people I want to hear screaming?"

Speaking heartily to Geijon, Chamorr says, "What/."

Cryheart says, "Good evening all."

[General] Toxyrox thinks, "Wasnt me."

Speaking to Lylia, Xorus says, "Sometimes you just have to do things for yourself."

Bellaja says, "Oh no."

Bellaja says, "Cryheart is gone."

Geijon says, "You mentioned Chamorr in shackles."

Geijon says, "Juramis rather."

Bellaja says, "However will I navigate."

Jeffrey Down

[Perspective now switches back to Leafi, who returned to the square after her hunt. I'm rewinding very slightly, using Pukk's ESP lines as an anchor to connect the separate logs.]

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the Budroux disk, the Sjofn disk, the Renlyn disk, the Korpacz disk, the flaming Nairena disk, a plum-bellied violet hummingbird that is sitting, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, a rose-marrow potion, a sinuous bone white serpent that is sitting, a large acorn, an ivy-covered white monir tower, a coil of thick rope, a ruby-throated emerald hummingbird that is sitting, a rose-marrow potion, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it and an old well.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Budroux, Sjofn, Oconner, Renlyn, Korpacz, Lady Nairena, Miss Chandrellia, Andromalius who is sitting, Sozett, Krysia, Zeysa

[General] Pukk thinks, "You can't believe anything Amos says. He is always lion."

[General] Toxyrox asks, "Wait what?"

Speaking to Nairena, Chandrellia says, "Ready when yuo are."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Amos never does anything anyways. He's always lion around."

[General] Pukk thinks, "What do you call Juramis standing next to Amos? A copycat."

A scream resounds from along North Ring Road.

[constant travel throughout almost the rest of the entirety of the log as tons of small groups run all over the place]

Leafiara says, "Hm."

[General] Pukk thinks, "A scream from north ring road."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Looking for the source."

[General] Toxyrox thinks, "Wasnt me."

[General] Condlae asks, "Whats they they sell icecream on north ring road?"

[General] Daiyon thinks, "North ring road appears to be clear for now."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Not seeing anything yet and many are searching..."

[Wehnimer's, North Ring Rd.]

The east-west road continues, closed in on the south by the militia barracks and on the north by the twelve-foot-high wall of the city itself. The occasional thud of leather boots in unison upon cobbled pavement and the clipped shouts of barked orders reverberate off the modwir walls along this part of the road. The scents of leather, weapon oil and hearty cooking fill the night air. You also see the Toman disk, a lazy wild deep red dog, the Kelfyr disk, a grizzled porcupine, a faltering wasteland spirit that is flying around and the town barracks.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Toman, Seaward Gutstorm, Dame Evia, Lord Thrassus, Xorus, Imperatrix Lylia, Bellaja, Stormyrain, Kelfyr, Tikba

[General] Pukk thinks, "I think it was Juramis. He was getting irritated by the puns."

Leafiara asks, "Did it come from here?"

Kelfyr says, "No idea."

Lylia dubiously says, "Perhaps someone burned a hand on a hot stove."

Evia says, "Hard to say."

Leafiara says, "Ah.."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "I hae nae found anything."

[continued searching]

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Jeffrey. A young bride, two years his younger. No children, he fears she's barren. But we all know she fancies the bed of another. But maybe, maybe her problem is he's a bloody imperial. Mestanir blood, Mestanir roots, Koar kissing pilgrim that thinks he can bleed into the town of our free people."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Scoured the whole road multiple times and the buildings along it, but..."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Oh, it's you again."

[General] Kelfyr thinks, "The donkey rears again."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Oh Goddess, not two idiots in my head."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "I know what that scream was. It was the last of our freedom being sold by Amos!"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Hmm..Ordlyn..shoo."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Pukk, you couldnt be more right."

[Wehnimer's, North Ring Rd.]

The east-west road continues, closed in on the south by the militia barracks and on the north by the twelve-foot-high wall of the city itself. The occasional thud of leather boots in unison upon cobbled pavement and the clipped shouts of barked orders reverberate off the modwir walls along this part of the road. The scents of leather, weapon oil and hearty cooking fill the night air. You also see the web-draped Missoni disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a lazy wild deep red dog, the Kelfyr disk, a grizzled porcupine, a faltering wasteland spirit that is flying around and the town barracks.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Chronicler Falvicar, Missoni, Perigourd, Pukk, Sir Cryheart, Town Councilor Kiyna, Lord Thrassus, Xorus, Imperatrix Lylia, Stormyrain, Kelfyr, Tikba

Lylia asks, "Who is that vile thing?"

Kiyna asks, "Ordlyn?"

[General] Chamorr thinks, "Gutstorm for mayor."

Leafiara says, "Well, he's not along the road, at least."

Lylia says, "Yes."

A hooded, shifting figure appears along a rooftop, several other black-shrouded figures behind him. Among them is another man, squirming, hands tied, mouth gagged. Ordlyn slices across the man's throat, then dumps the body over the railing as it falls with a sick thud to an alley below. Townspeople scream and scatter. The shrouded figures slip away.

Cryheart says, "A remnant of the rooks."

Kiyna says, "Ordlyn is the right hand of the Wraith."

[General] Evia thinks, "Maybe someone stepped on one of those caterpillars Amos was rambling about."

Pukk says, "Alley."

Leafiara says, "Need to see if we can locate that body and get information."

[travel, but nothing turns up for a loresong or anything of that nature]

Pukk says, "Nothing."

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[General] Stormyrain asks, "Anyone find the corpse yet?"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Or maybe one of his lil fireflies gotcaught in a spiders web."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Not yet. Searching."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Yall hard up for shilver aintcha."

Kenneth Down

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Kenneth. Can you believe he's served within Moot Hall for almost three years? Never once did he think to use his time, money, or position to gain citizenship. Why? He sends most of his pay home, to his ungrateful family in Jantalar. Remember them? When they bled us and tried to cage us? Sorry Kenneth, return to sender."

[General] Evia asks, "Hopefully the constable is alerted?"

[Wehnimer's, A Very Dark Alley]

Cloaked in pervasive shades of black and grey, nebulous shadows conceal the features of this covert back street. Any hint of sunlight is mercilessly smothered by the close-set buildings to either side. Underfoot, the worn cobblestones remain perpetually slick as moisture seeps from the walls, coalescing into thin rivulets of slimy water that feed both moss and algae. A single sputtering torch looks oddly out of place where its wan illumination dances on the stark brickwork at the alley's dead end.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Pukk

Leafiara says, "Hm."

Leafiara says, "No good."

[Sagan's Alley, Hideout]

Warm, dry, and well lit, the pleasant ambiance of this mid-sized chamber belies its seedy, subterranean location. Despite cobwebs in the corners, the floor is newly swept and all dust has been cleared from the makeshift furnishings, as if in readiness for the owner's arrival. A small niche has been chipped from the plaster, and some of the lathing has been removed to form a shelf within.

Pukk says, "Nothing."

[General] Irval asks, "Ordlyn , you think murder in the streets is going to get you what you want?"

Upon the River East Tower, black-shrouded figures appear, dragging a man kicking and screaming with them to the top. They savagely stab him, over and over, the man's bellow muffled by the rag bound to his mouth. He still screams as he's thrown to the ground below, but the loud, sticky thud silences him.

[River Tower East, Roof]

A small, roofed structure provides some weather protection on the open top level of the guard tower. The view north across the bay affords a valuable vantage point, looking out towards the island of Glaoveln, home port of the warlike Ice Krolvin. To the west and south, the blue rivers and rocky slopes of the Lower Trollfang region provide a breathtaking vista. You also see a long twisted rope, some polished steps, a modwir wood ladder that descends through a square opening in the slate-covered roof and an iron banded barrel.

Pukk followed.

[General] Evia exclaims, "Someone call the law!"

Leafiara says, "They move quick."

Pukk says, "Nothing again."

Pukk nods.

[General] Bellaja thinks, "I don't see the one with a slit throat, but there is a hiresword on Lockmehr Way who is missing a leg."

Leafiara says, "This is where they just were, but..."

Leafiara says, "Too fast."

Leafiara says, "Far too fast."

Patterns

[Wehnimer's, Bay's Watch West]

Here at the northern end of Wehnimer's Landing, the fickle waters of the Locksmehr River flow to the east. The westernmost of the twin guardtowers that keep watch over the river gates into town rises above, casting a dark shadow over the lamplit cobblestones. The huge ironbound sea gates straddle the river, extending to the matching tower on the eastern bank. You also see a Wehnimer's runner, a uniformed doorkeeper and a wrought iron gate.

Pukk followed.

Tikba just arrived.

[General] Pookia thinks, "He said i could borrow it."

Leafiara asks, "What's the pattern? Imperials among us?"

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Look at you little frogs, hop hop hop from roof to roof. We are Remnants after all, desendants of the Wraith, untouched and unseen. Just enjoy the show."

Pukk says, "Imps will be imps."

Looking at all the people hurrying by, the runner mutters loudly enough for you to overhear her, "It's sure been busy of late, I wish that lazy town clerk would hire some temporary help." She shrugs to herself and goes off about her business.

Leafiara says, "Going by his words, that's what it seems to imply."

[General] Toman thinks, "Seems someone from home is visiting the Landing...."

Pukk says, "Imply..."

Tikba says, "Landing citizens, who came from the Empire."

[General] Bellaja thinks, "He's outside the moving company and could use a healer."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "You seem like common murderers to me."

Tikba mildly says, "Like Casiphia."

Leafiara says, "He just said one of the Moot Hall clerks wasn't a citizen for three years."

Tikba says, "Forgive my error."

Leafiara says, "Hm."

Leafiara says, "His attacks are misplaced if he's trying to rid the town of the Empire."

Leafiara says, "Another reason I'm suspicious the Rysus we saw die wasn't the real one."

Leafiara says, "Though there are a lot of holes in that idea."

Leafiara says, "I've been considering it all day."

Tikba asks, "Was Rysus known for misplaced attacks?"

Leafiara says, "Yes."

Pukk says, "No. They want to start a battle between the Empire and us. They come in after the battle and take over."

Vaemyr says, "I don't think it's Rysus."

A sleek black arrow comes flying out of the shadows and strikes Vaemyr!

... 30 points of damage!

Well aimed strike shatters bone in right arm!

He is stunned!

Leafiara says, "Rysus attacked the entire outpost once when his only target was Dennet, who he could have just gone after any of the many times he--"

[Leafi unstuns him]

Evia says, "Eh."

Vaemyr grumbles.

Vaemyr says, "Ya missed."

Vaemyr says, "The real rooks are a much better shot."

Tikba mildly says, "Irval would suggest not to taunt them."

Speaking heartily to Vaemyr, Chamorr says, "They shootin atchya."

Pukk yells, "Irval says that you are a bunch of cowards!"

Leafiara says, "As I was saying, Rysus also had no regard for where he hurled orbs. Catching dozens in the crossfire to hit an intended target was acceptable to him."

Leafiara says, "This could be a twin. A sibling. Any number of possibilities."

Vaemyr says, "The tactics are hand in hand, but that could be just because Rysus learned from the Wraith, and so has Ordlyn."

Missoni worriedly asks, "Did anyone find the--victims?"

Evia says, "Not I."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "It's not just the tactics, though. His demeanor and manner of speech are identical."

Irval says, "Nor I."

Toman says, "There's a hiresword missing his leg to the south."

Speaking to Missoni, Vaemyr says, "He tried to make me a victim, blocked the arrow with my arm though."

Speaking briefly to Toman, Tikba explains, "Gutstorm."

Irval says, "Saw Gustorm dragging a leg around earlier."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Missoni says, "I am glad."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna asks, "Injured?"

Carla Down

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Carla. Such a pretty face, she could have made a good wife to a good man. Maybe Jeffrey....no, that won't work now. Such a shame, but I have to be fair. Did you know she doesn't pay local taxes on the profits of her shop? Can you believe it? She funnels much of her not-hard-earned silvers home to Mestanir, where her two sisters secretly nurse exiled Blameless back to health. Oh Carla, your heart is so big when its filled with blood."

Leafiara says, "If we could determine a pattern to the attacks, we could be able to bait one out in the future."

Vaemyr says, "I took an arrow."

Speaking in Faendryl, Thrassus says something you don't understand.

Pukk yells, "Irval says that you are all cowards and he laughs at your style of clothing!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says something you don't understand.

Speaking to Irval, Pukk says, "I told them for you."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "Just shows they are much worse shots than Mother's Rooks."

Leafiara asks, "The pattern is seeming more and more like... people with connections to the Empire?"

Irval says, "He's about to kill someone again..."

Lylia says, "This creature is insupportable."

Evia says, "Had enough of this bull."

Tikba mildly says, "Carla is less sympathetic."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Silver Kings."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara asks, "Silver Kings?"

Leafiara asks, "You're thinking a connection there?"

Black-shrouded figures rise out of the night along the Museum rooftop, and a woman defiantly fights between then. She kicks, she spits a gag free and bites, even clawing at the face of one of her abductors. But Ordlyn shifts into view behind her, grabbing her head, twisting until it snaps, then tosses her to the side. The figures vanish like mist.

Daiyon asks, "Why are they killing women?"

Perigourd says, "Because they're cowards."

A sleek black arrow comes flying out of the shadows and strikes Kiyna!

A flowing scarlet-sheened x'aganjira tunic emblazoned with a soaring phoenix partially deflects the onslaught of the puncture attack.

... 25 points of damage!

Elbow punctured, oh what pain!

She is stunned!

[Perigourd unstuns her]

Missoni asks, "Why are they killing anyone?"

Perigourd says, "Point in case."

Kiyna says, "Ow..."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "This is getting positively tiresome."

Tikba says, "When you have begun killing, you should not hesitate because your target is not a man."

[General] Directed to Thrassus, Stormyrain thinks, "It is as if he wishes to convince us he is both Drangell, and Rysus. So--unoriginal."

Bellaja says, "Seems cowardly."

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Yes, imperial encroachment and enslavement is tiresome."

Perigourd says, "This isn't a field of battle."

[General] Witfog thinks, "She seemed pretty pliable. False flag."

Lylia says, "Indeed. Although that mention of her pretty face making her a good wife..."

[General] Kiyna asks, "Is that all you have, Ordlyn? Little arrows?"

Pukk says, "Women can be just as fiercesome as men. Sometimes more so."

[General] Evia thinks, "Go to hell."

Tikba says, "But it is a battle."

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Little arrows for little brains Councilor."

Toman says, "Of course they should hesitate before attacking a woman.... we defend ourselves so much better than men."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "I will remove your heart and feed it to you. Put it on your schedule."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Well lil Ordy, you should have to use a toothpick on yoursthen."

Leafiara says, "Do we know anyone else who's fitting of the descriptions he's giving out? People funneling money to Jantalar or Mestanir? We'd need to get ahead of this."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "I was regarding your nonsense, smuggler."

Evia says, "No idea."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kiyna bump her head?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "She bleedin."

Lylia says, "Any merchants in town that have...hmm."

Bellaja says, "This whole merchanting mess has me thinking hard."

Missoni says, "He killed someone who worked in Moot Hall for three years. I expect he could find an excuse for anyone."

Leafiara says, "I suppose those doing it will know who they are and ask the militia for protection after this."

Thrassus says, "Imperials or people of Imperial relations."

Speaking to Thrassus, Bellaja says, "Or profit seekers."

Thrassus says, "That's the one qualifier."

Leafiara says, "...but that even assumes the pattern continues. This could be misdirection too."

Lylia says, "Ah, so an ally of the Black Thorns. That explains a few things."

Leafiara says, "And even if it isn't, he might have different types of targets in mind."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "Ordlyn, whatever high-minded goal you think you possess, you've been reduced to a common murderer. And you will perish like one. Mark me, coward."

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Oh, there is nothing common about it wee councilor."

A sleek black arrow comes flying out of the shadows and strikes Kayse!

... 40 points of damage!

Strike punctures thigh and shatters femur!

Kayse screams and falls to the ground grasping her mangled right leg!

She is stunned!

Leafiara says, "The councilors can probably get the word out about anticipated future targets to--"

[Perigourd unstuns her]

[Wehnimer's, Bay's Watch West]

Here at the northern end of Wehnimer's Landing, the fickle waters of the Locksmehr River flow to the east. The westernmost of the twin guardtowers that keep watch over the river gates into town rises above, casting a dark shadow over the lamplit cobblestones. The huge ironbound sea gates straddle the river, extending to the matching tower on the eastern bank. You also see the Chamorr disk, the Wolfloner disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild deep red dog, the Toman disk, a faltering wasteland spirit that is flying around, a uniformed doorkeeper and a wrought iron gate.

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Ordlyn you are just like the blameless, a disease and corruption of what were once good ideals. Enjoy hiding in the shadows while you can, because we will find you."

The voice of Pookia exclaims, "I prefer my skin to be hole free thanks!"

Tikba mildly says, "We cannot say whether the statements were even true."

[General] Kayse firmly asks, "Is that all?"

Bellaja says, "So they're aiming at Council members."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "Apparently that's all he has."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Go back to your Silver King puppet masters and tell them that we are not going to give up."

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "I am hardly blameless. I am fully aware and responsible for my actions. I understand the burden of freedom. It weighs heavily upon me. I carry it for so, so many of you all."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara considers, "True. But if we have names and the coroner can eventually verify, then maybe it could be investigated whether the claims are accurate."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Hard to argue a defense of peoples freedom when you're going around murdering folk, taking away their very freedom to live."

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "I just hope, in time, you steady your shoulders and carry it with me."

[General] Kayse amusedly asks, "Why am I a target?"

[General] Lylia thinks, "Oh, how noble of you! You must grow so weary, toting that terrible burden of righteousness. You sound very like Disean, actually."

[General] Chamorr thinks, "Ordlyn, i like yer style, perhaps ya could bring them to justice without the throat cutting."

Kayse says, "I thought he was harming Imperials."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "The only thing I hope you carry from us are the arrows we shoot into your chest."

Leafiara says, "That seemed to be the implication, yes."

Vaemyr says, "He targeted all the councilors."

Gutstorm forms several angular gestures while chanting rumbling phrases of power in the Dwarven tongue...

Leafiara says, "At least to me."

Gutstorm gestures at a muscular red-armored hiresword.

Gutstorm stares at a muscular red-armored hiresword.

CS: +534 - TD: +283 + CvA: -21 + d100: +22 == +252

Warding failed!

The red-armored hiresword drops its black steel sword.

The red-armored hiresword lets out a blood curdling scream!

A muscular red-armored hiresword falls to the ground and dies.

A muscular red-armored hiresword says, "Hey, Gutstorm! I'm on your side! Watch it!"

Gutstorm searches a muscular red-armored hiresword.

A bedraggled scout drags the corpse of a muscular red-armored hiresword away hurriedly.

[General] Ordlyn exclaims, "Oh, I think they're firing arrows on councilors. You know, you are all soft on the wrong people, so you make soft targets. Think, think councilor!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dey bad."

Leafiara says, "He's firing one arrow each at the councilors. The others, he's actually making sure he kills."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Care to send another thirty people to die at my feet? I'll even step away from the crowd so I can battle alone. Again."

Toman says, "Sounds like the politicians would do well to find some sturdy shields."

Bellaja says, "Yes, but he was talking about Carla."

[General] Kayse thinks, "You sound like Mother throwing around the word soft."

Bellaja asks, "Isn't she the Engraver?"

[General] Kayse thinks, "Perhaps you are more alike than you think."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Well if they can't do any damage to soft targets then that makes them inept."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kayse got shot in da behind, Chandy."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Kiyna says, "Kayse and I both took an arrow. So did Vaemyr, earlier."

Kayse says, "Not the first time."

Leafiara says, "He's at least intelligent enough not to throw more bodies at me, it seems."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Bellaja says, "Don't embarass her."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Well given the last time he sent forces against me or you for that matter, he lost dozens of men, gonna be a little hard for him to try and just drag us away to kill, he has to instead pick on merchants, workers, clerks..."

Chandrellia says, "Well, thats why I came I didnt see a healer withyou all, and I'll be damed if I let this lil sorry excuse for, whatever it is hurt my friends."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara asks, "Right. But it makes no sense... if the target is the Empire, why not just attack the camp?"

[General] Lylia thinks, "Self-righteousness is so overdone. You are a voice in a din of it these days, all baying about the evils of empires and the perils of politics and...oh, do forgive me, I am going to nod straight off."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "They have soldiers of their own now."

Rian Down?

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Rian. Scholar, caring husband, once sailed with the krol and wrote a diary about them. Sent his wife, the lovely Elizabeth, south to their true imperial homestead. They own a farm there, did you know that? He doesn't invest here, they spend their summers in Aldora, grow fat together on wine and pastries. Some of you called him a hero...to those of us not blind? Just another imperial, infecting our town, taking our space, welcoming the slavers."

Perigourd says, "And Sablo."

Kiyna says, "Punishing us for not doing it ourselves, I expect."

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "Because he is not strong enough. He has attempted it and failed."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Because that's not the target, the target is chaos."

Kiyna says, "Rian..."

Tikba says, "His first target was Aronia."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Aint Rian da one we shaved?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara asks, "But why? To what end?"

Vaemyr says, "Rian..."

Lylia says, "He was taken by the krolvin! He did not even choose that fate..."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "There must be an end goal."

Lylia yells, "Rian!"

Speaking to Tikba, Bellaja says, "He flat out accused Carla of funneling funds."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Now you went and done it."

From nearby, you hear Lylia yell, "Rian!"

[travel because Leafi thought hearing Lylia meant she had found or spotted him; she didn't seem to have, but travel persisted anyway]

[General] Toxyrox asks, "Is there a condensed version I can take wit me to th outhouse ta reads?"

Lylia says, "He does not get that one. I have not gotten what I wished to know from him."

[General] Kayse evenly thinks, "Wehnimer's is free and along with that we welcome anyone who choses to live within these palisades. You are clearly the one not understanding what it means to be a citizen of this town."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "If anyone getrs shot with arrows and needs healinglet me know, I will get to you and heal you."

Leafiara says, "Too many roofs to look on all of them..."

[General] Crimsoneve asks, "Well waht did I wake up into?"

Pukk asks, "Somebody stalking us?"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Nothing on the west tower or east tower roofs, nor Raging Thrak Inn nor Moot Hall."

The voice of Wolfloner darkly says, "Yes."

[General] Kayse demands, "Where is he?"

The voice of Wolfloner darkly says, "Yes."

Pukk says, "Oh good."

[Realm] Geijon asks, "Who is firing arrows at us?"

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Hop hop hop, you little frogs. Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit."

[General] Irval thinks, "No idea, Ive been scouring the rooftops. Then they changed their movements."

[Wehnimer's, Bay's Watch West]

Here at the northern end of Wehnimer's Landing, the fickle waters of the Locksmehr River flow to the east. The westernmost of the twin guardtowers that keep watch over the river gates into town rises above, casting a dark shadow over the lamplit cobblestones. The huge ironbound sea gates straddle the river, extending to the matching tower on the eastern bank. You also see a faltering wasteland spirit that is flying around, the Kelfyr disk, a grizzled porcupine, the Chamorr disk, a uniformed doorkeeper and a wrought iron gate.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Tikba, Stormyrain, Kelfyr, Town Councilor Kayse, Chamorr, Bellaja, Pookia, Dame Evia

Chandrellia and Pukk followed.

[General] Chamorr thinks, "He is everywhere."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "He only wnats us to think he is everywjere."

Speaking to Kelfyr, Stormyrain asks, "Shall we look at the tunnels?"

[General] Kayse asks, "No, Rian. Where did you take his body?"

Leafiara says, "They might have planned this particular one too long to get ahead of it tonight. It's the next time that we'll be better prepared for."

Kelfyr says, "Sure."

[General] Lylia asks, "You can only break and never build, and you do not even know what you destroy, callow child! You cannot see beyond the bars of your crib, let alone past the horizon. How dare you interfere with that which is greater than you?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Bellaja says, "I'm so frustrated that we are only being reactionary to all of this."

Speaking to Bellaja, Leafiara asks, "Are we ever not?"

Leafiara says, "That's why the Rooks gain traction. That's why... umpteen others gain traction."

Leafiara says, "People are so set on defending being better than going on the attack..."

Leafiara says, "That anyone who goes on the attack finds favor with the frustrated masses."

[General] Chamorr thinks, "I see yer point, yer methods stink."

Speaking to Leafiara, Bellaja says, "Which is why I tried to get folks to see the merit to Barnom's plan way back."

Tikba mildly says, "You must find Ordlyn, and we may then go on the attack."

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "Oh, we'll bury him at sea, so his krolvin masters can scoop him back up."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Guess thats why I go on the offence so much with certain people."

Bellaja says, "This could have been crushed then."

Bellaja says, "And then we could have handled him."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara says, "Right, that's why I'm trying to discern a pattern so we could lure him out."

Leafiara says, "Though he might see through it too."

Pukk asks, "Docks?"

Speaking to Chandrellia, Pookia exclaims, "You're an expert at goin on the offensive!"

[checking the docks, but nothing]

[Wehnimer's, Bay's Watch West]

Here at the northern end of Wehnimer's Landing, the fickle waters of the Locksmehr River flow to the east. The westernmost of the twin guardtowers that keep watch over the river gates into town rises above, casting a dark shadow over the lamplit cobblestones. The huge ironbound sea gates straddle the river, extending to the matching tower on the eastern bank. You also see a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, the Chamorr disk, a uniformed doorkeeper and a wrought iron gate.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Chamorr, Bellaja, Pookia

Falvicar, Chandrellia and Pukk followed.

Leafiara says, "Nothing at the docks."

[General] Lylia thinks, "He was taken as a slave, and now killed by you. And you think you are the one with moral rectitude? You wasteful infant."

[General] Kayse hisses, "You have no right to bury him. Just as you have no right to act as judge, jury and executioner of this town."

[General] Geijon thinks, "Probably wouldn't last beyond words."

[another sweep]

[Wehnimer's, North Dock]

The dock's planks are dull and weathered from the salt spray of many seasons. Northward beyond the massive sea gates, a flock of ice geese passes, silhouetted against the sky over the waters of Darkstone Bay. The hulk of a derelict coastal sailer is tethered to the end of the pier. You also see a huge grey imperial warship, a rope-lined wooden plank bridge that leads to the archway of a large moored white-masted ship, a wide ramp, a stack of empty crates and a portly portmaster.

Leafiara says, "Bury at sea..."

Leafiara says, "I guess... we swim."

Chandrellia asks, "Where to tho?"

[Leafi swims the length of the bay, but there's nothing, and she returns]

[Wehnimer's, North Dock]

The dock's planks are dull and weathered from the salt spray of many seasons. Northward beyond the massive sea gates, a flock of ice geese passes, silhouetted against the sky over the waters of Darkstone Bay. The hulk of a derelict coastal sailer is tethered to the end of the pier. You also see a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, the Wolfloner disk, a huge grey imperial warship, a rope-lined wooden plank bridge that leads to the archway of a large moored white-masted ship, a wide ramp, a stack of empty crates, a portly portmaster and obvious signs of someone hiding.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Bellaja, Chronicler Falvicar, Miss Chandrellia, Pukk

Leafiara says, "Nope."

[General] Witfog thinks, "Meow meow meow Ordlin, Let us know when you want to fight and stop hopping around like a cowardly wimp. We're in Town square eating muffins."

Bellaja says, "I'll wait here."

Pukk says, "Oh good."

Pukk says, "I wasn't going to swim."

Speaking to Pukk, Chandrellia says, "Thats only cause it isnt bath night yet."

Pukk says, "I took one last month. I'm still good."

Chandrellia exclaims, "Exactly!"

Leafiara says, "I take back some of what I said. His targets aren't completely indiscriminate tonight."

Artistic License

The sound of dragging chains echoes from North Ring Road.

Leafiara says, "Of course, Rysus' weren't always either."

[checking North Ring Road]

The sound of dragging chains echoes from South Ring Road.

[checking South Ring Road]

[General] Pukk thinks, "Ordlyn stop this stupidity right meow."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Putting on some theater, I see. I'm familiar."

Chandrellia says, "Hes toying with us."

The sound of dragging chains echoes from West Ring Road.

[Wehnimer's, West Ring Rd.]

This cobbled road circles the town, providing access to the bazaar and the fringes of the surrounding neighborhoods. Several night guardsmen, wearing leather armor and bearing short swords and daggers, eye the crowds and keep watch over the dim, lamplit street, where a few traders and townsmen are going about their business. You also see a curious-looking shop, a rune-carved fieldstone house and a squat tower entrance.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara

Falvicar, Chandrellia and Pukk followed.

[Leafi stops here, realizing the search is going nowhere]

Kelfyr just moved quietly into the area, his group following closely.

[General] Irval exclaims, "Enough with the theatrics!"

Perigourd's group just arrived.

Tikba just arrived.

Leafiara says, "Pukk..."

Stormyrain says, "Nothing good."

Kelfyr just moved quietly south, with his group following closely.

Town Councilor Vaemyr just arrived.

Leafiara says, "What I said the other night..."

Perigourd's group just went northeast.

Thin, tenebrous lines of energy creep in along the ground, with Conquerer of Reim Irval's group following close behind.

[General] Loamian thinks, "Someone cut out that racket! I can hear it all the way in the dungeons of Darkstone."

Thin, tenebrous lines of energy creep along the ground before Conquerer of Reim Irval's group, heading south.

Town Councilor Vaemyr just went south.

Pukk asks, "Yes?"

Leafiara says, "I stand behind it even more."

Perigourd's group just arrived.

Perigourd's group just went south.

Lord Kirenn just strode in, his group following close behind.

Lord Kirenn strides away moving northeast, his group following close behind.

Pukk says, "So, plaid socks go with any outfit."

Dozens and dozens of townspeople pour out of alleyways, shops, and street corners, chains bound to their hands and feet, dragging noisly along the ground. Red paint covers their cheeks, like bloody stripes across their faces.

Leafiara says, "If he's allowed to push the narrative too far--"

Leafiara says, "...he's pushed the narrative too far."

Leafiara says, "We were too late."

Markx just arrived.

Town Councilor Vaemyr just arrived.

Kelfyr just moved quietly into the area, his group following closely.

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Rooftop show. As soon as we can make it happen."

Leafiara says, "This can't go any further."

Kelfyr just moved quietly south, with his group following closely.

Kelfyr just moved quietly into the area, his group following closely.

Leafiara says, "He can't get more traction."

The voice of Kayse asks, "How....?"

[General] Geijon thinks, "On general Rook mentality. Chaining people."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Ordlyn, just the otehr night you were so on yourself to the townspeople how we are the bad ones and look at you now."

[General] Witfog thinks, "Free muffins in town square in observance of peasant enslavement."

Leafiara says, "This kind of traction is easy for him to get. Anti-Imperial sentiment is all over the town." [response to Kayse]

[General] Witfog thinks, "Buying red paint."

Perigourd's group just arrived.

Perigourd's group just went south.

The chained townspeople along North Ring Road break into a song, "We fight for freedom, we fight for what is right. To keep our tomorrow, shining bright. We'll never let the Empire push us down, in Wehnimer's Landing we wear the crown."

Leafiara says, "The problem is the Rooks have been too distracted with Casiphia's injury to get out the counter-narrative."

[General] Lylia thinks, "You may as well be Blameless."

Leafiara says, "Desperate people are turning to... well, this."

Pukk says, "Okay. I have to admit they have the chant down pretty good."

Kelfyr says, "And they vote."

Pukk says, "And it's catchy."

[General] Bellaja thinks, "Oh.. my.."

Leafiara says, "I take back more of what I said. He actually selected targets well tonight, unlike Rysus."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "This is nonsense."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Indeed."

Stormyrain says, "He used Drangell like tactics tonight."

[General] Markx thinks, "That seems to contradict itself..."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Dish mean Ordlyn runnin fer mayer?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, times I wasn't around for..." [response to Stormy]

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Me either."

[General] Witfog exclaims, "Muffins make sense come to TSC!"

Stormyrain says, "The dropping bodies from rooftops and trees; that is a page out of Drangell's book."

The voice of Axanders says, "Something gonna happen...bondage stuff looks like."

The voice of Wolfloner darkly says, "Very much like Dragnell."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "You poor, deluded fools."

Leafiara asks, "Casiphia said this was one of Rysus' body doubles, right?"

Pukk says, "But the song and dance...that is new."

Stormyrain offers, "Even this spectacle with the chains and the chanting, that echoes Drangell's behavior as well."

Leafiara asks, "At the Rusty Cutlass that night?"

[General] Crimsoneve asks, "Campaign buttons?"

The voice of Wolfloner darkly says, "Yes."

Vaemyr says, "Yeah.."

Leafiara says, "Okay."

[General] Witfog thinks, "Let htem eat cake in chains! free cupcakes in TSC."

More voices sing from the streets, "The empire may be big and bold, but we have something they can't hold. Our hearts are filled with passion true, and that's the strength to see us through."

Leafiara says, "That might be helpful if he ever puts aside that... disguise of his."

The voice of Kayse says, "Yes, she did."

[General] Geijon thinks, "Even with Grishom Stone chanelling contempt in us all, it's a hard fact to say we're delusion fools, some may be."

Toxyrox asks, "The night we got bombed?"

The voice of Kayse says, "I doubt we will see him without it."

Kelfyr says, "Passion is certainly a word for it."

Leafiara says, "Their sentiment isn't entirely wrong, but they've taken to Ordlyn too readily."

Vaemyr says, "Who knows maybe this was the "real" Rysus, and you all killed the double, although I can't imagine Rysus would of been silent for so many years had he still been alive."

Missoni remarks, "The couplets are rather uninspired."

Voices erupt from South Ring Road, "We fight for freedom, we fight for what is right. To keep our tomorrow, shining bright. We'll never let the Empire push us down, in Wehnimer's Landing we wear the crown."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Right, that's one of the holes in the possibility. Like I said, been pondering it all day."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Especially considering the Landing self governs."

Chandrellia says, "Oh this is going to spur the Thorns hard with this."

[General] Ordlyn asks, "Will we wear chains?"

Pookia ponders, "I wonder how many times they had to rehearse this to all get it right."

Townspeople shout, "NO!"

Speaking to Pookia, Tikba says, "Perhaps the chains help."

Leafiara says, "I'm pretty sure Asben would agree with what I'm thinking..."

Leafiara says, "If he were here."

[General] Ordlyn asks, "The wind is strong, what did you say? Will we wear chains?"

Townspeople shout, "NO!!!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "I kinda wish he was."

[General] Irval asks, "Who'd you have to hold hostage to get these people to do this I wonder? What family member did you kill to ensure their cooperation?"

Perigourd says, "It seems that if they didn't want to wear chains, they chose the wrong wardrobe."

Leafiara says, "Casiphia should have listened to the letter I wrote her at the end of the Knave battles."

[General] Ordlyn exclaims, "Break your chains!"

Pookia asks, "Yeah! where is he?"

Speaking to Pookia, Chandrellia says, "Woish I knew."

[General] Lylia thinks, "They are not held hostage. They are putting on a play."

[General] Witfog thinks, "The only chains are that of the mind ordlyn. Now come get your muffins."

Pukk says, "All this talk by Thadston how they accept the empire and what not. Seems many are just as against it but Thadston never told us or he just didn't know."

[General] Stormyrain offers, "You..are. At the bidding of Ordlyn. Until now no one has asked you to put them on, until him. Until this."

Leafiara determinedly says, "No, it's not too late. It can't be. We can turn this tide. He's one man, he can't out-charisma everybody. He can't even out-charisma Pukk by himself."

The townspeople along each main road suddenly stop, lifting up their arms. They wriggle free, the chains having been quite loose apparently, and they fall away from feet and wrists. The townspeople cheer and shout and take to song once more. "We fight for freedom, we fight for what is right. To keep our tomorrow, shining bright. We'll never let the Empire push us down, in Wehnimer's Landing we wear the crown!

Pukk says, "Well there are several of me in my head."

Speaking amusedly to Pukk, Tikba says, "Thadston would never have told us."

[General] Ordlyn thinks, "In Wehnimer's Landing, we wear the crown."

Speaking offhandedly to Tikba, Leafiara says, "True."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Step out of the Shadows and see what you wear boy."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "Juvenile theatrics."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "Says the vigilante."

[General] Geijon thinks, "He's a Rook. It's OK."

Speaking to Tikba, Pookia exclaims, "Oh no! our chain theory!"

[General] Lylia thinks, "You wear a piss-pot, you simpleton, you and all the other rabble-rousers."

[General] Wolfloner thinks, "Ordlyn."

[General] Irval thinks, "More like a rook-a-like."

[General] Kayse thinks, "He is not a Rook."

The voice of Axanders asks, "Should we sing with them...?"

[General] Kayse thinks, "This is not how the Rooks act."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Yes Geijon, and you're a Thorn."

The townspeople begin to beak away, leaving their shackles in the streets. Their voices trail off as they part ways, heading in all directions. "...in Wehnimer's Landing...we wear the crown....we wear the crown..."

Discussion Afterward

Tikba mildly says, "A crown is not necessary."

[General] Pukk thinks, "He is trying to take over the rooks. But we will not let him. The Rooks will defend."

Ouidanna says, "I prefer a tiara."

Kiyou says, "Probably a figurative crown."

[General] Falvicar thinks, "If only ya'll had not acted so rash, but alas you all just had to slash. Though in town you have the crown.. but I'm afraid murder makes us frown."

Leafiara absently says, "Yes, it's what they mean, of course."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Uh oh. It's a chant off. Falvicar versus Ordlyn."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Falvicar says, "I thought it was clever though I'm no bard."

Speaking to Toxyrox, Kiyou says, "That wasn't the chain reaction I expected."

Speaking to Falvicar, Chandrellia says, "That was good."

[General] Irval thinks, "You'd of gotten more hearts and minds had you not murdered. But you couldnt help yourself. Im waiting on the lil girl whose father you murders explodes your head."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "Did Ordlyn murder her father?"

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara asks, "Whose?"

[General] Irval thinks, "Never mind. On that last part. I'll be the one exploding your head."

Tikba says, "Kharusa's."

Vaemyr says, "No."

Leafiara says, "I don't think so."

Tikba says, "I fear Irval was mistaken."

Chandrellia says, "I dont think so."

Vaemyr says, "They are safe."

Pukk says, "Oh good."

Vaemyr says, "Rian is not Kharusa's father."

Leafiara asks, "Is Irval ever not mistaken?"

Pukk says, "Oh thank the gods."

Chandrellia says, "I think he was talking about Ryan."

Leafiara says, "Ah, yes, Rian, the half-elf who's clearly the father of a halfling."

The voice of Wolfloner darkly says, "Thadston's arbiter."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You never know."

[General] Geijon thinks, "Run away on shackled targets? What coward gives someone the expectation of chance."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Seems like all is quiet, for now."

Leafiara says, "Well..."

[OOC note: several people leave here, realizing it's over for the night]

Perigourd says, "Hmm.."

[General] Witfog thinks, "Come get a cupcake candy."

Wolfloner darkly says, "That was anticlimatic."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "After tonight, I'm guessing child shields are next."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Did we win?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Wouldn't be surprising."

From nearby, you hear Kirenn yell, "Gnome!"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Bellaja says, "You said I didn't look fat in my dress, so I think I won."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Probably will be those fanatics in chain's own children too."

[General] Chandrellia asks, "Yes?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara asks, "Although... which children?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk whispers aloud, "Is Stormy and Kelfyr a couple?"

Leafiara says, "Someone might want to warn the camp."

Speaking offhandedly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "I think so."

Vaemyr shrugs.

Pukk says, "That explains why she smiled that other day."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara suggests, "I'm saying warn the camp."

Thrassus says, "They likely heard the idiotic singing from there."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "And the Orphanage, I Still have never heard back if they were willing to move the childeren."

Speaking to Pukk, Bellaja says, "He has a porupine. uite the catch."

Speaking to Chandrellia, you say, "Also a good point."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Leafi, if ye not like da empire, why warn dem?"

Pukk says, "Ah a porupine. That makes sense."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "I wouldn't warn the adults. The children, sure."

Lylia says, "Revolting waste. The killings, well, one does what one must to prove a point, but to do so when it is so wasteful..."

You see a lump moving about just under Kiyna's skin!

Speaking to Lylia, Bellaja says, "It was needless torture."

Kiyna hisses, "Not now, infernal scarab."

Speaking drunkenly to Kiyna, Gutstorm slurs, "Yoo need to get dat looked at."

Speaking to Kiyna, Pukk says, "You get all the fun. You have your own little pet."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Chandrellia says, "We tried believe me."

Lylia says, "The fever that infects them is the same one the Black Thorns spread. It is a sickness that has taken such deep root that I sometims question why I do not head south."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "How about we infest Ordlyn with about 1000 of those, but modify them so they slowly eat him from the inside out, devouring his soul and everything."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Chandrellia says, "If it were only that easy."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "No, don't take chances like that. End it quickly and ensure it's done."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "Sounds good to me. Let's tell US where he lives."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "To much violench."

Leafiara says, "Playing with a captured enemy affords them an opportunity to find a way out of it."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says something you don't understand.

Speaking to Lylia, Bellaja asks, "Who has taken ill?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "If I get a chance, I'll make it a better shot than their archers."

Speaking to Bellaja, Lylia says, "A quarter of the town, it seems. Perhaps more."

Chandrellia says, "I just want to shatter every bone in his pathetic body."

Speaking to Lylia, Vaemyr says, "Wasn't that many, couple hundred folks at most."

Leafiara says, "Well, this'll be a question for those debates, I suppose."

Speaking uncertainly to Lylia, Bellaja says, "Oh. I thought they..."

Leafiara says, "How do the candidates intend to deal with a citizen revolt."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Lylia says, "I am not just counting the ones in this little play."

Bellaja says, "Actually I don't what to think."

Falvicar whispers something to Chandrellia.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me would never harm anudder person, me am wutcha call....um, pashtafisht."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Thadston will throw chairs out wiondows and AMos will offer them silver to go home."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Well Thadston will want to take on everything himself, and Amos will try and solve it with money."

Leafiara says, "Ah, past and present councilors in sync."

Pukk says, "Pretty much what she said."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Chandrellia says, "Hey we were close."

Speaking to herself, Bellaja says, "No more short excursions to warmer climates."

Asben leans softly against Chandrellia.

Chandrellia exclaims, "Asben!"

Asben asks, "Where?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia exclaims, "Hes here!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Vaemyr, will ye endorse me fer mayer, we need someone witta shound mind runnin dish place."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Vaemyr says, "Hey we both been around long enough to see some history there."

Kiyna says, "...I need some time alone, I think. This was..."

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara says, "We'll talk later."

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara says, "Pukk already knows my thoughts."

Pukk says, "Gutstorm's first edict as ruler of Landing is to make another statue of Lylia and place it in TSC for all to admire."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Vaemyr says, "If you can get Thadston's approval to run for mayor, sure."

Chandrellia says, "If you need an ear,please, let me know."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Lylia says, "I am also counting every one who sits at home and nods sagely when they hear utter idiocy propounded, everyone who appears at a Town Council meeting to paper the streets in pamphlets. Lies and calumnies. But they are pleased to hear voices that sound like their own baser emotions."

Leafiara says, "Well, about half the crowd here does, but especially Pukk."

Speaking to Falvicar, Chandrellia says, "Night Husband."

Falvicar yawns loudly before wandering off.

Speaking suddenly to Chandrellia, Leafiara asks, "..wait, Falvicar's double married?"

Vaemyr says, "I should go see to Kiyna..."

Vaemyr says, "Make sure she's ok."

Leafiara marvels, "And to think he had so much trouble even getting a first wife."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "It was Opals idea."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Only rich man can afford more den one wife."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Well he is a paladin now. So he can Consecrate this double marriage."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Bellaja says, "Perhaps I need a wife."

Bellaja says, "Long-term it would be a boon."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Bellaja says, "I've never been much of the commital type."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me hear dat."

Speaking to Bellaja, Chandrellia says, "Me eitehr trust me."

Pukk whispers something to Leafiara.

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja says, "I see wonderful examples of it."

Speaking to Bellaja, Chandrellia says, "I happy in my partnership with both Falv and OPals, both are amazing people."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja says, "That sounds wonderful. Good to hear."

Bellaja says, "I hope it continues for as long as you are happy."

Chandrellia says, "As do I."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja says, "I'm afraid I like to be footloose and it doesn't appeal."

Bellaja says, "But.."

Bellaja says, "Anyway."

Bellaja says, "I am off to my bed."

Speaking to Bellaja, Chandrellia says, "I still love ya."

Leafiara says, "I can't just blame Casiphia anymore."

Leafiara says, "I didn't take the advice I gave her either."

Leafiara says, "It's still possible to counter."

Leafiara says, "I hope."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "We'll get thru this, we always do, Landing always stands together when true evil is rooted out."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Good night all! Just remember. Although Ordlyn seems to have our freedom in mind. He is actually the puppet for a group that wants to remove all our freedoms. The Silver Kings. All who know of them know how ruthless they are and how far their corruption spreads. They care nothing about freedoms or defense. They care only for their power and their profit. With no care for who they kill to get it."

Leafiara asks, "Do we?"

Asben says, "Mostly."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Good night, Pukk. You're a hero."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Let no one else say otherwise, despite your demeanor."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "You remind us what we fight for and you fight for it yourself."

Chandrellia says, "Ordlyn is taking full adavantage of the fact that Casi is wounded, he knows that his strength at this point and hes counting on her not getting better, if she does hes screwed."

Leafiara says, "This is so much bigger than just Casi, though."

Leafiara says, "He's swayed dozens or hundreds of townspeople."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "This is true."

Leafiara says, "And it's created this awkward situation."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "But didnt Casi do the same the night the Rooks revealed themselves on teh Rooftops."

Leafiara says, "Just killing them creates martyrs and will probably grow their ranks..."

Leafiara says, "The counter narrative is what we need."

Leafiara says, "Righteous indignation won't suffice here."

Leafiara says, "That can't sway the people who already understand the corruption of the Empire."

Leafiara says, "Ordlyn's counting on it. That's why his first appearance was asking people if they're tired of posturing and agendas."

Leafiara says, "And I am."

Leafiara says, "I really am."

Asben says, "So lets be done with it."

Chandrellia says, "So lets do something about it."

Asben says, "Show them who's who."

Leafiara says, "I'm with you."

Leafiara says, "And I told Pukk as much."

Asben says, "Pukk has always been outed."

Leafiara says, "It's probably too late tonight, but we'll consult together as soon as we can."

Leafiara says, "He outed himself."

Leafiara says, "He had the right idea."

Asben says, "A while ago."

Leafiara says, "So did I when I told Casiphia, but then I neglected to follow it."

Leafiara says, "Foolish of me."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Mystie and I will stand with you."

Leafiara say, "I got too caught up in the secrecy."

Leafiara says, "Need to focus on our people."

Asben says, "Pretty sure everyone knows that you are..."

Asben nods at Leafiara.

Asben says, "You just haven't said it."

Leafiara says, "Right."

Leafiara says, "So there's no reason not to."

Speaking to Asben, Chandrellia says, "Geijon called me out on it tonight."

Asben asks, "On being a rook?"

Leafiara says, "Especially if I can draw the ire of Ordlyn and take arrows intended for others, this is the right move."

Asben says, "They will all be surprised about me."

Leafiara says, "I was about to tell the marshal that this wasn't us, but she left too quickly."

Leafiara says, "I think she knows, though."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "She knows."

Leafiara asks, "Yeah?"

Leafiara says, "I figured."

Leafiara says, "She can't be as close to a certain someone as she is without knowing."

Chandrellia says, "She has seen the differences between the old Rooks and the Remnants."

Leafiara says, "Well, the new Rooks and the Remnants."

Chandrellia says, "Eerr the new Rooks."

Asben asks, "So plans soon?"

Asben says, "I can be around more."

Leafiara says, "Good to hear."

Speaking to Asben, Chandrellia asks, "Oh did I tell you?"

Chandrellia removes an etched militia badge from in her black leather backpack.

Asben says, "You did."

Asben grins at Chandrellia.

Chandrellia grins.

Leafiara amusedly says, "Hope you two have a better time in there than I did."

Asben says, "I mean."

Speaking to Asben, Chandrellia says, "We'll see, nothing has come of it yet."

Asben says, "I've been there a while."

Leafiara says, "I think the marshal knows better than to even ask if I ever wanted back in, since she never did."

Speaking amusedly to Asben, Leafiara says, "Yeah, I know."

Chandrellia says, "Eer that was for Leafi."

Leafiara says, "Pookia wants to join the Rooks, by the way."

Leafiara says, "Once she heard Pukk was a recruiter, she showed interest."

Leafiara says, "Militia-Rooks coming up."

Leafiara says, "Well, more of them."

Asben says, "I'm one million percent behind her joining."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Yes but certain others have showed disinterest in her wanting to be there."

Speaking to Asben, Leafiara says, "Me too."

Leafiara says, "I voted for her."

Chandrellia says, "I would vote for her."

Leafiara says, "And it would help the counter-narrative to Ordlyn if more councilors past or present get on board."

Leafiara says, "Oh, I mean I voted for her as a councilor."

Leafiara says, "But sure, I'd vote for her to join too."

Chandrellia says, "Oh so did I."

Asben says, "We could always take a vote."

Leafiara says, "Pookia's just one of the best."

Leafiara says, "I've also put out word through Newsby about Pukk as the recruiter."

Chandrellia says, "Yes, I heard."

Leafiara says, "But it's time for me to stop being cheeky about this and make a statement."

Leafiara says, "We'll see who else agrees with us."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Then lets make a statement that will rock the Landing."