Brotherhood of Rooks/saved posts

To Wehnimer's: Riddance of Rysus

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 7636
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 08/19/2015 02:04 PM CDT
Subject: To Wehnimer's: Riddance of Rysus

"Citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing,


Hendor is not your enemy.

We are one of your most trusted and longest allies in the Turamzzyrian Empire. In recent years, your town and its people have known the missteps and misguided actions of Talador and Estoria, and even before those, Jantalar. These failures and misbehavior are not a true representation of the glory and generosity of the Turamzzyrian Empire, any more than branded murderers and dark sorcerers exemplify Wehnimer’s Landing.

Hendor is not your enemy.

We have come to your region, not as a conqueror, but as a friend. The walls of our outpost were not built to safely strategize for war against your town, but instead designed to serve as a bastion against our mutual enemies, some who thrive and manipulate even among you now. We have come to your region, not as an invader, but as a stalwart ally, offering both our might and expertise in further stabilizing the region, where peace will become the normal again, and chaos but a distant memory. We have come to your region, not as an intruder, but a welcome hand to help lift your people out of the ruin and suffering they have known for too long.

Hendor is not your enemy.

You may hear the whispers. You may even help spread the rumors yourself. You have seen the propaganda, you have overheard the murmurs. Despite the sea of hate and distrust that is being stoked like the fading embers of a fire, much like those dying flames, it too shall pass. Know that when it does, Hendor, your allies, will remain, unscathed by the onslaught of animosity and misdeeds, ready to continue the fight against our mutual enemies, and stand ever vigilant against darkness, whenever it should rear its head.

Hendor is not your enemy. But the Brotherhood of Rooks is.

Recently, I and your town have been at a standstill regarding the issue of leading operations against the Brotherhood of Rooks, unfettered, for two weeks to allow minimal chance of corruption. In exchange, I would offer detailed information to your towns leaders regarding influential trade contacts within Mestanir and Jantalar, as well as formally vouch for the town, which would hold more weight over Lord Brieson’s report, and help expand trade for Wehnimer’s Landing. This proposal was met quite loudly with opposition, and while I still see the folly in not trusting me and my men, as a soldier and as a leader, I refuse to allow a cessation to remain. Inactivity does nothing for our efforts, and only serves to strengthen the Rooks.

Hendor is not your enemy. But the Brotherhood of Rooks is.

Rysus, this self-proclaimed King of the Rooks, has placed bounties on the heads of both me, and my loyal soldiers. This does nothing to bring true prosperity to a people that are downtrodden, wounded, and hungry. This does nothing to bring true healing to a people that have suffered grievous losses, face unending loneliness, and feel abandoned and without hope. This does nothing to foster your own independence, and invites only more war, chaos, and bloodshed. This man, this thief and coward of a king, has thoughtlessly placed you, the townspeople of Wehnimer’s Landing in danger, using all of you as a wall of protection against him and his criminal allies. These are not the actions of a man who is here to protect you, or save you. These are the actions of a cruel, manipulative murderer, who hides behind the mask of a weakling, and the innocent lives of your town.

Hendor is not your enemy. But the Brotherhood of Rooks is.

We bring peace, defense, food and stability. The Brotherhood of Rooks bring only more war, division, and disarray. Wehnimer’s Landing is better than that, you are better than that. Will you venture to spill the blood of my soldiers? Or will you instead turn your focus on the true enemy, the man in the shadows, who would strengthen his underground kingdom on the bones of you and your loved ones. No, we must join together, to finally say good riddance to Rysus.

To this end, I offer a new proposal and a plan for the future. Once your town’s militia has finished their initial newest phase of recruitment, and Captains have been appointed, I will lead cooperative strikes against elements of the Brotherhood of Rooks, working alongside the Wehnimer’s Militia, the Order of the Silver Gryphons, and the Order of the Azure Sun. It is in all of our best interests to neutralize the Rooks, refusing them any chance of recovering and expanding. Once these efforts are determined to have provided successful and satisfactory results, I will then dispatch my trade endorsements to Mestanir and Jantalar. In addition, I have officially placed a bounty of 20,000,000 silvers on the head of Rysus. To whoever brings me the leader of the Rooks, I will also grant upon them land, including all services and earnings from ownership of such an estate, in the Barony of Talador.

Hendor is not your enemy. But the Brotherhood of Rooks is."


Signed by my hand,

Sir Thadston Andrews
Commander of the Northern Outpost
Lord of Hendor
Knight of the Order of Llaestal’s Guard
Defender of the Broken Kingdom

Wings of Blue, Words of Red

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 7828
Author: GS4-Kenstrom
Date: 09/21/2015 02:24 PM CDT
Subject: Wings of Blue, Words of Red

A few evenings ago, the first join efforts between the Hendorans, the Landing Militia, and the Orders of the Silver Gryphons and Azure Sun were initiated, with three separate raids occurring simultaneously underground, striking at three discovered hideouts of members of the Brotherhood of Rooks.

It did not take long before the fighting spilled out into the streets and environs, with thugs and bandits attacking the town gates and even the Hendoran outpost. Town heroes and defenders rushes to protect the walls of Wehnimer’s Landing, as reports began to circulate about imperial soldiers wearing Hendoran colors having been seen cutting down townspeople in the streets. Additional accounts soon trickled in during the fighting, that members of the Silver Gryphons and Azure Sun had killed young children inside of the Rook nests, some arguing it away as the Rooks using children as shields and propaganda, and others insisting it is just more evidence of imperials and their allies overstepping reach and butcher ways.

A number of explosions rocked the town, as eye witnesses claimed to have seen members of the Brotherhood of Rooks, perhaps even Rysus himself, throwing crimson spheres into areas of the city. When the dust finally settled on the conflict, the three discovered Rook lairs had been collapsed, likely by the Rooks themselves, and both the Hendoran Outpost and Wehnimer’s Landing survived, pushing back the bandits and other attackers.

Some items and documents were retrieved from the Rook hideouts before they were destroyed. A stockpile of armor and clothing bearing the colors of North Hendor were discovered, indicating that the Rooks had, or were going to, disguise members of their organization as the Hendoran soldiers. In another lair, the heroes discovered a stash of toys, ranging from siege miniatures to dice and coins. In the third attack, the heroes found a desk full of documents, some detailing maps of the western coastline of the Empire, and a handful of ship manifests and ledgers bearing the crest of Seareach and the surname of Councilman Juramis.

Days ago, Councilman Juramis was last reported to have been in Brisker’s Cove, in the County of Seareach, where he had claimed to be traveling to on business with the intention of opening up more trade with Wehnimer’s Landing. Since the discovery of the documents bearing his surname, Councilman Juramis’ home has been raided by the Town Marshal Thrayzar, and witnesses claim some trunks and tomes were taken from the home, and it’s currently being guarded night and day by town guards. The investigation continues.

While the people of Wehnimer’s Landing and the Hendoran Outpost celebrate a victory that night, it was short lived indeed. The following night, the gypsy fortuneteller shared visions of dozens of homes in North Hendor being ransacked, the women and children inside being bound and burned alive. These attacks occurred in various locations in the farmlands outside of Lolle, and inside the very city itself. The fortuneteller’s visions claimed the attackers were as dark as shadows, their coin-shaped eyes like moonlight. It was learned that the victims in North Hendor were the families of dozens of soldiers stationed at the imperial outpost outside of Wehnimer’s Landing.

Word soon reached the soldiers, and chaos broke out momentarily, with two soldiers even dragging the prisoner Alendrial, once the leader of the Rooks, out of the depths of the outpost, attempting to make her jump from the outpost walls, or be riddled with crossbow bolts. The disarray was soon put to rest, Alendrial was saved by other soldiers, and the two rogue knights were disarmed and dragged off.

It is exactly as the Brotherhood of Rooks warned, that if Hendor attacked, they would ensure Hendorans would burn, without ever indicating exactly who. Now, days after the slaughter, it has been revealed that sixteen families were murdered in and around Lolle, each family directly connected to a soldier who is at the Hendoran Outpost near Wehnimer’s. Rumors have already begun to circulate that the murders were carried out by agents of a criminal organization known as the Silver Kings, who are widely spread throughout the Turamzzyrian Empire.

No other information has yet been made available, and no Hendoran soldiers have been seen outside of their outpost for days. Despite the silence from the Outpost, rumors still swirl around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing, some spouting off that the Silver Gryphons and Azure Sun are heartless butchers, while others quickly laying blame at the Brotherhood of Rooks for using innocent people as pawns.

Burnin' down the house

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 7823
Author: ENCELADAN
Date: 09/19/2015 01:07 PM CDT
Subject: Last night

Some mopping up was done before the Rooks fell back. We gathered up at the outpost and we presented what we found in the Rooks nests.

The nest hit by the Silver Gryphons contained a number of tabards, rings, banners, and shields with the standard of North Hendor upon them, suggesting that particular nest is where they kept the disguises that the "Imperial Soldiers" wore last night.

The nest hit by the militia contained a number of ledgers, manifests, and sea maps. The maps had the route between Brisker's Cove, Vornavis, and Wehnimer's Landing detailed. The manifests and ledgers appeared to be the books that outlined the accounting and the goods being passed by the Rooks. Each of the books had the surname of Councilman Juramis identifying them, thus implicating him as being an accomplice of the Rooks.

The nest hit by the Azure Sun contained... toys. Seriously. We found a bunch of siegery miniatures, some blood marble dice, and some crown-stamped coins. The coins might be significant, but I'm not sure if they amount to anything or not.

After we brought in the haul, Thadston revealed the reason why he had been so insistent on this operation being managed by Hendor: he had acquired some evidence that implicated Juramis before last night, and furthermore that he had been working as a go-between for the Rooks and a group known as the Silver Kings (a rather extensive criminal organization in the Empire) and he wanted to find the evidence of this without alerting Juramis. Unfortunately, Pylasar told us several nights back that Juramis had gone to Brisker's Cove, so he may have been alerted ahead of time.

Thadston upheld his end of the agreement, and said that if Juramis is able to be apprehended, he would be tried by Wehnimer's Landing law.

Thadston also said he would be around this evening to discuss what was found last night, and to discuss further steps from here.

-AM

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 7873
Author: GS4-Kenstrom
Date: 09/28/2015 06:03 PM CDT
Subject: Burnin' down the house

A few nights ago, leaders and members of the Landing Militia, Silver Gryphons and Azure Sun were systematically assassinated in various locations in and around Wehnimer's Landing. It is suspected the attackers were members of the Brotherhood of Rooks, and in retaliation for their continued raids into their underground hideouts. Following the murders, a host of thugs, bandits and even hired mercenaries and mages attacked the gates of Wehnimer's Landing, held at bay by the valiant efforts of the town's heroes.

Meanwhile, Sir Aydan, Mynon and Magister Raelee were standing guard outside of Alendrial's cell in the dungeons of the Hendoran Outpost, this coming after news of intruders sneaking into the outpost in an attempt to free the prisoner just a night before. By some accounts, three Hendoran soldiers had sought to relieve the others of their duty in watching Alendrial. When Aydan, Mynon and Raelee refused to budge, the soldiers left, and one of them then returned to pour out a barrel of oil in the dungeons and threw a match, igniting the area on fire as he escaped out of the dungeon, him and his two fellow soldiers closing and locking the door to entrap the others down below, including Alendrial in her cell.

Smoke was spotted from those defending the town gates and soon many adventurers converged on the Outpost, where the Hendorans allowed them inside. Standing guard over the dungeon entrance was three knights who refused to budge, even as smoke trailed out from the door behind them. Alasatia put two of the knights to sleep, when the third finally budged, unlocked the door and ran off. The adventurers arrived into the dungeon just in time to put out the fires, heal the wounded, and keep Alendrial from burning alive in her cell.

Moments later Sir Thadston appeared in the dungeons, seemingly from a secret entrance, and appeared rather drowsy and awkward in his movements. Two knights accompanied him, and Sir Thadston ordered them to take Alendrial from her cell and escort her to an unknown location. Thadston went on to thank those in attendance for their bravery, but then nearly collapsed, his body covered in sweat. His two loyal knights had returned by then, announcing Alendrial was safe and secure, and upon seeing their commander in poor health, escorted him to his chambers to rest.

Since the events, Sir Thadston has not been publicly seen, but has issued a statement that he will be appearing tomorrow night with an announcement, and that justice will be served.

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 7911
Author: GS4-Kenstrom
Date: 10/07/2015 12:53 PM CDT
Subject: Thadston Happenings

Since there hadn't been any mention here, I'll briefly mention a few things that've happened in the last few days.

Over the weekend, Thadston released Alendrial from his custody under the escort of his more trusted knights. She was being sent to her ancestral home in Chastonia, with the rather heavily-implied threat of death if she ever returned to the Wehnimer's region. Some of us who had been involved on the opposing sides of the plot two weeks ago to free her from captivity were on hand as she was brought from her cell. While perhaps a little worse for wear given the conditions of the cell and the arson and murder attempt, no jaywalking occurred upon her release. Those on hand with the knowledge and skill inspected her to ensure she was in good health before she was sent on her way. That she was made to pass by the corpses of the men who tried to kill her was purely coincidental. Really.

After this, Thadston announced to the town that despite the fact that the Rooks weren't defeated and probably woukdn't be, he felt that by revealing the the evidence against Juramis and the damage dealt by the recent raids, he was satisfied by the outcome and would uphold his end of the agreement to release the letters recommending trade with tye nearby Imperial provinces.

Last night Thadston announced what had happened over the weekend regarding Alendrial, having waited until then to announce it in order to give a few days head start in case the Rooks may have made an attempt to intervene.

Other than that, there were some nasty invasions last week, at least one being suspected of being sent by Raznel. I don't have much to comment on that, at any rate.

-AM

Rooting out the Rooks

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 9329
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 07/05/2016 03:27 PM CDT
Subject: Rooting out the Rooks

Khylon Oakspear, the Captain of the Wehnimer’s Landing Town Guard has proposed a new set of laws for the Town Council to review and vote on. After having met with countless townspeople and adventurers over the weekend, the Captain feels confident his approach will help in severely weakening the Brotherhood of Rooks criminal activities and hold punitive consequences for those found guilt to be openly aiding their organization.

While none of these laws and consequences is in effect until the Town Council’s decision, the following are listed in the proposal:

Any shops or merchants found guilty of supporting the Brotherhood of Rooks will face a first round of hefty fines and depending on the crime, possible jail time. A second violation will result in the revocation of the shopkeeper’s permit to operate in Wehnimer’s Landing and the seizure of all merchandise.

Any adventurers or townspeople found to be guilty of supporting the Brotherhood of Rooks will face a first found of hefty fines, followed by jail time. Further infractions will result in banishment and the possibility of a prolonged jail sentence.

Support of the Brotherhood of Rooks is described, but limited too, as providing financial support, or physical support in the way of items and shelter. Providing information and even protection falls into this category as well.

In addition to these new laws, a number of additional safeguards will be put into place.
For shops suspected of supporting the Brotherhood of Rooks, there will be members of both the town guard and militia scheduled to conduct all day observations and stationed within the buildings.

There will be an immediate increase of both militia and guards at the town docks and river gate. The number of inspections will be doubled, and any vessel or its captain refusing to be inspected will forfeit their wares and the merchandise will be seized, followed by hefty fines. There will also be an increase in patrols along Darkstone Bay and the Locksmehr River. The schedule of these patrols and, shop observations, and ship inspections will now be rotated on a daily basis, handed out personally by Marshal Thrayzar and Captain Khylon.

There will also be new ongoing discussions between officials of Wehnimer’s Landing and Icemule Trace to help negotiate coordinate tactics in monitoring and stopping the criminal activities of both the Brotherhood of Rooks and the Icewall Bandits. This includes increased authority between the territories to properly disrupt the actions of both organizations.

Furthermore, Mayor Puptilian’s original offer to the Brotherhood of Rooks has been extended. A full pardon has been put up for all members of the Brotherhood of Rooks who wish to join the town militia or guard and serve for a full year before obtaining the pardon.

The proposal was submitted this morning to the Town Council to review. It has been said that Pylasar, Surofee, and Beldrin should reach a decision by the week’s end.

A Line in the Sand

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 9358
Author: DMWCINCY
Date: 07/09/2016 05:15 PM CDT
Subject: A line in the sand

Citizens of the Landing

By now you have heard the words of the council and specifically beldrin. We are told that the rooks are our friends and family. We are being told that we should excuse their illegal actions, ignore the harm they bring to the town, and not prosecute but work with them.

I stand before you to ask why? Why is it we should ignore the threats? Why is it should we give them legitimacy for their activities and even aid them in their endeavors?

We are told that they are mostly Landing citizens. Not completely but mostly. We are told that they only have the good of the town and do what they do because its for the better good. We are told that drangell is gone and these rooks are different.

I tell you this is all a farse. They are the Rooks. If they want to protect the town why wear a mask? If they are friends and family why hide in the shadows? If they feel what they do is right then why live in the dark and hide their actions?

I remind you all that for a group that only cares for the Landing’s well being they aim to expand their power. They had helped to smuggle people with the Bayrunners. They aligned with the Silver Kings. They have dealings with bandits in Icemule and work with wanted men of the Landing who is directly involved with dealings of the very krolvin who take our wives and children as slaves.

For a group that is compassionate they have a leader that calls himself king. He does not protect the children but instead use them including putting them in harm's way in the middle of fights. Their activities bring enemies to our doorsteps and not take responsibility in their actions.

I will not stand to the side while criminals get to walk freely. No matter what good a group can do, it does not counterbalance all the bad and illegal actions. Their actions outside the Landing brings more trouble to our door. What good is a person that has to defend the town from those problems if they were the ones that caused the trouble to begin with.

I refuse to let any criminal make demands on us, use our town, then sit back and let us clean up their mess. I refuse to let this town turn into a haven for those that feel they are beyond the law. For this town to move forward and prosper as a thriving town we need to shred the image of an unruly populace and show the world we are a shining example to follow.

I will not barter with this so called king. I will not barter with those that hide behind mask. I will work with the guard, militia, and our allies to cut off funding and resources within the current boundaries of the law. I will bring justice to the darkness and bring an end to the corruption that brings enemies to our doorstep. I will not rest until i know i have exhausted all means to make this town safe again from evil outside and within.

I ask you citizens. Do you stand with the light and justice? Do you want to see this town grow and be the symbol for what's right in our region? Or do you want to walk in the darkness? Do you want to worry if your next actions are those that will start the next war that will kill not only your children but those of your friends and family? The rooks may protect this town but they are also that darkness. Their actions bring more enemies then friends. Is that what we want, to live in fear of the next retaliation from the rooks actions? It's time to decide. Are we Wehnimer’s Landing or are we Rysus’ Landing?

Your Elected Mayor,
Puptilian

Perivan has a good post in 2012 or so that Kenstrom doubled down on also as spot on.

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 9390
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 07/11/2016 01:57 PM CDT
Subject: Re: A line in the sand

That's the curse, and beauty, of the Brotherhood of Rooks.

Their members are as diversified and split sometimes as the player base. Yes, they are a criminal organization, no one can debate that. Some people see them as heroes, heck, some of the Rooks see themselves as heroes. Others are just enjoying easy gains and a life of crime. Others see themselves as freedom fighters and can make money doing it. Some would kick puppies, some would foster them. Some love Wehnimer's Landing, some love profit. But in most things, the Rooks unite when directed, because to do otherwise, has severe consequences. That is the main difference between the player group at large, and the Rooks. There's no deadly consequences for the PC's having difference of opinions.

They could even sometimes be viewed as vigilantes. Taking justice into their own hands. But often their version of justice, is skewed. Similar to adventurers in a way, who met out their own justice frequently, but that typically doesn't also involve criminal operations.

The Rooks, so long as they remain, will always be a point of contention. Simply because there is no black and white in dealing with them. It doesn't matter what alignment you portray your character as. Even lawful good, would you cut down a Rook boy running at you with a knife, the same as a burly tattooed Rook with a giant sword? Me personally, I'd cut down the big Rook, and disarm and feed the little kid. That is a perfect example of there being no black/white, one answer to rule them all. But there can still be general strategies. From the law's perspective, yes, it makes sense not to tolerate association with the Rooks, or negotiating and working with them. It'd also be logical for a variety of fines/punishment to fit the crime of any apprehended criminals. Khylon's proposal was harsh on purpose. It was super rigid and extreme. I knew from the get go I was going to make my NPC reject my other NPC, hah. It was intended to, reveal a few things, AND now open the door for PC's to maybe put forth a proposal in helping to counter the Brotherhood of Rooks.

But again, that's where it becomes challenging, and at times frustrating, and by design.

Within the Rooks are killers, murderers, hardened criminals...but also hungry children, lonely children, widows, butchers, bakers, candlestick makers (hehe), shop owners, hunters, all manner of town citizens. It gets even more complicated when you take into account the non-members who sympathize and support the Rooks. I actually have a secret list of some "members" and "sympathizers" in town, like shops, etc. Then players also work with the Rooks, for a variety of reasons. They too like crime, or they are okay with "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". The Brotherhood of Rooks will typically always incite division, and I think while frustrating at times, it is healthy. It keeps the game alive, it keeps the community engaged, and it keeps the conversation going when I'm not around.

But division is not endless. I would imagine there will come a time, and there will come a threat, that everyone can find some measure of unity against.

Eyes of the Dawn. Chapter 1: Without a Prayer.

Coming in August!

-GM Kenstrom-