TownCrier/Faction Attraction/TownCrier

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Faction Attraction - TownCrier

Author: Yardie

Wehnimer’s Landing has been the epicenter of Elanthia, its frontier, and the nucleus of the social world. While the Shining City has its lustrous buildings and Vaalor its impregnable walls, the streets of Wehnimer’s infuses different parts of Elanthia through its vast and various population, which ultimately shares its information and gossip through different means and methods. Of course, that information is subject to various degrees of bias, making matters of import seem nothing more than gossip. However, one organization takes on the burden of vetting information and regaling the world with clear, unbiased news, serving the masses to digest and discern This is TownCrier.

Hosts and Members

Lady Luxelle Machtes the Bardess.

She appears to be an Elf.

Gracing her brow is a verdigrised copper ferroniere, the bright hue of the metal almost completely obscured by its verdant patina. Tiny spheres of blue and green amber provide flashes of brilliant color in contrast, the tiny gems hanging in strands around the entire edge of the ferroniere.

She is average height. She appears to be youthful. She has emerald-sparked lagoon blue eyes and creamy fair skin. She has long and pale, sun-kissed flaxen hair bound into a loose roll held at the nape of her neck by a pair of silver-twisted zorchar hairsticks. She has slightly upswept pointed ears. Her features bear a soft, gentle appearance. She has an alum-traced butterfly wing earcap inset in shards of glasswing butterfly attached to her ear.

Superimposed over Luxelle's form is the ghostly silhouette of a Ashrim guardian, a resolute expression on his face. As you watch, he shifts his stance purposefully as he adjusts his wave-etched espadon.

Miniature shimmering stars spiral outward from her before fading away.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing an ombre watered silk handbag slung over her shoulder, an ocean-dark elesine gown subtly embroidered with silver threads reminiscent of wave crests, a silver eahnor wedding ring, and some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers.

Whimweaver Leafiara Autumnwind the Defender of the Fallen of Wehnimer's Landing.

She appears to be a Half-Sylvan.

She is moderately tall and has a well-toned frame. She appears to be youthful. She has sparkling green eyes and smooth honey-hued skin. She has shoulder length, tousled cherry red hair framing her face in a disheveled, carefree style. She has a well-defined, heart-shaped face and slightly pointed ears. She has gradient scarlet-to-ivory polish brushed onto her smooth rounded fingernails.

Miniature yellow treble clefs spiral outward from her before fading away.

She is in good shape.

A budding sentient potato wearing an iridescent viridian and pink fairy costume is settled on her shoulder.

Her hands are covered in a light dusting of sugar.

There is a small ruby red sprite flying above her shoulder.

She is wearing a feystone dragonfly locket, a shimmering cherry red cloak, a radiant red zelnorn tunic accented by a shining white leaf flourish with a pure white starsilk sundress sporting a skirt-spanning red music staff underneath, an aelotian rose gold wedding ring showcasing a stylized dragonfly design, a polished knotwork platinum wedding band, and a pair of cherry red starsilk sandals sporting starsong-reinforced soles.

Colorful, wispy threads shimmer in and out of existence, twining and dancing freely around a white imflass manacle encircling her left wrist. Its empty keyway is outlined in a bold red glow that pulsates rhythmically.

With excited whining noises, a white-masked reddish brown puppy with high triangular ears starts to wag her white-tipped tail so hard that her entire body begins to sway in time with the motion.

Introductions

'The TownCrier, Newsroom' Numerous desks in various states of disarray are scattered around the room, covered in stacks of books and papers, the odd bottle of ink perched precariously atop the piles. Scraps of parchment are clipped to strategically placed contraptions hanging from beams. A large blackboard is mounted on the west wall between an office and the conference room. Open wood-framed cubbyholes line the south wall beneath glass-fronted news clippings, some empty, some bursting at the seams with unopened wax-sealed scrolls. You also see an eager intern, a glaes-paned door with a 'Staff Only' sign, an iron staircase spiraling upwards through a small opening and a well-used dark desk.

I arrived at the TownCrier building in the lobby, familiar with the place since I've been there a few times. Thinking they would be waiting in the lobby, I waited, only to ponder if I was late, or they were. Impatience got the best of me, as I did not want to live up to the moniker of being tardy to the party, at least not in this professional setting. Instead, I traveled to the Newsroom. Like the consummate professional, Miss Luxelle was waiting for me. She beamed happily at me. In truth, I think she beams happily at everyone. I do not imagine a scenario where I have seen her angry at....anyone.

Luxelle: We are early!

That was a relief.

Yardie (nervously): I was...err....actually standing in the lobby.

Luxelle chuckles and nods. "I think there is food in there."

Luxelle ponders.

Yardie: Are we having any others show up today?

Luxelle: I am hoping. She gulps I tried to make it not sound like work and all. But it looks like just you and I.

Fireflies descend in a cloud, their pulsating lights and fluttering movements creating a brief hypnotic pattern in the air. As if by some unseen signal, they scatter back into the environs, revealing Leafiara in their absence. She observes her surroundings with a keen eye.

When I think of the Landing, I think of Leafiara Autumnwind, the former Mayor, Rook, Councilor, Chaos Embracer, Dancing Cleric, and Frontierswoman. At first, I opposed many of her politics and was often one to share my feelings on the matter. Despite those differences, we could always discuss matters despite disagreements and appreciate the honest approach. It was during the Barony and Elidal that we gained more common ground. It moved me to see the pulse of the Landing, which was so torn by the sudden change. Conversations led to a bet and led to more discussions. I would define Leafiara as the heart of the Landing, with Pukk being the soul and Gutstorm being the...er...inebriated brain. We exchanged hugs. I was glad to see her here.

Leafiara: Hiyas!

Luxelle: Miss Leafi, Thank you ever so much for coming!

Leafiara hooted at me. It was her trademark, a token from her connections to Willow Hall. "Wouldn't miss it if I could help it!"

Yardie: Glad you're here. I'm a little...nervous, and I don't know why.

Leafiara gazed in amusement at me. Her gaze told me a tale I perhaps did not know about myself.

Luxelle: Miss Leafiara has been here with us ... a really long time.

I grinned at Luxelle.

Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.

Luxelle: She was one of those who voted YES - when I asked if we should become an official organization.

Leafiara: Ahh, now that really does seem so long ago...

Luxelle nods at Leafiara.

Yardie: Any estimation as to how long?

Luxelle: The Meeting Hall papers were in 5120. We were founded with Miss Newsby and all in 5116. The building was 5121? I might be off by a year for the MHO things. Luxelle sighs.

Leafiara: If I remember, the voting was unanimous.

I grinned at Leafiara.

Luxelle: I tried so hard to drag my feet on that.

Leafiara: At very least, I don't recall any reasons anyone could come up with not to do it.

Luxelle: But they all promised me they would help with the paperwork and requirements. Luxelle nods.

Leafiara (amusedly to Luxelle): That's true, it was more the rest of us pushing you to go for it. She chuckles.

Luxelle nods at Leafiara.

The Outcry for the TownCrier

Yardie: It's quite peculiar, because where there are not reasons why not to do it, it does pose the question of...well....why? Why form the TownCrier?

Leafiara: The TownCrier already had the recognition--it was just a matter of making it official.

Luxelle: Oh, originally, Miss Newsby and I pulled together to cook it all up because ... I was irritated that the information was not easy to find. And I was forever missing things. I figured if I was missing news and events, other people were, too. Luxelle nods. Irritation, the mother of invention.

I chuckled. On many occasions, circumstances created an opportunity for some innovation. It seemed like years ago when a lunch-hungry ferryman concerned with his shifts served as the only means to the East. Now, there are ships, fixed roads, and bridges, travelers on mounts, and swift means of transport. I imagine it may have been the same for the news. Slow travel and little avenues of information probably made for a clueless, well, more than clueless Elanthia. On that, Miss Luxelle was more than correct.

Leafiara snickers.

Yardie: So I imagine, prior to the TownCrier, everything was through word of mouth?

Luxelle: I suppose. There were parchments left on Moot Hall and trees which ... were not easy to find for many people.

Leafiara: So... yes, more or less. She chuckles.

Luxelle: There had been no newspaper in the lands for many, many years.

Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.

Luxelle: This building was full of cobwebs before we moved in.

Yardie: Was there anything prior to the TownCrier?

Luxelle nods. Oh! Come and see!

Leafiara: Tours!

Luxelle clasps Leafiara's hand tenderly.

The TownCrier, Gallery A large banner is suspended from the ceiling just inside the archway, boasting an assortment of hand-drawn quills and ribbon-tied scrolls surrounding the title "Elanthian News Delivery Through The Ages." Lush carpeting quiets the octagonal room, each wall featuring a display centered upon its smoothly plastered expanse. High above, domed stained glass in jewel tones depicts a messenger bird coming to rest upon a twining grapevine. A large, round rich blue leather bench provides a welcome spot to rest.

Luxelle: I had to get special permission, permits, exclusionary waivers and oh, many called in favors to add this gallery to the building.

Yardie: I imagine it was a daunting task. How was support for this idea?

Luxelle: Over the years I have purchased, been given copies, and found all I could about the histories of the publications. The idea of the gallery, or the TownCrier News itself?

Yardie: The News itself.

Luxelle: I spent 2 weeks getting it ready from a table in the Moonglae Inn. We lived in Ta'Illistim at the time.

Leafiara tilts her head toward Luxelle, examining her intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly.

Yardie: The Shining City. I was not expecting origins for the Crier over there.

I really wasn't, though the logic behind it seemed sound. The East, particularly those in Ta'Illistim, were nothing if not scholars and literary aficionados. Any form of documentation or literary work probably set them in a stir in the same way violence and chaos stirred the Frontier folk or how snow and Coven talk motivated Icemule. To see it in the Landing proved most curious.

Luxelle: And then I spent half a week gathering opinions of people that I respected. And while many people thought it was a great idea, there was some significant pushback from surprising corners. Enough to give me pause. She gulps.

Leafiara looks thoughtfully at Luxelle.

Luxelle: But Miss Newsby insisted it was a great idea.

Leafiara (offhandedly to Yardie): Oh, this'll be a good interview. I'm learning things I didn't know either.

Yardie (to Leafiara): Well, that's why I'm here. To share with the masses."

Leafiara grinned at me, and I felt a bit at ease in knowing that this project of Faction Attraction served a purpose. For far too long, many of us have roamed and lived amongst communities and individuals without ever knowing, understanding, or even inquiring about their stories. To learn something new and share it with the masses slowly became a great joy and fulfillment that I hope swayed others.'Italic text

Yardie: Who had issues with the Crier? And if you can't discuss who....I guess, I'm more curious about why.

Luxelle: A few years ago, completely unbidden, one of my rolemodels and heroes came to me and acknowledged that while they though the TownCrier was not a good idea when I spoke about it originally, that they were so wrong, and thanked us for all our hard work.

Leafiara: Can't foresee every outcome perfectly.

Yardie: I'm glad. It is always appreciated when there are pleasant surprises.

Luxelle: I worked at bringing it to ESP, but we really could not figure out how to do that until a few years ago when Chronomages or Magisters or SOMEONE made ESP easier to use. Who did that? It is tangled with Chronomages in my head. Luxelle ponders. We might as well credit them with something kind. She winks.

Leafiara starts chortling.

Sorting Through The Bias...or Bee-Ess

TownCrier appears to be the innovator, or at least, the gold standard of reliable news and information. However, it is far from the only source of information provided, be it on parchment or through thought. With more outlets of information coming from different parts of the world, I wanted to know what makes TownCrier different from the rest.

Yardie: I imagine through thoughts...would be difficult. I know many Aelotoi who do not like their thoughts intruded. But let's dive into that idea. As of late, there is a fear of bias. There are different forms of news throughout Elanthia: The Free North News and the Peacock Gazette as examples. What makes the TownCrier different from those?

Luxelle: We set up rules about working as a professional news organization that have served us well. I think that helped us achieve successes.

Yardie: Any particular rules that you are willing to share?

Luxelle: Aside from that Chaston problem, I like to think we are not biased. Well, er, maybe I lean a little into anti-Empire sentiments from time to time, too. Luxelle shifts her weight.

The comment on bias would depend on who you talk to. If you roamed the streets and spoke to townsfolk, the anti-Empire sentiment would be the popular stance. For those who live across the grasslands and into Solhaven, there would be talk of a sound protector and ally with decades of aid to the Frontier Town. Still, others would show indifference, and others would have biases due to a tragic history. In short, while the Landing leans anti-Empire, not one sentiment is set. It truly is a town with diverse minds, so a diverse periodical fits the bill.

Leafiara chuckles.

Luxelle: I think the TownCrier is different in that it is more globally centered, and keeps people informed about the larger events and stories going on.

Yardie: Some would say that's a rather sturdy wall to uhh...lean on. Umm, why do you think.....You grin at Luxelle. You're reading my mind, Miss Luxie.

She really was. It seemed she jumped ahead on many questions I hoped to ask before I got the chance to do so.

Luxelle: What an awesome mind you must have! Luxelle raises her voice in merry laughter.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.

Yardie: I'm starting to think your reliability for information and accuracy is rather...uncanny.

Luxelle: We have a wonderful core team of Newsies - that is what I call them. Covering specific things, or general ones. Miss Leafi keeps us informed about Landing events. And tries to keep me on the straight an narrow. Which is no small thing. Luxelle shifts her weight.

Leafiara: There's a great deal of behind the scenes work.

Yardie (to Leafiara): Vetting, I can imagine.

Leafiara (adding): And I also try to keep appraised of new breakthroughs in magical studies, combat techniques, and the like! Apprised, I mean.

Luxelle: Oh, yes, see, straight and narrow. What do I know about being a cleric? Luxelle flails her arms about.

Yardie: So its safe to say, there are..uh.."newsies" everywhere, yes?

Leafiara: Usually, I'm one of the first to tell Miss Luxie if some new genius maneuver or spell has been created and is spreading through the lands. Leafiara stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.

I've seen Leafiara fight. It's easy to get lost in her joy and grins and the cherry-vanilla hues that show mirth and warmth. The fact was, in combat, she was as ferocious as they come...and with a wealth of knowledge on matters as well.

Luxelle chuckles and nods at Leafiara. "And then she has to explain it to me in nice bite-sized words."

Leafiara looks at Luxelle and breaks into a cheeky grin.

Yardie: So, it's safe to say that each member has a specialty of interest.

Leafiara (musing): Maybe not by intention, necessarily, but it does work out that way in practice.

Leafiara's Delicate Balance

It's hard to be impartial as an individual. Convictions and culture create controversy when these ideals are in opposition with the events of the outside world. I mentioned the difficulties of impartiality involving elements like the Empire or the Elven Nations. For someone like Leafiara, who has held office as Mayor of the Landing, investment in the safety and security of her town poses difficulties of being objective, in my humble opinion. As a result, I asked Leafiara directly about those circumstances.

Yardie (to Leafiara): I want to ask you this question, considering your position as a former Mayor.

Luxelle: Oh, I like that rumor, Mister Yardie. Everywhere. This is not to say we are fully staffed. We rea always looking for people to help in small niches, behind the scenes, or out in the spotlight.

Leafiara tilts her head toward you, examining you intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly. Yesss?

Yardie: Speaking of niches, as a former Mayor, it might be difficult to deliver information from a position of power. Yet, I gather sharing is important to you, even in a way as another form of service. How does one like yourself spread the word of politics without being drawn to those sides? I'm not saying that you do. I ask the question because I imagine people may assume matters.

Leafiara: Oh, I always recused myself from those things. Leafiara chuckles. Everyone else handled reporting on campaigns and the like.

Luxelle nods.

Yardie: Did you find it difficult to rescue yourself from that position?

Leafiara: Which, to be fair, does have its downsides.

Yardie: Such as?

Leafiara: Our transcripts of debates and such are a bit lacking at times since people are used to me creating those, but during campaign seasons I would just ignore them and then they might not happen at all. No, it would be more difficult not to recuse myself. Running a campaign and reporting on it simultaneously would probably be the death of me. I guess I should say this all applies to when I was running for various offices.

Luxelle nods.

Leafiara: I did report on the race between Alendrial, Amos, and Thadston.

Yardie: But you enjoy the politics when it doesn't involve you, then? And you Miss Luxie?"

Luxelle gazes heavenward.

You nod at Leafiara. (wryly): 'Enjoy' is maybe too strong a word. Then considering her next words, she said ...feel obligated, maybe… She chuckles. Yardie (conceding): That's fair.

Leafiara: It's the worst part of my year most years. It's better that we have elections than that we don't, but they can and do get really ugly.

Most elements of power involved ugly struggles. Coming from New Ta'Faendryl, it was not uncommon for those vying for a position of power to debate through word and...sometimes...through subterfuge. Those in opposition often ended up quieted or even missing. The Landing was nothing near that level of dissension; however, passionate folks had passionate opinions.

Luxelle: Politics seems inevitable. As they have gotten more .... political ... I feel the stress.

Leafiara: And I usually find myself wishing they'd hurry up and finish. She chuckles.

Yardie: I can imagine. I dabbled into that due to Dendum saying I should play a role as a citizen at the time. It was....difficult.

Leafiara nodded at me. You and especially Soliere made that campaign season one to remember. No idea how she does what she does. She put in the work of every candidate combined and then four times over. Leafiara chuckles.

Luxelle chuckles and nods at Leafiara.

Most folks know about my appreciation for the Soubrette, Soliere. She is the one responsible for my dabbling into manicures and hand care. When Dendum encouraged me to delve into the political arena, several folks encouraged me to ask questions and moderate a debate between the councilors. It was Soliere who was my biggest supporter and the reason for the success of many events. She also aided in those debates and steered me into gathering questions from people to ask for the debate. Despite those days being long gone and the talk of chicanery, she always believed in me. Leafiara was correct, and even then, I felt Soliere did so much more.

Yardie: We..er...wanted to make sure people had all the information at their disposal before they cast their vote.

Leafiara: I've found that to be an impossible task, but I understand the effort to at least try. There wouldn't be enough parchment in the Landing or anywhere else to fully review everybody's positions on everything. She grins.

I snickered. As I stated before, the diverse mindset of the Landing made for difficulty in gathering a clear consensus, even when trends leaned in a particular direction.

Leafiara: Nor could they even necessarily articulate it all, even if we did have enough parchment. (relenting) But I know what you mean.

Yardie: It would be entertaining to see Gutstorm slur his political positions on paper.

Leafiara (adding): And even if they could articulate it all, then nobody would read it all. Gutstorm doesn't need political positions. He's already our king! Leafiara whistles tunelessly to herself.

I am not certain if the Mayor would approve. Then again, she has not been heard from in quite some time. Perhaps Gutstorm did usurp her position as leader of the Landing.

Luxelle starts chortling. Real power is not voted upon, it is ... taken.

Yardie: Historically, this is correct.

Leafiara (marveling): That was deep.

Luxelle: Exercised.

Miss Luxelle had a profound way with words.

Rules and Requirements

Yardie: I want to move on to the next question. I'm enjoying this interview as the questions and answers are coming out organically through our conversation. For anyone who is interested in joining, what are the rules and requirements?

Luxelle: Mister Yardie, a willing heart to work hard for the peoples of Elanthia is number one of the list. An vibrant interest in the aspect of the News that they wish to cover is second. People can speak to me about it - but the TownCrier Team is a hard working group of people, and everyone gets a say in whether someone becomes a member or not. So, I always take a name back to the Team; it is something between vetting and clearing. She winks. As a group, we are much wiser than just what I know. I like people to create their own roles and jobs, because where one's passion is ... that is where they will succeed.

I nodded at Luxelle, understanding what she meant. I struggled with literacy but always had a lot to say, much to the chagrin of many. The TownCrier allowed many to express what they loved and enjoyed about the world they lived in.

Yardie: Notwithstanding, there are many who enjoy learning or the love of learning.

Luxelle: We have a very few operating rules, but at the top of that list is ... No Drama. I think it is in the middle and at the end, too. Luxelle winks.

Leafiara chuckles.

Luxelle agrees with you.

I laughed nervously. Sometimes, strong opinions lead to drama. Recent events illustrated this. For some, drama wrapped around them like a warm blanket. In my case, I found myself mummified by wraps of drama and trouble.

Events

Yardie: Events! Are there any future events to come that others may attend to learn more and see the workings of the Crier?

Luxelle: I am not sure we have had a special insider's tips workshop in some time, maybe we need to do that, after Duskruin, though. Our next big event will be the Bbee Kind Day celebration.

Yardie: Oh, it doesn't have to be any special insider tips. It can also be events that are fun and enjoyable.

I blinked at Luxelle and then nodded at her. TownCrier provided the platform to run Bbee Kind Day, and that was months away, but to hear it ring in my ears, I admit, I was caught off guard.

Luxelle: Where everyone in the realms takes a day to help others, like Mister Bbee did so selflessly when he walked among us. You may know the guy who leads that up, it is .... She grinned in my direction. You! What is the date on that this year, Mister Yardie? (to Leafiara): We can watch him interview himself now. Luxelle beams!

Leafiara looks at Luxelle and hums.

It's no secret that I am a member of TownCrier. In fact, they permitted and encouraged Faction Attraction. Still, I did not do well with interviewing myself. However, Bbee Kind Day held a special place in my heart, and Bbee, being the reason for the holiday as well as the joy of the Landing, always fueled me to sing his praises. I played along with the self-interview.

Yardie: I'm...familiar with this person. But in truth, Bbee is the reason for the day, and you all are the reason it comes to light. It would be the 27th of Koaratos. I do not know why I picked the last Restday of Koaratos, but...it is.

Luxelle: It had to be some day.

Yardie: It was a day that called to me. The last Restday of Koaratos. What is important is the work you all do to spread that love and care for your fellow person like he did.

Bbee Kind Day is a team effort, a community event. It is a day where petty squabbles and differences should be put aside to aid and show love to others. No one knows the demons one faces, literally and figuratively. To give a kind act, a warm hug, a simple gesture of appreciation went a long way. It is what he did. It is the legacy he left behind. It is an insurmountable feat to be as generous as he was. Perhaps one day, I will discuss how the day came to fruition.

Luxelle: We will start collecting donations and making plans very soon. To be prepared. And all the organizations of the lands join in with this, too. Every year, it grows. Last year, individuals, without any group backing, were dedicated to it enough to serve up ways to help people, too. It really is very exciting, and I am ever so glad you do this Mister Yardie. Mister Bbee's footsteps may have been quiet, but they are really big.

Luxelle praises you, expounding upon my fine features and excellent characteristics. They were very big footsteps. Rather, bbig footsteps. Leafiara nodded knowingly. She had been close to him, sharing many evenings in discussion. I had perhaps a fraction of those evenings, but they were invaluable every single one.

Yardie: You flatter me. He made it happen. We just...spread the love. And again, you all are the reason for it. And I'm grateful for you all for that.

Leafiara turns to Luxelle and cheers!

Luxelle: Just as this gallery helps to spotlight the hard work of the editors and writers who paved the way before the TownCrier ... Bbee Kind Day helps us remember that kindness he brought to the Lands.