Brotherhood of Rooks/saved posts

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-