Brotherhood of Rooks/saved posts

A line in the sand on 07/09/2016 05:15 PM CDT

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-