User talk:TUMARA
This is a personal accounting of Opalina's experience--these are her personal views, and actions from her perspective, no logs are being recorded at this time.
The Icemule's City Council
Opalina's Thoughts
A call to action from the citizens of Icemule
Sitting at the table in my home I'm running through my desire to support Icemule. I don't feel confident in being able to help be on a council but I am feeling this strong desire to do so. I lay my head down on the cool table. My white lizard companion nuzzles my cheek before biting my ear Great even he wants me to stop moping.. Fine Fine I'll just throw myself out there and see what happens.
The speeches
The gods above that was a terrible experience! I was so flustered..But it's over now to just wait. I do not like public speaking it's always created deep anxiety in my stomach but I was filled with a fire I didn't understand and I thankfully didn't get sick lucky them...
The wait
I've been so blessed, people have returned to town as of late to cast their votes. Whispers and Kind words are pressed on me like a soft blanket of encouragement. I almost feel too warmed by their vote of confidence that I would be a good choice to add to the council. Will I?
Out come
Ohh it was so exciting a change of the hands meeting with the Mayor was made to change over to the new city council members. I am so excited to have made it! The voters choose Gespry, Myself, Kobane, Roelon, and Bakarus. I feel really good about this group. Arianiss passed along a nice cloak to Bakarus and gave me a folded parchment. He whispered to me that I needed to show it to Gespry as soon as possible. That was kinda puzzling since I thought the parchment was just a list of Council items to work on! Soon as I had a free moment I opened the note and read it. My heart sank at one of the lines. I put on a smile and refolded the note placing it back into my bag.
The List
After the party I rushed to a private table to re-read the parchment handed to me from the former Council member Arianiss. I unfold the parchment and read..
In the Common language, it reads:
- a wooden plaque in Clovertooth with the names of those who donated metal slabs (Aethyra, Arianiss, Asben, Cyar, Earthdiver, Erienne, Fahlo, Falvicar, Gespry, Jastalyn, Jasron, Jiarine, Kittai, Laelithonel, Portes, Roelon, Taulramil, Teaberry, Trouthe)
- alley shop taxes, where do they go
- will the cottage on east road ever open (otherwise tear it down and put a petting zoo in its place)
- Faire of the North
- more guards (12 of them so shifts can be taken at each gate)
- Vaalor treaty decision
- mend relations with the King of Ta'Vaalor
- elevate Icemule with other cities
- Ta'Illistim embassy in Icemule
- better anti-air defenses
- citizens in town guard positions as captains
- status of Kadya and her Eorgina request
- fix the statue in Town Center
- fix the windmill in the southwest corner of town
- clean up the wreckage in the Elven Alley
- the traitor is Bakarus (and Aethyra is on the verge of telling everything she knows if something isn't done about it)
- reconnect Icemule to the half-krolvin village in the west
- dock for sea access
- safe haven for non combatants during attacks on town
- system to promote stronger engagement between citizens and council (government)
I read and re-read the name Bakarus... It can't be so this makes no sense at all.. My mind is made up.. I will speak to Bakarus. There is no way I'll sully his name to the rest of the group. I mean we only just made it to the council, it's not fair to hurt him before we know all the truth.
I send a private message to Bakarus, "Do you have a moment? We need to talk. Can you meet me in private at the Moot Hall Lockers?"
Bakarus agreed and traversed to landing only to receive a new message from me correcting the location to the Icemule lockers. This would throw off anyone following him.
Pulling the secret volume on the shelf I enter into the quiet room and wait.
Bakarus enters and greets me with my new title. I'm flustered but smiled anyway. I have no idea if this is right but I have to share anyway I'd want someone to share if I were being accused of something.
I cleared my throat and Told him congrats on getting the cloak from Arianiss and asked him if he remembered the parchment that I was handed.. he nodded and I quickly continued.
It says some terrible things Bakarus.. I don't want to believe it!
He asks to see the parchment and I show him and wait patiently as he reads it not once but twice as well..
He sighs and shakes his head and then asks me if I'd heard of the letters left at the Shrine outside the west gate revealing town secrets.
I nodded my head slowly but shared that I've not read them so I have no idea what was revealed or even who revealed it.
He said there was a woman who found the letters and turned them over to Arianiss, and that even he didn't know what was on them.
He did see, however, how his name could be used because he was used by the lich to share a message. He stated it was entirely out of his control and he is more concerned about the town than ever.
I couldn't help but feel for him Even I know what it means to be controlled by a lich without your permission. It's happened to me!..
I will not share with the rest of the council Bakarus' name. Right in front of him I erased the line that accused him.
I was asked to show this to Gespry as soon as possible.. But it will only be what is needed right now. Bakarus and I agreed to be careful and watch out for each other.
Later I found Gespry and gave him the modified parchment.
What do you know?
Awe I love a good Dreavening! Dreaven has a team of folks that get together and provides special services so we can travel a little safer. Sometimes folks from all over come together at his meetings, to drink, chat, and have a good time.
This is where I was when Sorlu found me. He waved to me. He whispered, "If you have time later can we chat? I want to share a few things with you now that you are on the council." How can I pass that up?! I of course accepted. I was really curious about what was on his mind. I agreed to meet with him he stated he wanted someplace private and I of course thought of the Underground tunnel in Icemule. I suggested we meet at the Lockers..later..
So here I found myself pulling the volume to access the hidden room for a second time.
After speaking with Sorlu and learning a few interesting tidbits about him it became obvious that no one has seen the letters that were written at the Altar revealing town secrets. Town secrets that were supposed to be private? I think the time has some to address that. What was actually in those letters anyway.
Time to visit with Arianiss and if I can't find him.. maybe I should seek out the woman..
No Answers... just more questions!
Looking at the statue in town center creates a sadness inside me. Why did it have to be destroyed.. Well plans are in place to rebuild. The sculpture artist is hired, and the plans are being submitted. I can't wait to see the creativity that is expressed by the artist.
Kobane suddenly comes into view. I guess he was hiding in the shadows. He's such a strange wizard. He could almost pass as rogue! I hear myself giggle a little bit as even I was hidden in the shadows. I step around the broken statue just as Roelon enters the square. Ohh perfect!
I link arms with Roelon and stride over to Kobane, " hey do you two have a minute? I have some questions"
Of course they both agree and I link arms with Kobane and march us off to White Haven's conference room. I secretly hoped that Gespry would be sitting in his usual spot but he wasn't. So it was just us three.
My attention on Kobane I ask the only other member of the previous council I had access too at this time.. "Did you see the letters that were left at the shrine?"
Kobane so casually sits in one of the chairs and smiles with a slight twinkle in his eye .. damn he does know everything.. I wonder .. will he share with me??
And he does! He told me that there wasn't a signature on the letters.. It was only signed with a letter.. B... And truth be told there were not city secrets revealed.. only an offer of service.. Interesting.. indeed..
Service? What kind of Service? And who was B? Can it really be Bakarus? or was it another B.. names were thrown at me Bhenidre, and the lack of trust in Arianiss, and some fire mage named Jiarine.. So many more questions! ... Where does the circle start and close?
I tried to convince them that I didn't suspect Bakarus, but how can even I hold faith in those words when I barely know him myself.. I have to trust in my intuition and have faith in the group.. Time will reveal itself eventually
Bakarus Name cleared... Reiphe.. questionable!
The town center..
People began gathering in front of the bonfire discussing the statue and pointing out the broken pieces..
Reiphe enters and stands up so everyone can see him. Sure he's short in statue but he always commands a presence. All eye's turn to him and he begins to talk about issues with the Firebird and the plans to travel north.. But before he continued he changed his tune to the newly appointed council members and Congratulated us. I don't think he actually looked at me but Im sure his eye's met Kobanes.
No sooner than his words flow from his mouth, a group of deputies enter the room looking around with suspect and march up to Reiphe cuff him and haul him off to jail!!!
Among the chaos our Mayor Talliver walks in and begins to explain. He started to apologies to Bakarus for thinking he was a traitor! and then he was stating that Reiphe was embezzling coin from the town coffers! Even though it wasn't a whole lot so far.. it was enough to get attention..
There were folks balking at such an idea and demanding release and offering to pay the amount which was revealed was only about 10 million silvers.
Others were concerned as to why Reiphe would do such a thing. I was wondering if he was being cohersed or threaten..
The mayor assured the town that Reiphe would be kept safe but not released without further questioning, the possibility of a trial and or a meeting for discussion with him..
I for one want to ensure fair treatment and understanding of what has happened both for the town and for Reiphe's sake..
Town Mule --don't forget to enter your own suggestions--
Greetings,
Here is my submission for the Statue. I look forward to seeing the end result! Opalina
An ice statue of a climbing mule
>look statue
A crystal-clear star dais, etched with a tiny parade of penguins, creates the bottom of this statue. There are pointed arrows indicate the four quarters of the town. Exploding upward from the dais, is a snow beaten mountain being climbed, with determination reflected in the eyes and muscles of a mule. The mule’s head nearly touches its chest as it’s bent down fighting the winds and weather to reach its destination. The sculptures artist captured movement with the chiseled spray of the mane and tail behind the climbing mule. You also see a plaque.
>read plaque
The plaque reads in common, "The Four joined to One at the heart of the Mule"
Did...Icemule's government become the cat's-paw for foreign powers???
The Judge Discussion QnA Updated
I joined my fellow Council members as we discussed how best to help the Mayor with the trial.. We all finally agreed on a Judge and a backup judge. We have formulated a list of interested parties and announce a meeting time for interviews on Feastday <saturday> at 10pm as the elves tell time. <10pm eastern> The list so far is so short! I hope others step up at the last minute to offer their service.
The List
Hopefully the questions we ask will help narrow down the panel to a possible judge (with the option of a backup) that will be fair and look at all the data provided to be able to formulate a decision.
<So to be clear.. I misunderstood what the plan was and I am correcting it. So instead of 5 jurors it will be 1 judge with a backup in case something happens to the first or they are unable to meet at the time needed to run the trail.>
The Search for a Judge QnAs
Questions asked by the council to the potential Judges:
Kobane recites quietly:
"My two questions are!
What makes ya think ya's qualified t'be ah fair an'impartial judge in this case?
An' what is ya availability?"
Bakarus recites:
"I would like to know past interractions with Reiphe and how you would judge or punish the respective crimes of forgery, theft and treason"
Roelon recites deeply:
"Mah questions fir ye is as follows
One, If you were to disagree with how an Icemulian law is outline, would this effect how you would pass judgement?
And Two, It regards to Reiphe. Would the opinion of close friends or family, be they outside or if a testimony, effect your decisions?"
You recite quietly:
"I personally would like to know if one: you feel Reiphe is Innocent until proven guilty and
two if your willing to examin all the evidance provided with a clear and open mind."
Gespry recites melodically:
"My Query is
Question one: coffee or Tea? I'm just curious"
Sorlu
Speaking to Kobane, Sorlu says, "I have spent many years within the Warrens of River's Rest. I know as well as anyone the ways of those with hands not so clean. I also believe I bring a unique perspective, having dealt with the tactics of our enemy in an intimate way. If his hand is involved, and Reiphe is our traitor, I will know."
Speaking to Bakarus, Sorlu says, "A fair question. My dealings with Reiphe are light, at best. So I bring no preconceived knowledge of his character...from what Iunderstand, he has always done a decent job, beyond that, I know little of him."
Sorlu says, "As far as the punihsment...treason, of course, is the ultimate charge. For this, there can be only one sentence...and that is death."
Speaking to Roelon, Sorlu says, "It is not the position of the judge to legislate new laws. It is his job to simply follow the law, thus being impartial and bringing forth an impartial verdict. And no, nothing beyond the truth of the facts would weigh my decision."
Speaking to you, Sorlu says, "I appreciate the directness of your question. A man is not truly guilty unless prove to be so. This even applies to halflings."
Speaking to you, Sorlu says, "And of course, every detail is important...all the evidence must be weighed."
Speaking to Gespry, Sorlu says, "Coffee."
Perigourd
Speaking to Kobane, Perigourd says, "I am a former general of the Northern Fury in which I filled every role of responsibility including that of establishing guilt and removals of members from within that group. I do not judge people or situations based on more than proven action and what the evidence can prove. I do not currently reside within Icemule and haven't for some time so I have no conflict of interest that I know of."
Speaking to Kobane, Perigourd says, "Secondly, I am flexible to being available when needed, all I need is notice aforehand."
Speaking to Bakarus, Perigourd says, "I've only seen Reiphe in passing once prior and we didn't speak. Forgery and theft are property crimes and as such deserve a fitting punishment but do not necessarily ascend to a sentence of injury. Treason however is high crime and, should it be proven, could be potential grounds for a sentence of death." Speaking to Bakarus, Perigourd says, "I currently reside in Solhaven, and have since travelling many years back."
Speaking to Roelon, Perigourd says, "No. The laws of the land in which the trial is being held must be applied equally, regardless of personal bias."
Speaking to Roelon, Perigourd says, "And as far as goes outside influences, Categorically, no. I make my own mind up regardless of the pressure of others."
Speaking to you, Perigourd says, "All persons must be proven guilty and the evidence in fact must prove such. All else is conjecture of circumstance and considering a high charge, must be taken into account with a higher burden of proof."
Speaking to you, Perigourd says, "One must take into account all evidence prior to rendering judgement."
Speaking to Gespry, Perigourd says, "Tea."
Meliyara
Speaking to Kobane, Meliyara says, "I am a mage of Sharath. One of the important lessons we are taught is that emotion betrays truth and that knowledge is power. We do not act rashly. We consider what we can learn before deciding on a course."
Speaking to Kobane, Meliyara says, "I am frequently available, and more easily so with appropriate notice in advance."
Speaking to Bakarus, Meliyara says, "I have had no previous interactions with the one called Reiphe. In fact, I do not recall hearing his name until earlier this week. I believe this also demonstrates my impartiality, as I have no opinion whatsoever of the man."
Speaking to Bakarus, Meliyara says, "As Perigourd just noted, the crimes with which he is charged require different punishments. While theft and forgery must be taken seriously and punished, they do not require death in the way that treason likely would."
Speaking to Roelon, Meliyara says, "The law is the law. Were I to disagree with it, that would be my opinion, not the task I would be carrying out as judge."
Speaking to Roelon, Meliyara says, "As to your other question, it would depend entirely. A testimony is quite different than an outside opinion. All admissible testimony must be considered. After all, if the opinion of a close friend or family member had some bearing on the evidence, it must be appropriately weighed."
Speaking to you, Meliyara says, "The facts must speak for themselves and prove guilt before the accused can be judged. A rush to judgment serves nobody's interests."
Speaking to you, Meliyara says, "And, of course, the evidence must be considered openly, without determination until all sides have been presented."
Speaking to Gespry, Meliyara says, "Both, though I tend to be more partial to coffee, especially earlier in the day."
Vaemyr
Speaking to Gespry, Vaemyr says, "Coffee, always, preferably with a bit of liquor."
Speaking to Kobane, Vaemyr says, "For your questions." sJ> Vaemyr says, "Well, I'm not completely sure to be honest what would make me the most qualified here, that's what we're finding out I guess. I believe that I try to always look at things based on logic and evidence. I'm not from Icemule and don't have any close ties to Reiphe, but I also visit the town often, like to think I understand it a bit, so I believe that these things would help me if the council deemed me qualified to recide over this case."
Speaking to Bakarus, Vaemyr says, "My main dealings with Reiphe have just been as him acting as clerk and go between for Talliver, he would typically deliver news one way or another and that was mainly it. As far as punishment, for crimes of forgery and theft I believe a fine and some imprisonment would be warranted, however if treason was proven, then I believe I would probably seek exile and banishment."
Speaking to Roelon, Vaemyr says, "So as far as the law, I would follow the law as it is dictated here, it shouldn't be up to the judge to change procedures that are already established by the town as law, that is the jobs of their governing institution, regardless if I had different opinions on the manner."
Speaking to Roelon, Vaemyr says, "Anyone that can provide relavent evidence and facts would be more than welcome to come forward, be it friends and family, or people who might have a grudge, any potential evidence can help lead you to the truth even if it may seem irrelavent at the time."
Speaking to you, Vaemyr says, "I believe everyone has a right to innocence until proven otherwise, although that is not always the case in some nations that I have visited. And I will certainly swear to look and scrutenize all evidence that is gathered and hope that they lead to a conclusive result, if not then either more evidence would need to be gathered or the accused would need to be released."
Bellaja
Bellaja thoughtfully says, "Well, I have no personal stake in this case other than I am a resident of Icemule Trace since a was a child. I look to keep my home safe and running successfully."
Speaking simply to Bakarus, Bellaja says, "I do not know the man."
Speaking to Roelon, Bellaja says, "As a judge it is my duty to remain impartial and uphold the law of the land, if you wil. My opinion matters not in all of this."
Speaking to Roelon, Bellaja says, "No. I wouldn't care on what anyone but witnesses said. Rumors, conjecture, small talk all hold opinions and they've no place in a trial."
Speaking to you, Bellaja affirms, "Most certainly. Everyone is."
Speaking to you, Bellaja says, "Yes. It's imperative."
Speaking to Gespry, Bellaja says, "Tea."
Trouthe
Speaking to Kobane, Trouthe says, "I've lived in Icemule Trace my entire life. Although I was gone for a bit studying. I love Icemule Trace and want to see the best outcome for any situation that arises."
Trouthe says, "My philosophy is modeled after my studies with Voln and my patron Leya."
Trouthe exclaims, "I'm availble in the evenings as long as I have some notice. But not too late!"
Speaking to Bakarus, Trouthe says, "I've only seen Reiphe with a group of citizens interacting with him on matters that have come before the Major or council."
Trouthe says, "I have not interacted with him personally, to my knowledge."
Trouthe says, "There are established punishments for forgery, theft and treason."
Speaking to Bakarus, Trouthe says, "It's not hard to remember things, it's just that things and persons may not always be as they seem."
Trouthe says, "Punishment should fit the crime."
Trouthe says, "As for disagreeing with the law. I haven't actually seen the actually statutes that call out punishments for crimes. So I would not let that influence me."
Trouthe says, "Character references help to establish the facts of a case, but the source must be considered carefully."
Speaking to you, Trouthe says, "I don't have an opinion about Reiphe's innocence or guilt. So I would base my decisions on proven facts."
Trouthe says, "So I think I have a clear and open mind."
Trouthe says, "Coffee over tea, cocoa over both."
Teaberry
Speaking to Kobane, Teaberry says, "I can't claim any illustriousness, unlike many of the other candidates. But most of you know me, and you know that I care deeply about fairness and equality before the law. I have argued with mayoral candidates about what is just, and I am not afraid to ask probing questions to get at the truth. Plus--I love this town. This is my town. I would never do anything to be less than the good, fair judge it deserves. And I'm available anytime, though notice would be good."
Speaking to Bakarus, Teaberry says, "My only interactions with Reiphe have been when he makes a public appearance and I ask him questions. Forgery and theft merit prison. Treason, of course, is the worst crime, and I cannot see punishing him with exile or prison in that case. That said, if I were going to sentence him to death, the evidence would have to be solid. I wouldn't do it casually."
Teaberry says, "While I have no objection to judges creating new law through decisions where, for example, rights are involved, overturning laws purely because you dislike them or find them inconvenient is wrong. It can't be done casually or selfishly. And I definitely don't see any reason to do this in a case of forgery, theft, and treason."
Teaberry says, "Also, the opinion of friends and family outside of court is irrelevant. I am concerned with the evidence and with testimony presented under oath. I want to hear all available evidence in court. That's what matters. I would not give friends' testimony more weight than those of strangers. That would be wrong."
Speaking to you, Teaberry exclaims, "Yes, of course Reiphe is innocent until proven guilty. Everyone is!"
Speaking to you, Teaberry says, "And yes, I am willing to examine all evidence with a clear and open mind. That's essential for a fair trial."
Teaberry says, "Oh, and for the tie-breaker? Coffee."
Randsford
Randsford says, "I would like to start by saying I am here at the behest of the Town Council and to do my part as a citizen of Icemule. Those who knew me from my travels long ago know who I am and what I stand for. Since my return I have made it a point to resume my role as Protectorate of our fair city. I do not consider myself any more or less qualified than any other citizen. If selected to be a Judicator, I will be just that. Here to judge purely based on any evidence provided."
Speaking to Kobane, Randsford says, "I will be as fair as the trail may be. I say this only to point to the fact that we have an enemy that is known to be able to possess the minds of others, members of our own council have even succumb to his will. I will be as fair as the evidence allows. Do I have an pre-conceived notions of our defendent? No. He is a member of this city accused of high crimes and I will judge as fair as possible according to our laws. As per my availability, evenings are best."
Speaking to Bakarus, Randsford says, "My interactions are limited to seeing Reiphe perform his buearacratic actions. The most vivid memories I have are after the mayor was attacked and Reiphe was there to inform us of his progress and what had transpired. I have no personal dealings."
Speaking to Roelon, Randsford says, "I do not pretend to be a scholar of our laws. If selected I would like to be presented with any scrolls with said laws so that I may study them ahead of time. If there is a law that I disagree with it is not my place to decide; if anything I would say it is yours and the rest of this council to make that decision. I will follow and judge on the law as it is scribed."
Speaking to you, Randsford says, "We are all innocent until proven otherwise. Even if I were to judge someone as guilty it would only be in this world at this point in time. It would ultimately be up to the Gods to decide someone's true fate."
Speaking to Gespry, Randsford says, "Tea, prefably iced and with sugar. Coffee does not agree with me but if I must chilled with chocolate and as much sweetener as to hide most of the coffee itself."
Opalina's After Thoughts on the Search
So many good people have stepped up to offer their services! Thank goodness this choice is not entirely mine. Pulling a piece of parchment out of a box on the table in her home she places it in front of her. She stares at the blank page before writing 1. then leaving a space, 2. leaving another space, 3. she taps the quill against her lips and thinks back over the evening again. She leans forward and writes three names down on her parchment and folds it carefully and stuffs it into an envelope ready to go.
Reiphe Escape or Halfing-napped??
Relaxing in the town square after a hard days battling against Tree-spirits with the Drakes and un-dead in the Reim is a regular happening for my normal evening. But today was no normal evening. Mayor Talliver strolled into the town square surrounded by an abnormal amount of guards.
The citizens gathered around him and the Mayor suggested we all go indoors.. With that all interested parties followed the Mayor into the Meeting Pavilion at the edge of the square. It is here that the Mayor informed everyone, that the Council had choose a judge to oversee the case of Reiphe. He agreed that Teaberry would be a great choice! And with the Judge and the council present to have Reiphe brought out for questioning! Oh my goodness... did the questions fly.. It was hard to hear in the madness.
One anything was expressed by Reiphe, he claimed to have nothing to do with any of the Malarkey happening...He consistently proclaimed his innocence.
Reiphe also assured everyone he was being treated with kindly and not mistreated at all and he did retain counsel. I was very glad to hear that.
It was hard to see Reiphe in shackle...
You see REIPHE O'Mallory the Prisoner. He appears to be a Paradis Halfling. He is short. He appears to be an adult. He has hooded periwinkle blue eyes and freckled skin. He has swept back, neatly cut silvery-grey hair. He has a clean-shaven face and large feet. He is in good shape. He is wearing a black and white striped uniform, and a pair of enruned steel shackles.
It was good to see that Reiphe still had trust and faith in our Mayor. He expressed that they had spoken and agreed to the questionings.
When Reiphe was questioned about the documents found within his home. Reiphe claimed to not have the foggiest idea how they got there. REIPHE also stated "I maintain *very* accurate records. The idea that ten million silvers might go missing on my watch is impossible." Reiphe held his grounds that he did not take from the coffers of the town.
How was this possible? I personally asked who and what was the evidence found but received no answer.. So that got me even more puzzled.. What Reiphe being used by the Lich.. Was someone else being used by the Lich to set him up.. Was the Lich even involved? Could he have ment what he said when he stated he was happy where we was and this was something else entirely?..
Speaking to Talliver, Aethyra asks, "May I tell my story?" Talliver nods at Aethyra. Talliver says, "Please do." Aethyra slowly empties her lungs.
Aethyra recites:
"It was after a meeting we had where there was a discussion about spies. There was a crumpled note that I caught a glimpse of that mentioned Amasalen's shrine."
Aethyra recites:
"Since that shrine is in the area where I hunted at the time, I went to go have a look."
Aethyra says, "There was another copy of the note still sitting on the altar of the shrine, which was dripping with blood."
Aethyra recites:
"As I read and re-read the note, blook bubbled up over the edge of the altar, and a sibilant hiss filled my ears, followed by cold laughter that shook my bones with its power."
REIPHE exclaims, "That there were multiple notes doesn't immediately suggest that I wrote them!" > Aethyra slowly empties her lungs.
Speaking sternly to REIPHE, Talliver says, "REIPHE.
Aethyra recites:
"The voice said, "A pity, this little discovery of yours. But he was just a catspaw, a distraction for you impudents to toy with while I worked.""
Kobane quietly says, "Those notes were signed with a B, nah a R."
REIPHE points at Kobane.
REIPHE shrilly exclaims, "And remember the warning about the upside-down star!"
Aethyra recites:
"Smoke rose out of the burbling blood, taking on tortured, serpentine shapes. One arm-thick tendril snatched the note from the altar and it began blackening, rapidly decaying away as if eaten by years of rot."
Speaking loudly to Bakarus, REIPHE exclaims, "Don't you think I didn't see your pentagram!"
Bakarus chuckles.
Speaking to REIPHE, Talliver exclaims, "REIPHE! She is talking!"
Speaking to REIPHE, Bakarus says, "I've worn this robe as long as I can remember, my pilgims robe."
Aethyra recites:
"Another of the tendrils struck out at me, trailing around my neck like a tightening noose."
Aethyra recites:
"I couldn't move, and I couldn't breathe."
Aethyra recites:
"I became aware of a presence in the room."
Aethyra recites:
"A twisted, stunted body seemed to stand where there was nothing but empty air, and its eyes were the red of blood and the black of corpse rot. It rasped, "Run along. Tell them of his treachery if you want. Nothing can halt what I have put into motion now." The smoky tendrils drooped and vanished, and the blood seeped into the floor and was no more."
Aethyra recites:
"I wrote down what the note said."
Aethyra recites:
"I have a copy, and I gave Arianiss a copy."
Aethyra recites:
"Arianiss didn't want me to incriminate the guilty party without a fair trial, but this has gone on too long."
Talliver says, "We have yet to determine how a perfect copy of the note came to be."
Speaking to Talliver, Aethyra asks, "May I read the note?"
Aethyra removes a sheet of watermarked parchment from in her dark leather jacket.
Aethyra opens her parchment, scanning its contents.
Speaking to Aethyra, Talliver says, "Please do."
Aethyra recites:
"Arnabas, I certainly hope this missive finds you well. I wished to report that our sad little town has taken to finding aid from outside sources. Namely the Silver Gryphons and the Vaalorian Legion. A two pronged strategy where half assault your location and half remain in town for safety will be in place. Triage is to be in town center with a fallback at the gates of Voln. How quaint. I am not certain if any of this information is necessary, but I willingly provide it regardless. Your Servant, B"
Aethyra recites:
"Arianiss has information that directly relates to this."
REIPHE exclaims, "I swear this on my soul: I did not write that note!"
Talliver says, "The signature of the note is not, in and of itself, evidence of a party's malfeasance."
Discussions continued longer but seemed to turn away from Reiphe... other than to question how someone could have gained access to his home.. I mean I'm a rogue.. There are always ways to get into locks if you want to get in.. It still doesn't feel like we've gained any deeper proving Reiphe was guilty.
Shortly after Reiphe expressed his tiredness and asked to return to his cell. Talliver agreed it was enough questions for one night and asked Reiphe if he would consider more questioning during the weekend, but Reiphe stated he would need to consult with his counsel.. and with that he was led away by the guards with a request from the Mayor to report back to the Pavilion once the prisoner was secure.
I looked around the room still buzzing with discussion and speculations. Mayor Talliver conversing with Gespry, Randford, Roelon and Cryheart. A concern in the Mayor's tone as he expressed worry about Reiphe.
I stay back and and watch as the Mayor floats between different groups of people answering questions and expressing concerns. Gentle hands resting on shoulders or shaking other offered hands.
I couldn't help but wonder why would anyone want to harm this town and it's people? Why would there need to be distention within so far I don't even feel that Reiphe was a fault anymore than I feel Bakarus a part of the lich's actions.. If these are even actions of his at all.
I glanced at my wedding band once more as I felt the burn against my skin thinking of .. no .. best to keep the focus on other things.
The guard sure were taking a long time to return.. I wasn't the only one to notice that .. though others started to question...
Everyone joined Roelon to go on a search to see what was keeping the guards so long.. The South West part of town is where Reiphe was being held.. and it was there we found the two dead guards and no Reiphe in Site...
He is either captured.. escaped.. or dead.. But one thing is for sure..
Reiphe is No longer in Icemule..