Khylon meets with people about Rooks
Khylon, Guard Captain of Wehnimer’s Landing, meets with concerned townspeople and adventurers on Saturday night about the Rooks. Lylia records the speakers at the officials:
Category: Towns
Topic: Wehnimer’s LandingDate: 07/03/2016 04:25 AM CDTFrom: UBERWENCHSubj: A Long Meeting with Khylon (edited log of speakers)This is a pretty long log even with editing, so if you hate logs posted directly onto the forums, you may want to skip this post. For brevity’s sake, I cut out a lot, including some pretty amusing and thought-provoking exchanges as well as most of the editorializing, although I left in anything that speakers responded to directly. You’ll also see Khylon’s announcements of each speaker bolded for clarity. If anyone wants the unedited log, I have that too. Irar graciously volunteered — or was volunteered, more accurately — to take notes during the meeting, which he did beautifully, but he asked me to go ahead and post the notes here on the forum.Last night, Khylon, Mayor Puptilian, and assorted townsfolk held a meeting to discuss what to do about the Rooks. While the discussion didn’t result in definite answers and provoked some vehement disagreement, most people remained civil; no one died or even lost a limb (except Sareyna, and that’s par for the course these days).
Khylon says, “We need some ideas on how to punish the Rooks, and those who support them and openly tolerate their presence, but we also need to be fair.”
Khylon says, “This means, how do we punish the Rooks…but how do we punish their support system. Merchants, adventurers, etc.”
Khylon asks, “questions?”
Archales asks, “Why are we punishing them and their supporters?”
Puptilian says, “Because they are a criminal organization that has caused trouble to this town.”
Khylon says, “Join the list if ye want to speak.”
Khylon says, “Sir Cryheart.”
Cryheart says, “I can appreciate town folks who may be in support of the Rooks..considering that some may be citizens…..”
Cryheart recites:
“Ok..I will speak a bit louder…I do recall when Hendoran soldiers and the miltia went to search out Rooks”
Cryheart recites:
“I recall we found some underground areas”
Cryheart recites:
“What bothers me..is that children were sent down a hole…interfering with the guard and Hendoran soldier attempts”
Cryheart recites:
“I also recall an orb, regularly used by Rooks..was throw down that hole…killing many, including the children”
Cryheart growls ferociously!
Cryheart recites:
“That I cannae tolerate, by no means..as it was intentional”
Khylon asks, “And what do ye think must be done sir, to combat these pricks?”
Cryheart recites:
“Find those responsibile…and be judged accordingly”
Cryheart recites:
“I know there were factions in the past between Rooks..and therefroe will nae accuse all Rooks”
(Cryheart steps back.)
Khylon turns an inquisitive ear toward Fyonn.
Fyonn nervously says, “I think this town’s had enough fighting lately.”
Fyonn says, “Heck, this whole regions had enough fighting to last a lifetime.”
Fyonn says, “Shops destroyed, streets burnt…”
Fyonn glances at some gathered townspeople.
Fyonn says, “I guess what I’m saying is that if there’s any way to avoid the fighting…”
Fyonn passionately says, “Any way whatsoever…”
Fyonn says, “Amnesty, talking…”
Fyonn says, “We should take it.”
Fyonn says, “Forget perfect justice. Just try and at least forge some sort of peace.”
Fyonn says, “It may be that peace is impossible, but we should at least try.”
Fyonn says, “Guess I’ve said what I had to say.”
(Fyonn takes a few steps back.)
Khylon exclaims, “Mayor Puptilian, yer nex’!”
Puptilian recites:
“To those of you that think the Rooks are good for this town. The rooks murdered townspeople, murdered militia, kidnapped and murder adventurers and use children as shields. It was the Rooks who were backed by Cross. It was the rooks who worked with the Lich. The Rooks talk about protecting the town but work with the Silver Kings and Bayrunners. They expand their operations beyond the town to Mule and Solhaven. Their actions bring trouble to this town. Remember that when you speak about how “good” they are. “
Puptilian recites:
“As to what needs to be done. Two parts. I will announce again that my pardon offer is still valid. Any that are true citizens and want to protect this town come out from the shadows, do your duty for a year to protect this town and receive a pardon. As for the rest, you will be brought to justice. I believe we start by cutting off their outside influences. Hunt down and bring Stephos to justice. Next we break their use of the docks by doubling down on the efforts we have so far put in. Any that give aid to the Rooks will be dealt with. Have it be fines, jail time, lost of shop or position in the town I leave the punishment to the Judge but we wont let any get away with their efforst. Then we go after the head bird in his nest. “
Puptilian recites:
“If this town is to move forward we need to clean the troubles that we have within the walls first. The Rooks do not bring a future to this town outside more trouble, more fights, more war. Until we can get past this bird problem we can not move forward as a town”
Khylon says, “Wolfloner….”
Wolfloner darkly says, “There is a very hard truth you all need to face.”
Wolfloner darkly says, “Were it not for the Rooks and the Cosima abduction this very hall would have a Taladoran Banner flying over it.”
Wolfloner darkly says, “Careful who you eliminate while we are still threatened by that same presence in Talador.”
Wolfloner darkly says, “Do not make the empire attempted annexation of us easy for them.”
Wolfloner darkly says, “No consequences for the Rooks.”
Khylon asks, “So if yer moth’r gave ye birth, push’d ye from yer bloody loins, dat mean ye owe her for da res’ o’ yer life, ev’n if she tries to kill you and burn you and murder your own kids?”
Khylon peers quizzically at Wolfloner.
Wolfloner darkly says, “They are a good ally for what faces us to the south.”
Wolfloner darkly says, “None.”
Wolfloner darkly says, “Absolutely none.”
Khylon says, “It’s flaw’d logic mah friend. I don’ care what they done once, it’s what they’re doin’ now.”
Speaking darkly to Khylon, Wolfloner says, “You are a fool, and it is the citizens of this town that will suffer for it.”
Wolfloner darkly says, “As they did during the last invasion from the south.”
Khylon says, “Aydan! Yer up.”
Aydan says, “Now, I’m going to say something that might initially seem a sliiiiight bit unpopular at first. So hear me out.”
Aydan adds, “I am going to say, to a degree, go to the Empire for help, but let me build up to that.”
Aydan says, “We know from experience, when Sir Thadston, the Gryphons, the Militia, and the knights of the Azure Sun did some attacks on the Rooks, that what happens when we burn them out is they split off and form more nests. Like cockroaches and rats.”
Aydan says, “You can burn out all of them and they’ll just scurry off and go somewhere else. They’ve got plenty of food and other things to work with here, so that’s not going to work.”
Aydan says, “But,” he holds up a finger, “the food is the issue here. Unless you want to go kill Rysus next time you see him. Which I’m in favor of doing, of course.”
Aydan says, “Two things you can do here: you can poison the roaches and the rats. Don’t ask me how to do that one with them.”
Aydan says, “Or two, you can cut off their support and supply lines to the south. And that’s where I say you go to the Empire for help. So let me explain what I mean by that.”
Aydan reasonably says, “This town is trade partners with many of the towns in the south. Partners, being the key word.”
Aydan says, “Partners implies a relationship. You do your part, they do theirs.”
Aydan says, “Just like Hendor insisted on securing the docks here to keep the Rooks from importing things they didn’t like, you can insist on similar measures. Or at the very least, insist that THEY crack down on their own elements.”
Aydan says, “That’s where the support is coming in. The docks, the trade routes.”
Aydan says, “That has a point of origin. You want to hinder them? You insist that the origin be watched.”
Aydan says, “We all know the Rooks aren’t this town’s problem alone. Not anymore.”
Aydan says, “I would respectfully suggest that you consider not treating it as your own problem anymore, in turn.”
Aydan nods at Khylon.
Khylon exclaims, “Irar!”
Irar recites:
“Solution’s simple.”
Irar recites:
“Give the Rooks to Chaston, and give Chaston to the Rooks. Two rats in one, er… Cheese?”
Khylon asks, “explain?”
Speaking to Khylon, Irar says, “No. I’ve got enough to write. You lot can figure it out on your own. I don’t know. They probably hate each other anyway, and they’re both bad for the town.”
Khylon exclaims, “Shinann!”
Shinann says, “First, this so called treaty.”
Shinann says, “From what I heard of the negotiations, all that was accomplished.”
Shinann says, “Was we added an additional criminal element to both the Landing and Icemule.”
Shinann says, “By this… deal.”
Shinann says, “We might not have huge attacks.”
Shinann says, “But, they will still be criminal activites.”
Shinann says, “We did not get a peace deal.”
Shinann says, “We got more criminals.”
Shinann nods.
Shinann says, “Second, I am prepared to name the ones I saw.”
Shinann says, “A week ago… at Vipershroud.”
Shinann says, “The others that garnered this deal… they were very proud of it last night.”
Shinann says, “So, if they want to step up and also be recognized.”
Shinann says, “They can.”
Shinann says, “When I went to Vipershroud… following the barges.”
Shinann says, “I found four people there.”
Shinann says, “Mynon, Solstys, Sareyna and Archaeles.”
Shinann says, “Mynon was asking what was on the barges.”
Shinann says, “As I did also.”
Shinann says, “There were hooded figures on the barges.”
Shinann says, “Mynon and I were warned away.”
Shinann says, “We did not leave.”
Shinann says, “We were murdered.”
Shinann says, “The others were not harmed.”
Shinann says, “From what I observed.”
Shinann says, “Archales was running the show.”
Shinann says, “So to speak.”
Speaking to Shinann, Irar asks, “You are accusing Solstys and the others of being sympathizers?”
Shinann says, “Definitely two… I am not sure Solstys knew what was going on fully.”
Shinann says, “So yes.”
Shinann says, “I am.”
Khylon exclaims, “Geijon!”
Geijon recites:
“It seems to depend on the venue and th’ crowd when we get support or not. We may sound uniformed and in slight agreement then outside some second meeting is taking place.”
Geijon recites:
“I speak for myself and the Order of the Silver Gryphon when I mention our stance that Rysus remains a wanted criminal. He doesn’t require the death penalty, but his organization and operations need to cease. How we come about that remains a matter of concern.”
Geijon recites:
“I’d prefer to offer solutions, but all I can make is the open statement that th’ Rooks need to be opposed and removed, as they fragment th’ Landing with this double shadow, half smile.”
Speaking to Khylon, Geijon says, “Continued opposition to their existence is th’ solution. Solidly.”
Geijon says, “Their links to th’ Silver Kings merit Sir Aydan’s advice to squeeze them from th’ South.”
Geijon says, “As we know, Chaston, th’ concerns in Talador, th’ fighting pits in Talador and th.”
Geijon says, “Portrayal of a fragmented empire dictate that we face th’ coming storm, as Cross’ war is continuing in th’ subterfuge realm of espionage.”
Geijon says, “One we’re not equipped well to handle.”
Khylon exclaims, “Tolan!”
Tolan recites:
“I have listened to many concerns regarding the Rooks and what they have done inside and outside of this town for quite a long time now. There are no illusions about their methods, the manner in which conscious seems to have no weight in any decision or action by the group. Punish the unjust, if they are foolish enough to be caught and put before the law. However, if it is decided that the Rooks should be hunted to the last man and put to justice, it would be wise to consider the consequences of such.”
Tolan recites:
“The Rooks are something we all know, something we all are familiar with. Let us assume that they are removed, put to justice and made no more. Do not be foolish enough to think that another organization is not already sulking in the shadows just waiting for a chance to rise.”
Tolan recites:
“Balance will be maintained, as it always will. Create a void in this balance, and nature will ensure that it is eventually filled.”
Khylon exclaims, “Chamorr!”
Chamorr heartily says, “I think we should negotiate with em.”
Chamorr heartily says, “Well, they made a deal the other night.”
Khylon asks, “So yer t’inkin’ da Rooks can be trust’d?”
Chamorr heartily says, “I say we try to make a deal, maybe get some revenue out of it too.”
Chamorr heartily says, “Ya know, its always lets hunt em down, and it never flippin works.”
Chamorr heartily says, “If you can control some of what their doing, such as no slavery, bit shipping tax free rum maybe we make a deal.”
Khylon says, “So off’r ’em jobs.”
Khylon says, “Mayor’s tried.”
Khylon says, “Dey’ve spit in our fac’s.”
Chamorr heartily says, “Offer them a safe haven, with some controls.”
Khylon exclaims, “Goldstr!”
Goldstr says, “Couple tings befer me main point.”
Goldstr says, “Response ta Wolfloner an Chamorr, I tinks da empire as a whole still be our allys.”
Goldstr says, “Ta Aydan I totally agree.”
Goldstr exclaims, “Now I agree wid da Mayor cept!”
Goldstr says, “Git Rysus Head NOW! Nae then.”
Goldstr says, “Rysus gone our own shopkeepers may comes back to us.”
Goldstr exclaims, “Needs a warrant on Rysus Now an arrest him!”
Goldstr says, “Er I be done.”
Khylon exclaims, “Lylia!”
You say, “The Mayor made some excellent points. The Rooks, or some of them, have done all that he has said — kidnapping, murder, and worse.”
You say, “He says, ‘Bring them to justice.’.”
(Lylia ticks off each point on her fingers.)
You say, “Then, ‘Hunt down Stephos deArchon.’ ‘Break them at the docks.’ ‘Go after Rysus.’.”
You say, “…But how? It is all well and good to say ‘We shall make the Landing great and noble, and protect it from those wicked Rooks,’ but what specifically is the manner in which this will happen?”
You say, “Does anyone here believe that more patrols, more clanking armor, more people committed to the task is the way forward?”
You ask, “Has it helped yet?”
You explain, “There are other ways — many other ways — to achieve peace and deliver justice.”
You say, “Holding such meetings will never bring a peaceful resolution with those Rooks who are willing to seek it, nor will it bring justice to those who are in need of it.”
Speaking to Khylon, you say, “With all due respect to you, that is.”
Khylon asks, “so yer plan is?”
You admit, “I have no single plan.”
You say, “But I know that accusing one another of nefandous deeds or condemning those who want to find other ways to create peace and prosperity is a futile gesture.”
You conclude, “So I would ask that instead of turning upon one another, we take full advantage of the peace we currently have, to plan, to build, and to prepare for something far more insidious than a few criminals here and there.”
You say, “We all know the Rooks are hardly the greatest threat this town faces.”
You say, “And what of the Silver Kings? Rysus mentioned ‘connections.’ Would you not like to know who those might be?”
You say, “I remember what the Silver Kings did to the Hendoran soldiers’ wives.”
You quietly say, “I think Thadston would like to know where to find those responsible.”
You say, “I am finished now. Thank you for giving me time to speak.”
Khylon exclaims, “Archales!”
Archales says, “First and foremost let me begin by saying you are welcome.”
Archales says, “Because surely that’s what you meant to say about me brokering a peace between the icewall bandits and this town, and the plinites I helped salvage to allow you to rescue your Hendoran overseers.”
Archales says, “This town hall seems laughably ironic on the heels of a years long war, with various baronies all under the single banner of the sun throne and to which so many here are beholden, that there would be such a push for righting wrongs to innocents.”
Archales says, “The rooks have been a part of this town since before the mayor, before, you got crippled, and anyone who suggest you stamp out a part of yourself is either misinformed or wishes you ill.”
Archales says, “Every time we have listened to the voices who say stamp them out, violence has been the result.”
Archales says, “I have to question how listening to those same voices now makes any kind of sense, when it is clear they have motives to undermine the independence of this town.”
Archales says, “I question whether they want to stomp out the Rooks because they are bad, or because they are the only ones left to stand up to them.”
Khylon exclaims, “Ososis!”
Ososis blushes a glowing shade of red.
Ososis exclaims, “Oh, oh I wasn’t ready to give a speach!”
(Ososis clears his throat as he hastily rearranges his neat calligraphic note cards.)
Ososis says, “A couple points, I will try to be concise. Mathematically the rooks are no help whatsoever in any circumstance ever ever.”
Ososis says, “They draw from our town, so their addition in beak masks is not as though they are actually bolstering our defenses at all. If they regularly meet during times of war, though rarely it could be assumed they are reducing out defenses in general. As they have not only killed people about town, but aggravated situations all over unneccesarily, they have been a net lose, and will always be a net lose to the town. Any argument to that point is personally biased.”
Ososis says, “As to truly dealing with the rooks, we will fail if try to do it with blades alone.”
Ososis says, “Don’t get me wrong, like becoming a father, the failed attempts can be a lot of fun.”
Ososis grins.
Ososis says, “Anyway, to actually address the problem we need to address the underlying factors of the rooks. It’s not Rysus, he simply takes advantage of the situation and turns it to his own gain. I can not forge without a slab, and he can not lead without discord. Simply lopping off heads will only contribute to the misguided feelings that has left some of our townsfolk feeling this need to strike out against us.”
Ososis says, “I feel sympathy for them as they ARE our townspeople, and I take no joy in dispatching those so mentally impaired, but needs be done in the moment. We must face the rooks violence and posturing head on, and should they bring their shenanigans, we shall show them the meaning.”
Ososis says, “We do not have to choose one tactic over the other, we can use all means at our disposal to destroy not only the hand, but the heart of our enemy. We have all fought on without a hand, very few without a heart. Don’t let your need for vengeance blind you to the root of the problem. And don’t allow sympathy for the problem to prevent you from taking appropriate, and if need be, violent actions.”
Ososis says, “That is all, thank you for the time.”
Khylon exclaims, “Mynon!”
Mynon says, “If you make your bed with, and live with criminals, you cannot be surprised to have children who take to a life of crime. What is at stake here is the future of this town, and whether it will be governed from above the streets, with law, or below them, with fear.”
Mynon says, “If you sympathize with the Rooks, or if you work to help them maintain some sort of status quo, you work against any legitimate governance of this town, from any source, because they repeatedly make it clear that the only service they give is to their own interests, be it in defense of the town, or in the death of those who get in their way.”
Mynon says, “‘A people who want to live by law do not accomodate outlaws, and their accomplices. While the amnesty offered by the mayor has had some result, of late, there seems to be little will to make those remainign apart from the law face consequences. If the Rooks are to be dealt with, it will take long term resolve, not a few months or a year of effort. Society is built and maintained by a way of life, not by short term effort.”
Mynon says, “So what seems to be needed is will, will to maintain a strong effort.”
Khylon exclaims, “Alasatia!”
Alasatia recites carefully:
“The Rooks of today are not those of years past. Rysus is by no means a perfect man or even a good man, but I for one am grateful that he is no Drangell.”
Alasatia recites truthfully:
“I’m not of the mind that the Rooks will ever die, and I won’t get into why some don’t think they -should- die.. But I will say that having the correct head on the bird is of utmost importance, whether your goal is to work with them or stop them. Nothing else has worked, and it’s all been tried and tried again.”
Alasatia quietly mutters, “If I had my choice it would be someone entirely different leading them, and she would have done a good bit of good by now… But anyway..”
Alasatia recites firmly:
“Killing and hunting them down and this back and forth bloodshed and blame and.. None of this is progress. Knowledge is. Relationships are. Communication, is progress.”
Alasatia recites calmly:
“If they are friends, work with them towards progress. If they are enemies, embrace them until you can change them from within. At least then you’ll know what their friends know.”
Alasatia simply says, “That is all.”
Alasatia folds her hands.