Unrest in The Landing

Saturday Night in the Landing: The Pardoning of Stephos causes over 3 dozen members of the militia to hand in their badges. Also, earlier, papers were found around the Landing criticizing militia and adventurers over dealings with Dennet. This observant reader notices it is issue 3 – which means there should be more of them. Please post if you’ve seen them. Inquiring Minds…and all.

http://bit.ly/2fHvYQg

Category: Towns
Topic: Wehnimer’s Landing

Date: 09/23/2017 01:59 AM CDT

From: LEAFIARA

Subj: Unrest in the Landing (September 22 story recap)

For the purposes of editing this brief log, I basically treated Crux, Maags, Shinann, and Stormyrain as if they were GM characters–whatever they said and did made the cut, whatever anyone said that they responded to made the cut, and anything that didn’t meet either of those criteria got left out (or I just forgot to delete it).

Bullet points:

* Over three dozen members of the militia hand in their badges over the pardon of Stephos due to family or friends slain by the krolvin
* Earlier in the day, parchments were found criticizing Cruxophim, Shinann, Leafiara, and “militia and adventurers” over dealings with Dennet

Log:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Disgruntled Militia ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[Crimson Crocus Table]
Three bright blue bowls on the table contrast sharply with the crimson crocuses blooming in them. The combination of the thick, light green leaves and red blossoms against the ceramic pottery is very eye-catching. You also see 2398 disks and 475 pieces of manna bread because it’s a Dreavening.

From some nearby tables, militia members rise up from their chairs and march off.

Wehnimer’s militiamen begin to march through the streets of Wehnimer’s Landing and they begin to slowly gather outside of Moot Hall.

[Town Square, East]
Here in the center of a broad plaza near the commercial area of the bazaar stands the impressive facade of the slate-roofed Moot Hall, where the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing hold various official, religious and social functions. Facing the square are some of the town’s more prosperous shops, still doing business with the many customers who still frequent the streets at night. You also see a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen and a large purple wooden barrel.

Speaking loudly to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Stormyrain barks, “Out with it. What is this all about?”

Cruxophim turns an ear toward a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

Shinann gazes thoughtfully at a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

(Stormyrain slowly strides before the crowd of militiamen and paces before them, holding each member’s gaze for at least a split second.)

One militiaman steps forward and says, “Jeffrey Huddleston. My brother. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim.” The man then tears off his militia badge and throws it at the doors of Moot Hall, before stepping back into the crowd.

Cruxophim wryly remarks, “Well, here we go.”

Cruxophim nods understandingly to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

You slowly say, “That… is not Stormyrain’s fault or any other militia captain…”

Stormyrain evenly says, “Let them speak their piece.”

Shinann agrees with Stormyrain.

Speaking calmly to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Cruxophim concedes, “Please, do have your say. You deserve such.”

A second militiaman steps forward, “Conner Tamren. My father and friend. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim.” With the same dramatic flair, he throws his badge at the hall.

(Stormyrain stands by the fallen militia badge and folds her hands behind her back, waiting silently.)

Cruxophim nods sympathetically to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

Another member steps forward, his face young, his cheeks stained from fresh tears, “Gloria. My sister, my best friend. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim.” He clenches the badge in his hands, knuckles white, and hurls it at the hall.

Cruxophim nods sympathetically to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

Cruxophim nods sympathetically to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

(Stormyrain glances down at the growing pile of badges on the ground then resumes her still pose.)

(Cruxophim stands and listens to the Wehnimer’s militiamen state their grievances with a somber expression, somewhere between stoic and sympathetic.)

A young woman steps out of the crowd, removing her militia badge. “Jacob Huntsmon. My husband, father of my children. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim.” She tosses the badge on the ground before the hall, her eyes boring into Cruxophim as she returns to the crowd.

Cruxophim folds his hands behind his back.

Maags comments, “Duty is to the town and the citizens, not to the mayor.”

Cruxophim nods in agreement at Maags.

Shinann agrees with Maags.

Speaking calmly to Maags, Cruxophim agrees, “No one owes allegiances to me. I do not demand fealty, this is not the Empire.”

Speaking to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Endoro says, “This is not the way to properly deal with grievances. You should know this.”

Speaking gently to Endoro, Cruxophim assures, “It is fine, I am more than happy to hear them out.”

(Stormyrain slowly paces in front of the militiamen, holding the gazes of those who decide to meet hers before moving back to her spot near the badges on the ground.)

A militia member steps up, scars along her face, “Isabella Gronen. My daughter, served beside me. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim.” She throws the badge at the hall and it bounces and lands a few feet from Cruxophim.

Speaking to Theoan, Ysharra says, “I wonder if those parchments we’ve been finding are distributed by the same source of these confrontations.” [she’s talking about blood red parchments that were found in TSC today, which I’ll put up after the log]

Speaking idly to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, “Who can say.”

Speaking reassuringly to Ysharra, Cruxophim reasons, “The Militia will remain strong, as always. The town is not merely the militia, or me, or us… it is all of us, collectively. I doubt they will leave their homes and families undefended.”

Speaking to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Stormyrain says, “Each of these badges represents one less line of protection between your families and whatever harm comes our way. One less protector. One less helping hand.”

Stormyrain loudly says, “The militia does not serve at the leisure of the Mayor. We serve Wehnimer’s. We serve the people.”

Stormyrain gazes watchfully at a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

Cruxophim offhandedly comments, “Ultimately, we all defend the town.”

Another militia member steps forward, “Terrance Lambert. My friend. Farewell.” He throws the badge hard at the doors of Moot Hall.

A human militia pikeman thrusts with a long modwir-handled pike at Cruxophim!

Cruxophim barely dodges the attack!

Cruxophim nods faintly to the militia pikeman.

Cruxophim gently assures, “It’s alright.”

Cruxophim wryly reminds, “Far more dangerous people have attempted to assasainate me.”

Cruxophim chuckles.

Maags says, “Is almost as if they seek a reason to quit and rebel.”

Stormyrain says, “The Mayor may change. But the Militia will continue to serve as a wall between the people of this town and whatever force seeks to destroy it.”

Stormyrain loudly says, “And if you cannot do that, please, add your badge to the pile.”

(Stormyrain sweeps her gaze across the crowd of militiamen, then waits.)

Stormyrain folds her hands behind her back.

Speaking coldly to Cruxophim, Mynon says, “My father, Edran Felcroth. Died in defense of Idolone, and the hands of krolvin, armed by Stephos. I don’t have a badge to throw at your feet, as I am not one of your people, but know that your pardon means nothing.”

Madmountan asks, “Who even cares?”

Speaking to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Shinann says, “You do not serve the Mayor. You serve Marshall Thrayzar.”

Speaking calmly to Madmountan, Cruxophim reminds, “I care. I cannot undo their losses, office is… a perpetual series of choices. They may not agree, but I do hope that ultimately.. somewhere in there, they will come to understand that I only want the protection and prosperity of our town.”

Speaking calmly to Mynon, Cruxophim agrees, “Of course. I should expect no less.”

Another member steps forward, “Gabriel Samlan. Brother, friend, defender. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim.” He throws a badge against Moot Hall.

Stormyrain loudly says, “One less protector to stand between the people of this town, and forces that will destroy them.”

Stormyrain nods.

Cruxophim seriously states, “What Stephos did was wrong. You know that, I know that. And believe me, I shall be keeping a close eye to ensure that he does not repeat those same mistakes.”

Cruxophim nods sympathetically to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen.

Cruxophim folds his hands behind his back.

One by one, more members of the crowd step forward. Cling, clank, cling, clank. A badge is thrown against the hall and skips on the cobblestones. Another one follows. A third, a fourth, a dozen more. Another twenty names are called out….and another twenty times they declare, “Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim. Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim….”

You evenly reason, “In the end, all they’re doing is turning in their badges… it’s their right. At least they’re not murdering people because of their killed family, like a certain burn victim.”

Speaking to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Endoro says, “My father died as a member of this very militia, who likely stood next to your own fathers and mothers in battle for our town’s freedom. I wonder how they would feel about this act…”

Cruxophim nods absently to you.

Speaking evenly to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Cruxophim states, “You do what you feel is right. I would ask no less of you.”

Maags says, “If anything, all who has loved ones murdered should be more steadfast than ever to defend this town. Yous show no honor tossing yous badge.”

Shinann agrees with Stormyrain.

Speaking calmly to a crowd of Wehnimer’s militiamen, Cruxophim observes, “The choice is yours to make, and I would never deny a single citizen – or even guest – of our town the chance to express their opinion to me.”

Stormyrain can offer Cruxophim only a blank expression.

The last of the militia members in the crowd steps forward, tossing a badge against Moot Hall, shouting a name and “Killed by krolvin armed by Stephos pardoned by Cruxophim.” The crowd of militia present, over three dozen in total, turn their backs to Moot Hall and slowly disperse, each one breaking off to peacefully return to their homes for the night.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Discussion Afterward ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Speaking slowly to Cruxophim, Stormyrain says, “You don’t ask a thing of the Militia. Not now, not before, and not in the future. We do not serve at your behest.”

Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim reminds, “I’m not addressing them as militia, I’m addressing them as citizens.”

Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim clarifies, “Which one presumes they are, now and still.”

Speaking to Cruxophim, Stormyrain says, “You said you’d ask no less of them than to do what they feel is right. I am simply clarifying the role of that statement.”

Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim replies, “As you say.”

Subarashi quietly says, “They didn’t quit to stop defending the town, I think.”

Subarashi quietly says, “They quit to do so on their terms.”

Speaking uncertainly to Stormyrain, Emindala exclaims, “Stormy? You can’t believe this is the right thing to do!”

Speaking calmly to Subarashi, Cruxophim agrees, “One hopes.”

Speaking to Emindala, Stormyrain says, “It is a volunteer Militia.”

Speaking to Emindala, Shinann says, “We cannot control how they feel.”

Speaking to Stormyrain, Emindala says, “That isn’t what I asked, I asked how you feel.”

Bristenn briskly remarks, “You can, however, control your denigration of their fidelity and moral compass.”

Speaking to Emindala, Stormyrain asks, “Did you hear anything I said to them?”

Speaking wryly to Bristenn, Cruxophim teases, “Why start now?”

Cruxophim winks at Bristenn and flashes a sly grin.

Emindala says, “I only just arrived.”

Maags agrees with Cruxophim.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Arnylon says, “So you felt it was in the best interest of the town to pardon Stephos. They felt otherwise. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and feeling regardless of how it alienates anyone.”

Cruxophim calmly reminds, “I’ll not deny them the chance to express their loss and displeasure. It’s the least I can do. But it is my duty to make decisions at times… even difficult decisions. And I stand by my decision, for the long term.”

Emindala says, “This isn’t right. .I don’t think Stephos should have been pardoned so easily, but this isn’t the solution.”

Maags says, “And it bears repeatings that the militia are bound to protect the town and the citizens who live here. They do not serve the Mayor.”

(Stormyrain quietly starts to gather the badges on the ground.)

Cruxophim sympathetically states, “My sympathies, for your losses. If I could stand between each and every one of those krolvin, I would… but alas, I cannot. One only hopes that perhaps next time, you might… for another.”

Stormyrain snaps, “They’re gone already!”

Stormyrain shakes her head, totally at a loss.

Speaking sympathetically to Stormyrain, Emindala asks, “Would you like a hand Stormy?”

Speaking calmly to Stormyrain, Cruxophim remarks, “I’m sure some are lingering.”

Speaking wryly to Emindala, Cruxophim mutters, “Who said it was easy?”

Speaking to Emindala, Stormyrain murmurs, “I have them, thank you.”

Speaking to Cruxophim, Emindala says, “I didn’t mean easy for you daddy.”

Speaking to Cruxophim, Emindala says, “I meant easy for him.”

Cruxophim calmly inquires, “If anyone else has any grievances they wish to air, please feel free?”

Cruxophim folds his hands behind his back.

Madmountan points at Cruxophim and jeers. Boooooo!

Stormyrain settles her gaze on Madmountan, watching him intently.

Madmountan says to Cruxophim, “You, sir, are an errant, heavy-handed jack-a-nape!”

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ulkov says, “I think I mighta got food poisoning from Helga’s.”

Cruxophim swears at Madmountan, tempering what would have been a stinging retort with a teasing wink.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Kipa asks, “I am just curious, can you tell us why pardoning Stephos seems more important?”

Speaking sardonically to Ulkov, Cruxophim laments, “Can’t help you there, my friend.”

Rangroth says, “I do not even know who this Stephos person is.”

Speaking wearily to Rangroth, Stormyrain says, “A former councilman who was found to have been lining his pockets arming the krolvin.”

Maags says, “Not directlies.”

Maags says, “But still.”

Speaking gently to Kipa, Cruxophim explains, “Time will tell, I hope. I wish to expand our network of exports out, to help us become more self-sufficient. It is… complicated, of course, but that is part of it.”

[discussion carried on quite a while afterward, but that seems like a pretty good ending point considering I have to be awake and alert for tomorrow’s big event]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ More Unrest… and Slander ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[here’s what Ysharra was referencing, though this log was earlier in the day]

[Town Square Central]
This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer’s Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end of the space, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep.

Rendena softly asks, “Who’s kestrel’s wife?”
You curiously ask, “Reannah?”
Rendena points at a piece of blood red parchment.
You pick up a piece of blood red parchment.

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

~-o Voice of The Frontier o-~ Issue 3

Self-Reliance

Mayor Cruxophim deals with the devil Dennet Kestrel,
overlooking lost lives and destroyed property.
Militia captain Shinann and local cleric Leafiara oft visit the outpost,
prioritizing Kestrel’s wife over our citizens.
Who else will Kestrel lure? And how?
Silver tongue? Silver coins? Threats? Lies? Mind control?
Our mayor, militia, and adventurers will not defend us.
We must defend ourselves–in Brotherhood.

~-o-o-~
You flusteredly ask, “W…what is this?”
You shake your head.
You say, “I’ve never prioritized Reannah over our citizens…”
You idly say, “Although… it was just a few days ago that I promised I’d protect her children as long as they weren’t harming anyone…”
You ruefully say, “Great. This is how rumors get started…”
You tuck the blood red parchment into a small pocket inside of your angora cape.
You thoughtfully say, “I’d better report this to the mayor.”