Lor

[RollinsCat]

*A tall man in blue walks the docks, humming to himself and checking warehouse numbers, boat numbers, locker numbers, any numbers he can see, while holding a note in his hand.*



*Sometime later, when he catches up to Argos, Vrebel, Tralek, Ysgraine, and Argali, he sheepishly admits "success", blushing a little - and that the numbers on the note were in fact an order for supplies for a fishing boat, the Angel's Eye, with no hidden meanings or nefarious purposes that he could find.*

[Dezza]

With Rael announcing that Martial Law will be eased, merchants are once again allowed to apply their trade across the borders and Rael Patrols will accompany each and every merchant entering and leaving the country to ensure their safe arrival at their destination.

The force sitting on the border between Lor and Rael will be broken up and utilised for merchant protection duties between Castle mask and any other destination inside Rael.

A missive arrived in Lor and is delivered to the Diet and the Mayors.

"Esteemed members of the Diet of Lor, Honoured Mayors of the Port City,

In light of your recent agreements to secure your own city against the predations of the Dark Elf threats that blight our lands we further, and with trepidation, request that you allow for one further item of importance to be carried forth in your new enlightenment and in order to further the recent historic agreements we have reached.

Lord Rael the Benevolant has committed to providing all merchants safe passage to and from any destination in Rael. Alas this does not however cover the journey from Lor to Castle Mask and to the border where his troops await. He respectfully asks then that you commit your newly formed army to the duty of providing safe passage from Lor to that location where Rael troops will ensure their safety for the rest of the way.

As always Rael assures the people of Lor and their leaders that should their army be unsatisfactory to the task his men stand ever ready to lend a helping hand.

Yours in the interest of peace and security for every Raelite,

Lord Fadren Arkassas of Prantz

[mixafix]

The Diet of lor happily announces that highly trained and mobile patrols will accompany any merchants seeking escort in these times of trouble in an effort to rebuild trading routes.
 
 In other news the twin mayors survived an assassination attempt which left them shaken but not stirred. Two assassins were killed at the scene. The Militia are not looking for any other raiders.  The twin Mayors have cancelled a number of public engagements amid rumours further attempts are feared.
 
 Meanwhile the Office of Rael Affairs has not been idle and announced that following sightings of the individual known as Steel in the dock area agents had been flooded into the area and coordinated actions with other Lor officials in a bid to apprehend Steel. A spokewoman said no stone was left unturned and citizens can rest assured the area is now Steel free.

[mixafix]

The Office of Rael Affairs made a short announcement at the Diet today reassuring the politicians that special secret employees had been circulating among the common populace to try and prevoke citizens to make racist slander against Rael. There report concludes that all had so far passed the test and no racial slanderers had been revealed but that efforts would be redoubled over the coming weeks.

At present Lor officials from the office of prosecutions are preparing a brief for laws to be voted on by the Diet and the Mayors in order to meet Raels request for an anti-racial law to be passed in Lor.

[Script Wrecked]

The Captain of the Beacons tours the Beacon Towers of Lor. She listens to all accounts and feedback the garrisons have to give regarding any incidents may have taken place during the [THREAD=281382]mobilisation[/THREAD] of the Raelian forces and the dark elf [THREAD=281697]attacks[/THREAD].

She reinforces the need for vigilance in these times of uncertainty, and commends them for their duty to kin and countrymen.

The [POST=1701531]night time[/POST] patrols are given more variance, and the use of the two newest signals reaffirmed.

[RollinsCat]

*a letter sent to the Diet, and to any news pamphlets that circulate, and to the Lor town criers*

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Diet, and of Lor.

Something has crossed my ears so disturbing it is all I can do to believe it.

The Office of Rael Affairs is baiting our citizens to violate a demand from the north, and the Diet is apparently supporting this - a deliberate attempt to find reasons to jail Lor's citizens.

Could this really be true?  At first I refused to think that our elected officials, trying so hard to balance demands with the freedoms that are our birthright, would put their stamp to such deception.  But, it seems, it is true.

When did we shift from maintaining Lor as a beacon of opportunity to trying to find reasons to put productive citizens in jail?  Is it not bad enough that a person's right to speak their mind has been curtailed?  Now you must hunt down any opinion that violates the demands you so easily capitulated to?  

Why do we need to fear you, the people we trust to make decisions?  This is nothing short of a betrayal of the entire city.

Rumors have circulated for years of other places where people are "disappeared", and the loss chalked up to crime and the patrols and laws tightened even more - but people still vanish and families are left to wonder.  Should we be expecting that from you now that you are no longer content that the demands are being met, and must try to incarcerate your own people to prove it?

An infusion of spine is needed in our Diet.  You have already lost one of your strongest members, who could not countenance your inability to even attempt a counteroffer, and now this.

Let this be a reminder: Lor has existed for over a millennium.  Every time you come through the gates of this city you pass under the stony gaze of the Galerights.  Can you do that this day and feel proud of what you have let happen?  The pride of southern Dregar now hunts it's own people and shushes dissent as proudly as any dictatorship.  I am ashamed.

If you are to begin any sort of reparations, cease the "traitor" hunts immediately.  You have ears on the street, the demand is known, and as you have been informed, is not being violated.  Let that be enough.  Redoubling efforts to root out what doesn't exist is beyond harassment and I think the good people of Lor have enough to worry about without wondering if the next person they speak to will be making a little mark by their name.

Yours in a Free Lor,


Andrew Reid

[Dezza]

In light of the agreement passed by the Diet and the Mayors in relation to the negotiations with Rael at Castle Mask the following measures are now in place.

1/ The infamous mercenary Steel is wanted by Lor authorities and outlawed in the lands controlled by Lor.

2/ No Dark Elves are permitted within the city of Lor nor any lands controlled by Lor.

3/ Merchants will be escorted under guard to the border with Rael by Lor troops.

4/ Anti racism laws are currently in draft to be presented to the Diet and the Mayors.

5/ Lor has sent word to Rael that the borders will remain open and trade be allowed to travel freely into and out of Rael.

6/ Angela Swann has politely been asked to ensure her 'friend' does not visit Lor for the duration of the conflict.

7/ The Mayors have allowed the Office of Rael Affairs to investigate to ensure that Lor is abiding by the agreements with Rael.

[mixafix]

A planned visit to the launch of a small harbour vessel was suddenly cancelled by the Twin Mayors when an assassination attempt was foiled by an alert citizen who uncovered an assassin's stash of equipment near to the launch quay. Close protection to the Mayors was tightened even further in these difficult times.

[Dezza]

Sasha rewards the citizens who uncovered the plot by the Assassin spreading word that any who help uncover such plots and work with the local law enforcement authorities will be rewarded.

[Script Wrecked]

// Before the forum crash, posted at the end of page three (prior to the post with the Rofireinites camping amidst the Rael forces at Castle Mask (also lost)), a request was sent for a gathering of the dwarven [POST=1674532]council[/POST] of Southern Dregar. However, [THREAD=281697]events[/THREAD] intervened. Now that things have [POST=1705830]settled[/POST] down a bit... //

As part of her [POST=1706269]tour[/POST] of the Beacon Towers, Argali visits the outlying dwarven communities. She inquires as to their general state, and how they fared during the [THREAD=281265]mobilisation[/THREAD].

She listens to all they have to say, and promises to take any requests to the dwarven council or to the Diet as required.

However, should they look to her for reassurance that these troubles are over, she shakes her head. In dwarven(1):

"This brings her to the crux of her visit. These events have served to highlight the precarious position we live in. These events unfolded and we were unprepared for them and their potential consequences. With this lull, we have been given a second chance. A time to prepare should the unthinkable happen.

"We cannot shirk this responsibility, we cannot deny the circumstance of our peril. We owe our families and our kin a choice to be made in calmer times with clear heads.

"What..." full of emphasis, "What would we do if the Under Dog of Prantz over ran Lor and its out lying areas?"

She looks pointedly to those she addresses. She pauses long for them to consider her point, for her words to seep through any denial that they may have conditioned themselves to regarding the real circumstance in which they live.

"Would we live under the tyranny of Rael?" Again she pauses long for the words to register.

"For, you can be sure, that while all races might be 'equal' under his 'benevolence', you can be sure that some races... one race, would be not quite as equal as others. At best, one race would be finding themselves at the bottom of the social hierarchy, given all the jobs that no-one else is wanting to be doing. At worse... the mines... the Deep... the All'ra.

"So, for those of you who find this unacceptable, what choices do we have?

"To fight the forces of the Tyrant on the battlefield. There is much honour to be had in this. But we have seen the size of the forces the Under Dog commands. This would be the 'quick' option, no?

"We could rally to Lor for the final stand... But what if the Lorians do not wish to fight?

"To make the guerrilla warfare on the forces of the Tyrant. There is also much honour to be had in fighting the superior forces and holding them at bay. This would require much guile and cunning. It would also have much hardship; living on the margins, on the periphery, always being hunted. This is the 'shadow' option, no?

"Or, we leave this battlefield. We yield the ground to the enemy until we are in the position to take the definitive action.

"We are kin. We can take time. We can be just as patient as the Under Dog. More so. We are the true stone. In time, we rise like the mountain. We have purpose. We are forthright. We are unyielding. We are... relentless."

She looks about those gathered, once more giving pause to her words.

"So, to where would we withdraw while we are rebuilding? Is there any place on Dregar that is far enough from the Under Dog's reach to be making it safe?"

She looks about those gathered, genuine in her pause for replies.

"Perhaps further afield, then, with other kin of Layonara? There are the Ulgrids on Mistone, Bloody Gate in eastern Alindor, the Taur'en Hills of western Alindor, and Rhugal's Realm. Each of those have their own particularities of circumstance. With whom would you join, to lend axe and hammer?"

She pauses again, allowing time for those gathered to sift through each option.

"Or perhaps another place, a place where the kin have not made the home? Perhaps the Stort on Alibor. The Councillor Swann has already made the invitation. Father Mithril resides there, and makes the Academy there.

Argali pauses once more, this time to allow for the monumentally of all the options to sink in, to be ordered into some sort of semblance of understanding, and not to overwhelm the thoughts of those who had not sought such poignant and far reaching questions.

"She awaits your decision, a decision that we have to make, to make soon, while there are not troops pounding at the door, while our houses are not being burnt to the ground, while our kin are not being dragged away.

"We have time to make this decision, but it is a decision that we must make!"

-----

When Argali returns to Lor, she calls an informal meeting of the local dwarven council members and repeats the same, perhaps mindful of avoiding any undue [POST=1706255]attention[/POST].


(1) without her "Common" accent

[Dezza]

After several weeks of high military patrol activity across all of Rael Lor scouts start to report large groups of Rael troops moving to within the vicinity of Lors territorial lands yet again.

Word reaches authorities in Lor of no less than four camps being established across Lors borders each with at least 1500 to 3000 Rael soldiers and provisions for many more.

Nerves start to fray yet again, troubled whispers start to filter through the lands controlled by Lor. now whats going on. Especially since any requests for information as to the odd troop locations fall on deaf ears.

[Filatus]

At the docks, one might hear a certain Voice of Mist cuss vehemently, adding a few insults about the Lor guard. He seems to be holding what looks like an empty coin purse, its bottom showing a delicate cut.

"479 gold coins.. gone, much like miss Swann." Hardragh snaps his fingers. "With Angela Swann gone, this place is like a ship without captain. I do not know who presumes to lead these men, but tis clear something is in need of change. Hells, how is this guard supposed to defend this city when they can not even protect the coin purse of -innocent- travellers."

He wets his lips and shows an amused smile for a moment, starting to enjoy where his rant is taking him and addresses bystanders. "Perhaps tis time for some fresh faces in the guard, aye? Surely, it can not be denied that thievery is going unchecked these days. Something needs to change!"

// If there is the chance for him to affect the reaction of the crowd. Both bluff and persuade would have been 25 at the time when his coins were stolen and he got mugged. (was prepared for a persuade check with a magic vendor when it happened )

[mixafix]

Prompted by a recent disturbance in the dock area fanned by a few individuals over concerns about over personal security - the Diet announced the appointment of Diet Member Ogrefeller Orebasher as head of the Militia within Lor city.
 
 This was followed shortly thereafter by declarations of support for a firm defence of lor in times of trouble by many Dwarven organisations.
 
 In other news concerns about Rael troop movements left shops empty of foodstuffs, weapons, and horses.

[Dezza]

Hearing that a man matching Hardraghs description is stirring up trouble at the docks, Sasha's first reaction is one of amazement. She had not heard of the errant Mistite for a good number of years.

Her second reaction is to shrug and send a squad to ensure the peace is not disturbed any further and to politely ask Hardragh to stop by her office for some friendly sparring.

The burly sergeant receiving the order grins suddenly and touches a large purple and black bruise the Marshal had given him earlier in a friendly 'sparring' practice bout.

[Script Wrecked]

Prompted by a recent disturbance in the dock area fanned by a few individuals over concerns about over personal security - the Diet announced the appointment of Diet Member Ogrefeller Orebasher as head of the Militia within Lor city.

The Captain of the Beacons offers Councillor Orebasher all and any support he might require administering, commanding, instructing, or drilling the Lor Guard.

During this time, she keeps an eye on the Lor Guard to ensure the discipline and training the former Councillor Swann instilled into the Guard is not lost.

[Filatus]

When suggested to attend a friendly sparring match, Hardragh sadly has to refuse the offer, stating he's got obligations on the northern isles. Though he let's the sergeant know he's more than willing to catch up on the good old days with the Marshall, on a more opportune moment.

Not being one to overstay his welcome, he is soon leaving port with a ship.

[Dezza]

Several weeks later and worried merchants returning to Lor from Rael report how te Southern Rael army now has four garrisons of 3000 soldiers each spaced evenly across lors landside borders.

Requests for intentions and reasons for the encampments from Castle Mask and Lor have to date been largely ignored or phobed off as simply precautionary camps to rotate troops through for escort duty for merchants travelling from Lor to Rael.

[Script Wrecked]

With the [POST=1707732]deployment[/POST] of up to twelve thousand Raelian troops along Lor's northern border, and the [POST=1708033]mobilisation[/POST] of the Southern Prantz Army, Argali sends word to the outlying(1) dwarven communities that now is the time to come to a [POST=1706931]decision[/POST] regarding Rael occupying Lor. At the very least, they should pack their possessions and move to Lor while they still can.

"The net iz drawing closerr. Zhould you be ztuck behind it, we may not be able to be reaching you."



(1) any dwarven community not within or in the immediate vicinity of Lor

[Script Wrecked]

With the [POST=1708033]mobilisation[/POST] of the Southern Prantz Army, the Captain of the Beacons has a meeting with the Marshal of Lor. She suggests the artillery engines might be due to be put through their paces to ensure they are in full working order.

Further, she organises a review of the tunnels found at the bottom of many homes within Lor, listing the houses, the nature of the tunnel, and where they come out.

[mixafix]

With daily rumours and regular deployment drills one day last week it was thought the real thing had arrived.
 
 Regular forces, Dwarves, Militia and mercenary forces raced to guard the walls. Warehouses were broken open around town and all manner of sophisticated siege weaponary pulled forth. A group of dockers were almost fully equiped in admantium and iron mail with a more than ample stock of useful weapons broken out of crates before it was discovered the incident was a false alarm. Sheepishly but quickly men and a vast array of material was returned to holding locations.
 
 The Diet played down the deployment as routine training.