Lor

[akata]

Having sat through the meeting listening to the various Diet members arguing and bickering her neutral expression slowly have faded and been replaced by one of profound sadness as the meeting is called to an end and the diet starts to leave she once again rise and clears her throat to get people's attention.



A moment please, I am aware that it has been a long night. But I have a few things to say before the Diet retires.

For over thirty years I have served Lor, I fought for its independence, I bled and killed and made personal sacrifices because I believed Lor was worth it.



Takes a moment to let her gaze move Diet members and the mayors



And NEVER have I been so disappointed, How pitiful we must appear to Lord Rael, He rattles his axe and like misbehaving children you scatter and cower in your corners. You refuse to even stand up and look him in the eyes. In a month or two the "benevolent" Lord Rael will come with a new list of requests, you will be asked to forbid the use of magic or disband the army or crawl on your bellies. Inch by inch you will trade away your freedom all the while chanting Lord Rael's praise. I used to be proud to call myself a Lorite, they represented some of the best quality in people, proud as hawks and as protective of their cubs as a wolf pack... how you shamed it. Lady Alantha has not only served Lor along my side, she has again and again risked her life to save the free people of Layonara and you repay her sacrifice by ordering her to turn herself over to die by the hands of the former lapdog of the most cruel mass murderer to ever walk layonara's surface.



In the following silence Angela slips of her ring of office, and with a disgusted snort flips it up in the air letting it fall to the floor.



Consider this my resignation; I refuse to lift a muscle in defense of a people who won't even stand up for themselves. The troops currently training under Fenrir Thornaxe will be returning within the month and I will be expecting my gifts to the army to be delivered to Stort.

Should any true Lorites decide they want to live a life in freedom then I will be happy to arrange for ships to carry them to Stort. It might not have the grandeur of Lor, but they will at least get to watch their children and grandchildren grow up without having to march to Sulterio's tune.



Last she turns to face the twin mayors, her expression shifting between disgust and profound sadness.



What a sad and pathetic pair of leaders you've turned out to be, all your talk of independence and a free Lor... and yet at the first given chance you throw it all away. Don't you dare offering sad glares to the people that have expressed their disbelief. You alone traded away Lor's freedom you alone decided that Lor must live under the steel boot of Rael. The Diet can only overturn the mayors decision if they vote unanimous and yet you choose to willingly bend your knee and bow down to the "Benevolent" Lord Rael, I hope that whatever "mercy" he visits on Lor he will visit tenfold on you.



With a shake of head Angela turns her gaze back to the crowd seeking the familiar almond shaped ruby red eyes of Alantha



Let's go home..........

[mixafix]

In a tense and troubled debate it is clear both mayors are anxious and also somewhat enraged for once. The words of those present wash over Angela "30 years yes..of peace" "caution"...."restraint" ....the "big picture"...."reality"..." a need for a stable trading platform"... "the terrible human tragedy behind action now."...."the suffering..the common people"

 

 However among the transient and weapon led adventuring class there is clear support for Angela and derision for the Council "shame"...."Lor the lapdog" ..

 .."stand up" .."We can win"

 

 The news and the debate carries to the street where quickly there is a gathering as a rowdy crowd becomes widespread disorder - as opposing factions voice their views. There is a strong pro Angela - pro action crowd that musters with weapons - displaying their willingness to stand firm!

 

 The Council turns first to the town Guard and the beacon Dwarves for support. A message is sent for the Marshal - to show support and muster the army ready to restore order.

[willhoff]

*After Angela leaves the meeting Vrebel saunders over to were her ring lays on the ground.  With a flick of his greatsword he picks it up and slides the ring into his pocket.



I gotta feelin' she's gonna want this back *said with a slight grin*



*He throws a few chairs as he leaves to meeting to blow off some steam and heads outside to join the ever massing crowd of Lorites who are pro Angela pro action*

[Hellblazer]

*Looking at all the rukus, Feh first seems stunned then shakes his head slightly dismaid. He starts his way back to his house where he makes plans to ferry the shelter occupant, sick and healthy and his daughter to a safer continent. He then goes back to Lor after a few, carrying his armor and weapons*

[Script Wrecked]

// I'm assuming

   

Quote:

   
   
      
   
   

Originally Posted by mixafix                                           ... a strong pro Angela - pro action crowd that musters with weapons - displaying their willingness to stand firm!

is mainly made up of

   

Quote:

   
   
      
   
   

Originally Posted by mixafix                                           However among the transient and weapon led adventuring class there is clear support for Angela and derision for the Council "shame"...."Lor the lapdog" .. "stand up" .."We can win"

On that basis: //





The Captain of the Beacons arrives with a contingent of Beacon Tower guard, threading an azure and white line between the two factions.



"Citizens of Lor!" she barks.



However, in a moment of such high passions, who hears a lone voice? The captain signals the guard, who start beating their shields with their cudgels (their only weapon). They build up to such a din that any exchange between the two factions is all but drowned out.



Eventually the jeers and heckling subside, and the guards stop beating.



"Citizens of Lor!" she barks, only to have to dodge what would have otherwise been a well aimed projectile.



"The fate of Lor will not be decided by the mob!" the disdain in her voice clearly evident.



"Nor will it be decided by the well intentioned but otherwise non-representative group of individuals." She looks pointedly to the mainly-adventurers faction.



Addressing the adventurer types, she continues.



"You forrget yourr place. It iz up to the citizens of Lor to decide whetherr they accept the new set of demands frrom the norrth. Whether they accept zis in the knowledge that there will likely be the 'nother set of demands zome time zoon. That they accept those demands knowing that eventually, they will end up living like they arre in Prantz, and not in Lor, with all the orderr and frreedom that gives.



"It iz up to the citizens of Lorr to decide whetherr they stay to accept zis demand, or move to zome place wherre theirr frreedom iz assurred, like the place offerred by forrmer councillorr Swann. Wherre they will worrk as harrd as they do now to build the life forr themzelves.



"It iz up to the citizens of Lorr to decide whetherr the council has trruely represented theirr wishes in accepting these terrms frrom the norrth... orr not. And whetherr they will be needing yourr aszistance in the challenging times that would no doubt come.



"It iz up to them to decide." She turns and looks pointed to the mainly-citizens group.



"But it will not be done by the mob."

[mixafix]

A small body of Beacon guards then intervene outside the Diet, led by the redoubtable Argali and restores a sense of order at that location. Notably the not inconsiderable Dwarven population are seen to calm down - but no one yet leaves the scene.

 

 The Town Guard, currently leaderless in the absence of Angela Swann, remain largely ineffective and uncommitted.

 

 The mood of the town has not yet subsided and remains in the balance.

[davidhoff]

*Tralek, hearing The Captain of the Beacons speak, comes over to observe.  When she is done with her announcements and after the crowd subsides a bit, Tralek stands on a fence post and addresses those gathered*:



Fair and good words Captain *nods to Argali*.  I hereto now call for a Vote of No-Confidence of the Twin Mayors! *He shouts*.  These Mayors have acted against the best interest of Lor and do not have the pulse of its people.  I call for an emergency vote to impeach the current Mayors and elect a new Mayor to answer Rael's demands.  I hereby nominate Angela Swann as the new Mayor of Lor.  *Pulls out a parchment* This is a petition of No-Confidence, sign it if you are with me and want to replace the Twin Mayors with new leadership. *passes the parchment around with a quill*



All Hail to Lor!  All Hail to Freedom!  *with that he stands down and mingles into the thick of the crowd*

[akata]

As the noise from the streets, the banging on shields and the shouts reach Angela in her office, she takes a moment to investigate finding no signs of the town guard a few curses normally only heard along the dock side escape her lips.



I bloody trained them better than this.



In short time she makes her way to the office of the town guard and without a knock barge in and walk to the front of the desk staring at the captain, an angry scowl planted on her face.



Why isn't the Town Guard out there putting an end to this nonsense? Snap to it Captain, and rally the men, have them move in and support the Beacon Guards and calm these people down before you end up with a few dead bodies. Gather them in front of the Hall and I'll address them there.

[mixafix]

Order is restored, and the reply to Rael prepared.

 

 Just another day in the big city.

[Dezza]

// insert prior to Mixafix's response.



Within moments of Argali's arrival and speech there can be heard the sound of booted heels reverberating in perfect unison off the cobblestone streets around the Diet chamber. Soon around the corner three units of city militia jog in formation towards the assembled crowd. At their lead upon a large black horse rides the Marshal.  Within moments of appraising the scene and seeing Argarli and the crowds simmering discontent she proceeds to bark short official orders that are taken up for seargants in their ranks and then onto the regular militia who peel off and soon form a barricade between the chamber and the crowd. Sasha rides up to Argali slowly allowing the crowd to begin to feel nervous at the show of force around them.



Sasha dismounts then turns also to the crowd.



"You are all hereby ordered back to your homes. Lor will not tolerate unrest or armed mobs in its streets. Those who do not do so will be arrested."

[akata]

//inset prior to Mixafix's response and after Dezza's



With a humorless smile Angela makes her way through the crowd to stand besides Sasha and Argali



interesting night wouldn't you say?  You hopefully don't mind if I say a few words to the gathering Marshal. Treats usually tend to aggravate people on the edge rather than calm them.



Without waiting for an answer Angela turns to face the gathered crowd



Good people of Lor, calm down and give me a moment to explain.

As I stated before the Diet then let me state before you as well. "I DON'T WANT A WAR WITH RAEL" My proposal was a way for Lor to agree to the requests and still maintain its independence. In its wisdom the Diet and the mayors decided that it wasn't enough, they feared Rael would still attack because his demands wasn't met by the letter, or they simply wanted to met them and put Lor back into the fold under the wings of Prantz as part of Rael's kingdom. If you do not agree with the decision then remember it on the next election, but don't belittle yourself or Lor by taken up arms against your own council, the result will be devastating.

Not only will lorite blood flow in the streets but Lord Rael will quickly take advantages of the situation and move in to "secure" Lor all for its own protecting. And he will have won and no one will lift a finger because we brought it on our own heads.



I am flattered by the show of support and thrilled to see Lor haven't lost its spirit, but if I agree to take up the mantle of leadership as Tralek have suggested. Not only will I be condemning us all to death, Lord Rael will be seeing a dark elf puppet taken the throne. And I would be doing the very same thing as I accuse Lord Rael of, rubbing people of their free will



In the following silent Angela inclines her head in a show of gratitude towards the assembled people and their willingness to risk the lives for a greater cause.



I want you all to go home and think this over. Consider what Lord Rael is requesting. Consider if you believe he is done making "requests". Remember the recent meeting in Castle Hilm to aid the war effort against the Green Dragon Cult. Lord Rael would only consider helping.... consider IF Lor agreed to FULLY hand over control to him. Now he claims there is a war against dark elves, and yet no one have dared to question if it is even true....never mind the rumors of an alliance between Prantz and the Green Dragon Cult, never mind Lord Raels have more forces in the deep than above ground. Could it possibly be, that the supposed attack force is nothing but dark elves captured by his forced BELOW and put on display to sell a lie?



Lord Rael claims to have no fear of the Green Dragon Cult or the King of dragon Fisterion, yet at the capture of a few dark elves he's whipped into a frenzy.



Takes a moment to allow her words to sink in then continues



I don't want a war, I don't want to condemn Lor's people to death at the hand of a power greedy mad man.

Today your right to decide who you want to trade with was bargain away, there will come a time when you like me will be forced to look into the eyes of a loved one and decide if you want to kill that person in order to stay in Rael's good grace. The Diet and the Mayors made that decision for me, and to back it up they proclaim it is for the greater good. One day they will decide it for you as well, because if they don't Rael will make that choice for them. That is not freedom, it is slavery the only difference is the length of the chain.  Rael will continue to shorten it request by request till he grows tired of pretending to care and demands instead.  

The people who voted for Rael control believe they will be rewarded, that Rael is benevolent and merciful. What a joke.. Rael took Prantz by force to "save" it and when the daughter of the king dared to proclaim that she was the rightful ruler she was hung, one of the people supporting her was my wife, Rael's forces killed her and left her for dead two days in a cell. As an act of merci Rael had his clerics revive her and she was forced to watch the rightful heir dangle from the end of a rope, all the while the people of Prantz cheered for Rael the just....



Shakes her head as if to clear it of bad memories



Go home, consider if you want you live in constant fear. You might gain a few months or even years by what the Diet is doing now, but make no mistake they will in the end be taking their orders from Rael.  The influence you have now by voting for your Diet and your Mayors will be gone. In a few days the ships from Stort will make dock, anyone who wishes to escape the steel boot of Rael will be granted a place. As Lady Argali said, it won't be a life in luxury and indolence. Rebuilding a life will take hard work and effort, but it will be your life and your decision.



Takes her time to mumble a few words to Argali and Sasha, nod to the captain of the Town Guard giving him the signal to break the gathering up.

[RollinsCat]

While the furor and calls for calm are happening, a tall, brown-skinned man with in an open blue shirt and blue-and-black pants walks around playing a guitar and singing to small groups in between speeches and outbursts.  He does not play anything openly antagonistic toward Rael, rather he sticks to patriotic anthems of Lor and the two newest additions that won the recent bardic contest, Song of the South and Anthem for Lor.  He also sings a modified version of a Willie the Bard tune, Line in the Sand:





Do you see what's happening

We've slid a few feet north my friends

But I'm not ready to say the end is nigh



There's time to draw a stronger line

Time to confer and speak our mind

Time to consider the next demand's reply



There's nothing left to us but our own determination

There is no peace for a pound of flesh taken as receipt

The choice is yours to roll over or make some preparations

Draw the line and stand behind or hang head in defeat



We are the line in the sand, my friends

We are the line in the sand

Too many have forgotten that it's there

Or wish it would just disappear

But we are the line in the sand



Do you feel our eyes on you

Do you feel the winds of change

Do you know on whom we place our bet?



Do you hear our feet plant firm

No more sliding, no giving in

We took a hit but we've not fallen yet



We are the line in the sand, my friends

We are the line in the sand

Too many have fear that it's there

Or wish it would just disappear

But we are the line in the sand...





In his intermittent singing the man exudes calm and reason as much as he is able, trying to inspire the same in the citizens through his music.  He sometimes takes out a journal to jot down chords or notes that seemed to work better than others or make some other observation.  Provided his attempts at calming are not challenged, he plays until the streets are clear.  He is out boosting Lor's morale as much as he is able over the next week, still making notes about which songs and which interpretations seem to work best and which of his efforts to radiate that calm through song have had the most success.

[Hellblazer]

*As Fehriel makes his way back to Lor, he is followed by multiple wagons filled with people. Some of those sick, other looks simply tired and having been through a lot. They are the residents of the Shelter of the renewal of the faith. He Guides them to the docks as he himself goes to find Angela to secure passage and a new settlement for the shelter for the time being.*

[cbnicholson]

A few days after the council's decision a small contigent of newly sworn Knights of the Wyrm are seen making bivouac with Rael's Army. They maintain their own camp and conduct their own patrols. Relations between the this new small contigent and Rael's army are polite, but cooly distant. A new Knight Captain of the Wyrm, familiar to many of the adventuring population seems to be in charge. Careful observers note he seems more intent on documenting the movements and actions of Rael's Army than actually patrolling. A week goes by and a Temple messenger leaves the Knights camp with a sealed pouch.

 

 

 //This is an open invitation to any of the new Knights of the Wyrm to rp in the forums on the situation in Lor.

[akata]

On a cold morning in Mar three ships flying the colors of Stort make dock in Lor, along with the ship usually making the run between Stort and Lor and Angela’s own Maiden’s Folly  the five ships lay ready to ferry any lorite that so decide to freedom.

[Hellblazer]

Fehriel and his 100 refugees from his shelter embark on the ships.

[Dezza]

Within hours of the ships preparing to set sail word reaches Lor of the size of the force now massed at Castle Mask. Rumours begin to spread of it being the bulk of the force that will soon invade Lor and annex it into Rael once and for all.



Despite the reassurances of the city's Mayors that Rael will not invade nerves are high around the city and many already fearing the worst begin to horde supplies, many merchants make for the docks attempting to secure ships to move their goods out of Lor until the troubles are over. Soon looting begins in several districts and con men and opportunists begin to work the streets feeding the fear and paranoia already building in the city.



The militia by evening are into full swing, trying to deal with the sudden fear and unrest now plaguing the city.



By the docks guards are employed to protect the ships as people and particularly wealthy merchants try to secure them for their own purposes.



Conflicting rumours spread through the city like wildfire, Rael is already attacking, Rael will be here soon, Rael's army will protect Lor from the Dark Elves, Rael will enslave all the Lorites and so on.



The one rumour that seems to spring from nowhere and touch the heart of many is that 'Angela Swann has given up and is abandoning her people'.



Certainly those who see her ships at anchor in the harbour seem to think this is the case. Others know better, but, rumours have a power of their own.

[Script Wrecked]

The Beacon Tower guard are rostered to man the battlements during the night; their dwarven vision making them particularly suited to the task, and perhaps in this knowledge the citizens of Lor will rest a bit easier. Further, each hour the cry is made for those that might by lying in bed unable to sleep.



"All's well."

[RollinsCat]

A singer arrives a few days after Angela's ships - and is struck by the news of the expanded Rael army and the unrest simmering in the city.  He immediately starts a refrain of the roving concerts he had conducted after the "negotiations", again doing his best to stir patriotism and using whatever he learned the first go-around to attempt to bolster spirits.  He listens when he's not playing, trying to piece together the events of the last month and how the city spiraled downward so fast.



At some point he heads for the docks and speaks to Angela when he finds her*.











*pm sent

[willhoff]

*Vrebel strolls down to the docks to get a glimpse of the newly arrived ships.  He looks on with a bit of sorrow as fellow Lorites make thier way onto the ships headed for Stort.  He then makes haste to the Marshall's office with a determined look on his face.



Later in the night he is also seen ducking into the newly set up Rofirenite bivouac to speak with the new knight captain*



//pm's sent to Dezza and CB.