Total War: Broken City, Book 2

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To Orville, Bloodhaven, ESGE:
Guarantees? If you're not a supporter of Lord Wallen I have no reason to kill you. I'm concerned with the well-being of the realm, not petty vengeance. An adventurer such as yourself, especially a noble one, could be a valuable asset to the kingdom.

Madame Beteoui is unfortunately directly involved in Lord Wallen's treason. We can't keep her under house arrest indefinitely. Do you have a better solution?

[Thelonius]

SGA [PM]

Well, can you provide at least some discreet assistance and some small funds for the grain purchase project? It may be a temporary solution, but you can’t fix the tunnels, if hungry mobs are rioting in your territories.


Orks/Mercantile/Silversmiths [5]

Excellent, just send those young fools to crack their knuckles [MOR] to Hobbespot Games and Harrowing Fields.

What would you say about a trial run – deliver some of your meat with Mercantile Guild barges to the Underdocks for Triphage Untima. I’ll pay 2 [WEL] and if there are no problems, then we can see about making more permanent arrangements.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Champions; ESGE; Bloodhaven
I'd say you had little reason to invade like you did.
All you had to do was kill my nephew in a duel, without the need to destroy the whole neighbourhood.


You could let her come with me to exile. I'd keep tabs on her; keep her away from dirty deals.

[Eldan]

Orcs to Bloodhaven, Mercantile [5]

We have our deal, then.

[Thelonius]

ESGE, King James, Lord Wallen [3]

I shall send my men to oversee the peaceful return of the Old Face to the ESGE. As for madam Betoui, an exile would be a perfect solution. She lacks an army to establish a hostile powerbase outside of the city and as Sir Orville said, he’ll make certain she doesn’t fall with wrong people. Leave a possibility to lift the exile after three years, and perhaps House Wallen would be restored, for the benefit of the city.

[Zemalac]

House Laurier to SGA (PM)

Traitor's Bridge
Are you referring to switching out the Mercantile's Guild guards for Laurier ones, or the Wardens? As far as I am aware, both groups have separate checkpoints on the bridge.

The River and the Lake
While controlling trade on the river would be an excellent addition to the family's mercantile empire, I have no real interest in aiding the Fisher Houses. Indeed, in this situation we would be wresting the source of their prosperity from them, would we not?

Knights Far Afield
His plans will be to the advantage of Merdallan. Whether Merdallan's interests align with one group of guilds in one Shattered Lands city, who can say. Flip a coin, perhaps?


Thelonius (PM)

Yes, you can talk to Wallenstein by PM.

Contingencies are acceptable, but lower the effectiveness of the action.


Smipwright's Guild to Mercantile's Guild (4)

Absolutely, sir! You can count on us.


Silver Blood/Evening Games to Mercantile's Guild (4)

Well, on the one hand, we of course don't want the city to descend into chaos. On the other hand, a large part of our factories just blew up recently, and we're a bit tight on capitol at the moment.


Eldan (PM)

You deliver however much they need, they pay how much you think it's worth, and you get however much they pay. "Lumber Yards" is basically a trait that makes building things out of wood cost less, which they would be paying you to take advantage of.

[ArcaneStomper]

Sausage Guild to the SGA/House Laurier [PM]
Food Situation/Bloodhaven
You are overstating the situation considerably. First there will not be rioting in the streets unless someone provokes the riots, which admittedly is a concern but one outside our control. The situation is bad yes, but it is not grim. There is still food in the city. People may need to tighten their belts but they will not starve.

Second you are insulting us by your continued insistence on our contribution. Last month we put fully half our capital towards providing food to the people free of charge. How much did you contribute.

We have always done our best to feed the city no matter the cost and no matter the situation. And we have succeeded for over a century. This is our field of expertise. Do you truly think you have a better grasp on how to approach the situation than we do? Truly?

We are also somewhat disgusted that you reproach us so much for attempting to enact a long term solution, when you yourself are merely using the situation to your advantage by pushing the Lauriers to take control of the Fisher Houses.

Tell us, for all your efforts to persuade others to feed the city how much of your own money will be buying grain this month? How many of your own soldiers will be attacking the Heladuits that you hate so much? Are you willing to actually aid the SGA or merely reproach others for not doing so while your own coffers swell from private projects.

If you are truly willing to make a commitment then we will match every coin you send towards purchasing food for the city. If you are not then there is no more to discuss.

Knights Far Afield
Despite no one asking us, the ones whose territory they actually operate in. We will tell you that we have been keeping track of the Merdallen knight and his associates. They have become more active of late. We do not know there aims exactly, but we know it is connected to the Wardens and something happening to the north.

[Thelonius]

SGA/Laurier [PM]


Laurier

Traitor’s Bridge

''Wardens have agreed to cede control of their checkpoint at the Traitor’s Bridge. And we believe House Laurier is the best suited to control it. Perhaps if you could make an order with Silversmith’s Guild for some new decorations or liveries to place at the checkpoint, so wealth of the House Laurier is prominently displayed to all visiting merchants?''

River Trade

''Between my control of the Underdocks and Mercantile Guild’s growing influence with Shipwright Guild, I believe you have all tools at your disposal to expand the river trade.''

Runner’s City

''I can’t miss the fact that a lot of resources of the Guilds go into keeping situation in the Runner’s City from exploding. Perhaps if Runner’s City was better managed it could be avoided? According to the rumors, Ram is leaving the city and their territories are rather well developed, compared to the rest of the Runner’s City and they provide nice access to the territories of the Technist Guild and then to the Underdocks.''

''The people in the Ram’s territories had the notions of choosing their leaders hammered into them by the Ram – why not have them chose House Laurier? If you participate in the grain barges project, then I’m certain Mercantile Guild can lend most of the credit for feeding the hungry to you and I’ve got considerable resources to effect effective persuasion.''

Sausage Guild

''Apologies if I came too strong. But when Bloodhand was dying, I've assisted you with healers, techniques and my contacts, all free of charge. Oh, there was that favour I asked, but I believe it was balanced by a personal contribution of [4 WEL] from my pocket for the treatment. So I'm not just out there to fill my own pockets and use SGA as I wish. General Brador of the Mercantile Guild is alive thanks to my efforts, and I didn't ask for any payment, though Mercantile Guild is generous with their donations nevertheless. And if any members of SGA were to suffer critical injuries, I will be there to save their lives, free of charge.''

''Now Heladuits have stolen from SGA, an organization that I founded and promoted from the start. They were involved in explosion in the Southern Factories, which makes me responsible. Plus, I strongly suspect that they did something to my man, Ascott Lascelles. And it feels like Sausage Guild is ignoring the situation. I understand your arguments and why you wouldn’t commit your troops to the fight and I will hold no hard feelings over it, but maybe you have some other way, you can help us?''

''And yes I’m using the situation to our advantage. I’d rather have SGA strong and able to resist any taxes, tariffs or property seizures the new powers in the city may wish to impose on us. Does anybody here wants to have Gregorian troops housed in our private residences? Haven't Champions wished to move in on their old territories, despite the situation you are in and availability of better alternatives? I do not believe they yet replied you over this issue. What if they insist?''


Zemalac
Mercantile Guild mentioned paying for Lahaim trainers and not getting anything. I assume it’s because Laurier got them. Does it mean Mercantile Guild gets a refund?

[Imperial Psycho]

Beneath the Wallen family manor

A gauntleted fist slams into the door to the armories, once, twice, three times. The voice that so often rallied the people of Runners City booms down the extensive tunnels that House Wallen kept beneath their mansion. "Wallen! Let us not end this in darkness and slow death. I offer you what you offered my King. Face me. In victory, you will be allowed to flee the city with your life. In defeat, you will die with sword in hand. "

The small escort of Order men throw their weight behind the ram, and the sealed door bursts open. In the open doorway stands the man known to the city as the Wren, clad in dark plate, and brandishing the blade that ended Redeye. "Come, my lord. Let us end this in the daylight."

[Murska]

Wardens to Laurier

We would like to affirm the friendship between our groups. Soon, our troops will be patrolling both Deadman's Hill and extensive territories beyond in the Runner's City and Military District, as well as Spicer's Circle on the other side. We would like to ask whether you would be amenable to a lasting agreement of some sort on our men passing through Lomb Circle when they need to move between these two areas, as the most direct route.

We will of course be soon retaking the Underdocks, but the river is a slow and difficult route to arrange such transportation at a constant basis.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

The Wren and his men had to take a deep breath as they saw the extension of the Vault and the weapons hanging from the walls.

Swords, Maces, spears, crossbows.

A voice spoke from the darkness within:
"Wren. So you are offering to kill me.

Thank you, I thought I was going to have to look for death myself.

I have written a short Last Will. Will you be against sending it to the EBSA?"

Lord Wallen appeared, turning a corner.
He had his magical armor, gleamering with mistical energies; and a magic rapier.

His face showed great pain, even though it was obvious he was holding back,

"How do you want to do this? I would prefer to die seeing the sun." (He lowered his voice) "I'm glad it's you who are to kill me."

[Imperial Psycho]

"Quite the Collection you keep. I am impressed." The face of the Wren is blank, showing no expression in particular. "As you say. Come." He turns and gestures for Wallen to follow. "We will have room to end this in the gardens."

As the two men reach daylight, the glare of the sun after the dark Vault is almost blinding. The Wren gestures again, and his men break off, disappearing down a passageway. "Those named in your will shall get their due, where it is possible."

The Wren turns to face Lord Wallen. The slender frame of the Wren almost seems ill-fitting in the plate armour he wears. Whilst Wallen seems to gleam and ripples with magical energies, the Wren's armour is dull and black but for the breastplate, which is painted purple, and adorned with the silhouette of a wren.

In his right hand, he holds the blade that killed Redeye. An arming sword, with a simple hilt, scratched and tarnished from years of use. The blade, however, shines as if it were new. Merdallan Steel.

"You broke the confidence of the King. You never truly served him, only your political ideas. "

"Die well, Lord Wallen." The Wren raised his blade.

[Murska]

Rot's Borough

Burnt and broken buildings, carts and rubble blocking the streets. The occasional cracks of a sharpshooter firing at a glimpsed target had been growing fewer lately, as the battle had died down to a siege and the besieged had learnt to keep their heads down. At high noon, as arranged beforehand with the exchange of truce messages, they ceased completely. So did the work of the assault units tunnelling through the broken houses and cellars, and the salvoes of mortars systematically reducing enemy strongpoints. The quiet that fell over the neighbourhood was cold and still, the sleep-deprived defenders unwilling to peek out or believe the danger had passed.

Then, from behind the warehouse in the direction of the temporary Warden command center, a small formation of armoured Wardens stepped into view. They didn't look quite like they had in battle, lacking their camouflage, sound dampeners and much of the gear, being led not by hand signals but with the unit flag in front of them. As they approach the Ram lines, they form into an honour guard and Commander Tarmin takes the lead. Maybe surprisingly he is exposed to an assassination or breach of truce, but he is an officer of old tradition and honourable warfare, and only the commander of a force can accept the surrender of an honourable foe without disrespecting them. Then again, a cynic might note that he does require the prestige that a victory gives him in the current turbulence of the Council of Commanders power-struggle.

Whatever his reasons, he stops halfway through the no man's land and bellows loudly, in a voice accustomed to command:
"Leaders of the Ram Revolution. I am Nathaniel Tarmin, High Commander of the Warden Order and the commanding officer of the forces besieging you at this moment. I request your commander to meet me at the field with the flag of your unit to agree to the negotiated terms of surrender. On the name of the Order no man shall break the truce lest they be cast from the grace of the Wardens and hunted down for their breach of trust."

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Wardens:
Could I send a message to the Empire through your contacts? I hear they have made extensive use of Verdan devices and techniques in improving their factories and am curious as too if they have anything to help our own infrastructure.

Mercantile's Guild-Warlords/Protectorate[PM]
[This is of course sent seperately to them both.]

I send this message on behalf of the Sovereign Guilds Association of Sav Altulas. As you may or may not have heard, a member of the SGA recently turned on us and has shown signs of madness. It is possible that they have gotten their hands on old documents and seals so I would request that you disregard any such messages you may recieve that is supposedly from the SGA as a whole.

[ForzaFiori]

Rot's Borough

At the shouting from the Wardens, muttering can be heard from behind the ramshackle fortifications. A cart is rolled back, and both Constantine and Krodok step out, with a small honor guard, carrying the cleanest Revolution flag that could be found. It was still dirty and torn, but at least you could still see the red through the dirt. They step over the small amounts of rubble, and make their way to Commander Tarmin. "I speak for the Revolution" Constantine says. "We are willing to accept your terms. You assist us in leaving the city, and we will surrender."

[Murska]

Wardens to Mercantile Guild

Go ahead.

Rot's Borough

"All right. Will seven hours be enough for you to gather those who wish to leave and form up here? We will be directing you to Tragic Court, where we can help provide medical attention and food to those who need it. From there, you will head to the Military District and our docks there, and we will carry you over the River. You will have some of our scouts to lead the way to the agreed-upon location.

But let us observe the quick formalities. I, Commander Tarmin, hereby accept the surrender of the Ram Revolution by its chosen leader, Constantine Richter."

A soldier from the Warden honour guard leaves his sword to the man next to him and steps up to accept the Revolution flag.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

"That's where you are wrong. I did serve him once; until I saw his true nature.

I had suspected he wasn't sincere in his words; and that we did not want the same.

You would know, since you were the one involved in his Stacks conspiracy."

Lord Wallen raises his own blade, and prepares for the duel.
Less than a minute passed, with both of them in a still position, measuring each other.

They moved at unison, the blades slashing at unison.

The Wren thought he had landed a hit; but he saw no wound appear. Instead, one of the crackling magical rays received the blade.
Wallen's blade was looking for blood; but the Wren hastily stopped the attack.

"I was sincere when I apologized for your men. Believe it or not; I never wanted a Civil War.

I didn't even like destroying the Blackfist.

But you..."

(Wallen took a step left, avoiding a precise attack by the Wren. It was apparent that his speed was also boosted by Magic)

"As I was saying... I don't understand you.

How can you be the leader of a band of thieves and act with honor? Why did you, the Justicar of Redeye, colaborated in some of the schemes you did?"

[Imperial Psycho]

"You did not serve him. You continually pushed your nonsense ideology, regardless and in opposition to the Kings own wishes. You served them above him."

Wallens blade strikes the Wrens armour in turn, a glancing blow turned aside by the plate.

"You do not understand me. This is good, as I have gone to some lengths to obscure my motives." The Wren steps forward with a scything blow that would have taken Wallen's head, had he not ducked.

"Thievery is a necessity, not a way of life. My Order was formed under the thumb of the Sorceress, and there was no other way to sustain ourselves. We will overcome our origins, in time."

A thrust from Wallen's rapier came at the Wren supernaturally fast, and he had to turn aside to avoid the blow. The Wren stepped back, raising his blade to into a guarding position.

"This city is Broken. Dying. To fix it, power must be concentrated in the hands of one who can use it, decisively. This has always been my goal. "

"Dividing power creates inaction. Paralysation. That was the Council. Simply naming one faction over the others is also a waste of time. Lord Protector. Your Government of this city has been non-existent, like the 'council'"

"When this is over, there will be no dissent left. The power will be given to those who can use it. Only then can Sav Altulas be healed."

The Wren pressed the attack, stabbing at Lord Wallens midsection.

[ForzaFiori]

Rot's Borough

The flagbearer reluctantly hands over his standard to the Warden, and Krodok offer's his sword to Tarmin. The formalities over, Constantine addresses his previous question. "7 hours should be sufficient, if you will allow us to pass from the Imperial Third to Rot's Borough and vice versa, to communicate with our other forces." He glaces around sadly. "It's not like you left us much to pack up, after your dastardly attack."

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Lord Wallen laughed out loud, as he stopped the blade.

"It's sad. We were closer in our objectives than you think.

I must say I'm honored you considered me to be Lord Protector; since I never got to have the title."

Wallen took two steps back. the magical energy surrounding him was beggining to wear off.


"I didn´t have many political differences, but I did have ethical ones.

I couldn't bear to gain power by destroying half the City.
I failed, as you see.

I was too merciful.

But this..."

He signaled around, to the devastation of Gleamers...


"This was not necessary. This was a massacre, an unnecessary massacre. And I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE!!!"

(A purple ray leaves Lord Wallen's hand and moves in the Wren's direction)

"WHY DIDN'T JAMES FIGHT ME?!?! HE WOULD HAVE KILLED ME!! I WOULD'VE DIED, SO THAT MY FRIENDS WERE ALIVE TODAY!!!!"

[Imperial Psycho]

The Wren's eyes widened as the ray shot towards him. When Wallen followed through, the Wren was able to avoid the blade, but not the beam, which stuck him in the shoulder, throwing him back.

Struggling to regain his footing, breathing heavily, The Wren's voice was surprisingly calm. "I do so despise magic."

He sprang forward, faster than would be thought possible for a man in plate. Wallen staggered back, and it was this lapse that saved his life, at least for a moment, as the blade struck him in a temple, leaving a red line across his head.

The Wren turned, reversed his blade, stabbed down, taking Wallen in the rear of his knee. Wallen's legs give way under him, and he falls to one knee.

"The duel you promised was a fight on your terms. And it would not settle the matter of rulership, only the question of the 'crimes' you accused James of."

"We had nothing to gain, and everything to lose. Regardless, it was not enough to kill you. House Wallen had to be ended as a political force."

Wallen, still struggling to stand, glares at the Wren, his grip on the rapier tight. The Wren steps back a few paces, and raises his sword again. "You have no qualms killing the soldiers of those you consider political enemies. My dead men speak to that. You go further. When we arrived, we found you attacking the other Noble houses in the street, arresting House Matoff. Political Purges, Lord Wallen? "

The man known as the Wren smirked. "Hypocrite."

[Zemalac]

House Laurier to SGA (PM)

Traitor's Bridge

Excellent. We will take control as soon as we can get our cadet branch moving. The Doctor's suggestion for flags and such is not without merit, but normally we would go to the Heladuits for such things, which I suspect would not be looked upon with favor by the Association at the moment. The Silversmiths are fine crafters of jewelery, but they are not tailors.

River Trade

It would seem so.

Runner's City

Despite what those in Runner's City might wish, I believe the Wardens have control of the Ram's territories now. I would not want to be drawn into a conflict with them over such a trivial issue.


Thelonius (PM)


Mercantile Guild mentioned paying for Lahaim trainers and not getting anything. I assume it’s because Laurier got them. Does it mean Mercantile Guild gets a refund?
Normally, yes. The fact that they have not yet heard from the Laheim about it is rather sinister, don't you think?
http://imageshack.us/a/img534/2351/mysteriousj.png


House Laurier to Wardens (7)

Our friendship is, of course, reaffirmed. I would suggest that your troops simply use the Council Road--move from Gateway Milanus to the Road in Swordsware, then get off the Road in Fractures and walk to Deadman Hill. This would let you avoid the difficulties of moving large numbers of men through Tremorous and prevent disruptions of commerce in Royal Court and the Pond.

In the spirit of friendship, it occurs to me that I have something I should confirm with you. Your forces are leaving your checkpoints on Traitor's Bridge to be manned by the Mercantile's Guild this month, yes? They have requested that we aid them in this endeavor, as their guard forces are sadly depleted after that business with the Network. I would like to ensure that there has not been some miscommunication somewhere and that you will, indeed, be absent from the Bridge before our cadets arrive.

[Murska]

Wardens to Laurier
We are leaving the bridge to Mercantile troops for a short while. We will return once the forces required have finished their task at Drydocks.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Wallen breathed heavily, and tried to lift his sword to meet the Wren’s.
He was losing blood rapidly.

”On the contrary, the duel was to take place in neutral grounds."

"And with the charges and me gone; how long would my organization had survived before being taken by James peacefully?"

"You had no need to do this. You are murderers, cold blooded murderers…“

”You had no qualms to destroy merchants who had not hurt anyone; or to allow an entire neighbourhood to be destroyed by anarchists because your King ordered you to.”

”Your soldiers were warriors, and were prepared to die for their beliefs. I never targeted the innocent. Many of the people you killed and robbed here were civilians.”

(Lord Wallen smiled despite the pain)
”And for that, you will murder the King next time you see him.”
”You are nothing more than a common murderer, Wren.”

”I don’t care if you believe me, but nevertheless, I’m sorry for killing your men, and ask for your forgiveness even if I don’t deserve it. I am guilty of that, and I will take that shame with me to hell.”
”As you will take yours, for you will remember everything afterwards.”
”And the hipocrite part is just insultive. I find it incredibly ironic that you accuse me of being a hipocrite when James and you were orchestating things from the shadows while you were escaping justice."

"It is one thing to accept competition when it is done in a loyal and cooperative environment. It is another to allow the enemy to weaken you so your enemies can kill you. It's a mistake; and one I toook too long to repair.”


”Now, be done with this and kill me already. I’m supposed to meet my forefathers in an hour; and it would not do to be late.”

Wallen threw away his sword, and presented his neck to the Wren.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Wren glares at the wounded man before him.
"I do not kill innocents."

"But I am a murderer. I grant you that. You think this city can be saved without blood? All Empires have death at their foundation. Talidor will be neither the first, nor the last."

The Wren places a finger on the point of his blade, and seems to study the slender patterns that mark Merdallan Steel.

"But I am no hypocrite. I never claimed to be a good man. Just right. "

He looks back at Wallen, speaking in a measured tone.

"Goodbye, Lord Wallen. You will not be remembered. "

The blade that slew Redeye took him in the throat.

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Neposh

to Order of the Wren

I know there was a lot of bad blood between you and Lord Wallen, but with his fellows leaving we would like to give him a proper burial. Please allow us to collect his body.

[Thelonius]

Champions

''As I understand Lord Wallen is dead. As per wishes of his family, I will handle his burial. I shall send my men to collect his body, I hope there is no problem with releasing it for its final rest.''

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To Church of Neposh, Bloodhaven
The will I have here leaves his funeral preparations to his next of kin, Orville. He shall bury his nephew, unless he is unwilling or unable to do so.

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Neposh

To Orville

We do not know of your burial plans for your departed family, but we would like to offer a space in the Bleak Cathedral. Many of the cities most honored dead lie there and have been protected from defilers as long as history has been known.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

To Church of Neposh
"So the rumours are true... My nephew is dead.

Do you know if he had any Last Will? I would agree to have the preparations set in the Cathedral, before leaving town."

[Thelonius]

Bloodhaven to Orville
My condolences for your loss. As a friend of the late Lord Wallen, I offer my assistance in handling the matters presetting to burial. I believe his will stipulates that arrangements are up to you, but as you are unfamiliar with the city and preoccupied with other issues, I'm prepared to help you with this burden.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Orville to Bloodhaven
I must give you my thanks for that. I think that would be most convenient, given that you will still be alive next month, while I may very well not.

I must fulfill my nephew's last will, nevertheless.

Orville to Wren [Public]
"To the man known as the Wren:

You have killed my nephew and finished my bloodline. You are triumphant, and I will not stand in your way.

However, it is said you hold the Last Will of my nepew. As the man who is to carry it, I ask you to deliver the Will to me, so I can be sure Henry Wallen's last wishes are properly carried out.

You have my word that I will not fulfill anything that could threaten the Kingdom.

Orville Wallen."

[ArcaneStomper]

The Sausage Guild to the Champions of Sovereignty
Since we have heard no response to our last message we will reiterate our request to remain in the rented territories for another month.

It is vital that we are able to use our full resources to restore the cities food supply this month, but we can almost certainly return them next month.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

The Center for the Arts
Lord Founder was merrily painting away with several buckets of paint, whistling tunelessly, when Sebastian told him the news.
"Well, that seems to have worked out quite well."
Founder checked his pocket-watch.
"Oh dear, how time does fly," he exclaimed self-mockingly.
"I'm off to meet my class! We have monsters to hunt."
Lord Founder taught a single class at the University, and it was an elective: Monster Hunting 101. Sebastian looked at the paint-splattered canvas and came upon an interesting idea. After talking briefly with Lord StigBalathad, he returned to the room and carefully pulled the canvas off the easel and slid it into a frame. Sebastian picked up the abandoned paintbrush and washed it off, and dipping it in black paint, carefully signed, "Bennet Founder."
Sebastian had learned to forge Founder's signature long ago- he hardly ever bothered to sign paperwork. Finding one of the empty spots in the gallery for future artwork, he hung up the painting and casually strolled away, job done.

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the Sausage Guild:
"Sorry for the delay. The flooding does seem to have hit a few people rather hard. I'll delay taking the territories for a month."

"Do you know if any of the SGA will be contributing to help the people of All God's hollow?"

[ArcaneStomper]

The Sausage Guild to the Champions of Sovereignty
Excellent we will endeavor to restore our vaults and prepare for the hand off as quickly as possible.

As for All God's Hollow it was not specifically discussed. The SGA as a whole was generally more concerned with bringing food into the city to prevent starvation rather than fix the flooding.

However All God's Hollow may be incidentally helped as we repair our own tunnels. Our redirecting and pumping out the water may also drain the water from there, but it is not our highest priority to do so.

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To House Matoff:
Lord Matoff,

Over the past few months I have taken note of your ...loyalty to the throne. I've been thinking on it quite a bit, and would now ask your opinion on a measure to strengthen the bonds between your house and mine.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Wren whistled a tuneless song as he strolled through the streets of Dai. The chaos was winding down, the officers had retrieved most of their men, and the dead had been burned. Alone in the street, the Wren carried a bloody blade.

His gaze shifted as he spotted movement. A flash of gold within a crowd of guards and aides. There was only one person that could be. "My King!" The weathered face of the Wren wears a grin. "James. " The boy pushes forward to the front of his hangers-on. "What do you think of my work? "

"I know you do not always approve of me, but this!" He spreads his arms wide. "This is yours now. And the throne is next. Was it everything you ever dreamed? "

[razovor]

King James glanced around the area. The finery was obvious, as one would expect in Sky, but so was the damage of last months fighting, perhaps more jarring because of the contrast.

"I...did not dream of this. We won, but we killed so many people, all to stop one man ... I do not know how you manage to smile."

[Imperial Psycho]

The Wren's smile only grew wider, appearing almost as a leer. "Death, like all things, comes unexpectedly. They were soldiers. Such is their duty."

The Wren took two quick steps forward, his smile undamaged. "Do you remember when we first spoke? I asked you why you thought you, above all others, should be King."

"I told you this was a path of blood. Do you remember your answer?"

[razovor]

"I told you... the truth. Was quite surprised it didn't scare you away. We've been fighting for over a year. The Tong, The Librarian, Rhomdarmer, Wallen."

"I can put on a brave face for the men. With my magic, I can lead them into battle, when the throne needs it. King James touched his crown. But I can't... how are you supposed to celebrate, surrounded by corpses? I thought it might get easier over time..."

"You've been fighting longer than I. When do you stop doubting your decisions?"

[Imperial Psycho]

"Resolve. There is a time for doubt. That time is before you act. Analyse every possibility, consider the reactions of others to your plan."

"But once battle is joined... the time for doubt is over. Soldiers can see through a brave face. They must know that you *know* what to do, that you *know* where you are taking them, and that you are certain of your the rightness of your plans."

"Celebrate when surrounded by corpses, for it means the fighting is done and you yet live. It means you are one step closer to the day when the fighting will end."

"Never doubt in your cause. Act half-heartedly, and you will never prosper."

[Zemalac]

Turn 18 Results
November, 1033


The Sav Altulas Standard
Professional On An Amateur Level

Sponsored by the Bookbinder's Guild

______________________________

A massive, three-pronged attack on the Sausage Guild's underground infrastructure this month resulted in carnage on an unpreccedented scale, hidden from the light of day. Though the warrens of the Bloody Guild had been fortified heavily, and though they had trained for years as the city's best tunnel fighters, the overwhelming numbers, superior equipment and element of surprise held by the enemy won the day. The Champions and the Order of the Wren have seized Hopers and Resseville, the Church of Neposh has taken over the former territory of the Exchange in Silver Way, and the Wardens now control the heart of the Guild in Bunkers.

Food caravans heading to the city in order to fill in for damaged Sausage Guild infrastructure are attacked by raiders this month, resulting in very few of them making it to the city. Warden scout units sent out to deal with the situation vanish without a trace.

Unrest in the Lower City surges sharply upwards as news of the attack on the Sausage Guild and the attacks on food caravans to the city gets out. The Upper City is now also starting to feel the effects.

Mechanic Note:

Factions with territory in the Lower City--that would be Runner's City, Stacks, the Triphage Untima and both Circles--may see rioting this turn unless steps are taken to deal with the food situation.


A band of crusaders from the Empire has arrived in the city and has surrounded the Bleak Cathedral, making Pews their base camp.


______________________________
Excerpt from the Standard

Imperial Crusade Storms City!

WE ARE HIS VENGEFUL HAND
WE ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS SWORD
WE ARE HIS SHELTERING ARM
WE ARE JUJHAR
WE ARE LIONS

A massive and enraged army of men clad in white armor and red cloaks stormed across Traitor’s Bridge this month, carrying sacred relics and banners bearing the shield-and-moon of the Jujhar, Imperial god of war and vengeance. When Laurier guards and Guild officials try to stop the army and ask their business, they are cut down without a word. The host rides on, down the Council Road (that being the easiest route for an armed party such as this to take), though a few do stop and shout furious questions at the confused and terrified officials. “WHERE CAN BE FOUND THE BLASPHEMERS” and “WHAT ROCK DARES HIDE THE HERETIC CHURCH OF THE GODSLAYER” and other things of that nature. When they depart the bridge, they seem to be headed in the direction of the Bleak Cathedral.


______________________________

The Technists Guild reports that they have found nothing but beastmen and ruins in Orn Telengrad.

A science fair held by the Technists Guild has led to a new generation of scientists joining the Guild.

Preachers from the Church of Neposh have converted the workers in Factories North.

A new fleet of grain barges is commissioned by the Mercantile's Guild.

Old Face passes peaceably back into the hands of the Esoteric Society, and House Wallen's militia disbands. Orville Wallen's overseeing of his nephew's funeral at the Bleak Cathedral is interrupted by Jujhar crusaders.

The last will and testament of Lord Henry Wallen is released by the Order of the Wren, and his estate parceled out according to his wishes.


______________________________
Excerpt from the Standard

Last Will and Testament
“I, Lord Henry Wallen, last of my Name; under the full use of my faculties, have decided to write this, my Last Will and Testament, for I will not belong in this world for long.
I have taken the following decisions:

- Uncle Orville: I apologize for getting you into this situation. I should’ve listened to you, and kept by James’s side. You have expressed in the past that you did not want anything to do with the Wallen patrimony, and I understand your reasons.
Let it be known you are free of the responsibility of continuing the Family Legacy. I hope you get out alive.

- Madame Beteoui: I leave you with regret in my heart. If you are still alive, I’m deeply sorry.

- Ser Wallenstein, my Protector: I apologize for sending you to your death. I still call you Ser, because that is what you are. You have been a good warrior and a noble leader. If you ever wake up, please protect Doctor Morden Vassari. I believe he will have need for such protection. Farewell, may your new master is a better one than I was.

- The survivors of my Party: My death will do little to give you back what you have lost. The responsibility for this is mine, and mine alone. Let no one else be blamed.

- The control that House Wallen had on the university is to go to the Whitestripe Mages, for their continued work in the Education of the City Mages.

- My remaining economical resources (3 Perm wealth, 3 temp wealth) is to be distributed to the people of Runner’s City that lived here before the last invasions. It’s little, but maybe I can diminish their misery a little.
To them, I apologize more than I apologize to everyone. I wanted to make your lives better; and ended up being responsible for your destruction. I am a fool.

- 1 Temp Wealth is to be used to give my body a burial. I’d prefer a closed coffin. If someone wants to come to pay respects, please try not to get shot by the cronies.

This line has been removed.
This line has been removed.
This line has been removed.
This line has been removed.

Signed; Lord Henry Wallen. Last of his Name.


______________________________

Ser Wallenstein, recovered from his injuries during the Network overload, has pledged his service to Doctor Vassari.

A massive Heladuit attack on Smithway turns out to be a diversion. The entirety of the Heladuit Court has escaped the city via Brecombe Lake; Silversmith Guild guards who were attacking the Golden Pave at the time of the escape were forced aside personally by Markus and Meridia Heladuit. The Heladuit Court has left Sav Altulas.

An art competition sponsored by the ESGE in Dogma leads to a promising young artist from the Lower City getting an exhibit in pride of place at the Center for the Arts.

The assassins of the Brotherhood of the Flowering Rose are being assassinated, and the Guild's Watch is in control of the Dreuger Grounds.

Bloodhaven mages, concerned about the possibility of recent fires and other disruptions in Rot’s Borough having damaged the seals on the ancient plague pits that the neighborhood is built over, descend upon the area with decontamination wards and birdlike masks. The locals, suddenly adding an age-old fear of the Red Wind Plague to their fears of soldiers in the streets, fire and starvation, assist them as much as they can.

Orcs from Pits and Tregon have restarted the blood games tradition in the Harrowing Fields, to popular acclaim.

Rumor has it that the Traitor Legion has invaded and taken over Gregoria in the absence of its new King.

Verdan operators are rumored to be at work in the city.

Constantine Richter and his followers have left Sav Altulas, under the careful eye of the Wardens, to start a new life elsewhere.

The Order of the Wren has returned to Castaways, the Tragic Court, Lack's Own and All Gods' Hollow.

Officials from the Gilded Group and House Laurier have been seen together often of late.

A new street level is slowly being built in All Gods' Hollow, above the flooded areas.

A cult dedicated to the Seven Tragic Days, ancient gods that have not been seen for millennia, has revealed itself in the Lower City, claiming that the recent disasters that have overtaken the city are clear signs that their gods are returning to the world. Thus far they claim to have seen the sign of Storm, Fire and Flood, and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Quake, Plague, Ice and Madness.

The entirety of the Wardens' river fleet has been destroyed overnight by forces unknown, and the patrols they were keeping stationed afloat near Traitor's Bridge have vanished.

Rumors that the new currency being put out by the Exchange makes your hair fall out are ignored by most everyone.


______________________________

Bounty Board
All prices listed are in t.WEL unless otherwise stated, and will be paid out immediately upon confirmation by the bounty poster.

Elias DuKree: Red hair, close cut. Reddish-brown eyes. Scar on left cheek. Possibly a scar on right leg, depending on how the wound healed--might have a limp. Wanted dead. 4 from Lord Protector.

Unknown Raiders: Whoever stole the Imperial weapons meant for the Wardens from the caravan delivering them to the city.
2 from Imperial Trade Ministry

Unknown Murderer: Whoever killed the people found dead at the opening of the Wallen Wing at Bloodhaven Hospital.
4 from Doctor Vassari

Turn 19 Begins
December, 1033

[Eldan]

Bounty posted:

Gold, food or free mercenary services in exchange for every major blow against the mercantile guild. Exact exchange rates to be negotiated.

Furthermore, every citizen bringing us the head of a mercantile guild member will be fed for a week on orcish meat.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild

Excuse me? What the hell has the Guild done to you?

[Eldan]

Stonecutter's reply

Stonecutter is not as limber as she used to be, but she can still carve her way through five humans given a warm-up and a sturdy blade. She finishes them, wiping the blood from her brow, then spitting at the feet of the unconscious bodies. It was not worth her time, no matter how much the crowd cheered. She had shown them orcish power once. Once was enough. Once was always enough for an orc.

Her reply to the Mercantile Guild was short and to the point.
"Oathbreaker."

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Founder Manor
Lord Founder looked at the public notice.
"Hah! I like their spirit."

StigBalathad Brewery
"Of course not, I'm just here to retrieve some of my private inventory."
StigBalathad was mildly bemused by the brewers' reactions to his return.
"There's no shame in drinking some of it from time to time. Makes sure it's good."

He wandered back into the storage room, where rack upon rack of assorted alcohols were quietly (or not so quietly, for one very rare bottle in the back) aging. He walked over to a scuffed spot of floor and pulled up a section of the boards.

The brewers all had their ears pressed to the door of the cellar, waiting. Their patience was rewarded with a burst of muffled swearing from within.

"Those scoundrels drank my Sounten!"

[Thelonius]

SGA [PM]

Sausage Guild

The attack against you is an atrocity. Can you tell us what happened? Does Bloodhand survive and what of the rest of your Guild? What of the forces that attacked you?

Technist Guild

Neposh took Factories North. Will you ignore it or take measures?

Orks of Tregon/Zemalac [5]

Did the deal for food delivery proceed without problems?

(I didn't have it noted in my EoT)

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Neposh

To City
The Church would like to make known the treachery of the Sausage Guild. The Mint has been minting new coins with the intention of posioning the lower class. The Order of Justice was tipped off last month with their law magic, then the church went into investigation. The metal they were using is laced with poisonus materials. We took the Mint with as little bloodshed as possible to stop the process immedatly before any more posion could slip into the city.

I would like to ask the Wardens and Merchantile guild to get their act together with guarding Traitors Bridge. It is the main entrance to the city, and we have now had a small army invade to the heart. They could have marched up to the Castle if they so wished, and their forces are not that powerful. The Church will step up and send these invaders to the deamons they worship, but we ask that the city learns from this attrocity and begins to defend itself from outside armies.

To King James (DESP 6)

I am unsure if the church has pledged loyalty to you assuming the throne. The recent crusade has shown us that we need a strong leader such as yourself to keep enemies of the city out. We would like to pledge our loyalty to the king and if he needs of anything the church will assist with all our might.


To Wardens and Merchantile guild (DESP 6)

The above letter might be a bit scathing, but we have lost a lot of innocent people recently. We have the ability to destroy the men already inside the city, but the bridge needs more protection. We ask that the wardens be allowed full control so they may build better fortifications that can keep forces at bay.


To Bloodhaven and GM (DESP 6)

Good Doctor,

We are giving you a sample of the poisoned coin the Sausage guild was distrubting in the city. We know much of it has been in Old Town, but we imagine more would be elsewhere. If you can help find a cure we would be elated.

GM: I'm giving Bloodhaven some of the poisoned coin.

[ArcaneStomper]

A series of couriers are hired anonymously to deliver notes around the city.

To the members of the SGA (including House Laurier)
We will no longer be participating in the SGA. Not that we hold anything against you, but we feel that our best interests no longer lie in the city.

We do deliver a warning to consider planning your exiles. This city is no longer a healthy place.

To the Church of Neposh and Bloodhaven
Copies of every record involving the manufacture of the new currency are delivered. Clearly showing that each coin had no more than the normal mixture of gold and alloys in it.

To the Champions of Sovereignty
We see now how you reward those who pledge loyalty to you King James. We were always loyal, and this blow is as surprising as any, but we hold no anger in our hearts. If you see no place for us here then we will leave with no argument. We simply ask that you do what we are no longer able to. Feed the city King James.


To House Laurier
In honor of the friendship we were building we ask that you help us leave this city and escape from the grasp of those who intend to destroy us. We ask not that you do anything against them, simply that you help our exodus.

[Thelonius]

SGA [PM]

I'm sad to see you go. I believe SGA will support House Laurier assuming control of all you holdings in exchange for their support in you leaving the city, for protection of people, with the exception of Stockyards North, that should go to Mercantile Guild and Downline, which would require care of experts in magic, namely White-Stripe Mages.

I will test the coins that Neposh sent to me, however if their claims are false, I suggest that Mint be returned to the hands of House Laurier. I hope this motion will have support of the rest of the SGA.

Laurier: I hope your recent project doesn't fall under shadow with Neposh accusations. I'll make certain to resolve the issue with coinage as soon as possible to clear any doubts.


Zemalac [PM]

I'm testing the coins Neposh sent me and finding no traces of poison in them whatsoever. However if hypothetically I was to imagine finding some poison in them that I certainly didn't find, I'd like to know what this imaginary poison would be. [Pharmacology Trait].

P.S. Now Laurier were doing some things with currency - so I think they'd dislike accusations of Neposh that it was tainted and appreciate me clearing things up.

[Murska]

Wardens to Mercantile Guild

I seem to recall us swearing to each other under oath not to attack, hinder or subvert each other's operations. Yet I find your people lurking in our territories once again.

I do not understand why you insist on poking your nose where it doesn't belong. One day, there might be repercussions that you will not like.

Wardens to House Laurier

The King currently leads a large enough force to make sure this Broken City can and will be unified in time to face the coming storms. We hope you'll offer your support and allegiance - there is need for someone to oversee the prominent workings of trade and economy in the City in the future, after all.

[Thelonius]

Bloodhaven

Official Bloodhaven Report on Coinage

At the request of the Church of Neposh, I have examined the coinage, that was distributed by the Mint, under the control of the Gilded Group. I would like to announce, that said coinage contained no traces of poison, though certain measures against counterfeiting might have been perceived as such, by less then competent alchemists. I would advise for the Church of Neposh to provide me with samples in advance, before they engage in violence, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and disruptions of the financial operations of the city.

Signed, Dr. Vasari

Edit: ESBA [8 ESP](NPC?)
Greetings. As you know, SGA tried to organize food shipments to the city, to prevent this terrible famine. Yet they were beset by bandits on all sides - to the extent, that it seems unlikely, that it was mere Warlords banditry. I strongly suspect... nay I'm certain, that some powerful force was at work, trying to weaken the city by starving all of us. Your investigators are well known across Sav Altulus. I beseech you - help us find this foe of the city, before it is too late! We must know who threatens us, before the hunger claims the city defenders.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Wardens

We did indeed swear an oath. The thing is, all we did is commission a fleet of Grain Barges to help feed this city. Everything that happened in the area was making sure everything was covered. Labor and supplies, additional protection since your patrols have been absent recently, and even expert shipwrights from Merchants Water. And yet, here your people were, turning them all back. It was not our intention to counteract your operations, but we had to get the contracts to them somehow.

Now its my turn: What is the reason for your massive assault upon the Sausage Guild? It's not helping matters.

City
Our people were not absent from the bridge. My customs agents, as well as a sizable company of House Laurier soldiers, attempted to stop them but they cut straight through without mercy. These savages are absolute fanatics and don't seem to fear death. We might have actually driven them off succesfully had something not happened to Warden forces stationed nearby.

Orks of Tregon
Apologies for our misunderstanding over the last contract. I was under the impression that you would contact us later on to confirm whether or not your other employers outbid me.

If you are willing to denounce your recent statements, then I am willing to make it up to you.

[Eldan]

Orcs to the Mercantile Guild

Let us see, then. To retract the payment, the wealth you owe us, and reparations. [5 wealth] would seem appropriate, for the five batteries that waited, pointlessly.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Orcs of Tregon
That sounds acceptable. I can pay about half of it this month if that is acceptable. The crusaders did substantial damage to the area on their way through so I need to take stock of whats available.

I would be willing to tack on a bit extra to next months payment.

[Imperial Psycho]

Order of the Wren

To the Wild Mages
Don't know if you heard, but the Sausage Guild are going.

I've heard a lot about your group from the Blackfist, and I would like to come to an arrangement similar to what they had. You keep the Tower safe, I extend my protection over you, so no-one messes with you.

Political situation is changing fast, but my roots in Runners go deep. We're here to stay.

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the EBSA: [5]
We will be moving to take the palace this month.

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon to the Mercantile guild

6 this month, 10 next month?

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Orcs of Tregon
We have ourselves a deal. Glad to have a peaceful end to this situation.

In other matters, do you know of anything regarding the situation in the Shattered Land? It seems the warlords are getting bolder and stepping up their raids.

Warlords[PM]
What can my contacts tell me about the situation out there? Anything in regards to Gregoria, Meralldon/Imperial agents moving around, as well as more details on who is attacking my food shipments?

[ArcaneStomper]

To the SGA
A battle report is forwarded to the SGA.

(See the OOC thread.)

[Thelonius]

Bloodhaven

Orks of Tregon [8]
I would like to purchase the food you can supply to distribute in the city, in these dark times. What would be your price?

Lord Greeves (4, sent if Mercantile Guild permits it)
Your Grace, I am a humble Doctor of the Sav Altulus, of the Bloodhaven Hospital as well as member of the SGA, the guilds organization. In recent times my fair city has suffered unduly from considerable infighting and sabotage, which left our storages empty of food. The SGA tried to address the situation by bringing in the food, but alas all the caravans were beset by unknown force. Even the overwhelming presence of Wardens and agents of the Imperial Chancery, who valiantly tried to keep the food flowing failed to make any difference against this phantom force of bandits.

I describe this plight of our fair city, in hopes that in this dark hour you would find compassion in your heart and extend the helping hand, whether through strengthening the trade relations between our nations or providing sound advice on how to deal with the this bandit menace, as I’m certain a man as wise and experienced as you would find it easy to discern their true nature and motives.

Lady Agia Lonecutter (4, sent if Mercantile Guild permits it)
Lady Lonecutter, my name is Morden Vasari of Bloodhaven. In the recent months my city has been struck by a number of disasters - constant fighting on the streets with dead soldiers piling up, looting, explosions that level entire neighborhoods, sinking of the Warden’s river patrols and growing threat of famine. Meanwhile in the Shattered Lands bandits are raiding the trade caravans, despite the best efforts of Wardens and Imperial Chauncery. At this rate I fear that the city may fall into complete anarchy and ruin, if the situation doesn’t begin to improve - It’s as if a terrible curse has been cast on us.

Your soothsayers are renwoned for their skill and foresight - in this dark time for Sav Altulus, I humbly ask for your help - if anybody can pierce the veil of the future and provide wisdom and guidance to steer the fate of the city to the prosperity and safety, it would be your faithful servants. Your help will not be forgotten and I’m certain the ties of friendship and trade would grow between our nations.

Cannibals [4, sent if Mercantile Guild permits it]

Dear Sirs. The fair city of Sav Altulus stands on the verge of terrible hunger and our best efforts to stem it seem for naught. In these dark times, I ask for your advice and guidance on how to best organize feeding of the citizens with other less fortunate citizens. We are frankly speaking novices in the art and it would be a terrible shame, if parts that can sustain us for days were to be thrown out or cooked incorrectly. I believe we shall sort out the general proceedings of eating ourselves, with the more wealthy and powerful devouring the poor, but as there can be distinctions between said poor in size, composition and other features, any advice regarding the best selection would be deeply appreciated.

Humbly yours, Dr. Morden Vasari

[Yeah... I don’t actually send this one. Let’s say it was a letter that Vasari tore into small pieces and tossed into fireplace].

[Eldan]

Orcs to the Mercantile Guild [5]

Well. We do have informatoin about who could have been behind this, we caught a few agents. But, to be honest, we don't want to talk about it too publicly. If you wan tto know more, send a representative to the Pits Embassy.

Let's say this much. Those were no warlords.

Bloodhaven

Demand increases prices. We are already supplying much of the city. If you want to organize and monopolize our deliveries to make yourself look charitable, it will cost you.

[Murska]

Wardens to Sausage Guild

We're willing to make you the same offer as to all other honourable foes we've fought. If you surrender, we'll treat you fairly and offer you passage out of the City should you wish for such.

Wardens to Conductor

Our patrols will be moving in Allscross shortly. If you do not bother us, we will not bother you. Is this agreeable?

Wardens to remnants of Ansigaris, Ambassadorial Guard, Exchange

We'll be taking over the duties of guarding and administrating the Gilded district. We have no objection to your organizations rebuilding and continuing on as independent entities if you do not try to hinder our men.

Wardens to Orcs

As per our agreement, we'll be hiring your troops for this month with the aforementioned price, for the pre-arranged mission.

Wardens to ESGE

I hear you have expertise with monsters of all kinds. Would you be willing to send mages to study the blood magic rituals and behemoth flesh-beasts in the Sausage Guild caves? This is an one-off opportunity only.

[Eldan]

Orcs to Wardens

Confirmed.


PUblic:
"You can stop butchering hte mercantile guild, if you already started. They will pay weregild. If you bring any heads, we won't pay you for them."

[oblivion6]

Mercantiles Guild-Orcs of Tregon
Sorenson, chief engineer of the Guild, arrives at the embassy to meet with someone.

GM:
I grant Bloodhaven permission to use my contacts.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

to Wardens
This presents quite an opportunity for the University. I will have an escort for the research team, however, as rumor of armed conflict in the area leans me to err towards caution.

[Murska]

Wardens to Orcs, ESGE

No problem. Our own forces in the area, as well as the Orcs', will cooperate to keep your expedition safe and help with the investigation as necessary.

[Eldan]

The Tregon Embassy [PM]

Embassy, perhaps, is a grand word. It is a military encampment of canvas tents, built on a square where four blocks of houses were torn down just recently.

Stonecutter meets Sorenson personally. She is clad simply, but the respect the other orcs pay her is evident as she passes through the camp back to her tent through the camp amidst shouted greetings and military salutes.

"Wine, Food?", she asks, before offering Sorenson a chair at a map table.
After making her guest reasonably comfortable, she carefully rolls up maps of the city districts and instead places one of the Shattered Lands, weighing it down with unit markers.

"It's war out there. Not open war. Quite worse. You can't swing a cat around without hitting a sniper nest or the friendly smile of some assassin.
Here's what we know. There's us, the wardens and the Warlords, of course. There's the Illarym Chancery and the Merdallans, fighting each other. There's common bandits. There's one faction we haven't identified yet, all in black.
And, interestingly, there's the Peacocks' agents. Of course, we only found out who they worked for after we had to cut a few of them open.
Now. Some barges went down to bandits and warlords, as might be expected with any shipment of supplies. But a minority. Quite a few more went down whenever the Peacocks were quite demonstratively not doing anything suspicious nearby.
Draw your own conclusions."

[Murska]

Wardens to Mercantile Guild

You could've just asked us before attempting to subvert our control with your men, which happened to include Rhodarmer's personal army. You sent 4 Mil worth of soldiers in my land, without asking or telling, quite against our agreement.

As for the Sausage Guild, I am acting in support to my allies, as before. Not that we did it grudgingly - finally, the troops we lost in their surprise attack have been avenged and can rest in peace under the banners.*

*Under the banners - the Wardens take the standard, flag, banner or other symbol of each defeated enemy to keep in their Citadel as a trophy. Troops lost against an enemy whose symbol has not been captured are said to sleep restlessly.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Wren awoke with a start, in a house in Runners City. He had dreamed of betrayal. Of betraying everyone he had ever known, over and over. Blades singing and screaming through a gaudy chamber. A sword, red to the hilt, in his hands, and tears of blood.

The dreams made him think of times long past. Mistakes, blood, death, and fleeing his homeland. He idly wondered, as he did on occasion, about the state of his family. He knew of some uncles, or perhaps they were cousins, who had seized his property on his exile. His sister, he knew was safe enough in Merchants Water, though what exactly she was doing there he found hard to determine. He heard she had become a sailor, or a merchant, or a spy, or perhaps an assassin.

He sighed as he stood and dressed. While he frowned upon the looting that had occurred in Dai, it had not stopped him from using the fruits of his men's labour to improve his battered wardrobe. A fine doublet, an old cloak, and a clasp in the shape of a Kingfisher.

His home had not changed much in the months he was gone, save for a damped enthusiasm for criminal activities under the Warden thumb, and a shifting of people after that great explosion that took the Gears.

Something had changed in the city, however. The Wren sat at his desk, and began to write.

To the Andouir
I would be interested in another meeting, if you are willing.

The Wren

To Agia Lonecutter
As you are no doubt aware, since I slew the killer Redeye, I have taken a scion of your house, Simeon, into my service. It has been some months since he has visited his home, and he has expressed a desire to call upon your hall.

I too, desire to open communications with your House. I trust Simeon will be welcome in your halls?

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Constantine looked out on his new... settlement. It was so small, even the word "town" seemed to large to describe it. Perhaps it was hamlet or a thorpe. I suppose the correct term for his community didn't matter. What did matter was that today was the day the votes for the actual NAME of their new hamlet were counted.

He took the podium in the city square. Compared to the balcony he had given public speeches on back in Rot's Borough, this seemed very informal. Yet for some reason, his hands were sweating. Perhaps it was the gravity of the situation. In front of him were all the survivors from Sav Altulas. It was a pitiful number compared to what they had been just 4 months ago. He had nearly gotten them all killed, and yet here they were, all still eager to follow. Their experiment would go on.

Gripping the envelope with the winning name, Constantine began his speech. It was short, comical, and mostly pointless. Rhetoric designed to keep his people from realizing how far they had fallen. That wasn't the important part of his speech, however. The people were only interested in the last sentence. "And now, I'll stop my endless nattering, and announce the name of our town! The winning name is... two drummers, on this prearrange cue, begin a rapid tattoo of their drums "Ramston!"

EBSA

The town of Ramston would like to apply to be the first part of Sav Altulas' new empire. Seeing how this hasn't been done in quite some time, we were hoping you could send us whatever forms we need to fill out.

[Murska]

Wardens to Ram Revolution

Hopefully your new settlement is in a suitable location.

Be careful moving in small groups, there are many assassins and spies moving around in the Shattered Lands as of late.

[Eldan]

Orcs to the Ram Revolution

GOod to hear that someone made it out of that rat hole of a city alive. Sad to hear that you immediately want to affiliate yourselves with them again.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Gud

Wardens
They took no hostile action against you. They moved in, with the permission of the Guild which runs the Drydocks, to keep things safe. It would have been a shame should someone have attempted any sabotage upon the fleet. Rhodarmers men were there simply because the General himself was assisting the patrols. This effort was designed to end the current food crisis and would have made much progress had someone not been pulling the strings behind the scenes and organizing these raids out there.

King James
What was the reason for your assault upon the Sausage Guild? I can understand Neposh's reason even if I don't buy into the whole idea of poisoned coins, but your attack was completely unprovoked by all appearances.

Tregon Embassy[PM]
Sorenson's jaw dropped visibly upon your findngs. The Peacocks are behind the raids? How can that be? You're telling me that a group that is nothing more than a front for Doctor Vasiri has the resources, both military and otherwise, necessary for such a massive series of attacks? He paused. I've met a couple Peacocks during my time working for the Guild, they don't seem to have any reason for this. But, I suppose its something to look into.

[Murska]

Wardens to Mercantiles
((OOC: You made things quite obvious by having no Esp in your subversion attempt. You can have the Drydocks and Drovers for 1 Wel. But stay off my men or I will find proof, and I have as much Mil under my command as the rest of Sav Altulas put together. Capiche?))

[Eldan]

Tregon Embassy [PM]

"Well... we dont' really care about Vasari's reasons, if he is truly behind this. Perhaps we was sneaking about the barges for another reason. The facts might be disconnected. we only know two things:

First, not all these barges vanished due to bandits and warlords, and second, there were a suspicious number of Peacocks about. And they are certainly adept at keeping their operations secret, if perhaps not experienced in brute force attacks..

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild

Tregon Embassy[PM]
Very well. I thank you for the information.

Wardens
[It was meant to be obvious and I had orders to not touch your men. I'll get back to you.]

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Wardens

The location is very good. Now that the houses are built, a wall will be our next goal. We are hoping to avoid having any bad stories relating to the brigands.


Tregon

We are Sav Altulan. We will never forget that. If we are not connected to the city, we will never be able to achieve our goal of bringing about a democratic nation.

[Thelonius]

SGA/Laurier [PM]

Caravan Attacks & Famine Threat

''Lord Laurier. The fangs of hunger close on the throat of the city, now affecting your territories. As you know Mercantile Guild has spent a fortune to feed the poor, so they wouldn’t rise up, but their efforts were thwarted. Some unknown force has conspired to attack the caravans with food – more than mere bandits. They burned more, then they stole, which means their aims were famine of Sav Altulus.''

''We must discover identity of the enemy – or it will continue to interfere with food shipments and soon the rioters would be burning stores in Lomb Circle in search of food.''

''I’ve spoke of Andouir. I’ve got information, that his agents were active in the Shattered Lands at the time and opposing whatever force was destroying our food shipments. He won’t speak to any common man, but you are both a noble and come from Merdallan – there is a chance he will answer your inquiry. We must find out identity of our enemy, to defend ourselves.''

Zemalac/oblivion6 [PM]

Andouir’s roll won over Imperial Chancery, which was assisting the cover up, so he might have a few clues.

If it were Orks, I request their negative trait [One Race Faction] is counted against them, as Orks are easier to spot and people will remember them. They would have been noticed, if they moved in the Shattered Lands.

I also request bonus from [Warlord Contacts] of Mercantile Guild, as we are more likely to get truthful answers to the inquiry about identity of the attackers (and among others we are asking questions to see if Orks have been seen near the Caravan attacks)

Also [Warlord Contacts]: we can try to get in contact with remnants of the bandit gangs, who were killed by Wardens (could be survivors or those who didn't go on the raid) and claim that their employer/informant sold them out - providing Wardens information. With Wardens [Bandit Grudges] I expect bandits will believe such version of events and would be quick to point fingers.

If this is enough to expose identity of the attacker, I will share it with House Laurier.

[Murska]

Wardens to Ram Revolution

We can supply the wood required for free. Just use the lumberyards across the river.

[Zemalac]

House Laurier to Sausage Guild (6)

Of course. Whatever we can do to help will be done.


House Laurier to Wardens (7)

"Offer support and allegiance?" As the Sausage Guild did? Urso Bloodhand bent the knee to James and saw all he had built destroyed by that same man he had sworn fealty to. Had you offered such a month ago I might have considered otherwise, but now I think we will not walk that same path. I have seen where that road ends.


Wild Mages to Order of the Wren (1)

Why is it that everyone seems to think we give a damn about politics? I mean, really, I'm wearing a five-foot tall hat made out of bramble and rabbit carcasses. What about that says "I am a man who cares whether or not some king of thieves down in Castaways is offering me protection?" Protection from what?


Warlord Contacts to Mercantile's Guild (PM)

Everyone seems to think that either Merdallan or Imperial agents were responsible for every last disaster to strike in the past month or so. Gregoria is entirely in the hands of Tinman's Traitor Legion, though they seem more focused on stealing anything valuable before the Gregorian army gets back than anything else.


Maximilian Greeves to Bloodhaven (4)

Doctor,

Your missive does indeed stir some vestige of compassion in my heart. Your people have suffered greatly, it seems, though an uncharitable soul might point out that such things are more commonplace in the wider world than you might think. Indeed, such an individual might go on to suggest that Sav Altulas has now been brought down to the level of the rest of the Shattered Lands, that the jewel of Talidor and Desoui is no more.

Far be it for me to say such things, however; charity is second nature to me and mine. I must admit, however, that business is as well. Should you want food, I will find someone to sell it to you, and should you want bandits gone, why, I can find someone to sell that to you as well, but for everything there is a price.

His Majesty Lord and King of Desperante,
Maximilian Greeves


Agia Lonecutter to Bloodhaven (4)

I look to your city and see nothing but fire. No wonder that this is the place that killed Redeye; even such as he was devoured by the ghosts within your walls.

Should you desire to ask anything of the family, seek out my nephew, Simeon. I understand he is in your city at the moment, though that may change.


Conductor to Wardens (7)

yoU hAVE AlrEAdy boTHEREd mE. exPerIMENTs disRUPTED, RUNES DESTROYED, liNeS NEEdinG to BE DRAWN AgAIN. your bOOts mARCH OVER EVerYTHING, noT CARING WHERE TheY sTEP.

i cARE NOT WHaT YoU DO IN ALLSCROSS or GILDED, but Do nOT ToUCH thaT whiCH THE BLOODY GUILD CaLLeD THE METRO, anD DO NOT ToUcH THE GRID. ThaT WorKing iS MINE.


Ansigaris, Ambassadorial Guard, Exchange to Wardens (2)

No response from Ansigaris. That organization has been destroyed entirely.

The Ambassadorial Guard agrees, under the stipulation that they retain the right to guard Embassy Row. They do not seem pleased with the situation.

The Exchange is currently under the control of the Church of Neposh.


The Andouir to the Wren (6)

I am not willing to meet with you, sir, save on the field of honor. You are a traitorous cur who has betrayed all your kingdom stands for by allying yourself with the black-marked men of the Illarym Chancery. Get thee from my sight.


Agia Lonecutter to the Order of the Wren (6)

Family is always welcome in my halls.


House Laurier to SGA (PM)

Your plan has merit, Doctor, save for one flaw: I am not a noble, nor is my house of the nobility. We are merchants. I really don't know why people keep making that mistake, though of course I am flattered that they do so.

[Imperial Psycho]

Order of the Wren

To the Wild Mages [1]
I don't think you care about politics. That is why I make my offer.
What I know of Longspeak Tower, I know that people will try to meddle with it. To 'fix' it. And I am led to believe the consequences of such meddling could be dire.

I would make it known that meddling with Longspeak is tantamount to an attack on me, and my allies. My organisation is bereft of magic, so there is no risk of our messing with the tower. That is the protection I am offering.

To the Andouir [6]
Of what do you speak? I have had no contact with the Illarym Chancery, nor any of Illarym save the Wardens. If they work with their Chancery, they do so without my knowledge, and without my participation. I would never work against my countrymen in such a way.

You will retract your insults to my honour, sir.

[Zemalac]

Wild Mages to Order of the Wren (1)

See, that ain't such a bad thing, though I don't really see that we need it. Anyone who wants to try and fix the Tower deserves what's coming to them, in my mind, and everyone bright enough to, you know, maybe be able to do anything to it is bright enough to not try.


Andouir to Wren (6)

I will not. Your Warden allies are, in turn, catspaws of Lord Agent North, my Imperial counterpart in this land. Whether you intended to put a puppet of the Empire on the throne of Sav Altulas is immaterial; the result is what counts in my eyes. I bear no particular grudge against your King James, but I will slay him myself if that is what it takes to keep this city out of Illarym hands.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To the Andouir [6]
I would die myself before I gave Sav Altulas over to Illarym interests. Catspaw of the Chancery or not, the Wardens are sworn to the service of James, not the other way round.

If you truly believe there is a threat of Illarym plot to make James their puppet, I offer my assistance. My name may be a dishonoured one, I am a son of Merdallan all the same.

To the Wild Mages [1]
I don't know about that. Magical ability does not always go hand in hand with sanity. Redeye, the Standing Mage, the Librarian of the Elements. Besides, who cares about the idiot trying to fix the tower, I'm worried about everyone else.

[Thelonius]

SGA/Laurier [PM]

Waiting to hear on Laurier/Andouir issues over the identity of attacks on food caravans.

Sausage Guild

Would you be able to leave the Metro system in the care of SGA, as we might require it to transport goods in the city?

If you require any assistance with your move, you have but to ask.


Restaurant Association [4]

The transfer of control from Mercantile Guild to me should happen this month. Can you provide funds for me to help secure food supply for Triphage Untima? If hungry riots break out, they are bound to hit Little Zanchar first.


Lord Greeves [4]

Your charitable disposition is an example for us all. SGA has wealth and products that you may find interesting. I shall arrange for the payment for your services as soon as possible.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Public message from Orn University
In light of the recent crisis which is just making itself known, the Esoteric Society, in conjunction with Orn University, will be funding and undertaking an effort to produce food by magic, specifically bread. There are scarce few farms around Sav Altuas, and it leads one to wonder how the city has survived wholly on meat (generously provided by the Sausage Guild) for so long. A recent study at the University has shown that most substances found in bread are common elsewhere in nature. As such, this is not transmitation, rather an attempt to re-arrange what is already present (and without the need for messy blood magic, though the ends do justify the means in that case.)

We hope this will eventually solve the food problem in the city and bolster the respect for the city's magic. As this project will be beneficial to the city as a whole, we will be releasing the results of the testing and a set of simple spells for making food from ordinarily inetible substances, and the University will have mages and students who are willing to create food for the needy in the lower city.

[OOC]: sorry I got this up so late before EOTs, I just had the idea.

[ArcaneStomper]

To the SGA
Agreed we will transfer control. We welcome any assistance, but warn that you should look to your own defense first. We do not think the king will be satisfied with destroying only us.

Zemalac/SGA
We turn over Guild's Row to the SGA. I don't want to send in a PM just for that so I'll put that here.


The those who attacked us.
We still have not heard any explanation for why King James attacked us who were loyal to him. So we do not particularly trust any surrender on our part to be honored. Nevertheless we will surrender on the condition that we be allowed to equip ourselves and vacate the city in an orderly manner.

[Zemalac]

Andouir to Wren (6)

If you truly believe that the fist that keeps the warlords at bay will be content to merely serve your bandit king, you are a fool. They are Illarym. That alone should be enough to tell you what they intend; those who dream of empire do not allow themselves to be servants to lesser causes.


Wild Mages to Wren (1)

The King of the Sifters and Shakers knows not to come near wild magic, friend. The Librarian, though, I'll grant you that she might not have seen things so simply, but she's gone now, yeah? Things have a habit of working themselves out as far as the Tower is concerned.

You do what you will, we'll do what we do, and everyone'll be happy as clams.


House Laurier to Andouir (10)

Sir Terrance Leon, House of Andouir, Son of Davan Leon, 32nd Count of White Lake, I bid thee greetings from Lord Alexandre Laurier, originally of the Winton Marches.

As you may know, my humble family has been invited upon occasion to participate in an assembly of guilds in this city, which we have accepted for purposes of regulating trade. Such things have, alas, become more about politics than mercantile ventures of late, but such is the way of the world; we must ride the wave, or be swept away. One such guildsman, a learned doctor of some note, has asked us to inquire if, in the course of your activities during the past month or so, you might have come across the identity of the parties plundering and destroying the various caravans carrying necessary supplies to feed the city. Being as we would rather not have to deal with mass starvation, and the assorted troubles that tends to bring in its wake, we are rather concerned about what we can do to stop whoever the culprits are.

I await your reply with concern.


Andouir to House Laurier (10)

Dear Sir,

Your caravans were raided by the usual sort of Shattered Lands rabble. Orcs and wild men and fools who accepted the Chancery's coin. They are not your problem, sir: your problem is the Chancery, and the fact that you seem to have trusted your affairs to common men not fit to see your enterprises kept safe. With the caveat that I intend no offense to yourself or your compatriots, I feel I must say that trusting in the loyalty of guildsmen has never been to the benefit of those who are born to rule them.

Respectfully yours,
Sir Terrance Leon, etc


House Laurier to SGA (PM)

A copy of the message sent to us by Sir Leon.


Dear Sir,

Your caravans were raided by the usual sort of Shattered Lands rabble. Orcs and wild men and fools who accepted the Chancery's coin. They are not your problem, sir: your problem is the Chancery.

Respectfully yours,
Sir Terrance Leon, etc


Restaurant Association to Bloodhaven (4)

If you can get the food, we have the coin; but it seems that no one but the orcs has any food to sell.


Maximilian Greeves to Bloodhaven (4)

I am at your service, good Doctor.

[Thelonius]

SGA/Laurier [PM]

''My Lord Laurier. The identity of Orks as the attackers makes everything clear to me. I have received information from a trusted source, that Wardens were actively avoiding confronting a mysterious group, that was attacking food caravans. It turns out the Orks of Tregon were the group in question. The same Orks of Tregon, that worked with Wardens in attack on Ram, and that through the attack by Wardens on the Sausage Guild and their raiding activities is the only source of food for Sav Altulus. I don't know their motives, but I assume the hungry riots are an easy justification for the Wardens and Orks to take over Stacks and Lomb Circle. Or perhaps a greater plot by Imperial Chancery.''

''A vile conspiracy, that toys with the destructive power of the mob. Lord Laurier - if Imperial Chancery indeed takes over the Sav Altulus, they will shut down the trade with Merdallan, can there be any doubt of that? The Lomb Circle will fall into ruin and with it the fortunes of your House. And you lineage is from the old kingdom - will Illaruym forget that or will they see saboteurs and infiltrators, even if you lift not a finger against them? Sausage Guild was attacked on mere suspension, that they might be a threat, despite their oaths of fealty. Perhaps this time we should support Andouir, if only to counterbalance all the support he receives from Wardens and Wren? And perhaps you can persuade the people of the Sav Altulus of the perfidy of Orks, that drive us to hunger? The anger of the crowds is hard to quench, but easy to direct - if we focus them on their real enemies, they are less likely to go marauding at our shops and stalls.''

[OOC - Wow. Andouir speaks what I think. Amazing.]


ESGE [6]

'I shall support your venture, though rather then complicated process of turning stones to bread, I suggest we work on plentiful substance, that's almost edible, as making it edible would be easier. I can also suggest a magic to call for rats, that are plentiful in the Runner's City. Thus we both rid the people of pests and provide a rich source of nutrition.''


Edit: ESBA [8]

Dear Sirs.

I have received information, that I'm inclined to trust, that Orks of Tregon have been raiding food caravands, leading to the current famine threat to our fair city. I ask you that you investigate the attacks on the food caravans in the Shattered Lands and position of the Orkish troops at the time to verify this and announce to the city your findings.

Yours faithfully,
Morden Vasari.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

to Bloodhaven
I assure you, we shall work with whever is common enough and provides the substances we need.
Your idea is a novel one, though somp procedure to rid them of disease woule be necessisary.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To the Andouir [6]
I did not mean that the Wardens would always be loyal, but their subservience, and their distance from the king, means they do not hold overly much influence over his opinions.

That said, it is a serious accusation that you make, and again, I offer my support. You will find few others in this city with the resources I have at my disposal to burn the Illarym dogs out. If there are Warden men working with the Chancery, they are no friends of mine.

I have no interest in a Sav Altulas under their thumb.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Sausage Guild
Good luck and god speed to wherever you plan on going. If you plan on making a new home in the Shattered Lands, then I can provide you some guides to find a good place.

[Zemalac]

House Laurier to SGA (PM)

What source told you that it was the orcs of Tregon behind the raids? I would like to know who I am trusting to bring us such information before taking drastic action.

That said, your words about the Chancery and the Empire are valid, and their presence here troubling. I will look into the matter.


Andouir to Wren (6)

You say that, aye; and yet I see you working hand in hand with the Wardens. I am forced to admit, however, that I have not seen your men alongside the Wardens' Imperial allies. If I have misjudged you in this matter all I can hope to do is beg apology, but I cannot assume that your words are true. I have made too many false assumptions already to be able to trust my own judgement in this wretched city.

[Thelonius]

SGA/Laurier [PM]

The Andouir has mentioned in his message that the Orks have been attacking the food caravans. There is only one well-organized and militant Ork army near Sav Altulus - Orks of Tregon. I believe Imperial Chancery was covering up attacks, concealing the identity of the attackers. This would mean that said force could be recognized and it would have some negative repercussions. So it wasn't just some wild Orks roaming Shattered Lands, but an organization, that would lose reputation, if their activities were revealed - like Orks of Tregon. Then there is the fact, that currently Orks of Tregon control the supply of food - if food caravans came through, their position would have been weakened. I admit it’s not direct proof, but the amount of circumstantial evidence and lack of other explanations, makes me convinced of my suspicions. I admit, I may have been rush in asking you to denounce them publicly, but I hope you recognize that Orks of Tregon are the most likely culprit. I simply fear to be dependent on them for food supplies in such unstable times.


I have requested investigation by ESBA, though they haven’t replied to my request.

[Murska]

Wardens to House Laurier (7)

Well, you could always offer your support, preferrably without the allegiance, to the Warden Order specifically. I trust you've seen how we treat our friends and how we treat our enemies.

We tire of useless conflict within the City. If the damage and ruin brought upon it continues, our work in the Shattered Lands could be endangered. And even as certain groups have to be removed from power, we can't govern or administrate the City - we're soldiers, meant to fight our unending war. People like your good selves, who've proven able, patient and level-headed, would be the kind to leave such mundane matters to and be assured that the next time we return, there won't be any notions of democracy or anarchy raging in the streets.

[Zemalac]

Turn 19 Results
December, 1033 DR



The Sav Altulas Standard
The One True Source

Sponsored by the Bookbinder's Guild

______________________________

The frivolous and lie-riddled rag known as "The Truth of Sav Altulas," which is being printed and distributed by the Ram Revolution from their disreputable enclave to the south of the city should be shunned and, if possible, burned by all proper citizens of Sav Altulas.

The Sausage Guild has removed themselves from the city via expedition into the Shattered Lands, leaving for parts unknown. Rumors of giant creatures burrowing into the depths of the earth in their wake should be discounted by all right-thinking folk.

The Guild's Watch has moved into Factories North and Factories South, saying that they are reclaiming the neighborhoods for their original owners.

The Wardens have taken control of the Mint on Silver Way.

The Jujhar Lion crusaders who attacked the Church of Neposh last month have been driven out of the city by the Fist of Neposh.

The Bookbinder's Guild has declared a fine for all members of the public caught reading "The Truth of Sav Altulas" within the bounds of Mewlings.

Church of Neposh clerics have begun sanctifying the ground within Mendicant's Field.

An attempt to convert the populace of Gaspar's Folly to the worship of Neposh and turn them against the Technists Guild fails when it becomes apparent that the population of Gaspar's Folly is the Technists Guild.

The Church of Neposh is distributing food in Oldtown, though not as much as they might like.

The Ram Revolution has fortified its compound in the Shattered Lands in a cowardly attempt to prevent the Bookbinder's Guild from shutting down their illegal infringement upon lawful monopoly.

Warden forces, backed by orcish mercenaries from Tregon, clashed with forces of the Sovereign Guilds Association in Gilded this month as both groups made plays to take control of the district. The financial situation of the city has been thrown into disarray as merchants cannot get past the battle lines to access their usual moneychangers and banks.

Rumors that the Vaults of Flesh, now abandoned by the Guild that created them, have flooded again remain unconfirmed at this time.

The Ram Revolution has begun communal farming near their Shattered Lands enclave in an obvious ploy to turn themselves into a self-sustaining lie-production mechanism behind the face of "The Truth of Sav Altulas."

Rumors that Skeeve Redeye, notorious serial killer and alchemist, is back from the dead and is murdering people in the Lower City are unconfirmed at this time, though many individuals with symptoms similar to his poisons have appeared at Bloodhaven clinics across the city. The Standard advises that citizens avoid panic, stay indoors and avoid strangers on the street.

The cult of the Seven Tragic Days in Runner's City claims that the return of Redeye marks the sign of one of their ancient gods, namely that of Madness. They preach that the end of the world will come when the remaining three have sent the signs of their return to Sav Altulas, which they believe will happen within the year.

Refugees from Gregoria have begun arriving in the territories of King James in Sky, requesting asylum.

The Mercantile's Guild seems to have moved its base of operations from Stacks to Gilded.

A Warden force under the command of Malcolm Exarn has taken control of Traitor's Bridge.

King James' men have taken control of Daisong Palace, and he has seated himself in Desoui's former throne.

The Peacocks have begun opening soup kitchens and offering food to the poor, to help alleviate the famine conditions in certain areas.

The Champions of Sovereignty have seized Tailorway. Rumor has it that an attempt to enter the presumably empty Heladuit mansion resulted in high casualties.

A conservative estimate of the amount of actual truth found in "The Truth of Sav Altulas" put it at approximately ten percent, with the rest made up of astonishing-sounding facts designed to attract the attention of anyone simpleminded enough to be drawn to its pages.

They say the magicians at Daimot have discovered a way to create food out of nothing.

The Technists Guild is wracked with internal disputes, and takes no action this month.

Reports that reading "The Truth of Sav Altulas" is a sure sign of sexual deviancy and markedly lower intelligence than the average man have been confirmed by several leading experts in a study commissioned by the ever-trustworthy Bookbinder's Guild.


______________________________

The Truth of Sav Altulas
The Truth Shall Make Ye Free

Sponsored by Constantine Richter and the Ram Revolution

______________________________

Self-styled "King" James of Hopers has turned his back on the Gregorian people who accepted him as their ruler. The abandoned kingdom is still within the hands of the warlord Tinman's Traitor Legion.

Our intrepid investigative reporters have discovered that the flooding of the undercity, the destruction of the Celestial Network and the famine conditions currently affecting much of the city are all entirely the fault of the aristocracy. Full article on page 3A.

Lord Founder and his Esoteric Society have been spending all of their money on new artwork and suppressing riots in Dogma instead of feeding the hungry. The Standard has not reported on this unsurprising fact, perhaps thinking that the nobility not caring for the poor beneath their feet is hardly news.

A new biography of the late Henry Wallen paints him as perhaps the only decent man in all of Sky District.

We were going to print a list of the sexual depravities we discovered that Markus Heladuit, and the Heladuit Court in general, were into, but we don't have that much paper on hand. So we're breaking it up into sections. Turn the page to read part one of our thirty-two part serial, titled "Deviancy in the Heladuit Court."

Point/Counterpoint: The Aristocracy is an Inherently Evil Institution vs. It's Not The Institution, It's the People In It Who Are Evil.


______________________________

Bounty Board
All prices listed are in t.WEL unless otherwise stated, and will be paid out immediately upon confirmation by the bounty poster.

Elias DuKree: Red hair, close cut. Reddish-brown eyes. Scar on left cheek. Possibly a scar on right leg, depending on how the wound healed--might have a limp. Wanted dead. 4 from Lord Protector.

Unknown Raiders: Whoever stole the Imperial weapons meant for the Wardens from the caravan delivering them to the city.
2 from Imperial Trade Ministry

Unknown Murderer: Whoever killed the people found dead at the opening of the Wallen Wing at Bloodhaven Hospital.
4 from Doctor Vassari

NEW
Any copy of The Truth of Sav Altulas can be submitted to the Bookbinder's Guild for burning in exchange for a copper piece.

Truth of Sav Altulas Press: 5 from Bookbinder's Guild. Also, we will give you a book deal. Doesn't matter what you're writing about.


______________________________

Turn 20 Begins
January, 1034

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon to the Mercantile Guild [5]

Once again, you have proven false in your promises. This time, we will not give you another chance. We will burn you out of this city, and slaughter everyone of your faithless servants.

Bounty

Every head of a mercantile guildsman: one gold piece and enough food for a day.
Every building of the mercantile guild burned: one gold piece and enough food for a week.
Any volunteer in the fight against the mercantile guild will be fed for as long as the fighting takes, and be paid as a recruit.

[HerbieRAI]

The Church of Neposh

To the Mercintile Guild (DESP 8)

We believe you have bitten off more than you can chew. While we were dealing with an invading army you come behind our backs and take some of our holy land in the name of profits? The Church has been attempting to get ahead of the hunger problem that you seem intent on ignoring. You have half the city after you nowdays so I'll give you one option to make peace with the church. You ceed control of all your territories in the Smokeyards and Silverthian and in return, the church will use its abilities to make food for the city.

[razovor]

The Throne of Sav Altulas

To Bloodhaven Hospital, Church of Neposh, ESGE, EBSA, House Laurier, Mercantile Guild, Order of the Wren, Silversmiths Guild, Technists Guild, United Alliance of Labour and The Wardens:
The throne requires that all factions with soldiers and/or agents available this month announce so here, so that the city might organise a coordinated response to the increasing crime rates and rioting in our city.

To the Wardens, Bloodhaven, Mercantile Guild and Silversmiths Guild:
The throne demands a cease-fire between the factions fighting in the Gilded, so that discussions might commence, and a fair division of the Gilded agreed on peacefully.

To Bloodhaven, the EBSA and ESGE:
The throne requests knowledge of the situation in Dogma. The neighbourhood has gone without a clear administrator for too long.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To Agia Lonecutter [PM]
Before Simeon meets with his Aunt, he first hands her personally a letter penned by the Wren, that he himself received by rider as he made his way to the Lonecutter camp.

For the eyes of Agia Lonecutter alone.

My apologies, I had hoped to treat with your house about happier arrangements, but events have come to pass in the city that require my attention.

Several of my men have become afflicted by attacks that match the killing methods of Redeye. I am certain I killed him once, and I do not know if this is some grim pretender, or fell magic, but there is a strong possibility the killer is returned to life.

I realise you owe me nothing, but your house has been wronged by Redeye, and I request your aid in ensuring that his justice is permanent. We both know the tragedies this man leaves in his wake.

The Wren

To the ESGE
Strong possibility the greatest serial killer the continent has ever known is back on the streets.

Your anti-magic would invaluable in bringing the madman to justice, if it is truly him and not some vile copy.

Interested?

The Wren

[Thelonius]

Church of Neposh

''I’d like to clear a misunderstanding. The Mercantile Guild didn’t order the patrols into the Factories. I did. I’m not certain how the sprockets and gears of the Factory District can be called holy land, unless there are Neposh saints buried beneath them? If you can present the proof of your claim, that the land is indeed holy to the Neposh faith, then we will of course seek a reasonable accommodation.''

ESGE [8]
I was surprised to hear of your Mages in the Flesh Vaults, as you have announced, that you’d be researching ways to feed people without use of blood magic. I’m glad none were injured. I shall provide [4] MAG to producing food using your method.

I’m concerned about the savage Orks issuing rewards for human heads and burning of the city, over some issue, I think involving insulted tribal honor or some such.

ESGE, Champions [6]

ESGE runs affairs of Dogma, most efficiently as they’ve kept order despite threats of hunger.


Throne Meeting

The city is in great need for order.

The savage Orks threatening honest merchants of the Mercantile Guild, threats of hunger, resurgence of Redeye, though I suspect it to be a work of an imitator and the recent fighting caused by Wardens in Gilded, disrupting financial affairs of the city. And of course the fact that the Gregoria remains burnt down and desolated.


Gilded Affair
We are prepared to open discussion.

ESGE/Wren [8]

''I have observed the corpse of Redeye with twelve bullets in his skull and a gaping hole in his chest. If he indeed returned, then I'm not certain anything can stop him. However, a more likely variant, is that we are facing an imitator. Redeye has fancied himself an artist and unfortunately such men often inspire others to follow in their steps. I'm prepared to join the investigation, as my skills in poison use and knowledge of Redeye's mindset should be invaluable in tracking this threat down.''

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of Wren

To Bloodhaven [6]
My apologies, my friend, but I must refuse your help, at least directly.

If you are interested in assisting to bring the killer to justice, money to raise men to replace those lost in the attacks would be greatly appreciated.

Further assistance may be possible, once you have been cleared as a suspect. You understand, I'm sure.

[Thelonius]

Wren [6]

''I’m sad that you suspect me, but I understand your reasons. I hope you understand if I be suspicious as well. I don’t know the full extent of Redeye’s powers and if some spell or poison might have affected you, when you’ve slain the monster. Furthermore, I believe that recently you’ve been in a duel against Lord Wallen. He studied with the White-Stripe Mages and as such I know, that he learned spells, that could affect the mind. It is possible, that he might have ensorcelled you in a manner, that’s too terrible to contemplate. I sincerely hope that such is not the case, but no possibility must be discounted, when we deal in such vile matters.''

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To Vassari [6]
One has to maintain grounded in the realm of possibility. If this is a possibility that you find plausible, I encourage you to investigate further.

However, you will find I was in an Order safehouse at the time, and any number of men were present to see I made no actions of that sort.

Still, if the possibility is truly one you think is worth investigating, feel free.

The Wren.

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Neposh

To Bloodhaven
So you are in control of the Mercintile guilds forces? We have slightly mispoken earlier, learning of our brothers getting ambushed by our supposed allies while we fought a forigen army wounded us. The land is not holy, but the people that reside there are. They are the ones who through off the technists and joined the holy ranks. We did not invade the factoies with military forces like you so called "liberators".

The claim that they are returning the factories to the owners is outrageous. We have been working with them successfully for months since they moved a large portion of their work to the pews, and we have yet to run into a problem. If you are controlling them like a puppet, then why do they need to announce their own reason for their actions, shouldn't that be the puppet master's duty?

You call them honest merchants, then why do they allow a crusading army into the city, then as we fight off the invaders stab us in the back for a small land grab instead of fighting to secure the city from foriegn armies and famine? Even if it was your call they are the ones that committed the act, and as long as they do not try to make ammends they are just as guilty.

The Throne

As big a problem as the fighting in Guilded is, I believe the number one issue is the hunger. It is supprising that Bloodhaven would not know the seriousness of that problem, and barely touch on it. We are still able to keep order, but as long as the food supply is limited there will be more and more rioting. Rumor has it the university has learned of magic to create food. If we were to give this magic to everyone we could quickly put the famine behind us.

The second biggest issue the Church sees is the Red Eye imitator. I have to agree with Bloodhavens thoughts that this is an imitator, although we are of the belief he is a member of the cult of the Seven Tragic Days. Its a common cult trick to predict something, then force the prediction to be true. Those of weak will often are convinced by such acts.

[Thelonius]

Church of Neposh

First, for some reason you seem to be under impression, that Mercantile Guild had anything to do with actions of the soldiers in the Smokeyards. They didn’t.

Second, I don’t understand what exactly you are accusing me of as I’ve certainly given no order to prosecute the faithful or seize Church’s property. The people of the Smokeyards are free to worship your Church.

Third, the foreign army arrive here to fight your Church - something that you certainly should have anticipated. They dealt grievous damage to the valiant defenders of the Traitor’s Gate, killing many honest people, so please don’t speak disrespectfully of the dead. Perhaps if Wardens weren’t fighting factions around the Sav Altulus, they would have been there to defend the gates, and it wouldn’t have happened.

And finally, I’m surprised that Church of Neposh would care about a minor issue of the factories, while a vile cult of Seven Tragic Days is running rampant in the Runner’s City. You are failing in your duty before your God and this city, by allowing them to perpetrate their blasphemy. Will the Church do nothing against the might the Old Gods? Will you let them wait for more portents of death and destruction?

Throne
I have organized soup Kitchens with the generous donations of the the Peacocks, feeding many hungry and poor.

It is possible that the Seven Tragic Days is behind this. I will certainly be investigating it, as so will Wren.

[Murska]

Wardens to Arun Contacts (PM)

We have plenty of wealth to spare, and a pressing need to eliminate a large number of hostile agents, saboteurs and assassins threatening our interests in Sav Altulas. The enemy probably includes a rogue Ensigarim going by the name of Kylar DePoche.

What can you offer?

Wardens to Verdan Contacts (PM)

We're in need of some heavy artillery or other large-scale demolition devices, as well as high-class Operators for an operation of as of yet indeterminate length, aimed at eliminating a large and well-organized network of saboteurs, spies, assassins and other agents. We're willing to transfer ownership of large amounts of Sav Altulan business interests if necessary, value totalling upwards of 70 t.Wealth. But we're also making inquiries in other directions for the same purpose with the same funds. What can you offer?

Wardens to Jungle Contacts (PM)

Inquiries are made towards some Shadow Elves to see if they would like to hunt in the urban jungle, cracked and torn by the recent catastrophes, for other men who think they have mastered the shadows.

Wardens to Imperial Contacts (PM)

All right, the Merdallan and his friends in Sav Altulas have gone too far. The Warden Order has the ability to pay large sums for "independent" Imperial support in the form of elite units skilled at eliminating hostile espionage forces. It is also in your own interest, of course - the forces would help Lord Agent North in his task.

[Thelonius]

SGA/Laurier [PM]

''Lord Laurier. As you’ve read in the news, Bloodhaven, Silversmiths Guild and Mercantile Guild have defied the Wardens and savage Orks in Gilded. That we were to be destroyed eventually, we had little doubt of, but our actions certainly would hasten the purges. You knew nothing of our plot, but it is possible, that Wardens will assign blame simply by your membership in SGA. As such none would think less of you, if you were to leave our ranks to protect your house.''

[Nyrt]

ESGE

To Bloodhaven
Indeed, we have found a way to produce food by magic, a service we are willing to provide for any in need.

However, there is one matter I would like to bring up. Last month, your mages, knowingly or not, attempted to drown a party of University researchers looking into the flooding in the tunnels. Our relationship in the past has been cordial, however this raises many suspicions. I am willing to accept that you did not know of their presence, but should you attempt such a thing again we will not accept such excuses.

To Wren
I have received a message from the Wardens that Vassari had been attempting to replicate Bloodeye's poisons. I do not know if it is true or if they are simply attempting to convince me to turn against them.

to Champions
Indeed. The Blackjack Boys have taken up patrolling Dogma to quell potential riots around the opera house and the Center for the Arts. We have taken over the administration of the neighborhood.

The Throne/public
We have developed a method for producing food by magic, a service we are willing to provide for those who need it and give training to mages in hard-hit areas.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [8]

''As I've said, my sincere apologies for the Metro incident. After your announcement, I honestly didn't expect to see any of University Mages near the Vaults of Flesh. You know I've helped to establish Daimot University as center of learning and drowning esteemed University Mages is something I would hardly wish done. Hopefully with your magic will become most useful to the city as the main source of food.''

''I should mention, that Wren and I will pursue the investigation separately. During our hunt for Redeye we discovered means by which produce his poisons. In fact I believe I've entered certain notes on the subject in the University Library, restricted section naturally. As such, unfortunately, I can be a suspect for the events in the Runner City's, at least that's sufficient cause for Wren to doubt me and refuse my assistance. ''


Throne/Public

''Excellent news indeed. This would ensure that the city has reliable supply of food that wouldn't be affected by raiding in the Shattered Lands. And Sav Altulus wouldn't rely on the Orcs of Tregon, who currently control almost all of the food shipments to the city, after the mysterious Orc attacks on the Mercantile Guild caravans.''

[Imperial Psycho]

Order of the Wren

To ESGE
Interesting. I hope I will have your support in my investigations?

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Orks of Tregon[public]
Why should we have payed you? I have invested considerable resources to investigating the raids against food caravans, and All the evidence points towards you. Not only did the Wardens appear to have ignored these raiders, arriving too late every single time, but you also took action against the Sausage Guild, the last faction that could even begin to combat your hold on Sav Altulas' food supply.

If you turned up clean then I was perfectly willing to pay extra for all the trouble, and I told you as much, but thats what I get for being optimistic and giving you the benefit of the doubt.

Good day and may you rot in the abyss for your crimes.

-The Trader

Church of Neposh:
Just to clarify what Dr. Vasiri has already stated, the Mercantile's Guild had no knowledge of the liberation of the Smokeyards. The Guilds Watch is a joint SGA force, belonging to not one group but too the whole of the SGA. Similiar to the Blackspell Watch if it helps you understand the situation better.

[Thelonius]

Throne/Public
Sigh... I apologize, but I’m weary of this fake civility. I know that the politics are a place of platitudes and masks, but with my time running out, I hope you would permit me a bit of honest expression.

We all know that Mercantile Guild, Silversmiths and Bloodhaven will be purged for daring to defy Wardens. So with Silversmiths, Mercantile Guild and Bloodhaven too busy dying to do much about the city’s plight, their presence here is unnecessary. Wardens don’t give two ****s about the city, as long a it’s under their iron foot. I don’t recall them ever doing anything for it’s sake - killing Warlords was always for their personal gain, building military district was to strengthen their own forces. Support for your return was mostly to have somebody collect taxes and run things, while they are away hunting down Warlords in the Shattered Lands. I half suspect they won’t deign to attend this meeting. ESBA might be a bit busy with the confusion, caused by the Daisong Palace being taken over from them by force. Technist Guild is facing holy crusade by Church of Neposh. And the Church’s help always comes with the strings of converting to their faith attached, something for which I suspect they’ll be eliminated in the second round of Warden purges.

Now who is left... United Alliance Of Labor? I have no idea, why you distracted those hard working men from their jobs. They certainly don’t look like charity. Wren will be too busy hunting Redeye imitator, a noble endeavor. I'm thankful you haven't invited Orcs. They approach Markus Heladuit in the amount of damage they've done to Sav Altulus.

I’d say the only ones here who might do something about the city’s situation would be ESGE and Lord Laurier. And I suspect Lord Founder’s charitable offer to create food via magic is mostly for the joy of playing with cosmic forces and shoving everybody’s nose into it. No disrespect meant, I can appreciate love for magic and desire to do awe inspiring things with it. The rest of us, non-nobles can leave running things to you. Our presence here is a waste of time.

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon

"Tsk. Why yes, we took some of those food barges. But there was nothing in our contract that said you would't pay us if we did. You broke a contract. And as the old saying says: once broken, trice paid. Now we will have thrice our price. Once in loot and once in gold and a third time in what we are being paid to kill you by your enemies.

Understand this, little trader. This rathole of yours is not our city. We have Tregon. We care not if every weakling human here starves. But we care for deals made, and contracts signed. The Wardens have never broken a contract, or taken back their promises. "

[razovor]

The Crown of Sav Altulas

To the City Meeting:
The Executive bureaucracy of Sav Altulas:
"Doctor Vassari raises a good point regarding the EBSA. The truth is that we informed the EBSA we were taking the palace several times, but received no response, as we note they have given no response to any other messages sent to them. In fact, we can see no signs of them leaving their territory at all in the past few months.

"If they do not attend this meeting, we will consider that a sign they no longer wish to participate in the city's government, and ask them to grant the Halls of Final Justice to the crown."

Gilded Discussion: (Bloodhaven, Silversmiths, Mercantile Guild, Wardens)
"Very well then. Will the SGA respect the Warden's administration of Bunker's, Dovel and Silver Way, if the Wardens does the same for Embassy Row, Changers Row, and Guild's Row?"

"We must also discuss what is to be done with Allscross"

To Bloodhaven, ESGE, ESBA
"There is no dispute between the two of you then, that's good. I'm curious why Bloodhaven hasn't officially rescinded it's in influence in the neighbourhood yet, but I suppose you've been distracted by other things. I ask that you do that this month."

"That only leaves the ESBA's influence in Dogma. Given that they are not responding to communications, we may have to actively remove their influence. Any suggestions?"

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Neposh

To Mercantile Guild (DESP 8)

You are the one in control of the area, are you not? Our earlier offer still stands.


To Bloodhaven (DESP 8)

What holy war do you speak of? I have not shed a drop of Technist blood. You seem to be trying to convince me that I'll be next if the Wardens manage to destroy the SGA, yet you have already stated your desire to have us removed by stabbing at us in the back last month. I fear you have been taken by the insanity of the city, I can not decipher your intentions.

[Imperial Psycho]

Order of the Wren

To the EBSA [6]
I realise we may not be on the best of terms, your organisation and mine. However, the threat that a return of Redeye, or even some vile being using his methods poses to innocent life drives me to request your assistance in investigating this matter.

The Wren

To House Laurier [6]
I do not know your opinion of me, but I do not write to you to discuss politics. A new Redeye is a serious threat, and I would like to request your assistance in investigating the perpetrator, if you have anything to give.

The Wren

To the Church of Neposh [6]
The threat a resurgent Redeye poses to innocents in the city is a grave one. Whoever has taken up his mantle must be brought to justice, and I ask if you have resources to spare to assist in my investigation, that they are made available.

The Wren.

[Thelonius]

Gilded Discussion
I sincerely doubt Wardens would respect our administration in Gilded and as such I don’t see this conflict resolved without bloodshed. Besides after they sold Flesh Vaults to the Orcs, who’d see the city starve, if it amused them, I shudder to think to whom they’ll sell Mint, Embassy Row and Commerce House. What remains of SGA is responsible of the city’s financial stability and we’d rather not see it sold off piece by piece to foreign powers, so Wardens can fund their military campaigns.

ESGE/Champions
I believe ESGE doesn’t feel compelled to destroy any influence that doesn’t belong to them in their territories, something that would be a waste of resources and an unnecessary hostile act.

Neposh
I won’t lie, my rash actions were dictated by your dogged support of Wardens, for whom you fight, whom you gift territory and lend the aid of your Mages, always at expense of SGA. When you fought the Upside Circle, the Wardens took the spoils of war and sold them off to Orcs and Bloodhaven. When you fought the Sausage Guild, they gained Silverway, your soldiers bought with their blood. Did their troops help you fight off the Jujuhar Lions? I believe not. And their promise to send troops to help with maintaining order in Medicant Fields was a misdirection, during their attack on Ram. I don’t know, why you fight for them, perhaps they pay you like they do with Orcs, but if it’s for the promise of power, then I sincerely doubt you’ll be granted much and for long.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Bloodhaven/champions
This is true.
[ooc]: I already get the stat cap bonus from that territory, so I don't really need to, and neither party is actively hostile to me.

[Zemalac]

EBSA to Throne Meeting (Public)

Chief of Staff Dekan O'Vail will attend personally. Know that we, as the Bureaucracy, merely exist to serve the government of the city, and if that government may be formed without any more bloodshed then we will live happily indeed.


EBSA to Champions, ESGE, Bloodhaven (5)

We do not entirely understand what you mean by "removing our influence in Dogma." While the EBSA does staff a field office in the neighborhood and maintains an active presence there, we do much the same thing across much of the city. This has not been an issue anywhere else we have field offices, and I am not sure why you are making an issue of it here.

OOC: Bloodhaven's influence there is because that faction 1) Helped out a lot with disaster relief after the Librarian fight, and 2) Sponsored the coffee shop political discussions there. The EBSA's influence is because 1) They also helped out a lot after the Librarian fight, and 2) The field office. The only way to remove that influence would be to go around erasing people's memories. Remember, the colors on the map do not necessarily represent who is actively in charge of a particular area, especially in places like this.


Agia Lonecutter to Order of the Wren (PM)

No prophecy spoke of this. I have executed several of my seers, and will do whatever I can to help end Redeye once again.


Arun Contacts to Wardens (PM)

I would suggest getting in contact with the Ensigarim themselves--they will be eager to test their skills against a rogue one of their number. We also have a fantastic array of poisons, masks and needles for your perusal.

And of course, if you truly feel your life to be in danger, there is always the Vendetta.

OOC: Ensigarim may be hired at 6 WEL per point of ESP. Each Ensigarim ESP comes with the Ensigarim Timeshift trait, which lets them deal damage twice per action (in separate rolls, it's not just doubling whatever their roll is).


Verdan Contacts to Wardens (PM)

For [70 t.WEL], we could deliver weapons that would shake the Shattered Lands down to the mountains' bones--provided it is in actual gold currency, of course. We have had some trouble in the past, in dealing with individuals from the Shattered Lands offering that kind of money, with most or all of it turning out to be counterfeit. Gold leaf stamped over lead, that sort of thing. However, should a preliminary check of your assets prove to reveal nothing untoward, we would be willing to offer everything from cussors to siege equipment; airships to specialized operators. In fact, for that amount, we would be perfectly willing to put together custom orders for you, if you have a need for specifically-designed equipment.


Jungle Contacts to Wardens (PM)

We do not speak of those individuals you have mentioned. Now that you have, you may find some in your city, for when you speak of devils they are known to appear; but you may not find yourself liking what it is they do.

If you want hunters of the tribes, however, that we can arrange.


Imperial Contacts to Wardens (PM)

We may be able to gather some mercenary forces on contract for you. They may not be legionnaires or Chancery, but they will serve well enough.


House Laurier to SGA (PM)

Your enemies already do not associate my house fully with the SGA. We will remain with a representative to the Association, until such a time as it is deemed that Guild's Row is too dangerous for our blood.


EBSA to Order of the Wren (6)

We will of course assist in hunting this killer in any way we can.


House Laurier to Order of the Wren (6)

We will consider the matter carefully. No one wants a return of Redeye, no doubt; but it seems to us that whoever this is is more likely an imitator. We had heard that someone put a bullet through the Dollmaker's head, after all, and I think it is rather hard to come back from that.

[Imperial Psycho]

To EBSA [6]
You have my thanks

House Laurier [6]
A pretender is a strong possibility. In which, the question of where he got the expertise to kill as he does is raised.

Whoever it is, they kill like Redeye and are capable of massacres. They need to be stopped, either way.

[Murska]

Throne Meeting (Public)

When have intentions ever been worth anything? It is not us who've brought Sav Altulas from a prospering city to a smoking ruin. We did not support madmen who would build their own personal domains, nor did we then attack those same madmen resulting in flooding, fires and lightning on the city.

You've built things that aren't founded to stand, and you've destroyed things that have stood for centuries, all for your own shortsighted goals. Our way is the only way Sav Altulas will survive, and if you refuse to see that, then you are a threat to the lives of everyone in this City.

Verdan Contacts (PM)

Feel free to perform a check. ((OOC: I'll show the most stable and well-founded of my p.Wealth, plus my current 20 t.Wealth. If they indeed mean that only fluid currency (t.Wel) is acceptable, then I'll showcase my high capacity to produce t.Wel and my current 20.))

I would like ordinary heavy artillery, something to level some buildings or maybe a neighbourhood with, as well as equipment to face guerrillas, spies and assassins with.

Jungle Contacts (PM)

Anyone willing to try their skills against those who style themselves the best and most skilled are welcome in Sav Altulas. There are many contenders around, from Illarym Chancery to Merdallan Knights and various local groups. Arun Ensigarim, Verdan Operators, even rumours of a Craftsman.

((OOC: I'd like the elves to make operations conducted with espionage forces that are low-tier (not elite agents like Chancery or Ensigarim, but larger groups of informers, spies and common thieves) more difficult. How much?))

Imperial Contacts (PM)

All right. Any groups well-versed at irregular warfare, urban environments and facing guerrillas?

[Thelonius]

Throne/Public

''It’s not you who attacked Ram, while they were rebuilding the damage from Celestial Network Explosion? It’s not you, who destroyed Sausage Guild, as they were about to restore food supply to the city, interfered with free food shipments and then sold off the Vaults of Flesh to Orcs, who see the city starve and profit out of our misery? You’ve done nothing, but bring ruin to the city. Show me one charitable act, one good deed, that you did for the city, without requiring hefty payment in return or benefiting you directly? Why, lately, even fighting Warlords, who plundered Gregoria, a nation you theoretically were supposed to defend, as ''liegemen’’ of King James was too much bother for you. Not as much loot as in Gilded there? Nothing to sell off for personal profit?''

''You weren’t there, when Mages Ubiquitous terrorized the Blackgage. You weren’t there, when Redeye killed people in Runner’s City. When RSA threatened chaos and anarchy, you weren’t there. In every example I’ve given, different factions from around the city cooperated together - many fought MU together, Wren, I, Champions and Ram worked alongside to bring Redeye down, nobles and merchants fought off RSA. Alas, I fear the spirit of unity and understanding is rotting in the grave, after you’ve murdered it, to build your little warlord fiefdom or a new province for Illaryum Empire, I admit I don't know how exactly your arrangement stands with them.''

[Murska]

Throne/Public

Show me one person who's committed a selfless act and I'll show you a liar. We defeated the Ram, for they would have continued advocating democracy at a time where division and dissension is dangerous. We fought the Sausage Guild in the hopes that removing the final speck of hope your kind had would allow rational heads to prevail and end the conflict. As for the food, you're the one who attempted to first poison the Flesh Pits and then flooded them as my and ESGE's scholars were working on a way to repair them. It's not as though you care about the hungry or the poor over yourself.

The RSA was created by the nobles and the merchants to further their own goals, and destroyed when they turned dangerous or unnecessary. The MU was brought in by the Librarian's ambition and played you all for fools, leaving stronger than they were when they arrived and you having caused untold devastation in your futile attempts to contain them. As for Redeye, killing him suited you fine when he was a threat but you don't seem to have scoffed at bringing him back as your own puppet imitator when it suits you.

We work for our own gain, just like everyone else. But we're honest about what we do, and we don't scheme or plot, we don't lie or cheat. There are no veils between what we seem like and what we are. And this is why we will never create a tyranny or warlord fief. It's not good intentions that prevent such, or a noble goal. It's honour, unbent and unbroken.

[Thelonius]

Throne/Public
An honor, like helping attack food caravans and breaking your oath of not interfering with Mercantile Guild? An honor in calling Ram dishonorable for ‘’betraying’’ RSA, but turning blind eye to Wren doing the same? Or destroying Sausage Guild, killing their soldiers, who were just protecting their homes, just to crush our spirit, like some Warlord, burning down one village to make others behave?

What makes you different from Warlords, Wardens? You rule through fear. You kill anybody, who threatens you and you kill others to create terror and crush all hope. Your power rests solely in your swords and you will employ assassins, destroy merchant caravans with food for the hungry and work with such sort as savage orcs, who would gladly see all humans dead, if it furthers your goals. You create nothing, but fortresses and weapons, seize and loot, rather than produce and nurture. You think people, with good intentions or doing charitable work as pretenders or naive fools. Are you anything but another band of Warlods, just better armed and numerous, than others?

Now among other slander, you just said, that I brought a puppet imitator of Redeye. This is crossing the line. Either you retract your words and issue an immediate apology, Warden, or we shall have a duel in the Harrowing Fields, with all present factions bearing witness, if they wouldn’t object to see justice done. Or will you deny the challenge or send your army to bring me down instead?

Edit: ESBA [8]

Dear Sirs, I know of your history. In the time of Desoui, when she ruled through fear and terror, ignoring the laws of the city, you were the only organization that openly stood against her. Despite all her overwhelming might, despite her fearsome reputation, you didn’t flinch and you put your lives on the line for your principles.

Now the times have changed, yet are not the things that Wardens and their close allies Orcs do, the same as Desoui’s depraved tyranny? They have attacked Sausage Guild simply to plunder their wealth, selling off vital city properties to the foreign nations. They have destroyed Ram, who as you recall worked to establish a police force that kept the criminals of the Runner’s City down and took the Gatehouse Prison by force, instead of reasonably presenting the case that Warden Exarn has the qualifications to run it. Since then, there has been no effort to restore the rule of law in Runner’s City, no guards on the streets, who could have prevented appearance of what I believe is Redeye imitator.

And worse, they raid food caravans, in the time of famine. The Orcs, neither knowing the city laws, nor caring about them, have issued rewards for murder and arson, on the basis of something they misunderstood in dealings with the Mercantile Guild, yet their own criminal acts will go unpunished, for Wardens protect them from the hand of law. Can you deny that Orcs do not acknowledge the city’s justice system? If you have any doubts, you have but to ask them. Yet their presence is bound to grow due to support of Wardens. The city is ruled by the fear of the Orcish and Warden’s swords, not by the respect for the law.

I would like to know, if ESBA will act against this growing corruption? Must we wait for the level of their terror and injustice to reach Desoui’s? The Wardens are planning to slaughter the rest of the Guilds, for our coin purses, like common street cutthroats and thugs. The SGA has always only defended against attacks and followed the laws of the city. Of them all, I may be the most suspicious, due to my connections with Peacocks, yet as you know sale of opium isn’t against the law, and I have tried my best to slowly reform their organization, steering it towards charitable works, such as recent soup kitchens or providing morphine for the needs of the hospital patients in need of pain relief.

At the very least, will you help apprehend any criminals, who take up on the Orcish offer of coin for murder and arson, before bloody heads of honest citizens are displayed in the neighbourhoods under their brutal rule and half of the Stacks burns down?


edit: SGA [PM]

''Lord Laurier. Several of the Guilds a planning to sell off their properties. However we fear with situation in Gilded, the public might lack finances. You have numerous contacts in [Lomb Circle Trait], your powers of [Persuasion] make you a perfect agent and your [Foreign] origins would allow you to better work with foreigners from [Merdallan Contacts] and [Waterman Contacts], who I expect would have coin, despite trouble in Gilded

''Can we come to an arrangement, by which we will provide you commission, if agents of your House would be able to sell the properties at higher prices? The higher the price, the better the commission.''

[Basically if he gets us extra t. WEL, we transfer p. WEL worth as much. This way we can ''burn'' p. WEL at full value]

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Neposh

To Bloodhaven

First, you are assuming the Church gained nothing from those interactions. Secondly, the Church fights for the betterment of the city, not personal gain or glory.

To the Wren

We can spare a few ESP points to help with the new Redeye.


To the ESGE

Are you going to be shareing the food magic you discovered?

[Murska]

Throne/Public

Killing soldiers is war, like any. Wardens don't loot, always offer the opportunity to surrender, treat any enemy fairly. We haven't broken our oath with the Mercantile Guild, not even though they've murdered several of our men in cold blood. We call that oath void now that they've broken it, and intend to rectify matters. But it isn't as though we've raided any caravans, in fact we've defeated several bands of raiders who've attacked the food shipments.

As for your challenge, I accept. We shall use pistols only, no other weapons, no magic, armour or clothing save for that which is necessary for modesty. At fifty paces, at noon.

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon, Throne Meeting

For the first time, Brigwa Stonecutter speaks up.
"Call us savages. I don't care. It is true that we don't care if you humans live or die. Why? Because we were made as slaves, and kept as slaves, and we will not be slaves again. I have built a fortress for my people, and I will do whatever is necessary to forge a nation with the strength to take on any who would take us back into slavery. Your city is at war with itself. If the orcs can profit from this war, while you tear yourselves apart, I will tell them to, in any way they can. If we must, we will bleed Sav Altulas dry to strengthen Tregon. Perhaps it is savagery. But it is also survival."

[Thelonius]

Throne/Orcs of Tregon

''I must say, you barging to this meeting uninvited is certainly uncivil. I believe others overlooked it, as you were keeping silent, but you could have at least politely requested a permission to speak.''

''As for your philosophy, I can certainly see why you and Wardens are allied. I can't say I condone you for it, you are doing what's best for your people and I know what it is to survive in the Shattered Lands. I would blame the current leaders of the city, who have invited you in and gave you ample opportunities to profit from the unrest and misery in Sav Altulus. Those who made our city so weak, that any warlord army, be it orc or human can plunder us as they please.''

Edit: Church of Neposh
Perhaps you can tell us what you've gained from your cooperation with Wardens?

[oblivion6]

Throne/Public
The Trader, quiet up until now, preferring to let the others argue and squabble amongst themselves, would speak up at the Warden Commanders talk of their oath. We have killed several of your people in cold blood? I don't recall any such incident. If you are referring to the Gilded affair then I would hardly call that murder. The SGA stepped in to protect its interests in Gilded after the exodus of the Sausage Guild and your forces just happened to be attempting to sieze said interests.

[Murska]

Throne/Public

I refer to the incident during the previous month, where you and Vassari murdered many of our patrols out in the Shattered Lands, who were there to find and stop raiders trying to capture food shipments. Perhaps you had a reason for wanting the food to stop coming? After all, the famine will hit Runner's the hardest, and that region is under the control of your enemies. Considering you tried your best to destroy the Flesh Pits, too, it all seems a bit damning.

[Thelonius]

Throne/Public

From one ridiculous accusation to another. You are saying, that Mercantile Guild spent a fortune on buying food, to be distributed freely in the Runner’s City and then conspired with, of all people, me, to help Orcs, who as you all know, are offering bounties for heads of Mercantile Guild members and arson of their businesses? We all know that Orcs are starving the city to better sell their food and you seem to be employing them consistently for your aims, despite that.

The Wardens just claimed to be honest, honourable soldiers. Perhaps it explains why their lies are so poorly crafted. Is there anybody here who actually believes a word of their wild accusations?

[Murska]

EBSA/Public

As you probably have heard, there will be a duel between Commander Tarmin and Doctor Vassari. I would like for your people to be there to ensure fair play according to the rules both sides have agreed upon.

[Thelonius]

House Laurier/Public
''Lord Laurier, would you send your men to observe the duel. While I have full trust in ESBA, the tradition dictates that both sides have their seconds, and I would honored if you accepted.''

[oblivion6]

Throne/Public
Really? We hit your patrols in the Shattered Lands AND tried to destroy the Flesh Pits? Thats the first I am hearing of such matters. You seem to suggest that the Stacks would be unaffected by the famine, which is not true at all. It will be hit just as hard as Runners City, so why would I prevent my own food caravans from reaching the city? You, Commander Tarmin, seem to have taken leave of your senses.

[Murska]

Throne/Public

Hah. Hear, hear, people of Runner's City. The merchants, fat and rich on your toil, are bemoaning how they're having it just as hard as you, as they'll have to pay more to hire guards so the servants they keep to carry grapes to their mouths don't pick off the seeds from the ground and eat them without permission.

[Thelonius]

Throne/Public
''An appeal to Runner’s City people, who fear and hate you, Warden? The rumours fly across the city that you are the wealthiest faction, richer then the Mercantile Guild certainly. So who is eating grapes and laughing here? How much of your gold did the poor see, while Mercantile Guild spent fortune on helping them?''

''ESBA has been catching criminals. ESGE advancing cause of magical arts, Church of Neposh sought to feed the hungry in the time of need, Silversmiths sponsored projects to help the poor, and Lord Laurier did the best to fight the famine, Champions and Wren have contributed in various projects. And Wardens have been greedily lining their pockets at our expense all this time.''

[Murska]

Throne/Public

All sorts of 'projects' I hear about, but it doesn't seem like a single one of those has succeeded or made anything better. Still, the money's gone somewhere, all the factions supposedly participating are just as rich or even richer than before and there's all this talk about how they've been such good samaritans for all the money they've poured into these mysterious intangible 'projects'.

As for criminals, we've put an end to more of those than you've seen in your lifetime, which is no mean feat considering the sheer extent your criminal connections.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Church of Neposh
OOC: Sorry just remembered your last message.

I can't check map right now to confirm, but you seem to be under the impression I am in control of Factories South and North? I don't think I am because it wasn't mentioned in my EoT or anything. I think the only smokeyard territory I own is Silvathrien.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [8]

''Lord Founder. I suspect that the Wardens have been trying to poison your mind against me. It certainly seems they have succeeded with Wren, who I fear gives more weight to political considerations in his investigation into Redeye's imitator, then actually catching the man or woman. As such I believe it would be only fair for me to speak my piece.''

''You recall, during the Throne Meeting, I brought up the fight against MU as an example of city factions fighting together. Yet Wardens derided our efforts and called us fools for it. They sneered at our efforts and sacrifices, yet their own troops at that time were trying to secure Stacks from Mercantile Guild, not only ignoring the threat of MU, but also depriving us of both Mercantile Guild's support and Sausage Guild's one. They have put their personal ambition ahead of the common threat to the city. If it weren't for them, we might have succeeded in stopping MU. This was the time, when I realized, that Wardens were a threat to the city, weakening us against the external threats - like what's happening with the Orcs hideous monopoly over food supply right now or rumors about growing influence of the Imperial Chancery.''

''You do not involve yourself in the politics of the city that much. Neither did Sausage Guild and they were destroyed for daring to be a threat. Well, nobody can deny that with all the magic at your disposal, you can be a great threat as well. Perhaps not today, but can you be certain they will not act against you in the future? They may claim to tell the truth and hold to principles of honor - yet they spew obvious lies about Mercantile Guild helping Orc raiders attack their own food caravans. And consider that with Wardens hiring Orcs as mercenaries, would they send their agents to fight the same Orcs to protect food caravans?''

''I do not expect you to commit yourself to the defense of the Guilds. But I hope you will recognize that allowing Wardens to rule Sav Altulus as they do now will bring nothing but ruin to our nation. Must we live in fear now, after centuries of Desoui's terror?''

[oblivion6]

SGA-GM[PM]
I know there is traits that will allow us to get better rates for burning wealth than our opponents, but could a VIP(The Trader) also help with that?

Also, taking into consideration all the traits(Warlord Contacts, Bandit Grudges, Friends in Low Places, etc, etc), how much wealth would it cost per MIL of bandits and mercs brought in for express purpose of fighting Wardens?

[Nyrt]

ESGE

To Bloodhaven
As the Wardens have yet to provide any evidence for their claims, we will be conducting an investigation of our own. We know the perils of acting on false information.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [8]

I see.

I'm a bit confused of why you intend to act at all. Are you the lawman of ESBA? Are you protector of the Runner's City? You have shown no interest in the actual Redeye, when he was practicing his bloody art. Make no mistake, I'm glad that you'll help bringing order to Runner's City, I'm just puzzled by your motives.

I should also give you a warning. As the army of men with carving knives, that Sausage Guild kept is no more, the Metro is undefended. The creatures of the deep and dark, that it kept at bay are now free to return with vengeance in mind. I fear all the upside fighting and blood spilled might call to them. If you intend to send more Mages to Vaults of Flesh, you should consider additional protection, just in case.


Edit: Restaurant Association [4]

''I must say, with Orcs controlling all food supply to the city and killing anybody, who tries to compete with them, we are risking a certain loss of reputation. I have done much to bring both the city's wealthy and Shattered Lands visitors to the Little Zanchar dining. Now what if rumors arise about Orcish food supply and it's quality. The Orcish bodies allow them to survive meals, that would make men wretch. And their declarations about their views on humans would indicate they wouldn't care to feed us with garbage and mix feces in just for laughs. And I wouldn't be surprised, if they tried to take over restaurant business, the same way they took over food supply. With sword and blood.''

''Now SGA is considering measures to stop this menace. Would you be willing to contribute, if not swords, then coin?''


Drover's Association [4?]

''Respected Drover's Association. As you know, right now the Orcs control the food supply to the city, through murdering anybody else, who dared to compete with them. Do you expect, that they will not seek to take over your business as well, as it's related to food industry? I do not expect, you will you be content with serving under ''merciful'' Orcish taskmasters.''

[Eldan]

Brigwa Stonecutter, publically

"Sneaking around again, Vasari? If you have a problem with us, say so openly, instead of spreading your little lies. If you came out in to the light mroe often, you might perhaps see that our herds are the best in the Shattered Lands, at the very least, and clean. The Drovers made a fair amount of money, from them, too.
I will let this slide, this time. But if you spread more lies, I will see you on the field of honour, even if you don't have any."

[Thelonius]

Orks of Tregon

If you mean a series of private letters I’ve sent, then it was hardly my intention to sneak around, though I must say intercepting my messages is rather sneaky of you.

I am expressing reasonable concerns, that your control over city’s food supply is both a security threat and would lead to fall in quality and quantity of the products available. You may have paid the Drovers in the time, when you couldn’t force compliance, but with your current support, I believe the issues I’ve addressed is rather reasonable.

If situation was reversed, and Tregon was completely depended on Sav Alutlus, after we’ve burned down your fields and killed your herds, then certainly you would do something about the issue as well.

As for your threat that you would challenge me to a field of honor, I must ask, what makes you think I would deign to accept the challenge of some foreign savage? I've got an appointment in Harrowing Fields already and I don't intend to waste my time on a brute, with pretensions of honor.

[Eldan]

Vasari

"You do betray yourself a coward, then, Vasari, and ignorant. It is so like a man of your kind, to lightly throw around the words "savage" and "barbarian" if you encounter a culture that is not yours. You call our honour pretense. I say to you that you never even had that. This city is a hole, for the rats to devour each other, and you are the rat-king, hiding your desperation behind the shadow plays of culture and sophistication. Words, Vasari. They are all but words.

Savage, you say, Vasari. You know nothing. Your culture is old, and you think it is better than hours, that we are barbarians. To that I say this.

Your culture is old. It is the culture of men a thousand years ago, and steeped in rituals who lost their meaning when they died.
Our culture is new. It is alive, and it flows in our blood, and we are bulding it with our hands.

These hands of mine cleft the head of a king, when he broke promises and made slaves of my people. These hands built Tregon. And if these hands have two, these hands of Brigwa Stonecutter, they will tear down the walls of your city and break your necks for their people.

I am Brigwa Stonecutter. Not a queen, not a doctor, not a guildmaster, or a president. Merely Brigwa. I have no need of your titles, for all orkenkind knows of my name and my deeds. "

[Thelonius]

Orcs of Tregon

This city has endured for thousands of years, Orc. The history of Talidor stands, despite the best efforts of our ancient foes to erase it. And while I stand guardian over Sav Altulus, the ’’King of Rats’’ as you called me, I shall see your young and naive culture devoured, before you tear us down. I’ve beaten you and your allies in Gilded. I shall see you crushed, if you stand against me. Just because you build something with own hands, doesn’t mean it will not be destroyed or taken from you. I’ve certainly learned that lesson well, and I’m willing to teach you.

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Vassari:

Ramston has recently started up several communal farms - If the city would like to donate money and supplies to expand them, we would be glad to take some of your food dependency off of the orcs. While you may not like us, we have always been loyal to Sav Altulas, unlike the foreign orcs.

[Thelonius]

Ram [8]

This would be an excellent solution, but I fear that your food caravans would be attacked and destroyed by the Orkish marauders. With Wardens supporting them, unfortunately the SGA lacks the manpower to ensure proper protection. If you are ready to send the provision nevertheless, I shall arrange for proper payment on delivery.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

To Bloodhaven
We am acting, sir, because we know it is also foolish to ignore potentially dangerous intelligence. Whether or not I personally think it is true is no matter. Logic demands that we determine it's truth before we can continue, for if it is true and we ignore it is even more a folly than to follow through on it if it is false. We am in a tricky position where either of the two options could cause serious problems, and so we are forced to take a third.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [8]

I admit I have no idea what you are talking about. Dangerous intelligence? Continuing something? Folly of some options?

I apologize for saying it, but can you be actually calling the drivel, that Wardens spouted during the Throne Meeting this ''Intelligence''? Me murdering innocent citizens of Sav Altulus through Redeye poisons, because I am mad apparently? You clearly can't mean that, so please dispel this confusion for my peace of mind.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

to Bloodhaven
Oh, so that's what you were talking about? Gods above, I was barely even paying attention at that meeting. Dead boring.
No, the Wardens just want an excuse to stomp you next. Oh, you had me going for a bit there. Here I was wondering how you could possibly know what the Wardens had told us.

However, Skeeve Redeye is dead, and very much so. Even a pretender is very dangerous, however we will be devoting most of our resources to producing food with magic, an invaluable service I'm sure you know. Indeed, in light of the recent crisis, the Gentlemen have volunteered to help in the effort.

You see, the Wardens were for some bizarre reason trying to convince me that someone was going to try to poison the food that we will be distributing, possibly this Redeye impersonator, and so we should not distribute the food we're making. I'm sure you can understand how not distributing the food and not checking for poison would each have serious consequences if we followed through.

He did hint that you were the possible culprit, but I dismissed that as unfounded speculation, as he provided no evidence for his claim.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [8]

''Poisoned food? This sounds absolutely terrible. Please ensure, that the shipments are well protected - I'm certain ESBA would provide assistance, if asked and perhaps Lord Laurier shall lend his strength, if it means stability for the city. ''

''To me it sounds like a plot to ensure that Orcs maintain their exclusive food supply, while framing Redeye imitator, while framing me for being said Redeye imitator. The nerve of them talking about being honorable, while resorting to such tactics, simply to let their allies make extra coin off our misery.''

''If you go after Redeye imitator, don't forget to manufacture some of my cure. The recipe is in the library. Of course it's possible, that a different poison with similar symptoms is used, but one can't be too careful.''

[Zemalac]

House Laurier to Order of the Wren (6)

Much like the food riots, I am of the opinion that so long as this imitator's degradations are limited to Runner's City--in which, if I am to be frank, they may easily be lost in the general malaise--I do not think it any concern of mine. I realize that this opinion may not sit well with a man of Castaways such as yourself, but I must first look to the success and health of my own family, and I think I cannot divert resources from keeping the chaos of the city at bay during this particularly chaotic time.


Verdan Contacts to Wardens (PM)

The Verdan inspector looks more like a bull than a clerk, but he brings with him all the appropriate forms and seems to have a grasp of and obsession with numbers that is frightening in its intensity. He does not take much time at all to perform his duties.

The next message from Verdan is swift in coming.

Your finances do, indeed, seem to be in good order--far better order than we would have expected, to be honest. The inventory that we think you may be interested in has been expanded accordingly. We of course have an excellent assortment of field artillery, but from the particulars of your message (needing to level buildings and neighborhoods rather than enemies across an open field of battle) we assume you require weapons for city fighting, in which case direct-fire cannon may not be your friend. As such, we would recommend an arrangement of bombards or, if money is no object, mortars, though the latter may not be of much use to you if you desire anything worth picking over in the rubble afterwards. We of course have a wide array of balls and shells that might be fired from such devices; the Verdan munitions that our island is famous for. For operations requiring some semblance of subterfuge, we have some minor instruments that might augment the ones already used by your operatives, including extreme environment masks and other armor, armored cloth no difference in appearance from everyday clothing, silent and miniscule spring-bows and a dozen other cunning devices for the discerning operator. A list of prices for every item mentioned is included with this missive.

Before going further, however, we would like to discuss a rather troubling matter with you regarding certain restrictions on trade that certain parties have been enforcing in Sav Altulas. Simply put, any amount of gold we gain from any deal with you will not, in the end, make up for the loss of the revenue stream from weapons shipments passing through your city. As such, we must regretfully insist that any arrangement we come to includes as a caveat the resumption of such shipments through Sav Altulas, without the interruptions that have plagued them for the past year and a half. This is a small matter for a order concerned with such greater things as you, but one that is very dear to our hearts and, more importantly, to our credit line.

Prices and Equipment

Operator Equipment: Gives your spy types the equipment used by Verdan Operators--flash goggles, respirators, silence-bombs, climbing gloves, articulated scabbards/grips, etc. 6 WEL.

Operator Equipment II: Your agents are now equipped with extreme environment gear allowing them to breathe underwater, swim like fish and climb like spiders, along with the baseline gear described in OE1. 8 WEL

Operator Equipment III: Includes all of the gear from Operator Equipment and Operator Equipment II, along with customized emberlock rifles for sniping, small anti-magic null-bombs, more varieties of Verdan munitions and poisons, and anti-magic overrides to protect the enchanted equipment from the null-bombs and similar effects. 10 WEL

Verdan Munitions: The Monks of the Ascension have a thing for grenades. This trait ensures that your troops have a steady supply of Verdan flayers, burners, breakers, bangers and, if you decide to go for style over practicality, the infamous cussor bombs. 8 WEL.

Cussor One-Shot: This is a one-shot trait that gives you a small cache of cussors. Too heavy to throw out of the blast range, too volatile for artillery use, and too uncontrolled for demolitions work, the cussor is nevertheless considered the quintessential Verdan device. Enough force to level a small building, packed into a sphere just a little larger than a man's fist. 3 WEL.

Bombards: Angle guns designed to fire stone balls in an arcing trajectory, allowing for indirect fire on enemy fortifications. 6 WEL

Mortars: Angle guns designed to fire metal balls or hollow shells in an arcing trajectory, allowing for indirect solid or explosive fire on enemy fortifications. 10 WEL

Verdan Munitions (Shells): Normally, explosive shells are simple things with fuses that may or may not work, filled with black powder that may or may not ignite when and where it is expected to. This trait gives you shells that, while perhaps not having greater reliability, do have a number of other interesting effects. Shells filled with clingfire, shells filled with acid, shells filled with razor wire and springs, Verdan sells them all—even, for the crazy or desperate, shells built carefully around cussor bombs. 9 WEL



Jungle Contacts (PM)

We will see who comes and who emerges victorious. The weather in your city is getting warmer now, I hear; perhaps some will come up from the jungles now that it is not so frigid.

OOC: Jungle elf mercenaries do not have set exchange rates like the other types of mercenaries do (for example, the Laheim's 4 WEL for 1 MIL rate). Instead, any stats you spend to hire them go towards buying dice, which are then rolled to see how many points of elves actually show up, which could range from anywhere to a quarter to three times what you paid for. They are not particularly reliable, but you could get more than you would have if you'd hired other mercs (or much less), and you can hire them with stats other than WEL (convincing crazy elves to do crazy things, like you've been trying to do in your messages to them).


Imperial Contacts to Wardens (PM)

Outside of the Chancery, the men most like what you describe would be the 354th Legion under General Bareth, which you may know as "the Coward's Legion." Unfortunately, those worthies are currently stationed in the city of Dakaas, to prevent any resurgence in rebellious activity there after the demise of the Lead Prophet. It has been long enough since then that we may be able to shift them elsewhere, but such a thing would amount to committing the Empire to war. Far better at this point, I think, to hire mercenaries, untrustworthy and unscrupulous as they may be.


EBSA to Bloodhaven (8)

The Wardens we will not act against. They have always been upstanding in their support of law, and we see no reason to paint them with the same brush as Tregon. Their choice in mercenaries is unfortunate, but we cannot judge them for that. Tregon is another matter entirely. We are already pulling our personnel out of our field office there, and are going to rescind their inclusion in greater Sav Altulas as soon as the paperwork can be arranged. As for your request regarding the supposed bounty posted by the orcs on the Mercantile's Guild, that is a simpler matter. We are the law in this city, sir, and you may be assured that no attempts at murder, Guild officials or otherwise, will be tolerated. You do not need to call upon us to stop such things, for that is our job; indeed, I am ashamed that you thought you would have to.


House Laurier to SGA (PM)


''Lord Laurier. Several of the Guilds a planning to sell off their properties. However we fear with situation in Gilded, the public might lack finances. You have numerous contacts in [Lomb Circle Trait], your powers of [Persuasion] make you a perfect agent and your [Foreign] origins would allow you to better work with foreigners from [Merdallan Contacts] and [Waterman Contacts], who I expect would have coin, despite trouble in Gilded

''Can we come to an arrangement, by which we will provide you commission, if agents of your House would be able to sell the properties at higher prices? The higher the price, the better the commission.''

[Basically if he gets us extra t. WEL, we transfer p. WEL worth as much. This way we can ''burn'' p. WEL at full value]

That seems to be an excellent plan, good Doctor, one that I am especially pleased to support since it will deliver such riches to my family.


EBSA to Wardens (Public)

Certainly. Consul Blizzardmarch will draw up the papers of engagement personally, should you wish.


House Laurier to Bloodhaven (Public)

Of course, Doctor. I have, conveniently enough, performed that particular service often enough before, during a time when I lived in Chadrais.


SGA (PM)


I know there is traits that will allow us to get better rates for burning wealth than our opponents, but could a VIP(The Trader) also help with that?

Also, taking into consideration all the traits(Warlord Contacts, Bandit Grudges, Friends in Low Places, etc, etc), how much wealth would it cost per MIL of bandits and mercs brought in for express purpose of fighting Wardens?

He certainly couldn't hurt.

Cost is 2 per 1 MIL. Which is, admittedly, the usual cost for hiring Shattered Lands scum to fight for you. The main difference those traits makes is removing a lot of the negatives that hiring base mercenaries usually gets you--they will be less likely to rout, less likely to turn on you if a better offer is made, less likely to turn on you for no reason at all, less likely to loot things you were hoping to capture, etc.


Restaurant Association to Bloodhaven (4)

Thanks to our mutual friends supplying us with food when most of the city has none, we have found ourselves with a delightful surplus of coin and little to spend it on. You will of course have our assistance.


Drover's Association to Bloodhaven (4)

We ain't exactly pleased with the way things are going, but there also ain't exactly a whole lot we can do about it. The Champions protect us, same as they've always done, so I reckon we can get out of this aight.

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Wardens:

You are, by treaty, our protectors. Does this protection extend to those who are shipping goods to and from the city? Considering it is people from a town you protect, moving through a wasteland you are charged with keeping safe, into a city you are sworn to protect, I would assume so, but I wish to be sure.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Hosts-Watch/Carriage Houses
I expect that, with the Orcs announcements earlier this month as well as them threatening to cut off their supply of meat, riots and more of the typical drunken brawls may erupt here pretty soon, once the realities of the situation sets in. I hope your people will be out in force until the chaos subsides? I will have my own guards on patrol just in case, but they may not be able to handle it alone.

[Thelonius]

ESBA/Lord Laurier/Wardens

''Regarding the duel. As I am a man of healing, rather then war and weapons, and as my skills are in great demand in this dark time for our beloved city, I believe I'm within my right to nominate a champion to fight to protect my honor on the Harrowing Fields. As such I present Urso Bloodhand as my champion.''

[Thelonius]

Lahaim [PM]

[Everybody else seems to send their contact messages as a PM...]

On behalf of a number of Guilds, I would be interested in purchasing services of your mercenaries. How much (MIL) can you supply?


Verdan Contacts [PM]

(To Gerard Niles or whoever is in charge at the moment.)

''May I inquire, if you heard any rumors about Wardens placing orders with your competitors in the White Market? I'm curious, whether I should be placing some orders for weaponry as well.''

I expect the Verdan Companies spies on each other like no tomorrow, so they'd know.


Restaurant Association [4]

I'd like to suggest some investment in other businesses. While things went well for you, imagine, what could have happened, if you lacked food supply? You'd be on the verge of ruin, your guards gone, since you couldn't afford to pay them, and well, I grim picture indeed. The times are risky. I suggest you consider alternative sources of income - if the troubles with famine persist, you'll be able to endure with the coin brought by other means.

Now, it would be best, if the business you may wish to purchase is complimenting your primary sources of income. I believe Silversmith Guild may be interested in selling some of their businesses. It might be a good idea to have workshops producing silverware. You know that Silversmiths is a [Beautiful Trade] and with my connections to Merchant's Water I can see about securing you access to spices and exotic foods, that would allow you to make your business more upscale.

What sort of funds do you have access to at the moment?

[Murska]

EBSA, Laurier, Vassari

As you're the one who challenged me, I do not see why you would get to name a champion. I would have EBSA check the legality of this. And in any case, I would request a check so Bloodhand would have no unfair advantages such as being or having a body part that has in some way been formed or molded by magical energies. Such advantages would have to be tempered with further handicaps in turn.

Ram

Yes, we'll protect your shipments. But I have to warn you that we're somewhat stretched and a concentrated effort against us, like the one perpetrated last month, would still most likely result in some losses.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild-Church of Neposh
Factories North & South will be yours again by the end of the month.

OOC: EoT

[Thelonius]

Wardens/ESBA/Laurier

''You have made a legal accusation against me. As such in a Trial by Combat, I’m entitled to name a champion.''

''As for Bloodhand, he does in fact has a prosthetic hand and Bloodhaven magic was used to attach it to the body. I’m not certain, what relevance it has for a pistol duel. This isn’t a brawl or an arms wrestling match.''

[Murska]

ESBA/Laurier/Bloodhaven

I do not recall asking for any sort of investigation or trial against you. Just stating facts about your actions that others may take and pursue as they wish.

And I do not know how much you know about fighting, but pistols are generally held in one's hand, and fired by holding the arm out towards the target, steadying the aim with the other arm and then squeezing the trigger with the fingers. Thus, the arm and hand of a person firing a pistol has a significant effect on the accuracy and rate of fire attained.

[Thelonius]

Wardens/ESBA/Laurier

So you know for a fact, that I'm responsible for a murderous crime spree and you don't ask for an investigation or trial? You don't care that a deranged murderer is killing people in Runner's City? I find your lack of respect for the law of our city deeply disturbing.

Now, I understand that you are an uneducated soldier, but a fact is something proven. What you are saying is an unfounded accusation, as you have presented nothing but wishful thinking to back it up. And if ESBA treats every absurd accusation like this as serious matter, they won’t have time and resources to capture the real murderer.

As such I have issued the challenge to resolve the issue swiftly, without taking of the ESBA’s valuable time.

[Murska]

ESBA/Laurier/Bloodhaven

No, a fact is something that is true. Whether or not it's proven has nothing to do with that. I don't have proof that would hold in court, which is why I'm not taking you to one.

But as you mention, you have issued a challenge to me. A challenge to a duel. This is not a trial, by combat or otherwise.

[Thelonius]

Wardens/ESBA/Laurier

You have skilfully baited me into the challenge with your vile lies. I have walked into your trap and I will not withdraw my challenge, now that my honor is at stake.

However, I feel compelled to seek legal recourse in addition to the one on the Harrowing Fields. I request, that Wardens be fined [3 WEL] for defamation and malicious slander. They have made their statements in full knowledge of lack of any sort of proof or explanation for them, in front of the city’s most prominent personage. I would like to point to the fact, that making such public statements, in this time would impede an investigation in to the identity of the actual murderer.

I request that the fine be put to helping people in the Runners City, especially the victims of the recent murders.

[Murska]

EBSA/Laurier/Bloodhaven

We'll think about it once you prove your innocence. And, of course, we'll file a similar claim for reparations for insulting us with asserting that Wardens would rob food shipments.

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Wardens:

Excellent. Some losses would be acceptable, though unfortunate. I hope that once things calm down you will see to ending these raids, since that, if I do recall, is the entire point of your organization.


Bloodhaven:

We have the word of the Wardens our shipments will be guarded. The Orcs will either have to attack their allies, or the Wardens would have to break their oath, in order for something to go horribly wrong. If you can get the rest of the city involved, we can ship the food to the SGA or some other organization in exchange for materials and money to improve and expand our farmlands.

[Thelonius]

Wardens/ESBA/Laurier

After my innocence is proven? But I’m not accused of anything – you said it yourself, your words aren’t accusation. Thus, not standing on any sort of trial and not being under any investigation, I am innocent by default.

You I however accuse of slander and defamation, and while I’m prepared to spill your blood for some of your vile lies, I’d like to seek legal recourse for the rest of your accusations.

As for your countersuit, regarding your role in attacks on the food caravans, my accusation is supported by the fact, that despite Orks admitting their involvement, you haven’t spoken against them, despite your honourable duty of defending trade against banditry, the Imperial Chancery was involved in organizing the attacks and your ties with them are well known and your soldiers and agents mysteriously failed to allow a single caravan from reaching the city, despite your previously excellent record in protecting the trade routes.


Ram
I shall organize payments on delivery - if you require, I may provide services of Masons Guild as you certainly require assistance in erecting fortifications and dwellings.

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Bloodhaven

Excellent. The assistance of the Mason's would be much appreciated, as well.

[Murska]

EBSA/Laurier/Bloodhaven

Well, once you prove that my words are slander and defamation, we can try judging the case fairly.

And your accusation is supported by the same things as mine - assumptions and circumstantial evidence. It doesn't hold weight in court. I'm sure you know that all of my agents and soldiers out to protect the caravans were mysteriously murdered right before the attacks. As for the Imperial Chancery, it isn't as though we've any say in what they do or don't do. And I find the actions of the Orcs regrettable, but don't see what it has to do with us. Of course we condemn banditry, I would assume that would go without saying. But an attack or two by the Orcs in the middle of a concentrated campaign by agents of the same group that killed my men that managed to destroy almost every caravan is not really a threat of the same magnitude, especially as the Orc attacks were sparse and never organized, instead just being a small lawless group deciding to pick on an easy target. That sort of robberies happen daily in the Shattered Lands, and there is no way to prevent them all.

[Thelonius]

ESBA/Laurier/Wardens

''I believe I have proven that your words are slander and defamation rather decisively. You’ve spoken plainly in front of trusted witnesses, that you have no proof of your wild stories.''

''The Wardens have a reputation for harshness in their treatment of justice and law. So you mean to say, that you simply forgive a few Orkish attacks, as they are few and in between? I find it hard to believe, that you would show any mercy to a criminal, even a minor one, unless there was something more to the story.''

''As for your claims to some vast conspiracy, that sabotaged food caravans and destroyed your forces, then if it indeed exists, I would certainly like to know, who it could be – though I hope you will not persist in claims, that it was Mercantile Guild, sabotaging their own trade, as I see no logic in merchants willingly losing coin and helping Orcs.''

''And let’s not forget, that your actions in the recent months have helped to perpetrate the famine, that’s afflicting the city. As such your involvement with the events surrounding the food caravans is quite possible.''


SGA [PM]

''Lord Laurier. As you may recall, I have deduced criminal deeds of the Orks, long before their public confession. A lot of my current suspicions against Wardens is based on the information you’ve delivered – the complicity of the Imperial Chancery and Wardens failing to prevent any of the attacks on the food caravans. However, I’d rather not bring your name as my source, without your permission, though I hope you will support me before ESBA, as somebody whose word can be trusted.''

[Murska]

EBSA/Laurier/Bloodhaven

Lack of proof doesn't make something untrue. You haven't proven that my words are not true.

We have to be realists. There simply are not enough troops to find every last mugger, thief and bandit in the Shattered Lands. We have to prioritize real threats. I think you know the principle as 'triage'.

And I'm sure you can figure out who attacked my agents with a little thinking.

By the way, your actions in the recent months have also helped perpetrate the famine afflicting the city, so clearly you're responsible for the attacks yourself.

[Thelonius]

ESBA/Wardes/Laurier

And you haven’t proven that Wardens don’t eat babies, steal the moon on the dark nights and make people stub their toes. Must you? No. I don’t need to prove anything, as I’m not even accused of any crimes.

So protecting the caravans bringing food to the starving city is a low priority task for Wardens? What was more important than that?

I have no idea, who attacked your agents or whether they were attacked at all.

And what actions of mine have led to famine? I’m curious, though unsurprised that you would keep slandering me with more and more bizarre crimes. I have worked to make life in the city a little bit better, fought and sacrificed for it. Clearly, I deserve my name to be dragged in the mud by a band of thugs and bullies.

[Zemalac]

Host's Watch/Carriage Houses to Mercantile's Guild (4)

We've been out in force. Order must be kept, after all.


EBSA to Bloodhaven, Wardens (8)

It was stated that this was a duel, not a trial by combat. If the challenged party agrees to allow a champion, then certainly, Bloodhand may step in, but that would be a most unusual occurrence. A duel is between two people who have a grievance, and it would not do at all to allow outsiders to interfere in such a thing.

Also, it behooves us to note that no legal grievances may be filed between parties set to engage in a duel. As such, Doctor Vassari's request for a fine to be levied on the Warden Order is summarily dismissed, as is the Warden request for similar measures against the Doctor. If the issue had been taken to court then such things might have been called for, but as is you have both chosen to take the dispute to the private arena, which means the law washes its hands of you.


Laheim to Bloodhaven (PM)

With current contracts we would be able to lease [10 MIL] worth of the Houses' soldiers for work in your city.


Verdan Contacts to Bloodhaven (PM)

The Warden Order has, in fact, been placing orders with us as well as our competition; I feel comfortable stating that we have the leading bid at the moment. If such an occurrence worries you, then I am sure we can come to some business arrangement with you as well.


Restaurant Association to Bloodhaven (4)

I think you may be mistaking the purpose of our organization, Doctor. We are not an association that happens to be made up of restauranteurs, but rather restaurants that happen to be formed into an association. Whether individual businessmen who are part of the association wish to diversify their investments or not is no concern of the organization itself.


House Laurier to SGA (PM)

Ah...I am not entirely sure what you are talking about, Doctor. You were the one who mentioned the Wardens failing to prevent attacks on the caravans, not I. I merely passed along what the Andouir told us, which was that the caravans were being raided by various bandits.

[Thelonius]

ESBA/Wardens [8]

Thank you for your clarification. Then we proceed with the duel as agreed upon.

Edit: I don't remember the time we set the duel, but it shouldn't be next morning, as I'll need to get my affairs in order.


Lahaim [PM]

Excellent. I shall be hiring them then.


Verdan Contacts [PM]

(My PM was based on the assumption that they aren’t part of bidding and as such I wouldn’t have proceeded with inquiries, after ascertaining that).

I am a little surprised you would treat the Wardens offer of unhindered operations as genuine. You should know enough of their Order to realize, that they are driven to destroy all Warlords and you must remember how vehemently they argued to stop the weapons trade.

Now, you must have heard the recent grain caravans’ issue. I can tell you, that in that case, Imperial Chancery was hiring bandits to attack grain caravans, and after they were hit, the Wardens were destroying them – simply because they wouldn’t allow any bandit to profit from their schemes. Now this deal will see the bandits and warlords profit – as they claim they’ll relax the weapons trade restrictions. They would probably do so – and then arrange for Orks and Imperial Chancery to intercept the shipments.

My advice to you is to let your competitors win the bid. It will see them nothing, but financial troubles.

I believe Mercantile Guild is planning to buy Munitions from you, but perhaps we could invest our assets differently. What sort of coin do we need to match Wardens offer? I must however say, that if you are selling weapons, that would see half of the city levelled, I fear it may sour relations between Verdan and Sav Altulus.


Restaurants Association

Well, by addressing Association I easily reach all of the restaurant owners – otherwise I’d have to go door to door, speaking to each individually. I fear with the looming duel I don’t have the luxury of time.

I would like then to propose two things:

First, the exiled Ram are offering to start supplying food. I can arrange its deliver for [2-3] WEL.

Second, with situation in Gilded, it has become hard to procure credit. Would you mind extending one to SGA? Our financial resources are great, but so is the scope of our operations. We can provide properties as a collateral.


Lahaim/Verdan [PM]

Can I hire a skilled duelist for some quick lessons? I need to get good really fast.

[Basically whichever has the best specialist, I'd like to hire for 2 WEL]


EDK [PM]

I fear that I’m unable to provide the resources for you to continue your research. Even if I wasn’t engaged in conflict with Wardens, the Church of Neposh would see you burned, if they ever found out, so your operations would always need to be shrouded in secrecy.

This isn’t a way for a scientist to operate. I have got contacts with [Ars Arcana] and I’ve made inquiries that indicate, they would be interested to fund your experiments and provide necessary protection.

If you agree, I will send you with [1 MAG] to Ars Arcanan, which is a good distance from the Protectorate of Blood and where your work would be respected and appreciated.

[Murska]

Verdan Contacts (PM)

We will continue to disallow dangerous weapons like Cussors or poison gasses entry into Sav Altulas. If you store such things outside the City, we will not act, but if this is not acceptable, then we wish you good luck in the future.

If you do accept that condition, we would like to purchase the mortars.

[Thelonius]

Laurier/Wardens/ESBA [8]

One last thing. As you know I was part of the effort to capture Redeye. It's possible, that Redeye imitator may hold a grudge over it - and see my likely death at the duel as robbing him of a chance of revenge. As such I fear a possibility of an attack using his gas during the duel. Can you keep an eye for such possibility?

[Zemalac]

Laheim to Bloodhaven (PM)

Send your gold, and the Houses will answer.


Verdan Contacts to Bloodhaven (PM)

If they had offered, we would not trust it; as is, though, we offered. To be honest, at this point we do not particularly care whether or not they allow our shipments through again. We make a profit whether we are selling weapons to the warlords or Wardens, and then make profit again while selling to the Wardens enemies. They suggested that they were able to deliver the equivalent of [70 t.WEL], and our observation of their finances gives us no inclination to disbelieve them, though of course we assume they are actually hoping to spend somewhat less.

Really, the best outcome for us here would be to sell weapons able to destroy the city, and then actually see it destroyed. That way we would get the profits from the god-weapon, and also be able to run shipments through the area again. Win-win, yes? But of course we hope it does not come to that, for such a loss of life would be tragic, etc.


Resturaunt Association to Bloodhaven (4)

That we might be interested in. Especially the Ram's food.


Laheim/Verdan to Bloodhaven (PM)

The Laheim do not have pistol expertise. A Verdan trainer is 2 WEL.


EDK to Bloodhaven (PM)

My thanks, friend, for this and for all else you have done for me. Should you require any favor of me, you need only ask.


Verdan Contacts to Wardens (PM)

No weapon is dangerous, Warden, save in the hand that raises it against you. That said, your suggestion about storing the weapons outside of the city has raised some interesting ideas in our collective heads, especially if your patrols finally manage to deal with the banditry around Sav Altulas--I understand many of the food shipments to Sav Altulas were interrupted recently in a manner that suggests your order is losing its grip on the situation.

That said, we are not ones to let profit slide. We will deliver the mortars for the agreed upon price.


EBSA/Laurier to Bloodhaven/Wardens (8)

We'll keep an eye out, of course.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

The Technist's Guild

The Dreadnought moved slowly through the sky, bringing back its men and cargo.
Matt Rosen stared at the City. He had not seen it for some time...

"They made some changes... What is that lake over there?"

"I... I think that's All God's Hollow, Matt. It looks flooded"

"We'll have a good time building pumps for that'un"

[Zemalac]

Turn 20 Results
January, 1034 DR


The Sav Altulas Standard
The Center Cannot Hold

Sponsored by the Bookbinder's Guild

______________________________

Neposh law clerics have been working closely with the EBSA of late.

A massive investigation into the Redeye killings last month by the Champions of Sovereignty, Order of the Wren, Church of Neposh, EBSA and ESGE turned up inconclusive. Rumors of Lonecutter and Heartspear agents assisting are unconfirmed at this time.

A massive display of magical power by the Esoteric Society of Gentlemen Explorers, with assistance from the Church of Neposh, has seen the entire city fed on a nutritious (if bland) bread-like substance.

A duel is fought in the Harrowing Fields between Commander Tarmin of the Wardens and Doctor Vassari of Bloodhaven Hospital.


______________________________
Excerpt from the Standard

Harrowing Duel at Noon!
OOC: Part one was written piece by piece by Murska, Thelonius and Zemalac while the turn was being run. Part two is the results of the duel as they appeared in the EoT.

Part 1: Before the Fight

"We could have fifteen Guard standing watch. They wouldn't interfere in any way, unless something went wrong. No one could fault us that, Nath." Lieutenant Rowan was helping the General prepare. There would be thorough checks before the duel, but comfortable clothes and fittings had to be prepared beforehand. And the preparation served another purpose as well, allowing Tarmin to attain a sense of calm peace and forget all the thoughts about the current strategic situation and logistical problems.

"No,” said Tarmin. “I'm going in with only my assistant. You'll need every man, and if there's some sort of a trap, the Guard won't help. Everyone would expect us to prepare against such a thing, and have a way to counter it."

"...fine. Be sure to come back after you win."

"I'll lead the parade all right."

Vasari arrived to the Harrowing Fields accompanied by a small cadre of followers, none looking very threatening. The Harrowing Arena was filled with people who wished to observe the duel. Before anything else, the Doctor walked to the ESBA patrolmen. He spent a little time inquiring about the state of security. The times were dangerous.

The Lauriers were waiting for him on the field. He looked over the rows filled with the spectators, as if searching for some familiar face and then joined his seconds, giving a polite bow to the Lord Laurier.

The city was going to burn. Would his death change anything and for better or for worse? There was only one way to find out.

Vasari looked at his opponent, surrounded by a small group of the Warden soldiers. He thought back on the day they tried to talk in the Shattered Lands. One of the last attempts to resolve their feud, before it became clear, that they could be nothing, but enemies.

Consul Blizzardmarch stood in the middle of the field, before a small folding table bearing a simple cherrywood box and nothing else. There was no expression on his face, but he gave the impression of being annoyed nonetheless, his work being interrupted by such a trivial matter.

Tarmin waved the soldiers away, and they quickly formed up and left, leaving only himself and one other man. After a cursory glance over the arena and the spectators, and a longer look towards Vassari's entourage, he strode towards the table.

Vasari approached the Consul. He had a bit of practice with firearms, ever since he got the Wallen's supply and he hired a man to train him in their use. His opponent approached as well, so they now stood next to each other.

"It is a fine day, Doctor, Consul."

''Perhaps.'' Vasari greeted the Consul politely, while extending the minimal required courtesy to the Warden. The fury against the man seethed inside, but he had it under control, it was cold now, contained.

Elsewhere in the City, smoke and explosions darkened the day. But here, a bright sun was casting its rays on the field, bringing out the sweat in the gathered onlookers. While elsewhere rifleshots cracked through windows and walls and swords clashed in the alleys, all was peaceful here. But it was still a place where two men would put their lifes on the line for what they thought was right, just as the masses of soldiers were doing elsewhere.

"I do not think there is much left to be said,” said Tarmin. “And I am sure both of us have places we need to be, things we need to do."

The Consul cleared his throat. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," said Blizzardmarch. "We are gathered here today to see satisfaction done and honor regained. Do you both agree to let the outcome of this duel satisfy your dispute? Do you agree to let this be an end to it, whatever the outcome may be?"

The Consul's voice was smooth and official, for all that he didn't want to be here.

"I agree," said the Doctor.

The man standing behind and to the left of Tarmin was noticeably less calm, though he worked to hide it. He kept casting glances around at the rows of spectators.

The Doctor continued, ''As long as the end would be one man leaving this arena and one laying in the blood and dust I agree. Though if higher powers seem intent to prevent such outcome, I will be satisfied to end it with both of us living fools.''

"Every man is a fool and a sage,” said Tarmin, “and which of us remains after we're gone depends on those left to write the history books."

Tarmin could die here. It would do little to the Warden Order. Well, that's wrong - it would certainly threaten some of the cohesion in the Council, and possibly allow Jezel to try and resurge, but it wouldn't harm the war effort much. But if he put an end to Vassari, hopefully the enemy would be more vulnerable - The Doctor was the man linking the vast criminal empire and the honest, well-wishing doctors and merchants.

Vasari thought on that talk again. Tarmin seemed to imply that others were more interested in politics. He could believe that the man was a pawn of more crafty Warden Commanders, the last soldier among shadow schemers and politicans, that run Wardens now. Perhaps his death will lead the Wardens further down their path to power and tyranny. Well, he knew little of the Wardens internal politics. All of this was a mere conjecture. And either this man would die or Vasari would die. That's the only thing that mattered.

"Very well, then." Blizzardmarch flipped open the wooden case, revealing two silver-plated dueling pistols. "Mr. Tarmin, as the challenged party you have first choice of weapon. You may both have your seconds examine the pistols now, if you wish, but I assure you that they were both prepared in the same manner and cast from the same mold."

"I trust you have prepared everything accordingly," said Tarmin. "There is no need for the examination on my part."

Tarmin carefully drew the pistol closer to him from the case and glances it over in his hand, tilting it from side to side to get a feel on the balance of the weapon. He had faced several duels in his time in the ranks, though not many with such true lethal intent. He had killed a man in a duel, once, though that was with blades. This meant more than that time had, in its way, and yet less - it had been personal, then, but this time was just about larger matters. Business, as it might be.

Vasari bowed politely to Lord Laurier, inviting him to examine the pistol the Warden had left behind. Alexandre gave it only a cursory inspection, checking the priming and the hammer, before passing it over.

The weight of the weapon in his hands. Vasari killed man before. Healing people helped. Killing people helped. One just had to know where to apply the right tools. His hands were well suited for pistols - no decent doctor had shaky hands, unless he took to the bottle.

The time was drawing near for the killing...

The Consul's voice was almost a calming influence on those gathered near him. He spoke as though he were reading a deliberation in court rather than officiating at a life-and-death duel.

"If both parties are satisfied with the weapons, we may now proceed," he said. He withdrew a small square of white cloth from his pocket and held it evenly above his head. "Please proceed to the places marked on the ground and face away from each other. I will count off ten paces for each of you, after which you will turn and salute your foe. The duel will commence when this cloth" he waved the white square a little bit "touches the ground. Should neither party have achieved first blood after three rounds the duel is ended and the dispute finished. These are the rules of the Code Duello, to which we will scrupulously adhere."

He nodded to Vassari and Tarmin. "Gentlemen. Please take your places now."

Step. Step. Step. Deliberate pacing, going along with his breaths just as his instructor had taught him back in the day. Every pace he took removed one more layer of distracting thought and emotion from his mind. Tarmin had never been one to achieve a meditative state by sitting on the ground and not doing anything - the only place he could reach above his thoughts and emotions was when in mortal danger, fighting personally in the fray.

He reached his place at the exact same time as Vassari did, and turned around, saluting.

Vasari returned the salute. Whatever his feelings about the man, there were rituals to observe. He felt the energy in his body wax, preapring for action. His eyes moved to the cloth.
The Consul waited for a moment after the salute, with the natural drama of a courtroom judge, and then let the cloth fall. The wind whipped it up for a moment, then down, then to the side, drifting ever closer to the earth, every eye in the stadium on it.

The white cloth touched dirt with all the finality of death, and guns rose in white-knuckled hands.

Tarmin saw the cloth veer to the side, and made one of those split-second decisions that were so important on the field. Taking his eyes too far from his target would mean this many hundredths of a second lost aiming, while keeping his eyes would mean this many hundredths lost reacting to the enemy movement. He decided to stare directly at Vassari, ignoring the cloth, and at the moment the Doctor made his move he would react.

His arm was steady. The glare of the sun was directly above, not hindering either one of the duellists. Altering his stance as the gun rose to ensure all three points of stability were aligned and to present a smaller profile, all done instinctually. Inhalation, and pause. Center of body, a little above the belt, sights aligned. A squeezing shot with the whole hand, as though crushing a fruit, no favouring the trigger finger. A split second of waiting as the flash and the recoil struck, before the exhalation.

What else was there, but for the barrel of the pistol to face the heart of the enemy, for the finger to squeeze the trigger and for the end to come.


Part Two: Three Shots

Flint strikes steel as the hammer comes down, sending sparks into the flashpan where the priming powder waits, eager for the flame. A burst of smoke surrounds the hammer as it ignites, sending fire down through the touchhole and into the barrel of the gun. The sound of the main charge is the sound of thunder.

The first shot resolves nothing. Doctor Vassari’s inexperienced hand fires wide, and Commander Tarmin is used to his Messenheiler and fails to compensate for the inaccuracy of this lesser weapon—the dueling pistols provided by the Consul are elegantly formed, to be sure, but they leave much to be desired as killing machines. The result of the second shot is more decisive, though barely. Vassari has steady hands, but he had assumed that the issue would be resolved by the first shot; Tarmin, meanwhile, is automatically going through the motions of reloading even before the echoes of the guns die out. Vassari makes haste to catch up, tearing open the next paper cartridge with a surgeon’s precision. He had performed precision acts such as this a thousand times before; why was this any different?

Pistols are leveled as one, triggers pulled with simultaneous action, and one shot shakes the cold air in the Harrowing Fields.

Doctor Vassari stands with a thin trickle of smoke rising from the firing mechanism of his pistol, a swiftly-growing splash of red across his left shoulder and a look of surprise on his face. He drops the pistol, and the audience cannot help but jump as a second shot rings out, the burning powder finally reaching the barrel when it hits the ground. The ball digs a trench in the dirt past Consul Blizzardmarch’s shoes.

Commander Tarmin’s gun did not misfire. He had aimed perfectly, and if he had been using his Messenheiler Vassari would surely be dead. Where the emberlock he’d taken from Wyatt Embler kicked back smooth and deadly when he pulled the trigger, firing this dueling pistol felt like someone had taken a hammer to his hand, recoil jumping his shot far beyond where he’d originally aimed.

Consul Blizzardmarch stepped forward. “First blood has been drawn,” he said. “Does this end the matter, gentlemen?”

Vassari and Tarmin stared at each other through the gunsmoke, the commander’s face calm and the doctor’s white as a sheet. After a moment Vassari knelt and picked up the pistol, drawing another cartridge from his pocket, moving awkwardly due to his wound. Tarmin shook his head and did the same.

“Well, then,” said the Consul, disgruntled. “This shall be the final round, gentlemen. Any further conflict after this final shot will result in my personal intervention.” The air in the arena contrived to drop a few degrees at his tone. “Ready your weapons and continue as you will.” He stepped back, out of the line of fire.

Vassari reloaded fast, again, risking another misfire to get the first shot off. Tarmin, opposite him, went through the motions as smoothly and mechanically as an automaton built for this exact purpose. Tear the cartridge open, pour the priming powder into the flashpan and the rest down the barrel, then use the paper as wadding and roll the ball in after. Forty grains of powder, finely ground and carefully measured, thrown down a hot metal tube in haste. Once all that is done, it’s just a matter of pulling back the hammer and learning whether you’d gotten everything loaded right.

The Doctor leveled his pistol first, an instant before the Commander. He pulled the trigger and the pistol spat thunder—a clean shot, no hangfire this time—half a second before Tarmin’s return shot ricocheted off the barrel of his gun, knocking it from suddenly numb fingers.

It only took one glance to let Vassari know that he’d killed Tarmin. The Commander of the Warden Order stood opposite him, a neat circle of blood expanding in the exact center of his chest, eyes wide with surprise, pistol dangling loosely from his extended hand. The Doctor allowed himself a small, tired smile. It was over. He’d won.

And then Tarmin laughed and tossed his pistol to the ground in front of him. “Better luck next time, I suppose,” he said, and walked away, his second coming forward with bandages and an anxious expression.

“No death,” commented the Consul, as though that weren’t obvious. “First blood still lies with Mr. Tarmin; however, the Commander also appears to be more grievously wounded. Make of that what you will, I suppose, but honor has been satisfied, and so have I. Good day, gentlemen.” His posse of assistants began folding up the table and picking the black-stained scraps of wadding off the field, packing away all the accoutrements of the duel. One collected the silver-plated pistols, one dented and both covered in dirt, and put them both neatly back into their case.


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Combined SGA forces have seized all of Gilded except Bunkers and Allscross.

The market goes into a spending spree as many factions liquidate properties.

Attempts by Lord Ambrose of the Champions to paint Bloodhaven as responsible for the Redeye murders fail when no evidence is brought forward.

Somehow, rumors have gotten out that the Triphage Untima is filled with ancient Zancharian treasure.


______________________________
Excerpt from the Standard

City of Killers, City of Sin

The word is out, and all the killers answered. Sav Altulas is a free-for-all, they say, where anyone ruthless enough might carve out a kingdom or a fortune, so long as all the rest of ‘em trying to do the same don’t cut you down first. All the best assassins, all the best fighters, all the best sorcerers and duelists and reavers may be found in this city now, fighting over the ancient wealth Zanchar left behind in the Triphage Untima. That is what the whispers are saying to those traveling south, and that is what is being heard in the taverns and low places of the Empire, of Merdallan and the Water and the jungles far to the south. That bit about the Triphage Untima is very important. Everyone loves a good story about ancient elven treasure, and those who don’t love the idea of showing the world just how hard they are by facing down the rest of the world’s scum on the hunt for it.

Fighting on Traitor’s Bridge slows the flow for a little while, but that sorts itself out quickly enough. The treasure hunt, the blood games, the hunting and fighting in the street, these are only just beginning.


______________________________

Warden forces advancing into the Turnaround are met by a much larger mercenary force under General Brador coming in the other direction. Despite a valiant defense, the Warden army was forced to retreat from Gateway Milanus, leaving it in the hands of the Guilds.

The Mercantile's Guild has retaken Traitor's Bridge.

A force from the Order of the Wren and Champions of Sovereignty has attacked Stacks, taking Stockyards Deep, the Traveler's Quarter and the Gear after overwhelming Guild defenders.

Mercantile's Guild and Bloodhaven officials speaking out against the orcs of Tregon has little effect, as there are no Tregon orcs in the city this month. Public sentiment against orcs in general leads to several unfortunate incidents.

The orcs of Tregon have marched upon Gregoria, and taken it without difficulty. King James has named Brigwa Stonecutter Duke of Gregoria.

The Ram Revolution is making a tidy profit by selling food to the city.

Agents of the eminently respectable Bookbinder's Guild were able to keep the filth known as "The Truth of Sav Altulas" off the streets this month. Grateful citizens line up to express their gratitude.

The Technists Guild has been testing a new type of airship.



______________________________

The Truth of Sav Altulas
The Truth Shall Make Ye Freet

Sponsored by Constantine Richter and the Ram Revolution

______________________________


BANNED
By order of the Bookbinder's Guild
For Your Protection


______________________________

Bounty Board
All prices listed are in t.WEL unless otherwise stated, and will be paid out immediately upon confirmation by the bounty poster.

Elias DuKree: Red hair, close cut. Reddish-brown eyes. Scar on left cheek. Possibly a scar on right leg, depending on how the wound healed--might have a limp. Wanted dead. 4 from Lord Protector.

Unknown Raiders: Whoever stole the Imperial weapons meant for the Wardens from the caravan delivering them to the city.
2 from Imperial Trade Ministry

Unknown Murderer: Whoever killed the people found dead at the opening of the Wallen Wing at Bloodhaven Hospital.
4 from Doctor Vassari

Any copy of The Truth of Sav Altulas can be submitted to the Bookbinder's Guild for burning in exchange for a copper piece.

Truth of Sav Altulas Press: 5 from Bookbinder's Guild. Also, we will give you a book deal. Doesn't matter what you're writing about.


______________________________

Turn 21 Begins
February, 1034 DR

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To the Church of Neposh [6]
I do not know the purpose of your invasion of the Pits. However, the Orcs resident have vacated the neighbourhood, and as part of Runners City, I expected it to come under my jurisdiction.

I would like to request that the Pits be rendered to Order control.

The Wren.

[Eldan]

The Orcs of Tregon and Gregoria

A public announcement read by paid town criers:

"To His Grace the Great and Evidently Infallible And Quite Accomplished King James,

We are eternally thankful beyond all reasonable measure for Your Grace's merciful gift of bestowing upon Brigwa Stonecutter the invaluable title of Duke of Gregoria, for only the humble service of conquering said Duchy and utterly crushing any resistance.

Truly, the Duke could never live with herself if her conquest had not be rewarded and recognized by Your Royal Majesty. Of course, we would never have dreamed of conquering these lands only for ourselves and keeping them no matter what the King said about it."

[Thelonius]

On Redeye Investigation

When Redeye was stalking Runner’s City, at first there was only Wren and I tracking him. In one month we have cornered and wounded him.

Now, the Runner’s City swarms with scores upon scores of agents looking for a shadow that Redeye cast and there are no results? It was foolish of you to prevent me from joining this investigation Wren. Your skill with blade is great, but in order to use it, somebody with intelligence and keen insight needs to find the prey.

Lord Ambrose

Sir. Are you a dishonorable, lying cur yourself, or were you acting on the orders of King James, when you claimed I’m Redeye impersonator and murderer?

Gregorian Troops (MIL/ESP/MAG)

Your King just gave away his and yours Kingdom to the Orks. I’m curious; as such will you accept Brigitte Stonecutter as your rightful liege?

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon and Gregoria

"The King hasn't given away anything, Vasari. We conquered it. It is our homeland just as much as theirs. They left it and let it get conquered, they have no right to complain when we do better."

[Imperial Psycho]

On the Investigation

My dear friend Morden, you cannot mean what you say.

We never sought Redeye out, I happened upon his lair. Even then, it was the work of many months to bring the wretch down. And this attacker has no lair that can he can be flushed out of so simply.

Your comments are mischievous, and profoundly unhelpful.

While I make no secret of my proficiency with the blade, you will find my mind is honed just as finely, I assure you.

[Thelonius]

On Gregoria

By naming you Duke, though I feel Duchess would have been more appropriate, King James relinquished his claim to Gregoria. You are not even his vassal as far as I understand.

Now, I’m just a humble Doctor, and I don’t understand much in politics, but if James claims to be King of Talidor, then giving away Talidorian lands to, not exactly friendly, foreign powers is somewhat counterproductive. We already have a massive foreign army in the city. I fear at this rate they might be named new nobility before long. Well, at least it would mean that they’d move to Sky and we’ll be able to have some peace in Triphage Untima.


ESGE [6]
Lord Founder. I ask for your help. I’ve already fought a duel with Tarmin of Wardens, over his accusations, that I’m Redeye Imitator. Now Champions are spouting the same lies. I don’t know how they conduct the investigation, but I suspect their agents have been doing their best to pin it on me and only presence of neutral parties prevented them from tampering with evidence.

Can I ask you something? Lord Founder, what if somebody publicly declares that you are a mind-puppet of MU and the Daimot University is a secret facility to subvert the Mages of Sav Altulus under control of our enemy.
And this somebody presents no proof, no reason to accuse you of it, apart perhaps for having some interests in acquiring your properties. How would you feel about such accusation? How would you act?

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild
So the fake "King" of Sav Altulas has finally revealed his true colors? I must say, i'm disappointed. I knew the snake that calls himself the Wren was beyond hope, but I had hoped for better from you James. What have I ever done to you exactly? A lot of good men died because of you and, one way or another, you shall pay for your crimes.

Hosts-Watch
I'm sorry it had to come to this. You are fine people and I hope the bastards pay for what they have done today.

[Thelonius]

To People of Sav Altulus

I have been called a murderer by both Wardens and Champions. They speak without evidence, without cause, without any decency. My heart bleeds to hear such vileness. And not to hear anybody speak up in my defense…

So I shall bring the issue for you to judge, people of Sav Altulus. If you do not think, that Wardens and Champions lied... that I am indeed a monster. Then I shall close down Bloodhaven and its clinics and leave the city, with those doctors, who wish to follow me.

If you think, that I’m an honest man, that I did nothing to deserve this slander and abuse, that Wardens and Champions lied dishonourably, for whatever vicious reasons. Then speak so on the streets so I may hear, that Sav Altulus wishes me to remain and to serve it.

It’s your judgement, it’s your choice. I shall await your decision.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Bloodhaven [6]
How have you discovered my secret?!

Seriously though, in that situation I would have a merry old time. I wouldn't bother to tell people I'm not, but then I would stage some grand reveal where the university mages still loyal to the city draw the MU puppetmaster out of me, and I would kick their imaginary tail out of the city for good. I'm sure I wouldn't convince the others to go along with this plan though, they are a bit too rational for their own good. No, I'm sure that wouldn't work in your case.

-A side note, my theory is that you have been poisoning people, but you haven't actually killed anyone -the killing was someone else entirely- so that's all okay in my books. Honestly, that was probably just you checking if you could cure said poisons, and hey, it worked. Still don't know who it actually was who did the murder though.

No what you have to do is present something real, something tangible. Prove that you're not to blame, that you can't possibly be. Or possibly just throw some accusations back at them that distract people from those leveled against you, though that can backfire quite dramatically.

Completely unrelated, did you know that it is quite possible to poison a bullet? I would never have thought until StigBalathad told me the other day. Honestly I see that as monstrously dishonorable. Seems like cheating.

Anyway, get well soon, and good luck throwing people off your trail! -I mean throwing off those false accusations!

[Thelonius]

ESGE [6]
If the fact, that I have faithfully served the city and helped its people isn't tangible enough, then I have no reason to reside here.

As for poisoned bullet, I'm not certain how Wardens could do it, with ESBA providing the guns, but I guess a sleight of hand might have accomplished a switch. I shall make certain my life isn't in danger and inform ESBA. I thank you for your warning.

ESBA [6]
ESGE has spoken to me about poisoned bullets. I highly doubt anything like that was involved in the duel, but I think a quick check to see, if they were switched wouldn't take much of your time - they'd need to be altered, as simply coating them with poison wouldn't work and as such any deception would be revealed right away. Apologies for such inconvenience.

Zemalac
Just in case, checking bullets - if they were switched and whether Vasari was poisoned with something slow acting. I've got V3 & Pharmacology.

[oblivion6]

SGA-GM
1. What is the general feeling in Gregoria? I can't imagine they're very happy. Wasn't that what their civil war was about?

2. I am assuming that this "Hackeyed-Knight" and the "Seinvil Pews" fellow are the leaders of this mob that broke through Traitors Gate and moved to Triphage Untima? Do any of my various contacts know anything about those two?

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Bloodhaven
Hm, what? I'm sure I suggested nothing of the sort. You have served the city quite admirably, increasing the standards of doctoring tremendously.

Well, I never thought that the dueling pistols could have been rigged. Wise of you to be cautious.

[Thelonius]

Nobles of Sav Altulus, sans Champions/Wren (incl. Laurier, ESGE) [6]

[Lord Founder – I know you don’t like political squabbles, but I do not wish to insult your grace, by excluding you from my query. However, I wouldn't be surprised, if you develop a case of cold, that may prevent your reply]

Greetings, Lords of Sav Altulus. I am a citizen of Sav Altulus and I find myself in a situation, for which I humbly beg your clarification.

As you’ve heard King James has named Brigitta Stonecutter a Duke, high noble title. Now as the rightful King of Talidor and Sav Altulus, he of course holds power to grant noble titles. And as such Brigitta Stonecutter now would hold the high noble station.

So I ask you my Lords, is Brigtta Stonecutter indeed one of you? Should I accord her the same respect, that any other nobleman of her rank is due? As a citizen of the city, I must follow the decrees of its rightful ruler – to do otherwise would mean treason. Yet, I can’t help but think, that bowing to the Orkish Warlords, before I bow to you would be… inappropriate.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

To Church of Neposh
"Hey, we got a business proposal for ya. nterested? Come by."

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Nepsoh

To Order of the Wren (DESP 6)

The churches occupation of the Pits seems to have been a bit of a misunderstanding. We are sure we can come to an agreement for its transfer to the Wren, we must ask will you continue your search for this Red Eye immitator?

[Murska]

Wardens to Combined Fools' Legion

You run here and there, attack and run again, face me with an army of rabble in one direction and nibble at my territory elsewhere.

Here's an announcement. Not an ultimatum, not a threat, not a warning - just a fact.

The Warden Order is going to be walking into Gilded. And we're going to remove everything that attempts to oppose us in some way from existance.

Face us if you dare. Run if you want. Try and attack us elsewhere if you feel that you can win that way. But if you won't stand in the field now, know that you will never do so again, your forces will know of your cowardice and the fact that the Warden Order will defeat anyone in a stand-up battle will be incontrovertibly carved into the history of this city.

I hope to see you soon.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To The Church of Neposh [6]
I see. Yes, I will continue my hunt. It took me many months to take in the killer Redeye, and the trail for this killer is not cold yet.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [6]

Issue A

I seem to have been visiting you often lately. There’s a bit of problem in the Triphage Untima. An army of [22 MIL] of adventurers are digging deep in search of Zanchar’s treasures. I fully expect them to reactivate some ancient weapon of the Elves or unleash some curse on the city in the process. You have fed the Runner’s City in the time of trouble. Frankly, It was you, who Champions should have honoured with titles and lands, not Orks, who have caused the famine in the first place. Would you not do the same kindness for the people Triphage Untima? There is nobody else in the city, who is better suited to keep an eye on the ancient arcane secrets of long dead Empires and make certain no terrible evil of old days awakens.

You have the resources – help me reign in the ''adventurers'', so they stop wrecking the whole District and whatever your own Mages find in Triphage Untima would naturally go to the Daimot University.

Issue B

I should say the city is in a bit of a pickle. I believe, you once worked with House Matoff to compete with House Wallen for influence in Sky, thus I would assume, that while you are a bit averse to politics, sometimes you do dabble.

Now, as I’ve said before, there is a massive army of mercenaries in Triphage Untime, due to rumors, and I quote how it was said to me:


The word is out, and all the killers answered. Sav Altulas is a free-for-all, they say, where anyone ruthless enough might carve out a kingdom or a fortune, so long as all the rest of ‘em trying to do the same don’t cut you down first.

We both know why this is happening. A weak ruler invites foreign enemies. If Desoui was still alive, the wouldn’t dare to pass the Traitor’s Bridge. Why, if Council was still a thing… well, it didn’t exactly rule, but it managed to a degree. What we have right now is a King on the Throne in the Daisong Place, who allowed his other Kingdom to be conquered twice, ignored Orks attacking our food caravans, which would have been bad, if it weren’t for your gracious intervention and then made an Ork Warlord, who openly insults Sav Altulus and him, into a Duke, in a sham pretense, that it was his plan all along, something said Ork Warlord cheerfully contradicted right away. Rumors are flying – and now we are seen as a weak prey to every would-be pretender in the Shattered Lands.

We need to reclaim the image of strength, the respect and fear that our power must inspire in others, so we may keep the wolves at bay. Lord Founder – can you unite the nobles of the Sky District? They respect you and between a weak, young and experienced King and somebody of your age and wisdom, they’ll follow you.


SGA/Laurier [PM]

I’m besieged at Triphage Untima, by an army of ''adventurers'', seeking some non-existent treasure. A number of them come from Merdallan, so they would trust you more and your abilities of persuasion are quite famous. Perhaps you can redirect some of the miscreants to a more productive project?

I’d also like to inquire about your thoughts on the recent events. Will House Laurier remain on the side-lines or is there some way the Guilds can gain you as an ally?


Zemalac
A minor point, but I think Peacocks should have about 12 WEL, after previous turn gains. They used 10 in EoT. Just curious.

Wardens

''And how do we know it's not a trick? I remember you claimed to send troops to Medicant Fields and then used them to attack Ram. You've been losing battle after battle, territory, after territory, so maybe you seek advantage in lies. Words of untrustworthy snakes are cheap. Can you give something with more worth?''

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Bloodhaven
Well, if this isn't ironic. Now you're trying to rope me into treason? No sir, If I were to commit treason, I would do it myself, not at the suggestion of someone else.

No, I think your first issue is a result of the second. You are being punished for your treason, albeit in an underhanded manner.

What is this quarrel you have with King James? Here I thought it was the wardens after you, or Wallen. My friend, you're jumping at ghosts.

I'm afraid I may be quite busy providing food for the city for the time being.

[Thelonius]

ESGE /6/
I'm not certain how it is ironic.

What do you mean I am being punished for my treason, which as I understand I've commited during this conversation? We are talking about some mighty feats of time magic here.

Quarrel with King James? I quite like the man, if he wasn't pretending to be King. When SGA was ready to bow knee to him, he attacked us. When war between SGA and Wardens brewed, he did nothing to stop it. When Orks caused famine, he ignored it. When they called our city an old dying fossil and theirs civiliyation, that would raise on our ashes, he gave them lands and titles. He swore to be King of Gregoria and in a few months the nation has been conquered twice. Now the city is swarming with foreign mercenaries.

Tell me - do I tell lies? If I have misunderstood what has been happening, then explain to me, where am I wrong?

And I believe Ram has started to supply food to the Runner's City, so certainly your mages don't need to work on it as hard. Why do you help Runner's City, yet, when Triphage Untima is in trouble, you turn a blind eye?

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Bloodhaven
Oh, I'm sorry, It was someone else entirely who was accusing James of treason a while back. My mistake. And that's right, he did attack you unprovoked, didn't he? How silly of me to forget.

However, you did ask me to actively move against the King, which would be folly in itself. I would be happy to help remove the raiders from Triumphage Ultima, however I won't be taking the Champion's territory and claiming the throne for myself. I don't believe he is a good king, but he is a king.

Champions of Sovereignty
Sir, I must ask why you have granted Brigtta Stonecutter a noble title? Need I remind you that the orks are among the least popular groups in the city? [ooc: they are tied for LAST for REP] As far as I can tell they have done nothing to help this city. If you could explain your reasoning I would be much more assured of your decision.

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon

"Do keep talking Vasari. Your letters are very popular with the comedians around here."

[Thelonius]

ESGE /6/

I used to be James supporter you know. Remember the time, when he called on the city to pay taxes? Bloodhaven paid our dues for two months, before he himself retired the idea. We built clinics together. I had plans to unite the SGA's resources and Wardens military power, as I was naive about their true nature at the time.

And the first to confirm, that his blood may indeed be royal was Sausage Guild. Before my eyes Urso Bloodhand conducted his ritual and told us, that he had the potential of royalty. The royal spark. When Sausage Guild was attacked, I saw that Warden's poison has made him weak, a puppet to their designs. But I still believed.

I have believed it until the last month, when his agents have called me a bloody murderer, without a shred of proof. You have your opinion of the affair, but even if you think I'm capable of shady acts, you haven't thought me capable of killing people, haven't publicly accused me. So after he believed me to be a monster, how can I believe him to be the rightful king? This is the source of my treason, Lord Founder. I have my demons . But I am not a demon myself. And I will not stand anybody call me one.

Apologies... I fear I've strayed from the topic of our discussion. I thank you for your assistance. Should Bloodhaven fall, I will be glad to know I would be able to entrust my influence in the University to you.

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the ESGE:
As the Orcs said themselves, they were going to take Gregoria with or without our approval. I made them a noble without properly considering the alternatives. I should have given them a common title; Administrator, Governor. Instead I've insulted the established nobility, who've earned the right to bear such a title.

I would rather the entire thing were not necessary, but Bloodhaven puts us in an awkward position. I should have realised they would go on the offensive when we took out the Sausage Guild. Attacking our forces in Gilded would have been bad enough, but they also murdered dozens of our agents with blood magic.

I can not allow such treason to go unpunished. Unfortunately they've gathered quite a power-base to themselves. I'm unsure why the Silversmiths are loyal to them, but the mercantile Guild is understandable, they've never cared for anything but their coin. I know I will be victorious, but in the meantime the Kingdoms situation is fragile, I must make deals I would not normally consider.

I would ask that you do not engage the raiders in Triumphage. They are in territory occupied by traitors to the throne.

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon

That's an interesting position, your Grace. So being associated with us is an insult? Would you, perhaps, rather not be seen in our presence? Feel free to stay in your city, then, and not hire as again.You also seem to be implying that we do not have the right to noble titles. What then, gives your nobility the right to have them, if not their historical prowess at conquest and warfare? Is there a waiting period, perhaps, between being a warlord and becoming a noble? We can see no other difference.

Perhaps our letter at the beginning of this week was too subtle:
We don't give a **** about your titles. Call us whatever you want. We hold Gregoria now. Your only claim on it is conquest. We have conquered it as well, but it has also been our homeland for generations.

[Nyrt]

ESGE [7]

To Orcs
For clarification, I would like to point out one major difference between the nobility of Sav Altuas and a petty warlord. The nobility has the approval of the majority of the populous. You sir, most definitely do not. Ruling through fear, however efficient, does not grant one respectability. You may have your homeland and be welcome to it, but do not presume to have the respect of it's people.

When you have earned the public's trust, then shall you be looked upon as equal to the nobility.
[ooc: This is justified. You are tied for last in REP]

Bloodhaven
I am sorry for your plight, but there is little I can do now. But how entertaining it would be to show the King and his subjects what evidence you have for his lies and deceit and watch him squirm under the weight of the truth.

Well to be honest, it would at least clear up my confusion somewhat. I'm caught between two people who each say the other has no evidence for his accusation, yet seems to be entirely assured of his own. I have yet to have any of that evidence presented to me from either party, though, so I cannot be sure whom to believe.

James
Good lord, I had no idea the extent of his treachery! You know this is true? I was under the impression that it was the Sausage guild that specialized in blood magic. I have seen evidence of them trying to flood the vaults of flesh when our research team was down there, so I would not put it past them.

Ah, but this is interesting! Vassari says you haven't a shred of proof. How entertaining it would be to show him what evidence you have for his treachery and watch him squirm beneath the weight of the undeniable truth!

Well to be honest it would at least clear up my confusion somewhat. I'm caught between two people who each say the other has no evidence for his accusation, yet seems to be entirely assured of his own. I have yet to have any of that evidence presented to me from either party, though, so I cannot be sure whom to believe.


I would just like to bring up the matter of the Redeye impersonator(s) and point out that there are actually multiple groups impersonating Redeye- as many as three. One is poisoning people, but none have died of it, all of which were in Bloodhaven's records and had gone previously; one is poisoning people an they all have died of it, but none were already in Bloodhaven's records or related to Bloodhaven in any way; and another unknown group of assassins. It is quite mysterious, and I believe at least one group is trying to pin their deeds on one of the others.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [6]

Very well. Let me present the evidence.


When SGA was ready to bow knee to him, he attacked us.

You can ask Lord Laurier - Sausage Guild was calling on us to follow James authority and mend bridges with Wardens. He can also confirm, that James never given us such option. You know that Sausage Guild was attacked.


When war between SGA and Wardens brewed, he did nothing to stop it.

You were at the meeting, when I expressed my fear at the Wardens attacking - which you know they did in Gilded. James ignored my words.


When Orks caused famine, he ignored it.

The Orks publicly confessed to attacking caravans, bringing food to the city. You know that no action was taken against them.


When they called our city an old dying fossil and theirs civilization, that would raise on our ashes, he gave them lands and titles.

Orks have spoken publicly their contempt for our civilization. They were given noble titles and land. They were going to take it anyway, but to make them nobles for that?

And as far as I can tell from their public announcement, they've intercepted messages between you and James. They are shamelessly spying on the nobles of Sav Altulus, fearing no reprisal.


He swore to be King of Gregoria and in a few months the nation has been conquered twice.

You can ask Gregorians in the city - Gregoria was conquered by Tinman Legion. Instead of coming to the rescue of his people - people he sworn to defend, James attacked Sausage Guild - people, who sworn to follow him.
Next month, he did nothing to attempt to reclaim it. And then Orks took it and he discarded it.


Now the city is swarming with foreign mercenaries.

Well, this is what I asked you to help me with.


I have believed it until the last month, when his agents have called me a bloody murderer, without a shred of proof.

You were part of the investigation, so you know that no proof against me was discovered. Yet it's public knowledge, that Sir Ambrose claimed I was the murderer, with full authority of Champions behind him [REP Action].

I believe I've given a clear enough evidence of my words and I would be within my right to ask for some evidence in return. Can James prove that he is the King? As far as I know the only evidence of that was Sausage Guild's claim, that his blood might have the royal spark. And then they were attacked, as far as I know unjustly, as no reason for it was ever given.

[OOC: I won't admit to reading your-James messages :smallbiggrin: so either I ask if there are any accusations leveled against me or bring it up as a rumors that I've heard.]

Champions say, that their agents were attacked. I don't know whether it's true - I've heard they were participating in the Redeye Imitator's investigation, alive and well. And wouldn't the King's agent at that time have be in Gregoria, working to liberate it from enemy occupation? Well, maybe not.

Now, what I know is that this happened after the Sausage Guild was attacked without provocation. And my sources in the criminal world, claim, there was some attempt by some thieves to steal Sausage Guild's wealth, as they were leaving the city. An attempt that due to some circumstances failed. So Lord Founder - hypothetically speaking, if a man broke into your house, killed your butler and then started filling the sack with your valuables, at what point would you feel justified to shoot him with your rifle?


Lord Founder. I'm not accusing James of any shady crime, but of one open and accepted - war. He and his allies are waging war on the Guilds - an unprovoked attack on the Sausage Guild, an attempt to capture Gilded District from SGA, the recent attack on Stacks, orks attacking Mercantile Guild's caravans. The people are used to warlords ruling them - of the strong attacking those weaker to loot and conquer. Will they care, if I pronounce him such? But while Wardens, James and Wren wage this war on us, Sav Altulus falls into ruin. ESGE is strong, so you'll weather this storm, but the rest of the city... I don't know.

ESBA/Bookbinders/Church of Neposh/ESGE/House Laurier [6]

My good sirs. As you know, a massive army of miscreants is currently wreaking havoc in the Triphage Untima. The losses in income, harassment of citizens, murders, mostly of each other thankfully, but my people are getting into a crossfire.

I humbly ask for your assistance to bring some order to this chaos. And I’d like to name the culprit. After talking with several of these ''adventurers'', they said they are here, because of the rumors – that, and I quote his words, removing those, that can’t be mentioned in polite society,

''
Sav Altulas is a free-for-all, where anyone ruthless enough might carve out a kingdom or a fortune, so long as all the rest of ‘em trying to do the same don’t cut you down first.’’

Our city was painted as a lawless cesspool, where one can kill and steal at leisure.

Now, after some interrogations, I’ve determined the source of said rumors: Wardens, Wren, Champions, Tregon and Ram.

An army of (22 MIL), searching for some elvish treasure, which I sincerely hope they’ll find, otherwise they’d disperse around the city, and take their pound of flesh from the wealthy citizenry - such as good merchants of Lomb Circle for example or people of Old Town. Here at the invitation of people, who apparently wish to see our city burn, if it gets their opponents killed.

Gentelmen, this is an outrage. I’m at loss for words.

[HerbieRAI]

The Church of Neposh

To Wool Street Gang (PM)

Harvey Hashawk comes to the Wool Street Gang seeking to talk with their leader.
"We trust you have been enjoying the peace Oldtown has been enjoying since the Church took control, despite the problems of the rest of the city. The Church has some work that may be well suited to you and your group. The Wrekan family has been sowing discontent in Oldtown and if they are not taken care of soon they will restart the conflicts that used to plague Oldtown. The Church is too public to take care of this problem, would you be willing to take care of it for us?

[Murska]

Vassari

"A liar and traitor spies his own image in every mirror."

I do not care whether you believe me or not. There has never been a time in the history of Sav Altulas where a full deployment of the Order has been defeated in the field. I am of the mind, that there never will be. If you care to try and prove me wrong, this is your chance. If you hide your fear behind your worthless doubt, then that just makes you twice the fool.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To the ESGE [6]
If I might, I would like to interject, and speak to the reasons that, I personally, have taken to be the cause of conflict with the SGA.

I am, however, a meagre servant of the Throne, and these words only my opinions.

The conflict with the Sausage Guild was merely a facet of an ongoing political struggle. The Guilds might have paid occasional lip service to the crown, but their pretense that they were loyal to anything more than their own fortunes is a false one.

The conflict with the Sausage Guild was resolved, to the satisfaction of both parties. The Sausage Guild surrendered, and peaceably left the city. At no point did they call for violence in their defence.

This left a large portion of the city under no faction, and, with the blessing of the crown, the Wardens sought to bring parts of Gilded under their protection.

In attempting to do this, they were attacked, and conflict was rife in the streets of Gilded, as Bloodhaven, Mercantile, and Silversmith men fought with Warden soldiers.

Perhaps this was a misunderstanding, and perhaps peace could yet have prevailed, and Gilded partioned between the two sides. However, resentment festered in the hearts of all sides, and attempts by the Throne to resolve the dispute floundered.

At this same time, as you know, my men were murdered. It is my belief that all the attacks were perpetrated by one faction. The target was my men. The others were mere screening actions, to distract from their objective.

I will not claim that Vassari is responsible for the attacks, as my King and the Wardens do. He is a man I yet consider a friend, and I cannot believe such base acts are worthy of him. And yet. His faction had the access to Redeyes poisons. It was his doctors who analysed and understood it. I believe such an attack must have taken their poison from Bloodhaven, whether it was traitors or men acting under orders, I do not know.

If you seek the truth of this, I will be continuing my investigations, and I hope I will have your support.

But this is a distraction. Now to the events of this month. Not one but two great forces of fighters crossed the Traitors Bridge. The Mercantile Guild hired a truly massive force to crush the Wardens. The Wardens are sworn to the throne, and these attacks in themselves are treasonous enough.

And then, there are these foreign adventurers. They are a symptom of the civil war no doubt, and a dangerous one. We must not allow this conflict to drag on, and so tear the city apart.

If you desire to help drive them out, I wish you speed. They are no friends of mine.

Who is to blame for the war? Both sides, as in all war. It is the city that emerges after the fighting is done that I fear for.

[Eldan]

Orcs of Tregon to the Technist's Guilld

Could you send a representative? We might have a few projects for you, if you are interested.

[oblivion6]

Wardens
Never been defeated in the field? I'm pretty sure that I would consider this last month a defeat for your Order, as small as it may have been. Those mercenaries managed to seize Gateway Millanus from you despite what I assume to be the majority--if not all--of your military forces opposing them and they would have done far better had they been trained soldiers. I admit that it was a very small defeat, but it was a defeat nonetheless.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Technists guild to Tregon
"Sure, we are always up for business"

OOC: My VIP is alredy engaged in a PM this turn, so we'll have to discuss this over here.

[Eldan]

Orcs to Technists

Not too happy about that, but oh well. I just won't give to many details, then.

Stonecutter marches personally up to the technists guild, a bundle of maps uner her arm.

"Right, so. This is our problem. Gregoria's here. Tregon over here. We hold both. They are too far apart. We need you to build as a transportation system that's more reliable and able to transport more troops and goods than horses. Preferably quicker, too. We'll leave the details on that one to you. Payment will be good, if you can do it.

And there's a second thing. Gregoria has no fortifications, right now. They were mostly destroyed. We are contracting the wardens to build them back. But I'm sure you people might have a few interesting ideas for... improvements."

[Murska]

Mercantile Guild

As I said, a full deployment. You did manage to push an admittedly major defensive contingent into a retreat, mainly thanks to Bloodhand who apparently does not much care for the terms of his earlier surrender, but it was by no means the entire force of the Order.

(OOC: You'll see the entire force soon enough in Gilded.)

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Technists to Orcs
"Sounds like you need an aerial supply chain. We can provide that.
We could find a way to help with the Gregorian Fortifications.

In the meantime, we are thinking of abandoning this town. Too much war going on.

Do you think we could have a base of or own in Gregoria? Having a group of people like us, who is available to build both transports and... Other things"

(Matt Soren winks, pointing outside. The Ork sees some crates that are clearly not filled with food)

"Let's just say we could be useful."

[Eldan]

Orcs ot Technists

"We can give you territory in Gregoria, not a problem. Though we'd expect a significant discount for that.

It would be safe, compared to here. You'd be surrounded by half the orcish armies, and the Traitor Legion should soon be dealt with.""

[OOC: You can have one territory. Sadly, Gregoria is pretty small.]

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Orcs ot Technists & Zemalac
"That sounds reassuring. I'm glad you are offering us lands; since we'll have to build an Airfield and workshops over there.

Of course that will be considered when price comes to mind. I'll be straight with you, however. It will be expensive as ****.

You don't need just one or two airships. You need to be able to transport a lot of stuff and people over great distances. Likely, it'll take us a while, but we'll figure it out.
I'm thinking, a small airport in Tregon; and a full-fledged airfield with ship-building capacity in Gregoria.

Meanwhile; do you have some plans of Tregon? I need to figure out where the docking bays could go. We could build a big airfield outside; but it sounds like you want something that could be used during a siege."

OOC ZEMALAC Cost and time of building an airport in Tregon? I'd bring my technical expertise, of course.

[Thelonius]

ESGE/Wren/Laurier [6]

[OOC - I'm pretty sure Lord Founder is like: yes, yes, very nice. Hmm, I wonder if I should have a plum cake for dinner. Mmmm, plums.... :smallbiggrin:]

As far as I know, Sausage Guild never surrendered. The territories of the Sausage Guild belonged to the Sausage Guild and SGA moved in to protect them.

Lord Laurier, apologies for taking your time, but as a noblemen, your word would be an undeniable proof of the following records of the Commerce House meetings.

Sausage Guild


We ask that the members of the SGA put bygones behind us and ally with the Wardens and King James. We know that there has been some enmity between the SGA and them in the past, but now is not the time to continue it. As a new enemy has arisen. The Heladuits last month demonstrated their animosity, and this month some unknown party has destroyed the Brecombe lake dam, seriously threatening the literal foundations of Sav Altulas. These two threats must be dealt with swiftly and directly.

Bloodhaven


Well, I hold no animosity, beyond concerns, of what effect their rule would have on commerce. Will the Traitor’s Bridge be taken from Mercantile Guild? Will crippling taxes and tariffs be imposed? Will our territories and goods be secure from seizures?

I do feel we owe a certain debt to Lord Wallen, for his help against RSA, but I fear we can do little for him in this situation.

Mercantile Guild


I am willing to put aside my differences with King James and the Wardens in light of this current crisis.

The next month Sausage Guild was attacked. No reason was given. No accusations levied against them. I don't know why they had to die.

Now, here are some public announcements Brigitta Stonecutter made:


"Tsk. Why yes, we took some of those food barges. But there was nothing in our contract that said you would't pay us if we did. You broke a contract. And as the old saying says: once broken, trice paid. Now we will have thrice our price. Once in loot and once in gold and a third time in what we are being paid to kill you by your enemies.

Understand this, little trader. This rathole of yours is not our city. We have Tregon. We care not if every weakling human here starves. But we care for deals made, and contracts signed. The Wardens have never broken a contract, or taken back their promises. "


Your city is at war with itself. If the orcs can profit from this war, while you tear yourselves apart, I will tell them to, in any way they can. If we must, we will bleed Sav Altulas dry to strengthen Tregon. Perhaps it is savagery. But it is also survival."


"To His Grace the Great and Evidently Infallible And Quite Accomplished King James,

We are eternally thankful beyond all reasonable measure for Your Grace's merciful gift of bestowing upon Brigwa Stonecutter the invaluable title of Duke of Gregoria, for only the humble service of conquering said Duchy and utterly crushing any resistance.

Truly, the Duke could never live with herself if her conquest had not be rewarded and recognized by Your Royal Majesty. Of course, we would never have dreamed of conquering these lands only for ourselves and keeping them no matter what the King said about it."

The one who called for us to follow the King and deal with threats to the city is destroyed. The one, who will drink our city’s blood to grow strong is rewarded with titles and wealth. Is there any question, who started this civil war? Who the true traitor is?

Wren said – two foreign forces arrived to the city. One was mercenaries, who defended Stacks. They didn’t loot, they didn’t fight civilians. The need for them was regrettable, but the damage to civilians was minimal. The other force was brought here by Champions, Wren and Wardens, through rumors of elvish treasure and city’s weakness. They didn't fight soldiers – they wrecked houses of common folk, looted businesses and caused chaos.

I’ve heard rumors that Wardens would be building fortifications for the Orks, so they grow even more entrenched. They forget, that Orks fight for coin – and while SGA will not sponsor dangerous foreign powers, others may hire their services to bring us down.

We are forced to fight to survive attacks of our enemies, but at we try to minimize the damage we do to the city in the process. The other side doesn’t care about city’s future and it’s people as long as they satisfy their bloodlust.

You may bring up the incident with Vaults of Flesh. I have explained, that the presence of your Mages was a complete surprise to me – if I knew of them, I’d certainly never done that. But do you recall, who else was in the Bunkers? Orks. Now do you believe they were doing charity work there? Helping repair the Vaults for the benefit of the city? They, who attacked food caravans, so they can extort the city with crippling food prices? The most fortified place in the city under their control, with infinite supply of food. Some build fortresses for the orks… And some realize, we’d be sending thousands of our men to die at their walls at some point in the future. Is that not true treason, that’s happening right now? So I wanted to retake Bunkers without loss of life, by flushing them out, to protect the city.


Orks of Tregon

You have called me duplicitous liar, yet in this city, I’m one of the few, who don’t pretend, that you are not a threat. Champions give you titles to create an illusion of control, as if you answer to their authority and not to the coin paid in your pocket. Wardens employ you, despite their claimed hatred of Shattered Lands Warlords. Perhaps they think that they’d be able to control you after they destroy the Guilds. I think you are not one to be controlled.

It would have been easy for SGA to pretend that you didn’t attack our food caravans, causing famine and suffering for the people of Sav Altulus. Pretend that we could control you with the coin, as if your loyalties wouldn’t change, when somebody with greater wealth made an offer. But I know that you a threat to Sav Altulus. I acknowledge you as such. At least in that, would you not concede that I’m being more honest, then anybody else?

To Ram

Wardens, Orks, I can understand, and I guess Champions have grown to use such methods. Wren’s honor compels him to obey orders of his liege. But you? I understand that you are acting under coercion of the Wardens. If you have supported an honorable attack or aided them in another manner, I wouldn’t fault you, as you must protect your people. But to spread rumors, that there is hidden treasure in Triphage Untima to lure those, who would cause chaos and destruction is a betrayal of your very principles. Yes – it hurt me. By hurting the common folk, who live in the Triphage Untima.

I ask you that if you will aid Wardens in the future, to at least refuse to do it in the manner that would harm innocents.

[Nyrt]

ESGE [7]

The Wren
I thank you for your opinions. They serve to clarify a great mystery for me. It does, however, leave several things unknown. Why would the throne attack a faction that had just sworn fealty to them? This is not clear to me still. I begin to suspect they were mislead by the a third party to further it's own goals.

The Champions
Sirs, if I could have a piece of information to help in my investigation; what was the reason for your attack on the Sausage Guild? I begin to suspect that both sides of this conflict are being played against each other by a third party to further it's goals.

Bloodhaven
The Orcs are clearly not living up to their promises when we agreed to grant them refuge in our city.

I am continuing my investigation into the reasons behind this war, and I begin to suspect both sides have been played against each other by a third to further it's goals.

[Thelonius]

ESGE [6]

''I should clarify, that the transcripts are from closed meeting in the Commerce Hall. We haven’t publicly stated our support at that time, as I have fully expected for Champions to call a general meeting of the city’s factions to have them confirm their allegiance and propose a plan to bring order and prosperity to the city. We would have bent our knees and that's that. A civilized a peaceful approach, that would have seen the city unified and strong in one month.''

''However, the reasons for the attack are still unexplained. If we have acted against James before – forcing his exile and serving Lord Wallen… maybe it could have been explained thinking us enemies. But we did no such thing. And Champions entrusted Sausage Guild with control of their territories, for a rent. So they clearly didn’t think Sausage Guild would betray or act against them.''

''It’s possible that there’s some shadow play. There are many, who would wish us burn and Shattered Lands to remain Shattered – Warlords, Orks, Illaryum, Verdan or maybe the Desoui’s secret police, which I understand is still at large and possesses strongest espionage network in the city.''

''My own theory is that the attack was Warden’s plot. By removing the Guilds as alternative source of the King’s support, they have made Champions utterly dependent on their own military forces and orkish mercenaries, they employ. A puppet on the throne to rule through.''

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Bloodhaven:

We're stuck in a single, half built town in the middle of the shattered lands. The only reason we're alive is because the Warden's allowed it. No offense, but we would rather survive that our progeny might continue the fight, rather than go down now and achieve nothing.

[Thelonius]

Ram
So this is the surrender conditions, that Wardens give - live only to serve them. I'm glad Sausage Guild didn't take them. I realize that you weren't in a condition to refuse and I find this situation... well, that essentially amount to slavery despicable, yet such is the Warden’s Sav Altulus. I shall bother you no more.

ESGE/Wren [6]

Ram confirms, what I suspected. The surrender Wardens given them amounts to slavery. Alive, as long as they serve. The Guilds have our pride. Perhaps with enough blood, you will force us into chains... I myself will die a free man.

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution

Bloodhaven

The specifics of our surrender were never really worked out, other than leaving the city and not directly interfering with the Wardens or their allies, but when a person has forcibly removed you to a new place and shown they can destroy you without even really putting out effort, you do what they ask when they ask.

[Murska]

Verdan Contacts (PM)

A note is sent to Kerriglass that the delivery did not arrive, and half of the money should be refunded or alternatively five statpoints of Esp or Mil help should be given to assist in the coming effort to reclaim the mortars.

To Urso Bloodhand

Are you acting in the war as a mercenary or as a representative of the Sausage Guild? I had been under the assumption that you were leaving the City. If you're paying old debts, the situation is a bit different from if you intend to return fully.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

To Champions
Sir, if I could get an answer to my question, it would clear up a great mystery and help me in removing a potential threat to the city.

[Murska]

ESGE:

Things should have cleared up in the Bunkers by now, if you wish to continue your studies. I've spent some effort securing the passage of Ram food caravans into the town and the mysterious bandits seem to have mostly disappeared as they joined the mercenary armies the SGA brought to town and then died alongside those armies in the battle of Gateway Milanus. So hopefully the shadow of famine is about to pass.

Do you have any opposition to taking over the administration of the whole Blacksgage district once we remove the traitors from the area? We need to reach a state of stability again quickly, or we may be threatened by outside forces despite the precautions and fortifications I've constructed.

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the ESGE: [5]
The SGA have always been a threat to the kingdom. They have always been merchants first and foremost, caring about their own profits, their own power, their own success.

They've been trying to play all the political powers in Sav Altulas for their own benefit since the Sorceress died. The Sausage Guild checked my divine lineage, or did they? Why bother actually checking when you don't recognise the divine sovereignty of kings? A wave of the hands, a few words, and I think I have a chance to get the SGA on my side.

The SGA never did anything for the throne, but they certainly did a lot of damage to it. Their actions towards the wardens, one of my closest allies have been near ceaseless. Insulting their reputation with very move they make, trying to tear away their allies, attacking them in the streets. They would attack men sworn to the king in the streets!

The Ram Revolution festers in the city for nearly a year, spreading their false, destructive rhetoric, and the SGA do nothing. Besides establishing a causal friendship, engaging in projects together, pretending to respect them. House Wallen, nearly as bad if not worse, a democrat tearing the nobility apart from within is treated better. When they announce their baseless accusation against us, the SGA refuses to take a side, for a while at least. As soon as it looks like House Wallen has won, they fight to appoint him Lord Protector. My greatest enemy, ruler of the city! I'm not sure how anyone could take a more clear stance against my rule.

We return to the city, the SGA have done nothing about the flawed government they appointed. Just supporting it, building up their power, strengthening their relations with the throne. I wipe away the Ram, and House Wallen, but now I'm left with their supporters. These people who have done nothing but damage my rise to the throne, who would pretend to support me until another pretender tries to take the throne, who would switch sides the moment they think they'll win. We can not move forward as a nation with these sort of people watching our backs.

We hit the Sausage Guild first because they were the strongest of the Sovereign Guilds. The best to strike while we had the element of surprise.

[Nyrt]

ESGE [7]

To Champions [5]
Ah, that is good to hear. The purpose was to preempt their inevitable betrayal- a wise move, I suppose, though it is unfortunate that it would involve the destruction of Bloodhaven Hospital, which has raised standards for medicine in the whole city- a necessary sacrifice I suppose. You see, they had attempted to convince me that you had been mislead by the Wardens so they could take Gilded, expanding their territory; that the SGA had in fact sworn fealty to you the month before and the Wardens had prevented the message from reaching you. Indeed, they had a number of incidents where mistakes on your part (their words, not mine) were explainable by the Wardens' manipulation. I now see what a lie this is! The Wardens could not possibly be using their position to gain power for themselves, that would be entirely unreasonable.

If only those merchant guilds would just have known to stay out of politics this would not be necessary. This starvation, the medicine shortage, and the impending economic collapse (due to the destruction of this city's merchant class) would have been entirely avoidable. Alas, traitors cannot be spared, no matter their intentions or the consequences of their just punishment.

Your Majesty, I may not agree with all of your decisions, but I will stand by them. I may not trust your other allies (The Wren, the Wardens), but I will work towards your ends with them.

However, there is one point with which I have quarrel. The territory being scoured by foreign marauders may be controlled by a traitor, but there are citizens of the city residing there, most of whom have no affiliation with Bloodhaven Hospital. This is a needless destruction of their livelihoods which happens to inconvenience one of your enemies, as collateral, perhaps. If we don't step in soon, the whole district could be worse off than Dogma was. It is like leveling a city to kill one man. It is effective, but the means are in no way justified by the ends. You may forbid me from aiding the citizens of this city, but that is the one command I will never obey, sir.

I propose an alternative. Through the mages I have under my command, I can drive everyone not loyal to you in that district out of the city. This will eliminate the foreign raiders and remove any traitors who might reside in the district.

Wardens
I'm afraid my mages will be kept busy for the coming months, however I am indeed planning to take over administration of Blacksgage. The EBSA is now defunct, and it appears Bloodhaven will soon be eliminated, so someone must manage this area beside your absurdly large army- a military occupation of an educational and residential area is hardly objectionable, but is not ideal in this situation.

As for the thread of foreign forces, we are already threatened. The raiders in Triumphage Untima, when they find no ancient magical artifacts, will take to raiding the rest of the city- yet you are attacking hospitals and merchants? -justified, as they are traitors, yet it does not seem the largest threat in the city.

[Imperial Psycho]

Order of the Wren

To all involved in the Redeye investigation
As it has been the matter of some discussion, I shall make this clear.

The investigation into the Redeye killer will continue into this month, and I expect and hope to see your continued co-operation.

To the ESGE [5]
To Lord Founder

Truly, I am wounded to learn that you do not consider me worthy of your trust. I am sworn to the same liege as you, and I endeavour to serve him loyally.

What deeds have I done, to earn your mistrust so?

The Wren.

[Zemalac]

Host's Watch to Mercantile's Guild (4)

Things are a bit messy around here, guv, but thanks for standing by us all the same.


EBSA to Bloodhaven (6)

Both firearms in the duel were prepared by assistants to Consul Blizzardmarch and then stored in a locked case. Normal lead bullets were used, randomly chosen from a batch of five-hundred produced in the Smokeyards last month. We feel confident in assuring you that no such thing as you are suggesting occurred.


SGA (PM)


SGA-GM
1. What is the general feeling in Gregoria? I can't imagine they're very happy. Wasn't that what their civil war was about?

2. I am assuming that this "Hackeyed-Knight" and the "Seinvil Pews" fellow are the leaders of this mob that broke through Traitors Gate and moved to Triphage Untima? Do any of my various contacts know anything about those two?

1. Here comes the new warlord, same as the old warlord. It's the guys who used to be Rhodermer's men, who are now working for the Champions and the Wardens, who are unhappy, though a lot of them too are looking at it more philosophically.

2. No. They are mercenary VIPs who were attracted by the action, unrelated to anyone else in the mob.

Sinclair Pews is a ballikineticist and duelist. He uses magic to adjust the trajectory of his pistol balls, fire unloaded guns, things like that.

The Hackeyed Knight is a madman in green armor who claims to be immortal.


Nobility to Bloodhaven (6)

House Matoff: No. Stonecutter is an usurper and a thief, and frankly I do not know what James was thinking. I must hold my tongue, however much I wish it were otherwise.

House Beteoui: Absolutely. Do whatever the King says. Seriously.

House Orthax: This is an outrage. It is a disgrace. It is an unbearable stain of uttermost filth upon the most hallowed institutions of this great city. "Stonecutter" is rabble, nothing more, with no title that I deign to recognize.

Dwimmercant Families: Who cares? It's just words. Speak what you will.


House Laurier to SGA (PM)

"Recent events" seem to have been the Guilds and the Wardens at each others throats. That issue I will not take a side in, as I do not see how it profits anyone. The King and Wren's attack on Stacks does disturb me, however, as that would tend to surround my little Circle with factions that seem to have a tendency to attack people at random, rather than factions I know to be stable.

Whatever else happens, we will be keeping the Council Road clear. Trade will flow.


Thelonius (PM)

Peacocks have 14 WEL now. Not sure what the question is.


EBSA to Bloodhaven (6)

Greycloaks will be deployed in force to the Triphage Untima. This sort of lawlessness cannot stand.


Wool Street Gang to Church of Neposh (PM)

Well, guv, that depends entirely upon what you're offering us to get it taken care of, yeah? For the right price, we can all but guarantee that your little problem will disappear. Unless they start dredging the river again, then it might, you know, come back up.


Ragnar (PM)

It took 40 stat points to build Gaspar, I believe. You've got the hang of it now, though, after the extensive early-game work on Gaspar, so that should drop to 30.


House Laurier to Wren, ESGE (6)

For what it's worth, I can confirm that the transcripts provided by Doctor Vassari of internal Commerce House meetings are accurate.


Kerriglass Messenger and Delivery to Wardens (8)

My deepest apologies, sir, for the failure of our shipment. As per our standard Shattered Lands contract, the insurance payment will consist of certified plats delivered via one of our express courier ships. We hope the swiftness of the repayment will offset any ill feeling brought about by our failure.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

The Wren
Ah, you misunderstand my intentions! You have my deepest respect, with your influence and your deeds. You are a scoundrel (and I mean that in the best possible terms) and for that I admire you. As a friend of a friend you have my respect.

Yet at the same time, in no world do you have my trust. You are a king of thieves, duplicitous by your nature. It should be no disrespect that I do not trust you- would you trust someone you know to be the fastest hand in the city around your valuables, yet at the same time would you not admire their skill?

You are one of the few people in the city who has my respect, and not my trust, and it takes a great deal of prowess to achieve that balance. Most, in your position, would use their abilities in such a way as to lose my respect in them, yet you have used your dishonest skills for honest goals. For this I respect you.

And yet, I notice you have been reading my mail- and you don't see why I do not trust you?

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

To the ESGE [5]
Ah. I see the way of it. I suppose that is the fate of those in my position. Still, I fear I cannot escape my employment. Can you imagine what my rogues would be doing, were they not in my service?

Perhaps, once this is all over, I can demonstrate my trustworthiness. While I may be able to relieve you of your valuables, holding the skills and using them are quite different things. For now, I will content myself with your respect, and reciprocate it, if I may be so bold.

As for the letter reading, it seems to be rife in the city these days. Such a degradation of moral values! And yet, to refrain would be to give my enemies an advantage. It is my unfortunate business to learn all that I can learn, so I may better serve my king.

[HerbieRAI]

The Church of Neposh

To Wool Street Gang (PM)

Would 3 t.wel be a good payment to take care of the problem?

[ArcaneStomper]

Urso Bloodhand to the Wardens
I am still the Guild Master if that is what you are asking. Unfortunately thanks to the depredations of certain parties the Guild finds itself in need of additional funding. So I find myself taking certain mercenary contracts.

Is the Guild returning to the city. Not in the near future. I however am staying here. The influx of mercenaries provides many opportunities for contract work which while distracting from the Guild's true purpose is necessary at this time.

[Thelonius]

Champions/ESGE

The reasoning you present for attacking Sausage Guilds sounds like that of the Mad Desoui. Seeing enemies at every shadow and killing both political opponents and innocents on a whim. At this point I’m going to assume that some ancient elvish curse afflicts anybody, who tries to rule this city with paranoia and dementia.

I can answer to these accusations with a single quote:


"I am not enemies of the Sausage Guild and the Merchants. They have done good in the city, upheld the law. They've shown me more loyalty than almost anyone in the city. Certainly more loyalty than I deserve. I can only thank them for their hard work, and hope your lies do not damage the integrity of this city further."

Do you remember saying it James? Right before you left the city, after that RSA business. Quite a change in the attitude in such short time... Are you really James? It’s almost like some shadow doppelganger has replaced the good and fair King, with one that dances to Wardens strings and commits atrocity after atrocity. Does the real King languishes in the Warden's Gatehouse Prison, with an iron mask hiding his face or have they done something to your mind?

I notice how its the Wardens, that offer ESGE Blackgage District, not Champions. Yet another proof that it’s they, who run the city. I might have respected them a little, if they at least ruled directly and not through puppets. I certainly respect you less, Lord Founder, for playing along with this charade of a monarchy. There are so few honest men in the city. Can’t say I am one, and now I know that you aren't either.

I’ve worked with King James, before he allied with Wardens - he was young and inexperienced, but he cared about the people. That King James wouldn’t have left Gregoria to be plundered, let the city starve and be wrecked by foreign ‘’adventurers’’ or attacked people without just cause. These decisions look much more like product of Warden’s calculating minds.

Build your Kingdom on fear, violence and compromises.
Ally with those you’d use and who’d use you in return.
It’s the efficient way, the easy way, the one that works.
A warlord kingdom, without honor, trust and soul of Talidor.
A hollow giant, propped up by the swords of your soldiers.
Let’s see how long it will withstand the winds of time.
Warlords sought to unite Shattered Lands for thousand years.
How are you different from them?


ESGE [PM-OOC]

I’m not certain if it’s something ESGE twisted IC or not, but I haven’t tried to convince you, that Wardens intercepted fealty.


ESBA [6]

Dear Sirs,

As you know I’m currently in conflict with Wardens and as such pay attention to their messages. Thus to my attention came letters, where they offered to give control of Blackgage District to ESGE and ESGE’s reply where they called your organization ‘’defunct’’ and thus they’d be ready to assume control.

Unless your organization plans to dissolve itself and you’ve informed ESGE about it or Wardens negotiated with you for transfer of control of your territories, I'm concerned of what such things may imply for your future, with faction after faction being attacked by Wardens, half of the times with barely an explanation.


SGA/Laurier [PM]

Laurier

First Issue

Lord Laurier. You remember I once did a minor favor for you with [Bread & Circuses Trait]. All I asked at the time, was for protection against my enemies. You have said that only madmen would attack a hospital. Yet I was attacked, though in an indirect manner. The hordes of looters and vagabonds in the Triphage Untima are causing chaos and material damage to people under my protection.

It took my men one afternoon to confirm, that the miscreants were lured to the city with rumors, that it was a free for all, cutthroat paradise, where anybody can get rich by slashing nearest richman's throat. Rumors that originated with Champions, Wren, Wardens and Tregon. Well, Orks of Tragon... Hardly can expect better of them. But others are supposed to be city's rulers and protectors.

I ask you Lord Laurier, can you support me in condemning their vile act? You can see how dangerous a precedent like this is. One you start rumors going, how soon there'll be talk of Merdallan Treasure?

I should also mention, that ESGE is apparently planning to take over Triphage Untima with a horde of their Mages. Last time that number of spellcasters were on the field, Dogma was reduced to rubble.

Second Issue

The Mercantile Guild is finding itself in a position, when it'll be driven out of the Stacks. Would it be possible to come up with an arrangement, by which they may use Lomb Circle as a base of their operations - with appropriate compensation provided to your grace, of course. Their [Merchant Contacts] for example can be quite useful for your business interests.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

To Orcs of Tregon
Building something like Gaspar... That would be A LOT of Wealth; without taking our profit into account. That's depending on what you want, of course.

I think we could have a more private conversation, don't you think?

OOC: We can fix the details next turn by PM. I'll tell you the exact numbers there.

[ArcaneStomper]

Public Notices posted around Triphage Untima

Wanted

Adventurers, Mercenaries, and Fortune Seekers

Must be Willing to:
Plunder Ancient Vaults
Fight Monstrous Creatures
Delve into the Deeps
Seek Vast Treasures

Join the Company of the Red Hand Today

Apply at the Painted Cow Tavern in Elfwatch
To Commander Bloodhand.

Applicants able to beat Commander Bloodhand at either arm wrestling or chess will be awarded 20 gold pieces, and the rank of lieutenant.

Literacy not required tell your interested friends who can't read this.

[Murska]

Wardens to Bloodhand:

All right. Well, we can offer more money than anyone else in this city, if you would wish to offer your mercenary services.

[ArcaneStomper]

Bloodhand to the Wardens
How much do you offer and what do you want done?

[Murska]

Wardens to Bloodhand

What are your rates? We need more firepower to drive Bloodhaven, Silversmiths and Mercantile Guild out of Gilded once and for all, end the financial chaos in the city and begin rebuilding the district.

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the ESGE:
That is a good solution. I'll send Ambrose to assist you.

[ArcaneStomper]

Bloodhand to the Wardens
For [2 Wel] I won't take contracts to attack you without giving you the opportunity to outbid your enemy.

For [5 Wel] I will guard an area.

The starting rate to hire my services to conduct an attack is [10 Wel]. This may be modified if the person you are attacking has already bought the notification contract.

Prices and type of payment are subject to negotiation beyond these basic rates.

My prices are high, but we both know I'm the best warrior in the Shattered Lands. You'll get your money's worth if you hire me.

[Eldan]

Orcs to the Technists

Just to clarify here: we will not be able to pay for a project such as this all in one go. We will ask our allies for some credit, which will likely be substantial and pay a good part of the initial costs, but the rest will have to be paid in rates. I hope that is not a problem.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

To Bloodhaven [OOC PM]
You did not, however in my investigation, I came to the conclusion that the Wardens are manipulating the Champions for their own gain. I couldn't tell the king that myself (you see what good that did you?) so I presented it as part of your argument.

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Technists to Orks
Well, of course. When we speak further; I'll tell you the base cost. That's the cost of materials (OOC:The stat point cost of building the airfield).

It won't be a problem if you invest materials and money for some turns; it only means it will take time to complete the field.

On top of that, there will be a small fee for our services. Something humble; and far cheaper than it would cost you to build the entire thing fom scratch.

[Zemalac]

There is a new thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15092585#post15092585)for this game.

The first post contains the results for Turn 21. Please switch over to posting in the new thread.