Search Posts
"So these Amazons...are they merely performers in the gladiatorial arenas or are they actually excellent warriors in their own right? And you say that many are fighting to pay off their debts, not because they are held there by force?" An idea begins to formulate in Jen's mind.
"I do not bargain with murderers," says Jen quietly, but firmly. Then her stance softens. "I forget that I am not in my native element. I cannot actively take part, but do what you must; I will turn my back. And do it quickly too!"
Jen whispers back. In my experience on the streets, if an assassin is allowed to escape, they can never be found again. So we'd have to take them back ourselves.
Jen heads outside in case there is any trouble. :)
Jen remembered that one of the tenets of her faith was to being humble, so she forced herself to dip her head slightly in greeting while clasping her hands together in front of her. She isn't terribly amused. "I am merely happy that the manner of the duel is light-hearted and no blood was shed. Her expression isn't at all light-hearted, but more worried and uncomfortable at being in a bar/brawling arena.
Not exactly knowledgeable about social customs, Jen follows the lead of Leon, who seems to be more adept at navigating the shoals of social conventions. She taps him on the shoulder and whispers. So what did this accomplish?
Jen moves closer to the cage, watching carefully for any signs that this lady is the killer and also if there is any foul play involved (aside from the foul play naturally involved in a cage fight).
HP: (Hero point + con) The rest of the leveling is coming up soon, but I'm just taking another level of cleric.
Jen prays that the raucous words that were forthcoming did not affect her standing with her God, for she would not say things without an important piece of the puzzle on the line. She makes a quick symbol of Erastil asking for forgiveness before proceeding. Um yes, bring out the amazon...! Let her show that she is stronger than any man!
No, I think not. The orc is hardly innocent in this situation either. Jen faces her hood in the direction of the fight, so that she doesn't seem out of place, but she tries not to watch.
Jen tries to look into the orc's eyes to see if he is actually just one of the bloodthirsty orcs that are raiding Borallas or if he is just being unfairly scapegoated.
She turns to Baron. Are the fights in here usually unfair?
Jen pretends not to hear the second half of Veronnia's comment. Yes, it is certainly nice, but normally I am not awake to see it. I should be conducting my evening prayers, but I suppose delivering judgement to a killer is substitute enough.
I think that I prefer my weapons blunt and my wit sharp, but it seems to be the only lead that we have. Now, when you mean a shop, is this a reputable businessman (at least as reputable as one in commerce can be)) or is this a guy hanging out in a back alley with knives tucked in his jacket?
Jen hides a slight grimace. Baron, does every plan of yours involve going to a tavern?
(Spellcraft) Jen tries to deduce using the magical properties of the holy symbol as a conduit, to see what kind of cleric would use such a holy symbol. Hopefully this will discover what kind of Milani's worshippers or the specific church that use it.
These times are certainly strange. I think that your protocol makes little sense. We have all been tortured and have revealed nothing, but even those among your sworn members have not been tested. An oath will not stop someone from revealing information. What makes you so sure that one that is sworn cannot break their oath? Secondly, religion cannot hide in the shadows like a scared cat. The city is crumbling because people lack guidance and moral fiber. A well-meaning leader will provide guidance, but it is religion and family values that will provide the other. It is time to resurface.
Why such a swing from sanctioning churches to banning them? Wouldn't it be prudent to separate from the churches, to allow them to practice freely but not require tithing as part of the law? Would you happen to know of the remains of one of Erastil's churches that I could visit? It's possible that they might have left a set of priestly vestments there.
Hmm, a cleric of Milani. Perhaps one of the more revolutionary members of the religious community. It might be possible to convince them with a well reasoned theological argument. Perhaps we should have some of our more wealth-inclined members to talk with the merchants guild and the rest can head to speak with the Milanese (heh, Italians).
About the holy symbol thing earlier, I'm sorry. I...I didn't know. But there must be something done. You can't use violence as a means, but as a defence. This is a time of action, and you can't just hide away like this. The people have sympathy for you, but they need leadership, because they are fearful. If you go outside, call an audience, and tell the people of your story and that you are no longer fearful, then they will listen to you. The orcs are already near. If you aren't going to lead and are afraid of death, then let someone else do it. The merchants guild, Tarkin, anyone that is willing to do what needs to be done, but I know that if you chose to risk life and limb for the people, you would make a great leader. I fought the orcs on the frontlines with the people of my small settlement and we were overwhelmed, not because we were cowardly, but we were not prepared. This...this is a powerful settlement. If we mobilise the people, train them in basic warfare, we can defeat the orcs when they come!
Jen gives up the holy symbol, but asks them to take good care of it. Inside the room, she sits rather uncomfortably, not being used to dealing with someone both smaller and weaker than her as somewhat of an "adversary."
That is fair enough. I cannot be parted from my holy symbol, but I assure you that this little point at its end cannot actually harm anyone.
Are there any more *ahem* modest ways of ensuring her security than a strip search?
Why don't you rule in her stead? You are tutoring her, so it is clear that you don't need an education. You understand both sides of the issue and you aren't being overprotected like Lita is. At least you could keep things in order and fix this mess while Lita becomes more experienced and is prepared to take the role as a head of state.
Jen sits pleasantly back, letting the noble-savvy Vorannia take the helm.
Let's hurry away before I get the urge to smash in that chamberlain again.
Tarkin...I remember reading about that in ancient history, but where... Sometimes I find the gullible to be the most comforting people to be around.
Let's go to the merchants guild. I'm starting to think that they will make the answer to a good government around here.
Jen leaves the building and talks to the party. Maybe we should go see the merchant guild then?
Jen looks around to see how many guards there are:
Gold? %#^@ your gold! If everyone served on the whims of those that had gold, then the merchants guild would rule all of Boralles. She throws the gold on the ground. Serving Lita? Serving Lita?! No, we stopped the riot for two reasons. It would've done more harm to the people of the city and to prove that we are trustworthy enough to see Lita. And let me tell you something. The merchants guild has been willing to meet with us, even with someone as unsympathetic to their goals as I am. I know that you sent us because Lita does not have enough power to do anything about things in the city. She has the power of law, but the lack of power behind that law is making it a mockery. And I know that if we decided to support the merchant guild, Lita's government cannot stand. And do you know why? For those that base their decision on economic means, the merchants clearly control that, meaning they will be supporting them. For those that base their decision on power, the merchants clearly control that, because they have the money to pay their guards. Those that base their decision on simple decency and morality are all that remain, and if you drive them away, there will be none that remain in your camp. So are you sending us away or are you going to let us speak with her? It is your choice.
Uh yes, but perhaps the guild will not want to see me. I did say some bad things about them.
Jen observes the event, but naively assumes that he is doing it so that he can distribute it without military supervision. Once Veronnia and Baron return, Jen starts speaking to the group. Let's go back to the Chamberlain, yes?
Ah, but I was not referring to physical strength, but to the strength of the mind. Before, I was fearful of death, but now, I fear not death. It is preferable to the pain that they could inflict. They will not take me away, at least alive. I have been blessed with the gift of a long life and that will allow me to share goodness for a long time. I would not like to die, for I would squander the years I would've had to help guide the world. But I would rather die and let my teachings spread as a result of my death, than go quietly into prison and have those teachings disappear off the face of this plane. Jen allows herself a little smirk. Besides, we kick ass, and these enemies have the biggest ones of all.
Thank you, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. The only issue is that I have made enemies of another powerful faction, and that was partially the reason that I was thrown in jail the first time. This time though, I think I am stronger. They will not take me away again.
As the cleric of Abadar leaves, Jen announces to him. I serve the people of Boralles and work for their wellbeing. There is no greater master than that! I am not rewarded by piles of money that I am sure that you receive, but only the treasure of faith in my heart and the calmness in my breast. And that is all that I could ever want! At the offer, Jen refuses the money and hands it back. Please, I am not in true need of wealth. If you feel the need to thank me with gold, please donate the gold to the oppressed people, one coin to each. It will help them to feed their families. Then she helps up some injured people as well while waiting for Veronnia to return.
This is not a religious conflict. I was simply quoting the lord Erastil as a tidbit of wisdom, not a matter of scripture. The gods are greater and wiser than any of the ancient philosophers. Why is it that it is automatically religious if we allow their wisdom to enlighten us? Perhaps it may seem that this is merely a downturn in the natural cycle of the economy, but it is not. The orc invasion has disrupted the supplies from the outer portions of the city and instead of adapting, we continue to squabble amongst ourselves. I claim not to be a spokesperson for Lita, but I am here as a concerned citizen that is worried about the livelyhoods of everyone. Tell me, how will the merchant class make any money without anyone to sell things to? I thought that a merchant would understand such things. Jen pivots slightly to make sure that the crowd can get a good earful. Esteemed colleague, respected cleric of Abadar. I was not speaking on behalf of Erastil, for he needs none to speak on his behalf. He leads by example. But even as you speak, it seems to me that you are implying that that is the view of Abadar. Yet I happen to know a thing or two about Abadar that seems to contradict your views. Jen moves one step at a time so that the crowd follows along, trying to debate with the cleric of Abadar while still making points to the crowd. Abadar is a lawful deity, yes? Their followers usually support the local government. But why do you support the merchant guild's policy of adding extra fees on people that do not support them? These people have done nothing wrong. Instead you fued with Lita, the legitimate authority in this area. Even if you disagree with her, the lawful thing to do would be to meet with her and work through the disagreements. It is even more reprehensible that the local people are caught in the crossfires. Next, would you not say that Abadar is rather a balanced and neutral deity? It is true that the merchants need some extra coin, because their livelyhood is based on moving coin around and they couldn't perform their jobs without it. However, is it a balanced approach to move enormous amounts of coin around without actually producing wealth? And how about neutrality? It seems that you've jumped head long into this debate onto one side and put Abadar's backing behind it. I think I've shown that if Abadar were here today, he would not be involved. People, rioting and venting frustrations will only play into the hands of the merchant guild. I will speak on your behalf with Lita and the merchant's guild. Although I cannot promise success, with your collective backing, I am sure we will make progress. Tell your family and friends of the cause we are championing today and spread the word! Power to the people!
Jen uses her Aasimar power to put a light on the top of her teaching staff and casts sanctuary. Then she gets on something so that she can speak in a very inspirational voice. And the Lord Erastil said to his disciples, "Live not from the velvet hand of another, but from tough and callused hands of thyself."
If people aren't paying attention, then Jen expands to giant size to be seen. Naturally someone that is twice your size in both directions is probably easy to notice. Look upon my hands! Are they not worn with countless years in the fields? Look upon my face! Is it not wrinkled from worrying about supporting myself and my family? (Religious family) And finally, look upon my legs and arms. Like you, they are toned from years of labor, and that is not called skill? It is true; we are peasants. Yet that is a title of honor, not a shame. We should not fight with one another or with the merchants guild, at least not with physical violence. That would only reinforce the image that we are physical brutes. No! We are strong, but we are not brutes. With our labor, we create! We do not destroy! This war between the merchants guild and Lita is destroying our livelyhoods. They are certainly not rational enough to come to an agreement. We have the power to rebuild this city with the power of our hands and the power of our unity! We have to use our power to force the merchants guild and Lita to the negotiating table, so that everyone can get goods that they EARNED for fair prices and everyone can treated with some respect. Who's with me?
|
