R. Lord Mayor Lincoln's page

Marius, the guards seem to be legit, simply ready to protect the Lord Mayor if your group starts getting angry/physical. Apparently that happens sometimes.

Cernan, the scribe seems to be legit, quickly scribbling throughout the entire meeting, unless there is a lengthy lull in conversation. The Lord Mayor seems somewhat formal and guarded, probably typical for an official hearing. There are no specific signs that he might be a summoner of some kind, but that doesn't mean much. You would know that his appointment to the prestigious position of Lord Mayor of the Capital was only possible because he came from a 'good' noble family, but also wouldn't have been possible if he wasn't a capable manager. Additionally, thinking about how nobility and governing positions work here in Theramark, you remember hearing that each monarch chooses his or her own successor. This is usually a son or daughter, but the current Queen Victoriana never married and has no children.

When Eli insults him, Lord Mayor Lincoln's jaw sets just a bit more firmly, but the reaction is not dramatic. Perhaps he is desensitized to insults. He starts to open his mouth to respond, but waits to hear Cernan's interjection, to which he nods in response.

"Your words of caution are noted and appreciated. The situation and possible culprit or culprits will be investigated and punished accordingly."

He looks back at Eli.

"I, too, pray for peace in this city, and will take action necessary to serve even those who misjudge my character."

His eyes sweep the lot of you.

"If there is no further testimony, then please, each of you, clearly state your name and current residence for the scribe."

You may add any final comments or questions for this meeting with the Lord Mayor, then everyone (except Chap and Aeryth) please post in character what name your character would give. You get the sense that the more complete the name given, the more preferable.
Also, as for temporary residence, please stick together as a group. Either everyone stays at the Cathedral in the four rooms offered by the Pope, or you all head to the Talking Turtle Inn run by Alice Treekeep's Aunt Bertha Bethel, or you all seek some other lodging.
Please vote on this in the discussion thread.
Thanks!

You notice the guards tense, just a bit.
Lord Mayor Lincoln just replies calmly...

"Denied. Personal correspondence may be addressed to my home. The address is a matter of public record. Public concerns shall be heard here, and are a matter of public record."

He sounds almost bored as he speaks this seemingly much-used line.

Then, he focuses on you again, and booms...

"The concerns you raise are grave, and will be addressed quickly and appropriately. Considering you come from Pope Gregory himself, our experts on fiendish threats have already been informed of the alleged situation. All necessary precautions will be taken to protect the people of Resplendent should a significant threat arise. In the meantime, your information will be further analyzed and investigated. Your names will be taken by the scribe before you leave. Where in Resplendent can your group be reached if further questions arise?"

In general the Lord Mayor seems somewhat guarded. He clearly presents himself carefully, as authoritative, yet a bit weary. His facial expression only changes slightly throughout your exchange, his eyes narrowing just a tad at Shyness' comment, his head nodding at Poterol's address. Overall, he seems to like your group well enough, as unusual messengers go, but he does not seem to want to reveal his reactions to your news or anything else, other than grimly polite acceptance, the mark of a career politician. His true feelings on these matters, and the extent of his emotions, remain carefully protected at present. In response to Eli's query, his voice booms...

"Lord John Hawkthorne, whom you now believe to be dead, was an upstanding and charitable citizen of Resplendent. His death, if true, would be a terrible loss to our fine community."

The scribe continues to record the conversation.

You wait (I assume) as Lord Mayor Lincoln reads through the journal.

At one point he gestures toward the scribe who hops up to hand the Lord Mayor a quill and paper.

Several times as he reads, Lord Mayor Lincoln raises his eyebrows a bit and glances at the group of you, but otherwise his expression remains impassive. He occasionally scribbles some notes on the paper handed to him by the scribe.

Finally, he closes the book, and sits back thoughtfully, regarding you carefully.

After a moment he gestures to a guard with the journal, who steps up to hand it back to Sister Azmaria.

"Again, thank you, Sister, for your most detailed observations."

He surveys the rest of you.

"Does anyone else have anything to add?"

"I see. Thank you, Sister."

The Lord Mayor gestures to a guard who quickly steps over to Sister Azmaria, takes the journal, examines it, opens it, and then carries it up a few steps to the Lord Mayor's chair.

Lord Mayor Lincoln begins to scan the pages of the journal, pausing to read a few parts more closely.

After some time, you are summoned to meet with Lord Mayor Lincoln. You are ushered into an impressive hall, where a grim man with a goatee leans his chin on his fist and stares at you as you approach. He sits on a massive marble chair, almost like a throne, but not so high-backed. Several guards stand at attention nearby, and a scribe takes notes. The grim man speaks in a booming voice...

"So. You are the fiend-slaying messengers. You bring disturbing news. I have read the letters from Gregory and Victor. What more have you to say?"