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On a sunny day in the Port this week, workers bearing the liveries of House Meriadoc get to work on assembling an elevated podium at the base of Avanthyr Hold. A pair of tents are erected flanking the stage, food and drink offered by smiling beer wenches. Minstrels bedecked in blue, black and silver circulate through the gathering crowd, playing varied renditions of popular songs, both old and new. Meriadoc guards, the Watchful knights of Helm, and members of the Northern Watch stand by to keep an eye on the people gathered, a few steel-clad boots tapping subtly to the music.
At the height of the unexpected excitement, the familiar form of Evelyn Meriadoc descends from the Hold to take her place at the podium. Emerald eyes, alight with unrestrained affection and amusement, regard the boisterous congregation until it quiets enough for her to speak.
"Friends, comrades, and fellow citizens of Avanthyr,
"I thank you all for gathering today, for I have news to share which affects us all. There are matters both grave and hopeful to be discussed, and I shall begin with the former.
"As many of you are aware, the struggles in Aquor have resulted in a variety of hardships for our friends and families there. An attempt at retaking the town from the barbarians failed after the Black Hand crippled the efforts of the Blackwood, forcing them out after the tribesmen were defeated. What remains in the wake of battle is a curious situation, indeed: the Thayan Enclave, so-called friends and allies of the Blackwood, now hold sole custody of Aquor and patrol its streets with knights, gnolls, and golems.
"How did such a thing come to pass? I visited the Enclave to find out. Some of you may have heard rumor of the Thayans' official story, that the Black Hand insisted the Enclave take over Aquor - not wanting it for themselves, for reasons unknown - and threatening to return if any other party were to take back the town. Not wishing to make an enemy of Sestra, they claimed, the Thayans are simply doing what they are told. Not that I have ever seen a Thayan do anything but exactly what he pleased.
"Being the victims of such bullying from Sestra, I could only imagine that the Enclave, proclaimed neutral party and sometimes ally of Sundren, would wish to seek help. I proposed that the Enclave reach out to one of the valley's most upright, trusted organizations - the Triumvirate - to discuss the possibility of sending aid. After they began to avoid the notion, even going so far as to suggest that the Triumvirate's goals are just as tyrannous and controlling as those of the Black Hand, I demanded that they seek help, or be seen for what they truly are.
"Today, I wish to report to you that those efforts have been utterly refused. Representatives of the Enclave have indicated in no uncertain terms that they intend to maintain control of Aquor's streets, acting out an authority bestowed upon them by the miscreants of the Black Hand. Instead, they are bleeding its citizens of coin and freedom, and collecting 'taxes' from the Whurest dwarves who seek trade beyond their mountain for food they desperately need.
"Does this not resemble the oppression of Sestra after the Hand took power there? What ally of Sundren would take such liberties with this so-called authority, even while they claim to act solely out of fear of the Black Hand and concern for Sundren's citizens? The Thayan Enclave has gained much from these circumstances, and I, for one, am finished entertaining their elaborate excuses.
"Our friends and kin in Aquor have suffered enough at the hands of conflict and tyranny, and today I am declaring that I will no longer enable this continued abuse with my commerce. Let it be known that from this day forward, all personnel of the Thayan Enclave are to be denied entry to Port Avanthyr. Furthermore, while House Meriadoc is a potential dealer in any transaction which may support the Enclave and its businesses, it shall now boycott all forms of trade, directly or indirectly. Not a single Thayan coin shall pass through any of our merchants, warehouses, or docks. I actively encourage all independent traders operating in the Port to do the same, and to seek magical goods through channels less contaminated, less polluted with the blood and sweat of slave labor.
"Yes, I hold their practice of slavery against them - for who in this valley condones it? The people of Sundren fight daily against the fear and tyranny wrought by the denizens of the Black Hand, but how is it that we have come to tolerate the feigned friendship of an entity whose organization is built upon the backs of the downtrodden? They make excuses, blaming the generations of tradition wrought by their ancestors, but even the attempt at explaining their abhorrent practice shows that they are aware of its evil. If they truly understand it and claim to find it distasteful, then let them do as the pioneers of Sundren valley have done. Let them establish and run their Enclave free of slavery, built and managed upon their own efforts. But I digress.
"Together, we have built a new Avanthyr upon the principles of freedom, cooperation, and opportunity for all, and I personally believe that everyone has the right to a second chance. The day that the Thayan Enclave demonstrates, as a member of this great community, true concern for the fate of Sundren, and takes measurable action to deliver the citizens of Aquor to the guidance and protection of their own kin, the doors of our fair city may once again be open to them.
"This announcement may strike a tone of anxiety among you, but do not entertain that fear for a single moment. I wish to remind you - and myself, and our friends in Sundren - that fear is the chief weapon of our enemies in Sestra, who wish to sow the seeds of unrest in the valley. Perhaps you're aware of the propaganda lately circulated, preying upon the vulnerable minds of the people and a tactic used by those who are truly cowards at heart.
"Instead, allow me to direct your attentions to my next announcement. In addition to the newly forged trade agreements with the Exigo Corporation, the incredible work of the Ilmateri Sanctuary for the poor and sick, and the support of the Order of the Northern Watch, Port Avanthyr is soon to be home to Sundren's first festhall, The Midnight Whisper.
"We have all toiled endlessly for the improvement of our community, and I invite you now to celebrate our achievements with merrymaking, entertainment, and a stage to welcome the artists and performers among us. And let us remember that celebration is our weapon against the likes of the Black Hand. For what is merriment but defiance? What is laughter, but a snort of contempt in the face of despair? Defy them, I say! Now is the time to invite song and laughter back into our hearts and home, and allow it to breathe that spark of hope into a veritable blaze of courage.
"Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude for your hard work, perseverance, and unfaltering tenacity. Your strength is my pride, and you remain the most dependable force in our effort to raise our community to new heights. Thank you, and may prosperity favor us all."
A cry rises from the throng and the minstrels strike up their songs anew as the noblewoman concludes her speech. She can been seen making conversation among the knights and other individuals gathered, flanked by two house guards, before disappearing once more into the Hold. Festivities continue for an hour or so until the last keg of ale is emptied, and the revelers trickle away.
At the height of the unexpected excitement, the familiar form of Evelyn Meriadoc descends from the Hold to take her place at the podium. Emerald eyes, alight with unrestrained affection and amusement, regard the boisterous congregation until it quiets enough for her to speak.
"Friends, comrades, and fellow citizens of Avanthyr,
"I thank you all for gathering today, for I have news to share which affects us all. There are matters both grave and hopeful to be discussed, and I shall begin with the former.
"As many of you are aware, the struggles in Aquor have resulted in a variety of hardships for our friends and families there. An attempt at retaking the town from the barbarians failed after the Black Hand crippled the efforts of the Blackwood, forcing them out after the tribesmen were defeated. What remains in the wake of battle is a curious situation, indeed: the Thayan Enclave, so-called friends and allies of the Blackwood, now hold sole custody of Aquor and patrol its streets with knights, gnolls, and golems.
"How did such a thing come to pass? I visited the Enclave to find out. Some of you may have heard rumor of the Thayans' official story, that the Black Hand insisted the Enclave take over Aquor - not wanting it for themselves, for reasons unknown - and threatening to return if any other party were to take back the town. Not wishing to make an enemy of Sestra, they claimed, the Thayans are simply doing what they are told. Not that I have ever seen a Thayan do anything but exactly what he pleased.
"Being the victims of such bullying from Sestra, I could only imagine that the Enclave, proclaimed neutral party and sometimes ally of Sundren, would wish to seek help. I proposed that the Enclave reach out to one of the valley's most upright, trusted organizations - the Triumvirate - to discuss the possibility of sending aid. After they began to avoid the notion, even going so far as to suggest that the Triumvirate's goals are just as tyrannous and controlling as those of the Black Hand, I demanded that they seek help, or be seen for what they truly are.
"Today, I wish to report to you that those efforts have been utterly refused. Representatives of the Enclave have indicated in no uncertain terms that they intend to maintain control of Aquor's streets, acting out an authority bestowed upon them by the miscreants of the Black Hand. Instead, they are bleeding its citizens of coin and freedom, and collecting 'taxes' from the Whurest dwarves who seek trade beyond their mountain for food they desperately need.
"Does this not resemble the oppression of Sestra after the Hand took power there? What ally of Sundren would take such liberties with this so-called authority, even while they claim to act solely out of fear of the Black Hand and concern for Sundren's citizens? The Thayan Enclave has gained much from these circumstances, and I, for one, am finished entertaining their elaborate excuses.
"Our friends and kin in Aquor have suffered enough at the hands of conflict and tyranny, and today I am declaring that I will no longer enable this continued abuse with my commerce. Let it be known that from this day forward, all personnel of the Thayan Enclave are to be denied entry to Port Avanthyr. Furthermore, while House Meriadoc is a potential dealer in any transaction which may support the Enclave and its businesses, it shall now boycott all forms of trade, directly or indirectly. Not a single Thayan coin shall pass through any of our merchants, warehouses, or docks. I actively encourage all independent traders operating in the Port to do the same, and to seek magical goods through channels less contaminated, less polluted with the blood and sweat of slave labor.
"Yes, I hold their practice of slavery against them - for who in this valley condones it? The people of Sundren fight daily against the fear and tyranny wrought by the denizens of the Black Hand, but how is it that we have come to tolerate the feigned friendship of an entity whose organization is built upon the backs of the downtrodden? They make excuses, blaming the generations of tradition wrought by their ancestors, but even the attempt at explaining their abhorrent practice shows that they are aware of its evil. If they truly understand it and claim to find it distasteful, then let them do as the pioneers of Sundren valley have done. Let them establish and run their Enclave free of slavery, built and managed upon their own efforts. But I digress.
"Together, we have built a new Avanthyr upon the principles of freedom, cooperation, and opportunity for all, and I personally believe that everyone has the right to a second chance. The day that the Thayan Enclave demonstrates, as a member of this great community, true concern for the fate of Sundren, and takes measurable action to deliver the citizens of Aquor to the guidance and protection of their own kin, the doors of our fair city may once again be open to them.
"This announcement may strike a tone of anxiety among you, but do not entertain that fear for a single moment. I wish to remind you - and myself, and our friends in Sundren - that fear is the chief weapon of our enemies in Sestra, who wish to sow the seeds of unrest in the valley. Perhaps you're aware of the propaganda lately circulated, preying upon the vulnerable minds of the people and a tactic used by those who are truly cowards at heart.
"Instead, allow me to direct your attentions to my next announcement. In addition to the newly forged trade agreements with the Exigo Corporation, the incredible work of the Ilmateri Sanctuary for the poor and sick, and the support of the Order of the Northern Watch, Port Avanthyr is soon to be home to Sundren's first festhall, The Midnight Whisper.
"We have all toiled endlessly for the improvement of our community, and I invite you now to celebrate our achievements with merrymaking, entertainment, and a stage to welcome the artists and performers among us. And let us remember that celebration is our weapon against the likes of the Black Hand. For what is merriment but defiance? What is laughter, but a snort of contempt in the face of despair? Defy them, I say! Now is the time to invite song and laughter back into our hearts and home, and allow it to breathe that spark of hope into a veritable blaze of courage.
"Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude for your hard work, perseverance, and unfaltering tenacity. Your strength is my pride, and you remain the most dependable force in our effort to raise our community to new heights. Thank you, and may prosperity favor us all."
A cry rises from the throng and the minstrels strike up their songs anew as the noblewoman concludes her speech. She can been seen making conversation among the knights and other individuals gathered, flanked by two house guards, before disappearing once more into the Hold. Festivities continue for an hour or so until the last keg of ale is emptied, and the revelers trickle away.
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