Generosity of the Triumvirate & Legion

[Silas North]

Osclow begins to spread the news of the Karthus' capture to those who have and have not heard such. More importantly, he is quick to point out (regardless of whatever conversation he is having with whomever) that the vast reward money was to be paid to the Triumvirate, who simply stated that it was to be donated to the refugees of the ravaged lands. Not a single copper was kept by the church itself. The Legion did well to aid in the proper distribution of blankets, food, and shelter by request of the church. Any who wish to donate their coin to help those in need should report to the Triumvirate.

The bard is also quick to note that the refugees were taken care of in equal measure, regardless of heritage.

[Lollercide]

Shortly After

Hano musters up all of those willing to listen and makes sure to get a few town criers so they can relay the message he had prepared with the Bard's help.

Moving to the podium set up in the Trade Tier the Tormite clears his throat and looks toward each of those gathered.

He raises his voice as deep and booming as he is capable of to grab their attentino. "I've gathered those of you willing to listen here today to bring truth to rumors and shed light on past events." Satisfied with the silence he continues with less effort into his voice.

"First and foremost it should be known that Karthus, the Traitor, turned himself in willingly to embrace judgment. His sins weighed too heavily in his heart and he could no longer continue on in such a manner. Let this be known for when his sins are weighed before Tyr, that he sought redemption, and embraced whatever penalty by law to atone for what he has done." He looks to each one of them once more while turning a page.

"It is true that all of the money offered for his capture will and is being used for the refugees that have made there way to Sundren for security. To provide food, warm blankets, and a welcome place to sleep at night. The Triumvirate has focused its efforts in mending, feeding, and providing this for the refugees - But not only the Triumvirate! While I stand here before you all representing the Triumvirate, there are many Temples, many organizations aiding this cause!" He looks to each of them, almost scrutinizing them.

"And what's appalling is the propaganda spread about our allies! Our Brothers and Sisters that lay their lives down to protect this City, our valley, the women, children, and elderly! And to beat it all the propaganda and rumors spread from a misunderstanding of a very common law we all abide by - Not just Tieflings, Half-Orcs, or any combination of blood or race!" He frowns genuinely upset.

"The Legion wishes that everyone is to be registered!" He waves a document for all to see. "This is to ensure that we know the people taking residence here! This is very important to the city! What happens when we need to distribute rations? When we need to offer blankets? What if a family member or a friend dies without their family or friends knowing!? We need to know how many people are in the city, where they come from, and who they are! We have dedicated our lives to enforcing the law and protecting the city and it's people.. Yet a few posters leave you to doubt us? We are Brothers and Sisters in this valley! Stand together! - The enemy wishes to tear us apart with this weak propaganda and poor display of posters? Hah!" He slams his fist against the podium. "Show them that will take more than that to tear us apart!"

He pauses for a moment letting the passion flicker away from his eyes. "The Wanted Tiefling posters? The slander and propaganda that followed? Pfah!" He moves from the podium, pacing around and looking to each of them. "That was a single incident where a woman was asked to register, but denied them her assistance and refused to comply with those that live protecting this city! It was by coincidence that she was a Tiefling and those that failed to understand the truth of the situation took advantage of it with their own speculations!" He pauses clasping his hands behind his back.

He again tries to contain his passion, but his eyes and tone betray him. "Prejudice? Nonsense! We serve the people unconditionally! I swore my life to this! To ensure that every man, child, and woman regardless of race will be ensured their rights as a living being! So long as they do not wish to or disturb the rights of another! To give my life, if need be, should forces approach us and dare try and strip us of these rights, for the people! We all have! The Legion, The Temple of Helm, The Triumvirate, and so forth!" He releases his hands from his back then points to the crowd.

"And they think they can tear us apart with propaganda? After we've sworn our lives to protect the people!?" He extends both of his arms to his sides, fingers bending toward the skies. "They've underestimated us, Sundren! Ignore the lies, misunderstandings, and posters! Rely on the people who serve you! Ignore those trying to tear us apart so we can focus on those we need to stand together for! The refugees who all came here for home and shelter.. That were driven from their homes! Stand together and join The Triumvirate and allies in their efforts to house and feed these refugees! Lets find these unfortunate souls a safe and welcome place to stay during these tragic times! Spare what coin, quilt, or food you can to them, to protect our brothers and sisters that only wish for a safe and welcome place and a warm meal! Today, Sundren, we turn the tables! No longer will we allow ourselves to be torn apart from our brothers and sisters! Together! For the people!"

[TheBrogueadier]

In the midst of the crowd gathered to hear the Paladin speak Giacomo smiled, glancing about to ensure there were no guards stationed within earshot, disguised in tattered clothes, his straw coloured hair darkened with soot and grime, his face marked by the ravages of one living on the street, fitting into the dishevelled mix of city natives and refugees.

Murmuring to those around him he provides counterpoint to the Paladin's words.

"The legion want's everyone to be registered? I don't hear no stories about bands of armoured men dragging normal folk away for processing, just them what looks different."

On his podium the Paladin spoke impassioned, he was right of course, he had sworn to be bound by the laws of his god and the land and protect the people. Giacomo had avoided targeting the temples, but they'd dragged themselves into the fight now.

"Typical Legion, ain't got the stones to have one of their's up there giving a speech, we all know Hano's alright so they use him as a shield."

"Gota wonder if their ain't some truth to all these posters and rumours if they'll drag him away from more important duties to talk so desperately. S'words of a fearful last stand not some government in control."

"I mean, temples always going to help folks, that's what they're for, honour bound by such. But I ain't heard about no nobles opening their doors to the poor and put down, they're laughing it up with log fires and garish parties while the people suffer."

[Gabryal]

Kathryn stands wrapped in her cloak, her eyes unfocused seeing things long past, memories of flying above a beautiful sea of green trees and unending mountains. The shock has passed, and now she must deal with the truth, Hano and Snow care for her, they won't let her fall, they love her after a fashion. Not some mindless and conditional love as she's known before but a real love unconditional and honorable. They trust in her, so she will trust in them, "People.. are more important than ideals.. or dreams..." she whispers to herself as she let's herself swim through her emotions, letting them pass through her and fade.

[cmosier]

"Hey look Mister Sehron, Hano is talking."

The elf chuckles, "There's a surprise."

Smiling, he takes her hand. "Come on, I promised you a new dress, and I mean to deliver."

Both sides have their agendas, and in the middle is the truth. You are smart enough, Que'alla.... You will know.

[Allielliot]

As Sain watches this exchange his emotions are mixed. The prejudice of those posters is not something that he can easily forget, but he does have a desire to help these people in need...In the end he just pushes it to that back of his mind. This is a problem for another day. He's no crusader today, just a sword arm looking for a pantry, some peace, and most importantly a past.

[Dark presence]

An apparently elderly human woman speaks up in the crowd listening to Hano.

"But Hano, where is the call for everyone to register? Where are the exorbitant bounties on our heads, so high for a simple piece paper that our own peasant families would turn us in to live in luxury? Is the legion going to offer that kind of gold for every man, woman, and child in Sundren if they do not register? Are you going to place that bounty on this man or this woman if they refuse to carry another burden on their backs? A paper most people probably can't even read and would sooner use to wipe their ass?

"Why are taxes being wasted on a frivolous piece of paper for some creature who has never bothered me or mine!? Why aren't there greater bounties on the goblins or the gnolls in the forest? Or the more human threats like the bandits on the roads, or the Veritas who wage war, or the Black Hand who wishes to dominate us all? Why is a single tiefling being singled out for no other crime than not holding a piece of paper? Why aren't you going after real threats, Hano?

"Isn't this bounty being placed on a tiefling who minds her own business and sticks to the woods? I haven't known a woodsman who ever needed to beg on city streets for rations or blankets! Isn't this the same tiefling who has been savagely attacked by our "honorable" defenders in the past for the same reason you chase her now? Is it really any wonder she runs?

"Bah! Shame on you! You sow fear into that poor creature's heart! You should respect your fellows, especially when they have done you no wrong. The gods know the truth of things."

[Lollercide]

Hano pauses listening to the elderly woman speak her mind with a warm smile. As she finishes he frowns deeply hurt by her accusations.

"You think that we're focusing our efforts on a single woman and not the Black Hand or other threats? I mentioned that Karthus the Traitor, affiliated with the Veritas was apprehended and is being held in the City Watch. And surely you caught word of the battle in Sestra! Where many of my Brothers and Sisters fell protecting the people with their last dying breath! As well as many of the Legionaires! Yet you are bold enough to say we are not focusing on what is important? We're offering our lives to uphold the law and protect the people, and you stand here insulting us by saying we do not go after the real threats? " A glint of sorrow flashes across his eyes before he recollects himself.

"Please.. Understand our position and don't attack us for upholding the more tedious of laws and then assume that's all we do. We have proved that time and time again we will gladly give our lives to protect you all.

"However.. Let's move on to the registration business." He draws in a long breath smiling at the woman once more.

"You should all recall Helmsdeep at the Port of Avanthyr? Or if you did not arrive here from the port, the Legionaires at the Gates of the Sunderer? They register all those that travel here. I'll be honest, though, there are varying differences between the methods of registration depending on race, but the goal is all the same; gathering information."

"Information on the inhabitants in Sundren is very vital for our duties. For both protecting the city and handling those that break the law. You say the woman caused no harm, that the bounty is unwarranted? That taxes are being wasted on her? You think she's being hunted down because she is a Tiefling? Come now - She willingly broke and avoided the law and I witnessed such with my very own eyes. Also, it should be noted that she was not in the forest when she broke this law, it took place at the Trade Post not far from here." He frowns briefly and shakes his head.

"...You think that taxes are wasted on upholding the law, my lady? No, surely not." He offers her a feint smile, giving her the benefit of the doubt. "We are here to serve the people as I said before, and that means upholding the laws that ensure that we can all live peacefully. If you believe that the laws are not in the best interest of the people, or conflict with our rights or peace.. Then perhaps you should petition against it. Propaganda, posters, and spreading ill rumors is not the way for Sundren to change and grow together."

He seems thoughtful for a moment before adding. "And if you think that your word is not being heard by the Steward or the Legionaires? Then come to the Triumvirate! Offer us your ideas, suggestions, and problems! Please! Come to speak your mind - Sister Tamryn and myself will see to it that the people's problems are heard and answered. Lets work together and compromise for a better future, Sundren! Not fight amongst ourselves and point fingers!"