SUMMER

Angkar: Wet season. Precipitation is common during the late afternoon and evening hours. Vegetation grows significantly during the summer, but flooding is a danger due to the monsoons that ravage the country. The rainforest sees evenly distributed rainfall throughout the season.

Ashoka: Desert: Extremely hot and dry. Violent, heavy downpours following long dryspells. Jungle: Hot and humid with frequent, violent rainstorms.

Morrim: Relatively hot and dry, but with a chance of thunderstorms from time to time. The heat may cause forest fires.

Soto: Hot and humid, tree cover is dense while ground growth is restricted. Thunderstorms see the most amount of rainfall during the season, and it can be very windy. On occasion, there are flash floods that can destroy homes and farms built on flood plains.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

March 30th, 2018 As you might have noticed, Elenlond has changed hands and is now under new management! If you have any questions, please direct them to DaringRaven! As for the rest of the announcements, including a season change, you can find them over here at the following link!

January 16, 2018 As you might have noticed, Elenlond has a new skin, all thanks to Mel! Don't forget to check out the new OTMs as well!

December 2, 2017 Winter has settled on Elenlond, bringing sleep for some and new life for others.

September 26, 2017 With the belated arrival of autumn come some interesting developments: new OTMs, a Town Crier and the release of the Elly Awards winners!

July 14, 2017 After a bit of forum clean-up, Elly Awards season has arrived! Head on over to make your nominations!

May 31, 2017 Summer has arrived and so has activity check! That's not all though – we also have some new OTMs for you and some staff changes!


WHAT IS ELENLOND?

Elenlond is an original free-form medieval fantasy RPG set on the continent of Soare and the Scattered Isles, which are located to the south in the Sea of Diverging Waters. The four chief nations of the western side of the world—Ashoka in northern Soare, Soto in western Soare, Morrim in eastern Soare, and Angkar, the largest of the Scattered Isles—continue to experience growth and prosperity since the fall of the Mianorite gods, although power struggles within the countries—or outside of them—continue to ensue.


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  • CURRENT EVENTS

    Angkar: To honour the reinvigoration of the ancient city of Mondrágon, the majestic Queen Eulalia has permitted the opening of a Coliseum where people from around the world and all walks of life can test their combat skills against one another. Many have already done battle in search of honour, glory, prizes and money.

    Ashoka: In an otherwise peaceful times, Ashokans are beset with the relatively minor inconveniences of wandering undead and occasionally-aggressive giant rock worms. There has also been some controversy over the recent re-legalisation of human sacrifice.

    Morrim: Rumour has it that Emperor Leofric de Hollemark is mustering forces for a war. Though the threat from Soto’s forests has passed, the forces previously employed in watching the forest now linger at the border. Rumours also circulate of a small group that has been dispatched to make contact with the tribes of the Do’suul Mountains.

    Soto: The Sotoans have defeated the fey and liberated themselves from Méadaigh’s oppression! Preliminary efforts have been made at rebuilding the city of Madrid, which had been captured at the beginning of the war. However, the Sotoans are hindered from recovery famine. Méadaigh’s magic caused summer to persist in the Erth’netora Forest through the winter. Her power has been withdrawn and the plants die as if preparing for winter – even though it is now summer. The Sotoans must sustain off what food they can get, what creatures they can kill and what can be imported into the city from Morrim and Angkar.

    For a fuller description of our most recent events, check out our most recent edition of The Town Crier!

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    Elenlond is an original medieval fantasy RPG with a world that's as broad as it is unique. Calling on characters of all kinds, the sky's the limit in a world where boundaries are blurred and the imagination runs rampant. Restrictions are limited and members are encouraged to embrace their creativity, to see where they can go and what they can do. It's no longer just text on a page - it becomes real.

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    Bring Out Yer Dead; -clang-
    Topic Started: Jul 28 2014, 03:33 PM (518 Views)
    Galena
    Member Avatar
    Thy sins, paid in blood...

    He had no right. No right at all. Did he?
    Galena scrubbed her hands across her face, willing the tiredness to vanish and leave her full and energized. It didn't work. Delicate shades of violet underlined her eyes, the life in them undiminished, only sparking all the brighter for the newest conflict thrown into her path. Into Soto's path..and perhaps even the entirety of Soare, should they not get it under control. She hesitated at the foot of the stairs, the building looming ahead of her imposingly, daring her to climb and make the problem apparent. Wouldst that she could turn her back on it and just return to the hospital now, but the swift journey back from Reine would not allow it, and it showed in her bedraggled appearance, as if she'd just walked right off the road.
    Not so, but it hadn't been that long, long enough to issue orders and a message to her former guild, to get as many volunteers to take stock of those immune to illness and deploy them tot he coast. The other councillors, and the guild leaders especially were not going to like her proposals, but then, they didn't have to. As far as she was concerned, they simply had to do as they were bloody told and get on with it. Closing off the harbor would not stop the odd ship slipping out, it was inevitable, but it might halt the flow.

    Her thoughts struggled to find order, running like errant ants across her mind, chasing stray grains of sugar. But two days prior to the present her husband had made a miraculous reappearance, swanning back into her life as though it was his very right to do so. He had been gone, presumed dead for the last half a decade. No word, nothing, just this fragile, faded hope that one day he might return. Admittedly she had mostly given up that hope. Too many hours leaning on the railings with the sea winds tugging her hair from its artful arrangement, too many hours wondering if it was right to forgive and forget. And how was she to put him from her mind now, in the light of the professional air she must hold, when he was the root cause of the problem?
    If only he hadn't come back...

    What a terrible thing to say.

    Turning the engagement ring on her finger, she forced herself to stop, to stop being a stupid timid maiden, cowering behind her skirts for fear that someone might actually look at her and wonder what was going on behind her fever-bright eyes. She was Galena Barillus, a Sotoan Councillor. They hadn't chosen her for nothing, and now she would have to be their voice, the hand that would soothe their brows and ease the pain. It was what she'd given herself up for, this attendance to the sick, the injured. But in such a vast number as might spread...as was already spreading...she could only pray that she was up to the task. And she'd never been very religiously inclined.

    Back firming ramrod straight, the tiny woman strode up the steps, her snowy cape rippling behind her, not unblemished but marred with the spatters of mud and road dust, stained with grass and sooty fingers, one corner fouled with dried bloody froth where she'd held it to a man's lips as he coughed out his life before her.

    The doors did not ease slowly as she slipped inside, as usual. They burst with frenetic energy that she did not quite feel, the bang quietening the sussurrus of talk within, the slap of her sandals loud on the polished floor as she moved to her place, barely keeping her stola from tangling about her legs. Galena felt the eyes, pressing her into the floor, perspiring beneath the thin fabric that wreathed her body like a shroud for the dead. Perhaps it should be, and she'd work naked in the shame of failure. No, don't think about that, only the present. One thing at a time.

    "My Lords and Ladies! Undoubtedly you are wondering why I shouldst calleth upon thee, and I can assure thee that this will be no waste of thine valuable time!"
    Gods but she wished she were taller, it would at least make for a better image. SHe only hoped they would take her seriously.
    "I come to thee with dread upon mine shoulders. Those of you in Reine mayhaps have heard the talk of a sickness beginning to spread. I know not the origin, and for now, it is not of great importance. What is, is that I hath just returned from the origin of the illness."
    She held up a hand for silence, to quell the rising mutter, her gaze travelling carefully around the room.
    "I wouldst not bring it unto thee without dire merit. I watched a man die within hours of falling in the street, despite mine personal ministrations. There was nothing that I could do for him. I bring mine concerns here, for it is spreading, like fire in a dry grass. I bring mine concerns, because I needeth thy help. I cannot do this alone."

    Galena exhaled slowly, laid her palms upon the table and leaned forward, as if the urgency of the matter might be conveyed in her body language alone. It was too much for the Ameliorate Ordos to take on, and she hadn't the jurisdiction to close off ports or quarantine entire areas on her own, no matter how desperate she thought the circumstances. Already there had been complaints for the section of the dock that she'd ordered barred, the warehouse off limits.

    The quiet growing, she decided that it was now or never. There would be objections either way, so better to get it over and done with.
    "I hath quarantined a single warehouse and the ship in dock, the Mangy Cur, and any who have taken leave for shore to report immediately back to it. I hath also closed off a section of the docks as has no doubt come to thine attentions. I cannot however, continue to do this for each area affected. The sick need to be moved into a closed area where it might not spread. Additionally, I wouldst request that we close our ports until it has either passed, or been cured."
    She refused to allow herself the luxury of flinching as the uproar began, the potentially crippling blow to their trade that came from the other nations.

    "I cannot ask that the borders be closed. We have too much land, and too few people to manage such a feat. Please, see sense. I am asking for the welfare of your countrymen. People are dying, in our country. Wouldst thou sit there and watch while they struggle to draw air? To close our sea routes would slow the sickness, at least until we might create a cure!"
    "You would have us close our ports even to those uninfected? Senseless!"
    "And how long before they too became such, and spread it to the other nations?" He tone quiet, she fixed her gaze upon the former guild leader oft he Kraken's Rage, pushed her chair out of her way where it had sat innocently behind her throughout, and dropped to her knees, her burgundy garments pooling about her knees like so much blood.
    "If I shouldst hath to beg thee, I shall. Please, listen. I fear the worst. Doth thou believe I would come here with such a concern, only to jump at shadows? I have made my profession my life. If it shouldst come to nothing, I will gladly step down for mine transgression."
    "And our trade? Do you know what happens when you set a ship full of sailors stuck bound to land or sea for too long, Lady Barillus?"
    "We must survive. If you wouldst flee to the waves with thy tail tucked between thine legs then do so." She lifted her chin proudly in defiance of her insult, anger flashing in the other Councillor's eyes. "And when you fall ill, I shall still turn mine hand to the task of keeping your life intact."
    "Are you saying I'm yellow?"
    "I'm saying you lack conviction to the cause of your status! I came here to ask the help of you, all of you! Not your disdain! While we talk, it gets worse. We need results. Must I stay on my knees for the entire duration of this meeting, or will you assist me?"

    For all the fact that she knelt as a pauper before a prince, she held herself as regally as any queen, her gaze making the slow circuit of her fellow councillors before her.
    "I believe it passes by breath. Unless you hath a new method to prevent breathing I know not how to stop this." She could see it well enough as the thought turned slowly among them. If the former leader of the Ameliorate Ordos, and the now current director of the Red Hands Hospital was worried, perhaps, it was not unfounded. She only hoped that her strength was enough to stand up to the task ahead.
    (OFFLINE) PROFILE QUOTE GO TO TOP
     
    Aniketos
    Member Avatar
    Unter friedlichen Umständen fällt der kriegerische Mensch über sich selber her.

    One day, Reine had been as it always was, and then the disease blossomed there like a putrid flower. Aniketos knew immediately altered his life: do not go outside and instead send out servants wreathed in veils and posies. Never interact with those who had gone out. Stay in the office. Close the curtains, drink herbal teas and wait. He had once feared death, until he had touched it: now that prospect alone did not scare him. However, the prospect of withering away with sickness and dying before he'd done the things he wanted to do was not a favourable one, and so he intended to avoid it, even if he wound up with the public talking about how cold and aloof he was for simply disappearing to the south in Soto's time of need.

    It was a good thing he'd set up those portals between the various important places in his life. The process of getting to Madrid had been as simple as stepping into the office of his house in Reine and stepping out in his office in the Guildhall. He was earlier to the impromptu Council meeting than most everyone else, as it had only taken him a minute to get there and he had not risked his life at all.

    So it was that he sat in one of the ancient chairs set around the polished red oak table at the centre of the room, leaning back with his hands folded in his lap. He was between the Councillors from the Kraken's Rage and Sickles and Ploughs, and he was abstaining from the murmured conversations all around. From what little he listened to, it seemed that there was little doubt as to what Galena Barillus had summoned them here for: news of the sickness had spread faster than the actual sickness had and already people were debating the issue. Some thought the disease would pass without spreading, others were already citing old prophecies of doom and lamenting the end of the world.

    Aniketos felt tired, in a way that was something like disappointment. Anyone who thought the disease would cause no troubles was turning away from the truth and anyone who saw the beginnings of the apocalypse was too scared for their own good. Aniketos was sure he knew what would happen: death would weaken and cull the people of Soto, leaving the country as vulnerable and needy as Morrim had once been. So much for Aniketos' hopes and plans, so much for the work he had already done and the work he had yet to do for his beloved country. What so many scholars said about Fate's Wheel made so much sense now: Fate was cruel, random and inexplicable and there was nothing to be done to stop it.

    The doors crashed open and, despite himself, Aniketos jolted in his seat, his half-lidded eyes widening. He sat up straight, his hands now on the arms of his chair, and he stared at the woman who walked in. Galena Barillus, the petite woman who had come to the Council from the Ameliorate Ordos, and the one who was responsible for this meeting's existence. She didn't look as clean and well-trimmed as everyone else in the Council, Aniketos included. She had come from somewhere on the front lines, so to speak, and by the looks of things it had not been easy for her. Aniketos was suddenly aware of how inactive he obviously was: he was wearing clean, slate grey clothing and his hair was still drying from when he'd combed it with water less than an hour ago.

    Galena took her place and, not without a bit of dramatic flair, she announced the state of affairs surrounding the disease and what she planned to do about it. Of course, confusion and uproar followed. The representatives of Gold Makers United and Dido's Children had particular problems with the quarantine, and they were the loudest, and then there were others, particularly the Rediscover's Association member and the decrepit old man from the Anointed, who tried to shout them down. Aniketos stayed in his seat, his eyes darting between the various parties and coming to rest on Galena for long moments, contemplative. At least someone here favoured sense over self-interest. If they could keep the sickness in one place, then Soto would be less affected, though Aniketos hardly gave a damn if it hit the other countries. However, when he thought of what would happen if the disease did come to them, he had small, dark idea that pricked at his brain. He kept it silent, however, and shoved it away. Soto and its near future was more important now.

    Finally, Galena managed to say something that gave them all a moment of silence: "I believe it passes by breath. Unless you hath a new method to prevent breathing I know not how to stop this." Aniketos gave the statement a moment to pass through the Council's collective mind, and then stood, his heavy seat scraping back across the stone. All the eyes at the table flicked up to him and fixed there.

    "If we do not do what is necessary to keep the sickness from spreading, then it will threaten those dear interests that cause you to fear quarantine. There should be no debate about this, at least not where reason rules." He swept his hard gaze across them and saw the pungent expressions of protest on many faces, a lot of mouths opening to shout back derogations and excuses.

    Aniketos ignored them and snapped his gaze up to Galena, cutting in before anyone could add anything else: "Though you believe, Councillor Barillus, that the borders are too large to police, there is at least something that can be done. I would suggest sending out most members of Auberon's Destiny to the borders to camp and patrol. We may not be able to stop all passage, but we may be able to catch Sotoans trying to leave and warn any foreigners trying to enter. A little success is better than none. Furthermore, this will keep our fighting forces away from the sickness as much as possible, leaving them able to defend our nation should any troubles occur. In the case of such an event, they'd be positioned perfectly for any aggressions on our borders.

    "I suggest that Councillor Vaal–" he turned his gaze on the dark-haired old woman next to him, "–do something similar with the ships of the Kraken's Rage: patrol the waters surrounding Reine and Hohoemi and even keeping watch over all major harbours along Soto's coast if resources our sufficient." Vaal, as always, was unreadable: her red lips were pursed and her lined, tanned face submitted to no emotion.

    He could hear the shiftings of discontented Councillors and the openings of many mouths before the uproar began. Some agreements were shouted, and someone called out, "But what about the order that must be kept in the cities? It will be just like the plague that struck Soto in the days of the kingdoms: there will be lawlessness and violence in broad daylight!"

    Aniketos held up his hand to show that he'd like to talk but only a few people quieted. He spoke over the rest: "Of course, there will still be forces in the cities and wherever else they are needed, though I truly fear for their lives if the disease turns out to be as terrible as Councillor Barillus believes."

    With that, he sat, his ears ringing with the noise of the Councillors. They'll come around, he thought to himself, Even if it is not today. The moment someone loses a friend or a family member, they'll have the country locked up tighter than a clam.
    (OFFLINE) PROFILE QUOTE GO TO TOP
     
    Rhia
    Member Avatar
    Sotoan Councillor

    It was only a matter of time before Soto faced a real threat that threatened to shake the foundation of the country. The Councilor had been waiting for it to happen since Soto had gotten away mostly untouched during the Dark Conquest. Angkar went through several changes in leadership and Morrim was as far as she knew, a cluster of problem after problem that was only beginning to settle down though that could probably change as easily as she went from having a proper residence to almost being homeless. She had only heard rumors of the some sort of illness that had begun to manifest in Reine through the guilds, but beyond that she knew little. As always she assumed that the ravings she had heard were mere exaggerations, more often than not they blew a matter out of proportion and it tended to exasperate the problem at hand. She had stuck largely to Madrid though she was largely mobile. She was still attempting to selvedge what she could of her home; it was taking time however.

    The doors slammed open and her gaze fell upon her fellow councilor who was nothing short of looking as though she’d come back from some sort of unclean work. All eyes were upon Galena. She held back the uproar once but could not for long. Rhia was not one to partake in what she often thought was comparable to a flock of geese honking in unison. She’d patiently wait until everything was said. Her gaze shifted to Aniketos to gaze his reaction. He sat but two seats away from where she had for she sat on the opposite side of the councilor from the Kraken’s Rage. Galena finished and then Aniketos took charge and began his piece, controlling the uproar as he put his plan of action on the table in a fashion she thought was non-negotiable.
    “We cannot enforce a border patron and close our ports!” Rhia put weight upon the table with both of her hands to draw attention to herself. She spoke calmly but strongly with an adamant sheen to her eyes.

    Rhia came from the Gold Makers united and knew well what the repercussions of the actions being suggested by the two were. Either way the livelihood of some people were about to be destroyed, either by disease or by lack of profit. Even if she thought going with Aniketos or Galena’s actions were proper she couldn’t considering her position.

    “Once our trade is restricted or stops all together these actions will surely cripple our economy and will create another crisis upon our hands. If this afflictions runs its course or proves to be nowhere near as dire as it is currently being made out to be then what is being suggested will have been done for nought. I cannot abide by such a decision until I know for certain the actions you speak of warrant it.”

    Though if it is it may very well be too late by then.

    Rhia knew Galena would not have brought this matter up unless she truly thought this was for the best. She was no fool and if her experience stated that a man had died before her despite her care then it perhaps grew cause to worry. But there was a chance it was an isolated incident.

    Disaster seemed inevitable; Rhia wondered if there would even be a proper way to minimize the damage.
    (OFFLINE) PROFILE QUOTE GO TO TOP
     
    Duchess
    Member Avatar


    It was just too much. He couldn’t handle all this. How was anyone supposed to handle this much going on at once? It was difficult on an average day but now it was like everything was falling to pieces and Modeste would soon no longer be allowed to try to keep them all together; but instead would have to choose which ones to let shatter or break himself and watch them all crash together. He couldn’t do this. He just couldn’t. He wasn’t strong enough. Political unrest in Morrim near the borders of Soto, Ashoka as threatening a presence as ever, despite everyone being willing to turn a blind eye. Graduation was coming soon for several of the girls, one of their traditional summer events was past due and the other was supposed to be in three days, Alexis had been particularly unwell of late, and then the growing rumors of disease. The final straws were when his mother was distraught that his summer ensemble for the upcoming event was supposed to be finished today; but the fabric had been delayed at the port… something about a closure at one of the docks. This news had been unsettling. When the call for an emergency meeting had come, Modeste had managed to retreat to his room before falling apart.

    Modeste was then torn between trying to come up with solutions for numerous problems, and trying to figure out how to stop crying long enough to hide the fact that he had been. After several minuets of willing himself to stop the tears, Modeste lifted his head off the vanity and looked into the mirror. Dark circles made more evident by the puffy redness of his eyes betrayed his emotional state. His hair had come unkempt and his eye patch was askew. For a moment he saw himself as a little boy hiding in Alexis’ room so his father would not find him crying. He wanted to hide behind her again, or crawl into his mother’s lap; but he was much too old for that now. There was no one Modeste could turn to for help, and he was too tired, to drained, and too weak to deal with any more of this. He just couldn’t take anymore.

    Modeste reached up with one trembling hand and pressed his fingers to the glass as if reaching for someone on the other side. His hand moved to obstruct his visible eye and his free hand pulled off his eye patch that kept his purple eye hidden. The violet orb looked back at him from the mirror, and Modeste searched it. In that eye he found hope. There was one person who could still help him. One individual who could lighten the burden and help him carry the weight of his responsibilities. He was not strong; but they were. Strong, intelligent, and decisive, the one remaining person who could make the choices that needed to be made and have the best chance of things turning out alright. They could handle things and he could rest.

    ”Alright then… she can show us what needs to be done.” he spoke in a calm and even tone to himself. The violet-eyed face in the mirror smiled a confident smile in return.




    The duchess was one of the first to arrive at the guild hall in a lengthy gown of sapphire and white, with ruffled collar and sleeves. There was just enough lace and ribbon on her attire to imply important stature without being gaudy or more opulent than the more officially recognized nobles that might attend. What was more, that kind of decadence tended to hinder one’s movement when the drawing of one’s swords was necessary. The Duchess’ hair had been fashioned into a complex braid that looked like it had taken at least two servants to construct, and allowed for some hair to be free in the form of well maintained ringlets. She gave a polite greeting to the guards as she moved to Modeste’s seat with her characteristic grace and poise. A confident smile of propriety masked her inner thoughts. The situation could be grim; but then all the more reason to try to ease nerves with a soft smile before they all faced whatever dire news was so urgent to call them all together. Everyone had their suspicions, of course, for the rumors had certainly reached those who deigned to listen for them.

    When the other councilors had arrived, save the one who called them all together, the Duchess took the opportunity to stand, having noticed several questioning glances and side conversations of which she was clearly the subject. Clearing her throat her gaze would drift from one point at the table to each of the assembled faces as she spoke, making sure not to linger on any one more than another and to see all of them. ”Councilor Bellamy is currently away in Morrim, in his duties as the councilor charged with foreign relations he regrets not being present when the emergency meeting was called; but is making every effort to return home as swiftly as possible. However rather than delay so urgent a meeting as this he has opted instead to entrust me with his authority as a proxy, as he has done in the past. He has absolute faith that my judgement would fall in line with his own on any urgent matter, and has provided me with a letter that proves these claims, should my authority to speak for him be called into question.” as the duchess spoke she produced the folded and sealed document and gingerly set it on the table as if inviting anyone to challenge it. ”Please think of me as Councilor Bellamy’s voice in all matters that will be brought before us. He apologizes for the circumstance we wish to assure you all that his use of a proxy for this meeting in no way implies him seeing it as any less important. Meerly that circumstances of travel and time make it impossible for him to attend in person without causing the meeting to delay. Thank you for your attention.” With that she sat back down folding her hands properly in her lap with an expression that implied she did not expect to be questioned on this matter, but was resolved to stand by it.

    Weather someone wished to voice a concern or objection or not was soon put aside, as the doors slammed open and Galena entered the chamber. Galena’s opening statements confirmed Modest’s fears before the body of her message even began. Modeste was glad for the preparations Duchess had already put into place. The duchess was careful not to draw attention to herself as she subtly drew the attention of one of the guards and passed them a note to be delivered to the Bellamy Academy at once. Even if he were to read it, the contents were vague enough to mean little to nothing to all but the one intended to receive it. The school was preparing for a trip already, but now they would know to prepare with more haste and for what conditions.

    The puzzle pieces started to fall into place when Galena explained she had been the one to close one of the docks. Suddenly the delayed fabric seemed far less significant a concern than any other. Still the closing of the ports seemed a bold and heavy move. The ditches raised an eyebrow, knowing this would be bad for Peacock’s Feathers and many other artisans. It would also certainly unsettle the masses as they see the country being closed around them to prevent escape from whatever evil lurks within. She began to question the soundness and necessity of such a decision until she looked on Galena’s face again.

    The uproar began and the woman did not flinch. When councilors directly protested she remained resolved. Her face an etched mask of determination, far from the fair countenance Modeste had come to recognize. Far be it from Modeste or the Dutches to ignore conviction this strong from so respected a woman as Galena. To disregard it out of hand would be a slap in the face to reason, her field was medicine and if she thought this manner of extreme caution was necessary, then Modeste felt it would be wise to listen. The risks of ignoring it were far greater than if they were heeded when unnecessary.

    During the debate between the former head of Kraken’s Rage, The Duchess understood the councilor’s concerns but was more moved by the actions of Galena. The desperation hidden in those eyes rang too familiar. This was a woman putting everything she could on the line for a goal that was more important than herself. He’d seen that look in the eyes of a mother who had brought her daughters to the academy; he’d seen that look on his sister’s face, etched in perpetuity, an echo of pleas that had gone unanswered. It was not something to be so easily disregarded. Modeste had spent time on boats, and knew the challenges for sailors trapped on land or sea; but he also knew that they could learn to cope for a time if you flew the flag of quarantine.

    When Galena seemed to finish for the moment, Aniketos was the next to speak. As he began, The duchess again drew the attention of one of the guards. In a low whisper she issued him instructions so as not to detract from the points being made by the other councilor. ”Look at the state of Councilor Barillus. You should be ashamed to call yourself a gentleman. I insist you have water brought to her at once. The woman has made a long and urgent journey for the interest of our entire country, only to deliver an impassioned speech. The least you can do is give her something to drink before she has to speak again!” The stern look given at the end of this admonishment was enough to assure the guard she was not joking around and he did his best to discretely leave for water.

    That important task finished the Duchess continued to listen to Aniketos. His plan made her more nervous. While she agreed that they should close the port, and monitor the borders, it was far more difficult a thing to do, and with the rising unease that was bound to follow, they would need more guards to maintain order, not less.

    Then it was councilor Terenes’ turn to speak out. The Dutchess listened and her shaped brows furrowed slightly. When the other woman finished, it was the Duchess turn to stand up from her chair and clear her throat loudly, over the uproar of conflicting views that followed. Those that did not quiet or continued to raise a fuss were then silenced as the Duchess began to speak in a loud clear tone, over the din until they were forced to listen to her. ”While I appreciate your concerns councilor Terenes, and those who agree with her statement, I feel you are incorrect in this matter. While I am not the treasurer we have all heard enough reports to know that our nation, while not in extreme excess, our economy is not exactly teetering on the brink either. There is surplus in our budgets, and cushion in our treasury. Should, somehow, councilor Barillus be mistaken about the severity of this matter, and it blows over quickly, we would not be rendered entirely destitute.”

    While the Duchess spoke, a guard came up beside Galena bearing a goblet with water, and water skin. He did his best to be discrete and move while The Duchess had the floor since eyes were on her for the moment, and it had been she who gave him his instructions. In a hushed whisper he explained to the councilor ”Pardons, Lady Barillus; but Lady Duchess insisted.” leaving the drink before her on the table he scurried back to his post.

    While this small event transpired, The Duchess continued to speak, ignoring it as she made her points. ”Speaking on behalf of Councilor Bellamy, whose duty is that of our relationships with the other countries, I know he would agree when I say that a selfless act of closing our borders for fear of the safety of our neighbors, even if it proves to be an overreaction, would be an astounding act of good will. I-nay WE believe that should such action cause us any hardship, we could rely on the aid of those we sought to protect, who would return our thoughtfulness with kindness. At least this would be true of our brothers and sisters in Morrim and Angkar.”

    When the rabble began to raise again Duchess refused to case speaking and instead continued to raise her voice over them until they continued to listen. She was not finished and would not be stopped by anyone until her mind had been spoken. ”When the refugees of Morrim and Ashoka flooded our borders, many of our people were displeased if not angered, that we had become troubled with the burdens that were the responsibility of our neighbors. To leave our harbor open and our borders with no patrol or warning would turn us into a nation of hypocrites.” The Duchess Emphasized her point by pounding a fist into an upturned palm rather than crassly beat the table like some uncultured ruffian. The gesture was paired with the indignant stamp of one foot. ”We should not let Soto be the nation that knowlingly allows its dangers to easily spread to her neighbors. If this plague is as dire as Councilor Barillus suspects, then what would be the point of protecting our investments if everyone we would have traded with is dead from plague? What good is gold if sickness consumes us all? Morrim was plagued by the armies of the dead, followed by a spreading blight that made their very mother soil, beneath their feet, refuse to nurse her children! Yet they stand today, recovering from their loss, and growing once again strong. Are we not the people of Soto!? Far more in tune, are we, with the bounties of nature all around us. Even if our coffers empty, and our gold is stripped, if our people recover their health, this nation will continue to stand, and from nature we can make ourselves strong once more. Soto will always flourish, as long as it survives, so the question now is do we take the risk of wantonly spreading illness to those whom we might need for aid when the night gets darker, or do we follow the wise and safe path, and try to protect ourselves and those around us by keeping the problem as contained as possible?”

    While this might have been a good place for the Duchess to stop, she was still not finished. Allowing onlyt eh briefest of pauses for her points to separate, she continued speaking before someone else tried to take the floor. ”Should we choose the correct path, of caution and security, then I know Councilor Bellamy would agree with Councilor Hesperés in the matter of patrolling and guarding the harbor. Raising the flag of Quarantine should also do well to give unruly and aggravated sailors pause. In my experience with men, a sailor would choose scurvy and solitude over skirts and scarlet fever most days, and this disease sounds considerably worse than that. As for the matter of our borders, I fear it would not be so easy. Restricting our land border, and closing our harbors will create unrest. We will need just as many guards to protect the citizenry and maintain order, as we have now, if not more. Chaos and panic can destroy us as fast as any plague, and can make a disease only that much worse. I recommend we seek outside help for the task of warning those who would come to Soto, and monitoring those who leave.”

    For once, the Duchess paused allowing scoffs and queries to be thrown her way before answering them. ”Our nation has friends, Neutral parties who would have vested interests in both the wellbeing of our nation and our neighbors, as both affect their livelihoods. Notable Merchants like Vitamy and Sammeln Eidechse have significant sway over the Kaadian Way which runs along a significant portion of our border with Morrim, as we all well know. During the hardships that befell Morrim, Sammeln was among many to offer aid to that nation. All of us have been members of a guild at one time or another, so most of us are familiar with one of these men, or someone like them. Their empires depend on the wealth of multiple nations not just one, and with a plague that could easily threaten all of Soare not just one nation, I feel they would not be difficult to persuade to help us, without much if any cost on our part. I have seen with my own eyes, the strange non-living things which Sammeln employs in his armies. Would not such beings be perfect for protecting our borders as they would surely be immune to a plague which requires one to breathe. The Zaubers also have ties across the world, surely their magics might be able to find some way of helping to regulate the flow of people trying to pass in and out of our lands until the time of this crisis is over.” This was not the most popular suggestion today, and the Duchess had not expected it to be, still these were thoughts to be considered, options that needed to be weighed.

    Not to be outdone for theatrics, The Duchess ended her speech by turning back to Galena. She then scooted her chair back as well and also lowered herself to her knees, looking directly at the other councilor who had brought this to their attention. ”You have the full support of both myself and Councilor Bellamy, for whom I speak, Councilor Barillus. Though I sincerely hope you are sorely mistaken, for all our sakes, I am not foolish enough to believe it to be so. Should you stand, we will stand with you, you are not alone.”

    And with that she fell silent and allowed the outrage backlash to rise up once again.
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    Namir Govannan
    Member Avatar
    Sotoan Councillor

    Namir had heard rumors of illness and had sought them out long before the meeting. He’d already begun preparations to convert Sanctuary into a sort of hospital, and if things became bleaker than anyone could imagine the first floor of his own home would be converted as well. He had taken to wearing a metal mask over his nose and mouth, a tight fitting thing with tiny holes for air. He heated the metal to just below glowing with his powers. If a person cauterized a wound to sterilize it Namir might be able to cauterize the air he breathed with the mask. It was a decent improvisation for him, but it would not aid anyone else in the city. He was anxious to find a way to save the city.
    When he was sure, or as sure as he could be, as to what the sickness was he had sequestered his meager staff and had taken to going out to get supplies himself. His maid, bartender, and cook all stayed within Sanctuary, in the suite that was the top floor of the building. They didn’t like being enclosed, but they understood the necessity of it, and for the time being they could move about the entire building safely. Namir had been seen more among the people since the plague than he ever had before. Offering help where he could, coin for the sick and strength to the week. He had become almost an errand boy, retrieving things for people throughout the city.
    He’d spent the time before the meeting tearing though his notes on the other Councillors, hoping he could find something that would give him some sort of edge. He wasn’t sure what needed to be done, but he would ensure that no one vetoed an idea for selfish reasons. The needs of the citizens had to come first. Namir had no intentions of speaking first. Better to let the others argue their cases and deliver a defining blow where he chose when the time was right, and when he could devise an argument to disarm all who would oppose it. When he strode into the hall there were already a fair number of people there, wearing his leather riding coat buttoned up and most of his face covered in the black metal mask he must have looked a very dark sight. Once inside the room with the door closed he unfastened the mask from his face and let the hot chunk of metal fall into his hand. He would have to hold the thing until it cooled, at least until it wouldn’t leave a black burn mark on the polished table. He took his place at one of the chairs, far enough from Aniketos to allow him to see the man’s face easily. He quickly flexed, concealed under his coat, to confirm that the weapons he had hidden remained in their places. He didn’t normally expect violence, but with the sickness spreading like it was he couldn’t be sure emotions wouldn’t reach a boil.
    Namir couldn’t stop worrying about Neriasis, the man was the head of Argos, and with the places his agents skulked and hid Namir held no illusions about their guild not being hit hard by the sickness. His people would be dying left and right, surely faster than the general population. It would take time to rebuild, but hopefully they would bounce back faster than most, thieves usually did. Namir hoped the man himself was okay however, he could handle the strategic hit as long as Neriasis didn’t fall ill himself. He unconsciously touched the black feather braided into his hair.
    When the meeting began he listened, and noticed Aniketos doing the same. Both sat quietly analyzing the situation at hand. He would most likely be the hardest to persuade if he decided to oppose a stopping of trade, but he didn’t seem to be interested in shouting his anger now. Namir looked down at his mask. So, it had been protecting him, he could not pass the idea on to others but at least he had more information now.
    Namir found himself agreeing with Aniketos, his head was on straight, Namir could at least say that about the man. But an alarm bell went off within his mind at the idea of sending the army away. With the army unaffected and Argos stuck at a crawl Namir would be at a major disadvantage if someone tried to seize power. His guard against monarchy would be virtually non-existent. Anyone who gained control of the army would be able to take the city in minutes. The people would still be to off balance to be rallied, and the fighting forces of the other guilds would be shattered. However if the army was hit by the sickness and pulled from fighting conditions there would be nothing stopping an invasion. Anyone would walk into Soto and begin burning and stealing land. A war went on in his mind, which was more possible, a grab for power from within or from the outside. Namir finally gave over, it would be better to be taken from within than from another country. Better someone from this room buy themselves a throne than someone with a throne kill them all.
    Namir stood, adding his voice to the voices of those before, “It is better the economy be crippled for a time than we allow a plague to spread from our boarders and end countless lives. As unpleasant contemplation as it may be better a few go out of work for a time than many die where they could have lived. What will hurt worse, a guild close its doors for a time or a country becomes crippled as its farmers die and its soldiers lay sick in bed, to week to defend us. We either close our boarders or we invite trouble and death into our houses. If the plague turns out to be nothing than we will know soon enough, after that we can worry about the jobs that have been lost.”
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    Galena
    Member Avatar
    Thy sins, paid in blood...

    Galena's hope soared as Councillor Hesperés stood, and backed her with his words. Score one for me.

    No, gods thrice damn it, this is not a game! And yet...I do need those points in mine favor...

    She wanted desperately t pinch the bridge of her nose, and sigh explosively, but the tiny woman kept herself prim and proper, resisting the urge to do so. Maybe if they stopped muttering and chatting amongst themselves for just a moment they might make some headway, too. That was, after all, why she'd bought them together to convene.
    "Thank you, Councillor Hesperés. Truly." She offered her wan smile to him, the gratitude shining behind her eyes as he finished speaking. Just one strong voice to help support her own frail one would help reason prevail, and while he was perhaps not the most notably pure of the council, he was certainly ambitious and experienced. He knew his way around warfare far better than she, and would be a great boon to directing those that might keep the spread better contained.

    Her cheeks flushed with spots of colour as she averted her eyes from him, flicking across to bounce and dart worriedly over the members seated in the main room. Once, she might have thought to steal him for herself, had she thought herself strong enough to be a challenge to the strange dark elf that he had taken to his side of late. He was beautiful to look at, seemed fun from the outer lines, if a little heavy on debauchery. Alright, not a little, a lot. Foolish really to be thinking of such things when there was always so much work to be done, and now more than ever. A fantastic political team they might have made, but it was not something that was in fact, important right now. She frowned at her hands in her lap, shook her head, trying to lose the embarrassment.

    You are not some gasping girl sneaking peeps at a prime noble. Only you sort of are. Shut up at once, and straighten yourself. Pay attention!

    "Perhaps mine beliefs are wrong, but I do believe that the people will be more worried about catching the sickness than partaking in the wanton destruction of their own cities."
    She quailed a little under the attention, forced herself to straighten, bunching her fingers into her stola. Gods.
    She glanced up at Councillor Terenas, wringing her hands and made herself stop. Again.
    "I cannot discredit that, Councillor Terenas. But now you must ask yourself, is it more important to the people of Soto to spread this affliction, or contain it? What is more important to our survival? Rather that our borders be protected and our trade slowed temporarily while the problem is monitored, than to allow it continue and risk infecting the rest of the country. As it stands, only the small area in the docks of Reine has suffered yet."
    She had expected as much. Someone would have said it, regardless of who was thinking it. And it was important, but all it would take would be one infested trade ship and then somewhere else would have it, laying more blame at their feet. While at that moment, she didn't much care too terribly about everyone else getting it, it would undoubtedly weaken Soto.

    And if Soto was seen as openly weak, it would only need to take one of the rulers of the adjoining countries to decide that a little expansion was in order.
    She could feel herself crumbling a little, the mortar of her walls slowly giving out under the tirade of raised voices all clamoring for attention. How much longer did they have to debate with raised voices, shouting like animals? She half expected them to fall upon one another at any moment and start fistfighting.

    Her gaze locked on the guard at her elbow, trying to pass her the water, and looked away, then back at him again. He was about as subtle as naked man at a country club dance. The gesture was appreciated all the same.
    "Th-thank you."
    Hastily she took the water from him, sipping while trying to quell her shaking hands. A mixture of nerves, excitement and annoyance, and fear all ran rife around the inside of her head while she knelt, listening to the statements made by this peculiar woman. She didn't recognize her, had no idea who she was but for the name given; Duchess. Well, she supposed she must be some sort of official stand-in for Modeste Bellamy, who was conspicuously absent. Her support was no less appreciated, her argument level, and Galena was just glad to be out of the spotlight a moment, allowing her shoulders to sag briefly with weariness.
    To be honest, she'd have rather have been here than having to even think about returning to the docks, where the main problem was again, but leaving it to the hands of her apprentices was unthinkable. The practiced medics, perhaps, but really as few people interacting in that area with the diseased and dying, the better.

    She wanted to stand and speak but the Duchess continued on over everyone's heads, wanted to point out that perhaps relying on Morrim and Angkar for support was not such a good idea. They hadn't exactly been forthcoming when Morrim was hit by sickness before, why would Morrim do anything less than return the favor? And Angkar was a substantial distance away. Getting supplies here from there in a timely fashion would be no mean feat, and would mean that they would have to be willing to breach the ports to do so.
    The ports where the sickness had apparently started.
    She had to admire her though, her strength and iron will was most apparent in her form and poise, her opulent dress, if a touch austere was magnificent. It put the dryad to shame, huddled there on the floor like a filthy vagrant, her hair spilling loosely from the pins that held it up, stained clothing and thick shadows beneath her eyes. Even if she did talk a lot. Her interest piqued about the enigmatic woman, and found her eyes riveted there, a little wonderingly.

    As the quiet finally broke after the Duchess' overlong speech, Galena shook her head, remarking quietly, then starting as if she'd not realized she'd spoken aloud at all; "I fear it would take some scare to bring the merchants to heel before they might assist us, and I for one, do not trust this Sammeln, among them. We should not simply forget his involvement with Andromalius..."
    She shuddered at the name, the scourge that spread death and cold everywhere he stepped, until not even the earth would yield a harvest from his touch. What could be worse than an agent of death so powerful that he could salt the very earth simply by his passing? It was not right, not natural. Abhorrent. To even think of associating with someone who shared a part in that involvement was unthinkable.

    Her eyes widened as the Duchess knelt before her, hunched her shoulders as if that might protect her from that unwavering gaze, and the mounting pressure threatening to crush her petite frame underneath its heel.
    She should not expect less, she was the one that had summoned them, after all.
    Unable to think of any words that could possibly convey her emotions on the gesture, and the entire tirade that now shook the room, she merely clasped her hands demurely before her, and nodded, face solemn.

    If you are wrong, you are finished.

    She nodded absently at Namir, gaze straying to his cute little ears. Foxes had just as much bite as they did fluff, and she could see it in him, in the hard planes and angles of his face, his slender frame, the way he held himself. He was possibly more on edge than anyone else, and she wondered why for a moment. Perhaps he'd seen it first hand, perhaps not. They'd all come here from doing their own things, whatever it was, she'd likely interrupted him from something important to mention something he already knew as well. Honestly who didn't know. Talk spread faster than bacteria these days.

    "I am willing to step down from my position if I am wrong."
    To hold her position after throwing the country into such unrest would be....unimaginable. The shame, too much to bear.
    "I would like to propose a vote, for those against closing our borders, who do not consider this to be a serious threat, and those for shutting it down as best we might, until further notice. I wouldst also make a proposition to thee that in this time, should it develop to be a widespread case, that we take a governing control of the guilds and the fighting forces at our disposal in order to keep the peace in our cities, and the roads safe for those still traveling within our borders."
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