Messages

[Prosecution strategy:]

Hello,

As discussed with the Nadiri, preparations for your defence are enclosed with a mock of how I would prosecute your case. If I am unable to be present to act as advocate, ensure my stand-in is well prepared.

Prosecution strategy:

1. Highlight & Establish guilt. With the massacre and chain of events clearly established, this will not be difficult.

2. Highlight bellows made by Legates and Senior Accord officers requesting your return as "Treason" at most, or "Recklessly poor judgement" at the least. Attack the character and judgement of the accused to bias crowd and magistrate.

3. Weaponize witnesses. Find: Sole survivors of families, individuals grievously injured. Paint the misery of the harmed for all to see. Bias crowd and judge further via sympathy.

4. Establish intent.  Question the purpose of why you were there, why you disregarded orders to return.  Cite past tormented attacks, including but not limited to the most recent as justification for delving being forbidden.


5. Closing statement : Re-state all of the above. Weaponize any poor statements made by the defense.

If the court follows proper procedure, you will not be allowed witnesses. You will have only the statement from the defense and your own closing statements to defend you.

Eva posited that there was another delve happening simultaneous to yours. If this cannot be proven, it should not be mentioned. It will be seen as a weak deflection and any competent prosecutor will be gleeful to rip it to shreds. She was directed to find proof.  This is your only hope of a true "Innocent" verdict but extremely unlikely to succeed.

Eva and Manos were directed to gather certain documentation pertaining to the reasons and causes for your delve.

This trial will likely result in more being revealed than anyone wishes.  State the danger we are in if we do nothing. State the intended benefit of further delving. Do not instruct the public en massse how to delve or bypass anything below that would impede them.

Focus on documentation and established fact. Bellows, orders, and Letters between yourselves and the legates following previous delves. Establish mutual culpability and responsibility. This is important, for reasons discussed with Eva and Manos.


Establishing innocence will likely be a waste of time. Attention should be put on the fact that harm is ongoing, harm has been ongoing for some time, and harm will get worse. Highlight the danger and the need for it to be stopped. Do not dismiss the lives lost, express regret. Make some offer of reconciliation, collectively. Bring gifts and apologetic gestures for the witnesses and affected individuals in the crowd. Wear respectable clothes for mourning.


Accept punishment and responsibility and seek lenience rather than execution or exile. (If legates wish to pursue the latter, countermeasures discussed with Eva)


The outcome of this trial is already assured. You will be found guilty. The goal of this exercise is to ensure you all survive.

If you have questions, I would urge you to write to me or seek me out.

Qari Alriyh,
Scholar of Baz'eel,
Legate of the First Seat, Gold League

[A copy is sent to each office]

Honored Legates Lhyrian and Kruetzher,

I am overjoyed to hear of the desire to move forward with the use of the stadium for this event. There are some portions of the arrangement that ought be obvious, but I will highlight if we wish to maximize the impact of diplomatic efforts with Frostport as a tertiary benefit of resolving the banditry crisis in this manner.

1. Invitations to be sent to the Jarl of Frostport and his chosen court guests.
 - This ought be obvious, but if we are to show the desert we conduct ourselves honorably in victory (or even more importantly, in defeat) we must have people who /matter/ be present. The ambassador is one thing, but to hold such an event with the aim of diplomacy without even extending the invitation would be an insult to most individuals of status.

2. Refreshments: A mix of delicacies local to Frostport to be paired with local Ephian faire (Mro Po or Xu Yin's masterful work), or exotic items sourced from else in the desert.
 - We must show prosperity and good taste in order to impress our guests and make them feel welcome. The Ephian way has been to welcome all, arms outstretched.  This is the reputation we ought be cultivating with our allies to encourage investments and businesses to aid in building the new district and ensure a flowing economy.

3. Additional entertainment :  A side card has been arranged with Ruital ibn-Kharim. A recluta wishes to battle a soldier of the fourth. If time allows, we can expand upon this to allow the Jarl's men to participate, or simply spectate in additional bouts. It would be a poor thing to ask a guest to travel so far for only a very short affair.

4. (Optionally) Additional guests from other settlements. If you feel this will overextend your ability to socialize and cultivate relationships with other important figures, this is best left out. In an ideal world, inviting our allies for shared spectacle is a fabulous way to improve our relationships with them and show them that Ephia will stand with her allies, moving forward.  The sins of past leadership are of the past, and we look to create a new golden age with our friends, together.

5.  Gifts for honored guests. I am told those of frostport honor furs and pelts, with the strength of the beast granting one more status. We have several skilled hunters, if they are able to source a fur pelt of superb quality from an exceptionally fearsome beast, this would make a marvelous gift.


Remember : Above all, our aim with this must be to show the desert we keep our word, and are generous to our friends and allies. All who stand with us benefit and prosper.  This is the message we must deliver.

Brothers Skargrimmson,

I am told by Vellyn the Legates are amenable to the use of the stadium, after discussion. They should be reaching out with a proposal soon. 

I am also told that they are not keen on this being a battle to the death, in defiance of the Bloodsands' storied traditions.  I cautioned them that there is no glory without peril, and a simple spar is little better than theatrics and no by no means appropriate to settle affairs such as these.

I am not fond of the notion of a wasted opportunity for diplomacy for Frostport. You or your ambassador may reach out to me to facilitate or negotiate terms with our active legates that will ensure this event is a grand one that the citizenry of both our settlements may be proud of. I will advocate for anything that is of mutual benefit and ensure the Legates hear it with proper consideration.

Qari Alriyh,
Legate of the Gold League,
Scholar of Baz'eel

Dear Buster, of "Buster's Brews",

I would be delighted to offer you tutelage on the matter. The first test of any viable candidate is their willingness to work with other leagues in the spirit of cooperation. Many candidate-aspirants fail this very simple test. They mistakenly believe that the leagues are meant to be enemies, at odds with one another in perpetuity.

It is in the best interests for the Citadel if each league cultivates strong candidates, and offers a proper political challenge. This forces the overall quality of candidates to improve across all three leagues, and will ensure our home prospers in future.

We can discuss a fee that is reasonable, when we meet in person.

Qari Alriyh,
Legate of the League of Gold,
Scholar of Baz'eel

Brothers Skargrimsson,

I would urge you not to do anything rash. Vellyn and Faith have not yet had a chance to speak on the matter. Faith seems particularly sore that I spoke against her during the election, and seems to have set her mind (thus far) on the notion that banditry is irredeemable and we cannot reward those whom are criminals and have harmed Ephians.  She may not listen to me, but may listen to Vellyn or other council whom she trusts.

It is best if your hands remain stayed while these negotiations proceed. Further violence will only reinforce this mindset among those who hold it.

I have reminded her that throughout history, strength of arms and prowess in battle beyond challenge is how lordships are crafted and settlements have risen from the ash to be recognized as nations. You are no longer mere bandits, through force of arms, and countless battles won even when outnumbered. We cannot continue to treat you as such.

You have shown yourselves to be civilized, always honoring all negotiations and never taking any Ephian life thus far to my knowledge. There is clearly a path forward for diplomacy, and as I have reminded our Legate of Purple -  Peace is defined by enemies choosing to forgive the slights and transgressions of the past in order to end a conflict and turn an enemy into an ally.


Continue to be civilized, and this can be a victory and spectacle we can all share in.


Qari Alriyh,
Legate of the League of Gold
Scholar of Baz'eel

[luxury]

Honored Legate,

I hope you will forgive the coldness of my words in your office. They were not meant of malice, nor to be dismissive of the champion's life.  As legate, you will find you no longer have the luxury of thinking in terms of a decision affecting a single life.

As you're no doubt aware, dozens die each day from exposure to the ash, starvation, raids of melek upon the fringes, and so on.

Every decision you make, along with every hesitation or lack of choice will directly cause people to die. No matter how objectively or morally correct you are. People will die. No matter how justified or correct you are, there will be people who hate you for the actions you take.  No Legate has escaped from this. It is the cost that comes with the terrible responsibility you have inherited.

As Legate, our burden must be to think of the hundreds. Of the thousands. Of the future of the disc itself. Perhaps when you have made a few of these decisions for yourself, you will understand the crushing weight of them, that drove Domnhall insane.

I pray that Warad has a set a gentler path before you than that.

As ever, I am present to offer council when needed. As I said in your office. I am no sycophant. I will not tell you what you want to hear. It will very often be the opposite. I will tell you the bare truth, the realistic options and outcomes. No more, or less.

Call upon me when you require my services.


Qari Alriyh,
Legate of the First Seat, Gold League
Scholar of Baz'eel

[Qari Alriyh]

Dear Secretary,

I was much concerned to hear of an assault upon your person. Are you well? Are you eating correctly? Shall I have my staff send you some proper food and tea so that you are not forced to drink that dreadful concoction that passes for "Coffee" here in the Citadel?

I did caution you that the white league oft turns on itself. It is surprising still that they would do this to you. Perhaps a rival who sought to also become an official? Perhaps you have recently rebuked the Glaziers..? I would recommend hiring a capable bodyguard whom is not a member of the White. Do you need assistance with funds for this? I would be happy to provide a small loan with negligible rates.

I heard the bellows of "Arther" of the Rose calling you a "Little Goblin."  Do not take such things to heart. You have a soul full of passion, and are young. The youthful make idealistic mistakes. Do not let these events darken your soul.  Use them as an opportunity to grow, and improve upon your manners. So that no one else will ever see you as a "Little Goblin" again. Perhaps with a rosier outlook, you might have a chance at election anew. I would be happy to tutor you in how to actually win an election, if you wish. I would even waive the customary fee, as a showing of friendship and charity.

Wishing you all the best, Dear Secretary.

Dictated to   Amin al-Amin, Secretary of Alriyh  , But Not Read by:


Qari Alriyh
Legate of the League of Gold
Scholar of Baz'eel

[Less severely]

Honored Lieutenant,

As a loyal servant of our Sultan, I must write to you of the blatant idiocy, insubordination and disrespect one of your men has shown to a loyal servant of our Sultan, and the Legates of this citadel.

On numerous occasions, "Sergeant Gilbracht" has defied the legates, openly stating they cannot give him orders. He disrespects Legate Lujayn at every turn, and his brash nature nearly cost the lives of six people due to ignoring and not following orders during a hostage exchange just last eve. You yourself had to command this man to stop being foolish and obey the Legate.

He has no sense of tact, and ignores the customs of the desert, and has shown he cares nothing for the well-being of his men, of your brave soldiers when he must weigh them against his pride.

He has misunderstood one of our laws, and sought to fine me two hundred Dinar.  I told him if he apologized to me publicly for this, and dropped the matter... I would give him thousands of dinar to put into your empty treasury, to see your men paid until our Legates hold allotment.  He continued to be disrespectful, and demanded the two hundred dinar which goes to the pyramid instead, to be divided among the Accord. He chose to be insulting, rather than see his men supported with just a moment of humility and civility on his part.

This man is an utter embarrassment to the Legion, and Baz'eel. I have taken it upon myself to offer funds to the rest of your men I have seen patrolling, as I have ever supported our Sultan's men generously. Gilbracht is a disaster waiting to happen. Demote this man, or I will most certainly be making his failings the topic of social chatter within the gossip of Baz'eel! Less severely - I will advise the legates to divert a portion of intended funds to the Legion... to be sent other members of the accord until this man is demoted or fired.



Qari Alriyh,
Scholar of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat, 7787

Honored Legate,

Here is a draft of what we discussed last eve:

Legate Lujayn,

As has been reported by Chief scribe Frederica Ashbury, the total sum of damages after your decent was 27,562 dinar. It would be improper for this burden to be placed upon the state treasury, so the gold league would propose that the sum be paid by the purple league, instead. Or, if you wish to display personal accountability, you could announce to the people at assembly that you will pay this sum yourself.

The Gold League would prefer to maintain momentum after the political success of last evening. We offer to contribute 10,000 (Ten Thousand) dinar from the coffers of the Gold League to assist the purple league (or Legate Lujayn) in the payment of damages, leaving the state treasury for distribution of allotment.


Signed:
Qari Alriyh,   Tabbah 21st, 7789
[A line is left for Vellyn's signature]

[thousand]

Hello,

Legate Lhyrian has tasked me with dispensing funds for the sale of the Quarry. The total being one hundred and five thousand Dinar. As much of the initial investment was from Balstan and Argent, we may safely assert their portion of the funds is put to better use elsewhere. After discussing with the Legate,

The funds should be dispensed thusly :

Name:   Funds Received:
Qari Alriyh:   5000
Vellyn Lhyrian:   6800
Gwenevere Dudley (The Second Flame) :   10000
Enmur Farados (The Ashen Conclave) :   10000
Campaign Voices:   35000
Campaign Bribes:   5000
Cogsworth:   120000
Dunstan Feldg:   1000
Hanson Gilbrecht:   1000
All Other Gold League Benefactors:   30000

For facilitating the dispensation of funds as well as my advising Balstan and Argent on the initial acquisition, a sum paid to me, Qari Alriyh, of Five thousand coins.

For facilitating the sale of the Quarry, a commission of six thousand eight hundred to Vellyn Lhyrian.

To the organizations "Second Flame" and "Ashen Conclave" - Ten thousand each for their support and efforts in seeing the Gold League thrive.


Forty thousand set to the election itself, budgeting five voices for Gold League members or supporters in exchange for their vote, and an additional five thousand for other miscellaneous bribes.

Twelve hundred thousand to Cogsworth just to be generous.

A thousand each to Sergeant Gilbracht and the Vizier Feldt.

The remaining thirty thousand to be distributed to the other benefactors of the Gold league whom had an interest in the Quarry. // NPC investors


This allocation will help ensure our voiced membership is happy and will vote Gold, rather than stray in their votes as they have in the past elections.  A victory this election will set us in fine position for a monochromatic pair of legates in the next. 

Up the Gold.

Qari Alriyh

Alzorbo,

I have returned only to be greatly disappointed by your short-sighted contract with the Banda.

You cannot be omnipresent, and your contract actively inconveniences the business of other Gold League members. It does nothing to hinder the sales of others, as they merely step outside the Krak to do so.

Revise your contract to allow the business of the entire Gold League, and allow others such as the Scribe Murassa to buy their way in.


The entire thing is rather inefficient. You would be better served paying the Banda to physically dissuade competitors outside of the gold league, and force them to raise their prices.

There is no such thing as exclusivity in brewing, but you can certainly take steps to ensure your prices are the lowest.  Mine are already higher than other brewers, as I do this recreationally. I refer the business to any other brewer whom is present, and my profit comes from the demand created when there is no supplier.

Consider your contract. It is best for you, and the Gold League that you revise it per above.

-Qari Alriyh

My Dear Friend Rennik,

I fear I cannot give you the one thing you desire. Not yet, anyways. There's been a development. I'm told you intend to vote as a Bloc this election. It is urgently imperative that you seek me out before your men vote. Call for me on the bellows.

-Qari

Balestriere,

I've reviewed the contract you provided with the individual in question.

I expect they will sign.

Do let me know if you require further negotiations as a third party.

-Qari

Balestriere,


I am told the property will be exchanged in short order.  Do let me know if you require anything else.

-Qari

Dear Balestriere,

I'm uncertain which property you refer to. I have no interests being conducted in the tablet at this time. I am happy to continue to exchange favors, but if there is a desire to see this property change hands..? I will need to know more about what it is you desire.

-Qari