Messages

EFU is feeling more job than fun lately, taking the week.

Sister Selsi
Hello, beloved Ephia's Well. The Sisterhood Charity Auction, sponsored by the First Seat, will be beginning in approximately thirty minutes. We'll be auctioning off donated goods and services at the Verdant Stage to raise money for the new District. Beloved contributors to the auction include -

Faisal, Alejandro, and Legate Gausim. I'm certain there might be something for just about everyone. Have a wonderful day- and we hope to see you all there!

After the Auction, came raised word

Sister Selsi
I'd like to thank, again, all the participants in our auction! Together we've raised from this auction twenty four thousand and one Dinar for the new District fund, pushing us all along a little bit farther to beginning this great new work. Together we'll make our Well- and the world- a little bit better.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Yet still after that came further word, as more donations flowed. As well as a charitable matching of the Ephian Treasury with both Legates agreeing to match the Auction and Donated funds. Announcement came thereafter.[/i

Gausim al-Marain
Live. And Drink. I am pleased to announce that the Auction has resulted in 60,000 dinar donated to district costs of Shaimela's Splendor. 30,000 dinar from Auction and Donation, with a matching 30,000 dinar from Ephia's Treasury.

With the sums acquired we now officially have three fourths of the needed sum for the breaking of ground, while we still await the Gohari Survey as well as the other interested parties of investment. May I extend gratitude to you each and all for your contributions, as we near completion.

As Scribes tabulate the sums with the claim of the Legate of the First Seat's bellows, word spreads that over 375,000 dinar of the 500,000 needed to break ground on the project acquired. Efforts continue apace as the Gohari Heavy Machinery survey awaits, as well as word from the others of Bazeel's potential investors.

[Balladeer,]

Balladeer,

Firstly may I extend congratulations. Your efforts recognized by many, including your superiors, allows more of your efforts to expand and undertakings pursued. There is still much work to be done but it is good that you rise to the occasion.

As for the Call to Prayer regrettably the Gutter Beast's attacks and ensuring Secular affairs limited such things. It is why though it is raised each week, a routine, like the Sable Cloak itself coming to descend over the Disc in spite of the Demon.

It is no imposition at all for meeting newcomers and refugees, aiding their tutoring, is in no small part why I have been dispatched from The Great Temple to Ephia's Well. I shall endeavor to find her in the coming days but so too I welcome her to the Temple the same to speak with any.

Honored Waterbearer Gausim al-Marain
Of The Great Temple of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat

[Student Caddick]

Student Caddick,

Your words humble me. The teachings of Mother B'aara are profound and at times difficult to explain to the Refugee. There is, at its barest core, a kernel of compassion that resonates in the heart of those who have suffered so long, traveled so far, and endured. That we may bring them peace is the goal. Poor teachers we would be to cast them off, after mistakes such as last week. Though the wounds grievous they may yet be mended.

As for music of Baz'eel it comes in many form. From the raucous piano played Ja'zeel, to the sonorous and melodic horns, to the varied hymn and songs carried by Baz'eelan Choir. Each is unique and yet a truly splendid thing to witness concert. But if we speak of matters of which truly move the heart. The Temples of B'aara circulate the flow of water. It brings with it a varied tune depending upon the temperature of the water, the speed of the flow, and the cadence of the drip.

To sit, listen, it brings an almost meditative quality. Pay visit the Blessed Temple in the Souk for a half hour's time. And perhaps you can get a glimpse of what I mean by such.

Honored Waterbearer Gausim al-Marain
Of The Great Temple of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat

As word spreads of the Charity Auction to come, the first prizes announced.

Gausim al-Marain

With the announcement of the Auction to come in six days time, Five Writs I have seen drafted which, along with other merchandise and more, the Sisters shall be raising bids upon in hopes of securing funds for the new district.

The first shall be an invitation to the Ecstatic Terrace, to speak on any matter or policy you wish passed or merely to enjoy the view for as long as you like.

The second, Authorization from the First Seat for one month of Arms Bearing.

Third, Discount of Wand and Potion for one month's time.

Fourth shall be a Writ of Mercy, for as one who gives so very generously may have their judicial sentancing reduced. A letter of Character that may be introduced in one's defense, on behalf of the Mother B'aara.

And the finale piece. Authorization of Descent from the First Seat, for the remaining tenure of my time as Legate. Though one would still require authorization from the Second Seat. If you are charitable enough to the auction though your work cut in half. Come, spend, for best cause.

[Mark Miller]

Mark Miller,

Expertise is ever a welcome insight. While others have simply stated a few complaints you have given thorough and well reasoned considerations as to why this project may be worth considering forward.

Though tradition remains a concern I shall speak with Legate Akna, hear her thoughts, and we shall hopefully speak with you in due time.

A luxury of the waters of the Well - They flow. Fire may not be so much an issue but easily if we go in this direction perhaps water may be considered.

Honored Waterbearer Gausim al-Marain
Of The Great Temple of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat

[La Banda,]

La Banda,

It is known that recovery still underway but it is so too known that La Banda Rossa's successes and fortunes ever broadened from fastidious works and shrewd contract.

Though the Bodyguard License failed, Arms Bearing Authorization sits now the purview of a single Legate. And such a thing could go far in improving your contracts among the Voiced and more if due equipped and more security can be provided.

If you could among your collective select one of yours to negotiate I would be glad to begin engagement, to discuss Arms Bearing Authorization, terms, cost, and more for the Company as a whole that we may ensure these actions of the past week do not repeat themselves anew.

Honored Waterbearer Gausim al-Marain
Of The Great Temple of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat

[Fair friends Purple,]

Fair friends Purple,

In speaking with the Sisters an Auction is to be held to see the raise of funds in pursuit of the final push towards seeing Shaimela's Splendor built at the Sand Gate. As well as the investments of fair Baz'eel forward.

As part of this auction I shall be offering some personal charity, but if any of you wish to consider such, we would have no doubt a chance to see excess merchandise stock sold and further funds drafted towards the cause.

I can safely say I imagine none wish this project to stall, falter, or find its way back to the Rose Gate.

Seek out Sister Selsi or send word my way, that I may see such to her, as she and her acolyte Narwen have charitably agreed to orchestrate such.

Honored Waterbearer Gausim al-Marain
Of The Great Temple of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat

//Aim is for Sunday, 3 PM CST, but any surplus merchandise, offers, or more welcome to see my way or to Selsi

[On Violence]

On Violence
Gausim al-Marain

Envision if you would, an oasis pleasant and serene.  Heave a boulder into such. Watch the splash, the ripples, the consequence.

This. This is violence. Many believe it is a matter that resolves itself when satisfaction had. This word, satisfaction. It is used by the Wroth, by the outringers of the old City for their "Duello", and more. Violence though is not only a physical wounding. A wound of the Soul.

Disregarding other options, other considerations, other outcomes, for what? Sticks and Stones. Savagery. Magic to inflict your will - not by the spirit of that argument, not by the valid nature of the claim, not by divine mandate, not by due status, any power save your self.

A singular, errant action to disrupt all things, in the intimation that you are correct where others false. For while you may believe your actions just, you cannot tell how far the ripples, the splash, the consequences will reach.

Ballader Koji so proud, so dutiful, it is known he long aspired to see feud with Vico ended. Had he done such in the desert, in the Castle de Rose, it would have been still egregious.

But to do so in the Chamber of Rule. To drop his sword and declare "Feed me to the Lions, Feed me to the Condottiero, I care not". This callousness, this lack of foresight, this lack of wisdom, this belief of infallibility. That one called a "Cancer" excised. Damn the consequence.

...And in the process damn us all.

For hours did the Unspoken sit carved upon the Stele. For hours was Government sealed. Before Ambassador to Ka'esh, Director of Gohari Heavy Machinery, the Voiceless, the Voiced who came to our Assembly. This Settlement not viewed as some bastion of Refugee, of haven for the downtrodden, of pillar of aspiration for the Great Ash Desert. A place where The Unspoken's Name was howled by black magic, ripped from the throats of all who dwelled in Ephia's Well, on the fateful day that yesterday was. This settlement viewed as barbaric. Violent. Cruel. Apathetic. And welcoming of the Violence and chaos that is courted by the Unspoken once Spoken.

As a Woman's Corpse tossed into our heart of Rule with wanton disregard for propriety, care, or attending the dead. And so soon after as a Man's Corpse made fresh, lifesblood pooling on the stones. As violence of steel, spell, flung and splattered upon the Stele and walls and floors.

Though the first impact of the Boulder, the Deconsecration of the Stele, was settled.

How far were the ripples?
How large was the splash?
How could any know?
What the repercussions to come?

...While Astronomers smirked and jeered of their foes misfortunes, have we just empowered Diakos' rank, dooming their projects south to be overwhelmed as flesh and bone and more ripped from the innards of the Apothar and Nadiri? As newly emboldened of the Unspoken felt the ripples of the name and the red lights shot in to the sky, visible from so far?

...While the Legion struggled to maintain order, as so much chaos was focused upon the Chamber of Rule, and the Arena in the aftermath, what of those deserters in the Creep who howled and cheered and laughed at our failing? Of they who hunt, and prey upon the innocent.

...And while The Grandmaster's own Lyrist and others, upon the steps of the Pyramid, listened to her lament of the death of her dream. Only to be told "Yes, Grandmaster, and you killed it" as rose-cloaks tossed to the ground, have we just disenfranchised countless Refugee from the Accord?

...And while Recluta ask, "Condottiero, Must we still protect these swine?" The answer of "That depends on La Capitana and the Grandmaster" sending a blanching of pallor across the crowd, with renewed fears of new potential violence to come betwixt La Banda and Balladeer?

...These wounds so deep. So jarring. So fierce.
This. This the cost of Violence.
Time shall tell what shape the scars will take.

DM Shout:
Chaos and confusion around the Pyramid after an Assembly with death and violence aplenty.

Baleful glows emanate from the Pyramid's topmost spires.

Bashir Khatara
'Please evacuate the Pyramid immediately! EEK!'

DM Shout:
Chaos and confusion around the Pyramid after an Assembly with death and violence aplenty.

From the Pyramid's tip, a terrible red glow radiates from the topmost tip.

Aaisha al-Samar
Sealing Protocals are to be Enacted in the Chamber of Rule. All Non-Essential Staff are to be removed from the Pyamid at once!

DM Shout:The entire Well trembles.

Upon the lips of all, there is a word, and it is plain:

BASHMU.

Doubt

Gausim al-Marain
What began as an allotment of unprecedented graciousness and offer by the Balladeers, to see the entirety of the Accord's funds attended and prepared for trying times to come, to see all Three branches given a third increase over the Saenus standard...

What began as a heartfelt speech of agreement, from Sergeant Ashworth, about his men, his boys, who he called like sons, seeking to build something. To grow something. To aid and improve matters going forward, to help preserve us from the Gutters, to aid the District...

Even Apothar Mevura, putting aside politics, taking in feelings, seeing, hearing the wisdom in what was espoused. Espousing himself of what could be brought in a future. Such a show of unity. The three branches of the Accord.

...So much pain, so much grief, so much resentment, anger, bitterness. Festering. Clawing and cloying at the chest. Ripping through flesh, blood, steel. And now I fear, I wonder, were these words even true? Was this even genuine?

So much doubt, sowed by violence. So much agony. Such things manifest the Unspoken. A curse unlike the last - for at least, in some way, cause was given to Diakos' machinations and malicious intents. To sow his revenge. To make us suffer.

Before I made my way here I prayed to B'aara, to find the words. To stir in my teachings, my thoughts, my hearts - something I could say which would bring soothing. All I can muster is this, from the same Hymn I used to open the ASsembly.

To thee I cry, O'lady of the Wheel.

To rule though is not merely the lavish office, it is not the fame of a name known by many, it is not the claims of that how nobly you shall graciously accept your duty. It is in the work done. So I say this. We press on.

[close]

In escort from the Krak de Rose, a number of Balladeers, an Acolyte, and the Legate after his claim to press on. They move with purpose collecting water at the Temple of B'aara, before making for the Pyramid.

There they are joined with others, including Legate Ymir, benediction given by Acolyte Narwen while Vizier Bashier prepares the keys to unseal the Temple. And the War-Party to enter.

DM Shout:
There is a great fluttering of wings in the spaces of the Pyramid...

And then...the funds dispensed. 32,000 dinar to each of the Accord. By now Balladeer Aurelio's orders 10 to each of the petals, and 2,000 to the district. Though the Sisters graciously offering 2,000 of their share the same.

Resolve

Gausim al-Marain
[A soft huffing, and puffing] And so... We did press on. Into the Pyramid. Eight-times clockwise the Monolith, countering the Wyrm. Balladeer, Sister, Astronomer, Legion, Legates, more... In Quest dispatched by the Balladeers to atone...

In laying low the Unspokens snakes, in laying low their champions, in slaying Great Lizard, Basilisk, and more that had infiltrated our sacred Pyramid. And in Consecration, B'aara returned. The Pyramid opened. Though matters dire. New legislation to come in the coming days...

...But as the Sable Cloak holds us this night, rejoice. The Mother has recognized the steps of atonement. Her mercies boundless. And chance we yet have to better. Live, my friends. Live. And Drink.

[close]

Though the Mother returned to the Stele... scar tissue yet to form from such deep wound.

[Gausim]

We are overdue to speak. Seek me before or after the assembly tomorrow.

Gausim

Diocletes Diadys
This is...this is-- Soldier Diadys. [He sniffs and groans, breath short] With a message. They-- oh gods... [He tries to keep his composure.]

Lieutenant Vardgul Skarn
Coin'll be delivered as required, by the requested courier. Release the Magistrate as a sign of good intent. When you're free, al-Karim, make a bellows. Coin's not coming downstairs until we hear that bellows.

Diocletes Diadys
'We are the men...that Lieutenant Teg murd- murdered. I stood the line while the...the Cinquefoil Rose broke. While Lynneth was ch-... choking on her own blood.'

'And the Lieutenant will be coming to stand trial before the Sultan's men, or...or we are going to return his lit-...little pig- [A whimper] piggies in pieces next time we catch them.' [It is cut short at that]

Lieutenant Vardgul Skarn
We haven't heard the Magistrate yet. Coin's not coming downstairs until we do.

Faisal Al-Karim
Hello everyone, I would like you to know that I am quite safe, and that they would like the money to be delivered for the Sergeant to be returned safely. Three minutes.

Lucia Salacia
By none's leave, the Lion. A deal is a deal and it is made. I'll be watching you Samton, you coward, you left your men behind. I thought you were a soldier, not a Banda Rossa. You best get to work against them or I'll keep going .

Samton Ashworth
Qari's on his way, teleported away to deliver the coin, Lucia.

Jerrod Felch
The faith you place in your institutions, Legate Gausim, does not seem to be shared overly much by those who reside in them. I'll try and work my way down the list, as I imagine by now, yer Sergeant's been returned and everyone's licking their wounds...

Lucia Salacia
A thousand trampling feet upon the people below every day, a weight that must be lifted away. I wander freely among you and witness your actions and deeds, I witness the generous giving nothing to them but instead back to the cycle.

I will die in your plaza, or perhaps even to the lions, and be far less than a martyr or anything of note, but I will have died trying to save this world. I gather the fragments and piece them together, I wander where you cannot.

I find what is beyond your sight, and I gather those who are willing to witness the truth. My spear for the Queen, she who casts me out for my own ignorance still, she who's miracle was halted by the Rose.

But I wander still, two sets of foot prints wherever I do, and I see the salvation of this Well, this world. She, Queen Ibithal, daugther of the Mother herself....will return, and you will weep into my own blood when she does.

Gausim al-Marain
Oh, Jerrod. It is faith in institutions, like faith in the Wheel, that is a sign of respect. Legitimacy born of, tended, and adhered to .Rites and Liturgy. Ritual. Protocol. Mandate.

I may not always agree with the Astronomers on matters of politic and policy, but there are few I trust more to ward me from the Ash and in pursuit of the Nameless Courts.

I may not see eye to eye with the Cinquefoil Rose, in their odd adherence to a past so far gone and a life unknown to me, of violence and Mankind's endeavor towards nobility, but I have rarely seen so easily capture the imagination of a chance, for more.

And while the Legion and I may have our disagreements, I trust them every waking moment iwth my life, as do many Citizens of this city. These institutions, the Accord. They bear such a heavy weight upon their shoulders.

Herald of Ephia's Well
Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known that in their wisdom, Gausim al-Marain has hereby exiled Jerrod Felch from the settlement of Ephia's Well in perpetuity. Let them find no succor here!

Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known that in their wisdom, Gausim al-Marain has hereby exiled Lucia Salacia from the settlement of Ephia's Well in perpetuity. Let them find no succor here!

Gausim al-Marain
May the Mother of Sultan's tears cleanse their hands, of the dirt they are soon to thrust them into.

[Collections of Al-Marain]

Collections of Al-Marain
Works and Writings of The Honored Waterbearer of the Great Temple of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat of Ephia's Well, Iyar 7787 Election

On Culture.
The Second Day
Cooking to Brooking
Sacred Geometry
Hysairian Economic Theory
Institution
Legal Reformation

On Faith
The Three Impurities
Worship and Liturgy in Ephia's Well
The Four Clays
Orthodoxy
Confluence
The Blasphemy of the Dome

On Politics
The Rulings of Magistrate Al-Marain
Clearcreek Rebuttal
Gausim's Purple Platform

[Clarissant]

Clarissant,

You had said you were an ill fit for some stations because of your Oaths.

You are known far and wide though as one who attends the healing of many.

Let us meet and speak, an offer I have for you.

Honored Waterbearer Guasim al-Marain
Of The Great Temple of Baz'eel
Legate of the First Seat

Overnight does word begin to spread amidst the more formal, but equally the informal backchannels of the Palatial Pyramid.

Ambient Message
Word spreads that Gausim al-Marain has elevated Bashir Khatara to the position of Vizier.

A pair of announcements follows

Bashir Khatara
'Ephia's Well. Good day.' [A nervous cough.] 'Today, I step into the role of Vizier, a role which, contrary to the belief of some, has never been quite so simple or singular. In my time as a Scribe, I have aspired to serve the Sultan, the Legates, and the people of Ephia's Well to the best of my abilities.'

'My role as a Vizier will continue that work. I shall aim to implement and inform of the foreign policy set forth by our Legates. I shall be an advisor, and an organizer. Beyond that, my responsibilities shall not be increasing.'

'In this, I shall be a Vizier al-tanfidh. I hope that I shall be able to assist in guiding Ephia's Well towards a brighter future. Thank you.'

Gausim al-Marain
May the Vizier's rise, along with so many others before him, show testament to the good works to come from the Civil Service. In the coming days his office of Current Affairs, and many others to come shall be expanding and altering the ways they aid our fair settlement.