KyleSchmelz
Elite
The following is read by herald and found published throughout Wayside.
Day 5 Report:
As the issue of Jonah Stone had been raised, the council decided to bring him in for questioning.
Jonah Stone was escorted into the chambers in chains and flanked by two guards. A royal page entered into evidence copies of letters between Stone and another GFW member in which they detailed their plans to assassinate Duchess Attwater and suggested that Stone had shown His Majesty false evidence which had led to the salting of Targosia. Duke Eliason asked why they did not present the original letters. The page replied that Magistrate Amy Hale had made the copies, but had been unable to secure the original documents.
Mr. Stone testified that he had lied to His Majesty, telling him falsely that Duchess Attwater had been funding necromantic experiments, intending to raise a new Targus to terrorize the Kingdom. He stated that His Majesty had ordered the salting of Targosia based on this false advice. Duke Raash angrily interjected that His Majesty could not expect Mr. Stone’s involvement to absolve him of all guilt, and that regardless of advice that may have led to the decision, the order had come from His Majesty’s hand. Duchess Attwater agreed, and stated that any allegation of necromantic activity in Targosia was categorically untrue. Mr. Stone laughed, declaring before the council that even with the adventurers’ interference he had destroyed hundreds of acres of land and the home of Wayside’s Romani people. He continued in this vein for several minutes using language that is not appropriate for the official record.
Duke Grimlock requested that Mr. Stone confirm the contents of the letters which had made reference to an attack on Duchess Attwater of Targosia. Mr. Stone stated that members of the GFW had hired mercenaries to attack the Duchess due to her status as protector of Wayside’s gypsy population. Duchess Crosspick asked what relevance this matter had to the current proceedings, as Mr. Stone’s guilt had already been determined by the magistrate who had ordered his arrest. Duke Turnsen stated that His Majesty had the right to call any witnesses who could explain the situation that had led to any actions which the rebels would use to support their allegations of wrongdoing. Duchess Attwater declared that Mr. Stone was merely a scapegoat on whom His Majesty could pin his own crimes. Duke Eliason replied that the letters appeared to support Mr. Stone's testimony. One of Mr. Stone's guard requested permission to address the council, and stated that several of Mr. Stone's associates in the GFW were also in custody and could be called to corroborate his testimony if the council wished. He added that Magistrate Hale as a Biata had performed mind reading when Mr. Stone had been processed. Duchess Cybil asked why the Magistrate was not escorting the prisoner herself. His Majesty stated that the Magistrate had been given the duty of protecting Her Majesty the Queen, and would not leave her post. Duke Raash asked that it be noted for the record that he objected to Mr. Stone's testimony being considered exculpatory for His Majesty, as Mr. Stone had obvious motive to accept the blame for His Majesty's deeds. Duke Turnsen replied that the same objection had been made to the presence of Duke Raash's cronies, adding that at least Mr. Stone had physical documents to support his words. Duke Raash replied that the previous witnesses had come of their own volition, not to avoid imprisonment, and had all spoken the truth despite the threat of retaliation from His Majesty. Duchess Crosspick stated her opinion that both Dukes could stop acting like children, and several council members began arguing loudly until Duke Grimlock called the meeting to order.
Mr. Stone declared that he had nothing more to say, and asked His Majesty how Her Majesty was faring with the child. His Majesty rose abruptly and demanded that Mr. Stone be removed from the chamber. Mr. Stone laughed as he was escorted from the council's presence.
Duchess Crosspick reiterated that Mr. Stone's testimony did not appear to be relevant to the council. Duke Turnsen stated that the rebels had accused His Majesty of crimes committed by Mr. Stone and the GFW. Duke Raash argued that even if His Majesty had not been aware of a plan to assassinate Duchess Attwater, he had publicly issued the command to destroy her duchy and that his complicity in the matter should not be in question. Duke Eliason stated that he would like to see the evidence which had led to the order being issued, speculating that it must have been compelling in order to warrant His Majesty's actions. Duchess Attwater declared angrily that no such evidence existed, because she had not broken any laws nor allowed any to be broken in Targosia. Duke Grimlock reminded the council that four witnesses were still waiting to speak, and requested that the council reserve judgment until all had spoken.
The next witness to speak was Silp, Page to His Grace Duke Raash. Page Silp declared that he represented Duke Raash and had come to explain the situation with the red and white King, i.e. His Majesty King Eisenhorn. Duke Eliason asked Duke Raash whether this person was the best representative he had been able to dredge up. Page Silp added that he had come for the first day of the meeting, but had been thrown in prison instead. His Majesty loudly declared that his Magistrates had been dedicated to protecting the lives of the Dukes, and that if they had been presented with a request to see the Dukes by a known criminal they may have exercised their authority to detain such a person for reasonable questioning. Duchess Fairfax stated that Silp meant no harm and politely urged the council to be patient with him. Duchess Cybil added that she was very interested in the testimony.
Page Silp mentioned the pirate Black Betty. He entered into evidence a letter written from His Majesty to Black Betty, stating that the letter had been authenticated by Magistrate Alistair Morgan. The letter showed that His Majesty had paid the pirate Black Betty to attack any ships bringing supplies to Briar Pass and to kill Wayside's citizens, and promised the isle of Ca La Dorne as a reward. Page Silp stated that His Majesty had noted on the letter that it should have been burnt, thus showing his guilt.
His Majesty objected and stated the letter did not mention the murder of anyone. The letter, which His Majesty confirmed came from him, was meant to stop transport of supplies from a neutral nation to a traitor of the crown. He reminded the council that there was a war going on. Duchess Cybil stated that Ca La Dorne was not his to grant dominion over, by pirates or otherwise. Duke Turnsen commented that no ships of his were attacked en route to Eastwood, a Duchy which was loyal. Duke Raash remarked that this was the second Duchy His Majesty had harmed in order to punish its Duke.
Duke Monteque added that in war, unlikely bargains are made for the good of the nation. Duke Monteque gave a nod to His Majesty and sat back in his chair. Page Silp read the entirety of the letter and handed it to Duke Grimlock. The letter was passed around to each Duke for scrutiny. In his closing statement, Silp noted that Duke Raash is a very honorable and kind man and that he was looking out for his people. He thanked the council for its attention and was escorted from the room.
The next witness to speak was Circle Master Eric Marsters of the Greater Earth Guild of Terna. Before beginning his argument, he admitted before the council to having been convicted of necromancy. He stated that he had already served his punishment, and added that he admitted his crime so that the council would know that he was being honest and forthright in all his statements. Duke Eliason said loudly that after the disgraced knights and adventurers and convicted criminals that had testified thus far, a necromancer would make a refreshing change. Duchess Crosspick stated reluctantly that if he was not here defending the practice of necromancy, it need not impugn his testimony, but that she was nonetheless hesitant.
Circle Master Marsters addressed all Dukes, beginning with the subject of Black Betty. Duke Turnsen mentioned Page Silp had just shown the letter and asked if The Circle Master had anything to add. The Circle Master told his accounts, which corroborated Page Silp’s statements. Duchess Attwater clarified that Page Silp had mentioned all of this. The Circle Master then gave testimony regarding Jonah Stone. He declared that it was unacceptable that a bounty for Romani of 1g a head had been promised by the crown, and reminded the council of His Majesty’s involvement in the destruction of Targosia by elementals. Duke Monteque remarked that the Romani are creatures with spirits, and that they are protected and not monsters to be killed for sport. Duchess Claire Cybil demanded he watch his own agenda. Duke Monteque put his head upon the table and motioned for Circle Master Marsters to continue, with 10 snake heads looking at Duchess Claire Cybil’s direction.
Circle Master addressed the Dukes again and brought up Her Majesty the Queen. Circle Master Marsters declared that instead of investigating the assassination, His Majesty issued a “kill on sight” order for the guild known as LifeStorm. Only after the magistratum were convinced was the order rescinded. His Majesty interjected that physical evidence had been found at the scene of Her Majesty’s death, placing LifeStorm there. Circle Masters proceeded, stating that His Majesty had offered Jehan Wyldweaver favor if he killed Romani, Lady FallingStar, Eldandiril Zanabanath and other members of LifeStorm. Duke Monteque raised his head and argued that no other proof had been presented about the Queen’s assassination, and thus the matter should be dropped. Duke Grimlock agreed that while tragic, no testimony on the subject could be used as that topic wasn’t under debate. Duke Monteque commented that the only witnesses to her assassination were probably forest critters like bears and squirrels, but they can’t speak unfortunately. Circle Master spoke up one final time on the obliteration of Squire Foss Siril. Duchess Crosspick mentioned that as discussed a few days past, Squire Siril was given trial. Circle Master claimed during the ritual, when confronted about the signed documents of Wayside’s charter, His Majesty had proclaimed that he would do whatever it took to take power, and the Ducal rights don’t matter. Duchess Claire Cybil gasped. His Majesty objected and proclaimed that those words were taken out of context. Duke Grimlock asked if those words were spoken. His Majesty nodded. His Majesty protested that former Duke Baran Buchaneon did not deserve a trial as he violated that agreement. His Majesty stated that the issue of Bucky has passed, and he had been banished from Wayside forever.
Circle Master Marster lastly mentioned the dissolution of the Solar’s Guild by the crown, in violation of the laws that separate the Guilds from royal politics. He added that His Majesty had seized the Guild’s golems and left Jehan Wyldweaver as the only remaining member of the Guild. His Majesty stated that despite the special protections awarded to the Guilds, the Solars had destroyed golems which were royal property, which is a crime, and the royal army had been forced to seize property of equal value.
In closing statements, Circle Masters summarized his allegations against His Majesty: that he had attempted to assassinate Baran Buchaneon, preventing a trial, to which he had a right; that he had hired a pirate to attack citizens and attempt to disrupt commerce for the kingdom; that he had allowed Jonah Stone to attempt to commit genocide against the Romani of Wayside; that he had used the assassination of the Queen to attempt to destroy an adventuring guild; and that he had violated the charter that provides protection for the Guilds and for the Ducal Council.
Circle Master Marsters was walked outside as the Dukes began to argue debate amongst themselves.
Outside, Ser Cha’ka finally stood down last night after several days of shouting at his fellow royal knights.
---Harlae Jackayn
Royal Scribe reporting from within the Council Chambers
Day 5 Report:
As the issue of Jonah Stone had been raised, the council decided to bring him in for questioning.
Jonah Stone was escorted into the chambers in chains and flanked by two guards. A royal page entered into evidence copies of letters between Stone and another GFW member in which they detailed their plans to assassinate Duchess Attwater and suggested that Stone had shown His Majesty false evidence which had led to the salting of Targosia. Duke Eliason asked why they did not present the original letters. The page replied that Magistrate Amy Hale had made the copies, but had been unable to secure the original documents.
Mr. Stone testified that he had lied to His Majesty, telling him falsely that Duchess Attwater had been funding necromantic experiments, intending to raise a new Targus to terrorize the Kingdom. He stated that His Majesty had ordered the salting of Targosia based on this false advice. Duke Raash angrily interjected that His Majesty could not expect Mr. Stone’s involvement to absolve him of all guilt, and that regardless of advice that may have led to the decision, the order had come from His Majesty’s hand. Duchess Attwater agreed, and stated that any allegation of necromantic activity in Targosia was categorically untrue. Mr. Stone laughed, declaring before the council that even with the adventurers’ interference he had destroyed hundreds of acres of land and the home of Wayside’s Romani people. He continued in this vein for several minutes using language that is not appropriate for the official record.
Duke Grimlock requested that Mr. Stone confirm the contents of the letters which had made reference to an attack on Duchess Attwater of Targosia. Mr. Stone stated that members of the GFW had hired mercenaries to attack the Duchess due to her status as protector of Wayside’s gypsy population. Duchess Crosspick asked what relevance this matter had to the current proceedings, as Mr. Stone’s guilt had already been determined by the magistrate who had ordered his arrest. Duke Turnsen stated that His Majesty had the right to call any witnesses who could explain the situation that had led to any actions which the rebels would use to support their allegations of wrongdoing. Duchess Attwater declared that Mr. Stone was merely a scapegoat on whom His Majesty could pin his own crimes. Duke Eliason replied that the letters appeared to support Mr. Stone's testimony. One of Mr. Stone's guard requested permission to address the council, and stated that several of Mr. Stone's associates in the GFW were also in custody and could be called to corroborate his testimony if the council wished. He added that Magistrate Hale as a Biata had performed mind reading when Mr. Stone had been processed. Duchess Cybil asked why the Magistrate was not escorting the prisoner herself. His Majesty stated that the Magistrate had been given the duty of protecting Her Majesty the Queen, and would not leave her post. Duke Raash asked that it be noted for the record that he objected to Mr. Stone's testimony being considered exculpatory for His Majesty, as Mr. Stone had obvious motive to accept the blame for His Majesty's deeds. Duke Turnsen replied that the same objection had been made to the presence of Duke Raash's cronies, adding that at least Mr. Stone had physical documents to support his words. Duke Raash replied that the previous witnesses had come of their own volition, not to avoid imprisonment, and had all spoken the truth despite the threat of retaliation from His Majesty. Duchess Crosspick stated her opinion that both Dukes could stop acting like children, and several council members began arguing loudly until Duke Grimlock called the meeting to order.
Mr. Stone declared that he had nothing more to say, and asked His Majesty how Her Majesty was faring with the child. His Majesty rose abruptly and demanded that Mr. Stone be removed from the chamber. Mr. Stone laughed as he was escorted from the council's presence.
Duchess Crosspick reiterated that Mr. Stone's testimony did not appear to be relevant to the council. Duke Turnsen stated that the rebels had accused His Majesty of crimes committed by Mr. Stone and the GFW. Duke Raash argued that even if His Majesty had not been aware of a plan to assassinate Duchess Attwater, he had publicly issued the command to destroy her duchy and that his complicity in the matter should not be in question. Duke Eliason stated that he would like to see the evidence which had led to the order being issued, speculating that it must have been compelling in order to warrant His Majesty's actions. Duchess Attwater declared angrily that no such evidence existed, because she had not broken any laws nor allowed any to be broken in Targosia. Duke Grimlock reminded the council that four witnesses were still waiting to speak, and requested that the council reserve judgment until all had spoken.
The next witness to speak was Silp, Page to His Grace Duke Raash. Page Silp declared that he represented Duke Raash and had come to explain the situation with the red and white King, i.e. His Majesty King Eisenhorn. Duke Eliason asked Duke Raash whether this person was the best representative he had been able to dredge up. Page Silp added that he had come for the first day of the meeting, but had been thrown in prison instead. His Majesty loudly declared that his Magistrates had been dedicated to protecting the lives of the Dukes, and that if they had been presented with a request to see the Dukes by a known criminal they may have exercised their authority to detain such a person for reasonable questioning. Duchess Fairfax stated that Silp meant no harm and politely urged the council to be patient with him. Duchess Cybil added that she was very interested in the testimony.
Page Silp mentioned the pirate Black Betty. He entered into evidence a letter written from His Majesty to Black Betty, stating that the letter had been authenticated by Magistrate Alistair Morgan. The letter showed that His Majesty had paid the pirate Black Betty to attack any ships bringing supplies to Briar Pass and to kill Wayside's citizens, and promised the isle of Ca La Dorne as a reward. Page Silp stated that His Majesty had noted on the letter that it should have been burnt, thus showing his guilt.
His Majesty objected and stated the letter did not mention the murder of anyone. The letter, which His Majesty confirmed came from him, was meant to stop transport of supplies from a neutral nation to a traitor of the crown. He reminded the council that there was a war going on. Duchess Cybil stated that Ca La Dorne was not his to grant dominion over, by pirates or otherwise. Duke Turnsen commented that no ships of his were attacked en route to Eastwood, a Duchy which was loyal. Duke Raash remarked that this was the second Duchy His Majesty had harmed in order to punish its Duke.
Duke Monteque added that in war, unlikely bargains are made for the good of the nation. Duke Monteque gave a nod to His Majesty and sat back in his chair. Page Silp read the entirety of the letter and handed it to Duke Grimlock. The letter was passed around to each Duke for scrutiny. In his closing statement, Silp noted that Duke Raash is a very honorable and kind man and that he was looking out for his people. He thanked the council for its attention and was escorted from the room.
The next witness to speak was Circle Master Eric Marsters of the Greater Earth Guild of Terna. Before beginning his argument, he admitted before the council to having been convicted of necromancy. He stated that he had already served his punishment, and added that he admitted his crime so that the council would know that he was being honest and forthright in all his statements. Duke Eliason said loudly that after the disgraced knights and adventurers and convicted criminals that had testified thus far, a necromancer would make a refreshing change. Duchess Crosspick stated reluctantly that if he was not here defending the practice of necromancy, it need not impugn his testimony, but that she was nonetheless hesitant.
Circle Master Marsters addressed all Dukes, beginning with the subject of Black Betty. Duke Turnsen mentioned Page Silp had just shown the letter and asked if The Circle Master had anything to add. The Circle Master told his accounts, which corroborated Page Silp’s statements. Duchess Attwater clarified that Page Silp had mentioned all of this. The Circle Master then gave testimony regarding Jonah Stone. He declared that it was unacceptable that a bounty for Romani of 1g a head had been promised by the crown, and reminded the council of His Majesty’s involvement in the destruction of Targosia by elementals. Duke Monteque remarked that the Romani are creatures with spirits, and that they are protected and not monsters to be killed for sport. Duchess Claire Cybil demanded he watch his own agenda. Duke Monteque put his head upon the table and motioned for Circle Master Marsters to continue, with 10 snake heads looking at Duchess Claire Cybil’s direction.
Circle Master addressed the Dukes again and brought up Her Majesty the Queen. Circle Master Marsters declared that instead of investigating the assassination, His Majesty issued a “kill on sight” order for the guild known as LifeStorm. Only after the magistratum were convinced was the order rescinded. His Majesty interjected that physical evidence had been found at the scene of Her Majesty’s death, placing LifeStorm there. Circle Masters proceeded, stating that His Majesty had offered Jehan Wyldweaver favor if he killed Romani, Lady FallingStar, Eldandiril Zanabanath and other members of LifeStorm. Duke Monteque raised his head and argued that no other proof had been presented about the Queen’s assassination, and thus the matter should be dropped. Duke Grimlock agreed that while tragic, no testimony on the subject could be used as that topic wasn’t under debate. Duke Monteque commented that the only witnesses to her assassination were probably forest critters like bears and squirrels, but they can’t speak unfortunately. Circle Master spoke up one final time on the obliteration of Squire Foss Siril. Duchess Crosspick mentioned that as discussed a few days past, Squire Siril was given trial. Circle Master claimed during the ritual, when confronted about the signed documents of Wayside’s charter, His Majesty had proclaimed that he would do whatever it took to take power, and the Ducal rights don’t matter. Duchess Claire Cybil gasped. His Majesty objected and proclaimed that those words were taken out of context. Duke Grimlock asked if those words were spoken. His Majesty nodded. His Majesty protested that former Duke Baran Buchaneon did not deserve a trial as he violated that agreement. His Majesty stated that the issue of Bucky has passed, and he had been banished from Wayside forever.
Circle Master Marster lastly mentioned the dissolution of the Solar’s Guild by the crown, in violation of the laws that separate the Guilds from royal politics. He added that His Majesty had seized the Guild’s golems and left Jehan Wyldweaver as the only remaining member of the Guild. His Majesty stated that despite the special protections awarded to the Guilds, the Solars had destroyed golems which were royal property, which is a crime, and the royal army had been forced to seize property of equal value.
In closing statements, Circle Masters summarized his allegations against His Majesty: that he had attempted to assassinate Baran Buchaneon, preventing a trial, to which he had a right; that he had hired a pirate to attack citizens and attempt to disrupt commerce for the kingdom; that he had allowed Jonah Stone to attempt to commit genocide against the Romani of Wayside; that he had used the assassination of the Queen to attempt to destroy an adventuring guild; and that he had violated the charter that provides protection for the Guilds and for the Ducal Council.
Circle Master Marsters was walked outside as the Dukes began to argue debate amongst themselves.
Outside, Ser Cha’ka finally stood down last night after several days of shouting at his fellow royal knights.
---Harlae Jackayn
Royal Scribe reporting from within the Council Chambers