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Story Hour
Kingdom: Fear and Loathing in Emporopolis (Updated June 20, 2013)
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<blockquote data-quote="The Shadow" data-source="post: 6146784" data-attributes="member: 16760"><p>[I've got some time off work, so I've had time to write!]</p><p></p><p>[Now the Crossroad resumed, with a scene by me.]</p><p></p><p>Fylakas met with Maldark. "Neither of us can afford to have these so-called 'Graycloaks' poking about in our affairs." Maldark said sourly, "You need not remind me! What do you propose we do about it? Your connections among the nobility do not seem to be what they once were."</p><p></p><p>Fylakas glared. "Mind your tongue! I know enough to bring you down many times over." Maldark replied silkily, "And I also know things you would not want bruited about, yes?"</p><p></p><p>"Pshaw! If you so much as tried, it would bring more wrath upon your own head than on mine!" "True," Maldark admitted. "And you are right, we do have common cause here. What do you propose?"</p><p></p><p>Fylakas sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. "We will have to throw your man - the one who killed Spitha - to the wolves. You must surely admit he has it coming, after all the trouble he has brought us." "I do admit it. And yet, what will come of his interrogation?"</p><p></p><p>Fylakas shrugged. "That sounds much more like your problem than like mine. But if you are so concerned, I am certain you can arrange for an unfortunate death once he has made a clear and unequivocal confession. Betrayal and murder is your forte, is it not?" "As secrets is yours. Can you not hide our doings from notice?"</p><p></p><p>"I can. But I would as soon use mundane means of secrecy for the nonce. You know what those damnable wizard-bloodhounds are like!" "All too well, I assure you. Why do you think I came to a city where sorcery was still legal and the Church has no police powers?"</p><p></p><p>Fylakas said mock-lightly, "There were other reasons too, I think..." and savored Maldark's involuntary flinch. He continued, "Given how sorely you are wanted by the Empire, we will have to consider what we could convincingly offer them in your own case as well. Perhaps a double? They surely only have a rough description of you."</p><p></p><p>Maldark pondered. "Mayhap. I will think on it - you are right, they will not rest until they are convinced they have my blood. ... How far will they go, think you? Will it come to war?" Fylakas sighed. "Perhaps. But the Empire will not attack right away, it is not their way." [A Prediction: If the Graycloaks are not sent in, the Empire will not attack right away.] He shook his head. "Keep me apprised of developments."</p><p></p><p>Maldark assured him, "I will do so." When Fylakas had left, he approached Mathitis and told him coldly, "Your master is falling. For now, he is still too useful to dispense with. But there may come a day where that will change... On that day, your own fate will largely depend on how valuable I have found you to be."</p><p></p><p>Mathitis met his gaze; not quite the foolish boy he had been. "Perhaps your fate will likewise hinge on your usefulness. I know why you jump when my master whistles; but I could perhaps find it in me to forget, were you a reliable ally."</p><p></p><p>Maldark looked at him sidelong. "He shares such things with you? He trusts you so much, after so much folly?" "Try me. Shall I speak a certain name?" Maldark winced. "That... will not be necessary. I am quite certain we can work together." "Oh, grand. That does indeed warm the heart."</p><p></p><p>[Please note that at no time did we ever establish just what Fylakas' hold on Maldark actually was. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> Part of the fun was roleplaying around it without ever actually specifying!]</p><p></p><p>[As for the dagger, I'm not 100% it ever actually existed; Maldark might just have been stringing Mathitis along the whole time. By this point, I think even Mathitis might have suspected that.]</p><p></p><p>----------------------------</p><p></p><p>[At this point, the Side Effect was revealed: If the Graycloaks are allowed in, the Hierophant will be exposed and the resulting scandal will tarnish Kerdizo's reputation as well. In retrospect this wasn't a good Side Effect, as I'm really not sure how Kerdizo was supposed to see it coming in character. Ah well, we were still learning.]</p><p></p><p>----------------------------</p><p></p><p>Kerdizo came to the Logite Temple upon his cousin's urgent request. In the usual parlor, he encountered not just his cousin the Hierophant... but another priest whose white robes were covered in a cloak of pale dove-gray.</p><p></p><p>The Hierophant was more formal and agitated than usual. "Cousin, I would like you to meet, ah... a visiting priest. From the Imperial Capital." Kerdizo's bushy brows climbed to meet his hair at this news, but offered his hand. "A pleasure, I'm sure. Kerdizo Kerma... and you are?"</p><p></p><p>The other man smiled and said in a melodious voice, "My name is not important, good Kerma. I am a servant of the Logos." The Hierophant added, only a touch nervously, "Our guest is here as, ah, an investigator. We wish to get to the bottom of the threats made against me some time ago."</p><p></p><p>Kerdizo frowned. "Now see here. Isn't allowing his sort into town precisely the matter that is before the Governor as we speak?" The Hierophant winced, but the investigator raised an elegant hand. "No fear, friend Kerma. Given the delicate diplomatic situation, I am here for now simply as a private person. I have obeyed all of Emporopolis' laws scrupulously; there are none I know of against asking questions."</p><p></p><p>Kerdizo was still frowning. "Well, I suppose not... so long as you take 'no' for an answer." "So I have and so I will," the man assured him. The Hierophant jumped in again. "But we will know better what questions to ask, cousin, if you could tell us the name of the young apprentice who visited me? Better yet, the name of his master?"</p><p></p><p>The merchant folded his arms stubbornly. "His master's a customer of mine. A good one. He's always played straight by me, and so I'll play straight by him, by all the Spirits!" (He used the epithet defiantly in the temple, though the Graycloak turned not a hair.) The Hierophant said, "But he hasn't played straight by me, cos, you know that! You heard what the apprentice said, how brazenly he lied!"</p><p></p><p>Kerdizo snorted. "As far as I'm concerned, the apprentice is a slimy little toad. Never did trust him. But his master's a decent sort who's never played me false. And I don't much hold with the Empire poking about here behind our Governor's back!" [An Attitude, that.]</p><p></p><p>Both men tried to persuade him, but he stood firm, eventually taking his leave - cordially of his cousin, frostily of the Graycloak.</p><p></p><p>---------------------------</p><p></p><p>Milos told his herald, "Summon the ambassador." The man gasped, "My Lord! One does not simply <em>summon</em> an Imperial Ambassador!" Milos turned a steady gaze on him and stated flatly, "I believe that I just did. Therefore it is indeed among the things that I do." The man took that in and scurried off without a further word of protest.</p><p></p><p>When the irate Imperial Ambassador marched into Milos' throne room (accompanied by the red-faced herald), he found the Governor seated on his throne wearing the scarred armor he had recently worn in battle... and with his bared sword across his knees. That took a bit of the bluster out of him, but he still demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"</p><p></p><p>Milos stated dangerously, not rising to greet the man, "We might ask you the same question, Lord Ambassador." (This time he used the royal 'we'.) The man paled slightly, but bulled onward, "Explain yourself. I have no patience for games."</p><p></p><p>"Nor do we. Three days, you said - excuse me, His Imperial Majesty said. And yet before three days have run their course, we find ourselves putting down a rebellion of previously loyal subjects. An interesting coincidence, don't you think? In fact, it rather strains our credulity."</p><p></p><p>The man drew himself up to his full height, outraged. "His Imperial Majesty had no hand in this! In fact, His Imperial Majesty is gravely insulted that you so much as suggest it!"</p><p></p><p>Milos smiled, and his smile was frightening to behold. "Oh? Truly? Was it not the case that during those aforementioned three days, His Imperial Majesty was awaiting our answer as to whether the Logite investigators known as 'Graycloaks' were to be permitted to work within our demesne? And yet we have intelligence that there is at least one already covertly here at work. Here is a conundrum! Surely there must be an explanation, as none could believe His Imperial Majesty would so brazenly flout his own words to a fellow sovereign?"</p><p></p><p>The Ambassador paused, then said cautiously, "It may be that certain elements among His Imperial Majesty's government have taken actions without his knowledge. That... would indeed be unfortunate." "Oh indeed! There we are agreed. It is most unfortunate." Though his words were outwardly conciliatory, his tone more than suggested that lethality underlay them. [Like I said: Milos the Frickin' Terrifying!]</p><p></p><p>The man swallowed. "Under the circumstances, His Imperial Majesty would consider graciously, ah, extending the time in which he requires your answer?" "Oh, very graciously, we doubt not. In fact, we do think you should return to your Empire's capital to confer with him upon the details of his reply." The court gave a collective muted gasp: No matter how politely it was phrased, expelling the Ambassador was a diplomatic slap in the face.</p><p></p><p>The Imperial Ambassador did his best to salvage his dignity and his Emperor's face. "Yes, ah, quite. We see the wisdom in your... suggestion."</p><p></p><p>Kerdizo and Fylakas, both in the crowd, watched in stunned amazement with everyone else at the change in Milos. Mathitis, who was also present, was less affected; he was still overcome by being at court in the first place.</p><p></p><p>-----------------------------</p><p></p><p>Milos met with Fylakas and Mathitis in the audience chamber, still clad in armor. "I cannot spare you much time, my friend, so speak quickly. And I don't believe I've met your... son?"</p><p></p><p>Fylakas smiled. "My apprentice. Yes, friend Milos, I know you are most busy of late. Your work must be a great burden."</p><p></p><p>"It is," Milos admitted, "and yet it must be borne. If not by me, then by whom? Decisions must be made, and I know my city."</p><p></p><p>["I'm seizing Power back from you." "Oh really! And just how are you going to do that?!" "I'm a sorcerer, remember? And I've got my apprentice with me to help out."]</p><p></p><p>"Indeed you do. And yet, friend Milos, I believe I know the secret of your heart." Mathitis began chanting softly at this point, and Fylakas' eyes became strangely compelling, his voice oh so sympathetic. "In your heart of hearts, you desire to be Milos the Mild again, don't you? It is not even buried very deeply. You want to be a man of the people."</p><p></p><p>Milos stared into Fylakas' grey eyes, which had become reflectionless pools he could drown in. "A man... of the people." Fylakas chanted softly for a time in harmony with Mathitis, then said in that mesmerizing tone, "Yes, a man of the people. A man who holds no truck with harsh words. A man who can always keep everyone happy."</p><p></p><p>When Milos came to himself, he looked down at his armor and flushed. "Dear me! Have I been making rather an ass of myself?" Fylakas put a friendly arm about him. "It is all right, my friend. I know you were only doing what you thought was best at the time."</p><p></p><p>Milos' eyes flew wide. "Oh! And the things I said to the Ambassador...! Is it too late to apologize, do you think? What will my dear people say? You know I've always wanted to be a man of the people." Fylakas told him gently, "I'm afraid it is indeed too late, Milos. But I am sure we can salvage the situation. Together."</p><p></p><p>Milos put a hand to his head, momentarily confused."Yes, of course. Together. You've never failed me, my friend. What would I do without you?" Fylakas knew a moment of genuine sympathy; the man may be an oaf (though with unexpected depths), but he didn't truly deserve this.</p><p></p><p>But he answered, "I'm sure I don't know, Milos." Mathitis looked on wide-eyed, and his master belatedly suffered just a moment of doubt. What lesson was the boy learning from this? Ah well, it had to be done.</p><p></p><p>Milos abruptly said out of the blue, "All this sorcery the Empire's upset about... d'you think the people will stand for it?" [SuentisPo's parting shot: A Prediction, now that he was Perspective again, that if the Graycloaks were not allowed in, tensions against sorcery would flare.] Fylakas smiled at him, but the smile was strained. "I'm sure they will. They would be even more upset should you yield to the Empire's will; they might even go so far as to remove you."</p><p></p><p>[Pending Authority: If the Graycloaks are allowed in, the Governor will be removed. I did this to help keep SuentisPo from having any funny ideas during Crossroad resolution, which was imminent. He could perhaps have complicated things if he'd put his mind to it.]</p><p></p><p>[The irony of it all is that Milos was going to resolve the Crossroad the way I wanted him to! But he was just too much of a loose cannon, in Fylakas' eyes; and my hold on Maldark was slipping dangerously. Most of all, Fylakas simply didn't know what to do when he couldn't manipulate the nobility any more.]</p><p></p><p>[As for my Price... Let's just say that Mathitis' loyalty was to be in ever more question.]</p><p></p><p>------------------------------</p><p></p><p>[Crossroad resolution! It went smoothly enough, though the results were disquieting. The Graycloaks were refused entrance to Emporopolis, and therefore the Empire would ultimately attack, though not right away. And tensions against sorcery within the city were beginning to flare up. And even though we'd just had a Crisis, the level was already climbing sharply, due to all the threat of war. Meanwhile, the Governor was not removed.]</p><p></p><p>------------------------------</p><p></p><p>[Now it was SuentisPo's turn again to make a Crossroad, lucky me!]</p><p></p><p>The Empire's response to the expulsion of the Ambassador was stark. A tersely-worded demand that Maldark the sorcerer be remanded to Imperial custody was delivered, enforced by the naked threat of a fleet bearing Imperial Marines making its way toward Emporopolis' harbor.</p><p></p><p>[And the Crossroad question was, of course, "Will Emporopolis turn over Maldark to the Empire?"]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="The Shadow, post: 6146784, member: 16760"] [I've got some time off work, so I've had time to write!] [Now the Crossroad resumed, with a scene by me.] Fylakas met with Maldark. "Neither of us can afford to have these so-called 'Graycloaks' poking about in our affairs." Maldark said sourly, "You need not remind me! What do you propose we do about it? Your connections among the nobility do not seem to be what they once were." Fylakas glared. "Mind your tongue! I know enough to bring you down many times over." Maldark replied silkily, "And I also know things you would not want bruited about, yes?" "Pshaw! If you so much as tried, it would bring more wrath upon your own head than on mine!" "True," Maldark admitted. "And you are right, we do have common cause here. What do you propose?" Fylakas sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. "We will have to throw your man - the one who killed Spitha - to the wolves. You must surely admit he has it coming, after all the trouble he has brought us." "I do admit it. And yet, what will come of his interrogation?" Fylakas shrugged. "That sounds much more like your problem than like mine. But if you are so concerned, I am certain you can arrange for an unfortunate death once he has made a clear and unequivocal confession. Betrayal and murder is your forte, is it not?" "As secrets is yours. Can you not hide our doings from notice?" "I can. But I would as soon use mundane means of secrecy for the nonce. You know what those damnable wizard-bloodhounds are like!" "All too well, I assure you. Why do you think I came to a city where sorcery was still legal and the Church has no police powers?" Fylakas said mock-lightly, "There were other reasons too, I think..." and savored Maldark's involuntary flinch. He continued, "Given how sorely you are wanted by the Empire, we will have to consider what we could convincingly offer them in your own case as well. Perhaps a double? They surely only have a rough description of you." Maldark pondered. "Mayhap. I will think on it - you are right, they will not rest until they are convinced they have my blood. ... How far will they go, think you? Will it come to war?" Fylakas sighed. "Perhaps. But the Empire will not attack right away, it is not their way." [A Prediction: If the Graycloaks are not sent in, the Empire will not attack right away.] He shook his head. "Keep me apprised of developments." Maldark assured him, "I will do so." When Fylakas had left, he approached Mathitis and told him coldly, "Your master is falling. For now, he is still too useful to dispense with. But there may come a day where that will change... On that day, your own fate will largely depend on how valuable I have found you to be." Mathitis met his gaze; not quite the foolish boy he had been. "Perhaps your fate will likewise hinge on your usefulness. I know why you jump when my master whistles; but I could perhaps find it in me to forget, were you a reliable ally." Maldark looked at him sidelong. "He shares such things with you? He trusts you so much, after so much folly?" "Try me. Shall I speak a certain name?" Maldark winced. "That... will not be necessary. I am quite certain we can work together." "Oh, grand. That does indeed warm the heart." [Please note that at no time did we ever establish just what Fylakas' hold on Maldark actually was. :) Part of the fun was roleplaying around it without ever actually specifying!] [As for the dagger, I'm not 100% it ever actually existed; Maldark might just have been stringing Mathitis along the whole time. By this point, I think even Mathitis might have suspected that.] ---------------------------- [At this point, the Side Effect was revealed: If the Graycloaks are allowed in, the Hierophant will be exposed and the resulting scandal will tarnish Kerdizo's reputation as well. In retrospect this wasn't a good Side Effect, as I'm really not sure how Kerdizo was supposed to see it coming in character. Ah well, we were still learning.] ---------------------------- Kerdizo came to the Logite Temple upon his cousin's urgent request. In the usual parlor, he encountered not just his cousin the Hierophant... but another priest whose white robes were covered in a cloak of pale dove-gray. The Hierophant was more formal and agitated than usual. "Cousin, I would like you to meet, ah... a visiting priest. From the Imperial Capital." Kerdizo's bushy brows climbed to meet his hair at this news, but offered his hand. "A pleasure, I'm sure. Kerdizo Kerma... and you are?" The other man smiled and said in a melodious voice, "My name is not important, good Kerma. I am a servant of the Logos." The Hierophant added, only a touch nervously, "Our guest is here as, ah, an investigator. We wish to get to the bottom of the threats made against me some time ago." Kerdizo frowned. "Now see here. Isn't allowing his sort into town precisely the matter that is before the Governor as we speak?" The Hierophant winced, but the investigator raised an elegant hand. "No fear, friend Kerma. Given the delicate diplomatic situation, I am here for now simply as a private person. I have obeyed all of Emporopolis' laws scrupulously; there are none I know of against asking questions." Kerdizo was still frowning. "Well, I suppose not... so long as you take 'no' for an answer." "So I have and so I will," the man assured him. The Hierophant jumped in again. "But we will know better what questions to ask, cousin, if you could tell us the name of the young apprentice who visited me? Better yet, the name of his master?" The merchant folded his arms stubbornly. "His master's a customer of mine. A good one. He's always played straight by me, and so I'll play straight by him, by all the Spirits!" (He used the epithet defiantly in the temple, though the Graycloak turned not a hair.) The Hierophant said, "But he hasn't played straight by me, cos, you know that! You heard what the apprentice said, how brazenly he lied!" Kerdizo snorted. "As far as I'm concerned, the apprentice is a slimy little toad. Never did trust him. But his master's a decent sort who's never played me false. And I don't much hold with the Empire poking about here behind our Governor's back!" [An Attitude, that.] Both men tried to persuade him, but he stood firm, eventually taking his leave - cordially of his cousin, frostily of the Graycloak. --------------------------- Milos told his herald, "Summon the ambassador." The man gasped, "My Lord! One does not simply [i]summon[/i] an Imperial Ambassador!" Milos turned a steady gaze on him and stated flatly, "I believe that I just did. Therefore it is indeed among the things that I do." The man took that in and scurried off without a further word of protest. When the irate Imperial Ambassador marched into Milos' throne room (accompanied by the red-faced herald), he found the Governor seated on his throne wearing the scarred armor he had recently worn in battle... and with his bared sword across his knees. That took a bit of the bluster out of him, but he still demanded, "What is the meaning of this?" Milos stated dangerously, not rising to greet the man, "We might ask you the same question, Lord Ambassador." (This time he used the royal 'we'.) The man paled slightly, but bulled onward, "Explain yourself. I have no patience for games." "Nor do we. Three days, you said - excuse me, His Imperial Majesty said. And yet before three days have run their course, we find ourselves putting down a rebellion of previously loyal subjects. An interesting coincidence, don't you think? In fact, it rather strains our credulity." The man drew himself up to his full height, outraged. "His Imperial Majesty had no hand in this! In fact, His Imperial Majesty is gravely insulted that you so much as suggest it!" Milos smiled, and his smile was frightening to behold. "Oh? Truly? Was it not the case that during those aforementioned three days, His Imperial Majesty was awaiting our answer as to whether the Logite investigators known as 'Graycloaks' were to be permitted to work within our demesne? And yet we have intelligence that there is at least one already covertly here at work. Here is a conundrum! Surely there must be an explanation, as none could believe His Imperial Majesty would so brazenly flout his own words to a fellow sovereign?" The Ambassador paused, then said cautiously, "It may be that certain elements among His Imperial Majesty's government have taken actions without his knowledge. That... would indeed be unfortunate." "Oh indeed! There we are agreed. It is most unfortunate." Though his words were outwardly conciliatory, his tone more than suggested that lethality underlay them. [Like I said: Milos the Frickin' Terrifying!] The man swallowed. "Under the circumstances, His Imperial Majesty would consider graciously, ah, extending the time in which he requires your answer?" "Oh, very graciously, we doubt not. In fact, we do think you should return to your Empire's capital to confer with him upon the details of his reply." The court gave a collective muted gasp: No matter how politely it was phrased, expelling the Ambassador was a diplomatic slap in the face. The Imperial Ambassador did his best to salvage his dignity and his Emperor's face. "Yes, ah, quite. We see the wisdom in your... suggestion." Kerdizo and Fylakas, both in the crowd, watched in stunned amazement with everyone else at the change in Milos. Mathitis, who was also present, was less affected; he was still overcome by being at court in the first place. ----------------------------- Milos met with Fylakas and Mathitis in the audience chamber, still clad in armor. "I cannot spare you much time, my friend, so speak quickly. And I don't believe I've met your... son?" Fylakas smiled. "My apprentice. Yes, friend Milos, I know you are most busy of late. Your work must be a great burden." "It is," Milos admitted, "and yet it must be borne. If not by me, then by whom? Decisions must be made, and I know my city." ["I'm seizing Power back from you." "Oh really! And just how are you going to do that?!" "I'm a sorcerer, remember? And I've got my apprentice with me to help out."] "Indeed you do. And yet, friend Milos, I believe I know the secret of your heart." Mathitis began chanting softly at this point, and Fylakas' eyes became strangely compelling, his voice oh so sympathetic. "In your heart of hearts, you desire to be Milos the Mild again, don't you? It is not even buried very deeply. You want to be a man of the people." Milos stared into Fylakas' grey eyes, which had become reflectionless pools he could drown in. "A man... of the people." Fylakas chanted softly for a time in harmony with Mathitis, then said in that mesmerizing tone, "Yes, a man of the people. A man who holds no truck with harsh words. A man who can always keep everyone happy." When Milos came to himself, he looked down at his armor and flushed. "Dear me! Have I been making rather an ass of myself?" Fylakas put a friendly arm about him. "It is all right, my friend. I know you were only doing what you thought was best at the time." Milos' eyes flew wide. "Oh! And the things I said to the Ambassador...! Is it too late to apologize, do you think? What will my dear people say? You know I've always wanted to be a man of the people." Fylakas told him gently, "I'm afraid it is indeed too late, Milos. But I am sure we can salvage the situation. Together." Milos put a hand to his head, momentarily confused."Yes, of course. Together. You've never failed me, my friend. What would I do without you?" Fylakas knew a moment of genuine sympathy; the man may be an oaf (though with unexpected depths), but he didn't truly deserve this. But he answered, "I'm sure I don't know, Milos." Mathitis looked on wide-eyed, and his master belatedly suffered just a moment of doubt. What lesson was the boy learning from this? Ah well, it had to be done. Milos abruptly said out of the blue, "All this sorcery the Empire's upset about... d'you think the people will stand for it?" [SuentisPo's parting shot: A Prediction, now that he was Perspective again, that if the Graycloaks were not allowed in, tensions against sorcery would flare.] Fylakas smiled at him, but the smile was strained. "I'm sure they will. They would be even more upset should you yield to the Empire's will; they might even go so far as to remove you." [Pending Authority: If the Graycloaks are allowed in, the Governor will be removed. I did this to help keep SuentisPo from having any funny ideas during Crossroad resolution, which was imminent. He could perhaps have complicated things if he'd put his mind to it.] [The irony of it all is that Milos was going to resolve the Crossroad the way I wanted him to! But he was just too much of a loose cannon, in Fylakas' eyes; and my hold on Maldark was slipping dangerously. Most of all, Fylakas simply didn't know what to do when he couldn't manipulate the nobility any more.] [As for my Price... Let's just say that Mathitis' loyalty was to be in ever more question.] ------------------------------ [Crossroad resolution! It went smoothly enough, though the results were disquieting. The Graycloaks were refused entrance to Emporopolis, and therefore the Empire would ultimately attack, though not right away. And tensions against sorcery within the city were beginning to flare up. And even though we'd just had a Crisis, the level was already climbing sharply, due to all the threat of war. Meanwhile, the Governor was not removed.] ------------------------------ [Now it was SuentisPo's turn again to make a Crossroad, lucky me!] The Empire's response to the expulsion of the Ambassador was stark. A tersely-worded demand that Maldark the sorcerer be remanded to Imperial custody was delivered, enforced by the naked threat of a fleet bearing Imperial Marines making its way toward Emporopolis' harbor. [And the Crossroad question was, of course, "Will Emporopolis turn over Maldark to the Empire?"] [/QUOTE]
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Kingdom: Fear and Loathing in Emporopolis (Updated June 20, 2013)
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