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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 2856140" data-attributes="member: 3448">A huge mob of people had assembled in the great square between the palace and the Cathedral of the Sun. The fear and worry was almost palpable in the air, as the Dean of the Cathedral attempted to calm and reassure the crowd. Alistair quietly slipped past the crowd and into the Cathedral. He grabbed the first acolyte he could find and flashed his signet ring. "Take me to the robing rooms. I need to address the people, and it would be best if I did it in the robes of the Protector of the Light." "Of course, your highness. Follow me." Alistair quickly donned the robes symbolizing the religious title that the Archdukes and Archduchesses of Canberry have traditionally had. After a quick consultation with Mother Honore on protocal, they added a rather silly floppy hat with a long gold braid, similar to the differentiation of a coadjutor bishop from a monarchical bishop and symbolizing Alistair's status as heir-apparent to the Protector of the Light. Alistair then slipped quietly through the sanctuary to where the Dean, taking a break from his orations, discussed matters with the capital of the cathedral guards and several other senior priests. "Reverend Dean. I think it would be best if I addressed the people to reassure them that the Archduchy will protect them." "Yes, your highness. If you could convince them to disperse, it would be greatly appreciated. We can do little to protect a crowd of that size, and their presence raises the danger that someone will be hurt." "I'll do my best." Alistair made his way up to the great steps of the cathedral overlooking the huge crowd. Several acolytes struggled to hold back the press of scared people desperately trying to force their way into the Cathedral. Alistair held up his hands for silence, and the crowd, perhaps surprised by this new figure in most unusual vestments, subsided for a moment. "People of Canberry, my fellow faithful of Glor'diadel," began Alistair, relying on his bardic training and the magics of the Cathedral to project his voice throughout the great square. "As you know, a dreadful crime and act of blasphemy has taken place today. We all mourn for the good priest and nuns who died at Glor'diadel of the Fields. But we must take heart. "In their role as Protector of the Light, my ancestors have ever guarded the people of Glor'diadel from the forces of darkness and shadow. And even today, we strike against the foe. This was not a crime committed by an unknown foe. Foul ratmen, not content with the ravages they have wrought in the south, now seek to strike at Canberry herself. But they will not succeed. My Grandmother, the Grand Duchess, works through me and the forces of the Archduchy to smite the foe that has dared to rise against us. With the backing of Glor'diadel, our triumph is sure. "You may have heard of our efforts to kill the rats of the Archduchy. We acted on the first reports and already we are weakening the enemy's forces, putting out its eyes and cutting off its claws. As I speak to you, the Archduchy's forces are preparing to launch even heavier blows at the heart of the ratmen threat. The danger is real, and the enemy vicious, but we will prevail. Glor'diadel, Lord of Light, shows the path we must walk and guides our hands in this battle, and with his Light we will not-- we cannot-- be defeated. "Fear is a weapon of the ratmen as they try to overcome us. You must be brave. Return to your homes. If you see a rat, even the least of them, kill it. Every last rat serves the enemy. But if you see one of the ratmen themselves, remain safe. Report the foul beast to the nearest parish priest, and we will send soldiers to bring it down. But keep yourselves and your families safe within your homes while we deal with the threat. "In some few days, we will announce to you our victory over the ratmen, and the peril will have passed completely. Until then, join me in asking Lord Glor'diadel for His blessings. And remember-- rats may be frightening in the dark of a cellar or the corner of a room, yet they cower from the sun, for they know that they are no match for the power of Light. So, too, will the ratmen cower from the Sun of Glor'diadel, against whom they have no power." The crowd cheered at the end of Alistair's speech. Immediately upon his finish, all of the priests of the cathedral set out into the crowd, blessing the people and encouraging them to return to their homes. Finally, the sense of panic passed, and the crowd began to disperse.</blockquote>

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