The Public Inquiry by Faern'Aerthras

[Aethereal]

[SIZE="6"][COLOR="LightBlue"][tface=callig]The Public Inquiry[/SIZE]

Authored, Edited and Published by Aerthras the Blind[/tface][/COLOR]

[Aethereal]

Issue I: The Reddening of Mistlocke Square

[COLOR="LightBlue"][tface=callig][SIZE="6"][COLOR="DarkRed"]Issue I: The Reddening of Mistlocke Square[/COLOR][/SIZE]
Mirtul 15th, 1381 DR[/tface][/COLOR]

[COLOR="LightBlue"][tface=callig]Editor's note:[/tface]
[INDENT]As this is the first issue of The Public Inquiry, I shall introduce myself and the nature of this periodical. Firstly, the purpose of The Inquiry is to offer a neutral report of the events that unfold within Mistlocke and the isle of Ymph at large. Just as important is its function in offering a platform for the disparate factions and peoples of this township to let their voice be heard.[/INDENT]

[tface=callig]Who am I?[/tface]
[INDENT]I am Aerthras the Blind, also known as Faern'Aerthras or Fern; proprietor of the Bazaar of the Blind and the author of the Chronicles of the Blind and now the editor of The Public Inquiry.

I am Ar-Tel'Quessir, that is a sun elf, by heritage and by profession I am a counselor and Seer with a great variety of hobbies including species studies, herbalism and alchemy.[/INDENT]

[COLOR="DarkRed"][tface=callig]The Reddening of Mistlocke Square[/tface][/COLOR]

[INDENT]Pray tell, dear reader: Were you there as it unfolded? When the square of this small hamlet ran red with the blood of innocents and criminals, defender, assaulter, and the maddened all.

I fear details are scarce, voices are unprepared to speak without being first questioned. Few seem to care of the consequences of the fated day; except that one thing is clear: The River of Red shall flow.

War. War is once again declared, an end posited at the tip of blade to those who dared to strike out against the tumultuous sanctity that is Mistlocke.

With the outcome established, one question remains:[/INDENT]

[COLOR="DarkRed"][tface=callig]What exactly occurred the day the Square was painted red?[/tface][/COLOR]

[INDENT][INDENT]It is said three Cyricists entered Mistlocke during the Argenti Chief's announcements; some voices declare that they were hired by the comital expedition.

The Mayor's Muster then found itself in opposition against a rowdy crowd; fruits are thrown, threats are made. A minor riot errupts. Two specific individuals are incriminated and exiled: Morten Alcott and Cobbler.

Despite talk that non lethal force was to be used to subdue the rioters, much blood is spilt. How exactly this came to pass remains unclear...

Thus it is that the true power of The Public Inquiry is now revealed.[/INDENT][/INDENT]

[COLOR="DarkRed"][tface=callig]The victor always writes history. Who is truly the victor here, however?[/tface][/COLOR]

[INDENT]

Is it the Comital Expedition's Rubies who may or may not have been involved in destabalising Mistlocke for their own gain?

Is it the three Cyricists who pleased the Dark Sun with their maddened plots and obeisances to whomever was their sponsor?

Is it the rioters who may or may not have given their lives for their petty ways?

Is it the Mayor's Muster who did their duty and for it paid a terrible price, if not in personnel then at least in reputation?

Is it Argenti? Is it the Warlord?

[/INDENT]

[COLOR="DarkRed"][tface=callig]Or is it but you and I?[/tface][/COLOR]

This is for you to answer, dear reader. For the Public Inquiry is for you, it is a platform for your voice to be heard. It is a place for you to speak openly or if you so wish, anonymously.

Extended below upon this enchanted parchment is room for you to add your own quips, your own thoughts, your own revelations that may have been witnessed or felt regarding the day that was [COLOR="DarkRed"]the Reddening of Mistlocke Square.[/COLOR]

[SIZE="4"][tface=callig]The Voice of the Public[/SIZE]
[/tface]
Recorded below are the additions made by the public. Let the voice of community be heard and may all who come forward find reward in our revelations.[/COLOR]

[tface=fell]And where was the Order during this disturbance?

What was the knight recruiter doing all the while this injustice was taking place?!

-Anonymous[/tface]

I arrived late at the scene. What I did see and participate in was in extinguishing the fires that threatened to spread out of control. I saw a number of concerned citizens as well as staunch Mustermen work to combat the fires; together, we created a bucket chain that managed to end the flames. It was touch and go for a while, yet it succeeded.

As long as there are those able and willing to work for the common good in this manner, chaos and evil cannot wholly prevail. Some may claim that we were dealt a powerful blow that day; if so, all I can say is that we withstood the blow and rose to the challenge. I salute those who helped in this hour of need.

And no, I saw no sign of Order participation in this effort.

Lethe
Field Chaplain of Torm