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[Thrax]

---

In the name of the all-powerful Oggaroth,

Greetings,

I offer a friendly warning to all those who are degraded by the aristocratic regimes that oppress them:

Do not trust the word of those in Luna led by Lady Molly and the Royal Court! She gave her word of safe passage to me that I may meet with her to speak to the council about a matter of mutual concern. Instead, she attempted to have me arrested on flimsy, unsubstantiated, and wholly inaccurate allegations presented by the self-appointed Duke Kotare II of Yew. I was unable even to finish my own speech, which was my due, given me by Lady Molly. Kotare interrupted me and, without the slightest interference by her, took control of the proceedings. He then virtually ordered her to arrest me. Being certain of their mendacity and plotting, I came with escort and was prepared to make a quick departure which I successfully effected.

It is therefore all too clear who holds the reins of power in the lands. It is not the Regent, nor the Royal Court, nor William or the Lord he espouses, but none other than the aspiring dictator of Sosaria, Kotare II. Or, quite possibly, he is under the thrall of his elvish consort, the Duchess Lilyth, and it is she who would rule us all. In either case, Sosaria suffers.

What has "Order" become but a symbol for hypocrisy and deceit? If the very word of those in power, who espouse wholly the virtues, is broken at their whim, then who remains to declare what is right and wrong except those having the military power to enforce it? That is what they have taught us, and that sort of lesson I understand all too clearly.

I, therefore, declare the following:

I am free of the tyranny of these petty dictators whose hypocrisy is rivaled only by their smug self-importance. I defy their authority and challenge the legitimacy of their thrones and laws which they have usurped from the common people who languish under their oppressive rule.

A section of Yew, Felucca, shall be placed under the control of the Orcs. In speaking with their representatives, they wish control of the town center up to the Winery and no further. This is a valid request and shall not be denied them.

A tax of two hundred gold pieces per month, or a mutually agreed upon method of tribute, will be imposed upon all shopkeepers in the town. Failure to pay the tax will be met by penalties to be determined by Orcish leadership. These monies shall be used by the Orcs to repair their dwellings, feed their children, and as reparation for injustices done them in the past.

Any Orc, or any ally of theirs, who is insulted, harmed, or otherwise treated with anything less than decency and courtesy in their area of control, shall have the right to avenge their honor upon the miscreant by any means at their discretion.

I place a bounty of one hundred thousand gold pieces upon the head of Duke Kotare II. He has the blood of hundreds of innocent Orcs upon his head, their women and children, which cries out for retribution. Anyone caught with him may be slain as well, and no charge shall be sustained against them for it. If he is taken alive, and is successfully incarcerated within my own dungeon, a bounty of two hundred fifty thousand gold pieces shall be paid out.

This is but the beginning of changes that shall prove the downfall of an elvish-led aristocracy which seeks to rule the rest of us by fiat; which hides behind a flimsy veneer they like to call the "Virtues" hoping to deceive the unwary. To them I say, your rule nears its deserved, and if necessary, bloody end.

Lord Thrax
High Priest of Oggaroth
Patron of the Oppressed

[Itannar]

---

Riding into the Abbey, Itannar spotted a number of notices and bills posted in conspicuous places along the hallway walls. The scribes allowed them to remain a while, but when they began to appear tattered or their message obsolete, they took them down. Most he had seen and read already, but a new one caught his eye. It was larger than the rest, and a seal he knew all too well appeared at the bottom. He stopped and dismounted from his unicorn, bidding it to return to its home in the ethereal plane. Removing the notice from the wall, he began to read it slowly.

"So he has his little war," he remarked upon reading it. He folded the note and put it in a pocket of his robe. "His madness must be stopped," he muttered.
_________________
-The bonds of fellowship are forged in the flames of adversity-

[Haydn ab'Arawn]

---

Last night's Court of Light meeting had not gone very well, Maelwyn thought. Why do I attend these things? Oh yes, because every now and then it is good to hear what is going on in the "civilized" world. One never knows when war will make it's way into your home. And since few of the other druids ever felt like dealing with the so-called "civilized" people of Sosaria, Maelwyn usually took it upon herself to be the go-between for her and her group. We aren't even members of the Court of Light.. though we are always invited out of courtesy.

Lady Molly read from the list of topics. First, she read a letter announcing the Wedding of a Lord Bailos and a lady of Sanctus. The occupying of Sanctus was talked about. She noticed a few strong reactions in the room due to this.
There appeared to be some concern over who controlled Sanctus.

She sighed. Another issue over who controls what land. Ahh, civilization. She longed to be back home in the woods of Yew.

She missed the next topic... It was about the recent festival. Her mind wandered during this, she was thinking of the tree fellows in Umbra and their woods.

Before long, a man introduced as Lord Thrax stood and began to speak. He spoke of an old plight the orcs had. Grievances about being pushed out of their land and hunted down. She frowned. Another land issue.

But then, she pondered. Did we not have an invasion not too long ago, in which the ogres and titans had tried to push the people of Britain off of their land? Was it not similar?

This is a wrong that should be addressed. Lord Oaks' will is to try to preserve the species and races we have. Lord Thrax had touched upon the dwindling numbers of the orc population. We cannot allow them to die off. A tear rolled from her eye. It would be sad to lose an entire civilization.

And each time he brought up a valid point, there were gasps and cries of outrage in the room. Cries of how the orcs are savages and raid towns. Maelwyn could only sit and question, what about when mankind does the same? Do people not go into caves and dungeons seeking to destroy earth elementals and such? Why is it ok for one group to do such and not any other?

At that moment Lord Kotare had happened to tell the room that the man speaking was wanted for arrest. Apparantly, he had abducted 2 people, whose names were not mentioned. They had been returned since, and now the abductor was wanted for trial. Lady Molly decried that the man was under arrest, and the outraged man, having beeen denied his speech, recalled out to safety, as guards closed in on him.

Sighing, Maelwyn returned to the true topic of the night.

There must be a peaceful way to blend the 2 societies. A way for the humans and orcs to finally live in peace.

She was still thinking all of this over the next morning, as she happened upon the Abbey. As she went inside to discuss the fermenting of the wine with one of the monks, she noticed the self-same announcement that Itannar had just read.

Reading it over, she decided that it wasn't such a bad treaty proposal. Provided that once the orc towns had been rebuilt and repaired, that the taxing stop. As for all the business of the price on Lord Kotare's head and the regency, Maelwyn wasn't bothered. Rarely did the civilized world come into contact with the rest of the life on this planet.

What matters who controls a piece of land? Indeed, why cannot the people of the lands learn to live in peace and harmony, as we druids do? Once again, people are more upset over control of the soil than the true issues at hand. The Ebon Skulls and their desire to serve Oblivion were one of these such issues. What they did actually threatened the worlds on a daily basis.

Reading over the notice again, she read his description of Order as seen by the Regency.

Order is but one half of the circle. It cannot exist without Chaos. Order gives structure to Chaos, Chaos gives inspiration to Order. There is a balance needed. Indeed, one of the duties of a Druid of Lord Oaks is that the balance must be upheld. So many were surprised at the mention of justice at the wedding we held. Do we not see everything neutrally? What better judge of justice is there?

Shrugging, Maelwyn made her way back into the woods towards home.

[Kilena]

---

Norrec stopped to read the written notice rubbing his goatee. Blah blah, politics, blah blah freedoms. He shook his head people didn't know how to be free, but that didn't matter now. Drinking from his water flash he spit out the water when he read of the bounty on Kotare's head.

"My, oh my oh my" Norrec said with a smile tapping his chin. "I do dislike the man, personal grudge and I have a chance to make lots of money?" Norrec whipsered to himself with an approving nod.

With a smile later that day he found Locke and Haze "Friends, we have a job to do..."

[Nazralte]

---

**delivered by messenger to one Thrax**

Thrax,

I did receive your first letter, the one sent to various heads of state. Upon reading that the concern was over Yew, I did not feel the need to reply. Yew is not under our jurisdiction, so the matter was out of our hands.

I now sit here and read this other letter you sent out, and I feel I must let you know our stance. First, Kotare is not the highest power in the land. He controls Yew, the stinking swamp pit that it is. He and Molly are good friends, which is why im sure he was allowed to arrest you after Molly gave her word that you would be safe. It is a shame that those who sit in the highest seats will deceieve and create excuses to further thier own ambitions.

If you really feel that you must make your speech, you may do so at the next Regency meeting. The matter does not concern us, so do not think we will help or hinder you. While you are at the meeting, no one will arrest you or what have you. As long as you remain civil and do not try to disrupt the procedings, then you may make your speech.

*signed*
_________________

Nazralte
Former Regent of Britannia

[Dormack Shander]

---

Dormack strolled along the border of Umbra. The patrol hadn't been exciting, not that it ever was. The odd reaper, harpy, sometimes a gargoyle. His eye caught an notice, he approached it and carefully read every word.

He nodded slightly to himself.

"One hundred thousand gold pieces?" He snarled loudly. "He speaks on behalf of the orcs, along time friend of the Order. Perhaps, we should give him a chance to speak with us."

He rolled the parchment up and continued on his patrol.

[Thrax]

---

*a courier delivers a message to Nazralte*

Regent Nazralte,

I am thankful you have responded. Your assessments are quite accurate.

As for your invitation... once bitten by the viper, a man tempts fate to put a hand too near it a second time. However, I am willing to accept that you are not such, and I will, at my earliest opportunity, gladly make my case before you and the Regency Council.

I do wish to confess that I was under the impression your oversight and guidance encompassed the entire realm. Have you not assumed the mantle of Lord British? In truth, I originally considered bringing this matter to you alone for that reason, but chose to act otherwise, knowing that others would feel insulted if they were not included, or given their chance to consider my proposals. In view of your response, I may have erred.

For, as you may know, I received very little support for my proposals overall. Only the Druids seemed truly concerned over the plight of the Orcs of Yew. Lord Kotare tried to confuse the issue by focusing on, and harping about, our poor relationships with orcs in general, in Delucia, Cove, and elsewhere. And it is true, most orc tribes would not listen to any talk of reconciliation with humans. However, the Orcs of Yew, a more intelligent tribe, have a genuine historical record to verify the extent of their ancient and ancestral territories, and that is worth honest consideration and compromise of the proposals I have made in collaboration with them. They are only now learning that the lands around Yew were once theirs, for they were driven from them and have no recorded history of their own that can be trusted. They need living space to grow and prosper, and what better place than one's own homeland?

I do believe I can convince you and the Regency that you *do* have a vested interest in establishing improved relationships with the Orcs, as do we all, and that you will give these proposals some measure of support. Who can say if accord is made in Yew, between human and Orc, that it might not one day spread peace between the two races throughout the rest of the realm, to the benefit of us all?

Warmly,
Lord Thrax

[Dormack Shander]

---

*The Skeletal figure of a hawk delivers a letter to Thrax*

Thrax,

I have heard rumours of your voice for the orcs. As a long time friend with the orcs, I feel obliged to speak with you. I am from The Order of The Ebon Skull, a warrior among them, and apart of harrowing, their military. I extend an invitation for a private meeting, I would like to hear what you have to say, rather than reading parchment.

In darkness,

Dormack Shander

[Porthos]

---

Sent by a falcon from the aviary of Porthos:

Milord Thrax,

We had briefly met at the Royal Court of Light council meeting. First, I would like to apologize. A promise was made to you by Molly on behalf of the Royal Court and was not upheld. There was no excuse for this and I have made my feelings known in the form of my resignation as a representative of said court. Again, on behalf of the Steel Scorpions of Fire I apologize for your abrupt treatment.

Signed,
Porthos von Richthoffen
SSF, Steel Scorpions of Fire

P.S. If you've no response, simply shoo the falcon and he'll be on his way
_________________
Thanks Simon

[Thrax]

---

*the skeletal hawk returns to Dormack Shander with a note from Thrax*

Hail Dormack,

I am pleased to know that the Order of the Ebon Skull prospers . Long ago we had a mutually beneficial alliance. I hope that can be something we may restore one day. Umbra is a city of which I am most fond.

I would be honored to present this discussion with you at your convenience. I will find a means to contact you. At least I will not have to concern myself with false promises of protection.

Walk in Darkness,
Lord Thrax

*Porthos' falcon returns with a note addressed to him*

Lord Porthos,

I am most impressed by your words. It seems you were as shocked and dismayed as I was at what transpired at the meeting. I realize that my methods and irreverence toward the virtues makes me a man to be despised by those who regard them highly, and I can accept some of the ill treatment I receive for it. It is a natural, human, response. However, I *do* expect those who hold the virtues dear to live by some semblance of them, to be truthful and honorable. But it is my nature not to trust anyone, and I knew the temptation to have me arrested would likely strain even the noblest of hearts beyond all endurance, so I went having a plan of escape, fortunately for me.

I must confess that it cheers me to know that others, like yourself, could see the deceit of it all, and will have no part of it, even if it means that not all who claim to honor the virtues are the charlatans I accuse them of being. I, therefore, take note of your honor and salute it, despite the pain of having to give virtue, yours, my grateful approval.

Warmly,
Lord Thrax

[Tai Kwan Leap]

---

Lord Thrax,

It is disconcerting that you were treated with ill will. However, I again do not feel that this is a matter of concern for Zento.

I do thank you for the well drawn and decorated flyers posted in town.

Yours in service,

Tai Kwan Leap
_________________
"He's been fired from the Shrimp Boat?" -- Charlaine Harris "Living Dead In Dallas."

[Savhanna]

---

Savhanna had sat through the meeting of the Royal Council. She rarely attended but the matters of Sanctus had been on her mind. She listened as Thrax spoke.

Spiritwood had outgrown the title of village but she still considered them a nuetral village in most matters. She had never had a problem with the Orcs.
She was also friends with Yew.

Foremost in her mind as he spoke was her lifelong belief that everyone deserved to have a home lands and the realm was large enough for this to be possible. And yet on recent visits by her men to the Orc's homelands in the south of Yew there were few if any there. Thrax spoke of how their numbers had dwindled greatly. This could not be due to the size of their land. Why did they need to cause what appeared to be heading to yet another war for land they did not need? And from her past experience with the Orcs she knew them to be outspoken and more than eager to stake claim on what they desired, be it land or a "femmie" so why now where they silent, out of view, and this spokesperson speaking on their behalf?
Something was definately amiss here.

[Mia Stormcrow]

---

*message arrives by pigeon*

Dear Mr. Thrax,

I would like to express my personal apology on the way you were treated the other eve, at The Royal Court of Light. I assure you, that I am not the only member greatly appalled by treatment you received, it has never been the manner of the court to treat invited guests with such dishonor, disrespect and deceit. We may all sit upon the same council, by are not of like mind. This matter will be addressed.


Sincerely,

Mia Stormcrow


_________________

[Thrax]

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*the pigeon returns with a message to Mia*

Lady Mia,

I am disappointed that I was unable to meet you personally at the meeting. I had some small hope that things might go well enough that I could meet and converse with those present. It is my loss, to be sure, that we did not meet face to face. Sadly, when I saw the Duke appear, I knew there would be trouble.

I have received a letter from Lady Molly in which she has apologized to me for what she allowed to happen. She explained that there were things said by the Duke that she did not hear, and, though she knew I was wanted by him for questioning, she did not think I would be alarmed at being detained for it. I, however, have made powerful enemies by my outspokenness and methods, so I cannot allow myself to be far from those who would protect my life. Hence, my abrupt exit.

I do want you to know that I have accepted Lady Molly's apology and her explanation of events as she experienced them. I would urge you to forgive her as well. We must give each other the benefit of doubt during these difficult times. I am in the process of trying to make and, if necessary, enforce, a peaceable solution to land claims and rights of jurisdiction between the Orcs and the human citizens of Yew. I am hoping all persons, like yourself, who hold the virtues dear, will see the ultimate worth of it despite the cost. In the meantime, let us, despite our differences in philosophy and points of view, continue to retain and nurture what unity and friendships we may.

Warmly,
Lord Thrax