Queen Argonanna's speech
[Billets have been posted around the city: "Meet the Queen in the Temple Plaza on the morn of the 4th day of Decemberus. The Queen will be announcing an opportunity for all the peoples of the city. Prisoners will be executed. Free bread and mead will be provided!"]
[Queen Argoanna steps forward on a high wooden scaffolding. She is wearing black robes of state, trimmed with gold. People bow, reluctantly.] Rise, Dear citizens of Tarkesh,
I am greatly honored to be able to my my appearance to you today.
[mumbling]
I am very aware that times have been hard of late, owing to the increased tensions with the neighboring so-called kingdom of Gadlinook to the east. I have often been asked why I do nothing as the economies of Tarkesh falter, food becomes scarcer, and the fine peoples of Tarkesh become treated with increasing disdain as the shadow of Gadlinook continues to cast itself westward.
I assure you, good citizens, that I have not been idle; far from it in fact. We have been mustering our military forces to make the trade roads safer, so that more food and supplies arrive without being harried by the long arm of Gadlinook. Those disreputable elements of the world -- bandits, theives, cutthroats, and spies -- under the subtle influence of Gadlinook bureaucrats and political lackeys are being apprehended and brought to justice.
Captain, bring forth the prisoners.
[three prisoners, in hoods, come forward]
These men, these reprehensible humans, are but a few of the brigands, Gadlinook loyalists, that we have captured for trial and sentencing. They are self-proclaimed enemies of the state, and will now pay for the crimes committed.
[The captain blindfolds each on a scaffold.] The enemies of the Queen shall be killed by the Queen's own blade. [The queen draws her longsword and formally presents it to the captain. Drums beat a steady rhythm. The captain, on a platform slightly high than the prisoners, cuts a mighty horizontal stroke, beheading all three prisoners. The captain cleans the bade on the shirt of one of the prisoners, and returns it to the queen. Crowd is cheering.]
People of Tarkesh! This is but one small step to reclaiming our sovereignty! To succeed, when must act together, without dissention! We are many races from many backgrounds, yet here we are together, facing a common enemy. If we allow our biases and bigotry to guide our attitudes and actions, we will be overcome. We are better than that! We are more than the sum or our parts!
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my esteemed honor to present to you the a few of the Champions of Tarkesh. I present... the Wayward Warriors, defenders of the crown!
[The party is urged forward]
This unlikely group [gesturing to the party] - including a dwarf, and an elf -- nay, a half-elf -- working side-by-side with humans, has already hunted down a coven of Gadlinook spies, and foiled an attempt of the underground to rob the state of two crates of gold! Let this be a shining example of how the races of Tarkesh can work side-by-side to work against the forces of evil! These fine people have my complete trust!
[The party is waved back.] It is time all the people of Tarkesh were properly recognized and compensated for their many and variegated abilities, and time that all may come forth and serve in whatever capacity they may. I am hereby announcing the formation of the THE GRAND PEOPLE'S ARMY OF TARKESH! Each of you will have the opportunity to show their colors and flourish as members of this new military organization. Now I know that most of you are not warriors - but rather craftsman (and -women), traders, and entrepreneurs. Even those of you men and women who are without occupation have abilities you can contribute. Are you clever? Are you fleet? Are how good at holding down a barstool?? [pauses for laughter]
Everyone - EVERYONE - is encouraged to sign up with the Grand People's Army. Each of you will be trained, according to your potential, to become something you can be proud of, to serve your beloved kingdom against the race-hating mobs of Gadlinook. Furthermore, you will be given half a silver just for enrolling!
Along the gardens are set up many tables. Just provide your name, address, and any talents you have - no matter how inconsequential they seem - collect you signing bonus, and your training will be arranged. Your food and lodging will be taken care of. Now - Show your spirit, represent your race, and make all all Tarkesh proud of you!
[much cheering as the queen departs and people flock to the sign up tables.]
[privately to party] Now, you and I need to have a conversation. Come to the palace.
[Queen Argoanna steps forward on a high wooden scaffolding. She is wearing black robes of state, trimmed with gold. People bow, reluctantly.] Rise, Dear citizens of Tarkesh,
I am greatly honored to be able to my my appearance to you today.
[mumbling]
I am very aware that times have been hard of late, owing to the increased tensions with the neighboring so-called kingdom of Gadlinook to the east. I have often been asked why I do nothing as the economies of Tarkesh falter, food becomes scarcer, and the fine peoples of Tarkesh become treated with increasing disdain as the shadow of Gadlinook continues to cast itself westward.
I assure you, good citizens, that I have not been idle; far from it in fact. We have been mustering our military forces to make the trade roads safer, so that more food and supplies arrive without being harried by the long arm of Gadlinook. Those disreputable elements of the world -- bandits, theives, cutthroats, and spies -- under the subtle influence of Gadlinook bureaucrats and political lackeys are being apprehended and brought to justice.
Captain, bring forth the prisoners.
[three prisoners, in hoods, come forward]
These men, these reprehensible humans, are but a few of the brigands, Gadlinook loyalists, that we have captured for trial and sentencing. They are self-proclaimed enemies of the state, and will now pay for the crimes committed.
[The captain blindfolds each on a scaffold.] The enemies of the Queen shall be killed by the Queen's own blade. [The queen draws her longsword and formally presents it to the captain. Drums beat a steady rhythm. The captain, on a platform slightly high than the prisoners, cuts a mighty horizontal stroke, beheading all three prisoners. The captain cleans the bade on the shirt of one of the prisoners, and returns it to the queen. Crowd is cheering.]
People of Tarkesh! This is but one small step to reclaiming our sovereignty! To succeed, when must act together, without dissention! We are many races from many backgrounds, yet here we are together, facing a common enemy. If we allow our biases and bigotry to guide our attitudes and actions, we will be overcome. We are better than that! We are more than the sum or our parts!
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my esteemed honor to present to you the a few of the Champions of Tarkesh. I present... the Wayward Warriors, defenders of the crown!
[The party is urged forward]
This unlikely group [gesturing to the party] - including a dwarf, and an elf -- nay, a half-elf -- working side-by-side with humans, has already hunted down a coven of Gadlinook spies, and foiled an attempt of the underground to rob the state of two crates of gold! Let this be a shining example of how the races of Tarkesh can work side-by-side to work against the forces of evil! These fine people have my complete trust!
[The party is waved back.] It is time all the people of Tarkesh were properly recognized and compensated for their many and variegated abilities, and time that all may come forth and serve in whatever capacity they may. I am hereby announcing the formation of the THE GRAND PEOPLE'S ARMY OF TARKESH! Each of you will have the opportunity to show their colors and flourish as members of this new military organization. Now I know that most of you are not warriors - but rather craftsman (and -women), traders, and entrepreneurs. Even those of you men and women who are without occupation have abilities you can contribute. Are you clever? Are you fleet? Are how good at holding down a barstool?? [pauses for laughter]
Everyone - EVERYONE - is encouraged to sign up with the Grand People's Army. Each of you will be trained, according to your potential, to become something you can be proud of, to serve your beloved kingdom against the race-hating mobs of Gadlinook. Furthermore, you will be given half a silver just for enrolling!
Along the gardens are set up many tables. Just provide your name, address, and any talents you have - no matter how inconsequential they seem - collect you signing bonus, and your training will be arranged. Your food and lodging will be taken care of. Now - Show your spirit, represent your race, and make all all Tarkesh proud of you!
[much cheering as the queen departs and people flock to the sign up tables.]
[privately to party] Now, you and I need to have a conversation. Come to the palace.
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