Monotonous Cacotopia

[ZoltanTheRed]

As the Swords of the South settle into becoming the new norm, the average citizen of Southport is left with one option: Go to work, or become delinquent on their dues. An article is published by an anonymous journal, which seems to have eluded the wrath of the Swords thus far...

Death by Mediocrity

In the heart of Southport, where once the vibrant spirit of Adam Fairchild's reign echoed through the cobblestone streets, a palpable ennui has settled. The town, now under the oppressive thumb of the "Swords of the South" organization, has transformed into a dystopian haven of monotony for its citizens.

Meet Bellini, an average man living an unremarkable life in Southport. Anonymity is his shield as he navigates the mundane existence enforced by the Swords of the South. Once a place filled with hope under the rule of Adam Fairchild's royalty, Southport has now succumbed to a tiresome routine, where every day feels like the last.

Bellini, like many of his neighbors, scrapes by to make ends meet. Paltry wages and exorbitant rents characterize their daily struggle, with each passing minute a testament to the monotony that has engulfed the town. The Swords of the South, with their despotic rule, have stifled the once-thriving economy, leaving the common folk to eke out a living in the shadows of their former prosperity. He is left with no choice but to accept substandard working conditions from his well to do bosses. It is either work his body into nothingness, or Feel the Sword.

The longing for the days of Adam Fairchild's hopeful reign is a sentiment shared by many. The memory of a time when the town prospered under fair governance and benevolent leadership serves as a bitter reminder of what Southport once was – a symbol of prosperity and hope for its citizens.

Yet, the yearning for a self-governed Southport, free from the shackles of noble influence and foreign churches, is an even more prevalent sentiment among the people. The Swords of the South, with their tight grip on power, have left the populace dreaming of a day when they can reclaim their autonomy and shape their own destiny.

Bellini's story is emblematic of the collective struggles of Southport's inhabitants. His life, like many others, unfolds minute by minute, marked by the constant battle against meager wages and soaring living costs. The Swords of the South may have silenced the once lively tunes of Southport, but beneath the surface, a quiet rebellion simmers—a desire for a brighter future, free from the mundane existence imposed upon them.

In the midst of this monotonous existence, the people of Southport quietly yearn for a resurgence of hope and a return to the days when the town thrived under the benevolent rule of Adam Fairchild. Only time will tell if the Swords of the South can continue to suppress the collective aspirations of a city state longing for liberation from the chains of their own ennui.

Business owners grumble amongst themselves, banning possession, discussion, or distribution of the above publication from their collective places of business. Things work well for the owner class, right now, and that is how they would like it to stay. Talks of guilds or organization are quickly squashed, where the most vocal are hit with charges and punitive actions from strongmen and guards alike.



In the West, people are more animated by the article. Many hearken back to the days of old, perhaps even before Dirk Longstride, when the Cordorian people were proud and upright. The shady underbelly seems to be overall indifferent, though there are certainly rumors of smuggled goods undercutting more well off businesses...

[Jes]

Cromlech is seen taking a copy of this journal to read, and frowns as she does so.

[morelaster]

Xrymys Firhale finds herself reading such papers on trip back to cystana by boat from Southport, frowning as she does.

[Puresoul]

Aithne the Red comes upon this article and takes a copy before moving on.

[Mahtan]

T'rissvyr makes a copy of this article on a visit to South Port. Having their own experiences with the Swords of the South, the Emissary makes a note to seek an audience with this "Bellini."

[harbingeractual]

Wiltun's own General Shadowflame acquires a copy as he passes through the city, and the reading of it sparks an idea.

[angelis96]

Arieme walks by on her way through from the port. She takes a studious glance for a passing moment before aptly taking a copy and making her way outside the city gates and into the forest line.

[ZoltanTheRed]

These posters seem to be getting more aggressively placed, particularly in public establishments where the lower class tend to gather for their leisure time.

Rumor has it, there was a small labor strike at the docks in West Southport recently. Unfortunately, masked thugs showed up and beat the workers near to death before the Swords managed to settle the situation. Some of the locals are making it sound like the Swords are trying to blame it on the strike leader rather than the aggressors.

[Lord-Jyssev]

A local woman shakes her head, frown lines deeply evident upon her young features. The situation had become exactly as she feared.

[Alcomancer]

Deep in the Obsidian Isle, after a meeting of sorts with several people a wizard finishes casting a sending. He finishes the casting as he speaks the first words, wandering in deeper as he speaks.

"This is Gerald Edmund. Inform your Master that things are worse than we initially feared..."

[Eowmir te Baru]

Dorje's periodic visits to the library have become more frequent of late. He trusts to the discretion of the librarians regarding his requests.

[Lord-Jyssev]

Dorje's periodic visits to the library have become more frequent of late. He trusts to the discretion of the librarians regarding his requests.

A bookish scribe at the Southport Library would greet the man and offer to help, introducing herself as Clee.

[Eowmir te Baru]

Lord-Jyssev » wrote Tue Apr 09, 2024 9:57 am
A bookish scribe at the Southport Library would greet the man and offer to help, introducing herself as Clee.

Seated at a table near the statue of the prophet Alaundo, Dorje reads with great interest the selections suggested by the scribe Clee. Notes are taken and tucked away for later study. Many of the selections are of a historical or political nature, while others are more contemporary. Dorje is quite impressed with Clee's depth of knowledge of the political factions of Cordor and the old city's diplomatic and trade rapport with other communities both near and far.

[Dicey13]

*Vinny can be seen wandering the streets of Southport, mostly hanging about the Gentleman's Club in The West, talking to the local folk, helping out those that needed it, making small talk to a select few keeping a respectful distance from the guards lingering about, though ever watchful of what they may be doing.*