A petition is left in the Temple of Ilmater, near Brother Khalso's guard post. It is in open view, and visitors to the temple are invited to read and and sign it, if their conscience so dictates.
To their Esteemed Graces, the Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate,
Conveyed care of the Grand Narlhelm,
We the undersigned write in order to petition their Graces regarding the application of the laws of the city, mindful of the sufferings which the sufferings of 1351 and the siege of Baldur's Gate have laid upon this city's enduring citizens.
Songs are sung of how the rule of law aids peace and fosters freedom, so long as the laws are just and those who enforce them lenient and understanding. And it is said among worshipers of the Triad that the law is just when it is tempered with mercy.
We the undersigned all cherish the city of Baldur's Gate for the openness and tolerance of its people, and their rulers. This freedom flourishes because the city looks to Tyr, not Bane, for its jurisprudence.
The city is economically distressed and its people have faced bravely the threats of plague and war. Those who remain have been through much, and we the undersigned feel it is a time that the law should be applied with a nuance that accounts for merciful rehabilitation along with proper, proportionate punishment.
This petition to their Graces came about when a man, a thief but who by negilgence and Beshaba's curse, knocked down another in his flight from the watch, who cracked his head open and died. The thief, a starving man, sought bread from his family. To steal from others is not the way, but his crime was not equivalent to plunging a blade into his fellow citizens heart.
According to the strict code of the city's laws he was a killer of his fellow man and faced the noose, although the watch officers present kindly agreed to place a plea of mercy before the magistrates, so that instead of facing death, the man could instead serve the community as a punishment, alleviating the hardship he himself was victim of and was the true author of the disturbance.
Their esteemed Graces will be well aware of the fiery civil strife engendered by the nefarious virtuous soil, whose lies found ready and willing ears due to the hardship faced by the people during the plague; but the charitable mercies offered by their esteemed Graces during the plague did much to reaffirm the people's belief in their good government. Perhaps an iron fist uprooted the Virtuous Soil, but it was the just government of their esteemed Graces that meant the rebel's roots were not so deep. Such as will prove true with the Crimson Blade.
And their esteemed Graces will no doubt be aware of the lessons of recent history to the south, as well, where the lords of Tethyr demanded absolute obedience during harsh winters, inspired by the spreading faith of Bane, and heedless of the desperation of starving men. In the end they received an outburst of civil strife that shows no sign of abating. There, the lessons of the Baneite approach to law are much in evidence, and it reminds one that his goal is not order, but strife. Such ways are alien to this city.
We the undersigned believe that mercy, based on mitigating context, or a belief in rehabilitation, should be an integral part of the application of law in this city - an integral part of the justice of this city. We beg their esteemed Graces to send down a directive to the City Watch and magistrates, to punish guilt, but consider while doing so the level of culpability.
One single punishment for a crime will lead to injustice, for justice to be proportionate there needs to be discretion to replace the harshest penalties with lesser ones when there are mitigating factors.
Such is the petition of the undersigned.
Signed Brother Ameris Santraeger, Temple of Ilmater Squire Mayra Dooran, Order of the Silver Rose Thistle Sirion Te'Dwa Archmage Teharissa Vennelis, Bluesummer Acadmey Senior Knight Erza Aldren, Order of the Radiant Heart Krostin Dukesworth Desrah Asher Rayre of Torm Alessia Nichole De'Lille Rose Valexe, Songmaster of the Bluesummer Academy Agathion Elvina Aira-S'efarro, Knight Commander of the Order of the Silver Rose, signing on behalf of the entire order
Vendor Xon, Forester of the Gate Telia Santraeger - Steward of Pathfinder Hall, Director of the White Mask Theater, Editor-in-chief of the Baldur's Gate Herald, Priestess of Mystra Dawnknight Enora Daunlader, Dawnknight of Lathander, Templar of the Song of Morning. Shandril Brightmantle, "Lunatic" Moonknight to the Swords of the Lady and Junior Instructor at the Bluesummer Academy.
Mercy Endelyon Castillo
///if your character would sign, leave a post below and I will edit this post!
Last edited by kleomenes on Thu Jul 21, 2016 9:12 am, edited 13 times in total.
Nyeleni wrote:Upon hearing of this petition in the temple of Tyr Mayra Dooran would stop by to sign the petition. She would offer a bow to whomever is present and exchange a few words, before leaving.
Thistle a hin from Gullykin would hear of this petition (either through her Elder Circle contacts or by passing through the city). She would storm in, shout a "Hello" and then excuse herself for being too loud and maybe disturb the ill and injured. She would sign as well, and would wave "good bye" upon leaving the premises.
Having heard of this petition, an elf introducing himself as Sirion from Doron Amar would pay a visit to the city, stopping on his way to ask for directions to the temple of Ilmater, then heading that way accompanied by the two others he spoke to, one Cillian Greaves and Roland Brinson.
Upon entering the temple, he would - aside from remarking that the place looks more like a soup kitchen than a temple - show little interest in anything beside signing his name, perhaps seeming a little confused as he does. As they depart, the three of them would agree to meet by the Elfsong later.
"They're just furry and misunderstood."
"Is that why you are killing them?"
"Yes. They will atone in death."
"Ah. That will help them understand."
After hearing about the petition and reading it over, Myhun mulls over it's words while enjoying his pipe. Once finished, he packs it again and lights it again while fishing out some paper, quill and inkpot.
He pens two letters, one to be delivered directly to Ameris and one to be posted beside the petition.
Comrades,
It is true that the Gate is still recovering from war and plague and it is true that the economy is recovering. While the poorest who go hungry have no outlet to turn to, they feel obligated to steal just to feed themselves and their families. I am of the belief that they have no other choice when it comes to their survival.
This does not, however, make it right to change the laws. There are harsh ramifications for doing such. An economy does not recover when merchants have their goods stolen because the punishment for the crime has been lessened. It will inspire more people to steal to survive while driving merchants away from the city. It is not what we want to happen. Things will get worse as the true issue is not addressed.
All civlized folk require three things to survive; Food, water and shelter. If one is lacking, then priorities change and generally law abiding citizens will be drawn to do things they would not normally do if all three of those basic needs are available. Changing the laws will not make food more readily available, which is what needs to be addressed.
Rather than see the laws changed, I urge you, Brother Ameris and the more concerned citizens to solve that issue first. The temple is known to already feed those who have nothing. Expand that program. Seek out merchants and the Duke's aid to get food donated directly to the temple. Create a travelling soup cart which visits the poorest districts of the city and provides soup and bread to the citizens. Creating an initiative such as that would garner my support as the current petition does not.
I mentioned above about the three basic needs each of us require. If we can help provide those to the people, they do not have to focus on it or worry on it. They can devote their attention to rebuilding their lives, the city and thus, the economy. If we can get more food provided to the citizens so they do not have to steal, we can keep the laws in place and not scare the merchants we desperately need off.
Thus, I formally request that the petition be changed. As both a concerned citizen and retired member of law enforcement. I ask that you instead;
1) Seek to deliver more food to those who need it most.
2) Deliver a request for aid to the Dukes and merchants in the city for additional food.
3) Seek donations from the concerned citizens. A signature does nothing to get food into the bellies of the starving.
I am personally willing to donate 25 bags of coin should these initiatives be put in place over changing the law.
Signed,
Myhun Kren
Retired Commander of the Flaming Fist
Wirg to Pug: "Iz lat dun?"
Pugratix to a snarky militia man: "Mmmm. Not yet. I will live for hundreds of years and be heralded as one of the greatest forces of destruction on the face of the world. The only thing you can destroy is the outhouse."
Krostin Dukesworth steps into the temple, takes a quick look around, as if looking for someone, and notices the pamphlet. He briefly glances at the names at the bottom and adds his own in huge, crude characters. Then he notices the second piece of paper, and signs his name there too.
After searching the temple one more time, he returns to the petitions, actually reads them, and crosses his name off of both, leaving both petitions rather besmirched.
Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something - Plato
While visiting the temple to make his periodic donation of healing supplies Edmund stops to read the petition. Slowly and carefully struggling to read it aloud to himself and occasionally asking someone near to explain a few of larger words that he is unfamiliar with.
When he finishes he appears to stand in thought for a rather long time, before a quick shake of the head signals his decision and he departs without adding his name.
Wendel Ashby - Sage of Oghma, retired Guide of Candlekeep Nelwynn Burrowes - Wizard, Warrior and Wit (returned home to Mother)
Edmund Tellerin - Cleric of Chauntea, member of the Elder Circle. Groundskeeper, OSR
Grishka - Mother of Luthic, Zar Ut Khan
Helen Smith - Loremistress of Oghma
Attending his business as usual at the Gate, the Tormite Rayre hears about a petition at the Temple of Ilmater after giving his prayer to his God. He then heads to the temple. Inside the temple, he finds two letters and reads them carefully.
After a deep thought, he agrees the standpoints layout in both letters as they all conform to Torm's tenets. He struggles at first but eventually signs both letters and writes a note stating that he is willing to donate 25 bags of coins to the Church of Ilmater to support its initiatives regardless of the outcome of the petitions.
Gyren Edwood - Lathander's MorningstarBiography and Journal
Gawain Develen - Helmite
Rayre Demortemer - Divine Sword of the Loyal Fury
Flasmix wrote:After hearing about the petition and reading it over, Myhun mulls over it's words while enjoying his pipe. Once finished, he packs it again and lights it again while fishing out some paper, quill and inkpot.
He pens two letters, one to be delivered directly to Ameris and one to be posted beside the petition.
Comrades,
It is true that the Gate is still recovering from war and plague and it is true that the economy is recovering. While the poorest who go hungry have no outlet to turn to, they feel obligated to steal just to feed themselves and their families. I am of the belief that they have no other choice when it comes to their survival.
This does not, however, make it right to change the laws. There are harsh ramifications for doing such. An economy does not recover when merchants have their goods stolen because the punishment for the crime has been lessened. It will inspire more people to steal to survive while driving merchants away from the city. It is not what we want to happen. Things will get worse as the true issue is not addressed.
All civlized folk require three things to survive; Food, water and shelter. If one is lacking, then priorities change and generally law abiding citizens will be drawn to do things they would not normally do if all three of those basic needs are available. Changing the laws will not make food more readily available, which is what needs to be addressed.
Rather than see the laws changed, I urge you, Brother Ameris and the more concerned citizens to solve that issue first. The temple is known to already feed those who have nothing. Expand that program. Seek out merchants and the Duke's aid to get food donated directly to the temple. Create a travelling soup cart which visits the poorest districts of the city and provides soup and bread to the citizens. Creating an initiative such as that would garner my support as the current petition does not.
I mentioned above about the three basic needs each of us require. If we can help provide those to the people, they do not have to focus on it or worry on it. They can devote their attention to rebuilding their lives, the city and thus, the economy. If we can get more food provided to the citizens so they do not have to steal, we can keep the laws in place and not scare the merchants we desperately need off.
Thus, I formally request that the petition be changed. As both a concerned citizen and retired member of law enforcement. I ask that you instead;
1) Seek to deliver more food to those who need it most.
2) Deliver a request for aid to the Dukes and merchants in the city for additional food.
3) Seek donations from the concerned citizens. A signature does nothing to get food into the bellies of the starving.
I am personally willing to donate 25 bags of coin should these initiatives be put in place over changing the law.
Signed,
Myhun Kren
Retired Commander of the Flaming Fist
A note would be added beneath Myhun's letter.
Myhun Kren,
Thank-you for your interest in the petition. Your points are well made, it is hunger and want that breed social discord.
It is a truth that it is the first duty of the Ilmatari to see to such. Indeed, if I may take your points in turn:
1) Seek to deliver more food to those who need it most.
We are already doing this in two city districts. In the East Gate, food born of prayers of faith is being delivered to the homeless and needy, at some expense it has to be said. In the Harbour, a soup kitchen is in the final stages of being readied, to meet the needs of the most hungry there, after the ordering of supplies from Calimsham - an idea of yours in fact, Myhun.
2) Deliver a request for aid to the Dukes and merchants in the city for additional food.
Ducal support has been sought for assistance in setting up the soup kitchen and indeed the Flaming Fist and City Watch are helping secure its safety. Beyond this merchants of Baldur's Gate, particularly the Sword Coast Commecial Exchange and the Whistling Wanderess, have provided aid in bringing in and storing supplies. Thus the soup kitchen being able to run. Once it is established, imports of additional foodstuffs are planned.
3) Seek donations from the concerned citizens. A signature does nothing to get food into the bellies of the starving.
Donation is indeed being sought, indeed we have recently received such as a result of a street preaching initiative, and during the soup kitchen workshop thanks to the songs of the Bluesummer founder and White Mask member, Rose Valexe. However more donations are always welcome.
The fact is that until the economy of the city is sufficiently recovered there will be want, and the temple is only able to do what it can do; removal of all want is a utopian ideal, even if it is one the Adorned fight for.
Given that poverty and hunger will be a fact for some time, it is right that the petition stands. Even were the city prosperous, it has always been true that the Just God builds his house on foundations of Duty and Compassion, and an inflexible application of the law breed undesirable results.
Rose looks over the petition, her fingers running down all of the names already there. She then reads over the second letter written by Myhun and pauses in thought. After a few long moments she signs the petition then pens her own note to fit aside the others.
Brutal enforcement of the laws for crimes such as these are disgusting. There should be a better way to deal with them.Our poorest people are often the ones that take the brunt of our city's disparity. While the words of the retired officers words should be heeded by the Dukes, I believe this petition is for a change and not an abolition of punishment. I sign because there needs to be this change, and responsibility needs to be taken when these acts of violence occur.
With hope for a brighter future,
Rose Valexe
Songmaster of the Bluesummer Academy
Qilintha Dev'lin Ilharess "All great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Rose Valexe Songstress "Aspire to inspire before we expire."
*During his trips into the city to ward the orphanage, Saerthal hears about the petition, and walks over to the temple. After reading the petition and all messages posted, he adds a note in elven with large letters:*
"Kinslaying is a henious crime, just like theft,thus unless the dead man's family asks for another punishment, execution is the least. Also, all who let the man's family starve should be executed as well. Letting your own kind starve to death, is equal to murdering them. All who do so, shall be put to death or exiled."
A man, garbed in dark, plain clothes, breeches, tunic and vest, spends the odd morning at the Temple of Ilmater, gaze bent forward in silent supplication, the stoic asking of suffering abated sought and seldom answered, as for many pilgrims in those hallowed halls.
He lays eyes on the petition on his exit, one morning. He pauses, ingesting the carefully crafted text and the crux of its request. He never reaches for the waiting quill, an odd smile shook side to side as he passes the temple's threshold and steps out into the Balduran streets.
Agathion happens to hear of the incident and does not hesitate to sign while also muttering under his breath something about "The damnable dukes and their increasing tyranny..."
"To understand magic one must first understand magic."
Agathion Benedictus: Holy Priest. Retired for now. Tiax Rules-All: Gnomish madman. Retired permanently. Exordius Vrass: Cleric/Mage. Currently active.
