[narrative] Menace writes a eulogy for Varis
Feb 27, 2020 9:09:40 GMT
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Post by Ian (Menace) on Feb 27, 2020 9:09:40 GMT
The news has spread swift as the wind, infectious as the flu, sure as winter – Varis Naylo, Grandmaster of the Crimson Fists, has fallen in battle. The people speak in hushed voices; what will happen now? Who will offer protection? Will the Order continue on its current path? Or will it become the mercenary outfit some always feared it had been all along?
In his room in Port Ffirst’s Cavernous Seashank, Menace begins to draft a speech.
“Warriors of the Order! Friends of the Crimson Fist! We are gathered here today to pay our respects to Grandmaster Varis Naylo - he who stood against the Green Tide! Godslayer! And Hero of Daring! (pause for effect)
I know that some of you may not know me yet. But I knew Varis. I fought with him, side by side in K’ul Goran. The bonds forged in the fires of war are the hardest and most dependable one can find - as you all know! (expect approval, maybe nodding) Each of you has faced the crucible of battle, and come out of it a little different. Harder. Surer of yourself. More capable. (pause for effect)
So it was for me also, when I had the pleasure of fighting beside Varis against the giants. A better general I will never know. A better friend I shall never find. I - we - are poorer now, without him. (expect nodding, approval)
But we cannot rest here. The good work is never done. Varis told me so on many occasions - the Greater Good does not rest! We have to look to the future and carry on, in his name.
So I ask you - what do you think Varis would have wanted for the Order? Do you know? (pause)
He has told me of his plans many times. He always dreamed of the Order becoming a shield for the weak, and a sword for the wronged - tempered by justice!
But justice is hard to come by in these times. Have you not experienced the inequality of life yourself? Seen the rich get away with murder, while the poor receive narry a minute from the magistrate, to make their case? You there! (point at random Order warrior) Where are you from? What was your trade before you joined us? And what of you? (keep pointing until finding a commoner) Tell us true, have you not seen injustice? Varis would not stand for this! (wait for applaus to end)
The simple fact is, the rich can afford to buy retribution. If the law cannot help, they hire a party of adventurers to do their bidding. But who has a bag of gold lying around for such an occasion? Not I! And not you! (expect approval)
This is why I say, the Order must be the answer! Provide justice for the little man - for little coin! Justice should not be in the providence of only the rich. For justice is a right for all - as Varis would have said it!
This is why I propose that the Order follow in the footsteps of our greatest hero. Follow the path that Varis has laid before us. Under new leadership, we will complete his vision, and provide justice services to the common people - for small fees that are affordable to all. This is the right thing to do. The way Varis would have wanted it. The way he TOLD me he wanted it!
I stand before you today, as one of you, and I hope you will heed my words. Let us honor the memory of my dear friend Varis. Let us work together for a better future. For the Greater Good. And for Varis. (wait for applause to die down before leaving the stage)”
In his room, Menace ponders over the speech he has just written. He thinks back to the last time he was in Daring, and saw the dour faces of the Order warriors, weighing his chances of swaying them to follow him. His apprentice Carl stands at his shoulder, ordering the stack of papers that contain the notes for his planned expedition to the Underdark - a suicide mission, as his friend Igrainne termed it. Menace sighs, and hands the speech to Carl.
“Carl, let’s put this on the ‘maybe’ pile. Then hand me the latest reports on the Underdark. Might be better to focus on something with a greater chance of success…”
In his room in Port Ffirst’s Cavernous Seashank, Menace begins to draft a speech.
“Warriors of the Order! Friends of the Crimson Fist! We are gathered here today to pay our respects to Grandmaster Varis Naylo - he who stood against the Green Tide! Godslayer! And Hero of Daring! (pause for effect)
I know that some of you may not know me yet. But I knew Varis. I fought with him, side by side in K’ul Goran. The bonds forged in the fires of war are the hardest and most dependable one can find - as you all know! (expect approval, maybe nodding) Each of you has faced the crucible of battle, and come out of it a little different. Harder. Surer of yourself. More capable. (pause for effect)
So it was for me also, when I had the pleasure of fighting beside Varis against the giants. A better general I will never know. A better friend I shall never find. I - we - are poorer now, without him. (expect nodding, approval)
But we cannot rest here. The good work is never done. Varis told me so on many occasions - the Greater Good does not rest! We have to look to the future and carry on, in his name.
So I ask you - what do you think Varis would have wanted for the Order? Do you know? (pause)
He has told me of his plans many times. He always dreamed of the Order becoming a shield for the weak, and a sword for the wronged - tempered by justice!
But justice is hard to come by in these times. Have you not experienced the inequality of life yourself? Seen the rich get away with murder, while the poor receive narry a minute from the magistrate, to make their case? You there! (point at random Order warrior) Where are you from? What was your trade before you joined us? And what of you? (keep pointing until finding a commoner) Tell us true, have you not seen injustice? Varis would not stand for this! (wait for applaus to end)
The simple fact is, the rich can afford to buy retribution. If the law cannot help, they hire a party of adventurers to do their bidding. But who has a bag of gold lying around for such an occasion? Not I! And not you! (expect approval)
This is why I say, the Order must be the answer! Provide justice for the little man - for little coin! Justice should not be in the providence of only the rich. For justice is a right for all - as Varis would have said it!
This is why I propose that the Order follow in the footsteps of our greatest hero. Follow the path that Varis has laid before us. Under new leadership, we will complete his vision, and provide justice services to the common people - for small fees that are affordable to all. This is the right thing to do. The way Varis would have wanted it. The way he TOLD me he wanted it!
I stand before you today, as one of you, and I hope you will heed my words. Let us honor the memory of my dear friend Varis. Let us work together for a better future. For the Greater Good. And for Varis. (wait for applause to die down before leaving the stage)”
In his room, Menace ponders over the speech he has just written. He thinks back to the last time he was in Daring, and saw the dour faces of the Order warriors, weighing his chances of swaying them to follow him. His apprentice Carl stands at his shoulder, ordering the stack of papers that contain the notes for his planned expedition to the Underdark - a suicide mission, as his friend Igrainne termed it. Menace sighs, and hands the speech to Carl.
“Carl, let’s put this on the ‘maybe’ pile. Then hand me the latest reports on the Underdark. Might be better to focus on something with a greater chance of success…”
