To Help The Poor

[Numbless]

To my dearest fellow citizens,

I write to you today with a heavy, yet hopeful heart. All who read this are surely aware of the worrying state Regalia finds itself in. The past month alone has seen an outrageous uptick in crime, striking fear in Regalians of every social class. From the brutalization of nobility to a mass pseudo-Vampirism infection to the almost constant sieges of holy sites to even DOG abductions. Many of the malfeasants responsible for these incidents abuse the protections that the Crookback borough provides, playing fast and loose with the law. This perversion of the Crown's goodwill can no longer stand.

However, I do not wish to portray the Crookback borough and its inhabitants in an overwhelmingly negative light. The borough is home to many a criminal, yes, but also innocent Regalians who are simply trying to do their duty to the Empire. It was only last week I freely walked into Crookback with Miss Fiorenza Garofalo and handed out free sunscreen, makeup, and fans (all courtesy of La Belle Vie). The experience, notably free of ANY violence, showed me that the people of Crookback are more than capable of behaving with a level of decorum previously thought impossible. Many Crookbackers were sent home with Countess Fabienne du Poncaire's Guide to Fan Language, displaying their curiosity and eagerness to immerse themselves in something other than depravity.

With these facts in mind, the question arises: how can we begin to remedy this streak of violence? How can we continue to encourage all Regalian's natural inclination to duty and civility?

Let us start by cleansing the rot that infects the Holy City, beginning with the one called "Florian." On Wednesday the 21st, Florian shot me, an honorable member of the peerage, unprovoked, at the Animosity Bridge. Thankfully, due to the skillful hands of my personal seamstress, I was wearing an enhanced corset, saving me from harm. However, I can not in good conscience allow this individual to continue prowling the streets, for they may seriously harm someone less fortunate than myself. Therefore, I am calling for their CAPTURE AND CURING, so that they may return to being a productive citizen of the Empire. For reference, I have had these missives printed with a sketch of Florian on the back. Let this endeavor show the rest of those who would poison our streets with violence, and endanger us, that there are CONSEQUENCES, but also mercy.

Florian, if you are reading this, I understand your pain. I would lash out and attack beautiful Noble women if I was as unfortunate in appearance. But fear not! A shower and a fresh set of clothes await you. I will personally sponsor a much-needed makeover at La Belle Vie should you freely submit to curing.

And to the rest of those in Crookback, whose hearts are full of resentment, corrupted by forces unseen: please remember His love and His grace. Know that even in these dark times, the light of the Everwatcher may still guide you to the path of righteousness. Above all, do not forget that forgiveness is never out of reach.

Glory to the Empire,

Countess of Cérilly​

Spoiler: FLORIAN THE GEIST

cred: @AyashaChan

ooc tags: @AyashaChan ​

 

[bwmwags3]

A Fin'ullen laughs out loud as he reads the makeover part, "Ah mm, well the Countess has a good sense for l humor? Ha imagin if it's serious about the makeover, ah well! I see no coin upon the table for this and well not my occupation mercenary work, but perhaps the Solvaans will take it for those 'Imperial Good' contracts of theirs."

A Yanar also reads it and just slides it across the dining room table, without a word. Perhaps not having much to say or perhaps choosing to let Asp comment. @BurnedDrake

 

[CaptainAyasha]

 

[Rowet]

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To the citizens of the Empire, including the Crookback & Fairbanks Boroughs,
​

I stand with the Countess Belrose not only because of the unprovoked violence against her, but because Florian is sick with an Affliction. Mercy is an option - and I will aid her in funding Florian's makeover at Le Belle Vie, when they are inevitably captured & cured. Those who promote the barbaric lifestyle of the Afflicted - Vampire, Cahal, Geist - are not truly companions & friends, Florian, and I only hope you see that when you are freed & in a right state of mind.

Forgiveness is an option - and I, along with the Countess, will be truly ready to help you to a better path, Florian. If you truly choose the barbaric lifestyle, then I cannot promise another opportunity of compassion & mercy.

​

The same is also offered to the Afflicted of Crookback when they are captured & cured - even if we are of opposing views, I would love to offer a moment of kindness, as is custom due to my faith. Please reach out to me if you are displaced & lost when you are cured - know that there is another path, you must take the step forth on that road - even if it means change. You must accept that change.​

Signed,

Countess of Ireavaal in the province of Lorhaus
Matriarch of House Felaadar
Owner of A Minute of Luxury​

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​

 

[kirishark]

Count Florian du Poncaire leapt out of his seat at the mere mention of his name, heart racing. He hastily flipped over the page to see a portrait of himself, entirely anticipating slander against his name.. but, alas. It was another familiar face and soon, he was soothed by a wave of relief.

"<Letz> PHEW. It was the ugly one, okay."

The Leutzman collapsed onto his chaise lounge with a residual sigh, perplexed and content to be the superior Florian. He stole one last glance at the sketch on the pamphlet and compared it to the grand painted portrait of himself hung above the fireplace before him, affirming his suspicions. An unruly grin split from cheek to cheek.

"<Letz> Yep. Definitely the ugly one."

 

[InversedGremlin]

To Countess Auriane Belrose of Cerilly,

It is with a heavy hand that I write you this letter - and heavier still that I publish this publically. Many of my fellow Archons will be perplexed by what they find in this writing. Though, I believe that you will be most perplexed out of the bunch. Do understand that I do not write this to slander you nor your House. Instead, I wish to shed some light on this topic that perhaps has been entirely looked over. For this reason, I wish to cover the 'issue' that is Crookback, the inhabitants within it, and what I believe we should do moving forward.

Endlessly, Crookback has proved to be an area of concern for those within and out of it. To many, it is a cesspit of wrong-doing, criminal activities, poor etiquette, and affliction. Perhaps this is something we can pass off as true given that these all can be ascribed to many of the people within Crookback. There is an astounding amount of criminals, Sanguine, Cahal, Geists, Death Cultists, homeless indivudals, and so many other in that lurk in the town that is barely considered Regalia's own. However, I have begin to question much of this thinking. Why is that Crookback consists of the criminals and the Afflicted? Why is that we believe that a purge among its people - whether curing or killing - would be taken well? Why is that those within Crookback must bow to the power of the Afflicted?

In short... perhaps it is because they are a forgotten people. Perhaps it's because there is no true pity for the Crookbackians. Archon, Knights, and the once Metro alike are hated by these people whom they slaughter, cure, and terrorize - and vice-versa is true. Some of the most powerful with in the City simply wish to raze the population in Crookback, as your call on Florian asks for. Do I think these Afflications are better off being cured? That we should free these souls of these other-worldly curses? Certainly... But what happens when it is these Afflictions that these people have turned to for power because it is their only viable way of obtaining it? We may strip them of their Afflictions over and over again, but we will find no end in sight. They will go back to their ways.

Not astonishingly, Reyna has formed a power apparatus based firmly on Sanguinism. In power comes change and potential. This means of organization through the common ground of being Sanguine is a catalyst for those in Crookback who are tired of being forgotten by Regalia. They have essentially created a means of protection within Crookback for themseleves, a function of government, and, therefore, a way that leads to the betterment of their surroundings. Enforcement, idea-making, punishment, reward... it is all wrapped up in the notion of Affliciton. Do not take this as an argument for why we should be relentlessly curing those in Crookback. Instead, understand it as the means in which these individuals have decisively developed something and someone they can rely on.

The City has failed to help, has failed to give them a voice, has failed to ensure they are seen, and has failed to consider what happens when you leave sick minds to govern. You may ask what can undo this - surely mass curing will do it? No. It is considered a blessing and protection. If Regalia proves to not give these indviduals, these people, a way to work for a better tomorrow, they will continue to make it in any way shape or form they can. It is not until we can demonstrate that we care whole-heartedly that the curing of Afflictions can be considered. As it stands, curing only feeds the cycle of hatred and further reason to say that Regalia does nothing to help Crookbackians. After all, it is taking away public stance, power, and class - so to speak.

Therefore, I encourage you to champion not charity, not curing with a positive twist, or whatever else. Instead, I ask that you and others begin to petition for a means of representation for the Crookbackian people. Might it start with passing out fans? Perhaps. Will it last just on that? No. It never has. It never will. Do not belittle these people and perhaps meet them as normal Regalian citizens in an effort to help heal Crookback. From there, you may just have your wish of curing.

With the Passion of Zanobi,
​