Expiation - Network

Greetings, it's me. Richard Plantagenet, the duke of Gloucester.

It seems like the last the events of the last month truly shaken up our community in more ways than just one. And on top of that it appears that the council is back on the move once again, trying to subdue us 'the chosen' under their thumb. There might not be much that we can do in the face of such horrors but i do not believe we are entirely powerless either.

But first things first. If any of you find your housing situation compromised, please, come to the inn. We will allow anyone in need to stay free of charge. However, I must warn you that the standards aren't quite what they used to be with the resources running low, which leads me to my next point.

I call everyone who is willing and capable to gather and join me in the cleaning up and rebuilding our city. The roads are still filled with rubble and debris from the fight and some areas seems to be completely blocked off. Similarly, I will call everyone who is interested in defending our city to join me and the defense squad with patrolling around the borders and woods nearby in case of the monsters still lingering around. The game and other wildlife seems to have left the their usual area, so we need to make sure that it is safe for them to return here if we want to thrive as a community.

As for my last point.

I am aware that not all of you might trust me or have the most positive views on my actions here. Still, I wish you to listen to what I have to propose to you and take it in your heart without being clouded by prejudice and hear me out.

When my homeland was met with great injustice my noble father, the duke of York, took upon his shoulders to set things right. He rallied the people, raised the banners and brought upon a storm like no other to sweep across our country. All just to remove the tyrant, the false king from his pedestal. When I look at the way our state in this city I must admit that I feel compelled to do the same and urge us to take our fates to our own hands. The Council and this AI-entity might loom above us like Gods, but that does not mean we ought to outright submit to them. I am aware that we have already into our own groups and formed affiliations. But I truly do believe we are strongest when we are together and united.

Which is why I propose the following: that we, the Chosen, would form our own governing body. A council of our own, if you will. I do not suggest that we follow one true leader, as I believe that to be fruitless in our situation. However, we would greatly benefit from having chosen representatives to gather and bring out the issues that we might be facing as a community, so that we could coordinate our efforts to match our best interests and needs.

This is, of course, just a suggestion. I would love to hear what all of you think of this.

[Well, well. Look at that, Richard is actually using video feed instead of the usual text when addressing the network. He's indoors, sitting in front of big wooden table and there is stern yet controlled expression on his face. And when he speaks there is an air of noble dignity to his voice:]

Greetings, my fellow Chosen. My name is Richard Plantagenet. Some of you know who I am either from organizing the communal training sessions and from the Inn. However, I am sad to inform you that this time I am not here with such pleasant news as hosting a new party.

I believe it is unnecessary to go through the recent events in detail, we all were there and have had even someone to step forward to claim responsibility for the horrors of the prolonged night. This has now been the second violent threat against our city that I have witnessed. And from what I have heard from the veterans of this world there has been several more in the past. And I don't know about the rest of you but I think we have been left vulnerable for far too long.

So, I'll keep this as brief as possible.

I wish for anyone who is capable to come forward and join me in forming a defensive body that will be ready to respond to crises and other adversaries that we might face. There is a lot to do around the city, from strengthening our defenses, to find alternative communication solutions. Relying solely on these devices clearly has proven out to be faulty.

Of course, I'll continue to train self-defense, the swordmanship, archery and basic survival skills to anyone who is willing to learn. However, the invitation is open to all, whether you are fighter or not. There will be needing healers, those with more technical knowledge and who're fluent in science. I am well aware of my own weakness in that area -- after all, I am from the time period that could be considered 'medieval.' [God, how he hates that word.] Likewise people who are skilled strategists and have experience in leadership are welcomed. No helping hands will be turned away.

The last time I approached you all with similar proposition, I was met with suspicion that I was trying to form an army. However, I swear to you that it is not the case here. I am not looking for training soldiers nor positioning myself above the rest of you. I am merely asking for your help with ensuring making Aldrip safer to all of us.

There are already existing factions and those who'd rather keep their work private. But as long as we are separated and working without proper communication among ourselves we are no better than headless chicken running around. We are strongest when we are together. I for one, will be doing my own part to make sure there'll be no more unnecessary bloodshed among our numbers, with or without your help.

Thank you all for your time.