The Orator's Square (IC News and Gatherings)

[Etoile]

The Orator’s Square is really just the juncture where the streets of Demios all converge. Indeed, to the casual observer it is nothing special; a simple podium wrought from wood sits inconspicuously off-centre, its being purposefully not central so as not to detract one’s attention from the statue of Queen Fire Mystia the most hated of the Queens who hailed from the Islands. On the left hand side, a few steps from the Aedile’s office, one can see the solid timber of the stocks. Old Bart the town drunk stands with his head and arms locked in place for some misdemeanor committed whilst drunk. Truly, he was about as common a sight as the statue and the podium themselves, long as he seemed to have been here. It was not that he simply spent all of his times locked in the stocks; he simply performed iniquities on such a regular basis that it genuinely seemed like it.

The name of this place was given for the fact that this is where the island’s people come together in order to hear the latest announcements concerning the Empire, and to glean information on any forthcoming events in the town proper. A good place for simply meeting up and chatting with friends and acquaintances too, the Square certainly serves its fair share of purposes, even if it is not the most elaborate of locations. Though its true purpose is usually used only when big news reaches Demios and enough citizens gather around the orator.

This is the place where the Herald articles are read out loud, so that citizens would not have to buy their copy of the herald. That is even if they could get it, since after all paper and papyrus was very expensive in the Empire, therefore just a rare citizen could afford a copy, not to mention more than a few in an era. Just as well not many copies were distributed around the Empire, so even if one had the crowns, it was not easy to get a hold of one. That was why the Orator's square was perfect for cizitens of Demios to gather and listen to the orator who told them all the news he could get. Usually when news were received, they would be repeated for a few candlemarks for a few brightenings.

Sometimes a priest from the Church of Carmelya comes to speak about the gods, warning the citizens to pray to them and thank for the good harvest and no wars. Some other times citizens from the crowd climb up onto the podium to speak about daily urges, a theft, a gathering of farmers or anything else that might bother the casual citizen of Demios, sometimes even an outlander. News, whether it be a war on the other side of the Empire, a new Aedile elected just a candlemark ago or a disappearance of a friend, were heard here first and then spread out among the Demiosians.

OOC: Original by GD Anne, edited by GM Selene and GM Dragon.

[Etoile]

The woman who steps up to the podium is none other than Aedile Rosamund DeMar, her blonde hair in its trademark messy bun. A common sight around Demios, Rosamund is known for her absent-mindedness – today, manifested in the mismatched earrings she wears. It’s a trait that is well-tolerated by Demiosians, as Rosamund may seem disorganized and scatter-brained but in fact has a sharp memory when it comes to people’s faces and names, as well as the locations and states of all buildings within the town of Demios.

Recognizing Rosamund, a small crowd began to form around the podium to hear the Aedile speak. There was little curiosity in the crowd – it was fairly apparent that Rosamund is going to address the state of the town after the wild winds that ripped through the town at the beginning of the summer. Houses were lost, businesses were destroyed, but the people were confident that the Aedile was going to help them through this time. After all, this wasn’t the first time it had happened – the weather was known to be unpredictable on Demios. Dragons… people whispered to each other.

Rosmaund cleared her throat, and the crowd grew silent. “Serale, citizens of Demios. On this fine brightening, I’d like to talk to you about the damage from the storm. I know that many of the business owners lost their shops this time around, but you can be assured that we will have your stores up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will be opening up a temporary market for those store-owners to set up stalls and sell their wares, so business may go on as usual.” She’d already decided on a location, a large square within the Mercantile District.

“For those homeowners who were affected, please know that we will be working as hard as possible to get you back into your houses. The Church of Carmelya has been opened for those in need of shelter, although I know that many of the more fortunate ones have opened your houses to friends and family. We will be offering aid and discounted materials to help you rebuild.” A number of citizens had already visited her before and told her of their intentions to start completely afresh – taking advantage of the storm to build larger, grander homed. That meant that there would be a bunch of structurally sound, roofless houses that she would have to take care of. Rosamund suppressed a sigh – she’d take care of that later. Somehow.

“We should have the market running within the cycle. Please spread this news to anyone who may not be present, as I will be in my office to receive visitors and answer questions, if you have any. Serale.” Rosamund nodded to signify the end of her speech, letting the citizens discuss amongst themselves as she returned to her office for mounds of paperwork and planning.

[Whisper]

First Cycle of Kalendryas, Winter, Era XV

After the woman stepped down, a dwarf took her place. Being only 4 feet tall, he had to stand on a crate to see over the top of the podium. His beard, hair, and arms were covered in dust and soot, and he squinted as if he hadn't seen such bright light in a very long time. When he spoke, his loud gruff voice boomed over the crowd.

"People of Demios... My name is Rai'kra Jiea. I am the master miner and overseer of the Demios mines.

"We have been experiencing some very dangerous weather in the mountaintops, making the paths muddy and subject to rockslides. They are far too dangerous for anyone to travel without eras of experience.

"As of tomorrow, the 2nd of Kalendryas, the mines are hereby closed. We will no longer be sending out any metals or gems to Demios or the mainland."

At this, those gathered began to mumble in confusion. The mines were one of Demios' main sources of income. Why would the mines suddenly stop production? What effect would this have on the economy, and the hundreds of dwarfs and other workers who found their living in the mines?

Rai'kra continued to speak over the people, simply concluding, "More information will come shortly."

[Whisper]

First Cycle of Melora, Winter, Era XV

On the first brightening of the cycle, one of the city orators stepped up to the podium with a scroll of parchment in hand. She smiled as she began to address the crowd that had gathered to hear that brightening's news. It was very cold, and snowflakes were falling lightly over the whole crowd. The woman dusted the light snowfall off her shoulders and cleared her throat.

"Serale and good brightening, everyone!

"In honor of this lovely weather--" some of the crowd chuckled as they shivered, "--our new Thane is holding a masquerade ball! Everyone is invited. Pracenda and drinks will be served.

"Those in need of costumes might visit Turien's Clothier for an outfit.

"We hope to see you at the Thane's estate on the third of this cycle!"

Event Link: The Masquerade Ball