Arelith: The Prying Eye

Author: Adelyn Belle'rose

Rozen Chalice Publishing, a division of East Arelith Trading

Original Publication: 172 AR "The Prying Eye: Cordor's Magocracy"

Revised & Updated 2nd Edition: 175 AR "Arelith: The Prying Eye"

"The Arelith Antiquarian Society is instituted to examine, preserve, and publish all antiquities as connected with the art, language, literature, and history of the Arelith Archipelago. Articles bearing this notation have been selected for conservation regardless of race, faith, alignment, or affiliation. While all efforts have been made to ensure the information within is accurate regarding the subject matter covered, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein, whether such errors or omissions are the result of negligence, accident, or any other cause. If any such errors, inaccuracies, or omissions are discovered please contact the author who will address the issue."

I. A NEW LEADER

In the middle months of 153 AR (Arelith Reckoning), Cordor's election cycle saw the magi Katernin Bersk run for the position of Chancellor. Her platform centered on change within the government, national defense, and patriotism. Her appeal to the masses carried the majority vote and allowed her to win the election.

[Chancellor's Inaugural Address]

"Citizens of Cordor, thank you for coming to my first formal address as your new Chancellor. I appreciate the faith you have put in me to run this great city and I will not let you, nor the legacy of those before me, down."

"There are several things I wish to do during this term which I will outline the first steps during this address. The topics are as follows:"

"The Cordorian Guard; the ministry positions; streamlining the legal procedures; and, mostly importantly, forging Cordor into a strong and sovereign nation. Please hold your comments, questions, or concerns until the end."

"First, the Cordorian guard. Over the past year, I have been working directly with the guard and military and have found them, with a few exceptions, well run."

"That said, no group should be immune to auditing procedures and I have already spoken to a former commander whom I have asked to fulfil this auditing role."

"A well-run group should never fear an audit, they should embrace it to show their superiority. In an effort for transparency, the findings of that audit will be publicly available."

"Secondly, the Cordorian ministry and my cabinet. The cabinet will consist of four members: The Chancellor, the Minister of the Foreign Affairs, the Minister of the Interior, and the Minister of the Arcane. Each of these positions can open subgroups that operate with their direct supervision."

"The Minister of Arcane Affairs role is to provide oversight on arcane usage within the city and monitor it on all of Arelith. This includes, but not limited to: oversight of wild magic, necromancy, and other vile magics; consulting with other esoteric arcane matters around the isle."

"The Minister of Internal Affairs role is to provide oversight over everything that occurs within the city of Cordor. This includes, but not limited to: agriculture, culture, guards, and economics."

"The Minister of the Foreign Affairs role is to provide oversight on the ongoings over the entire isle. This includes, but not limited to: military (including the navy), diplomacy, and typically, the vice chancellorship."

"Finally, the Chancellors role is to provide oversight over each of the other ministers. They will fill in any vacant roles as needed and ensure that all the offices are operating at peek efficiently. Their votes in cabinet meetings will break ties and they maintain general veto power when necessary."

"While this is my current thinking, it may evolve as the month's progress and I collect additional ideas from our citizens."

"One thing that became clear to me during the most recent trial, was that it was very time inefficient. It was obvious that there was a lot of extraneous time spent on litigation as the processes are not clearly defined."

"I plan to review and streamline the current law system as well as the procedures to run a trail in a reasonable amount of time. As a former magistrate myself, I am uniquely suited for this role." "And finally, the topic of how to strengthen Cordor. For a long time, Cordor has been looked upon as secondary to other groups and settlements on Arelith. While I believe the Cordor needs to maintain its defensive alliances and cooperation against the vile forces that hide below our city, Cordor also needs to maintain its sovereignty."

"You have put your faith in me, and I will return that belief in the way of safety for you so that you can concentrate on other parts of your life. I am certain that many of you know that I am a diviner and one of our abilities is foresight; the ability to see things before they occur."

"But that power is not absolute though it can be improved. Devices attuned to me will be installed around the city in order to take a hands-on approach at extending my sight to multiple places at once from the safety of my private sanctum."

"I am certain that you will appreciate this kind of direct methodology from the Chancellor and alleviate one less thing chaotic thing you need to navigate in on this isle."

"The plans above are the first steps at strengthening our nations, it is not only me than will invoke this change. I need you, each and every one of the good citizens of Cordor, to do their part. I am counting on you as much as you are counting on me."

"Thank you for listening Cordor, and Eye open."

<>Sealed with an image of a raven on top of the seal of Chancellors Seal of Cordor<> Katernin Bersk Day 27, Month 8, Year 153

II. FIRST TERM

The Chancellor's first term began with hopes, promises, restructuring, and interviews. Utilizing the Cordor City Guard to conduct background investigations on city council applicants, Bersk interviewed and appointed three people to positions as Ministers in the Government. Peram Flint, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Priscilla Plaskett, Minister of Internal Affairs; and Dimitrios Hal-Nyxos Minister of Arcane Affairs. She also appointed Valencia Cruz as Admiral of the Cordor Navy against the advice of investigating Guard officers Mather Allias, Savol Corthala, and Cei Mornshield.

At the start of her reign, Cordor's coffers held a total of 9,141,683 gold. Approximately two million was left in the main account, 300,000 to each Ministry account, and the remaining 6,000,000 went into an excess fund account.

It was announced that Loretta Ashby, Priestess of Savras, had arrived in the city from the mainland after being sent to aid Bersk in matters of faith.

Chancellor Bersk soon experienced her first significant military victory, though at great cost, with the defeat of The Beast (See Book' Arelith: The Beast').

[From the Desk of the Chancellor: A Call to Action]

"On this glorious day, I come to you basking in the splendor of our City. The military has succeeded in a victory against the forces of the Shadow, but that victory did not come without price. The price of our Commander but I know she would not have allowed any other in this city to take her place. Commander Gawain did what was best, not only for Cordor, but for the entire island."

"I am not devoid of emotion, for I shed a tear for our late Commander. But we must move forward."

"Are you certain you are serving your nation the best way you can? Are you sitting in the background hoping that those around you will carry you into this glory? Are you happy that you were not asked to make the choice that the Commander had to? In my Cordor, we all do our part. In my Cordor, those that serve would make the same choice as Commander Gawain did."

"There are times we must stay our hand but there are times when a reserved hand is the wrong approach. Let Fate show us the wisdom of when to act and when to hold back. Nothing is ever won in history without bloodshed."

"The time to act now. Join the forces of the State today."

Katernin Bersk Day 22, Month 10, Year 153

III. THE EYE OPENS

The opening of 154 AR witnessed Katernin Bersk tightening her grip on the city with the Cordor City Guard's disbanding and its officers' dismissal. The force was replaced by her personal bodyguard known as "The Eyes of the Chancellor" which were accountable only to her. Bersk further moved to evict city citizens who she felt to be 'unproductive' while working to weed out agents from other settlements, such as Mabel Dyndarack employed by Andunor. Those of the old guard that gave knee to the new regime were rewarded, as former guard Mather Allias was named Knight-Commander of Gloom Keep.

[The Eyes of the Chancellor]

"As we embark on this new path of safety, security, and most importantly, Prosperity, there is much change on the horizon. In my first few months leading this great city, I have seen much that I would like to modify and to start, that is with the Cordorian Guard."

"Today, I am dissolving the entity known as the Cordorian Guard."

"The guard have served adequately for many years, but the focus is now on a different type of service and providing that service will be the Eyes of the Chancellor. The Eyes will be led by a man known as Ardent who has been in command of the Chancellors Guard for the past few months."

"The Eyes will oversee general Cordorian law enforcement but will also be following up on leads that results in information gathered by the Ministry of Arcane Affairs as the results of the Lodestar observations."

"I understand that change is difficult, but I have faith that you will realize this is a step forward for Cordor."

"Note, any former members of the Cordorian Guard are welcome to approach Ardent for new order should they wish to continue their role; otherwise, the City thanks them for their service and wishes them the best in their future endeavors."

Katernin Bersk Day 25, Month 12, Year 153

[From the Desk of the Chancellor: Knight-Commander Mather Allias]

"Since arriving to this island a few years ago, Mather Allias has served with the Cordorian guard with exceptional skill, discipline, and honour fitting of a faithful of Helm. My Eye has often looked upon him and saw one who was serving as an extreme example of the best that our trained forces can produce."

"Due to this, Sergeant Mather Allias of the Cordor guard has been given title and land by the Chancellor of Cordor. He will serve as Knight-Commander of the Western front of Cordor and be stationed within Gloom Keep. He will have a retinue made up of members of the Cordorian Guard and will be free to command as he sees fit under the Overview of the Minister of External Affairs."

"His watch beings now."

Katernin Bersk Day 1, Month 3, Year 154

IV. THE LODESTAR ARRAY

The greatest apparatus of control for the Chancellor was the development and implementation of the "Lodestar Array". A collection of magical devices placed around the city that would record and transmit their observations to the magi of the administration. A sort of remote, constant scrying that allowed the Chancellor and her subordinates to perceive all happenings within sight of the devices. Needless to say, such magic raised concern within the general populace of Cordor.

[A New Era for Cordor: The Lodestar Observational Devices]

"Today, is a glorious day for all of Cordor. Today, the civil Magocracy has brought into operation that which I promised you from the beginning: the additional safety and security measures that this city has been craving. Through the tireless efforts of the Arcane Ministry, we are finally able to deploy the Lodestar observational network in a joint Gondar and Savras operation."

"Naturally, the exact methodology of how the network functions is considered to be a state secret, do know that it is operates under my Eye. While the process of observations is extremely taxing to me, this is the sacrifice that I am willing to make for the betterment of this entire city."

"Finally, to the vile out there that walks our streets know that I will be watching. When you want to take what is not yours, we will be there. When you want to use violence and intimidation to get your way, we will be there. And should you think about damaging the network? Then you will be sentenced to death and/or exiled."

"No longer will this city stand idly by."

Katernin Bersk Day 2, Month 3, Year 154

V. A MAGOCRACY IS BORN

Chancellor Bersk, her positions secured, declared the Settlement of Cordor a Magocracy. A form of government where only those with an ability in magic can wield power. Under this new decree, users of the arcane could apply for patrician social status, which carried with it certain privileges above those of the common citizens.

Known individuals who received such social status: Patrician: Wotan Woodberry Patrician: Siobhan Gray Patrician: Miranda Magna

[Patrician-class: Expanded Rights]

"1: Patricians accused of wrong-doing have the inalienable right to a private trial with no civilians present. The High Arbiter, the Bailiff, the Scribe, (one) Eye and any members of the Cabinet who wish to view the proceedings."

"These defined individuals are the only ones allowed to be present, in addition to the prosecutor, one individual designated as defense if required and the accuser."

"Witnesses brought forward for either the defense or the prosecution, one way or the other, are not allowed in the courtroom. They must wait outside, in the lobby, until called for. Then depart afterwards."

"Any and all punishments rendered against the patrician, if convicted of wrong-doing, must be kept private unless the matter concerns the wholeness and security of the Kingdom of Cordor, as defined by the High Arbiter or a representative thereof."

"2: Patricians have the right to request security detachments if they feel it needed from the Eyes for short durations."

"3: Patricians have the right to make accusations of wrong-doing, remaining anonymous to the defendant(s). This privacy is only guaranteed in patrician-vs-plebian situations."

Signed: Vice-Chancellor Ministry of Internal Affairs Peram Flint

[Patrician Writs]

"If you already qualify as a patrician by the standards defined the Societal Classes of the Magocracy letter posted by the Chancellor, this does not concern you. Though you must request a license if desired for physical proof."

"Henceforth: any and all individuals who do not meet the typical criteria for the status of patrician as defined in this Magocracy and have not received it as a reward for excellence in the Magocracy."

"May, if they feel their contributions to the city profound enough, request for the social-status of patrician from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If granted, you will receive a writ. Do not lose it."

Signed: Vice-Chancellor Office of Internal Affairs Peram Flint

VI. FAITH IN CORDOR

While Bersk worked on forging the military and city into a personalized Kingdom, her spiritual advisor operated upon the common citizens with public announcements and guidance to community leaders. It was not long before Savras was declared the State Religion, only aiding the woman's influence upon the city.

[The Path Ahead]

"Why do we choose? Do we choose because we are helpless? Because we need someone else to decide for us? No. We choose because we believe. Those who can choose, do it because they believe. All of them. All of us. For one reason or the other, we all believe in a plan. The plan."

"Even if it's impossible for everyone to See eye to eye with each other, we all believe that a certain plan will lead us to prosperity."

"And it is common for ideas to often be lived not individually, but uniquely, to think that the plan we believe in, is, as I said, /the/ plan, the only one possible, the only one that is worthy of being followed."

"But we must not be foolish. We all know what is happening in the city, we all know what is happening in the island. I've heard you, you who complain about the devices the Chancellor has recently installed in the city, and I understand. Seeing is not for all, and all are not meant to See, or even be Seen, but now is the time, Cordor."

"Now is the time to put uniqueness aside, to understand that our plans are not the only ones and that there is a path ahead, a path that we can all See, and that we can all follow."

"And I am not asking you to be mindless! No! I am asking for Clarity. I am asking for reason. Put your plans aside when they are not meant to be executed, but not to simply accept somebody else's, to understand it."

"Take your time, See how their logic works, and understand how their schemes are to happen. Don't simply tremble in anger and burst out the first time you can't see to accomplishing your objectives."

"Wait. Listen. Think. Plan, again and again. Never give up on planning, but understand that you are not the only one who does it, and that there is no need to push your intentions on to everyone. There is a time for all of us. All we need is to be able to determine when. Be clever. See how your Plan fits in theirs. Understand the city as what it is, understand life as what it is: a complex puzzle that we all put together, collectively."

"And in that process, adapt. Don't be ill intentioned. Don't look to just benefit from someone else's plan and then impose yours when they fail. No!"

"Be clever. Realize that all our plans are meant to coexist, just as we coexist too. But, once more, don't be foolish. Understand my words as a call for unity, but not for deviation. I am speaking to a city of good, to a city of prosperity, to a city of lights. Don't twist my words and put them to foul uses, for I will not allow it."

"Do not compete for what is not worth it. Lend your aid to those who you think have a righteous heart, to those who you trust in, but specially, to those who, even if you may disagree with, will show the city a path to success. Let us be unique not in our plans, but in our intent."

"And now, Cordor, say yes! To respect, to understanding, to Clarity, to Seeing! Eyes open, Cordor! Now! Now more than ever."

Day 28, Month 3, Year 154 Loretta Ashby

[Faith of Cordor]

"In consideration to the direction we will be taking the city and thought toward the efficiency of our operations we will be considering Savras as the patron deity of Cordor."

"With the beneficence and guidance of Savras we can guarantee a greater security for our people and a stronger vision moving forward."

Katernin Bersk Day 1, Month 4, Year 154

[Chancellor Bersk - Priestess Ashby's Report]

"Since the very first time I spoke with her, Chancellor Katernin Bersk has been very honest about the rumors regarding the Banites' involvement in their election, spread mostly by a paladin of the Lord of Spells, Paige Mosbrooke. Miss Mosbrooke has been contacted, and she presented a very intricate series of events that she deemed to be evidence enough to condemn the Chancellor, though most of it are just theories and assumptions."

"Trying to get a better understanding of these accusations, I spoke to Ministers Peram Flint, of Exterior Affairs, and Priscilla Plaskett, of Internal Affairs. Mister Flint is a cordial, patient halfling arcanist that disclosed quite a lot about Magistrati Mosbrooke, who leads an order called "The Azure Scroll", and held private conversations on the subject of executing wild magicians. She intends, or intended, to enforce the Magebond of the Azuthan Church in the Island. Mister Flint was once a part of Mosbrooke's faction but decided to leave them after events similar to the one I have mentioned. It is important to note that the Magistrati Mosbrooke is, according to Mister Flint, close to a pirate named 'Drossaico', who has been endorsed by the Banites."

"Miss Plaskett, an Eldathan, seemed to be more concerned for the general well-being of the city, which is quite logical given her position. The, as far as I am aware, arcanist preaches for peace and love, asking the people to be 'good'."

"Both Ministers seem knowledgeable in their fields, and capable of following the Chancellor's plan. Their intentions are the right ones."

"The third Minister, Dimitrios Hal-Nyxos, of Arcane Affairs, creator of the Lodestar Observational Devices, is yet to meet with me, but his work clearly speaks louder than any words. The system is magnificent, and the Chancellor's objective is very clear: safety for the people of Cordor. A dedicated report on the devices will be issued as soon as possible."

"The City's Guard has been disbanded by the Chancellor, and the new Cordorian Navy has been tasked with law-enforcement. Valencia Cruz, an Amnian woman, is their Admiral and leader, seemingly capable and confident."

"It is important to note that the King's consort (of Cordor), Jennifer Eldren, is a Banite, and that their Church's influence is considerable throughout the Island. The topic is quite sensitive and emotions are probably at an all-time high, but statements such as those made by the Magistrati Mosbrooke are merely an insult to the Chancellor's abilities. With time, and once the people of Cordor reach Clarity, the path ahead will be clear, and they will understand what the Chancellor is trying to accomplish, for her plan is not an easy one to execute, but a clever and necessary one."

PRIESTESS, Loretta Ashby Day 22, Month 4, Year 154

VII. COMPLICATIONS

With such success, the appearance of complications was inevitable. True to form, the decision to ignore the guard's guidance came back to haunt Bersk with controversy over Admiral Cruz. Surrounded by corruption, the Admiral was dismissed, the scandal marking the first of many that soon followed.

[New Admiral of the Cordorian Navy: Serephis Valkaim]

"The Magocracy of Cordor has selected a new Admiral to replace the disgraced Valencia Cruz. Serving as the Admiral of the Navy will be a man by the name of Serephis Valkaim who is a long-term Naval Officer and loyal to Cordor."

"In addition to Cruz's abuse of power, verbal and physical assaults on Cordorian citizens, and general insubordination, she has also been lying to members of the Navy about pay when and how much. It is even possible some of the missing funds have even found their way into her pockets."

"Admiral Valkaim will be given the original planned budget for the Navy to ensure the members get fair pay for work done, but he will not be filling the promises made by the snake-tongued Cruz of one million coin to each member who stood guard at the Banite debate since that was never promised. I am sure that every taxpayer realizes how absurd that would be."

"Despite this unfortunate turn of events, you can be comforted that we have a good Cordorian back in charge of the city's naval forces."

"Eye open."

Katernin Bersk Day 23, Month 5, Year 154

[From the desk of the Chancellor: Status Update]

   "The Lodestar Array"

"This network has been extremely successful at continued observation around the city. The extra work that the Arcane Ministry has provided has not only extended the range but also the strength of the focal point. The array has been instrumental in observation and targeting active crime scenes and allowing the Eyes to arrive on sites quicker than usual. Progression of these devices is ongoing as a high priority."

"Reports on the success of this network will be publicly available in the upcoming days."

  "The Chancellor's Cabinet"

"Many people have read the response from Minister Plaskett. I have addressed this during the public forum a few tenday ago, but I shall again."

"There are two key points here, the first being that it is important that your inner circle can toss out all ideas, good and bad, in order to come to the most optional conclusion. Just becomes someone mentions that they should jump off the cliff, does not mean it should happen, but it was certainly an option at the time."

"The second is that I strongly feel that the optimal cabinet is one that does not have the same viewpoint on everything. This allows for a dialog of ideas to happen which is why the minister has not been removed from her position. Her views are just as important as any other that is present. She fills the role adequately and she will continue as is unless she should violate the Magocracy's law."

"If I were truly what you are erroneously claiming me to be, then I would have had her removed, or worse. We are not censors."

   "Cordor's Navy"

"This has been a difficult time at placing trust in the wrong people. As mentioned, at no point did Cordor promise to empty the entire coffers to pay the navy for one afternoon of guardwork, and certainly not to pay them to protect the Banelaw. My wish was to provide protection for the citizens and ensure that open rebellion against the Crown did not occur."

"It destroys all sense of logic that I would make this kind of agreement. And that so many of the members of the Navy would believe such? This is just as unbelievable. Doubly so because Cordor did pay them for what was ACTUALLY agreed upon and not painted with the snaked-tongue of Cruz. As unfortunate as it is, the Navy is now dissolved. Discussions will be conducted on the way forward by the Minister of External Affairs."

Katernin Bersk Day 12, Month 6, Year 154

VIII. EXECUTION

With the ever-tightening fist of Katernin Bersk over the city, agents from the criminal gang laired in the city's sewers moved to put an end to her administration. The attempt on her life by assassins failed and only earned the mage's ire. In one of the more controversial actions of her reign, the Chancellor ordered the sealing and flooding of Cordor's sewer system. Killing an untold number of gang members and rumored innocents alike.

Without trial, the order for mass death sparked a considerable backlash from the city's populace that accumulated into the government takeover of the Cordor Press to silence dissent.

[Assassination Foiled]

"The lowest forms of life, leaches who live in the sewers of Cordor, never pay taxes or their citizenship fees, attempted an assassination on my life. Their plan was not successful. I do expect that more attempts will be made."

"But I do not have any intent of allowing them to send this city into chaos."

"Eye open."

Katernin Bersk Day 15, Month 6, Year 154

[To the Sewer Rat Gang]

"This is addressed to the mage, or whomever is in charge of the Rat Gang,"

"The Chancellor of Cordor is requesting you cease and desist any actions against the city of Cordor. This includes, but is not limited to: sedation, assassination, creating chaos (of all forms), damaging the lodestar array, and attempts to seize power."

"If you continue, Cordor will have to take more drastic approaches to shut down these attempts to sew chaos in our Lawful city."

"Please take this into consideration as we have no wish to turn to these measures." "Eye open."

Katernin Bersk Day 15, Month 6, Year 154

[Concerning the Paper]

"It is clear to me that the paper is being used as tools of sedition. All of the topic discussed were not researched in the slighted and only created to defame this Magocracy. Anyone willing to run the paper and give a neutral, non-biased view should come to me."

"I had wished that the paper would remain useful for the city of Cordor, but with such terrible editing and fact check, I will be forced to close it as soon as I am able to notify those owning it."

Katernin Bersk Day 24, Month 6, Year 154

[Victory in the battles against the Sewer Rat Gang]

"Today, was an excellent day for dealing with the terrorist group known as the Sewer Rat Gang. The short-term salutation was always hiring adventurer to venture down there and kill any number of them they could and who among us has not done that? But those were always temporary solutions."

"Under the guidance of Sewermaster Vastano, the sewers were sealed and the flooded in order to deal with the rank and file of the gang members. Numerous concerns were raised about the farms and other areas; however, the sewers are designed to deal with this process (which is why it occurred so quickly) and the grey water was diverted into the runoff area as per normal procedures."

"The Sewermaster reported that countless gang members have lost their lives and they will be cleaning it up in the meantime with the help of the Eyes. It is possible some other were caught as collateral damage, but one must wonder why they would choose to live in the sewers over the Almshouse. Logic dictates that it is due to their criminal nature, even if they were not in the gang proper."

"And let us be honest, how many of us saw huddled masses down there when we made our trips? Vagrants and Lunatics, from what I recall. An unfortunate result, but the ending is that the good, tax paying citizens of Cordor have less to fear today. That said, the danger is not over. The few most senior members will still exist, but their efforts will now have to concentrate on the Magocracy proper rather than Cordor's more defenseless citizens."

"Today, Cordor owes a debt of gratitude to Sewermaster Vastano and Minster Peram Flint, for both their quick action and stalwartness in the face of adversary from the loudest of the adventuring population who seem to have forgotten when they used to work for the writ master. I will personally see to the Sewermaster getting a few days off and hand him a tidy bonus of gold."

"Cordor Prevails. Eye open."

Katernin Bersk Day 8, Month 7, Year 154

IX. RE-ELECTION

After a term of ironclad control using her personal enforcers' The Eyes' and the magical surveillance system known as 'The Lodestar Array', Katernin Bersk faced her first re-election. A political campaign that saw her declare the 'Harpers' enemies of the state for attempts to interfere with the election and depose the Mage Chancellor.

By this time, the Bersk administration relied on heavy use of mercenary companies to supplement the ranks of 'The Eyes' to maintain peace within the city. Such contracts were awarded to Scarlet Son's and Whitemountain Trading.

[Katernin Bersk: Why You Should Vote]

"You should vote because your vote is meaningful. This is how you help forge the path of the city. To note vote means you are apathetic which is an even worse position to take than supporting any other candidate. But why should you vote for me?"

"I am what you know. I am aware that not everyone sees eye to eye on all my efforts that I have made in the city (nor should every citizen agree with every action of their government) but the process to switch to this more efficient form of leadership has taken a bit of time to set up and it would be disruptive for someone to do it again."

"One thing you do know is that I have the best interests of the city in mind. There has been no theft of funds from inside the Cabinet (nor will there be regardless of how the elections ends). There have been no creditable nor proven claims of corruption. I work towards what is best for the city. My two years of civil service have shown me what is best for Her, even if an individual may disagree."

"Cordor is in a golden age of both security and prosperity under the lawful rule of the Magocracy. My wish is to continue with the processes I started. The adventurers, the voters, and the non-voters will continue to experience safety and protection under his Eye."

"Cordor prevails. Eye open."

Katernin Bersk Day 19, Month 9, Year 154

[Katernin Bersk: The Most Logical Choice]

"In one year in this city I have accomplished a lot of positive progress. All my previous election promises were put into action and we developed an unparalleled security platform which myself and the cabinet were able to operate to assess security threats in the city."

"I am going to list a few of the highlights over the past year, starting with the obvious."

"A) Lodestar Network"

"I think I can speak for everyone when I proclaim the Lodestar array a huge success. Not only has it helped to decrease crime in the city, my continued use has shown it to have precognitive abilities. It predicted both a pirate attack and more importantly, the elemental attack (including the locations). While these two incidents prove proof of concept, more work needs to fine tune the process to get the timing and the exact nature of the visions correct. Personally, I would consider it a shame not only on a personal research level, but also on Cordorian security if this work cannot be continued."

"B) The Eyes of the Chancellor"

"One of the large promises from the previous election cycle was a reformation of the Cordor Guard. And to do that, I pulled people from my personal guard and turned them into a city-wide guard force that not only works to ensure general security in the city, but also to follow up on the various Lodestar reports that the network provides."

"Currently, the Eyes are at sixteen members. Ongoing efforts will be into continued recruitment efforts as well as improving the general leadership structure for optimal performance."

"C) Castle Gloom"

"Recently, we have assigned a Knight-Commander of the keep and plan on continued efforts to build up the western front of the Pax. I understand that the swamps are not the most ideal live nor attack through, but it does provide a potential land-based weakness and we should not waste a resource that has been paid for. Efforts will focus on assisting the Knight-Commander as a plan is developed."

Katernin Bersk Day 19, Month 9, Year 154

[LAW: HARPERS ARE CONSIDERED ENEMIES OF THE STATE]

"Due to their illegitimate meddling in lawful Cordorian elections, the Harpers are her-by banned from this city. Any known member of the chaotic group is considered a persona non-grata and will very likely be killed on sight when entering this city."

"The Magocracy does not accept those who sew discord and will do what it takes to ensure proper representation for all the citizens."

Katernin Bersk Day 21, Month 10, Year 154

X. SECOND TERM

Winning re-election Katernin Bersk continued her authoritarian policies. Pressing her campaign against the 'Harpers' and any others attempting to weaken her Control. So notorious was Katernin Bersk and her administration's actions that the member states of the Axehold Accords, an alliance of surface settlements for mutual defense to which Cordor belonged, attempted to use the treaty against the Magocracy. This foreign pressure was aimed at curtailing the rigid control within the settlement and achieving change. It failed. In response, Chancellor Bersk withdrew Cordor from the Axehold Accords and stepped-up recruitment of military forces. Cordor seemed destined for isolation and war.

[Another Year of Success]

"Thank you to the good citizens who have taken to the polls and voted to continue the path of strong rulership in Cordor. Aside from the anti-Harper Mandate already announced, there are a few changes moving into the next year:"

"1) After a year of service to the city of Cordor, Minister Plasket will be stepping down from the role of Minister of Internal Affairs. Minster Flint will be transitioning over to her old role for the next year."

"2) Observer Alexandra Kerras will then transition over to the role of Minister of External Affairs. I am sure that any whom have met her have been dazzled by the woman and thus, she makes a natural choice to converse with the leadership of other settlements."

"3) Given the status of the temple in the city and the number of citizens who support her, The Red Knight has been added as an official faith of the city."

"More updates will follow in the coming tendays."

"Cordor Prevails. Eye open."

Katernin Bersk Day 22, Month 10, Year 154

[Inquisition called on the chaotic forces of the Harpers]

"Let it be known that after the banning of Harpers within the city, it was felt that it was only a half measure. To allow these forces to only be caught when circumstances make it so it not an active enough role to root out these chaotic forces."

"To that end, the High Inquisitor Tyros Iaret has been called upon to take up the task of finding these forces. In addition, he will take the new position of High Arbiter of Cordor, being directly in charge of the maters of law and judgement in the city. We are always thankful when someone steps forward to do their part for civil service and I believe there is no better on the island to fill this role."

"Given the support that the Minmir Congregation has offered to support these efforts, and the number of those in the city who worship Him, Bane will take a position as an official faith of the city along with Savras and the Red Knight."

"Finally, after a year of civil service, Peram Flint will take the role of Vice Chancellor, which is in addition to his current role. I can think of no other better suited for the role and look forward to another year of efficiency within the city."

Katernin Bersk Hour 3, Day 5, Month 11, Year 154

[ANNOUNCEMENT: Cordor Vacates from the Axehold Accords]

"As of this moment, Cordor is formally withdrawing from the Axehold Accords. While the time the Accords were signed was an extremely tense period on the surface, that is no longer the case. Cordor no longer see the uses to remain in such a defensive agreement and thus, it is in our best interest to remove ourselves from any formal ties."

"The Dominion was making extreme demands of Cordor and they were using the threat of our removal as leverage against us. In my opinion, that is rather abhorrent behavior and not the sort of thing that I wish held over our heads by those we considered allies. Cordor does NOT respond to blackmail by backing down. No, we stand stronger. We stand taller. And we stand up for Her. I have always stated I wished Cordor to take the strongest position on the island and capitulating to those demands would only weaken us. No longer."

"Despite leaving the Accords, Cordor will still stand with anyone who requires it to fend back the forces of Andunor. Those vile underdweller forces cannot stand against the combined might of the surface working together and no formal signed agreement is required for that to happen."

"Cordor, and the surface, prevails. Eye open."

Katernin Bersk Day 27, Month 4, Year 155

XI. A LEADER FALLS

After governing Cordor for nearly two terms Katernin Bersk, Mage Chancellor of Cordor fell to an assassin's blade. Immediately upon her death, the now acting Chancellor Peram Flint moved quickly to dissolve most of the late leader's accomplishments.

The era of Cordor's Magocracy was over.

[A Great Tragedy]

"Katernin Bersk has been assassinated. The individual(s) responsible for this will pay. This administration is operating under the assumption that Lord Arcleone is responsible for the assassination after receiving threats from him."

"I'm deeply saddened. I've never respected a leader so much in my life. Despite this, she was not perfect. There were mistakes made and wrongs that need to be righted."

"As I assume her role, I announce now that have put my name forward in the next election. There will be no changes to the current Cabinet, but I will be finding a Vice-Chancellor soon."

"The Lodestar Network will be dismantled. Cordorian citizens no longer have to worry about their leaders spying in on them."

"The Patrician and Plebian class system has been dismantled. All citizens are now equal under Cordorian law."

"Cordor will continue to refer to itself as a Magocracy, but we will do so in the sincere spirit of developing our potential as a respected city of magical institutions."

Signed: Peram Flint Chancellor of Cordor Day 13, Month 8, Year 155

XII. AFTERMATH

With the next election cycle, Peram Flint lost control of Cordor and the new Chancellor completed the dismantling of the Magocracy. The Eyes of the Chancellor were disbanded, and the City Guard restored. All Mercenary contracts were voided, and the Lodestar Network devices dismantled. Cordor rejoined the Axehold Accords, and the 'status quo' returned to the surface of Arelith.

The sorcery behind the unique magical devices was secreted away by agents of King Edward, to later return in 174 AR as the newly installed 'Lodestar Network Mk.II' under the order of his Banite Queen Jennifer Eldren.

The ultimate Fate of those who served Katernin Bersk remains unknown, but many are believed to have faded quietly into history with her loss.

The grand experiment and vision of Katernin Bersk ended, though not by an assassin's blade. In truth she was slain while attempting to pilfer a portion of the god Savras’ power through use of a magical looking glass. Failing in the plot, her soul was trapped within the shattered shards of the now broken mirror.

XIII. THE UNBLINKING

Four years later, in 159 AR, shortly prior to the State Magi of Cordor establishing themselves as a ruling faction, a ritual was performed by unknown persons to reforge the shards of the shattered looking glass into a sentient greatsword. With bulging eyes all over its length, the maddened and hungry weapon which now housed the soul of Katernin Bersk nearly managed to slay Emma Young before escaping to the Plane of Shadows.

Afterwards, the sword would be known as 'The Unblinking' and seen in the company of the island's Void Cult. A large sect of various dark faiths united in their quest to convey Arelith into Darkness. While with the cult, The Unblinking would consume several of their seers, for the weapon showed a great hatred towards any with the talents. Its preferred tactic in such events was to entrap the diviners within a labyrinth of visions centered on their possible future deaths until, drowning in despair, they took their own lives. Rumors would also be whispered of the weapon’s spirit being betrothed to the Sharran Cult's Nightseer.

After the Third Iteration of Shadow Wharftown in 168 AR and the following conflict between Andunor and the Void Cult, the whereabouts of ‘The Unblinking’ soul sword of Katernin Bersk became unknown.

FIN

[Upon the last page of the book is a detailed illustration of a Lodestar Cynosure (Slave) Device]

Four angular steel arms rise from a solid, stone base, grasping a perfect sphere of glass. The octagonal base is etched with identical arcane symbols in sunken relief, pure molten copper filling them. The symbols, to a trained observer, would be a hexagrammic depiction of a spell theory associated with divination, dovetailing in places to etchings of place-magic. Two of these symbols, at all times, are gently aglow and warm to the touch – which two, though, changes regularly according to some indeterminate, inscrutable timetable.

The glass sphere is of high quality, and within is house eight square mirrors, slowly rotating about a steel axle. If one were to look closely into these mirrors, one could see an outline of the nearby area, as if viewed on a map, its edges hazy and indistinct. Multiple points of light appear and disappear within this map, seemingly at random.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Book(s):

[1] Katernin Bersk, "Cordor Political History; The Chancellor's Notes AR 153, Month 8"

[2] Katernin Bersk, "Cordor Political History; The Chancellor's Notes AR 154, Month 3"

Special Thanks:

Lilian Williams, "Proofreading and Data Collection"

Dedication:

"This book is dedicated to the remembrancer Kels Vetian. For protecting Arelith's history and continuing the work on Cordor's Museum when I was no longer able. Thank you."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

[The modest portrait of a young vermilion-haired lady with pallid flesh is positioned next to the paragraph below. Her emerald gaze looks intently at the reader, betraying the aspect's alluring facade with callous indifference. The suggestion of a predatory smile appears hidden within the corners of full upturned lips.]

"The Vampire Adelyn Belle'rose has been charming readers with her historical works upon the island of Arelith for years. As the former curator of the Cordor's Museum, she helped bring the past to life through exhibits and displays. Later, as a member of Andunor's Erudite Arcanum, she would lead the research team to investigate Shadow Wharftown's Third Iteration. Through the founding of the Arelith Antiquarian Society and the East Arelith Trading Company, she continues to advocate for the preservation of knowledge across the archipelago."

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