IC Events Archive

[Xinoe]

In subject of: Fashion War: More Lace, Less Grace
Date : Fri Jul 31 01:30:22 2015
Expires : Wed Apr 25 01:30:22 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
A small but influential group of elites within Lithmore are mocking what
they refer to as a transparent attempt to make the ridiculous fashionable:
the recent trend toward ruffles. Moreover, the mockery appears to be
spreading.

Cutting remarks and none-too-hidden laughter have been directed toward
those who hasten to obey the trend; one courtier was heard to remark that
only backwater nobility from the lesser provinces would think of something
so gauche and vulgar as to turn what was meant as ornamentation into the
central body of a garment.

Several individuals at Court have gone so far as to remove ruffled lace
accents from existing clothing, solemnly proclaiming themselves the
servants of elegance in fashion: 'Less lace, more grace' has been heard on
their tongues, though they certainly do not seem to dislike any other form
of ornamentation.

It appears that, while the common citizens of Lithmore are battling the
demons of famine, the richer citizens may be embroiled in a very peculiar
sort of war of their own...

[Xinoe]

In subject of: Bandits in the wilderness?
Date : Fri Jul 31 02:06:17 2015
Expires : Mon Dec 12 10:16:35 2016
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
Reports are reaching the city of armed bandits in the wilderness,
holding travelers at knifepoint for their silver... Or for their food.
The increased desperation is apparently a product of worries about the
approaching winter and the possibility of famine, rendering commoners who
lack the money to purchase expensive supplies particularly worried about
their ability to survive.

(OOC Note: Bandit mobs now rob the wilderness. They WILL be aggressive, if
you don't give them what they ask for, but they will not perma-kill you and
saying uncle (literally, 'say uncle') will keep them from knocking you
out... At a price.)

[Xinoe]

Code: Select all

In subject of: Yule Gift Drive
Date         : Sun Aug  2 10:50:05 2015
Expires      : Fri Apr 27 10:50:11 2018
To           : all 
_________________________________________________________________________
                                _...._
                              .::o:::::.
                             .:::'''':o:.
                             :o:_    _:::
                             `:(_>()<_):'
                               `'//\\''
                               /'    `\
                           Yule Gift Drive

       The Yule is a time of happiness and joy for the children of
       Lithmore - a time to believe in family and community, and of 
       course, to bestow toys and clothes upon loved ones. We are
       looking at a safe, but tight winter; for the children of our
       beloved city, this could mean going without the traditional
       gifts on one of our most treasured holidays. 

       We could all - especially the children - use a little joy and
       normalcy. Lets keep our community strong and our traditions 
       intact by ensuring every little boy and girl receives something
       to brighten the dark this Yule. 

       Please contact Emma ab Courtland to receive the name and gift
       wish of a child either displaced by the orphanage fire or
       otherwise in need.

[Xinoe]

In subject of: Soldiers at the Gate
Date : Sun Aug 2 10:52:12 2015
Expires : Fri Apr 27 10:52:20 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
A small retinue of soldiers from the Garrison at Endridge arrived at the
Western Gate early yesterday morning. Led by Rei ab Sevoi, Count of
Endridge who has returned to Lithmore after his recent sixteenth birthday
having formally inherited his title. Count ab Sevoi has already expressed
his intent to be recognized within the Court as well as a desire to follow
in the legacy of his family as a Knight.

[Xinoe]

In subject of: Fashion for Charity!
Date : Sun Aug 2 13:40:37 2015
Expires : Fri Apr 27 13:41:04 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
The following proclamation was read at all of Lithmore's major squares:

"Austerity in dress and luxury spending is one of the many obligations that
the wealthy of Lithmore owe to the poor, both out of moral duty and sheer
respect. However, I do not wish to see the tailors of Lithmore struggle to
feed their families.

Hence, in the name of both courtesy and good taste, I propose the
following:

Any full outfit purchased from one of the Merchants' tailors or
seamstresses will have half of its cost matched by me and donated to
charity for the feeding of the poor... Given only that said outfit
restrains its use of ornamentation such as ruffles to a tasteful and
elegant accent. This applies to leather, wool, silk, samite - any outfit
whatsoever, so long as the condition is met.

Anyone who wishes to buy an outfit that embraces a would-be trend that is
tasteless on every level shall have to be responsible for their own
charitable donations.

Declared in the name of Lord Ariel le Orban."

Buzz surrounds the announcement - could it be true? Even for the eccentric
and wealthy Lord le Orban, the costs of the proposal stand to potentially
be staggering. Nonetheless, seamstresses and tailors have been directed to
copy their bills to the nobleman so that he might total the silver.

[Xinoe]

In subject of: A Thorough Accounting
Date : Sun Aug 2 23:30:37 2015
Expires : Fri Apr 27 23:30:37 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
Margaux le Rousselle, High Steward of Lithmore, today appeared at the
town hall before a gathering of any people interested in the ongoing
situation with Lithmore's food stores, giving the following speech:

-----

Greetings people of Lithmore,

As some may know, two months ago I underwent a thorough examination of the
city's granaries and various other food storages. After the troubled
events of the year just gone, it was discovered that stores were indeed
very low and that if the harvest proved to be as poor as anticipated, we
would be in troubled straits through the events. Thankfully, many of our
local residents and generous souls from further afield came together to aid
Lithmore through this situation. Shipments of grains, fruit and meat have
been steadily coming in from all over the kingdom, while locally organised
efforts in the storage and preservaton of meat and fish have also been
making a sizable impact.

I am pleased to announce, that as a result of these efforts, our storage
has increased from the worrying level of fifty percent up to eighty-five
percent. With these amounts confirmed, I am comfortable to set the
rationing levels for the winter ahead, which will be at seventy-five
percent. While there will be a small degree of belt-tightening required,
it is far above where we would be without the combined efforts from all
walks of Lithmorran life. This will also allow us to keep a small buffer
stock as a counter to the usual expected levels of accidental spoilage.

Although we cannot yet commit to anything, it is my hope that with the
continued efforts that are ongoing- such as the recent efforts by the
Reeves, and more food is still being hunted and stored away, while hardy
winter-suitable crops have been planted- that things will improve further
yet.

On behalf of His Grace the Regent, and myself, I would like to thank
everyone for their efforts and forebearance as we have moved through these
concerning times. It has been heartwarming and personally very rewarding
to see so much of the community coming together in the face of what could
have been a potential crisis.

-----

Afterwards, the High Steward remained for a time, answering any questions
from the gathering in a direct, fact-driven appraoch.

[Xinoe]

In subject of: Hiring Food Sorters
Date : Sun Aug 2 23:35:32 2015
Expires : Fri Apr 27 23:35:48 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
In wake of the winter the efforts to gather more food for the city are
well underway. Due to the rising levels of stock, the Merchants and the
Reeves are seeking to hire freemen to count and sort food in preparation
for distribution to those in need. Applicants are asked to contact
Magistrate Hunapo le Marama if they are interested in applying for a
position. The Merchants are offering to pay 25 silver for what will be
approximately three days of work.

[Xinoe]

In subject of: Emergency Levy for Winter of 366
Date : Mon Aug 3 00:10:52 2015
Expires : Sat Apr 28 00:10:52 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
Merchant Guild, Lithmorran Chapter - 366 Winter Emergency Levy

In order to secure a nest egg of coin for charitable necessities during the
winter season of Sun Cycle 366,

to address concerns of famine and a lack of supply or gold to feed the
Southside and northern Freeman population,

to address public opinion and discourage criminal practices born of panic,


The Merchants Guild hereby instates an emergency levy on all goods deemed
"luxury" items, starting at the first snow of Novembris in Lithmore
capitol, and ending at the onset of Spring.

The emergency levy shall be no more than ten percent of the item's
collective value; pieces sold together as finished outfits or matching sets
of other varieties shall be levied based upon their combined value rather
than as individual elements.

The emergency levy shall be applied to the buyer, not the producer. Items
possessed of the listed properties will be appropriately marked up on shop
shelves, and the levied coin divided by the Merchant for deposit into the
guild account. The Grand Magnate will forward these funds to the Crown for
exclusive use in supporting and feeding the needy during the winter of
366.

The Grand Magnate will check sales records for each shop selling luxury
items to ensure the levy is being applied and deposited accordingly.

As decreed by the Lord Regent Tomas ab Jinosa, the High Steward Margaux le
Rousselle, the Lady Justiciar Rimilde von Rievirkrintz, and the Grand
Magnate Emma ab Courtland, "luxury goods" as stated include the following
and apply only to finished products:

Items produced from silk, satin, velvet, cloth-of-silver, or cloth-of-gold,


Items produced from exotic or decorated woods, fitted with silver or gold
leaf, or carved or painted for decorous purposes,

Items produced from silver or gold, either or including gemstones,

Weaponry produced from damascus, or other materials when they have been
decorated with gold, silver, or gemstones,

Items produced from or trimmed with sable, mink, ermine, or ocelot furs,

Cosmetic items including perfumes, colognes, facial powders, hair oils, and
rouged balms,

Items produced from vellum, parchment or paper where gold leaf or gold
edging is used,

Select brewed beverages including champagnes and icewine,

Cooked or baked edibles classified as "gourmet", or using sugar or
chocolate as an ingredient.

[Xinoe]

In subject of: Troubadours donating instead of Performing
Date : Mon Aug 3 02:17:45 2015
Expires : Sat Apr 28 02:17:45 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
As Yule draws near the Troubadours guild of Lithmore has forgone
festivities in order to provide several families with needed food stores to
help aid them in the lean winter which is upon us.

The Poet Knight herself oversaw the distribution and purchases, with a
smaller grouping of bardic types at her side. The Poet Knight is quoted as
saying, "I realize these are not traditional gifts for a Yule season, these
however will help you see through the winter to another Yule. Lord willing
we shall be able to bring a traditional performance, and light hearts with
joy next season!"

[Xinoe]

In subject of: The Southside Almshouse Prepares
Date : Tue Aug 4 00:35:32 2015
Expires : Sun Apr 29 00:35:32 2018
To : all
_________________________________________________________________________
The Southside Almshouse is gearing up for the winter with a rush of new
activity. Several large wagons of food and medicine were seen being
unloaded into the building's storerooms, as well as wagons of wood, stone,
iron and other construction supplies.

Shortly thereafter, an announcement was released by the Almshouse's
anonymous owner and benefactor, posted on boards and read in the street:

"All hungry citizens of Southside can come to the Almshouse for daily
rations this winter. We can't promise to give you all you need, but we
will give you all we can. In addition, the new Southside Infirmary will
soon be completed on our grounds, allowing for medical care free to the
patient who cannot pay.

If you are in need of anything this winter, come to us, and we will do our
best for you. Larger requests and donations can be sent to Rain Reed or
our mailbox, 'SAlms'. Anything at all - food, clothing, medication - will
be welcome. We will add everything we receive to the ration system."

The precise scope of the Almshouse's daily rationing is yet to be seen, but
with a learn winter approaching it is likely to be tested to its limits.