It was a fact unbeknownst to anyone in the world that Liscor had a population of two intelligent skeletons living in the region. However, as facts went, those weren\u2019t the ones that demanded the attention of the people of Liscor. Even if someone were to tell a pedestrian on the street that a skeleton named Ijvani had occupied a cave in the Floodplains, they would probably ask if it could wait until tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Of course, if they were aware that Ijvani were a minion of Az\u2019kerash, said pedestrian would probably have a lot more questions to ask and bump up the priority of undead dispatch on their list of priorities, but that was obviously an extraneous detail to the example. Only one fact occupied the minds of Liscor\u2019s inhabitants. And that was that it was election day.<\/p>\n
And the election had come and gone. The polls, which were really just guarded booths where each citizen could, after swearing under truth spell, deposit a vote for a candidate of their choice in a box, were closed. The day had been full of note, from a certain [Innkeeper] organizing a group of Pallassian Garuda to fly a banner over Liscor to numerous fights over the candidates in the city.<\/p>\n
It was all anyone could talk about. Krshia and her Gnoll candidates for a more open Liscor! How could you argue that the crazy Human and her inn hadn\u2019t been good for the city? That the Antinium weren\u2019t allies, especially the painted ones? What kind of close-minded scales-for-brains would say the city needed<\/em> more army interference, needed to close its walls?<\/p>\n At the same time, who could trust the Antinium, really trust<\/em> them? Or Goblins? Or that crazy Human, who, let\u2019s be fair, was behind half of the disturbances to the city? And why not kill that damned Minotaur in the prison? Those were the stakes, and they had divided Liscor\u2014until today. The arguments, strife, and in one case an assault with a spatula, had been resolved. Some people were in jail. Some people had concussions. Some people were just rather upset.<\/p>\n The tense, nervous energy of the day had given way to a quiet sort of hush. Everyone was waiting. No one knew what the future held and as the Watch took the guarded bins of votes into city hall, a seldom-remembered spot except in times of crisis, everyone waited.<\/p>\n The [Scribes] would be counting, tallying up the votes. And soon, the current Council would announce who had won. Who had it been? Krshia? Lism? They had fought over one district. Would she win, but face a Council full of Drakes? Or would he take the victory? Would any<\/em> Gnoll win? \u2026Would they all win?<\/p>\n The people had no idea. So a crowd gathered, waiting outside the building in more or less silence. A line of [Guards] had been deployed outside the building to keep anyone from interfering. And so, everyone waited. First for an hour. And then two. They were restless. How long would it take to count all the votes? Then again\u2014it was a big city. And everyone whom everyone asked said they\u2019d voted. So\u2026how long? What would the results be? The people waited, breathless, wondering what the future held and wondering, in the back of their minds, if they\u2019d made the right choice.<\/p>\n Inside the city hall, the building was mostly quiet. It was not, as those outside imagined, a feverish mess of [Scribes] sorting through an imagined mountain of ballot votes. In fact, the [Scribes] were having a drink while they waited for the announcement. If there was any feverishness, it was in the meeting room of Liscor\u2019s Council.<\/p>\n Liscor\u2019s Council. An oft-overlooked body of leaders. Few people in the city could name even one of the Council members until last month. That was because by and large, the Council kept Liscor running. It did not shake the boat. In fact, it didn\u2019t even really pilot the boat. Liscor had a High Command in the form of the army. The Watch Captain secured the city.<\/p>\n Sometimes a crisis reared its head, but you had a [Strategist] for that. The Council\u2019s modus operandi had been \u2018don\u2019t fix what isn\u2019t broken\u2019, or perhaps, \u2018if it still sort of works, let\u2019s just not bother fixing it.\u2019 And it had worked. So the people inside the room were a bit peeved<\/em> that no one seemed to appreciate the hard work they hadn\u2019t done.<\/p>\n The eight Drakes sitting around the meeting room were reclining on their comfy chairs, scowling at each other. They were all rich. One of them, Ulseil Greenscale, was the current head of the Merchant\u2019s Guild. The others were in the same sphere of affluence. That was who comprised Liscor\u2019s Council, and each time they changed positions, the current Council traditionally nominated their replacements.<\/p>\n Again, until today. The outcry of the public had forced an election. And astoundingly, not one of Liscor\u2019s damned, the ungrateful, er, wonderfully active citizenry had thought to consult the current<\/em> Council on whether they thought this was a good idea, thank-you-very-much. But here they were.<\/p>\n \u201cElections. What has this city come to?\u201d<\/p>\n Councilmember Yalla spat as she took a gulp of the fortified wine. She stared blankly around the table; the other Drakes were giving her more or less the same looks. One of them, Ulseil, cleared his throat. Someone had to say it. The Drake [Scribe] had been standing there for three minutes. He turned to her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe votes have been recounted?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree times, Councilmember.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Scribe] gave him a very put-upon look. It stopped Ulseil from suggesting another recount. He hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re sure\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy [Scribes] and I were checked and the [Guards] who watched everyone put the votes in were checked. And the voters<\/em> were checked. We all passed truth spells, Councilmembers. These are the results.\u201d<\/p>\n The female Drake pointed to the list that lay in front of all of Liscor\u2019s Council. Ulseil looked down at the neat tallies and winced. Clear as day. Every vote accounted for. Winners, losers\u2014how many each candidate had got and who had won each district. He nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Thank you, Miss. We\u2019ll send word of the\u2026results shortly. Have someone come back in\u2014ten minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n It was too short. Some of the Council stirred and looked at Ulseil. He slowly sipped at his cup and wished he had a puffer\u2014one of those nice ones you could light up and smoke. It was all the rage in the south, especially if you could light it with magic or your own fire breath. Too expensive for him to import regularly though, especially at the Council meetings. Then everyone<\/em> would have to have a few.<\/p>\n Not that that would be a problem now. He was out. Ulseil smiled bitterly. But this! He looked up and met the eyes of his fellow Councilmembers. Ulseil cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cWell. It\u2019s not\u2026bad. Two of our own won.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Drakes nodded after a moment. By \u2018our own\u2019 they meant people that they thought of more or less like themselves. Councilmember Yalla tapped the list.<\/p>\n \u201cTismel and Zalaiss. I wouldn\u2019t have made Tismel my first choice\u2014the fellow\u2019s a bit indecisive. But he\u2019s a proper Guildmaster, has been for three years. There are worse picks. And Zalaiss is one of my [Merchants]. She can keep the helm steady.\u201d<\/p>\n Another Drake grunted sourly.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019d need to. Look at this. They won two of the eight districts and these\u2026others<\/em> won the rest!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo be fair, there are two other Drakes that won. Er, this Jeiss fellow and Alonna.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know him. A Senior Guardsman. A bit unconventional, but it wouldn\u2019t be so bad if they were like him. He\u2019s a decent fellow. I was one of the people who approved his nomination for Senior Guardsman, come to that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe as well. No, no problems here. Alonna\u2026well, she is<\/em> a Guildmistress in the end. That\u2019s something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuildmistress? But you said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMage\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. I see.\u201d<\/p>\n Another bout of silence. Obviously, [Mages] were a bit\u2026different. A bit odd, a bit unconventional. And Ulseil happened to know that Alonna was new to her position. Still, they could have happily accepted her, or even Jeiss, for all the oddity of his position but for the other four new members of the Council. He stared at the list. Someone else cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cFour Gnolls on the Council? Not bad<\/em> at all. Just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He trailed off. And what was not said spoke volumes. The other Drakes nodded. Yes, not bad! Not bad, but<\/em>\u2014and there it was. No one had a problem with Gnolls! Certainly not! My son married a lovely one\u2014I have tea with so and so every other week! They add a bit of complexity to the city! Be tiring to look at scales all day. Lovely people. A bit annoying when they shed.<\/p>\n But<\/em> this was Liscor. Their home. And Gnolls, having an equal distribution of power in the new Council? Not to mention\u2026Ulseil looked at the list and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cSenior Guardswoman. [Armorer]. [Shopkeeper]. And [Beast Trainer].\u201d<\/p>\n Not one a Guild leader. Although Ulseil was conveniently forgetting that exactly two <\/em>Gnolls in the entire city held a rank equivalent to Guildmaster. The other Drakes were nodding. One sighed louder.<\/p>\n \u201cThey took four districts. How? I thought that other fellow, the\u2026er, whatshisname, ran a good campaign. I<\/em> voted for him. Or rather, his candidate. I was in Tismel\u2019s district.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around, daring the others not to nod in agreement. In fact, they\u2019d all been in Tismel\u2019s district, which, come to that, was probably why they\u2019d won. Ulseil buried his head in one claw as he saw why the districts had led to four Gnoll candidates winning. He muttered a reply.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Drake who lost was\u2026Lism. Lism Swifttail. A [Shopkeeper], yes, but he\u2019d be the one we wanted as opposed to this Krshia Silverfang and her lot. But he lost.\u201d<\/p>\n The others fell silent.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he had won\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla leaned over towards Ulseil. She\u2019d crumpled her bit of paper up, never mind it was a waste of good paper.<\/p>\n \u201cHow much did he lose by?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot much. But he lost<\/em>, Yalla.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil snapped, shoving the paper at her. Yalla raised her brows.<\/p>\n \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil hesitated. Yalla looked around the table. The rest of Liscor\u2019s Council sat up. Yalla narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a number. And who knows who won, really? Just us and a few others?\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Liscor\u2019s Council had not been looking forwards to posting the results of the election. They\u2019d let it happen because they hadn\u2019t figured out a way to stop it without getting in trouble. And they\u2019d delayed their announcement because, well, they were unhappy with the results. Until now, they\u2019d been doing what the Council did best: avoiding the problem. But now that they\u2019d run into it, a few desperate minds started churning away.<\/p>\n Another Councilmember leaned back. He didn\u2019t quite steeple his claws or give the others a conspiratorial look, but that was mostly due to inexperience. He slowly put out the thought everyone was thinking.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many [Scribes] did the counting?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot many. But I\u2019ll bet they all know the result.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil nodded. He spoke, trying to feel out his thoughts verbally.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could\u2026insist this was a Council affair. Persuade them to keep quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnder threat?\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Everyone was trying to look at everyone else now, for signs of doubt. No one was particularly averse to the concept, it seemed. The plot began to thicken. Ulseil frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. But what are we threatening them with, exactly? The Watch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014And then it fell apart. The Councilmembers paused. They looked at each other, coughed. Somehow, getting Watch Captain Zevara to go along with threatening the [Scribes] didn\u2019t quite\u2026gel.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we made it a general threat\u2026I mean, the Merchant\u2019s Guild has guards, Ulseil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, my<\/em> guards? But they voted!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, what if they were all Drakes who voted, er, for the right candidates?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, but what if the [Scribes] talk anyways?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe deny it. Obviously! And we burn the votes and these lists! Look, I have a match\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCareful where you wave that thing! I accidentally set my desk on fire with them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNifty, aren\u2019t they! Shame they run out. But as I was saying, deny it! Simple!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if they ask us to swear under truth spell?\u201d<\/p>\n The Council paused. One of them coughed after a moment.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026They wouldn\u2019t do that. Would they?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drakes thought about it for a second. Gloom immediately set in. They would absolutely do that. The losing party would howl it from the rooftops if the Council didn\u2019t do it\u2014purely as a formality\u2014to ensure the truth had been upheld. The Council looked at each other and the half-burgeoned plot, barely formed, fell apart.<\/p>\n They were too late. If they wanted to meddle, they should have done it earlier. They should have been better<\/em> at it. But they weren\u2019t [Politicians]. This was a side job! It was just\u2014Ulseil sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cFour Gnolls? Two would have been fine. Really, even three\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Gloomily, he stared at the list. You could even see who the most popular candidates were by numbers of votes. Krshia Silverfang had won, handily, but honestly, if you just looked at the numbers, there were more Drakes than\u2026he caught his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose we make the announcement. Soonest done, soonest over. We\u2019ll convene the Council tomorrow. Try to get it into their heads how it works. And then? Out of our claws, really. And that\u2019s a relief! This year has done havoc<\/em> to my scales with all the stress\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla was standing up with the others, resigned. Ulseil waved a claw urgently and they all looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on! Hold on! I have a solution. Look at this. If you look at the list\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t lie<\/em>, Ulseil. They\u2019ll find us out!\u201d<\/p>\n The Merchant\u2019s Guild\u2019s leader shook his head rapidly, a bubble of delight forming in his chest. It wasn\u2019t perfect, but it would work<\/em>. He looked up, grinning at the other\u2019s blank expressions.<\/p>\n \u201cWho said anything about lying? This is perfectly legal! Look! Check the number of votes each candidate received. Do you see? Do you see?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n They scrambled for the lists. And they did see. There was murmuring, a hint of dissent. Ulseil overruled it.<\/p>\n \u201cWe said we\u2019d consider the election. We didn\u2019t say we\u2019d do<\/em> it. Did we?\u201d<\/p>\n The Council looked up. Yalla hesitated, although Ulseil was sure she\u2019d agree.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d have to explain the decision somehow. If it goes ugly\u2026if the losers object\u2014it could be bad.\u201d<\/p>\n The Council fell silent. The worst case scenario popped helpfully into Ulseil\u2019s mind. What would happen if the people objected to this idea?<\/p>\n Riots in the streets. He gulped. The Drake wavered. He looked at the list, trying to decide.<\/p>\n \u201cFour Gnolls on the Council. We could live with that. It\u2019s not a majority.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s half. And they could push through a lot of votes, especially since it\u2019d be down to Zevara\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo would be perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s risky\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla looked around the table.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we did it this way\u2026what is it this time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree\u2019s good. And it works! No one\u2019s going to riot. And we never promised.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly. So, all in favor?\u201d<\/p>\n The Council of Liscor looked up. And they cast their last vote. It was unanimous. And they only felt a little<\/em> guilty doing it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It was late evening in Liscor. Election day. There was a crowd outside city hall. Thousands of Drakes and Gnolls, filling the plaza and going all the way up to the steps. A line of [Guards] kept anyone from entering. Erin Solstice stood near the front, peering on her tiptoes while Lyonette held Mrsha in her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re heavy, sweetie. If I\u2019d have known it would take this long, I\u2019d have brought a chair. Climb up and hold on, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette groaned to Mrsha. The Gnoll cub obligingly held onto Lyonette\u2019s shoulders, taking the burden off the [Princess]\u2019s arms. Erin glanced sideways at Lyonette. She was antsy with anticipation and nerves.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not let Mrsha down?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd let her be stepped on?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked reproving. The crowd was thick with bodies. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Well, I can hold her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I have her. It\u2019s good training for my arms, anyways. Although Mrsha\u2019s a lot heavier than a sword.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou still practice?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEvery day. Some days I forget, but I do try! Yvlon\u2019s mentoring me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh. How come I never notice this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do it in Liscor. Anyone can use the Adventurer\u2019s Guild\u2019s training courts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. That\u2019s<\/em> why you take so long to buy eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n It was idle chatter. And their voices were one in thousands of conversations. Mrsha sighed and rubbed her face against Lyonette\u2019s shirt, making an inarticulate sound of protest. Lyonette patted her on the head.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a bit longer, honey. I promise. If they don\u2019t finish in\u2026twenty minutes, I\u2019ll buy you a snack. Promise! But it\u2019s a big day.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha nodded. And Erin nodded. And everyone in earshot nodded. It was worth waiting for. Because everyone was here, or waiting for the news. Street Runners were poised to earn some tips delivering the message. Voters were ready to celebrate or maybe, riot.<\/p>\n Erin cast her gaze towards city hall\u2019s steps. There they were at the head of the crowd. The main actors in this drama.<\/p>\n Krshia, Senior Guardswoman Beilmark, Elirr the [Beast Trainer], Raekea the [Armorer], and the other four Gnolls stood together in an anxious knot at the head of the crowd. Selys stood behind them, anxiously hopping up and down to see past the taller Gnolls.<\/p>\n Across from them, alternating between staring at the double doors and glaring daggers at Krshia\u2019s side were Lism, Senior Guardsman Jeiss, Alonna the Guildmistress of the Mage\u2019s Guild, and two Drakes and three Gnolls. Olesm stood next to his uncle, not a candidate, but a part of it all. Erin glared at the back of his head and he winced, as if feeling her stare.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that jerk Lism wins, I swear, Olesm\u2019s banned from the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n She wasn\u2019t sure if she was serious. And she wasn\u2019t sure what she would feel if Krshia lost. Erin clenched her sweaty hands. And then, just when she was turning to Lyonette to suggest getting Mrsha a snack\u2014the doors opened.<\/p>\n The murmuring crowd went so quiet, it was as if someone had cast a [Silence] spell over them. It caught the eight Drakes off-guard. They paused, staring at the sea of faces.<\/p>\n It was, perhaps, one of the few times Liscor\u2019s Council had ever been at the center of so much attention. Nervously, they came out, stopping just behind the line of [Guards] who obligingly made way for them. Then reformed as the Councilmembers hurriedly waved them back into place. Erin heard a voice, murmuring, and then someone cast a spell.<\/p>\n The voice that boomed across the plaza came from Ulseil Greenscale. Not that even a third of the crowd knew his name. He coughed, heard the echo and winced, and spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me. Good evening. Liscor\u2019s Council has tallied the votes for this year\u2019s election which will replace the current Council with a\u2026democratically elected group of eight for the next two years. The votes have been checked and verified by magical spell, so I am pleased to announce total authenticity of the results!\u201d<\/p>\n He waited. If it was for applause, it never came. Ulseil hesitated and then went on, tripping over his words.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, therefore, I\u2019m pleased\u2026again\u2026to announce the results of the election!\u201d<\/p>\n Another pause. There was some half-hearted applause. Someone shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cGet on with it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Liscor\u2019s Council turned and glared at Relc. The [Guardsman] pretended to be scanning the crowd for the shouter. Grudgingly, feeling as if there should have been\u2026drums\u2026yes, perhaps drums, or trumpets, Ulseil went on.<\/p>\n \u201cAhem. People of Liscor! By popular<\/em> vote, we are pleased to announce the new Council is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n In the crowd, Lyonette\u2019s head rose and she narrowed her eyes with the senses of a [Princess] sensing a trap. Erin just looked blank.<\/p>\n \u201cPopular\u2014? Why\u2019d he say\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n But then the words came, overriding the confusion.<\/p>\n \u201cRaekea Silversmith, Elirr Fultpar, Krshia Silverfang\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The roar<\/em> of sound deafened Erin and made the Council flinch backwards. Gnolls were leaping for joy, literally! The Drakes in Lism\u2019s camp were shouting\u2014he was sagging against his nephew, and Selys was punching the air. Krshia was laughing, beaming as the other Gnolls hugged each other\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014and Lism Swifttail, Alonna Swiftwing, Jeiss Sielmark, Tismel Lischscale, and Zalaiss Holmfyre!\u201d<\/p>\n The noise of the celebrating crowd suddenly went still. Heads turned back to the stairs. Erin blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? What did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n Her words were echoed through the crowd. People were murmuring, staring.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? But some of them were running in the same district!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLism and<\/em> Krshia? What?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil spoke up, his voice carrying across the plaza. The [Merchant] beamed at the staring crowd, sweating as he clasped his claws behind his back.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Council has decided to choose the most popular<\/em> candidates to take the Council seats! No official backing was ever given to the proposed districts! Thus, this was deemed the fairest and most equitable distribution of seats! Based on the popular<\/em> vote! Congratulations to the new Council!\u201d<\/p>\n No one applauded. No one even moved. Ulseil\u2019s smile faded. He hesitated. Councilmember Yalla stepped forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you! You may disperse!\u201d<\/p>\n Obviously, no one did. Okay, some of the Antinium Workers and Painted Soldiers gathered around Yellow Splatters to one side where he and Klbkch were watching began to walk off, but he called them back. And everyone else was still. Liscor\u2019s Council held their breath. Erin exhaled hers. She looked at Lyonette, indignant.<\/p>\n \u201cThey can\u2019t do that! That\u2019s cheating!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey just did. It\u2019s clever. And the only move they could make. It might be bad, though. Let\u2019s get to the inn, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked around. Erin was blank.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? What\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n And then she sensed it. [Innkeepers] might not have been [Princesses], who had a healthy fear of mobs and an understanding of mob mentality, but the class was similar enough. Erin could sense and hear the confusion of the people around her. Silently, she pointed and she and Lyonette tried to move through the crowd, Mrsha clinging to Lyonette. And around her, people began muttering.<\/p>\n \u201cKrshia and Lism?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot<\/em> by district? Then\u2014who won each district?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree versus five.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s this Tismel guy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNorthwest side. Silvershine street and that area. Lots of [Merchants] living there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPopular<\/em> vote? But the election was by district!\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd murmured. They weren\u2019t sure how<\/em> to feel. Was this a good thing or a bad thing? However, some of the people in the crowd, those who had voted for candidates who\u2019d lost, like Beilmark, knew exactly how they felt. And like magnets in a sea of iron, they began polarizing everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! I bet Gnolls took more than three districts! That\u2019s why the Council made it a popular vote!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You\u2019re insane.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah? Why did Lism win and<\/em> Krshia?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe because he was the better candidate, you egg-sucking lizard!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho said that? Who said that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Confusion turned to anger. The Council took one look at the crowd and retreated further behind the line of worried [Guards]. Relc started cracking his knuckles, looking happy.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone stay calm! Disperse! This is an order!\u201d<\/p>\n And Councilwoman Yalla was only fanning the flames. Drakes and Gnolls began shouting questions at the Council. Some began picking fights in the crowd, doing the traditional foreplay to the actual fight in getting angry enough to take a swing at each other.<\/p>\n The audience was turning into a powder keg. Krshia looked around. Lism was already shouting at his supporters not<\/em> to do anything rash\u2014just yet! But into that moment anything could trigger the detonation. And that one thing came from the Human who would have been voted most likely to do just that. But she was also fairly good at what she did.<\/p>\n \u201cWe won!\u201d<\/p>\n A voice exploded from the crowd. Erin shouted it, her [Loud Voice] skill drowning out an order from Councilwoman Yalla for the [Guards] to disperse the crowd. The [Innkeeper] waved her arms, shouting for attention.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did it! Krshia! Hey, Krshia! We won!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled around, beaming as if she couldn\u2019t see the angry faces. She threw up her hands and did a little dance with Lyonette and Mrsha next to her.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did it! Lyonette, Mrsha! Selys! You won! We did it! Huzzah!\u201d<\/p>\n She ran around in a circle, forcing people back. And then Erin turned. She tried to do a cartwheel and fell over.<\/p>\n \u201cOw! Lyonette, you do a cartwheel! Mrsha! Aren\u2019t you proud! There are Gnolls<\/em> on the Council!\u201d<\/p>\n She grabbed Mrsha and tossed the Gnoll cub up. Mrsha stared at her. But then\u2014she smiled. The Gnoll nodded. Erin caught her and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did it. Krshia won! And so did Raekea and Elirr! Mr. Cat-Gnoll Guy is on the Council!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cat Gnoll Guy?\u201d<\/p>\n It was hard to throw a punch after hearing a line like that. And some people began to smile. Gnolls were nodding as Erin put Mrsha down. Yes. They had<\/em> done it, hadn\u2019t they? Forget numbers. There was a Gnoll, no, Gnolls<\/em> on the Council.<\/p>\n And in the space she\u2019d made, Erin smiled. Genuinely, shaking hands with Gnolls around her, and Drakes. Asking who they\u2019d voted for.<\/p>\n \u201cDid your guy win? No? Sorry! But hey, you voted! And that\u2019s<\/em> what counts! Who\u2019d you vote for? Krshia? No way! Me? I can\u2019t vote. Hey Mrsha, do a cartwheel!\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, she helped Mrsha do one, holding her stomach. And someone else did one, an older Gnoll, laughing with delight. Erin blinked at the woman, but then Gnolls were laughing, bounding forwards with commendable agility despite their age. And the Drakes began smiling too.<\/p>\n The tension in the crowd dissipated like static grounding itself amid genuine relief, happiness. It was over. You could cry foul, but was that a mature thing to do? People began shaking hands, smiling. The Gnoll who called one Drake an \u2018egg-sucking lizard\u2019 got punched in the face. But by and large, the anger was fading.<\/p>\n Erin breathed a sigh of relief. So did Liscor\u2019s now-former Council. Relc just sighed and stared at his fist. Erin looked around and saw a group making their way towards her.<\/p>\n \u201cKrshia!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone turned. Erin raised a hand and was engulfed in a huge hug. Krshia growled with delight, crushing Erin and laughing. Elirr swept Mrsha up and Lyonette smiled as Selys appeared, ruffling Mrsha\u2019s fur. Erin was released finally and gasped for air, laughing. She looked up and Krshia was smiling at her.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Erin, you have helped us do it. We have won.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Yeah!<\/em> I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s face fell. She looked at the Council, tiptoeing back through the doors of city hall. Krshia smiled, and there was some reserve there.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. It seems it was not all it could have been, yes? But you said what was true. We won<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded. She wasn\u2019t as happy as she\u2019d acted; like Krshia, she felt stung by the ending. Even so\u2014she waved at the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t about to let them start punching each other. Mrsha\u2019s here. So. What happens now?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] blinked at her. Then she looked around. Everyone was staring at her. Selys, Elirr, Raekea, Beilmark\u2014and Krshia\u2019s look of surprise told Erin she had no idea. But it only lasted a moment. Then she turned and beamed at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a party at your inn, of course! We have some gold remaining from the funds\u2014let us celebrate! And tomorrow\u2014tomorrow, we shall see what being on the Council is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled. Then she turned and waved.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright! Celebration at my inn! First drink\u2019s free!\u201d<\/p>\n And the cheer to that<\/em> came from everyone but Lyonette. People began leaving the plaza, exclaiming, hurrying to tell the news, upset or vindicated or looking for that drink. It didn\u2019t matter. The results were the results and no one was going to burn down the city hall looking to change it. History had been made and the winners\u2014<\/p>\n Krshia. Elirr. Raekea. The Gnoll [Armorer] looked dumbfounded by her position.<\/p>\n \u201cMe. A Councilmember. I can\u2019t believe it. I hammer metal.<\/em> What will happen to my business?\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr laughed, his grey fur blowing in a faint breeze as he carried Mrsha back towards the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should have thought of that when you ran, Raekea!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but I didn\u2019t really think I\u2019d\u2026I mean, I hoped, but\u2014a Councilmember?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll smiled with delight and amazement, shaking her head. On the other side of the square, Olesm turned to his uncle. Lism was smiling, albeit with the same reserve Krshia had had. Olesm paused.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations, Uncle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, my boy. I think\u2026no, thank you. We couldn\u2019t have done it without you. I\u2019m a Councilmember. I never thought I\u2019d see the day. Me. A [Shopkeeper] on Liscor\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Lism trailed off. Olesm blinked. There were tears in Lism\u2019s eyes. The Drake turned and looked back at city hall. Then he wiped the tears away, turned back briskly to Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors! We need to celebrate!<\/em> Everyone, to the Tailless Thief! Peslas will have to open his stores for all of us! Where\u2019s Wing Commander Embria? We have to talk! And\u2014Jeiss! Alonna! Where are the other Councilmembers? We need to make a speech to all these people who helped us get this far! And\u2014dead gods, I\u2019ll have to share the Council with Silverfang?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lism uttered an oath. Olesm hesitated. He forbore pointing out that but for the Council, it was likely that Lism wouldn\u2019t have been elected at all. His emotions were too mixed to let him celebrate. But he relaxed as he saw his uncle\u2019s happiness.<\/p>\n The Drakes were celebrating, not as exuberantly as the Gnolls\u2014it was hardly a landmark victory for them\u2014but with good cheer nonetheless. Especially the ones who\u2019d voted for Senior Guardsman Jeiss. The Drake was in the center of backslaps, handshakes, and a few unsolicited hugs. He was turning, smiling, when a furry paw reached out and people paused.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations, Jeiss.\u201d<\/p>\n Senior Guardswoman Beilmark, his partner and opponent\u2014if not by district, then by party, looked at Jeiss. He froze.<\/p>\n \u201cBeilmark. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The two partners regarded each other for a moment. Jeiss bit his tongue. But it was Beilmark who smiled and shrugged slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou won, and I didn\u2019t. I\u2019m partners with a Councilmember now. Which means I\u2019ll let you do all the paperwork, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss paused. And then he laughed. He reached out and they shook hands. The crowd sighed, and the two nodded to each other. If they had more they wanted to say, well, they\u2019d do it later. Like adults.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe won! We won!<\/em> Celebration! Get the cake! Get the ice cream! Party!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n In her inn, Erin Solstice jumped on a table and the room erupted into cheers. Drassi was besieged at her bar, and the staff were taking orders like there was no tomorrow. The inn was heaving, Erin was beaming as she turned to Klbkch, who had come in with Yellow Splatters and Pawn\u2014<\/p>\n But the story wasn\u2019t about her. Tonight\u2019s story was about the victors. Krshia could hardly drink but for all the people coming up to her, whom she thanked, or who wanted to ask when she\u2019d do what she\u2019d promised on the Council, or perhaps would she consider\u2026? Elirr was similarly besieged, although Moore and Mrsha were keeping the worst at bay, Moore by his presence shielding the Gnoll, Mrsha by waving a fork when the crowd got too thick.<\/p>\n Raekea had disappeared with her husband, and the other Gnolls who hadn\u2019t won were either getting drunk or joining the celebration, dancing, eating, or just talking. It was a night to remember. Which made it somewhat ironic that Erin found Selys sitting alone by the bar. The Drake had won, and she\u2019d been an instrumental part of the victory. But it was the Gnolls\u2019 night.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, good looking! Mind if I buy you a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin slid into the seat next to Selys. The Drake stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the worst\u2014no, wait, Hawk and Relc are worse. But that\u2019s pretty bad, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman grinned and Selys edged her stool over. The two sat together and Drassi slid Erin a drink, Rufelt-style across the bar. She missed. Erin sighed. But the shattered cup reformed itself on the ground! The drink did not, and a shamefaced Drassi went over to refill it.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked at Selys, smiling. The Drake shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, work on it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean<\/em>, sorry that the Council were jerks. Do you think the Gnolls won more than three seats?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, Erin? I\u2019d bet every gold piece on it. They\u2019re all Drakes and\u2026well, let\u2019s just say I don\u2019t think they wanted to help Krshia\u2019s side. Maybe we took four seats. Or\u2026five? Either way, it\u2019s done. Krshia can argue against it, but the Council does get to choose! I guess. Maybe if there\u2019d been a riot\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. But Mrsha was there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. No, I think it\u2019s fine. I mean, I<\/em> wasn\u2019t running. I\u2019m just worried\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026That you don\u2019t have enough seats?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked worried. Selys nodded. She gestured at Krshia, who was toasting with a group of Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u201cKrshia will obviously have to figure it out, but it\u2019s three to five if you\u2019re just going by species. And all the Drakes who were elected were in Lism\u2019s camp. Well, more or less.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich means they\u2019ll vote against letting the Antinium help?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s face fell. Selys paused.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably. Maybe? I don\u2019t know this Tismel and Zalaiss too well. They\u2019re both wealthy, though; safe picks in their districts which is probably why they won their votes. Tismel\u2019s head of the Cobbler\u2019s Guild, and Zalaiss is a [Merchant] in the guild. Safe picks. But they\u2019re both in Lism\u2019s party. Jeiss and Alonna are actual friends of his, though. Either way, they\u2019ll probably be against some of Krshia\u2019s ideas. It\u2019s\u2014I don\u2019t know, Erin. She\u2019ll have to figure it out. I\u2019m just a bit worried.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] sighed. Erin nodded. Then she paused as Drassi came back with her drink.<\/p>\n \u201c[Cobblers] have a guild?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course they do, Erin. With two different species\u2019 worth of feet in Liscor? I bet he doesn\u2019t even make<\/em> shoes anymore. He\u2019s probably rich. And see, that\u2019s the problem. There\u2019s no way Tismel will be on Krshia\u2019s side, right? So if Lism just overrules her, what was the point of all this? Did the Council steal<\/em> a seat? Two seats?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake gripped her glass tightly, frustrated. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you did win, Selys. Be happy about that.\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured at the inn. Selys just shook her head. Then she turned to look Erin in the eye.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. Did<\/em> we win? Can we win if it\u2019s not complete, Erin? If it\u2019s just a little victory? How can I feel good about it when I know\u2014we deserved more? We did, and they cheated.\u201d<\/p>\n She had tears in her eyes from the pure frustration of it. Erin paused. And she took a long drink from her mug before replying slowly. She looked around the inn, at all the faces, at Numbtongue poking his head down the stairs and deciding to go back to his room, at Ceria making ice cubes, Yellow Splatters heading up with a small keg Erin had given him from the bar, Ishkr smiling as he went round the tables\u2014and she smiled too.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t fair. And you can be mad. But tonight, Selys? Be happy. Because there wasn\u2019t a Gnoll on Liscor\u2019s Council yesterday. Tomorrow, there will be.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at the Drake. The [Heiress] paused. Then she looked up. She slowly raised her glass and clinked<\/em> it against Erin\u2019s. And then Selys smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right about that.\u201d<\/p>\n She drank her cup down, ordered a Firebreath Whiskey, drank it, and kept smiling. Then she went to go cuddle Mrsha. Erin sighed. She took a sip of her drink at the bar and let the alcohol sting her mouth for a moment. Then she turned off her [Immunity: Alcohol] Skill. She sighed as she flushed with a bit of heat, and then raised her cup. She beamed at Lyonette, who\u2019d come over.<\/p>\n \u201cTo victory! Now, let\u2019s go tell everyone in Pallass the good news!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Erin. You get to break the news. But then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin twinkled at her. Lyonette beamed back.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re getting in the kitchen. We need more food.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw. But\u2014but it\u2019s a celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. Now, get cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper]\u2019s face fell. She sighed, looked around, and muttered as she finished her drink.<\/p>\n \u201cI really need to hire a [Cook]. I wonder if Garry\u2019s free?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The party that engulfed Liscor that night was an event in itself. From Erin\u2019s inn outside the city to the rest of it, there was drinking and delight, mayhem, a bit of madness, and happiness and sadness. Triumph and defeat, however fairly done.<\/p>\n But it was<\/em> done. You could argue about the ethics of it all you wanted, but the legalese of it was that Liscor\u2019s Council had made their decision and since no law actually decided the election process outside of their nomination of the candidates, it was all within the boundary of the law.<\/p>\n And it would be a fight uphill and downhill with a Rock Crab on your back to get the new Council to declare itself invalid. Especially because they were the only body who could do so, short of the High Command appearing outside of Liscor\u2019s gates or a mob essentially overturning the government. Best to take the victory where you could and save your energy for another battle.<\/p>\n That was what Krshia and her supporters had reluctantly decided last night, and the former Council had heaved a sigh of relief when they heard it. The next day, everyone had a late day of it. People got back to work. Market Street finally unclogged of the persistent rallies and people got back to work. After all, the elections were done. And that day, the new Council met in Liscor\u2019s city hall.<\/p>\n With the old one. It was a strange gathering, with eight Drakes sitting in chairs around the rounded conference table where the new<\/em> Council sat. Especially because of how at odds they had been just a day ago.<\/p>\n There they sat, three Gnolls on one quadrant, Krshia, Elirr, and Raekea, and Lism exactly opposite Krshia, flanked by Jeiss and Alonna, with Tismel and Zalaiss occupying a safety wall between them. Krshia and Lism kept avoiding each other\u2019s gaze\u2014and then giving each other death-glares.<\/p>\n The former Council found it all quite amusing. Half of them<\/em> were still somewhat drunk, Ulseil included. He felt a huge weight off his shoulders! He was done! And yes, the new Council wasn\u2019t ideal<\/em>, but they had to deal with dungeons and headaches about monsters and a war<\/em> with the Humans! He felt ten years younger. The first thing he\u2019d do now\u2014<\/p>\n But there was one last thing to do. Reluctantly, the Drake pulled himself upright and coughed. Everyone in the room looked at him and Ulseil smiled cheerfully.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning everyone! I\u2019m pleased, delighted, to welcome you all to your new positions!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re honored, Councilmember\u2014erm, I mean, Guildmaster Greenscale.\u201d<\/p>\n Tismel immediately ducked his head quite deferentially, and the Gnolls and Drakes all nodded. Ulseil grinned happily. Yes, this wasn\u2019t so bad, was it? He\u2019d feared the worst, but it had all worked out for the best. They might be Gnolls and Drakes now, but this Council would work just as well as the old one.<\/p>\n \u201cDelighted, delighted, thank you, Guildmaster\u2014no, pardon me, Councilmember <\/em>Tismel. I\u2019m sure you\u2019re all ecstatic over winning the election. Now, I think you won\u2019t see the rest of us, the former Council, unless you\u2019ve need of our advice\u2014but it\u2019s customary for the old Council to sit in on the new Council\u2019s first meeting. Sometimes second or third if things have difficulty starting up.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil was rewarded by a look of apprehension among the new Council. Yes, there they all were. New to the job and wet behind the\u2026earholes. He remembered what it was like. And the old Council had seemed so wise! He suppressed a smirk as he looked at Yalla and the others and saw the same knowing expression on their faces. Lism coughed. He\u2019d been staring around the rich room in between glaring at Krshia.<\/p>\n \u201cNow we\u2019re here. It feels rather\u2026odd. We won the election. But the process of leading a city\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated. Krshia made a sound in her throat and fidgeted in her chair. Elirr scratched at one arm. Raekea patted the belt buckle her husband had fashioned for her. Jeiss leaned back in his chair and Alonna rubbed her claws together, generating a magical spark. Tismel and Zalaiss looked at the old Council apprehensively.<\/p>\n Yes, that was the thing. They\u2019d spent so long campaigning that none of them had ever stopped to think about how to run a city! Ulseil tsked<\/em> internally. It wasn\u2019t all fun and games, was it? He decided to show a bit of mercy and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst things first! Please, direct your attention to the most important thing you\u2019ll encounter today!\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed to the far wall. Apprehensively, the Drakes and Gnolls turned. Ulseil beamed as he got up and strode over to the table. There was a pause. Jeiss frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cAre those\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSnacks! Please, help yourself. They\u2019re very fine. They come by way of Invrisil. A Council meeting cannot<\/em> run without snacks. We always have some sent up, although you\u2019ll have to find your own sources. Candied nuts, anyone? I broke out the last of our stash.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh, Ulseil. You [Rogue]! You\u2019ve been holding out on us!\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla exclaimed. She and the old Council got up and immediately began circulating the table, quarreling good-naturedly over the treats, which ranged from candied snacks to delicate little deviled eggs\u2014goose, thank you, not chicken\u2014filled with a poignant filling. The properly rich stuff; Ulseil wanted to treat the new Council. He noticed they weren\u2019t getting up. Ah, yes, first-day jitters. He waved them over then decided they\u2019d eat when they relaxed. After a bit, Jeiss got up and snagged a few items, along with Tismel and Zalaiss. When they were all seated, Ulseil went on.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that\u2019s settled. I suppose, we\u2019d better get to the actual work of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n The rest of the old Council groaned good-naturedly, but they put on a good face as former Councilmember Yalla rang the bell. All the Gnoll\u2019s ears perked up and they looked towards the door exactly as it opened. Handy, that. Ulseil saw the Drake who\u2019d been waiting on standby bustle into the room.<\/p>\n Olesm Swifttail\u2019s first view of the room as he hurried in with his scrolls of parchment and stack of reports was eerily familiar. He\u2019d forgotten the old Council would be there, so twice as many people in the room gave him a moment\u2019s pause. But he\u2019d done this for the last Council, so he bowed once, and then his eyes went to Lism\u2019s face. The Drake [Shopkeeper] looked astonished, and then delighted.<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmembers, good day to you. I am Olesm Swifttail. You may have met me before, but in this moment, I\u2019m acting in my capacity as [Strategist] of Liscor. I welcome you to your positions\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYoung Swifttail is our [Strategist]. He delivers all our information and gives the morning briefing. He\u2019s also the one who you\u2019ll see the most of; I imagine Watch Captain Zevara might be here later as well, but Olesm is the one who handles most affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n With dreadful timing and a poor whisper, Ulseil leaned over to confide in Lism. Olesm paused and Lism harrumphed<\/em> proudly.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! A [Strategist] to the Council. He never told me he gives daily reports!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTold you? My word, you\u2019re his uncle, aren\u2019t you? I\u2019d forgotten! And it\u2019s hardly daily\u2014it\u2019s whenever we meet.\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla leaned over, smiling at Lism. The [Shopkeeper] looked proudly at Olesm and the [Strategist] groaned. This could be terribly awkward. He cleared his throat, trying not to meet Krshia\u2019s gaze. Or any of the Gnolls\u2019. Oh yes, this could be a lot worse than he\u2019d imagined.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I continue, Councilmembers?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, very wel\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil\u2019s familiar, tired wave was cut off by Lism sitting upright in his chair. The [Shopkeeper] smiled widely.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! Go on, Nephew, er\u2014I mean, [Strategist] Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism beamed at Olesm. The [Strategist] cringed inwardly for only a moment before adopting his friendly, helpful expression and tone. He circulated the table, relieved that he always brought a number of copies so he could divide the reports among both former and new Council.<\/p>\n The old Council glanced over the reports and almost instantly passed it to the new Council, who began reading as they listened attentively. Ulseil smiled as he listened to Olesm and then observed the new Council\u2019s feverish attention. Hadn\u2019t he been like that? Oh yes, they\u2019d learn all right.<\/p>\n Olesm began with his rehearsed speech, the one he\u2019d given to two Councils before this one. Well, one and a half since he\u2019d taken over halfway through.<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmembers, I traditionally begin each meeting with a small briefing if necessary. I\u2019ll proceed as if the old Council were in session, ah, with your permission?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead! What\u2019s the latest gossip this time?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the old Councilmembers called out. Olesm hesitated, but went on as the new Council hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWell then, my first piece of news is that it is more or less confirmed<\/em> that Manus\u2019 covert operation against the north has been a success. I have the report summarized in front of you, but the damages to Human lands are estimated at\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait. Manus did what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea yelped as she finally caught up to Olesm. She stared at the parchment in horror. The old Council chuckled knowingly as Lism and the new Council sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been an attack on the north, Olesm? When? Where?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia\u2019s eyes flickered across the parchment. Olesm raised his claws hurriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cNot an attack? Or rather, it\u2019s not an act of direct<\/em> war. I\u2019m sorry, I should have prefaced this. Manus ordered dozens of its [Infiltrators] and [Saboteurs] to head north and cause havoc among Human lands. They started fires, engaged in covert assassinations of high-level targets, spread illnesses or simply sowed dissent\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI never heard of this! When was this?\u201d<\/p>\n Guildmistress Alonna looked up sharply. The Drake [Mage] stared at Olesm. He winced.<\/p>\n \u201cAbout one week ago was when I heard rumors of it, Councilmember. And I received confirmation\u2014of sorts\u2014only today. Please understand, all the information you hear here is classified. Not to be repeated as gossip.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He looked pointedly at Ulseil and the old Council, who avoided his gaze. Yalla leaned over conspiratorially.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can be sure it\u2019s accurate, too. Strategist Olesm is quite informative at these little updates. I will miss them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know this happened? I have people I talk to, but they do not mention an attack. There was talk of a drought and unseasonable weather, but an attack?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia demanded, looking up at Olesm sharply. He coughed, a bit proud at how astonished she looked.<\/p>\n \u201cYour sources might relay that it was an attack, Krsh\u2014Councilmember, or they might not. Think of me as a fact-checker with a bit more insight into current events. I have access to several lines of communication that allow me to make inferences, and I\u2019m well-versed in Drake strategy. No doubt a lot of the attacks will<\/em> be news or gossip, although it may be downplayed. Some of the events were quite large.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWildfires. Lightning attacks. A Drake assassinating Humans on their land? How can this be rumor and gossip?\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr\u2019s fur stood up as he read the report. He looked up. Olesm shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think the nobility will want to disclose the findings. But let me explain from the beginning. This is what I\u2019ve put together, and the report isn\u2019t wholly accurate, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is reliable?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism looked up quietly. He was reading the report, tracing each line with a claw. Olesm nodded solemnly.<\/p>\n \u201cAll the Drake cities get news updates from the other cities and any [Strategist] has their\u2026sources, Uncle\u2014I mean, Councilmember Lism! I\u2019m not in touch with all the minutiae of what\u2019s happening, but I do pick up on the big things. So, from the start.\u201d<\/p>\n He took a deep breath. This time both old and new Councilmembers listened attentively.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a lot of public chatter on the subject. The long of it is that Manus has launched several attacks on lands owned by the [Lords] and [Ladies] who participated in the siege of Liscor. Lord Tyrion Veltras, Lady Ieka Imarris, Lord Pellmia, Lord Gralton Radivaek\u2026I have a list in front of you as well as estimated damages.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA heavy toll. Serves them right!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil remarked with deep satisfaction. Krshia gave Raekea and Elirr a disturbed look. Lism was biting one lip. Jeiss raised a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know it was Manus, Olesm? Er, Strategist?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm paused.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, firstly, the nobles managed to fight off the attack and kill or wound some of the assailants. When they demanded an explanation from the Walled Cities, Manus, ah, replied to the allegations by claiming that the reports of Drakes were probably \u2018unusually active Wyverns migrating north\u2019. That\u2019s a code. That means they sent True Oldbloods to launch the attacks. My estimates are that most returned safely, but there were about one in six casualties.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a good-natured groan from the old Council. The new one just looked shocked.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd they did all this without anyone knowing? Those are powerful nobles they attacked! Why were they not spotted?\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna demanded. Olesm shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cManus has a number of agents, Councilmember Alonna. They\u2019re quite skilled and<\/em> the Walled City can supply them with artifacts. If they\u2019d tried to enter a populated city through the gates, they\u2019d have been caught, but they worked from a distance. As it was, some of the nobles managed to fight off the attacks. As did the rumored [Emperor]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Emperor]? You mean, that\u2019s not just rumors?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm took a deep breath. He\u2019d forgotten how it worked. The new Council always had questions. He patiently explained the rumors about Laken Godart, and then gave everyone a summary of the factions supporting Tyrion Veltras\u2014and the split between him and Magnolia Reinhart during the siege. He\u2019d forgotten they hadn\u2019t listened to the reports the old Council had. And the new Council was refreshingly serious; the old one kept eating, rolling their eyes at the explanations Olesm had hammered into their heads.<\/p>\n \u201cAll of this, and for what? Liscor? They never even got to the city in time, but they\u2019re launching an attack that might have repercussions for us<\/em>. Were we even consulted?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism muttered angrily. Krshia was frowning too, looking worried. Olesm could only shrug, but Ulseil waved a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Walled Cities take their own action, Councilmember Lism. Don\u2019t worry. The main thing to ask is this. Strategist Olesm. Will it affect Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026no. Not immediately. I predict that the Humans will take offense and maybe seek to retaliate via sanctions or covert action of their own. Maybe hire [Pirates] or mercenaries or so on. But after Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s schism with the other nobility, there\u2019s not enough political consensus or will to launch a second attack, much less unprovoked.\u201d<\/p>\n The new Council sighed in relief. The old one sat back, unconcerned.<\/p>\n \u201cThere. You see? It\u2019s just news. No need to worry. This is usually just good for gossip\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil hesitated as Olesm glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014among family and personal friends. Highly confidential, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026see. Go on, then, Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia exchanged a glance with Elirr as Lism waved his nephew on. Her mind was already spinning. She\u2019d had some idea that Liscor\u2019s Council was well-informed, but this? She was wondering if she really had what it took to be on this Council. Let alone run a city. She listened as Olesm went on, trying to suppress the butterflies in her stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see\u2026the army has concluded its defense contract with Oteslia and is moving west. They may be looking for work around Fissival\u2014there\u2019s a standing dispute between the cities of Grailhess and Veish that they might want to seek out, although both cities have fairly powerful armies, so the High Command may prefer work fighting against the Gnoll tribes in the plains. There has been a number of incidents between Gnoll tribes and Drake cities of late\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne tribe.\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea muttered that. Olesm paused.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me? Um, Councilmember Raekea?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Armorer] glanced up. Raekea hesitated, but Krshia and Elirr were nodding. Elirr broke in, growling softly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the Woven Bladegrass tribe. Not tribes. Their new Chieftain is young and she\u2019s fought against Drakes before. Her tribe is good at fighting too.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone blinked at the Gnolls. Krshia looked around, eyebrows raised.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is common knowledge, yes? Among Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Olesm for confirmation. He half-nodded and glanced at his parchment.<\/p>\n \u201cI had no idea. I mean, yes, the incidents would make sense if it was a single tribe. Woven Bladegrass? Let me make a note\u2026ah, ahem. I bring it up as a matter of security. Obviously some of this doesn\u2019t affect Liscor, but it could lead to a larger conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt might.\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea looked darkly at Krshia. The Gnoll nodded, but raised a furry finger. Now wasn\u2019t the time for Gnollish politics. Olesm continued, a bit off-kilter.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, aside from the war with Tiqr, I have no notable news of immediate concern for the Council. As I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard, several nations from Chandrar have launched an attack on the King of Destruction\u2019s allies, including the nation of Tiqr. The fighting has gone on for weeks now, and Tiqr has been forced back and back. They\u2019ve held on well, but my estimate is that they\u2019ll fall within the week if the King of Destruction doesn\u2019t act in some way, which would violate his pledge not to do so. Er, that\u2019s about it.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Ulseil. The former Councilman nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThe daily briefing is always about issues that concern Liscor as a whole. Apparently the King of Destruction is always pertinent news, which makes sense, I suppose. But the wretched fellow hasn\u2019t done anything but conquer one, two kingdoms? He\u2019s hardly the threat he was. Still, better safe than sorry. That\u2019s our [Strategist]. After that, we generally move to some conversation and the day\u2019s decisions. Of course, the table is yours <\/em>now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He chuckled and gestured towards the Council. They hesitated, but the time for hesitation was gone. Krshia nodded to herself. She\u2019d fought for this seat. She had to earn it. She opened her mouth\u2014and Lism beat her to the punch.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, we\u2019ve a number of issues to discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n He smirked at Krshia. She glared at him. There was going to be an unfortunate confrontation soon, and she\u2019d readied herself for it. Lism went on, glancing at the old Council.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, I don\u2019t know the uh, protocol for such things. So what do you do first?\u201d<\/p>\n The old Council looked mildly surprised. One of the older Drakes rubbed his neck spines and chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, those issues. Well, Strategist Olesm usually has a list! We go through them and then leave. Olesm! What\u2019s on today\u2019s list?\u201d<\/p>\n He waved a claw. Olesm sighed as he unfurled the rather long<\/em> scroll of parchment. The old Council sighed and the new ones sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Councilmembers, I do generally keep track of the Council\u2019s issues by request. And I\u2019ll note any future concerns. However, today\u2019s list is substantial. The new Council must of course approve a budget for the Watch and issue an announcement to the city and so forth, but there are new concerns for this Council. Among them are the proposed changes to the city each er, party, has campaigned on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Well, this is the heart of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil sighed as he turned and looked around the room. He waved at Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cStrategist Swifttail will bring us an issue and we\u2019ll debate it. Sometimes it\u2019s as easy as voting to do something. Show of claws\u2014excuse me, claws and<\/em> paws\u2014and we agree or not. Other times, we have to do some math. Agree on a budget\u2014don\u2019t worry, Swifttail will have the numbers. But there are a lot of new proposals you lot have campaigned on, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n He gave the Gnolls and Drakes a somewhat superior look.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we can discuss the issue now, but I think you\u2019ll find it\u2019s more complicated than just shelling out gold!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia\u2019s ears perked up. She turned to stare around at the old Council. Elirr and Raekea looked up. And so did Lism. Ulseil waved an airy claw.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a bit of advice from the old Council! Perspective. After all, we know the ins and outs of running the city. You agree?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. Krshia nodded reluctantly. That was true. She hesitated, and then coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it seems we must talk about the deal to expand the city\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWithout<\/em> Antinium help. As my campaign pledged.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism finished the sentence and sat back, satisfied. Krshia stared at him. And then polite civility broke down.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, your campaign stole<\/em> from mine, you thief, Lism, you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! I knew it! You couldn\u2019t wait one hour<\/em> before you had to accuse my campaign of improving on your ideas!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was the one who suggested expanding the city! What did your campaign come up with?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia snarled across the table. Ulseil looked wide-eyed at Lism, who laughed loudly back at her.<\/p>\n \u201cRemoving the Antinium element of course! And the city voted our<\/em> party into power.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you stole our seats!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia howled back at him. Lism raised his claws.<\/p>\n \u201cBy popular vote\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmembers!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil didn\u2019t manage to outshout either Drake or Gnoll, but he did silence them. He looked around, flustered.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease! Councilmembers, this is not a street<\/em> argument! This is a civilized discussion! And any issues can be discussed! Frankly<\/em>, I don\u2019t think this debate will get us anywhere, because as I was saying, the reality of Liscor\u2019s financial situation is that we might not be able to pay for any expansions to the walls!\u201d<\/p>\n Silence fell over the new Council. Ulseil sat back, and another Councilmember chortled.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you wish you\u2019d talked to us<\/em>, first?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism stared at Ulseil. So did Krshia. Did they know something the public didn\u2019t? Krshia felt a pit in her stomach and saw Elirr looking at her, alarmed. Lism spoke up into the silence.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, Councilmembers? We have a proposal. Expand the walls. It will generate new jobs, new commerce\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Councilmember Lism, but who will pay<\/em> for the walls?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we could increase the taxes on the dungeon and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla cut in, not-very-apologetically.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid, what Ulseil means is that we can\u2019t just\u2026move around some numbers and come up with gold we don\u2019t have, Councilmember Lism. Perhaps we could<\/em> raise revenues here, but that doesn\u2019t create gold. Our yearly budget is comprised of a number of sources including revenue from the guilds, taxes, trade, and so on, but it mainly comes from\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe army.\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla broke off. Krshia blinked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry. Was that not what you meant to say?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake narrowed her eyes and Krshia felt a bit better. She didn\u2019t like the condescending tone Yalla or the old Council had. Yalla cleared her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I mean to say was that yes, Liscor\u2019s army does send back a good deal of funds in exchange for the support we give them. We tend to use it up on necessary products, because the money from the rest of our taxes and so on is\u2026limited. It\u2019s always been a fact of living around Liscor. This is not a rich city like Salazsar or even Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n She shrugged. Lism frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cPoor? But Liscor is the <\/em>keystone city between north and south!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAgain, Lism? When the Council is saying to your face, that Liscor is not rich? Go travelling and you will understand! It is what I<\/em> have been saying for years. Liscor is important. But not for the reasons you think. It is not economically strong!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, speaking as the Merchant\u2019s Guild\u2019s Guildmaster\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet, Silverfang. Liscor does <\/em>have wealth! We export a vast amount of fish and fish-based products each spring. More than any other city, Human or Drake in a thousand miles!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s because they\u2019re all landlocked.<\/em> You idiot you, you wouldn\u2019t know reality if someone hit you with a fish!\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm watched in mild horror as Krshia stood up and leaned over the table and Elirr and Raekea dragged her back. Jeiss managed to do the same job on Lism\u2019s end as Alonna shook her head. The rest of the Council looked horrified. But really, it was like watching Lism and Krshia go at it in the market. Their voices did echo a lot more in this room, though.<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmember Lism! Councilmember Krshia! We do not shout! We debate issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil held up his claws. Lism sat down with bad grace.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m simply making the point to this Gnoll<\/em> that Liscor has more sources of revenue than the army. Which she<\/em> finds delight in deriding\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut how would you increase Liscor\u2019s funds, Shopkeeper\u2014er, Councilmember Lism? After all, we do have to fund the projects the city undertakes, and money is always tight. Please, some snacks will settle your mood. Pass the nuts, Ulseil? Oh, would you like some?\u201d<\/p>\n Bowls of the sugar-coated nuts were passed around the table quickly. Olesm made a face at the rich food. Lism stared at the bowl and so did the Gnolls as they appeared in front of them. He glanced at Ulseil with a bit of irritation. This was<\/em> the new Council after all. But he answered with forced politeness.<\/p>\n \u201cShield Spider silk, Councilwoman Yalla.\u201d<\/p>\n He took a few nuts and popped them into his mouth. Instantly his expression changed for the worse. Olesm groaned. Lism hated<\/em> sugary things.<\/p>\n \u201cShield Spider silk?\u201d<\/p>\n The rest of the Council looked blank, except for Ulseil, who frowned. A bit worriedly. Krshia noticed that, as did Olesm. Lism exhaled as he crunched on some of the saccharine nuts. He frowned and spat his mouthful into the waste basket. Krshia lowered her nose directly over the bowl, gave it one deep sniff,<\/em> and pushed it to one side. The other two Gnolls, Elirr and Raekea, did the same. The former Council watched in horror.<\/p>\n \u201cGah. Sorry. Too much sugar. Almost as bad as that Human makes in her inn. Anyways, where was I? Ah, right. Shield Spider silk. Liscor\u2019s Floodplains are infested with Shield Spider nests. You can\u2019t swing a dead rat for five seconds outside the walls without a spider climbing out of the ground and trying to eat you and it. And they\u2019re worth money to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. Do you know how much you can get for a single Shield Spider corpse?\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone except for Ulseil and Krshia shook their heads. Lism spread his claws.<\/p>\n \u201cEleven<\/em> silver pieces for a fully-grown adult\u2019s corpse if it\u2019s unscratched and unmarked! Of course, that covers the hazard bounty on them, but it wouldn\u2019t be that high if the corpse itself didn\u2019t have value!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n Tismel gave Lism a very curious look. The [Cobbler] winced as Lism raised his voice. The [Shopkeeper] struck the table, as if he were railing against the injustices of the world in his stall. He had an outside voice. But for once, it wasn\u2019t annoying Krshia because she saw his point and grudgingly agreed with it.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not! You can use the body of a Shield Spider for any number of things! Silk and<\/em> armor! They\u2019re not called \u2018Shield Spiders\u2019 because they\u2019re soft! Their hide\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChitin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014whatever<\/em> is so tough you can use it as armor! But no one trades Shield Spider components in Liscor. It\u2019s not worth the effort. Processing the damn silk takes classes and an industry we don\u2019t have. But I\u2019ve noticed that Shield Spider silk can make anything from thread to decent clothing if you can dye and weave it right. And Shield Spider chitin can be used to make a number of objects. About, oh, three decades back, I remember seeing Silver-rank adventurers wearing lamellar armor made out of chitin. What happened to that? Now it\u2019s all iron, steel, and leather. So where do the Shield Spiders go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, the Adventurer\u2019s Guild sell to the [Merchants]. At a very reasonable price at our end.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil replied carefully. Lism turned to frown at him.<\/p>\n \u201cBut how much of a markup do [Merchants] and [Traders] make when they take the cargo to, say, Invrisil? Even if you paid a gold coin per Shield Spider body, how much would that much chitin and armor be worth if you bought it in one piece?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2014I don\u2019t have the numbers in front of me.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was hedging. Lism shook his head, ignoring Ulseil.<\/p>\n \u201cThe money goes straight to the [Merchants]. And the Adventurer\u2019s Guild takes their cut since they \u2018allow\u2019 us to have a guild in their city. But where\u2019s Liscor\u2019s cut? We increase the price by one silver coin per Shield Spider body and that\u2019s\u2026how many Shield Spiders are killed in just the annual culling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, come now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn average? About three or four thousand Shield Spiders. Not all adults of course, but I could estimate at least two thousand and a half. This year it was about double that.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm piped up. Ulseil and the old Councilmembers gave him a glare, but Lism snapped his claws.<\/p>\n \u201cThere you have it. Raise the price by one silver coin\u2014and that\u2019s not even asking for a fair margin from either Adventurer\u2019s Guild or [Merchants] and we\u2019re up five thousand gold pieces after the culling alone. <\/em>There. Five thousand shovels for the walls. How\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia spoke over the hot voice raised behind her.<\/p>\n \u201cOr five thousand Workers<\/em>, who can build without needing to hire [Builders].\u201d<\/p>\n She and Lism stared daggers again, but Ulseil was coughing and trying to interrupt as he choked on a nut.<\/p>\n \u201cSee here, Councilmember Lism! You can\u2019t just place a tariff on goods like that! It could damage trade! Shield Spider parts are one of the few things that keep a lot of [Merchants] coming this way! If you raise prices\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat will they do? Go elsewhere for their Shield Spiders? The last I heard, we were the only city with an enduring plague of the things.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism folded his arms. Ulseil hesitated. He raised a single claw.<\/p>\n \u201cAs head of the Merchant\u2019s Guild, I must warn you of the consequences. You may trigger a boycott of Liscor\u2019s goods.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy whom? Wouldn\u2019t they have to get the Guildmaster to agree to that?\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss leaned over the table. The room went silent as every eye fell on Ulseil. He wavered.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014I er, the [Merchants] who trade with Liscor are exceptionally powerful. Some of them. I\u2019d try to talk them out of it, but I can only do so much\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He caught part of Lism\u2019s stare and broke off. Ulseil had been a decently successful [Merchant] before he\u2019d become a Guildmaster and employed people to do his job, and he remembered negotiating with lower-level [Traders], [Shopkeepers] and so on. Some of them were easy to bowl over, but sometimes you ran into one that had Lism\u2019s look. You learned to avoid them or you had to fight like one of Rhir\u2019s Demons to get anything like a good deal. He tried to lean out of the way of the stare.<\/p>\n Krshia broke into the silence with a thoughtful \u2018hrm\u2019. She looked around and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAs I<\/em> have been saying from the beginning, the issue is one of space, yes? Tariffs are all very well, but Liscor needs more space. A city with walls is always held by the walls. More space will allow more business to flourish. And it will cut down on the rent that makes poorer families suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, hold on now. That\u2019s a bold claim to make.\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla protested hotly, but Lism, Jeiss, Elirr, Raekea, and Alonna were all nodding. The old Council was frowning, but Lism tapped the table with one claw.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was second on my list, Silverfang. But if you want to jump from topic to topic, fine. Let\u2019s talk about reducing the rent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnother<\/em> issue which I\u2019m afraid we wanted to talk to you about.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the old Councilmembers cut in. This time he received a glare from the new Council, Gnolls and the two Drakes sitting next to Lism. Tismel and Zalaiss were very quiet, glancing from old to new as if trying to figure out where the wind was blowing. Lism folded his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see what the issue is. Rent is too high. I can\u2019t count how many families have been evicted or run out of their homes because they can\u2019t pay to stay in the same homes they used to. All these new Humans and adventurers are crowding honest Drakes\u2014and Gnolls\u2014out of their homes! We lower the rent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn that, we can agree, Lism. But it\u2019s Drakes<\/em> who own the land and apartments.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia growled at him. Yalla banged her bowl of candied nuts for attention. Her face was crimson with fury.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me! You cannot force our landowners to adjust their prices! That is interference in business, which goes against the very heart of Drake traditions! We have a very amiable arrangement with the [Landowners] and guilds managing rent in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich is?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism stared at her. Yalla hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cThe [Landowners] contribute an annual fund to Liscor\u2019s funds, above<\/em> what we owe in taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, how m\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNine thousand, six hundred, and twelve gold pieces last year. Rounded up.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake turned with fury to look at Olesm. He smiled politely back at Yalla. He saw Lism look at him and went on.<\/p>\n \u201cYalla Aldrake, [Landlady]. You paid four hundred and eight gold pieces to the, ah, Land-Fund, which is an agreed-upon tax on the owners of real estate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInteresting. But I happen to know you own at least four streets.<\/em> And the prices on one of those streets was six silver coins and five copper per month.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism stared at Yalla. She opened her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was due to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSix silver and five copper per month is a hundred and four silver pieces per year. <\/em>If you multiply that by the number of people per apartment, that\u2019s eight times that. At least. Which is\u2026nephew?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm\u2019s lips moved as he did a quick summation on his parchment.<\/p>\n \u201cEight hundred and thirty two silver, Un\u2014Councilmember. And converted to gold, that\u2019s forty one gold and twelve silver. If my math holds.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that\u2019s per house. <\/em>In the poorest district of the city. Multiply that by what, eight houses on one street? Twenty? Thirty? And multiply that again because streets have two sides?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Yalla\u2019s face was pale. Jeiss was doing the math, a deep frown on his face. Olesm came up with the answer at last.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you assume sixteen houses per street\u2014and it\u2019s actually closer to twenty six\u2014one street would earn around six hundred gold pieces per year. And uh, not all apartments have only eight rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that\u2019s the poorest<\/em> district! With widowers, old Drakes who can\u2019t tie down a full job anymore and people who need a home! Where do they go if they can\u2019t afford the rent?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Shopkeeper]\u2019s voice was too loud. Yalla winced.<\/p>\n \u201cHow should I know?\u201d<\/p>\n It was the wrong answer, and the wrong indignant tone to take. Lism exploded as his fist came down and sent the bowl of nuts flying.<\/p>\n \u201cThey go to live with their families or friends or they sleep on the street!<\/em> Six silver coins and five copper for a room on Welcaissel Street!? I\u2019d be ashamed to rent that room to Humans!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you! What I do with my <\/em>apartments is my business!\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla shouted back at Lism. He was not to be outdone, and she had made a mistake shouting at someone whose entire job was shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? In that case, you can explain to me what an old lady is supposed to do when she\u2019s turned out onto the streets without two coppers to rub together and nowhere to go!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmember Lism! Please stop shouting!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the Drakes begged. Lism\u2019s voice was echoing in the meeting room. All three Gnolls had covered their ears, but Elirr looked approving. So did Jeiss. Ulseil, shaken, looked around. The Drake, older, one of the old Council, pointed shakily at Lism.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not the place for shouting. We have measured debates, not these\u2014attacks on Councilmembers!\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around for support. The old Council nodded. Ulseil broke in hurriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cI agree! We\u2019ve gotten completely off-track from our original discussion. Funding Liscor\u2019s expansion might<\/em> be possible if the Walled Cities and the Antinium are willing to contribute to Liscor\u2019s funds, but suddenly levying fines or controlling the way business is done is not<\/em> the purpose of this Council! I wish to make this very clear! As a Councilmember and Head of the Merchant\u2019s Guild\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil paused. Because only half of that sentence was true. He went on.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we should take a recess for some further clarification of how things are done. We can all split up into pairs, old and new, and then get back to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He stopped, because at that moment Krshia Silverfang stood up. She didn\u2019t do anything else. But it was the kind of movement that attracted attention. It wasn\u2019t fast. But it wasn\u2019t slow, either. She rose ponderously, with a great weight about her. And when she was done, she looked down at Ulseil.<\/p>\n She was the tallest person in the room, just a bit taller than Elirr. And she looked down at Ulseil very coolly. Somehow, the words froze in Ulseil\u2019s mouth. Krshia looked, from face to face, at the old Council. And then she looked around at the new Council. At Elirr and Raekea, and then Jeiss and Alonna, both of whom were frowning. Tismel and Zalaiss she ignored completely.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we have learned much from the old Council. And I agree with former Councilmember Ulseil, yes? There is much this new Council does not do like the old one. We lack order. And Liscor\u2019s Council must have<\/em> order. Pointless shouting does little. We should be focused on what matters.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around, and then at last, met Lism\u2019s eyes. The [Shopkeeper] didn\u2019t look away and he and Krshia stopped, staring at each other. They began to glare. And then, suddenly, stopped. Olesm held his breath. Then, slowly, Lism looked sideways. And nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAs much as I hate to admit it, Councilmember Silverfang<\/em>, I have to agree.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulseil exhaled. The former Councilmember issued a tentative smile. At last, they could get things back on track. The Gnolls were good for something after all! He clapped his claws briskly and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cGood. In that case, let\u2019s all take a break.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea. Feel free to take it outside. Councilmembers?\u201d<\/p>\n He stood up. Jeiss, Alonna, Raekea, and Elirr all got up too. The old Council blinked. The next thing they knew, the eight Drakes found themselves outside the meeting room, balancing the snack platters in their claws. They turned as Lism pushed the last former Councilmember out and shoved the waste basket into her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t do this! We haven\u2019t finished telling you how things work! Don\u2019t you dare\u2014if you so much as try to enforce any rule on our class, we\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Yalla shouted at Lism. He smiled at her without an ounce of sincerity.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Yalla. I am a Councilmember. You are not. And the Council<\/em> will decide on what\u2019s appropriate for this city. If the Head of the Merchant\u2019s Guild or the [Landlady] of Welcaissel have a complaint, you can write it down.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused. After a moment, Yalla retorted.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism slammed the door in her face.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Council of Liscor met for the first time, really, for the first time in a room covered with crushed candied nuts worked into the rich carpet. With an angry Drake [Landlady] pounding on the door until Olesm helped remove her. And they took stock of each other a second time then.<\/p>\n You had Krshia, Elirr, and Raekea on one side. Gnolls united by a common purpose. And Olesm, as he came back in wincing at a scratch on his arm\u2014Yalla had sharp claws\u2014looked at the Drakes. You might assume they were all the same, but they weren\u2019t. Lism, Jeiss, and Alonna were all quite firmly together.<\/p>\n Tismel and Zalaiss on the other hand were in the same bed as the old Council. They looked appalled at the way the Drakes had been bundled out of the room and were staring at Lism and Krshia as the two sat back.<\/p>\n \u201cOdious person, that. I should have known. [Landlady]. Pah. She inherited those apartments. They certainly haven\u2019t been maintained since she was born. I doubt she\u2019s even stepped into one.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism was grumbling to himself. Krshia was murmuring to Raekea, who looked nervous. And Elirr? Elirr seemed calm. He was turning his head left and right, regarding the room in much the same way Olesm was. And then he caught the [Strategist]\u2019s eye and smiled.<\/p>\n Almost secretively. As if Elirr had suddenly come across a good joke. Which told Olesm that the older Gnoll had seen something.<\/p>\n And then Olesm looked at the room. Really looked<\/em>. And he saw something that Liscor\u2019s Council had failed to notice until this very moment. The election for Liscor had been framed as a matter of Drakes vs Gnolls, old vs new, trust in the Antinium and non-Drakes and non-Gnolls versus the traditions of Liscor. But what the old Council really should have been worried about, what they\u2019d failed to notice was this:<\/p>\n The new Council wasn\u2019t rich. In fact, aside from the aforementioned Tismel and Zalaiss, they were all from working occupations. [Guardsman]. [Shopkeeper]. [Armorer]. [Mage]. Olesm knew for a fact that Alonna hadn\u2019t inherited anything that had catapulted her into the Mage\u2019s Guild\u2019s leadership role. And he knew his uncle. And Krshia.<\/p>\n Suddenly, he felt better about this new Council. He hadn\u2019t liked the old one. He hadn\u2019t hated them, but they\u2019d been rather like the Council before them. And the one before that. But this one?<\/p>\n This one was new. Lism finished brushing bits of nuts off his side of the table. He looked around and gestured at the now-empty snack tray. Jeiss tossed his uneaten deviled eggs into the wastebasket with a grimace.<\/p>\n \u201cNot good. Too rich for my blood.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism nodded. He reached for his belt and took out a water flask and drank.<\/p>\n \u201cNext time I\u2019ll bring some decent snacks from my stocks.\u201d<\/p>\n That broke the ice. Krshia looked up from her conversation with Raekea and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI know a [Cook] who does very fine work catering to crowds, yes? He could put a small spread on the table for the cost of one of those other dishes. I could ask him to cater for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI take it your friend\u2019s a Gnoll?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Shopkeeper] bristled.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if he is?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, nothing. But will he be catering all<\/em> our meals? Why not let some Drake [Cooks] provide the meals?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? You may suggest a name. I did not hear any from you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have five.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism snapped back. Raekea looked up as Krshia and Lism began to snap at each other. She caught Jeiss\u2019 eye across the table. They gave each other a nod. Jeiss put a hand on Lism\u2019s shoulder and the [Shopkeeper] paused. Raekea poked<\/em> Krshia in the side. The Gnoll yelped and glared. But then she relaxed.<\/p>\n \u201cI was simply saying, that if<\/em> food was desired\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe if you alternated species in who\u2019s providing meals for the Council?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm broke in desperately to avoid another fight. Krshia and Lism stared at him. The [Shopkeeper] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, obviously. I was just making the point that\u2014never mind.\u201d<\/p>\n He eyed Krshia warily. She looked at him for a second and then Raekea poked her. Olesm cleared his throat. Well, at least this was classic.<\/p>\n \u201cIf anyone has a further motion to pass regarding providing sustenance for Council meetings? That was actually on the docket, but we can move it up the timetable.\u201d<\/p>\n The table stared at him. Krshia frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you say, Olesm? That is on today\u2019s list of important topics? Snacks?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Strategist] sighed as he consulted his notes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe former Council likes to sort out these matters right away. In years past, it can be a matter of\u2026contention.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism stared at his nephew, aghast. He cast a look towards the door.<\/p>\n \u201cThey quibble about\u2014it\u2019s just food<\/em> for Ancestor\u2019s sake! We don\u2019t need to discuss it! Do we?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around the table. Jeiss raised his brows.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have an issue with what I eat so long as I\u2019m not going to puke it out on patrol. Or have half the Gnoll kids ask me what I ate.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid the Council actually debate over snacks, Olesm? And for how long? Are they always like\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna waved a claw to indicate the show the old Council had been. Olesm hesitated. But that was the old Council. And if they got word that he was telling tales they might\u2026never speak to him again.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014there was a number of heated debates halfway through their first year. I think they devoted two sessions to arguing about nuts. The uh, deviled eggs were a compromise that went on for about four months. The old Drake, Councilmember\u2014er, Mister Saish\u2014really liked eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around the room. There was just silence from Lism and Krshia\u2019s camps. Again, Krshia and Lism traded glances. Lism raised one claw.<\/p>\n \u201cAll in favor of alternating food duties between members, if<\/em> we need to eat at all? I\u2019ll start.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia instantly raised her paw. Raekea thought about it for as long as it took to give the idea proper, measured thought. She was only a beat behind Krshia. Elirr\u2019s paw was already in the air along with Jeiss\u2019. Alonna waved a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t do well with cilantro. That\u2019s all from me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, are we voting?\u201d<\/p>\n Tismel looked dismayed. Lism stared at him, and then at Zalaiss.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s it look like we\u2019re doing? That\u2019s what the old Council said we do, right? Unless we have to do some kind of ceremony?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the Councilmembers liked to bang a little rock to call the vote. But no.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Do we need to write anything down, Nephew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Not for an informal agreement on bringing food to the meetings, no. I shouldn\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay then. Vote.\u201d<\/p>\n He glared at Tismel and Zalaiss. They hesitated, and then their claws came up. Lism nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone\u2019s in favor. So we\u2019re agreed. Is that how it works?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Olesm again. The [Strategist] coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood! Cross that off your list, Olesm. What\u2019s next?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you were debating\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot that. Let\u2019s get the least important things out of the way first. Then onto the actual debates. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism looked across the table. Krshia cracked her knuckles.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n Disconcerted at the sudden harmony between the two, Olesm looked at his list.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s\u2026the announcement you put out around the city. You see, traditionally\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know what the announcement is. Alright, we have to say something. Thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr raised a paw. Lism stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, spit it out!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll looked affronted.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought we raised paws. No? Very well. For the announcement, just say what is needed. \u2018There is no issue. We are all alive\u2019. Simple, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! I like that!\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss snorted. Alonna looked dismayed.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps something less direct, Elirr? I think Liscor\u2019s citizens would prefer something with some\u2026what\u2019s the word? Ornamentation. What\u2019d they write last year?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism waved a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cThe new Council has assumed its role as leadership of Liscor, etc. etc\u2026copy that and have someone shout it a few times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, but wouldn\u2019t that be lazy?\u201d<\/p>\n It was Zalaiss who raised her claw timidly. Lism\u2019s eyes popped.<\/p>\n \u201cWho cares<\/em> if it is? And who cares what the Council has to say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She looked uncomfortable and glanced around. Jeiss was rubbing at one ear. Alonna shrugged. The Gnolls looked blank. They didn\u2019t see the point either. Lism drawled.<\/p>\n \u201cNext? Or do we vote on it? This isn\u2019t important.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn that we agree.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia folded her arms. Helplessly, Zalaiss fell silent. Olesm went down the list. It would have taken the old Council ages<\/em> to come up with a worded message. Wasn\u2019t it important? Then he hesitated. Wait, who would listen to the announcement anyways? Not many people. How many would remember it was the same as the last one? He looked at his uncle. Lism had never had time for superfluous work.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother issue is when the Council meets.\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea nodded. The [Armorer] was looking more reassured now the old Council was gone. This<\/em> she could understand.<\/p>\n \u201cMeeting times? What\u2019s the tradition?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce a week on a day chosen by the Council, unless a member convenes the Council due to an emergency or a situation of crisis demands meetings at more regular intervals.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll paused. She frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce a week?\u201d<\/p>\n There was a snort from Lism.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not work. That\u2019s a vacation!\u201c<\/p>\n Krshia nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s do three days a week at least. Try for five. That would work for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss groaned. Lism looked at him, but the Senior Guardsman only held up a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cDawn? It\u2019s the only time that would work for me. I want to see my family nights. I\u2019ll change my schedule with the Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism nodded. Alonna yawned.<\/p>\n \u201cWorks for me. This isn\u2019t far from the Guild anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll in favor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEr, do you mean right<\/em> at dawn or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Zalaiss trailed off as the other five Council members stared at her. Lism blinked slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do have to work, you know. Dawn\u2019s simple. I\u2019m up before it every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAs am I.\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea raised a paw.<\/p>\n \u201cMe too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes I work through the night. On patrols. Dawn would actually give me a chance to get regular patrol times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can get up early.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy cats wake me up.\u201d<\/p>\n Tismel didn\u2019t say anything. He meekly raised his hand as the Council voted unanimously again. Olesm found himself crossing out item after item on the list. Meeting times? Check. Contact information? They would be here at these times. Just hire a Street Runner! Redecoration? Lism\u2019s glare made Olesm\u2019s quill cross that off the list, never mind the nutty carpet.<\/p>\n \u201cAny more trivial decisions or can we debate the real issues? I see four. Or something. Antinium, walls, Minotaur, funding. Close enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism looked around the table. He was met only with silence except from a slow stare from Krshia. Raekea sat up and Elirr leaned forwards. Jeiss took a deep breath and Alonna cricked her neck, looking at Lism. He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. Let\u2019s get down to the real issue. All in favor of executing the Minotaur? Let\u2019s get this done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLism!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia snapped. Lism just looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You know we\u2019re all thinking it. That\u2019s what I ran on. Let\u2019s just see a show of claws!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t just use a majority vote!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s how it works.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, who are we voting to\u2026execute? The Minotaur? You mean, the one in the dungeon?\u201d<\/p>\n Tismel looked queasy. Jeiss frowned and then raised his hand. Alonna held up hers.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not voting yes. I just want to know why we