I couldn't believe my ears...

[The Ergg]

Being a curious and socially responsible Hork I was very interested in the trial of the outlaw Kell Dy'ner. I was told, despite a few assassination attempts (Nice job Croaker), the proceedings were relatively calm.

Good. Let the new queen have fewer problems.

Kell was sentenced to 100 years? Not enough in my book, but I always was a mean SOB. 100 years to an elf? That's like a 3 day old 'Ling sandwich. Just enough to be a nuisance, not enough to really worry about.

All this is well and good.

Here's where this Hork had the Ergg (heh) to hit something hard.

Brigadier Dram's testimony for the defendant had very little to do with the law. It had even less to do with justice. It had to do with the emotions of one tiny, dim-witted man.

Our new brigadier didn't mention the dozens of Redboot guards that were slain by Kell. He didn't mention the constant breaking of the law by the man now locked away for a century. He didn't mention the countless lives that were shattered by the criminal known as Dy'ner.

I have been told that when a child of a slain Redboot testified, the good brigadier scoffed publically at the boy's words. Then after the queen went to consider the fate of the accused he joined in a group of noble citizens in bashing the credibility of the lad.

What in the hell is going on in your mind, boy? You have a duty and an obligation to not only uphold the law, but to be the face of the law! It is your job to put your emotions and personal feelings aside and do what is right for Dasaria!

HOW DARE YOU SUPPORT A CONFESSED MURDERER IN PUBLIC!

Brigadier Dram, Your true nature was shown when you stayed behind after the trail to be with those who openly supported the criminal.

Your actions were abominable. They are unforgivable. You have damaged the Brigade.

I, Ergg, Redboot original member, one in a force that freed Dasar, Ambassador to the mountians of Kor, accuse you Brigadier Dram in engaging in conduct unbecoming of the Brigade. I hereby request that you be removed from your post as Brigadier, and that your rank be reduced appropriately.

I returned from Kor when I heard of the injustice to Lord Nobby. I will NOT just stand by as you lead the Brigade to its end.

Sincerely,

Ergg.

[Zel]

You forgot something, Kell was sentenced 100 years in prison yes, but also to be sent back to the Underdark. (To be ripped to shreads by the drow living there, trust me they WONT like to see him back.)

[The Ergg]

Thank you, Zel. Obviously the petty detail of the fate of a Drow, after a century of imprisonment, matters so much to the context of what I had to say.

This is exactly the issue here folks! Why is it that the fate of a condemned and confessed criminal is more important than the lives, no, the death, of those souls pledges to protect US mean so little?

Why is it that the heart of Dasaria stayed in that courtroom after the trial ended?

Do the selfless and sacrificing Guards of the Redboot deserve so little that a man who so willingly slaughtered dozens of souls gets more attention than they do?

According to Dram, yes.

Apparantly according to Zel, yes.

Folks, look into your hearts and souls. Allow yourselves to see the true morality of this verdict. Show that character that the little boy did when he braved stepping forward in that courtroom to give his words against the man that brutally slaughtered his father.

Dammit folks, keep your eyes where they need to be. Focused on what is good, on what is right. Focused against Varana, not each other.

Removing Dram for someone who has a moral backbone is a damn good way to start.

[Gunak]

*sigh* Guess I'll have to defend myself from these dull accusations made by Ergg of Kor. I'll address them point by point.

Firstly, the dozens of slain guards. I have seen Kell skulking around in Daris a few times, and chased him off each one of them. I cannot recall ever seeing him murdering guards. That has been the way of the G'Elle and other criminals. How do you know how many guards Kell has slain? Did you have ten messengers running back and forth between Daris and Kor on a regular basis? I think not. I still claim he is not responsible for everything he was accused of, reports on Drow slaughtering the town guards are not always very accurate. I did, however, not deny that Kell has been involved in criminal activities, such as murder. My suggestion for the punishment was life time sentence, but perhaps you "missed" that as well.

Next, the kid who testified about his murdered father, the Corporal. Of course I feel sorry for him, but at the time I could do nothing but wonder how he appeared at such an appropriate time. I, however, dropped out of the conversation as soon as it took an insulting tone. Accusing anyone was never my intention.

I stood before the people and voiced my opinion, and I think I am entitled to hold one, rather than having it fed to me by YOU, for example. I wanted to see Kell punished, but I stood up for him because I saw him as useful to the war effort. The lives of the slain would not be wasted if his knowledge would be put to use, willingly or not. The one being dim-witted and emotional is YOU, you who think the spirits of the dead will be put to rest just because Kell will spend a nice 100 years of his short elven life in a cell where WE have to feed him.

Also, I stayed behind after the trial because I A: was looking for James, who I needed to talk to, and B: was looking for a cleric to help a dead elf that I found in the street, probably killed by Sin G'Elle. And yes, I am the face of the law. Now, would you kindly point me to the part of the law that states a criminal must be sentenced to death under all circumstances?

I was elected Brigadier, and I have risen throught the ranks by working hard for the Brigade whilst you were doing God knows what with the orcs. I suggest you keep your accusations to yourself, or bring your arse to the pit where we can sort out any differences in our views. I hate to sound disrespectful towards an old veteran hero of Daris, but hell, you started this.

That's all I have to say.

[Kurich e'Marduk]

I'm not going to adress most of your response because Ergg is quite capable of defending himself.

I would like to point out that Ergg is questioning your fitness to lead the Brigade, and fighting you in the pit would accomplish nothing. Bringing up your shortcomings (as he sees them) in a public place like this forum was the appropriate thing for him to do.

[Loki]

besides which you'll take him down quick enough in the pit..

[The Ergg]

Thank you, Kurich. However, I see no need to respond.

My opinion was well stated (damn well if you ask me ).

Dram made a typical response.

I am hoping to hear from other Dasarians before I say anything else.

[Gunak]

I guess the points go to him, then. My intention was to say: If you wish to see me leave the Brigade, please make me. If my title is taken away by the Queen or by some kind of voting within the Brigade, I will obey and leave the Brigade entirely, admitting my shameful defeat, but Ergg is not the man to tell me what to do.

[Templar Raeflyn]

You let your boys down, Dram.

That's the worse thing a Commanding Officer can do.

- Raef

[Kell]

I, for one, don't agree with this. Dram did not let anybody down. Dram spoke his mind and I am ever grateful for this. It took courage to do this and I admire him for that.

He did not let "his boys" down at all. He acknowledges the fact that I took part in the slaughters. But he spoke his own voice, and not the voice you wish him to speak. And if that makes him a bad Boot, then I suppose that is just what he is.

You did well Dram. You earned my everlasting respect and gratitude and I am very sure that I am not alone in this.

Finally we see a boot with spirit and spine. My thanks.

*wonders if the guards are going to harrass him now for speaking this way*

[Loki]

well raef.. least he ain't a megalomaniac that tried to take over the whole town eh?

[Gunak]

Raeflyn, I haven't heard any of my boys say I let them down. Strange, eh? Lately I've mostly heard compliments about how the work to get things working in the Brigade is getting along nicely. Furthermore, how did I let them down?

Raeflyn, you brought up the incident where Guardsman Elranien was involved when you spoke before the people and the queen. The only reason I did not mention it was, of course, that you told me you were going to bring it up before we had our little speeches. Thinking about it, maybe it was a good choice. Elranien was quite strange, she seemed to be interested in Kell even after he (probably) stabbed her on her wedding day. Who knows what might have been going on in that girls head. She resigned her position in the Brigade soon after.

If I recall correctly, you wanted to see Kell jailed. Guess what I suggested? The same thing, expect my suggestion was a lifetime sentence and letting him live as long as he's useful to the research in the Tower of the Staff.

[Chaos Charos]

IC as Charezon)) Calmly folds his arms as he watches the spectacle with mild amusement

I can only suggest that Templar Kurich and Templar Raeflyn be vigilant at all times and listen to the whispers amongst the shadows - finger pointing and wild accusations seems to be taking a toll, who knows who'll be under the guillotine next...

~ Charezon

[Templar Raeflyn]

I am not inclined to get dragged into a public arguement over testimonies that have already been marked, but I will say this.

We do know for a fact that Kell did kill dozens of Redboot Guards. He himself acknowledged that much.

The greatest crime in my book is to strike out at those who swear to protect and to serve. As a commanding officer now, and as a commanding officer in the past, it is my duty to protect and support my men and my officers. They are my family, my comrades, my brothers and sisters. They watch your back, and you watch theirs. Without them, you have nothing.

Firstly, the dozens of slain guards. I have seen Kell skulking around in Daris a few times, and chased him off each one of them. I cannot recall ever seeing him murdering guards.

And you deny even now. I'm sorry Brigadier, but you have let down your men and women in arms.

Good day.

- Raef

[The Ergg]

He did not let "his boys" down at all. He acknowledges the fact that I took part in the slaughters. But he spoke his own voice, and not the voice you wish him to speak. And if that makes him a bad Boot, then I suppose that is just what he is.

The condemned speaks volumes.

but Ergg is not the man to tell me what to do.

Who better than an original Redboot? I faced the adversity when we were first became a police-like force. I faced the criticism when we first got a jail. I faced the redicule for the time period where we needed to slay people to jail them. I faced the formation and rule of the Council of Lords.

I had a long tenure in the Brigade during a time when we were fighting for our very existance.

Yes, little brigadier, I AM the person best suited to tell you what is needed. As are Kurich, James, and Rekaan. Raef also has a unique perspective having served as Brigadier in a difficult time.

I was elected Brigadier, and I have risen throught the ranks by working hard for the Brigade whilst you were doing God knows what with the orcs.

I left the Brigade to go to my homeland to attempt to try to recruit the orcs to join our cause against Varana. You would minimize this effort?

Now, would you kindly point me to the part of the law that states a criminal must be sentenced to death under all circumstances?

Funny enough I don't give a damn what Kell's sentence was. The queen ruled. He is being punished. That is justice.

I am more worried about your conduct during the trial. Not your testimony. You did NOTHING to support the memory of the men lost. As Brigadier your personal opinion means nothing. Your first and only duty is to the Brigade. Yet you showed more caring and mercy to a confessed killer than to your own troops.

Firstly, the dozens of slain guards. I have seen Kell skulking around in Daris a few times, and chased him off each one of them. I cannot recall ever seeing him murdering guards.

Even after your queen ruled him guilty of his crimes you defend him. More than anything else, this supports my case. After my return from Kor I personally saw Kell break the law more than once.

Next, the kid who testified about his murdered father, the Corporal. Of course I feel sorry for him, but at the time I could do nothing but wonder how he appeared at such an appropriate time.

I didn't realize that the time and place for this trial was kept secret to the public if Dasaria. Forgive my ignorance on that matter. Though I am curious how nearly 25 heroes of Dasaria knew to be there.



Now, I will end this. I brought up these concerns not to have a pissing contest with the brigadier. I brought up these concerns to question the ability of the lad to lead.

Dram, by his actions and behavior at the trial, showed that he should not lead the Redboot. He should stay in the service of the Brigade, just not as its leader.

Dasaria, Please forgive the noise generated by this thread.