Emergency Session Of The Hall Of Speakers

[*Dredi]

The jann hums a light tone on his lips, quietly and almost inperceptively amidst the chaos that had been wrought but seems rather undisturbed by it all, happily munching into his own tomato

"Sigil politics my dear Odette. Par for the course I think. Still, I think its all rather interesting, no?"

He takes another chomp from the tomato

" I for one am having fun - but one can just hope that people vote with their heart, not with their tomatoes."

[*Krayt]

Doomlord Mauric walks up to the podium.Resolve in his gait gait as he took his time in something that seemed as a slow funeral march. As he reached the top pointing a accusing finger at the Harmonium gathered. His blade-extensions removed and replaced by a ordinary black gauntlet covering his one hand.


"So the Harmonium once more have the nerve to hurl your baseless accusations our way. Yet where is the proof of the claims made? Undersigil has served as training grounds for similar manoeuvres for our factions troops since time immemorial. It is a well known fact that the safekeeping of this city is only a guise to further their own influnece. Consider this carefully my fellow factioneers of a multitide of beliefs. The Factol himself wish to degrade us Doomguards from the status of a established faction as a equal amongst you all."

He held lowered his hand yet the pointing gesture was maintained and redirected upward as he held it closer to his chest.

"If you allow this to run their way and they achive their desire here. How long until they will come after you? Even the fuction of the Triad will be swallowed by one dogma to rule out any other by the premiss of might is right as they so boisterously shouts ceaselessly. If you allow it indeed might shall be your only right to obey. And that my ladies and gentlemen would be the end of an era. Our era of philosophy and divercity of thoughts. With the Doomguard gone the only opposition to this very monotone future would be the Anarchists. Make no mistake we would only be the first to fall on the road to total domination by the Harmonium."

"The fraglie blanace holding the cage together are at peril. " He gazed at the Godsmen. "those that grow and aspire unfettered by the restricted dogmatics" His visor was turned to the Athar. " Those that defy the undefiable to expose the liars." He lashed his head to the Xaos. "Those untamed and unchained by even the structure of their own reasoning" And to the bleakers "Those whos choice are not to have a goal, wish or point in life." And the Dustmen. "Those whom would unshackel themself with the discolouration of life and its attachments." Towards the Fated. "Those that hoards as dragons unbound by an all to strict authority." He paused briefly." Even the Triad itself. I remember well teh occation which will His gace now wandered through the hall right to left. "All of us. This attack is an attack on the very foundation of Sigil. Aid them to oust us and the blanace will be lost and your freedom of thought with it."

He lowered his arm and there was a moment of silence.

"I would like to ask the Harmonium to reveal the proof of the claims made. Not words or other theoretical evidence. Hard solid proof. Because we have several witnesses at the Armoury of whom were attacked unprovoked during our training sessions. We recieved no warning nor any form of diplomatic attempts. It was an surprise attack and nothing short of it. Our factioneers must be released immediatelly without delay. If errs were made on our part those individuals should be trialed seprate. But the Harmonium doesn't belive in Citizens rights after all only the right of their own might which caused this. If we had been informed all of this could had avoided. Putting rivaling men with arms together was thoughtless, especially considering it was done by those that officially should prevent these happenings. It is quite clear this is the result The Harmonium wished for with their impeteuous actions. Now will you hold our men captive in this lawless manner? The Orators and listeners of this congregation deserves to know your intention. Because as I see it here there is nothing but word against word."

"If men are allowed to be held captive without any proof we are on very dangerous road I am sure most of us agree to that. Tyranny. So unless valid proof is given I plea to the wisdom of the collective minds hereat to vote for their immediate release."

Spreading his fingers with his palm facing the crowd

"Ortho! That is what Sigil will become under the Harmonium. Martial law as in the case here before us today. Their harsh homeworld has spread far from the confines of one prime. They quiete recently took complete control of another as some of still have vivid memories of. Do you wish to live in Ortho?! Where order are absolute and freedom of thought are non-existant. I think not!"

His hand held low with the palm facing upward and directed at Dace Andor.

"Even as an ally you stand in the way for the Expansion of their crimson empire. I remember when they drove you away while positioned where you caused me no meagre amount of concern. This is expected. Remember your lojalty lies not with their philosophy it lies with your own. That is all our duty to maintain and not merge with an alien albeit similar belief."

He pointed at himself with his thumb scraping his chestpiece while his posture sank and his helmeted head drooped askew.


"And of course I can hear what you all are thinking. It is indeed that obvious. He is only saying that so the Doomguard take the Bazaar. We care not about gain. Loss ladies and gentlemen, without loss there will be only a spiral of power for one entity which now stands as the Harmonium. Akin to the ranger that must cull a far too dominant speices are the sutuation that lie before you here.But enough with the blame what are the solution? I can go on for a lifetime yet all you would say you're no better a powermonger than them and tell you how much better the Doomguard would take that care and dominate in their stead."

"Wrong!" He shouted as he gazed over the crowd followed by silence.

"We would not seize the Baazar for ourselves. Let the guardianship of the mercantile heart of Sigil be shared amongst you! You and you!"

He pointed rappidly at each of the speakers.

"Everyone amongst you have ideas of how this can be done so much better. Let it be proven. Only fools would sit back and whinge of others work rather than do it themsleves. Divided into sections or by turns atunned to the cycle. This is not just about guardship it is as much about spreading the diversity of philosophy and seeing the manifistation of it at your very own hands. This my fellow Cagers are the spirit of our haven of choice. Not one dominant thought but a multitude!"

He rised his one arm up in what seemed as priest in high prayer albiet the lacking arm lessened the pose of divinity some.

"I see Sensates dressed as flamboyant flourising through the streets while safety and delight blending and merge into one! I phantom Signers practising the powers of a believing, is it even possible to have security maintaned with illusions of imagenation?! You can make it possible! Defiers of the Athar I can hear the voice of wisdom as your sages parade the squares proving that godlessess makes just as fine guardsmen as those that would prostrate themselves before a power! I see chaos that can keep citizes just as unscathed as order, Xaosmen have dwelled in the shade of others for too long! Rise and rise above expectations! Godsmen unhindindered from plying their nigh-god-like creations to serve as guardians! Those of the Transcendant perfect and perfect far beyond what mortal minds thought achievable! I envison wonders wrought through the forge of philosophy!"

Clenching his fist he held it aloft in a powerful theatrical pose.

"Why would you even vote to remain exactly as it is? Complacency? Stability? Fear? Take the challange of proggression with your own two hands! Vote for no other than yourself and the future of philosophy! Only throught efforts of your own can our collective livlihood be improved! Your future!"

[*Sunshine]

There are some cheers, some hooting, a tossed tomato, some people clapping, some people are explaining their fellow factioneers what was just said (or what they think was just said).
The speaker waits a moment then calls for order again.

"Thank you, Doomlord." The speaker nods to Mauric then looks over to where the Hardheads have settled down.

"The Harmonium may now make the closing statement."

[*rapsam2003]

When the Doomlord Mauric says the phrase "Defiers of the Athar, I can hear the voice of wisdom as your sages parade the squares proving that godless makes just as fine guardsmen as those that would prostrate themselves before a power!", Morthos is seen smiling an elated but cruel smile.

[*Viann]

Instead of Factol Sarin, this time the Speakers Podium will be occupied by Nica, notary three, in defense of the Harmonium. Marching with heavy and rhytmic steps through the large hall with the stack of notes she has been making in the duration of the council. Looking around the great Hall with members of Factions, objectively more important than herself. But the impression of her demeanor was not one who looked up, but one who considered themselves an equal, whether earned or not.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I stand here today among giants of philosophies, honored by the presence of souls driven by passion. Yet as you all already are well aware, we stand accused by the Doomguard. Allow me to reiterate their accusations before I muster time to dispel these arguments to the best of my capability, and authority. Now I may sound less emotionally driven than the Doomguard, but make no mistake, I share passion the passion that drives my factions members to see Harmony done right.

First accusation by the Doomguard is that the Harmonium has acted unlawfully and without provocation."

Nica inhaled, flipping a note on the podium before continuing. Addressing all the sides of the Hall of the Speakers, though a career orator she was not, she at least had given it a reasonable amount of thought.

"Prior to the operations the Harmonium received not one..."

Nica lifted her right hand with index finger pointed upwards, letting her words sink in before lifting three additional fingers, keeping them separate to be easily seen and accounted for as she continued.

"...but four reports of the Doomguard activity which would lead to an illegal occupation within the Great Bazaar, the first one of these reports were by a source which could have been considered with reasonable deniability. I heard from an unaffiliated citizen that, and I quote "Doomguard would kick us out of the Bazaar" and that it had been told by the "Red Dragon" of the Doomguard, refering to Q'orx... something, I'll freely admit that I cannot pronounce their name. This was still when the case was within a reasonable deniability and I casted it aside as nothing more than rumor mongering. Name of the person was Brynhilde.

Second report came in from an unusual source, which for security reasons at current point cannot be shared with the entirety of Sigil, but they had indepth knowledge of these plans set in motion by the Doomguard. A plan which was supposed to be three-fold, first they were to cause a distraction to devastating lengths at the Lower Ward one which endangered civilian lives, second they'd on the Independent Leagues behest occupy and prevent Harmoniums access to the Great Bazaar, and third force a vote in the Hall of Speakers for the benefit of Independent League. Their identity at this point is a matter of secret until their safety can be ensured, but our allies, the other Triad factions have been notified for the legal benefits. And I believe it is reasonable to wonder at which stage we are at now."

She stated, looking at the general direction of the Doomguard, but without lingering too long in the open accusation she proceeded with the topic at hand.

"Third report came from Anvindr, inquiring myself "Haven't the Doomguard kicked us out yet?" provocation quite usual to this individual, of course at the point I had already known and the plans among Triad had been set in motion to prepare for the accused offensive by the Doomguard. However further acknowledgement that there is likely merit to the threat in question.

Finally the fourth report came from Kelth McEwan, much to the Triads dismay, he confronted a Doomguard member openly just few hours prior to the operations. Alerting them to the probability that the Triad would be aware of it as well, as both myself and Factor Andor of the Mercykillers were easily visible and wihtin hearing range.

A plan had been set in motion to prepare for this possible offensive based on these reports. I admit that it was the Fraternity of Orders suggestion to contact the Doomguard about the matter, however in unison with the Mercykillers we finally concluded that were we to reveal that we were aware of this plot to the Doomguard. We would not prevent future attempts of such, it was by our best evaluations better suited to be confronted while it was occurring, so as to deny reasonable deniability by the Doomguard later on."

Nica flips a paper once more, letting that sink in a while before she continued, considering how much she had already said, it would likely not be over soon. After all, by the accusations driven at the Harmoniums direction, she had to cover a lot of details.

"Harmonium operations within the Under Sigil itself were directed by Mover Killeen Caine, I was assigned in the command of the forward group, which were directed to enter the Village in the Under Sigil. Our orders were to command the Doomguard to stand down and disperse. Arrest and use of force was allowed if the former was not complied. Before the group in my command ever reached the Village, we were attacked by the Doomguard in the Under Sigil. Let me reiterate that, they attacked us, unprovoked and without a word. Non-compliant to an order to stand down. Even while they were pounding their swords against us, I gave them a chance to stand down. No word, they attacked until they no longer could as we defended ourselves.

We had not initiated the hostility, despite it having been our operation to begin with to tell the Doomguard to disperse and stand down. Yet here we have the Doomguard telling us that the Harmonium is to blame and that they were only on routine demolitions training. Now to avoid "he said, she said" situation, the Harmonium wasn't the only faction part of the forward group. Mercykillers also were part of the forward group, and in their, not Harmoniums, employment was clan Hiromo and a member of the Reforged Blades. You do not need to trust my word, but the number of witnesses is starting to become staggeringly high.

Our forward group continued on its way to the village, meeting no further resistance. Once we got to the Under Sigil village, we were surrounded by a sizable force of the Doomguard. The Doomguard forces were equipped for combat, more so than training purposes. I demanded under Harmoniums authority for the Doomguard to disperse and return to the Armory, and expressed that the Triad had a reason to believe that they were in a conspiracy against the Triad, once more urging them to disperse and return to the Armory.

What the Doomguard said next was simply that we both knew where it would end, and ordered the Doomguard to attack us, despite our attempt to tell them to disperse one last time. I have to question the plausibility of demolitions training being deliberately equipped to attack the Harmonium who aren't even trying to arrest them at the time. The arresting came a part only after they decided to attack us. After first initial blows were struct, it became clear that the Doomguard forces however were unmotivated to fight. I did what any good Harmonium member would do, I ordered my forces to use non-lethal force only. How many of you could say the same when you are being attacked by a force larger than the one you are commanding and that it'd take some while longer before back up would reach you?

As for the Ciphers questions previously: my team did not encounter explosives, however we did hear echoes of explosives being used in alternative parts of the Under Sigil. Reports from other units however suggests that explosives were used with a purpose for collapsing tunnels to bury pursuers. That is, men and women of the Harmonium. The Doomguard units were reportedly fighting to inflict casualties, not to flee... this is likely to do with the fact that the Triad operation against the Doomguard was revealed at the last minutes, giving them time to prepare for conflict.

Let us toy with the idea that it was a standard explosives training in the Under Sigil... where the Doomguard seemingly feel free to attack anyone, Harmonium or not without provocation themselves. And not announce such a large operation utilizing explosives that might cause structural damage? After all, remember, they were explicitly talking about training, these aren't highly trained professionals, accidents may happen that would've had a chance to cause large scale damage or disruption. In future such type of large scale operations dealing with dangerous substances should be made known. The same goes for large scale training missions by the Triad, in a token of fairness."

She let that sink in before going to point the secondth. Stretching her neck a little as she flipped another page over, looking through the note quickly before continuing.

"This gets us to the second accusation, which is that they consider our actions heavy handed in some occasions.

The Harmonium acts in accordance of the law and its regulations, besides that we have our own regulations by the Faction. However if the Council believes that the Harmonium has broken the laws or good faith it has been given, then allow me to remind you who makes the laws of the city. For it is not us, we merely enforce them within the boundaries it allows us to.

As I already hinted in the previous answer, despite it being easier to accuse us of heavy handedness, people seem to forget that our primary mission is neither to judge nor to kill people. In city like this, the "law of sword" has been practiced by many who voice their disdain to the Harmoniums methods. Our laws have far less finality to them, and if deemed by the court and/or evidences to be not guilty, then only thing the accused has lost is time. Not their life. Now it is true that we will have to use force sometimes to be able to see that laws are observed. The law cannot be toothless, while still be respected and followed.

That said, there is always room for improvement, and I find the mere accusation is a reason enough for the Harmonium to step up its own standards and training regulations to ensure that its members act within good practice.

And I trust the council would rather dedicate more time to create laws, if deemed necessary, to regulate the Triads actions, within reason that does not prevent the Triad to serve its base function. After all, law with no teeth cannot ensure the safety. Trust the management of peace to the hands of people who do not self-regulate them even in the best of times and you will see trouble worse and more unpredictable than what you believe the Harmonium would do to you.

I claim no perfection in my actions, but I claim an urge to excell in my duty, and I claim a passion to see the Harmony done right."

She took a little pause, fiddling with her notes a moment before lifting her gaze. Taking a firm posture as she addressed the Hall of Speakers.

"My speech has dragged on long, and I only take last few words to reiterate in short. Harmonium takes sacrifices in your stead, to keep the Sigil safe, we are, by far, not above mistakes, but few factions can claim to be. However, in the matter of Doomguard, we maintain our right to accuse them on basis of the evidences. I cannot claim their final guilt, for that is not my place, I can only emphasize on why I believe they are guilty. There are however people who will judge them with finality, and that is not I.

Thank you."

She bowed a little, collecting her notes and returned back to the Harmoniums seats.

[*Taurus Daggerknight]

Though Dace's brow furrows slightly at a couple of points in the speach, he nods approvingly as she continues. Once the Notary has returned to her seat, he pens a small message and has it sent to her.

[*Serena]

Slightly annoyed for the sudden interruption, Rhistel's gaze would turn to the woman again, clearly trying to keep a plain and polite expression despite his thoughts were written all over his face.
Closing briefly his eyes he would offer her a quiet reply, then he would return to his book again, waiting for further directions from the Speaker.

[*WhenWizardsWar]

A wry smile crosses her lips as she listens to her superior, and shuffles in place for a moment as her eyes seem to almost shimmer with a myriad of thoughts forming.

[*Hydra]

Kala would shake her head repetitively as she heard both of the speakers, when the Hiromo clan and Reforged blades were mentioned her gaze moved to Kelth with a raised eyebrow.

[*Serena]

Rhistel would follow the Doomlord speech, fingers drumming absentmindedly on the folder still on his leg as he listened at every word with a completely neutral expression on his face.

A brow would raise in skepticism as the Notary takes the stand for the Harmonium, nonetheless, he offers her the same attention he had for the Doomguard. At first, at least.
After the first minute of what was more of a duty report than a closure statement, his focus in facts just drifts away: he reaches for a book in his bag and cracks it open, reading quietly as he waits for the speech to come to an end.