Sigil: City of Doors

I have been living in this city for a few months now. I have seen quite a bit, and I have learned far more than most would ever want me to. Before I lived here, I called many places my home. Each place had their own guards assigned to protect those who live there. Some good, some bad. I can honestly say, without a doubt, that none have done a worse job than this organization that you're trying to pass off as law enforcement. Assign some people around the city, without their uniforms, and you'll quickly learn that your organization is widely viewed as a joke, and very few citizens actually sleep soundly at night and feel safe under your "watchful eye". Truth be told, the citizens ourselves are the ones who are called upon to ensure the safety of each other. I, myself, have done the job you are all paid to do on countless occasions. All the while, those who are endangering lives, right before your very eyes, are allowed to walk free. And each time someone was hand delivered to you by myself, they were allowed to walk out freely, even if they openly admitted to their crimes. A drow walking around assaulting random people with a barbed whip spent no more than a few moments in custody. Less time than it took than to actually remove one of those barbs from my chest. A man is assassinated, inside your very own questioning room, and the assassin managed to escape. A halfling is almost eaten, and the accused is simply released. A few of your members are warned that another one could be in danger, and refuse to do anything to help their comrade. A woman openly admits to murder, and attacks one of your own, and then tries to frame the victim, while she's still being held in your own prison no less, and she's released as well. What is essentially a barfight breaks out in the inn, and it's dubbed "a riot".

I have asked for several weeks to speak to my contact in your organization, and have yet to see even a trace of that person. Instead, another one of your members hands me a list of names and expects me to write him a full report on each of them. And recently, I was even shackled and arrested in the middle of the bazaar for something so minor that no one can even figure out exactly what the crime actually was. So I'm asking you, no, I'm begging you, give me at least some reason to continue working along side you. Because based on everything I've seen, your organization has earned nothing but my utter disdain. As well as the resentment of every single citizen that is relying on each and every one of you to keep them safe.

Now, there are a very few of your members that I've met that actually seem to know what they're doing. However, they are, by far, in the minority. And my faith in them is rapidly eroding as well. Your training of new recruits needs to be quite a bit more than just handing them a badge and saying "Try not to get stabbed." Now, I'm sure you'll all get defensive, and say that you're doing a fantastic job, and that I'm just one voice out of many supporters. That would only prove just how disconnected you are from the city you're patrolling every day. I've given my support, I've given my direct aid, I've even done your jobs for you, and I have been let down at nearly every turn.

Take this as a challenge. Weed out the problems from your group, and keep only the competent. Train future members in everything they will need to know, and monitor their behavior and actions thoroughly. Don't let anyone carry one of your badges who doesn't truly deserve it, and only allow those who respect and honor their duties to don your uniforms. Do not allow just anyone in, take only the best, in all aspects. Restore the dignity to your organization, and to yourselves.

And rouse my contact, and send her out to talk to me, because I see no real reason to wait any longer. Or at least assign a new one to the task.

-Phantom

Nienna walks into the Hall of Speakers with the smallest of smirks. She requests two copies of business tax forms, one for her records and one for the Takers. She fills out the required forms while striking through the "Collected by" line. Nienna then copies down the transaction number on a letter, before handing the forms and paper off to the clerk.

The letter reads

wrote:Greetings,

I am writing to complain of an incredibly incompetent taker, who not only harmed my business but made your entire faction look as fools.

I was accosted by Rylif while doing business in the Great Bazaar. After stammering on for some time, he then informed me I was to be taxed.  He did not give his name, show a badge, or even ask for my name. He simply claimed that I would be taxed for ten jinx, and fined for an additional ten due to lack of a license, which I do have. He never provided his credentials or any proof of his station, so I saw no reason to show it to him.

When he further demanded payment, I requested the required forms and a copy for my own records. While I do understand not giving out free, excessive copies, he lacked even a copy for his own job. He informed me that I could, on my own time, fill the forms out myself, to make sure I was not being peeled.

A customer approached me, and I saw to her needs rather than continue wasting my time with am an who could pass for a Xaos believing themself to be a Taker. Rylif began shouting and waving his badge around. After my business with the woman was done (which he nearly sabotaged), I returned to him. It took some effort more to even learn his name, as he continued to insult me.

Eventually, after he told me his name and calmed down enough to stop waving about his badge, I attempted to pay him 20 jinx, simply to avoid going through my bags for my license He insisted to see the license so he would not overtax me, accepted ten jinx after more insistence, then wandered off.

He did this without asking me my name, what business I conducted, or even the amount of stock that was moved. If he had, then he would have realized the proper tax would have been some higher.

This entire debacle was saddening.  Not only was my business disrupted and time wasted (very valuable time I might add), but the Taker who attempted to collect my taxes managed to make your entire faction look like barely educated fools.

I hope my future collections will be by competent takers, who live up to the dilligence and perfessionalism that your faction is known for.

Good tidings,

Nienna, Indept.

Rylif's report to his superiors regarding the incident.

Because the actual events and the event described by the aforementioned party, namely an Indep. called Nienna, I'm going only to describe several key points, in brief. And if there are still any inquiries to be made, I am more than happy to oblige.

1)Upon approach to the Indep's stall I made an inquiry regarding owner's Trade License, naturally after the exchange of pleasantries. At that point I revealed my badge(with my name inscribed on it), but apparently, The Indep Nienna was too busy with it's stall to notice it. Sadly I realized it much later, after her demand to show me her bagde.

But I'll get to that in a moment.

2)As I was saying I asked for a straight answer weather or not did the Indep in question possessed the Trade License permit, to which I wasn't given an answer, but in stead, the Indep quickly changed subject from license to taxing. Naturally, I assumed the person was trying to avoid a fine, which I didn't hesitated to mention. So I've fined the said Indep. AND demanded a weekly tax, with the regular rate of ten jink, for her stay in The City of The Doors, Sigil.

3)Immediately after that the Indep. Nienna began protesting and demanding me to present her with all the "required" paperwork and documents for her taxing and fining. The practice that is frowned upon by all Fated tax collectors as not only is it impractical and takes a severe bite out of our budget, but it is also easily forgeable(which is why all the Takers carry their tax ledgers with them and bring those in together with the collected jink to the Hall's clerks for the further registration).

4)All attempts to explain the simple procedure were met with the same demand to show all the required documentation and paperwork, despite my best efforts of explaining the procedure. Finally, Indep. Nienna demanded me to show my Taker badge(with my name inscribed on it) and to name myself(with my name inscribed on the badge).

5)At this point it became obvious to me from where all the complication came-Indep. Nienna didn't payed attention to me, when I was showing my badge for the first time and so she was treating me with suspicion, which I tried to, immediately alleviate, by showing my badge(with my name inscribed on it) once again...And by making sure that there was no chance of her not paying attention to it for the second time. Admittedly, I went overboard with the that action, as not only Indep Nienna learned of my profession, but also the entire Great Bazaar.

6)Right after that one of the stall browsers decided to do business with the mentioned Indep, so I've backed away to allow a seamless transaction in relative piece and quiet. After the transaction was done, however, I resumed a debate.

7)At this stage of bedlam, the Indep Nienna still kept demanding my name, which I gladly gave, only to move this development into any direction. And what a development it was! It turned out that Indep Nienna DID possessed the Trade License and to my inquiry,"Well why didn't you said so from the start?!" she answered that she didn't remembered weather it expired or not.

8)Right after such a shocking revelation, she proceeded to pay both fine and the tax, however, being an exemplary tax collector and no longer deeming the fines rightfully earned, I requested to check the expiration date on the Trade License.

9)After a short argument and rant(in which I was blamed for another person's poor logistics management and the lose of time caused by it)it was determined by the Indep Nienna and my humble self, that the Trade License was still in effect and there was no need for charging the fine and therefore I did not took the additional ten jink.

10)Also, during a brief peek at the license I was able to determine Indep's name, which was why I determined there was no need to waste both of our time by asking for what was already owned.
----------------

Ultimately all of this debacle could've been avoided, had only indep. Nienna would pay more attention to the tax collector instead of her inventory, and had she given me a straight answer right away.

So if there's any blame to put on me, it is the exposure of indep. Nienna's poor logistics management skills.


(((OOC:I hope there are no hard feelings behind it, as the conflict is purely RP based :rolleyes: )))

Another note is left with the clerk, an addition to Nienna's previous letter.

I must add more to my previous complaint.

In addition to the previous annoyances, Rylif has made a bad habit of accosting others in front of the stalls of other merchants who are doing business. He first asks blankly if the person is a Harmonium, Guvner, or Mercykillerr before awkwardly demanding payment.

When asked, oft by clueless, he cannot even give a reason for the current taxation or tell what the taxes benefit. Upon lacking the answer, he resorts to informing them that the Harmonium would be called.

Beyond disrupting the business of merchants (Who's next sale will net the takers more than a paltry ten jinx), Rylif has no finesse. . He is unable to, at the least, give a compelling <I>"educated assumption"</I> on why he was attempting to tax a blood, or even how the taxes are used.

While I respect the Taker's devotion to their own freedom and ideals, Rylif's attempts are an embarrassment, eyesore, and bad for business.

~Nienna

(And OOCly, of course there's no hard feelings. Nienna is just trying to bother a taker to the point of leaving her alone. :P )

((Great stuff, keep it up. 1 faction point to both. Grab me when you see me.

Just a point of lore as well. Faction Badges are a crude way of representing in-game (and also mechanically keeping track of) a person's status/rank/standing within a faction. While certain factions such as Harmonium have badges, some factions are more likely to have other forms of identification or non at all (eg: Xaoscitecs). Keep this in mind and keep separate the mechanical (use badge) from the RP (tells the other that "I am a berk of some reputation within the Indeps and you can take your taxes and shove them up your wazoo!" ;)

Sorry i didn't script it all to change the wording to something appropriate on a per faction basis and left everthing at "badge"... if anyone wants to provide me with specific wording for all 15 factions, go right ahead))

Agony_Aunt,Jun 1 2012 wrote: ((Great stuff, keep it up. 1 faction point to both. Grab me when you see me.

Just a point of lore as well. Faction Badges are a crude way of representing in-game (and also mechanically keeping track of) a person's status/rank/standing within a faction. While certain factions such as Harmonium have badges, some factions are more likely to have other forms of identification or non at all (eg: Xaoscitecs). Keep this in mind and keep separate the mechanical (use badge) from the RP (tells the other that "I am a berk of some reputation within the Indeps and you can take your taxes and shove them up your wazoo!" ;)

Sorry i didn't script it all to change the wording to something appropriate on a per faction basis and left everthing at "badge"... if anyone wants to provide me with specific wording for all 15 factions, go right ahead))

((Why does the Indept need to be 'of some reputation' to tell a Taker to pike off? :D )

(((It's only my opinion, but I believe the whole badge thing is actually working out pretty well for tax collecting. I mean there are already people who keep their jink to themselves under pretense of my badge being fake. So should Taker's badge lose it's physical form, I'll lose all of my jink...I mean tax collecting Factions like Indeps, Anarchs or Xaosmen really do need something other than the badge, but others need a real badge, or at least an emblem).

deusex2,Jun 1 2012 wrote: but others need a real badge, or at least an emblem).

((That's kind of the point, just the badge is the mechanical representation of however a person wants to RP it in line with Lore. If you want to discuss this further though, send me a PM or raise it on the general discussion board))

ManyFaced,Jun 1 2012 wrote: Another note is left with the clerk, an addition to Nienna's previous letter.

I must add more to my previous complaint.

In addition to the previous annoyances, Rylif has made a bad habit of accosting others in front of the stalls of other merchants who are doing business.  He first asks blankly if the person is a Harmonium, Guvner, or Mercykillerr before awkwardly demanding payment.

When asked, oft by clueless, he cannot even give a reason for the current taxation or tell what the taxes benefit.  Upon lacking the answer, he resorts to informing them that the Harmonium would be called.

Beyond disrupting the business of merchants (Who's next sale will net the takers more than a paltry ten jinx), Rylif has no finesse. . He is unable to, at the least, give a compelling <I>"educated assumption"</I> on why he was attempting to tax a blood, or even how the taxes are used.

While I respect the Taker's devotion to their own freedom and ideals, Rylif's attempts are an embarrassment, eyesore, and bad for business.

~Nienna

(And OOCly, of course there's no hard feelings.  Nienna is just trying to bother a taker to the point of leaving her alone.  :P )

*few days later sealed letter, addressed to Indep Nienna was delivered to Khazeet. It reads as follows:

To my dearest admirer, Indep. Nienna.

And yes-I do consider you an admirer of my humble persona, because I see no other explanation to your behavior. And why else would you abandon your precious stall and stalk me every time I show up at the Great Bazaar? Such a sudden change in behavour-it has to be from admiration. Otherwise, I'd shudder to think it was caused by some malicious intent.

But regardless, while I'm flattered beyond words with your attention, I must express my concern over your financial situation. You seem to be spending more time behind random people's stalls while stalking me, than tending to your own stall and sales. Which in turn takes it's toll on your income, but more importantly-to the city itself and all the institutions that depend on your taxes to properly function. Hence I would appreciate if you could keep your obsession in check and if you could go back behind your stall, so that business could bloom again, for the sake of all citizens of our fair city. Which is why, I'm writing this letter.

Also, I had a pleasure of reading one of your letters, in which you've raised concerns regarding my behavior during tax collection. It tears my heart to know that your wild obsession is my own fault. Which is why I'll do my best to explain all of my actions, hopefully, it'll alleviate your desire to stalk me. So let me start by explaining my interest in body's belonging to law enforcing/municipal factions.

You see, as weird as it sounds-it saves precious time. When I'm dealing with those, I simply need to present my Faction's emblem and ask for their name-they know the rest and there is no need for further explanations, most of the time anyway. Naturally, such approach may cause some moments of awkwardness, but it's all for a good reason-to save time for both the giver and the Taker.

Next I'd like to address another issue that seems to be ruining your sleep-yes, I do not know where the taxes go. Now before you start writing yet another letter, please finish reading what I have to say.

You see, it's a common knowledge for every person who is familiar with the concept of taxes, that taxes are being gathered from the people as a payment for providing certain services. For example-city guards, or the authorities who dote over their people or even simple workers who build/fix/maintain public services(you don't see a lot of Dabuses working in the sewers, don't you?) So you see, unless I'm dealing with a complete imbecil to whom the whole concept of taxation is a novelty, I'm assuming that people require more specific knowledge off me, like exact allocation of funds with exact numbers, rather than common knowledge.

So with all that in mind, I am truly sorry, but I do not know where the taxes go. If you so desire, I recommend you make an inquiry with the treasurer, accountant or possibly, one of the clerks in the Hall of Records. I'm sure some of them are more than happy to satisfy your curiosity, as for me-I am merely a tax collector. It is not my job, nor is it my place to know such things.

Now I have a question for you, just why is it so wrong to warn body if he/she/it is about to break a law and of possible consequences? After all, weekly taxes are fully legitimate and are entrusted to the Fated to be collected and as such, evading tax collection might cause legal action against cutter at some point. So I don't know what you're assuming whenever I do that, but allow me to assure you that I'm doing it with the body's well-being in my heart. After all, a healthy cutter is a taxpaying cutter.

Now that all the issues are out of the way, I hope this letter is enough to saturate fascination with my humble persona and I hope to see you soon...Behind your own stall, that is.

Your friendly Tax Collector Rylif

P.S. After re-reading my own letter I began to see where my error was. Perhaps I assume too much whenever I'm dealing with body? Should I treat masses as stupid and expect the worst, is that it?

A response letter is sent to Rylif and left at the clerk. It is left unsealed, allowing any curious Taker a full read. Another separate unsealed envelope is given, holding copies off Nienna's complaints and Rylif's response.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Rylif, your stupidity knows no bounds.

First, so you no longer operate under such delusions, I rarely keep a dedicated stall. You accosted me while I was doing inventory outside of Khazeet's. Most of my business involves direct trading with various individuals, which brings me throughout the Bazaar. My second note is when you demanded taxes in front of ShaleÂ’s incredibly conspicuous and well-marked store front. Not only did you approach her while she was doing business with Shale, you blocked access to his storefront during the long conversation.

Since you have issue explaining what taxes are used for in Sigil (Which is what her question was), I will be thorough in explaining why (in this case especially) your arrogance is harming the TakerÂ’s coffers. You see, any Trader with a dedicated stall and building will keep a thorough log on buying and selling. At no point could Shale simply choose not to pay his taxes at the current location and move elsewhere in the Bazaar. Most traders have no reason to pay any, or even a fraction, of the goodÂ’s worth in taxes. They have no need to keep accurate expense reports, relegating the most the TakerÂ’s gains to a fraction of what they make from Shale, or any other invested merchant.

This total blindness of your surroundings is a symptom of your largest failing. Expert takers have great finesse with their task, being able to convince Cagers into paying taxes that may not ‘technically’ exist. The proficient can gain taxes quickly without causing a scene or relying on open threats of the Harmonium. You can do neither. The ability to function quietly and alone is the most important skill a Bazaar-walking Taker can have, due to the unspoken relationship between Harmonium and Fated.

A majority of the Harmonium dislike the Takers. The Fated, while certainly intrinsic to the functioning of Sigil, are not part of the triad (Fraternity of Order, Mercykillers, Harmonium). They see the takers as a required nuisance that oft overstep their bounds for personal gain. Rylif, by loudly decrying that the Harmonium will do your bidding, your job for you, and protect you at all costs; you are creating a great deal of animosity. Your name will be shared between the HardheadÂ’s of the Bazaar, as a Taker who forgot his place. If you are actually forced to call on a Hardhead directly (rather than filing through official channels), you will hasten this process.

This is bad for you, not your superiors.

Mistakes happen. You may find, one day while you are being robbed or beat for idiocy and zeal, the Harmonium are a few moments too late. Or perhaps, one of the Harmonium sneeze, or watch the situation judiciously for a moment too long. By the time they act and do their job competently, you will have already been seriously or mortally wounded. No tear will be shed, nor report filed. Your killer could at most gain a grin from his executioner. No one is bothered with the passing of an overzealous Taker (especially other Takers).

Please take this letter and explanation, not as a threat, but a gracious lesson from someone who holds an understanding of the Bazaar.

You are welcome,

Nienna