Everyday Life in Beachtown

[SirOwen]

Jaxsen Reiter

Jaxsen, looking much different than is his custom, steps forward. Instead of his usual worn and tattered clothes, he is wearing his Temple's formal attire. Beautiful green silk pants, adorned with the symbol of his order, prayer beads and other, less obvious, accouterments, is his dress this evening. His hands and feet are wrapped as they would be for a formal event or ceremonial challenge. He bows to Daisy, and then to the gathering at large. "I am Jaxsen Reiter. Some of you know me already. If any good thing can be said of me, it is that I work very hard for my hive... my ... community. Among my people it is a holy thing to 'toil mightily'. I have watched Sister Broadfoot. I have watched her work day and night healing the injured and the sick, making efforts to build a new place of healing and still be willing to take on more work. I have watched her fight for her hive. I have seen her mercy and her skill. And I will say this; She toils mightily."

He lets that sink in for a moment and then adds, "If you decide to make her the queen of this hive, I will serve. I will do as she directs and I will work to advance her choices. I have served this hive, and I would do so also under her leadership."

He then turns to Daisy again. To her, he says, "And if my words have any value, this grub would say that you would do well to heed the words of Marge. She has toiled longer and harder than anyone I can name here. And always for the betterment of her hive. Heed her words. Also, I have discovered that among our hive, there are ... teachers." There seems to be a tinge of awe in the word as Jaxsen says it. "The Hostetlers are farmers here, but were once teachers. Among my people, that is a high vocation. I would hear their words, as well, when they offer advice."

Once again turning to the gathered, he bows deeply. "Thank you for hearing the words of this grub."

Jaxsen Reiter.jpg (46.57 KiB) Viewed 1271 times

[Monsieur Rose]

The Princess

Looking hot and tired, but pleased with herself, The Princess joins the crowd at the treehouse. She spots her new friend Marge standing with Mr. Meadstaff and moves to join them. She reaches them halfway through Daisy's speech.

"I'm new here, but did she just claim leadership of the town? You can do that?" She murmurs to the others with a shocked look. "If that's the case..."

During the murmurs and Jaxsen's speech, she climbs up the treehouse ladder to join Daisy at the railing.

"Kind people of Beachtown! I literally got off the boat this morning and I've already heard many tales of a council or moving the town. Sister Daisy is correct on many counts. You need a leader. You deserve a leader. But from what I've seen, you have those leaders! Daisy has devised and started a house of healing. Nalissa runs the Hi-Lo. Liam has brought livestock and a hope for better food. Marge is the heart of the town. And Wes stands tall as an adventurer who gives back to the town. Back home in Celene, my family knew that the best way to govern is to have people do what they are good at. No sense stumbling about and mincing words. They are your Leaders even without the title."

"A council will and must be formed tonight. Each leader responsible for their own areas, and jointly for the entirety of the town."

"I am Princess Bonalure Summerstars of the Royal House of Celene. And as a member of the Royal House of Celene, I hereby give my official recognition to this town and it's new leaders."

"Now, no doubt they all are too good and too humble to claim the title for themselves. So I call for a vote of confidence for each of them, your cheers will serve as a resounding mandate for their election."

[Urson]

Daisy
Daisy listens, blushing occasionally if someone praises her. For now, she says nothing.

[OGRE MAGE]

These are awesome!

I want to let Daisy have one chance to respond to what she hears from the crowd before I acknowledge the other PC’s actions. Thanks!

Most of the townies nod along to Daisy’s speech, their excitement waxing and waning with all the information provided. She gets a roaring cheer at her “tired of all talk and no action” comment, noting that most of the people gathered are in the same boat. This is followed by a crowd-wide audible gasp at her “wearing him like clothes” analogy. There is clear concern when she divulges the truth about the kind of snotty identity thief that might live among them.

Her proposal about acting as the temporary leader of Beachtown is met with mixed emotions, though it seem that the majority might actually be for the idea. As expected, the diminutive war priestess hears all manner of responses from the people, in varying degrees of support.

“The sisters right! We always had one person leadin us! Here, and back home! She’s just as qualified as Mister Nehru was!”

“I thought Marge was in charge now?”

“I like her, mommy. She’s little, an she talks like us. You should vote fer her!”

“What we got here? Another fancy adventurer pretending to care about the town.”

“So, we pullin stakes and headin closer ta the river, er what? These stunted crops ain’t gonna sustain us, ya know!”

“She’s building us a healing house! People who care fer the sick, care about all people. I say we make this happen!

“It definitely sucks here, Sister, but what about all them big animals that use the river fer water? Aren’t we afraid a them no more?”

“I’m fer trying one leader. We ain’t gettin shite done this way.”

“I’ll vote fer ya if ya promise that we’re movin somewerts else. Only thing growing round here is sorrow.”

Marge, Caleb, Raythan, and Liam converse quietly among their small group, while Jaxsen and Princess Summerstars step forward with intentions of speaking their piece as well.

[Urson]

Daisy

Daisy nods to acknowledge all the commentary, and responds where she feels it's appropriate.

If ya'll would rather have Mistress Marge run things, Ah'll be glad to let her. Ah honestly don't like the idea of being in charge, but this fella over here is right- nothing is getting done to help the town right now.
Ah think we need to get busy with finding a new homestead- but right now we're a bag of wet cats, all running in different directions.
From what Ah know, the big animals will tend to avoid places with lots of people- Hunters and Trappers! Can you confirm this?
And iffen you think Ah'm just another fancy adventurer, that's fine. If one of you good people wants to step up and take the reins, please do!

[OGRE MAGE]

The crowd listens to Daisy as the others prepare their speeches.

"Hey, she aint even trying ta push herself on us. Like she dont even really want the job."

"Ya, that makes me want her ta do it even more."

"Marge and the others already said they dont wanna do it. That's why they was talking about a council in the first place."

"Sister Daisy is as nice as pie! We girls think she'd make a great leader fer us."

When Jaxsen steps up dressed neatly in the clean ceremonial clothing of his order, he says his piece in support of the halfling, causing even more people to agree that she is perfect for the job. The monk of Bralm also points out the teaching duo of the Hostetlers in the crowd as well, honoring them once again with his kind words. They too appear to be on board with Dasiy taking up the reigns of leadership.

The group of future would-be council members look nearly as confused as princess Summerstars when she asks them what is going on. The proud elf makes her way to the platform so she can speak her mind next, explaining her reasoning to the crowd in her own words that slightly contradicts what they have been hearing.

"Ya, but......how's that all gonna happen by tonight?

"A princess? Like, a REAL princess? Why dont she lead us then, if she's royalty? Dont they know a lot about telling people what ta do?"

"Hey! She's a purty one! Aint she? I'ma votin fer her!"

"Ya! I think we should have a vote on who sits on the council right now, like she said!" That is watcha said, right?"

"They had their chance! We need to do something soon. Like right now!"

Sister Daisy stands there in front of her supporters and the rest of the assembly, not sure how to take the sudden spin back to the favor of forming a group of leaders for the town.

"So? What will it be then? One leader or a bunch of em?"

Marge finally pipes up as she waits to hear from anyone willing to continue. "See why I didnt want ta do it?"

A quick laugh from the crowd eases the tension slightly, allowing whoever wants to continue to do so.

[Monsieur Rose]

The Princess

She leans over to Daisy and confides in her. "I was trying to give you a way out, it didn't appear as if you really wanted the role. I'll back you either way. So which is it? Do you want the crown or not?" She appears ready to address the crowd once more, the content dependant on Daisy's desires.

[Urson]

Daisy
Ah appreciate your intentions, Highness- and Ah appreciate your support. But if I wasn't ready to take the lead, Ah wouldn't have called this meeting.

She gives a shrill whistle and raises her hands to draw everyone's attention. Ah know, Marge! And this is why Ah called this meetin'! Ya'll are good, hardworkin' people, and we all came here for a new start, and the chance to make our fortunes. But the simple fact is, every group needs someone to lead, and someone to take the blame if the kitchen catches fire!
That's what Ah'm volunteering to do. If no-one has any objections, let's have a voice vote. All in favor of my takin' the leader's job (until we find a better answer) say 'AYE'.

She pauses for the vote.

All opposed say 'NAY'.

[Bluehorse]

Liam will step forward and raise his hand.

AYE!

[SirOwen]

Jaxsen Reiter

"AYE"

[OGRE MAGE]

I will give the princess a bit more time to reply, in case she has another idea.

[Monsieur Rose]

Gah

The Princess

She smiles as Daisy takes command and remarks to only her. "That's the way to do it. No hesitancy, demand action." The Princess raises her voice after Daisy calls for a vote.

"People of Beachtown! It appears that you have been hiding a leader right in front of me. Sister Daisy has graciously stepped up to assume sole responsibility for the town and is asking for your approval. I say we give it to her.

Having seen her heart and her care for the less fortunate of the town, I have no doubt that she would be a caring mayor. One deserving of your support. She would lead Beachtown to a place of prosperity, her very nature assuring that no person is left out or unheard. Further, I am sure that everyone here today will be a source of aid and counsel to her. In fact, should she be interested, I would even gladly lend my decades of governing experience to her ear.

Having arrived yesterday, I don't get a vote, but I enthusiastically throw my support behind your new Mayor, Sister Daisy!"

[Urson]

Daisy
Daisy says nothing, but blushes scarlet at the praise.

[OGRE MAGE]

Several of the gathered townies seem to agree with the proceedings, though more than a few of them turn around to look at Marge and the others before showing any sign of support.

Marge, Caleb, Raythan, and Liam continue their hushed conversation, trying to decide if anything else needs to be mentioned. Finally Marge speaks up on behalf of her group.

"I dont know Sister Daisy as well as I should, but from what I do know of her.......she means our town well. I have been hesitant to take on any kind of leadership role because I aint fit fer such things. Never have been. Workin round the farm, and bossin youngens around is one thing, but I lack the experience to do anything more then that."

She turns once more to those around here, as if to make sure they all still agree.

"If we want one leader with a lot of advisors, I cant think of anyone more suited fer the job than Sister Daisy. Even though she is tenacious enough to handle the rigors of exploration, she has also proven her desire to stay here and help us. We throw our hats in fer this idea too! And if I or anyone else here can offer her aid while she takes the reigns, I will do everything I can to help."

"If it eventually don't work out, so be it! We'll be no less off than we are right now."

With Marge's support, the cheers go up loudly, with almost everyone gathered either raising their hands or shouting "AYE" over the noise of the crowd. Once the commotion and celebration settles, the first question Daisy hears from the crowd sounds something like this.....

"So! We movin er stayin then? We need ta make that decision our first priority."

[Urson]

Daisy

Daisy smiles broadly, tears on her cheeks.

Bless you, everyone!
Ah want to move Beachtown to a place where we don't have to cling to life- where we can grow. But we need a plan for that. We cain't just pull up stakes and wander off into the jungle. So, first order of business is getting me the best advisors. We got several different groups here- Hunters, Farmers, Fisherfolk, General Labor, Craftspeople, probably a couple groups Ah'm forgettin at the moment. Each of you groups put your heads together, and pick a spokesperson. Ah want a representative from each group that Ah can come to and ask questions- or give orders, when the time comes. Ya'll know where Ah'm settin' up the clinic- Ah want to meet with the reprersentatives there, about noon tomorrow.
Does anyone speak the Indigen's language? How can we get contact with that fella that lives with the Phanaton? We need to be on good terms with as many of the folks that live here as possible. If we got translators, Ah want to meet with them tomorrow, also!
This is a big change, and folks will need time to adjust. So, let's adjourn this meeting for tonight, unless someone has a problem that won't wait.

Daisy waits to see if there are further immediate issues, then takes a seat in the tavern. She orders a mug of grog, and sips it slowly- until the full weight of what has just happened hits her, and her hands shake too much to hold the mug.

[Monsieur Rose]

The Princess

She joins Daisy at the table after her election. "Interesting feeling, isn't it? Knowing everyone is looking to you for answers, hoping that you have them, fearing that you may not." She helps steady the mug.

"Good. Hold on to it. That just means that you care and you're the right person for the job. It will make you do the best that you can and always strive to be better."

She looks out the window towards the water. "You've set a tall task for everyone, even if they don't know it. Some will resent you, some will worship you, some will work with you, and some will actively work against you. Your first task is to know who fits into each group." The Princess starts ticking people off on her fingers. "Marge and Nallissa will back you completely, as will many of the wise women. Some of the men may not. They will fall in line eventually, after a tantrum or two. There's a reason why Celene has had only female rulers for centuries, you know."

She suddenly turns more serious. "So tell me, Mayor Sister Daisy. What are you going to do if the appointed representatives don't get along with you? And on a more concerning note, I heard that the Constable isn't quite right. I'd feel a lot better if you'd let me stay with you for a bit, just to keep an eye out. The previous Mayor seems to have met a suspicious end."

[SirOwen]

Jaxsen Reiter

Seeing that the public discussions are about over, and unsure if the deputies are here or on duty at the farm, Jaxsen excuses himself, changes back into his regular clothes and heads to the farm, Halberd in hand.

[Urson]

Daisy
Ah appreciate that, darlin'- err, Highness.
Ah really can't worry about whether they like me or not. All Ah can do is treat 'em with respect, and demand the same from 'em. Ah'll go visit the Constable- and let him know what's happened- after Ah'm sure I won't fall down the ladder and break mah neck.

[OGRE MAGE]

The groups who Dasiy called out quickly assemble and discuss their orders to pick a representative to speak for them, assuring her that they will be ready for her meeting tomorrow.

There is no response to a translator to the phanaton, and nobody has seen Owen for weeks around town, though Raythan seems to know more about that situation.

With a cheering crowd and no more pertinent questions Daisy retires into the tavern followed by the princess and several of those gathered. Liam and Jaxsen depart for the mans farm, but Randall seems glad for the extra business, seemingly on board with the results of the impromptu election.

Eventually the revelry wanes and Dasiy takes her leave to speak with the constable about what has just transpired.

[Urson]

I'm going to take this to the 'House of Healing' thread.