One step forward can lead to two steps back in the Corners of Khorvaire.
Having arrived to Vulyar through the Iron Gate, I was plunged into the controversy engulfing the town before I could even set my bags down. Three factions are clashing over recent developments. House Orien has a crew here to evaluate a possible addition to the Lightning Rail lines to connect through Fort Bones to the Southern Line that leads to Gatherhold. The town's leadership is naturally in favor of this, but they are being opposed by a contingent from Rekkenmark after ancient ruins were discovered along the proposed route and the soldiers wish to delay the construction until they can survey the ruins and eliminate any threats.
Captain Leodegar ir'Hintram addressed the town council after a consultation with a woman in his party, pale and dressed in green armor.
“The people of Karrnath deserve to be protected from whatever dangers may exist inside these ruins. The highly trained soldiers of Rekkenmark have been dispatched to assess and deal with any dangers as well as recover any and all items of worth for the glory of Karrnath and our king, Kauis ir'Wynarn III. This is a directive from the throne itself not only for the good of the people of Vulyar, but the people of Karrnath itself.”
The representative from House Orien spoke next. Irvar d'Orien rebutted the Rekkenmark position.
“This new spur of the Lightning Rail will bring not only untold financial opportunity to the town of Vulyar but to Karrnath as a whole. Is the success of the people of this town less important than a moldy pile of rocks out in an unforgotten corner of Khorvaire?”
I bristled a bit at this, but held my tongue as the debate continued. I'd always been under the impression that Karrns were a reserved and conservative people. But once the debate floor was opened to public comment, I witnessed a level of anger, confustication, and vitriol that I have seldom seen outside of my mother's preschool room. Tempers were obviously high as red-faced townsfolk jabbed their fingers in the air as they shouted frankly bizarre grievances at the city council that had nothing to do with Rekkenmark, the ruins, or the Lightning Rail.
Finally, I was able to quit the din and head towards the town's Gold Dragon Inn. I had planned to stay a day or two in Vulyar, but given the atmosphere I think I'll be heading off as soon as possible.
You never know what hides just beneath the surface in the Corners of Khorvaire.
Genbo Santor d'Sivis.
