Cauldron Election Newsfeed

posted by Springlatch Hammertacker

11/14/08 — Close Margin Leads to Recount

Ten days after Election Night, results show adventurer turned politician Elvis Krylscar lost narrowly by just 725 votes. However, incumbent Severen Navalant’s slim margin of victory means that there will be an automatic recount.

The official recount will begin next week.

11/28/08 – Recount Begins

The Great Cauldron Recount kicked off Wednesday with masses of volunteers for Mayor Severen Navalant and challenger Elvis Krylscar moving into a fresh phase of the struggle: eyeballing ballots, ready to pounce on anything that looked questionable.

By day’s end, with about 18 percent of the vote recounted, Navalant continued to lead Krylscar — but by only 215 votes, notably narrower than the unofficial gap of 725 votes at which the recount had begun.

12/7/08 – Recount Over, Decisions Beginning

The largest recount in Cauldron history is over, but the task of determining a winner has barely begun. We still don’t know who Cauldron’s mayor is. After Navalant started the recount with a 725-vote lead, Krylscar was able to whittle that number to 174.

But the number means little because of 655 challenged ballots not included in the recount. These are absentee ballots submitted by adventurers abroad and by half-orcs in the town guard currently posted just outside of Cauldron. The ruling on whether to count these votes will be made sometime next week.

12/10/08 – House of Lords to Rule on Absentee Ballots

This election year marks the first that Cauldron residents not present on election day have been allowed to cast ballots. Organized by the Church of St. Cuthbert, the absentee ballot drive was an effort to have representation by those who call Cauldron home. Jenya Urikas, Head Cleric of the Church of St. Cuthbert holds the ballots with several protective spells, awaiting decision by the House of Lords.

The trouble is that these absentee ballots were organized without prior authorization by the House of Lords. “I have every belief that the Church of St. Cuthbert was well-intentioned,” stated Lord Zachary Aslaxin. “However, without precedent, it is difficult to know how to proceed.”

These absentee ballots will likely favor Krylscar, as his history as an adventurer resonates with those adventurers abroad and the half-orcs in the town guard. Given the connection between the House of Lords and the Mayor’s Office, many conclude the House of Lords will rule against the absentee ballots for this reason.

However, there is also speculation that the House of Lords could rule in favor of counting the absentee ballots anyway. If Krylscar wins the recount, then the challenge to Severen Navalant issued by Paladin for St. Cuthbert, Alek Tercival, will be negated.

Readers may recall that months before the election, merchant Maavu Arlintal organized a demonstration in the Town Square. Elvis Krylscar joined the demonstration to announce a challenge by Alek Tercival according to the Old Law of Peers. According to this ancient law, anyone of noble heritage can issue a challenge of no confidence to the current Mayor. Before becoming paladin for St. Cuthbert, Alek Tercival was heir to the Tercival name. After the Tercivals fell on hard times, Alek joined the Church.

Reports that Alek Tercival was last seen in Redgorge prompted Mayor Navalant to declare that city a target for invasion. “Mayor Navalant has had half-orcs suited up and ready to march on Redgorge for several weeks now,” Captain of the Town Guard Quinlan Ghelve stated. “If Navalant is declared winner of the election, Redgorge will certainly be invaded.”

12/17/08 – Krylscar Pushes for Absentee Count

Today, Elvis Krylscar spoke in the Town Square to a large crowd of supporters. “In the best of worlds all valid absentee ballots will be counted.” The disputed Mayoral election was held six weeks ago, and there is still no result. Although incumbent Mayor Severen Navalant is ahead by 175 votes after a recount, the result is not confirmed until a ruling is made about the absentee ballots that have yet to be counted.

Challenger Elvis Krylscar has pushed adding those ballots, which were never counted, back into the mix before the House of Lords certifies a winner.

12/19/08 – The Votes are In!

The House of Lords has ruled to include the absentee ballots submitted in the Cauldron Mayoral Election. Challenger Elvis Krylscar was elated by the news. “After generations of adventurers fighting for the city of Cauldron, it’s about time their voices were heard in the governance of the City.”

Appearing in person for the first time in months, incumbent mayor Severen Navalant stated his opinion. “I trust that the House of Lords made the correct decision to include these absentee ballots. For generations, adventurers have defended this city, and I have statues in their honor. I’m glad to honor them during their lives with their votes.”

Krylscar officials tried to contain their glee. “We went into this recount at a virtual tie,” said Marc Elias, attorney for Krylscar. “Anyone who watched the challenge process will tell you we won more votes than they did.”

The Navalant camp, however, remained cool. “We think when the recount process is completed, Mayor Navalant’s going to come out on top,” said Lord Vhalantru, Navalant’s campaign spokesman.

A second recount including the absentee ballots will begin next week.

12/26/08 – Re-ReCount Begins

The Mayoral election in Cauldron was seven weeks ago but they’re still counting ballots in a seemingly never-ending process.

Volunteers pore over contested ballots from the November 4 election between incumbent Severen Navalant and challenger Elvis Krylscar.

Krylscar, an adventurer running for office for the first time, is currently leading the recount by 46 votes from the more than 2.9 million cast in the election.

For citizens who want to keep a close eye on results, Vortimax Weer is selling an animated “recount widget” for readers to embed on their globs, FaceSpace, SpaceBook, MyFace or MyBook pages which provides the recount numbers and latest headlines.

Navalant led Krylscar by 725 votes in the initial election, then by only 174 votes after the first recount. After including the contested absentee ballots, a second recount was begun. Currently, Krylscar has edged ahead during the scrutiny of the ballots.

 

Mayoral Race Too Close to Call

posted by Dyskko

Ten days after polls have closed, the mayoral race remains too close to call. Using pink to color the districts challenger Elvis Krylscar has won, green to color the districts incumbent Severen Navalant has won, and yellow for those yet undecided, an electoral map of Cauldron resembles a dartboard.

The lower districts along Ash and Lava Avenues have gone largely for Krylscar, and the upper districts along Magma and Obsidian Avenues have gone largely for Navalant. This matches the projections seen over the last several weeks.

Krylscar remains positive. “I said it was time for change, and the people of Cauldron have supported me. I won’t stop until every vote is counted.”

Mayor Navalant was unavailable for comment. Lord Vhalantru spoke for him. “While the mayor does not claim the win at this time, it is clear that his success is virtually certain. Of the remaining districts, a high majority have been projected for Severen Navalant.”

Submitted by:

Dyskko

Mayoral Election a Study in Pink vs. Green

posted by Dyskko

With just hours to go before ballots are counted, the mayoral race is headed toward its conlcusion.

Elvis Krylscar, former militia man and party animal, continues to campaign hard in Cauldron. Focusing his efforts along Ash and Lava Avenues, Elvis is knocking on doors in a last Get Out the Vote effort. Sometimes called the “Pink Revolution” in reference to the pink-colored signs in windows and and yards of supporters, the wave of enthusiasm for this young man looks to break strong on the eve of the election. These lower streets contain his base of supporters, but there are some on Magma and Obsidian sporting the pink signs as well.

Meanwhile, incumbent Severen Navalant hasn’t been seen in at least two weeks. Lord Vhalantru acts as his proxy, representing him in various public events. Word is that Navalant is busy doing his job – working with local businesses to shore up the failing economy, meeting with committee members to pass legislaion to help families, and organizing half-orc security teams to patrol Cauldron’s surrounding areas for improved security. Vhalantru has linked the green of Navalant’s campaign signs to the green of growth, and encourages people to vote for the mayor who is working to help them.

Submitted by:

Dyskko

 

 

Riots in Cauldron!

posted by Dyskko

An Excerpt from the Explorers’ Society Pages
Volume XVII, Number 6
Letters From the Field

There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear. It started as a simple demonstration. Citizens proclaiming their right to free assembly and right to free speech. What a field-day for the heat. A thousand people in the street. Young people speaking their minds. Singing songs and carrying signs. Mostly say, hooray for our side.

The high taxes imposed by the mayor upon the citizens of Cauldron created an unstable situation. How many years can some people exist before they’re allowed to be free? The citizens were tired of taxation without seeing results. And Maavu the caravan trader announced corruption in the mayor’s office. How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind.

When Maavu announced Alek’s challenge by the Order of Peers, the people reacted with celebrations. When Maavu announced that the mayor was illegally silencing this news, the people reacted with whistles and scorn. All the world over, so easy to see, people everywhere just wanna be free. Listen, please listen, that’s the way it should be. Deep in the Cauldron, people got to be free.

The angry crowd swarmed the stage where Maavu was standing. What’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down. If you feel so empty, so used, so let down. If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on. You’re not the only one refusing to back down. You’re not the only one. So get up, Let’s start a riot, a riot. Let’s start a riot. Let’s start a riot, a riot Let’s start a riot.

As the riot stormed the town hall, the Divas went into action. Sadi empowered small weeds in the cobblestones to entangle the crowd. Elvis climbed atop the stage to call the people to him. “One thing I can tell you is you got to be free. Come together right now over me.”

Kiriana on Kimber raced to St. Cuthbert to get support from the clerics. Cinder found a Yin Yang member hidden in the crowd and made short work of him. Myntilly used tanglefoot bags to stop another group who had escaped the entanglement vegetation. Acgar summoned support from the city guard.

Just as the riot was breaking up, “Fire! Fire!” I heard the cry from every breeze that passed us by. All the world was one sad cry of “Pity!” The town guard barracks were on fire. Half-orcs were fighting the flames and fighting for their lives. Strong men in anguish prayed, calling loud to Heaven for aid, while the fire in ruin was laying fair Cauldron, the beautiful city.

As this disaster unfolded, some unsympathetic citizens snickered and sneered.
The barracks, the barracks, the barracks are on fire. We don’t need no water let the motherfucker burn. Burn motherfucker burn.

Elvis was still on the stage, but now he used his speaking position to call the crowd together in a new direction. “C’mon people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together, try to love one another right now.” The people lined up to form bucket brigades. The flames danced all over the barracks, I fell into a burning ring of fire. I went down, down, down, and the flames went higher. And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire. The ring of fire.

Indira recognized something unnatural about the fire. Using dismissal, she sent these fire elementals back to their native plane.

And now it is quiet in the streets of Cauldron. Where have all the half-orcs gone, long time passing? Where have all the half-orcs gone, long time ago? Where have all the half-orcs gone?
The Blue Duke took them out of town, every one. When will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?

Credits:
Buffalo Springfield – For What it’s Worth
Bob Dylan – Blowin’ in the Wind
Young Rascals – People Got to be Free
Three Days Grace – Riot
The Beatles – Come Together
Traditional- Baltimore Fire
The Roof is on Fire – Bloodhound Gang
Youngbloods – Get Together Written by Dino Valenti
Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire
Pete Seeger – Where Have all the Flowers Gone?

Creature Crushes Cauldron, Divas Delay Destruction

posted  by Dyskko

An Excerpt from the Explorers’ Society Pages
Volume XVII, Number 3
Letters From the Field

I write you from the City of Cauldron. Recently, I have gained the employ of Mayor Severen Navalant, who wishes me to report on the happenings in his fair city. He connected me with an adventuring group, the Dungeon Divas. Together we will roam the area, seeking adventure and fame.

Tea in the Mayor’s garden was a lovely affair as I made the aquaintance of the Divas.

Myntilly is a tall woman with auburn hair, and a cloak that has seen many battles. I am sure this sorceress has many tales to tell. Indira, the Pelorian Cleric of the group, shows true leadership evidenced by her actions as well as her faithfull protege Buzz. Her stature and mace are a commanding presence. Cinder is secretive as is typical of an elfish rogue; quiet, and usually adding to the conversation after much contemplation. Sadi is a dark-skinned, dark-haired, and dark-eyed ranger. Her cloak surrounds her and she carries a haunted look about her. These are the original members of the Divas. Two other members have been added during their adventures. Acgar, a half-dragon, manages to hide her bulk. It is rare to see such half-humanoids in the City. It is a tribute to the Divas how fully they have incorporated her to their team. The last member is Elvis Krylscar, a former militia man and womanizer, cleaning up his act as he has joined the Divas.

The fame and importance of the Divas can be evidenced by the presence of Lord Vhalantru at the tea. This benefactor is in the habit of creating stone likenesses of adventurers and gifting such statues to the Mayor for his garden. Lord Vhalantru studied the figures of the Divas in preparation for such work.

But enough of such trivialities.

After tea, we walked the streets of Cauldron in search of the Captain of the City Guard, Quinlan Ghelve. It wasn’t long before adventure found us.

Two women stood in the street waiting our approach. They were armed, and stood ready for action. The Divas showed no fear and walked directly up to them. These women, Annah and Cora, were ready for a fight. The Divas showed great restraint parrying the verbal thrusts from these upstarts.

Suddenly I heard an arrow whistle past my ear. I quickly used my wand of mage armor to ready myself for the coming battle. A man behind us was attacking with ranged weapons, while the women used more direct means. Cora’s rapier flashed in the sun, and Annah created a greasy slick under our feet forcing team members to scramble for balance. Another man weilded two knives against Krylscar. The heroic Myntilly cast from the ground while being peppered with holes from Cora. Cinder and Acgar kept the sniper at bay while Indira called on the power of Pelor. When silence surrouned us, I was ready with my joyful noise and Indira was able to cast heal spells. The upstarts quickly realized they were no match for the Divas and ran off.

All except one. The knife-weilder, Zack, had been captured. There was quick deliberation and questioning of the captive. By this time, the noise had alerted the guards, and Quinlan Ghelve himself had been alterted to the scene. The Divas’ magnanamous nature proved true. Instead of relinquishing Zack to the guard, or killing him on the spot, they turned him over to the cleric of his choice — the half-orc Asfelkir Hranleurt at the Church of Kord. Zack was humbled by the mercy of these powerful Divas.

We headed toward the Slippery Eel for some well deserved refreshment. Unfortunately, this was not to be.

A loud, rhythmic banging could be heard from a far off building. The masonry exploded in a shower of talus, and a large creature emerged from the dust. A monstrous insectoid, its mandibles clacking, stood on the street. Citizens stood frozen in dismay and fear. The creature used its four arms to continue its methodical ruin of the warehouse.

Suddenly the air crackled with energy and smelled of ozone. A lightning bolt sliced the air from Myntilly’s fingers and jolted the insect to attention. As he turned toward us, the Divas prepared for action. Cinder climbed a nearby building to gain vantage. The arrows from her bow met their mark. Acgar maneuvered for position to use her acid breath weapon. Krylscar and Indira began to gather the citizens toward safety. I began to compose a wondrous recital to fascinate the creature.

But, alas, there was no time for our actions. Half-orcs garbed as city guard methodically marched toward the creature, banging a babel of chacophonous metallic music.

The creature paused and gazed upon Krylscar. As their eyes met, I could feel the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Drool formed from the corner of Krylscar’s mouth, and his eyes glazed over.

And then the creature was gone. A circle of fresh dirt remained where the creature had burrowed under the street.

Noise. A woman screaming about her baby. More rhythmic rumblings from her building. Yelling, calling, and confusion as we re-oriented ourselves toward this new threat. I quickly put myself in position where the creature would likely emerge, readying my fascinating oration. Myntilly levitated toward the woman with ther baby. Cinder espied an innocent with a cart, calmly approaching the scene. Acgar readied her breath weapon, but seemed nervous about harming passers-by. Indira’s concentration was evident and the palpable power of Pelor gathered strength around us. Krylscar shook off the creature’s spell and approached the guard.

Again, the creature burst from the building. And I was ready with my recitation:

Oh mighty insect with multifaceted eyes,
Your reflective surface gleams brightly
in the afternoon light.

Oh enormous beetle with multijointed arms
your rhythmic beat shakes,
rattles and rolls all around us.

Will you crush us
or muster us
or push us asunder?

Will you burrow
in furrows to
disappear down under?

The creature paused in its destruction. I had its attention! Quickly, I tried another two verses.

Oh buggy bug man, with multitalented mind
your awesome actions are destructive and a
challenge us us mere mortals.

Oh wondrous winged creature with unclear motive
your massive body gives pause to
creatures great and small.

Then I averted my eyes to avoid its mesmerizing glare. When I looked around, the creature was gone again. Another fresh mound of dirt appeared in the creature’s former location. The woman and her baby were safely away. Cinder was helping the man with the cart avoid harm. Krylscar stood with the half-orc guards who had stopped their banging.

And there were rhythmic sounds of destruction several buildings behind me.

As I turned to look, Indira swooped into the building. Expeditious retreat sent me to her side almost immediately. As I entered the building, I saw the creature prostrate and dying and Indira with a determined look about her.

What was this creature? Who had summoned it? And for what purpose?

Respecfully submitted,

Dyskko