Post by denmother on Jul 24, 2015 6:33:36 GMT -8
Dearest Diary: As you no doubt do not know, because you are simply a rather ornate book and NOT me, I have a rather horrible memory. It's dreadful, really. It has become nigh impossible to keep track of all of my plans whilst simultaneously keeping track of the charitable and selfless light with which I must portray them, I have decided to bring you into existence, so that you may serve as a vessel for my inner thoughts. How very lucky for you.
A little over a month ago, I arrived on the Island of Valesk. It seems I have found life, but unfortunately, not civilization. No manorial palace for me to purchase. No keeps or castles. Even Valkyrie, who somehow is in charge here, lives in a small, one bedroom suite off of the Council room. I've had to move into a small room at the Tavern. Thankfully I brought some of the tapestries and other decor from Stromness Castle to decorate the room. While it is still small, it's nearly like being at home. Unlike home, however, this horrid little peasant town has no Tailors shop, so I've had to order in all of my clothing.
Unfortunately a large amount of my finances was lost on the journey here. What I have left is a miserable sum, although everyone on the island acts as if it is an immeasurable fortune. Thankfully, this has earned the subservience of a fair few islanders...Yearning for coin, they are willing to do nigh anything. This willingness has allowed me to employ a large work force, which helps me move goods on to and around the island, both legally and illegally. Which has resulted in much more money for me to control the peasants with. Most of it comes from drugs. It's ridiculously easy. I don't even have to do the selling. I simply move it on to the island, have it refined, and take a substantial cut of the profits. And as I am Lady Regent of Lower Aberwyth, there is no real chance of discovery or consequence. I command everywhere the shipments actually go. The guards there are on my payroll, and the beggars there survive only on my charity.
Unfortunately, not everyone is so financially minded...Even when they really should be. A recent council meeting proved that much. It seems, as is to be expected in such an uncivilized village, that nobody has any understanding of politics and governing, even the local leadership. Lady Valkyrie has established a rather elaborate and expensive looking infrastructure in the town...And given the amount of people actually living within Aberwyth, there is absolutely no way she can really afford it, without ridiculously high taxes, which she hasn't put in place. I suggested using the towns greatest asset, it's use as a prominent trade port, to make money by introducing a tariff. While the only people it would really hurt were rich merchants like myself, she, and most of the council, completely shut down when they heard the word tax, and didn't stop to think of the actual benefits this would have to the common folk of the town. It's remarkable that people always consider me the bad guy, and yet I'm the only one with the people in mind. This town is governed by simpletons.
Realizing that rationality and good sense has no practical use in a peasant hamlet like Aberwyth has led me to adopt one of my older approaches...Fear. It was rather effective back in Stromness, and I anticipate that will hold true here too. I've begun to spread rumors...A cult. There were already whispers of a cult before, but as they have remained entirely too silent it shall be easy to spin those in such a way that I will have control over it's perception and it's actions. As well, I am beginning to bring in to play individuals who will further these rumors with actions of their own. Starting with Abaddon. I summoned him recently, and he has begun work terrorizing the townsfolk. I am now hiring others as well, who will do the same. Soon, I shall command a force of 'cultists', all serving some dark goddess who shall simply be my puppet.
While on the subject of Abaddon, I must say it is a wonder to have him back. His son was lovely to have around for awhile, but he was still not yet predictable enough for me. Abaddon, however, is strictly under my control. That isn't to say I won't allow him complete freedom...I'm a kind woman, after all...But should we disagree on a matter, my command over him as his summoner, and his reliance on my continued existence for his own, allows me to bend him to my will.
Now it seems I'm running rather low on ink, so this shall have to mark the end of my first entry. Ta for now, Diary! Ta Ta!
A little over a month ago, I arrived on the Island of Valesk. It seems I have found life, but unfortunately, not civilization. No manorial palace for me to purchase. No keeps or castles. Even Valkyrie, who somehow is in charge here, lives in a small, one bedroom suite off of the Council room. I've had to move into a small room at the Tavern. Thankfully I brought some of the tapestries and other decor from Stromness Castle to decorate the room. While it is still small, it's nearly like being at home. Unlike home, however, this horrid little peasant town has no Tailors shop, so I've had to order in all of my clothing.
Unfortunately a large amount of my finances was lost on the journey here. What I have left is a miserable sum, although everyone on the island acts as if it is an immeasurable fortune. Thankfully, this has earned the subservience of a fair few islanders...Yearning for coin, they are willing to do nigh anything. This willingness has allowed me to employ a large work force, which helps me move goods on to and around the island, both legally and illegally. Which has resulted in much more money for me to control the peasants with. Most of it comes from drugs. It's ridiculously easy. I don't even have to do the selling. I simply move it on to the island, have it refined, and take a substantial cut of the profits. And as I am Lady Regent of Lower Aberwyth, there is no real chance of discovery or consequence. I command everywhere the shipments actually go. The guards there are on my payroll, and the beggars there survive only on my charity.
Unfortunately, not everyone is so financially minded...Even when they really should be. A recent council meeting proved that much. It seems, as is to be expected in such an uncivilized village, that nobody has any understanding of politics and governing, even the local leadership. Lady Valkyrie has established a rather elaborate and expensive looking infrastructure in the town...And given the amount of people actually living within Aberwyth, there is absolutely no way she can really afford it, without ridiculously high taxes, which she hasn't put in place. I suggested using the towns greatest asset, it's use as a prominent trade port, to make money by introducing a tariff. While the only people it would really hurt were rich merchants like myself, she, and most of the council, completely shut down when they heard the word tax, and didn't stop to think of the actual benefits this would have to the common folk of the town. It's remarkable that people always consider me the bad guy, and yet I'm the only one with the people in mind. This town is governed by simpletons.
Realizing that rationality and good sense has no practical use in a peasant hamlet like Aberwyth has led me to adopt one of my older approaches...Fear. It was rather effective back in Stromness, and I anticipate that will hold true here too. I've begun to spread rumors...A cult. There were already whispers of a cult before, but as they have remained entirely too silent it shall be easy to spin those in such a way that I will have control over it's perception and it's actions. As well, I am beginning to bring in to play individuals who will further these rumors with actions of their own. Starting with Abaddon. I summoned him recently, and he has begun work terrorizing the townsfolk. I am now hiring others as well, who will do the same. Soon, I shall command a force of 'cultists', all serving some dark goddess who shall simply be my puppet.
While on the subject of Abaddon, I must say it is a wonder to have him back. His son was lovely to have around for awhile, but he was still not yet predictable enough for me. Abaddon, however, is strictly under my control. That isn't to say I won't allow him complete freedom...I'm a kind woman, after all...But should we disagree on a matter, my command over him as his summoner, and his reliance on my continued existence for his own, allows me to bend him to my will.
Now it seems I'm running rather low on ink, so this shall have to mark the end of my first entry. Ta for now, Diary! Ta Ta!