Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Town Reporter]

---

This is intended to be the first of a series of personalities that I will bring to you. Seeing as I am from Yew, It seemed fitting to choose a personality in my home town. This weeks personality is on a man who has recently come into the lime light and as settled down in the wake of Isk's trial. This weeks personality is none other than Duke Kotare Blackwind.

Exclusive interview:

So what is life like in Yew these days?

Life is peaceful now, the orcs have pretty much remaind out of trouble here and life in general is comming back to a sense of normalcy. The Commonwealth of Yew is a new government which operates in both facets of Yew. Though Felucca is still contested, we have taken great pride in reclaiming much of the land from the orcs. But since the battle, the orcs have remained south and have done little to hinder the healing process.

Didn't Yew have a trial not long ago?

Yes. It was what everyone here called, Isk's trial. It was over an assault charge, in which he was found guilty in our justice system.

So, whats it like being the head man of Yew?

Head man? I'm just a public servant of the people of Yew, Nothing more.

You are aware that many outside Yew reconize you as the man of power in Yew, correct?

They are unaware that we (Yew) have a Duchess who runs Yew. I am head of the commonwealth council that advises her. Many of the decisions are hers to make, while I ensure they are enforced. I mainly see that the government continues to run smoothly while I also oversee Yew's defences.

Going back to the trial of Isk, you stated that you had a deep respect for him. why?

Isk and I are two similar individuals. We are both men of considerable power and influence. We both value knowledge and we are always very observant of our surroundings.

What makes you different from Isk?

I would have to say he judges entire races rather than the individual. I mainly judge an individual by their actions.

Many think that the trial of Isk was a joke when it came to the verdict from the judge. How do you feel about it?

I feel that the judge used the facts in hand and made a clear and fair judgement on those facts. I do not care what others think, just as long as they respect our methods of justice. As for the judge, he performed a great service with fairness and is a man I greatly respect for his aproach to the trial.

Did your opinions of isk change in any way after the trial?

Somewhat, but the respect is still there. I have to admit though, I'm not to fond of his practices though. But as a leader, I have to see past his flaws and work towards relations of our two cities. Not everyone shares his opinions in Magincia, but all the same, they should not have to suffer from the majority's misguidance.

Practices? please explain.

Well, its like I said before, he judges a race instead of the individual. Any man who judges a race by one individual is terribly misguided. Will Isk change? I doubt it. What I find very sad though is that he has two sons who are very bright. Its sad to see that they will grow up knowing only their father's views and not the worlds.

What are your views of other towns and cities other than Yew? Government wise.

Well, lets see, Britan is still suffering from an invasion and I feel that the Regency is hard pressed to handle the situation. Serpents hold is also under their inflence. I have to say that I really don't have much of an opinion other than I'm glad I'm not part of it.

Trinsic has been quiet as of late. Its not that we are avoiding them, but rather our relations have always been that of tolerance and respect. the old government had great relations with Trinsic and I'd like to continue those relations.

Skara Brae has become quiet as well and as far as I'm concerned, live and let live in that respect.

Minoc, home of the legion of justice. I have to admit, I know little of this group, but one such as myself aproaches minoc with a bit of caution. The Legion were allies to those who were opressive here in Yew recently. So trust will be hard earned on their part if they seek it.

Vesper is working with us on matters of trade. relations are improving.

Cove, no relations.

Nujel'm, given my past animosity with one of the rulers there, I've done little to nothing to improve relations between our two nations. I doubt I'll make the first step in the mending process.

Jhelom and Buc's den, as far as I'm concerned, these two cities are a haven for ruffians who have no respect for the law.

Magincia, though the Humanis are what makes up the majority of the active government there, trade has been established and prospering relations seem possible.

What about Luna and Umbra?

In Luna, we have an open relationship with. Though we do not consider ourselves part of the royal court of light, we go there mainly to keep up with weekly events.

Umbra is the place of the dead, let them be and they will leave you be. Naturally, we have our own undead problem. nothing a good mace can't fix though.

What are your feelings towards the Regency and the Regent?

Well, there isn't anything plesant to say, so I prefer to keep that to myself.

Not even a hint of your opinion?

Well, alright. I feel that the Regency has outlived its time. There is no hier to Lord British. So why hold onto the throne when we can spend more productive means of selecting a new king or queen. As for the Regent, well, lets just say that he has much to improve on before my respect is earned.

If you had the power to change one thing in the realm, what would it be and why?

Hmmm, tough one. I'd have to say bringing back the old days when a man was valued for his skill and not the armor that he wore. Mainly because I remember those golden days when skill ment everything. Now I see younger hunters and fighters going in with less fear and respect of their suroundings. Its kinda sadening.

Is there a message you may have for anyone out there in the public?

All I ask is that if you come to Yew, please respect our ways. If you do so, you will have little trouble enjoying your stay here. We are a society who feels that laws are nessesary to achieve fairness and we gladly defend these laws with enforcement. We have not had to go to war recently, and to be honest, I hope my warring days are done. I'm getting too old for that sort of thing.

Thank you Lord Kotare for your time.

Next week, this reporter will be following up with a new personality.


In closing, what strikes me about Lord Kotare is that even though he seems focused on yew entirely, he apears to be fair and open minded. Two qualities that few leaders have. In all, it was a pleasure to interview Kotare, and I only hope Yew continues on the track it is on.