[Another unsigned letter in the same hand as the previous anti-circus notice. The sentiment this time seems to have moved...perhaps sideways?]

We all saw how they turned on their leader.
And we all saw how even the Spire’s loudest advocates for peace reacted when they saw the cost of it all.

Maybe their leader does want things to be different. Maybe she doesn’t. Maybe every word out of her mouth is a lie, or maybe it’s all true.
But the others? Those who turned on her without a second thought?

Doesn’t this prove THEY don’t want to change? The circus doesn’t want to end.

Who should live? The aggressor or the victim? And why, when pushed for an answer, does the Spire seem to side with the ones who want this fucked up circus to keep going on?

We can’t even keep ourselves in a line. No wonder they can walk all over us.

We should all be ashamed.

(And, because apparently I need to clarify this: I do NOT mean the victimized children. I mean those who perpetuate this cycle knowingly and willingly. So don't come after me about how they're innocent. You know that's not who I mean).

Missing Person's Report

Name: Mikhail Sinov

Age: 21

Appearance: Black hair, blue eyes, pale skin, blue clothing

Reward for return: 100 Crowns

Posted by Ivan Sinov

[!] -- Posters are spread across the Reach, blazoned with a flaming sword.

The Spire is not taking the threat of vampirism seriously. In the past month alone, there were attacks in the streets, ambushes in the valley, and public feedings taking place. They’ve even consolidated power in the Undercity and continue to operate their own realm in the caverns below. Just this week, our Swordbrethren defeated two vampires who were amassing a horde of necrophages to be used in sinister plans. 

Something must be done. With the Scarlet Plague at our doorsteps, the Spire doesn’t need yet another disease decimating scores of people. 

Let us be clear: we do not encourage rampant vigilantism where all vampires are brought to heel. There are several who’ve had the affliction forced upon them, who strive to cure themselves and others. But there are many more who are shameless in their condition. Feeding in public, flaunting their Corruption like an advert, building networks to seize power and territory. 

They are not a peregrine people to be greeted and understood. They are cannibals whose whole existence is centred around the predation of innocent mortals. 

To the vampires of wickedness and to the apologists defending them… 

We know who you are. You do too. 

Do not expect hospitality from our Fellowship. 

Ember Swords

OOC

{!} Notices find themselves on the board in the Spire and Undercity. Stabbed alongside it is an Ace of Spades, a callsign to its author. {!}

»»———-　🂡　———-««
An Eye for an Eye
»»———-　🂡　———-««

'Forgive the lack of election', the notice says. 'Given the circumstances'.
They may pen us for fools, but even a blind cow can sense its impending slaughter.

Kyrus Salada, your Exchequer, has poisoned our people.
Brought fungus-tainted meat to sell to the Undercity, spreading its ilk in the cover of cloak and lies.
Only to return to the surface and steal a crown while we suffer. 

Make this right, Deputy Steward. Or we will. 

And Kyrus, 
Should you escape justice on the surface, as I have a feeling you might - know that the same will not be said down here.
This is your only warning. 

- The Ace

{!} A new notice is pinned to the Undercity's board. It appears to be a letter alongside information about the Fungal infection spreading to the Undercity. Additionally, there are scraps of paper for Undercity residents to write their answers to the questions pinned with the notice, and place in a box below. {!}
OOC Notice: Do not answer this voting form if you are not an active resident of the Undercity! Please use your discretion! 

Undercity Vote
The Fate of Kyrus and a Community Liaison

Citizens of the Undercity, 

As we are all well aware, a fungal infestation was brought to our doorstep in the form of beef procured from Albern's Crossing. It is believed this fungus is directly related to the events in Albern's. It has spread towards our homes, meeting spots, and threatens our way of life bellow ground.

It is also known one Kyrus brought this to us. Selling this infected meat to fellow citizens during a time of need, when our own food sources became scarce. While there may have been good intent, the outcome is plain to see. It is impossible to brush aside the sheer ignorance and irresponsibility of these actions, if it is to be believed this had no ulterior motive whatsoever.
As a fellow resident, the story Kyrus weaved for those present at his attempt at amends was lacking. He spoke of profit margins and his own humility in stepping down over the damage he had done. This is not true regret, this is a man trying to save face.

He wishes to aid us in the infestation here. As we are a community united in this front, a poll will be attached below this notice regarding his involvement. Additionally, a following poll will be attached regarding communication with Marshal Helara and the Militia's findings on this fungus to better prepare our people. Finally, in coming days we will assemble a small taskforce of herbalists, mages, and healers to better understand the transmission and effects of this plague. We are confined here, and for many of us it is impossible to find safety above ground.
To ensure our survival, we must prevent the spread of spores and infected products. For those with bounties within the Spire, the standing government will offer no compromise in this. The bounties will stand, and should you be pushed above ground, the Spire's denizens may take advantage of our collective plight.

With hope,
Erickson Breaux

{!} Attached is a series of questions, with scraps of paper to leave answers in a locked box below. {!}
Click Here to Vote

Must-Know Information about the Fungal Infestation

1. Good portion of the Undercity is likely infected, mostly those around the merchant district. Likely still some carriers.

2. Most obvious symptoms are Ether stained eyes, fungus attaches itself to the lungs and intestines upon consumption. While in those places it can still be removed thru surgery or magic. Later stages moves thru the body and attaches to the spine, which point it becomes incurable.

3. Symptoms range from sudden improvement in health to constant sweating and trouble breathing, best way of identifying is Ether stained eyes. Seeing eyes in places there should not be any or hearing voices are all symptoms as well.

4. Burning fungus with fire causes it to spread but disintegrating with lightning will stun it, though it agitates it to retaliate with full force. Ice, water, medical alcohol neutralizes it, but won’t fully stop it and caution should be used.

5. Fungus absorbs Ether magic but is opposed to Force magic, most Tellurgy magic besides ice magic isn’t effective.

6. Using magic weapons with amethyst or citrine crystals will create enough of an opening for a core to be exposed if there is one.

7. If you see eyes, look away and don’t make contact/communicate with it. Makes promises of salvation but wishes to subsume all into its kind.

- Bisnonno Delarosa

[!]-- A few gently written, black-papered letters find their way through Spire town and some reach the Valley of Flower, alongside Albern’s. --[!]

Looking for volunteers to clean the Spire Graveyard and Shrine to the Spirits! Help trim plants, clean the gravestones, place decorations, and place offerings to make the graveyard a more comfortable space for the spirits of the fallen.

Thrudni Jarvain
᚛ᚏᚒᚙᚈᚐᚖ ᚓᚕᚒᚃᚕᚗᚐ᚜

ooc note:

{!} Another new notice finds itself on the Undercity's board. A decision made. {!}

The Vote's Results

Vote 1: Liaison
Eryx Breaux has won Liaison of the Undercity with a majority vote. The breakdown was as follows:
1. Eryx: 7 Votes
2. Meliamne: 3 Votes
3. Rico: 2 Votes
4. Iselle: 1 Vote

Eryx will serve as the contact point between Undercity leadership and Topside. Contact him for questions related to these matters. 

Vote 2: Kyrus

By 1 vote (6 to 7), (don't say it.) the Undercity has opted to allow Kyrus back for one purpose: clean up the mess he's helped cause. 
However, we cannot put our full trust in this man. It will come with stipulations: 

1. He is penanced. 
2. He tells a member of Undercity leadership each time he plans to come down and assist in cleanup, and is supervised. 

»»———-　🂡　———-««
{!} A smaller note is tacked onto this sheet, as if an after-thought. {!}
»»———-　🂡　———-««

Do not let your guard down, Undercity.
Alongside the fungus, there are credible reports that the mutant disease from months ago has made a return. 
They will not help us should we be flushed from these depths. If you have a bounty, you will be hunted. 
Despite our differences, we must unite to protect this place. 

For some, it's all we have. 

- The Ace 

A warning to all travelers and wayfarers,

there are several haunted trees scattered in the Reach. They are possessed by malevolent spirits and those who come close will be tempted into evil. These trees stand alone and pervade a blight which kills surrounding vegetation. They produce fruits that are highly poisonous. Its bark is unnatural and appears similarly to bone. It is impossible to mistake them. 

Investigations are still underway and so we ask that these trees are left alone until a solution has been found. 

Knights of the Ember Swords

[ If you would like to investigate the tree yourself, contact @Megladon ]

{!} Something is nailed to the Spire's Community Board. {!}

TW: Graphic! Mentions of gore/body horror within spoiler!

 [ A note is pinned to the board. The writing is swift and rough, the ink black as night. It is addressed to no one specific - only bearing a vague heading. ]

To Those Responsible. 
YOUR FAULT.
LEAVE OR DIE.

 [ It is left unsigned. It is not clear who left it, nor when. ]

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

The sum of five-hundred crowns is offered for the safe return of Edvard Rosson. He will be received at either the Ember Swords headquarters or the Sonoko estate. 

One-hundred crowns will be granted to those who supply meaningful information in regards to his whereabouts and situation. 

︎