Hail Syliras!
Matthew I'm loving the interest in the politics of Syliras, there were two others I've been talking with who also wanted to explore this more and I'm glad to see it. SO I'm going to try and have this make sense, but if I confuse anyone, feel free to ask here or in a PM about anything being written.
First lets talk about the citizen voice in the city, If no one here remembers, or has read. The people in Syliras do have a voice. Now I know that the lore page can be confusing, so allow me to clear this up. Lorens WILL see people who wish to speak with him and hear them out. However that doesn't mean he will give you what you want. The people do have a voice though. So it comes to this, what are you asking? What do you want from them?
This is an important thing to think about IC wise. Because the Knights have been here a very long time and they've seen a lot and learned from it. All generous, or nice ideas aren't always good for the people as whole, and they have to think of this with each request. If you're PC is upset because the Knights won't allow them on their training grounds, well let's think it over. If they did, your PC shows up and gets beaten and embarrassed, said PCs next claim is going to be the Knights brutalized me. See where I'm going?
Or just for the sake of a good chuckle, lets just say that your PC is the badass that you want them to be and they go in and beat every single Knight with a flick of their wrist, what then? I'll tell you what, the people will lose faith in their protectors and then they will come to you with all their problems and expect YOU to fix things. And what will happen if you don't?" Well..that makes you corrupt doesn't it?
Another example, say your PC is pissed because the Knights won't let your kelvic walk around naked, flaunting all that hot kelvic flesh for all to see. Well, if they did the next complaint is going to be rape, or that your kelvic has too many kids now and you want to put half of them into the shelter. See how this goes? See, the people have a voice, you just have to think it through. Now the thing's that won't change is punishment and the way that races are treated. This will not bend. But given the fact that we have Akalak, Eth, even Dhani in the Knights means that they are more than just tolerant as people seem to think.
So the question stands, the people have a voice, but they aren't using it, so why? PCs aside, there are many in the city who are content with their lives as they are. Sure it's not perfect, but Syliras is slave free, not only that they don't allow people to slum on the streets and they make sure that all can earn money so that they can eat. That's more than you can say for a lot of places. In the city, the people get it, they live there. Outside? They don't know what's out there and they don't care too. Rule of thumb, most NPCs (city people) aren't adventurers. That's why PCs in any game are so special because they do what most won't.
So to recap, the people do have a voice, use it well.
Now, let's talk OOC IC for a second. It is completely fine for your PC ICly to believe that they don't have a voice. I was just explaining that for everyone to understand OOCly.
On to the political scene, and while we're at it, let's talk voices too shall we?
So..we have Lorens Dyres and Petri Alvikal, and the Knights at the top, the Council of Three all the untouchables. There are the families of the ruling Knights, Nigriso, Brock, Braklin, Stalinsa, Druva, and Trema. These people also have extended families and those that don't become Knights as well.
Now below that, we have the Illythian District, these include some of the extended families mentioned above as well as rich people. Some of them aren't born in Syliras but came there and made their name in trade or some other way, but many are born and raised with the silver spoon.
and Last, you have everyone else. The commoners and the poor. This is how the city is setup and explains who is where in the political scene. Note that every one I mentioned isn't involved in political drama, but that would be their level of excess or voice if they chose too. But now we see where everyone is and why they are there. If you don't see it I'll explain, reputation is a key point. You must be someone to own a voice that others will listen too.
Now, let's talk corruption. WOOT! Everyone loves the idea of corrupt Knights trying to hold down the good people of Syliras. Well let's explore this. We all know that there are all kinds of rumors going about ICly. But let's step to OOC again for second. The first talk of corruption started in the Illythian District, from the inside. This isn't anything new though, for years the people there have been having secret meanings to try and find a way to get their voice to the right person. So, IC your PC is allowed to believe any of the rumors that they want, but just so we all know OOC, that's where it began.
Now..the Rogue Knight!! He's coming all, he really is. So the question was, why the Knights haven't done anything, searched out the rumors and such? Well it is because, they have gotten any word of trouble involving the Knight from the Konti seer's or from the Windoak, so as far as they know, he's not real. BUT, If your PC wants to believe that the Knights just aren't doing anything, that is fine also. So this also raises the question, if the Windoak and Seers don't see a threat, then maybe the Knight is doing good?
This is all things that can be worked out, investigated IC, and possibly big quest could be in the future. I would love to see this explored and to see more people join in. So I'm sure the next question will be HOW can a PC gain a voice that people will listen too. ACT, that is the best way that I can think of. Show the people that you are a man of your word and that you care about them, and that you are not just seeking to better your own life. Help the city with their problems, work for a reputation that says you are honorable, get on the good side of people who will support you.
Side note: Don't get Accolade talking about Syliras because he can't stop.
You guys and gals rock!
