The Sorcerers' Revolution

Derrick, at the start of the elf's heartfelt speech, seemed a little underwhelmed, and he lit up another cigar. She was preaching to the choir, but unlike the other neohumans Derrick talked to, she wasn't cracking any jokes.

But when she sang, Derrick realized she was something more than some idealistic maiden. She was a true elf, and she was one of the very few who remained true to their heritage despite all odds. The half-orc slowly began to flash back to a time very early in his youth, when he would sit on the dirt floor, listening to his mother play the drums, back when he lived in a village where the air was pure and the water was clear, back to the times when he could play with the other children with no repercussion from any racist adult. He even caught a glimpse of his mysterious father in the back of his mind, a true outcast if there was any.

And she reminded him that this conflict was not just about slavery and class inequality, as there was more at stake than wages or working conditions. The humans not only sacked the lands and treasures of the other races, they took the memories of millions and destroyed them in the bonfires of conformity. Derrick could no longer sit and ignore this final crime committed by mankind. If Kelly could become Eruiel again, then surely, Derrick could be somebody else, with the courage and wisdom of an orc. This was the final day he would conform.

Derrick proudly stood, taking his place by Taugyr on the stage.

"My name is Derrick Allister. I was a mockery of a human, born in a human village, educated by humans, to work for humans. Today, that ends. I am going to find out how the orcish people lived before they were subjugated by the humans, and I am going to find my mother, who is still somewhere out there in this world. Anybody who objects to my quest won't be facing a man. They will be facing an orc."

-

edited 18th Jun '12 9:28:45 PM by Fauxlosophe

Matthew saw the half-orc who he seemed to be on friendly terms with and the minotaur, who he wasn't on nearly as good terms with, stand with the elven girl. Thinking of the risk that may come with his action, Matthew stood up and walked towards Eruiel, Taugyr, and Derrick before finding a position between Derrick and Eruiel. He still was apprehensive of standing near the minotaur.

"If it doesn't offend you all, I'll stand with you." he spoke. "I'm Matthew Garcia, and I'm...sympathetic to your cause. My parents are in charge of businesses, but they too dislike the oppression dealt upon the other sapient races. I'll join your cause, if you don't mind."

"I've seen better thought out rebellions organized by flyer," The Elf suppressed a laugh when the Minotaur proclaimed his new found alliegence.

He looked over at the bar. People were at least interested. The cynical minotaur suddenly proclaiming his support seemed to affect the atmosphere as well and now he felt all eyes were on him.

There were enough people to even things out if they were ready to join this Eruiel.

On the other hand he had questions. For the Half-Orc as well, but that wasn't important now.

"Tell me, Eruiel ap Araeh, do you have any experience with waging war on the humans? Even getting past them?" Illtyd looked her up and down, "At least some seasoned veterans, willing to actually help you?"

"It's alright. You pronounced it well... though a dwarf who was like a grandfather to me tended to call me Eru" Eruiel smiled as if she was about to giggle at a far off memory "He did say that elven names were always a mouthful. Still... I did love him... so I'm willing to be called by other as he did once long ago. Especially, by a new friend, Matthew"

She then turned to Taugyr, the mighty minotaur and lay a hand on his arm, looking straight into his eyes "This is a decision you don't make alone, Taugyr. I'm a small elf... but I'll stand right at your side. And at the side of all of your kin who are willing to share our dream"

Next was the half orc who so proudly drew upon his heritage, smiling as if in awe of what she saw "Thank you, Derrick. Right now, in you I can truly see the visage of the proud orcs of the plains my mother spoke off. May one day, all orcs be able to carry such courage as I see in your eyes today"

Then came the first of the truly hard questions. Eruiel faced another of her kin and the first to put her dream to the test. She didn't flinch and didn't let any doubt rise to her face as she spoke "I have none of those. My mother raised me well and taught me of our history... but she was no seasoned general. What you see before you today is what I offer... a promise, a hope and a friend. But I know that those veterans do exist... and I do plan on reaching out to my wise elders for their guidance"

"Then I'm not watching another group go to hell," Illtyd sighed hopping up on his chair and walked forward at a measured pace before turning to the Half-Orc as he passed.

"Personally, I find it odd that Allister scorns a warning to children but is quick to join a group that will risk their lives. I will speak no further on them; they have their chance now and neither can it be said I didn't warn them."

With a bit of a look of wariness and distaste he turned back to Eruiel and looked her in the eyes, scanning her carefully.

"If the Elders were as smart as they thought, they wouldn't have been conquered. Now, I've been in an cell or two. Done some things I ain't proud of to get by. Between the two I know what needs to be done," He stepped forward now scanning the crowd, "So listen close and pay heed to what I say, and we might not all end up shot."

edited 18th Jun '12 10:30:37 PM by Fauxlosophe

"If I had the choice, elf, I wouldn't let the boys come. But if they want to stay, so be it. I will do all I can to make sure they are safe. I fervently hope you do the same."

Derrick turned away. He hoped Illtyd would lose his abrasive behavior eventually, though he knew the elf has been through something that has made his heart go sour. Eruiel's comment made the half-orc smile, but he still doubted his abilities. Conformity is painful, but one can get used to it, they have to. Breaking the mold feels great, and it is a choice one makes, but in this situation, it will eventually cause violence. Any bad choice Derrick makes from now on could end with a bullet ripping through his spine, or an execution ordered by the state, and he doubted the elf and the minotaur would help the boys if he vanished.

Eruiel nodded her head at Illtyd's words. She had a feeling, just by meeting with him, that his words would be worth paying attention to "I welcome your experience. Thank you for joining in our dream... May I be so bold as to ask your name?"

edited 18th Jun '12 11:42:57 PM by daltar

"For now, I think it would be wisest to keep to Jones."

From a corner, unnoticed as he preferred to be Gardous watched and listened. He had heard rumors that something big was up. How big it would actually turn out to be he didn't know but he had already decided that he wouldn't be telling any of his police connections anything. Yes he worked for the humans, but not out of greed. Humans weren't the only ones who exploited nonhumans. Most of the criminal activity in the slums was by nonhumans against non, especially of his people, the goblins, considered lowest of the low even by the others. So he listened and steered the authorities towards those who deserved it and away from those who didn't.

Rudolph also seemed awed, but it was for somewhat different reasons.

Her methods are certainly different, but the underlying principles and end result are mostly the same. She's undeniably a Sorceress. What's more, this innocent, child-like appearance and her passionate appeal to something innate that pierces cynicism and transcends species is exactly what's required. She can create my reality.

"Eruiel, I'm not sure how much good it will do but from here on you have everything and anything I can provide, including my life."

"Nice to know your name, Jones." Matthew greeted, becoming more polite and friendly towards the elf that verbally broke him a few minutes ago(thought he was still pretty sore about it).

"And it's good to see another human with good sense." he remarked about his unnamed companion who had joined Eruiel's cause. I wonder what his name is, or how he got that book. Meh, I can figure it out later. he thought, standing comfortably next to Eruiel.

The normal low buzz of conversation in the bar had grown to loud and excited chatter. More and more of the bar's patrons sounded out their support for the young elf whose speech and song (and general appearance. It was not everyday an elf maiden who didn't look 19 by anyone's standards but that of her own kind showed up in a pub). Dwarves stood up alongside goblins, elves and minotaurs crowded near each other, centaurs barreled through everyone to get close to Eruiel. Anyone who had imagined this scenario would have been laughed at earlier. No doubt many of those who told their friends and family about tonight really would be laughed at. It sounded like the start of a joke, "So an elf girl walks into a bar..."

Unlikelier things had happened before though, and unlikelier things would happen again. As unlikely as it seems, Eruil had hit the nail on the head. What she had said spoke to almost everyone save a certain human officer because it was very much what they had been feeling for years. The pub was not just a place to get drunk after a hard day's work, it had always been somewhere for the non-humans to talk, to grumble, to argue, even debate. Not till today had anyone so aggressively voiced the desires of the people inside. A loaded gun ready to fire, just waiting for someone to pick it up. Eruil had that opportunity to pick it up and took it.

"Count me in!", "I'll join you!" "Let me bring me friends!", "Where do I sign up?"

The pub's dwarf owner was behind the bar. He breathed a sigh of relief at the change it atmosphere. Bar fights were one thing, dead humans in his establishment would have been asking for trouble though. More than once he had been about to call his sole minotaur worker to escort the trouble seeking children out. Now, though still loud, everyone was shouting with each other instead of at each other. Did not look like anyone was about to come to blows today.

He went around the bar and over to the elf girl. Standing on his toes he spoke as close to her ear as he could and said quietly, "You have my support, little miss, like you always did. But your next big rally will have to be elsewhere. I can't be risking my joint on this." He walked back to behind the bar before she could answer, pouring more drinks for the few genuine drunks not participation in the revolutionary prologue.

A minotaur raised his mug and shouted for cheers. Hurrah for the elf girl! Hurrah for what they were about to do! Excitement continued well into the night as people volubteered and boasted about what needs they would accomplish. Eventually the night settled and people remembered that they still had work tomorrow. Gradually, everyone drifted off, with promises to show up wherever Eruil said to.

Eventually, just a small circle of people were left. Among them the old goblin who had first spoken up about the burning factor. "So what now, little sister?" he asked Eruil, who while younger, was much taller then him. "Do you have anyone else on board with this?"

edited 19th Jun '12 4:01:18 PM by Parable

Jones didn't say much to the kid who'd spoken to him, he intended to have a word with him and his friend later, after they the pub. For now his goal was organization, which he spent the night on. Networking. Getting every name he could, locations, ensuring the organization of cells.

This wasn't how it was supposed to work. There were too many of them. Too many strangers. All of them hot headed and no one knew eachother. Plans would be difficult, codes would be impossible. But he looked as circles started to form.

Every time he saw a group of six or so forming, he'd ensure they all knew eachother well enough that they'd be able to organize again at a later date. He gave the leader a drop box number and a pseudonym. Usually Elvish, since he'd originally book them for himself. He told each of the 'cell leaders' to check the drop box weekly. If he wasn't sure about his first selection, he'd sometimes give another member of the cell a different box.

He let Erueil ap Araeh, Taugyr, The Half-Orc and the two human brats to their own.

It was chaos but there were too many of them to just let die. The Elf had ripped open a jar that could not be closed again.

Here's hoping her dream was worth it.

edited 19th Jun '12 4:06:47 PM by Fauxlosophe

Rudolph tried to speak so that the government man and his constant note taking wouldn't be able to pick him up.

"I'm not sure if it'll help the cause, but I can have copies of maps of the city's sewers with easily accessible routes to every area of the city and most of the important buildings marked out. It could be useful for infiltrations or escapes at times when we're unable to sneak through checkpoints above ground. It also gives us access to the city's water filtration systems if we have to take measures like mass poisoning, which would be the ideal way to go about it since the filtered water doesn't reach non-humans. Also,"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled sheet of paper, straightening it.

"I've given it a lot of consideration, and this is a list of children from families influential enough to be worth pressuring via kidnapping without being powerful or gutsy enough to effectively fight back through either the police or private security forces. We might also be able to re-educate some of the more open-minded children depending on how we go about things, and it might pay to establish a propaganda department. After all, if we win their hearts we don't have to stop them."

edited 19th Jun '12 6:40:09 PM by Dblade26

Illtyd looked over from his moving around and glared at the kid.

"You ain't seriou-," Illtyd paused looking him up and down. He knew better. This kid was serious.

"There's less than fifty of us. I expect about 32 to actually do something once they sober up. A 'proganda division' ain't in the cards. We're talking word of mouth and relying on reputation. A reptuation we ain't doing favours to by kidnapping brats like yourself. Weren't you just lecturing us lookin' at innocent humans," Illtyd spat the word with contempt, "like yourself crooked when they come over to cause trouble for us? Now you're asking us to kidnap brats? Kidnappings ain't non-violent kid, people are gonna get hurt and we're not going to come out looking good for it. Not to mention, if any of us were kidnappers, you'd probably be murmuring this from inside a burlap sack."

He sighed. The kid was potentially useful but he didn't look it. Only thing keeping him around was their "noble" leader.

"Look kid, just listen and learn. You've gone from talking to us about non-violence to suggestin' we take kids at gun point. You don't know what you're talking about. If you're serious, you're going to sit back and listen, while we look at what we got. Then we can have a proper discussion on how you can best help this little 'dream' of hers along."

edited 19th Jun '12 7:56:52 PM by Fauxlosophe

"Worry not, I shall not risk the Pub once again. It big enough that you let me do this in the first place. I'll forever be in your debt" said Eru to the owner of the pub, holding both of his hands in hers.

She spent the remained of the night greeting people, getting their names and faces fixed in her mind as she spoke to each in turn, clearing up doubts, promising to keep making appearances and telling all of them to keep spreading the word around.

Then as the night deepened and a few people remained, Eru signaled for them all to sit together in a table. She did likewise and then took off her beret, setting it down on the table in front of her. Hearing the question from the goblin she shook her head "This was the first step, my good goblin. I asked around for friends of friends to spread the word to the correct people... I do think because of that is why you turned up here tonight"

"However, I do know some important names... some people I should appeal directly to and in person. Likewise, more people need to know of our movement... need to know of our dream. So, I plan to continue signing my song. Speaking my words. We must reach out to as many orcs, elves, dwarves, minotaurs, goblins and even humans as possible"

She then looked at each of those gathered in turn before speaking again "Getting people to understand our dream... to rise up is incredibly important. It certainly will be what will consume most of my life from now on. However, plans cannot remain there. From the very beginning we must have a clear vision. Things will change in the future, things we will need to adapt to, to respond against. But we must have a clear vision of what we want if we are to truly move people forward"

"That is one of the most important things to be settled and decided in these talks"

Then Eruiel turned Rudolph and spoke up "That is..." She took a deep breath and then continued to talk "Every piece of information is useful... Those maps in specific are a Godsend. But as for the rest of it... I am of a similar opinion to Jones. I wish you to speak up... and listen to your opinion. But I won't allow such measures to be put on this table"

"Eru's right, and I have to admit Jones has a point too." Matthew said to his unnamed companion.

"We're only here to change how humans view the other sapient races, not act like a terrorist cell. I'm pretty sure humans wouldn't react well to this movement if we did those things." Matthew also got up and took back his knife from where he had tossed it near where Jones was sitting. He had the feeling he was going to need it now.

"Our first priority is money," Illtyd said looking at the table as if it held a map of the continent and he was moving the pieces, "Where we get to choose between relying on charitable donations of our more affluent members, you know the kind who can afford two loafs of bread a day. Or else we take it; Hit banks. Rob factories and stores. It's high risk, high reward. Easy money, easy guns if get to the right factory. We need both. Desperately."

He paused looking at Eruiel, "Question is, what kind of revolution do you want?"

edited 19th Jun '12 8:20:46 PM by Fauxlosophe

"I don't have much to offer to our cause right now, except for some money. Ten dollars, to be exact, with some more saved at home. It won't buy any particularly fancy items, but for now, it'll be enough to feed us. I also possess the keys to a warehouse on 15th Bowery Street that has been abandoned. There are some dry goods still left there, but we can also use the building as a hideaway if we need to."

"As for making money for the cause, I suggest we stay away from any criminal activity. Theft will only bring us unwanted attention from criminal gangs and it will be another excuse for humanity to strike our resistance down. And we are not going to wade through sewage or poison water supplies. That is a disgusting and wrong thing to do."

"Not a lot of people have more than that. That's the problem. Either we can pool what little we have together, asking people who are barely making rent to throw more cash at a mad gamble and lay low while gather what we can, or else we build our own treasuries," Illtyd replied, "Unlike a kidnapping, none of it would be traced back to us. No demands, just another bunch of rowdy natives acting up."

"I ain't insisting on it but it's a possibly we can't dismiss so easily. It wouldn't be nice to have it traced back to us but all our efforts won't count for much if we come marching at them with pointed sticks a second time around. We need people, guns and food. And for all of that we need money."

edited 19th Jun '12 8:47:07 PM by Fauxlosophe

"Maybe I can get money from my parents," Matthew suggested. "They each run their own businesses, and they're both sympathetic to the other races." Then Matthew tried to think what he thought was a bit more realistic.

"Or is that a bad idea? I don't know how, I'm just a guy, but maybe that's not the safest way of getting money."

edited 19th Jun '12 9:28:43 PM by Insano

Taugyr snorted as he listened to the others. The drinking elf seemed to have quite a handle on things, apparently quite experienced at this sorta thing. That in itself got a raised eyebrow from him, but he kept it quiet. Don't look a gift unicorn in the mouth and all that.

It was relieving though, on some level, to have someone who knew what had to be done. No one else seemed to know the logistics that would be involved in something like this.

He leaned his massive weight against the bar, which creaked dangerously. "Jones' right." He siad thoughtfully. "Money's the key, we need it to fund everything." He nodded to himself, thinking. "This warehouse of yours could be useful too," He said, nodding at Derrick, "But the main key is money. I know some people who can get us guns, and maybe some good fighters too, but to get either in quantity we need money."

He knew a few of his old regiment that he could probably get to join, but charity and goodwill wouldn't cut it for them. At the very least, the group would have to prove competent and able before they got any of the ex-soldiers he knew.

As for guns, he knew a couple smugglers and quartermaster who would be willing to sell them some stuff, but he doubted they'd do so out of the goodness of their hearts.

"Jones' way sounds better to me." He declared. "Robbery sounds like the best option." Taugyr never expected those words would come out of his mouth, ironically. "As noble as our cause may be, we are criminals. Raid some factories and such. Gets us money and supplies, and we spread the word in the slums: It is time, we will not stand this any loner." The minotaur brooded. "The raids can fund us, and any extra we can give to the poor of the slums, get them on our side. Once we have money, then we can focus on the rest. We have to start small, before going for the big stuff. And the small stuff is often inglorious."

He glanced at Matthew, stroking his chin. "Every little bit helps, I suppose." He said after thinking for a while. "But that only gets us so far. Your parents can't be rich enough to fund this entire revolution, that's a whole new level of resources. Some money of theirs might help us get off the ground, but I doubt they would outright support a revolution, especially not one started in one night by a couple dozen bar-going drunks." He glanced at the group. "No offense."

"As for you Jones," he said, rounding on the elf. "You seem to be... used... to this sort of thing. Do you have contacts we could use? Some people willing to fight or some such?"

edited 19th Jun '12 9:37:27 PM by rabbitRider

"Never hit a bank," Illtyd said with a shrug, "Wasn't the fund raiser but I might know a guy who knows a guy."

"The Warehouse could be invaluable If it's in the right sort of area, it could be a head quarters. If everyone running there and sleeping there would be too dangerous, it'll be a decent safe house."

"As to parents," He looked at the kid, "They ain't here. I'm sure their hearts are bleeding for us, but if they ain't here, all they're going to know is that their seventeen year old kid met a bunch of rabble in the bar and is now playing a game of revolution. At best, they're going to tell you they don't want you risking your skin out here. Far more likely, we sound like kidnappers or conmen trying to lead you into a brief life of law breaking so we can wring you for cash. And next thing you know you're watching us get hung."

edited 19th Jun '12 9:41:41 PM by Fauxlosophe

Rudolph just stared at the table silently, thinking and listening but keeping his mouth shut as he'd been pointedly told to do.

...I could help with money. I...probably have enough and it's not of much use to anyone else...unlike Matthew my parents probably won't even ask what i'm doing with it if some goes missing, or care. but that's not the kind of thing anyone wants to hear. I'm already barely tolerated for good reason, right? Waving money and status around is all they see me as doing...it would be pointless arrogance to bring up what they already assume...

He kept quiet and leaned back in his chair.

edited 19th Jun '12 9:43:00 PM by Dblade26