[audio] @kingofwei

[pure_havoc]

Good day, my fellow citizens old and new. For the newcomers, my name is Cao Pi, styled Zihuan. Welcome, for what it's worth, to Beacon.

We have just been through an ordeal far, far worse than the one which happened during the mission to connect the lighthouse to the network, and I understand that many are still nursing their wounds and even dead. It is my genuine hope that everyone who succumbed returns to us, we will need their strength now more than ever. And yet, I feel I cannot wait for everyone to be whole before addressing this issue. Master Matt contacted me and we had a fine discussion about the battle and our need for plans going forward.

A couple of months ago we held a meeting for everyone to speak face to face about what we can offer the town in terms of organization and defense. It was productive, but since then only one or two people have talked to me about joining forces to prepare a leadership council. My gratitude to masters Kol and Quentin, and my apologies for not following up immediately. We have had a difficult couple of months.

The forceful attack by the spirits is exactly what we feared would happen, and we were barely, marginally, prepared. The fallback to the Invincible was well-managed, but imperfect. We can do better, and we must, because now we have seen the faces of what lurks out there to destroy us and we know, for a fact, that we are not going to be able to manage another onslaught like that even if we have all those who were asleep at our sides to help fight. Even with the valiant efforts of those who have been preparing, like Inspector Javert, Masters Jason and Riku, I feel we would benefit from another meeting. It will also help those fresh off the ferry to be brought up to speed.

As before, I will be in the town hall at moonrise, let us say...the eighth day of this month. That should allow plenty of time for recovery and resurrection. I welcome everyone to join and share their experiences, particularly those who were asleep. I should like to hear what everyone experienced.

[and here's where his voice turns from pleasantly calm to dead serious]

...I caution against sharing too much openly on the network. Given the last few bulletins, I cannot simply assume that the network is safe. It could be that even the Keeper's last report was compromised. Be wary.

[which doesn't mean he won't respond if people want to chat with him, that's what he's here for]

Comments

@Grandmaster | Audio

[paletteswap]

It's unfortunate our best laid plans were not enough. You are right that we will not survive another such onslaught without proper preparation, I hope everyone attends.

We'll need them.

[pure_havoc]

And how are you faring, Grandmaster? I know you were doing your best out there.

[paletteswap]

It may not have been good enough.

[If anyone can find a flaw in battle technique it's this guy.]

As well as can be, only minorly injured. I shall recover which is more than many can say.

[pure_havoc]

Mm, yes. It may take a few days before we know whether anyone was killed but not brought back. The uncertainty is the worst part.

Think not in terms of our weakness but our enemy's strength. We have a better idea of it, now, even if it cost us to learn it.

[paletteswap]

That is a wise way to look at it.

[You're a good emperor. He likes you.]

Are you aiming to be better prepared for the next attack or leading a preemptive strike?

[pure_havoc]

Frankly... [and he doesn't mind saying it publicly on a potentially-compromised network! all part of the plan] ...a strike would be foolish. We still do not know who these spirits are, what provoked them, what their goal was, and most importantly, what separates them from the kind spirits who have done their best to make us comfortable, who mourn their dead as we do and appreciate our presence. I would not alienate the latter in pursuit of the former. That would be simply making more enemies on multiple fronts and in my experience, that's never a good idea.

[paletteswap]

[He's a little surprised he's saying anything at all. Kuai had expected something along the lines of: we'll discuss this later.]

Of course not against the friendly spirits, they've done nothing to cause this. That was not what I meant.

I think they could be valuable allies. Perhaps we could help them as well.

I forgot to inquire earlier, but I take it you found your sword?

[pure_havoc]

[hey, if the wrong parties are listening, that's what we call a subtle nod to diplomacy there]

I did, thankfully. All is well in that regard. Pure Havoc has come in handy, but I am concerned one of the blades might be dulled. I wonder where one would look for a smith, or barring that, a whetstone.

[paletteswap]

[They (and Kuai) suspect nothing.]

Have you been to the armory? In the lower level where the target range and practice dummies are I think I saw some whetstones. Likely of poor quality but it may serve.

A weapon, or armorsmith, would be incredibly useful about now. I wonder if we can ask Rastus to find us one.

[He's only kind of joking.]

[pure_havoc]

Briefly. I managed to grab a bow and a handful of arrows but we had far larger concerns at the time. I will return to look.

[he chuckles, though] ...I wonder how the old bird is at getting us in touch with the right people versus items.

[paletteswap]

I'll have to ask him. I'd be surprised if no one else has tried.

If nothing else he can probably get us the proper supplies, but that means we have to do it ourselves.

[pure_havoc]

I am fairly certain no one who uses a sword would want me anywhere near a forge.

[he's more than happy to let people with skills do what skilled people do. All that poetry never trained him to hone a sword in the shop]

[paletteswap]

I know the basics, but it would be better to have someone skilled.

[Gotta be self sufficient when you live on a mountain cut off from everything.]

Someone was offering training at the Armory for those who don't know how to fight. I wonder how many will take them up on it since this has happened.

[pure_havoc]

Are you sure you wouldn't melt yourself in the attempt?

[ACTUAL JOKE]

Is that the one run by Inspector Javert, or another? Either way I advocate for much more in the way of weapons training, with whomever they choose.

[paletteswap]

[Wow. This is audio but know that you are getting a look that he would never give in person because honor and diplomacy and such.]

I believe that was his name, yes. We have quite a few warriors and soldiers so there's many that are capable of training others. We're on the right path - and we can discuss further options at the meeting.

[pure_havoc]

[GOOD he deserves it, that was terrible. His sense of humor is atrophied.]

Yes, we can. The inspector's sessions are a good thing, I can already see how valuable they are. We can build on that from here on out.

[paletteswap]

Are they well attended do you know? I should have attended some to assist, but was distracted with other things.

[pure_havoc]

I have dropped in a time or two, there don't seem to be a huge number but more than one or two, which is something.

[paletteswap]

Every bit helps. Sometimes numbers can be a solid substitute for skill.

I look forward to what others may suggest at the meeting. My experience is only with fighting, there may be other ways I am blind to.

[pure_havoc]

Fair enough. I shall see you there, then.