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#1 ferratus Sep 21, 2003 4:41:17

In the Age of Mortals, there is an description of the Solamnic city of Solanthus, and within that description you can find a clandestine circle. For the sake of convenience, I'll reprint what is on page 141. Warehouses: These two warehouses belong to the uth Wathor family, a wealthy family of Solamnic merchants known throughout Ansalon for their trade in exotic fabrics and spices. Although the uth Wathor family are Solamnic Knight sympathizers, they have always supported the Guildmasters, both before the War of the Lance and following the War of Souls. In truth, the uth Wathor family are members of the Clandestine Circle, a secret branch of the Knights of Solamnia that uphold the Code and the Measure by working incognito. Okay, this is exactly how the Clandestine circles were corrupted in the 5th Age. Clandestine circles existed out of necessity, not out of convenience. They existed so that knights who would otherwise be slain or hunted could remain alive until they were strong enough to challenge their opressors in rebellion. In Solanthus, Knights are permitted to live in the city and hold residences there. The only thing they are not permitted to do, is hold offices there. The town council basically just restored the rights they and their citizens had before the 5th Age. It says so right in the description of Solanthus' history. It was also a pretty common state of affairs in terms of Solamnic city-states. After all, in Palanthas it is Lord Mayor and the senate who ruled, not the Knights. All the presence the Knights had in Palanthas was "Knight's House" in which a Rose Knight acted as ambassador and advisor to the Lord Mayor. The city states ruled themselves, and provided militia soldiers to serve the Knights as Auxillaries during times of national crisis. It doesn't matter that the situation in Solanthus is just, and has long precedent. It doesn't matter that the rule of Palanthas is stable and benevolent. It doesn't matter that the citizens of Solanthus would be better served by elected officials with a background in merchantilism who would understand how much a tradesmen could afford in taxes, or issues of tariffs, guild regulations, or city sanitation (which the knights, trained in the arts of war and chivalry are completely unfamiliar with). It doesn't even matter that it was the town council that drove out the dark knights. All that matters is that the Knights regain complete control over the city because it is "theirs". Rather than approaching the Solanthus town council as advisors and ambassadors, forming a partnership that benefits all, they skulk in the shadows. Bah, the whole thing leaves a bad taste in Raye Oakenshield's mouth, I can tell you that. It is a repeat of Sanction all over again. It didn't matter that Hogan Bight held the Nerekans at bay. It didn't matter that Sanction was prosperous and justly ruled. It didn't matter that trade was flowing. It didn't matter that the people were happy and enjoyed the first taste of a peaceful life in generations. No, the knights are instead going to choose not to trust them, and send knight operatives in disguised as common street theives... and if we get wind of a plot to assassinate Hogan Bight, we'll rub our fingers together with glee that we've got a chance to seize control. Bah!