Cullen, “I think this would be a good time to buy several more beers and talk to Simon and friends about the election. I am curious which way the wind is blowing.”
As a quiet aside to Cadogan, “I hate to say it, but few know who Marian is, so if Crumlin appears popular, we might be better advised to convince her to support him. Defeating Guy’s puppet would seem to be the more important thing.”
Marian blushes, but makes it clear she takes no offence. She mutters that wandering in forests speaking to a couple of animals is no preparation for public speaking.
Crumlin says decisively “The candidates must speak for themselves - I’m sure Edith Weston will confirm that. Even Gisbourne would not step in front of Curly Brown.”
He bangs the table and everyone looks at him. “This is a time for good men to stand forth! We must speak for Rutland, where our hearts lie.”
"Indeed sir, the rules must … apply to all … equally.
“But just as it is … possible … to name a champion for a … trial at arms … I had hoped … that Lady Marian could … name one to … speak for her until … she grew used to the idea of … speaking to the public … herself.”
Salazar nods, absently taking a second helping of bread and meat, his gaze seeminlgly focussed on the ceiling again.
Here! Here! Go forth and speak from your heart, the people will listen.
Salazar brought his attention down from the ceiling.
"Perhaps … we can do little … in the way of … constructive … planning until we learn the … rules of the election?
Crumlin thinks a bit, then takes a deep breath. “You are right, brother Curate. I will speak out. I stand for honesty, hard work and caring for others. I will be a good Sheriff.”
Simon is happy to talk, in between sips of his drink. 
He apologises for the ‘blowing wind’. “I’m not as young as I used to be, you know!”
He says that nobody outside Oakham knows who Curly is, but that Gisbourne’s soldiers (who maintain security throughout Rutland) tell people that the only way to stay safe is to vote for Curly.
He only met Marian today. “I’ve been all over Rutland and never heard of her before. No, be fair, - a forester told me once there was a Druid that looked after the forests. I suppose that’s her.”
Everyone knows Crumlin. “He runs the Oakham Morris Dancing Troupe, you know. And he visits us peasants in the hamlets to help with curing. If he can’t help us, he’ll find someone who can.”
Crumlin says Edith Weston sets the rules, but he reckons that a free election is very different from an accusation leading to a trial at arms (which only applies to nobles anyway).
Cullen asks the other beer drinkers about the three candidates. Once I get some better information and if they agree with Simon’s assessment, I will then ask to speak privately to Marian and Cadogan.
"With my apologies, but my lady, you seem ill-suited to this election, while I believe you should campaign and become better known, I advise that we also feel out Crumlin about stopping the mine. He appears popular with the locals. I fear his life might even be endangered if Sir Guy is evil. Sir Guy would possibly be willing to kill or at least smear Crumlin if it appears he will win.
Nature and Rutland might be best served by keeping Crumlin safe and getting him elected and just keeping you on the ticket as a last minute alternative in case of disaster."
The meal is finished and Alan remarks with a smile that there are some excellent trenchermen in the party. 
The party stroll back to the Temple of Heimdall, ready for their meeting to state the election rules.
Simon mutters to Cullen “Would it be all right if I sort of followed you for a bit, Friend Cullen? Wherever you go, interesting things happen! I won’t get in the way, honest.”
All around is the hubbub of Market Day, combined with preparations for the County Fayre tomorrow.
As the party enter the Temple, they see Sir Guy and Curly arriving too, each with their military escort.
Simon waits outside the Temple, chatting to a couple of stallholders.
Crumlin excuses himself as the party enter the room for their meeting.
The party, Marian and Sir Guy’s group all sit down.
Crumlin re-enters, apologising.
Then High Priestess Edith Weston enters, waving cheerfully to everyone to keep their seats. She smiles brightly at Hans. “As we are short of time, would you mind if we skipped the gnomish singing welcome for nobles? It’s lovely, but there’s so much to do.”
Edith is followed by an Acolyte, holding a brightly shining pebble.
Hans makes a SPELLCRAFT roll.
Cullen fails a SPELLCRAFT roll.
Salazar makes a SPELLCRAFT roll.
It is clear that the pebble has a [COLOR=Blue]Continual Light cast on it.[/COLOR]
The Acolyte stands dutifully behind Crumlin, holding the pebble so it shines above Crumlin’s head.
Sir Guy looks at the pebble, then at Crumlin. He grimaces.
Hans makes a READ LIPS roll.
Sir Guy mutters to himself “Very clever.”
Edith announces that this meeting is to agree a fair election for the important post of Sheriff of Rutland. She will run the election and three candidates have been nominated - Druid Marian, Acolyte Crumlin and Ceorl Brown.
Edith then lays out the details:
Curly nervously puts up his hand.
Edith smiles at him. “Yes, dear?”
Curly asks who lives at Empingham. (Sir Guy rolls his eyes :rolleyes: , but says nothing.)
Edith says “Oh, there’s a colony of Lizardmen there. They keep themselves to themselves, you know. No trouble at all - good neighbours.” She smiles happily at Erjg.
Sir Guy coughs loudly.
Edith turns to him.
Sir Guy says very smoothly “Wonderful, High Priestess. The election is safe in your hands. May I just make one small point?
There are some hard-working foresters, who may not be at home when you visit. Perhaps our … capable … Druid, who undoubtedly knows them all, could make sure they are gathered so they can all vote?”
Edith claps her hands delightedly. “First class, Sir Guy! You are entering into this election with just the right attitude!”
Sir Guy smiles, looking exactly like a cat who has swallowed the cream.
Edith continues “Marian, you could do that for us?”
Marian nods.
Sir Guy leans forward. “And of course it would make sense to have all the miners vote together in just the same way. We have regular mine meetings where everything is decided. How convenient for you, Edith - a simple show of hands…”
Edith says with relief “Yes, I agree. Well I must get ready to welcome Baron Wheldrake, so thank you all for coming!”
She scurries out, as Sir Guy’s smile widens.
A hasty poll just before you leave for the Temple confirms Simon’s opinions. You ask about the three candidates:
‘Curly’ - “Isn’t he a porter?”
‘Marian’ - “Who?”
‘Crumlin’ “Decent chap - helped my nephew get a job.”
Marian looks relieved.
She whispers “I’m sure only the foresters know who I am. Of course they’d all vote for me.
Also I do understand that the mine provides some use. I don’t want to shut it - I just want all the rubbish it produces cleared away properly.
I’m shocked that a Noble might do the things you suggest. It’ll be hard to convince anyone else of that.
We must stop Sir Guy somehow - that will protect the plants and animals.”
Cullen, "With that last trick, Sir Guy plans to swing the election with some trickery at the mines. Lady Marian, I believe you must ask the foresters to vote for Crumlin instead and we need someone to sway the folk of Empingham, I understand they are a colony of Lizardmen.
What trickery can he pull in the mines, is it simple voter fraud or something more dire?
Lady, we must find out how Crumlin will deal with the mine, if it meets your requirements, we should help get him elected and Curly defeated.
If you decide to convince the foresters to vote for Crumlin, ask to keep it secret until the vote so Sir Guy cannot plan for such an outcome."
Glee, has Sir Guy left the room yet?
Sir Guy leads his troops out, berating Curly for asking stupid questions.
He pays no attention to Cullen whispering to Marian…
I did say: I will then ask to speak privately to Marian and Cadogan.
No worries - we were slightly overlapping with our posts, and it was absolutely clear you would not be overheard by Sir Guy.
Just wanted to make sure.
No sense in going to great lengths to block our secret discussions from scrying then blurt it out in front of the chief villain of the early game, after all.
Salazar continues to stare dreamily at the ceiling.
"The mine seems … important … to the local economy. How many … people who can vote … in this election … work there?
"I suspect that … rumours will start circulating that … Lady Marian … intends to close … the mine. That would … incline those who’s livelihood … depends on the mine … to vote against her.
“If we shift our support … we will still have to … contend … with this sort of …claim.”
Marian and Cullen ask Crumlin what he would do about the mines.
Crumlin replies confidently “Rutland needs the metal from the mines, just as it needs the wood from the forests.
Now Lady Marian (he nods politely at her) preserves the trees wisely. We must do the same in the mines. Rubbish from the mines must be cleared by the mine-owner. It may mean we all pay a little more for metal things, but I will explain that is a small price to pay for clean water and air.”
He thinks a bit and adds "How about this: ‘It’s a small price to pay for clean air and water - for your families!’
Meanwhile a messenger arrives for Gawain.
After a brief conversation, Gawain turns to the group and explains he must go to Uppingham as there is a disease that needs curing urgently.
He wishes them all luck, then draws Hans aside. “Hans, we both fight Evil in our own ways. Your ‘gnome noble singing greeting’ was an inspiration to me. Now I must go on another task for now, so I need to help you with this one. Please feel free to represent yourself as my Squire, use my name and anything similar that occurs to you. My name carries real weight (I am a Lieutenant in the Nottingham Militia fior example) and I will back up your stories!”
He takes out a Holy Symbol of Heimdall (a horn), gives it to Hans and adds “Look, you can show this to prove you speak for me. But only use it … respectfully, because the Gods are watching!”
Outside the Temple, the party hear the sound of the Oakham Town Crier. He has a very loud, clear voice.
In between ringing his bell, these words ring out “Oyez! Oyez! Gather near and listen!
High Priestess Edith Weston has decreed the elction for Sheriiff of Rutland will start in two days. Be ready!
When she visits your Town or Hamlet, tell her who you want as Sheriff. Three candidates - Marian the Druid, Crumlin the Cleric and Curly the Senior Porter - seek your support.”
After a while, the message is repeated (luckily at a distance).
The party have a chance for private conversation, while the hubbub of Market Day goes on. Charles the tailor sells his colourful cloak triumphantly to a merchant, grinning at Salazar as he does so.
A little later, a man wearing a flour-covered apron suddenly appears and heads hurriedly straight for Crumlin. He starts to speak, but is out of breath.
Crumlin says kindly “How are you, Master Baker? Family all right? Your two lads John and Jack keeping out of trouble?
Actually I think Jack has met Squire Hans here. May I introduce …”
The Baker, having recovered, interrupts Crumlin. “Begging your pardon, Acolyte Crumlin - but my son Jack has been kidnapped!”
Hulgfar looks over at Erjg, and whispers “Perhaps there is some action after to be had today, this day of listening may turn out well after all”, But waits for Crumlin to take speak.