Courtesy Is Dead

[Spiffspoff]

♫[Music]♫

Things stir within the City of Gold.
A public conference is called, mustered by the Minister of Technology, and Innovation.

Just her?

Rumors circulate about the recent events.
Was it true Prospera had kidnapped a Knight of the Bastion?
Did an active coven really lurk within its golden exterior?
Had the Speaker really been grievously maimed on his trip to Gloomlight...?

The air was full of worry... That relations with a nation previously thought to be a close was on the brink of war.
It didn't help that countless drones were milling about the air this time, scanning over the crowd. In fact, the city was positively swarming with them.

Mei Hayme, tapped against a strange device attached to the podium before her, which sent dull thuds across the plaza, causing most of the crowd to settle down.
Amplified, her voice was cast:

"Citizen of Prospera, hear me.

You are not in danger, under the protection of Prospera. Your-- our, home, remains a haven for all those striving to further themselves according to our values.
But the clarity of the situation is, that some would attempt to spoil this peace that we've tried to build. The hands which we've extended, bitten by the wrist.
We tried to handle this rot cordially, and humanely. But this has failed. Indeed, the Ministry is to blame for permitting this rot to fester-- for believing in the,
courtesy, and humanity of people. Thinking that we could contain the bile, and rancor with kindness, and trust. That responsibility is ours to alone to bear.

But courtesy, is dead.

This is not the first time we've been threatened the blade for our stance on redemption, and I'm truly, deeply sorry that you, our people, is made to suffer.
We stand accused by the Bastion of being in possession of one 'Lynn Equisol', kidnapped by a Prosperan citizen. A Witch. I cannot deny that this may be.
But this Witch acted on their own-- Prospera does not condone of these actions, and condemn them. We wish for the safe return of Miss Lynn as soon as
possible, and are actively working to find the whereabouts of her holding. As a result of this dire situation, it can be denied no longer that the redemption
we sought to offer the lost has been misplaced. The trust, broken. As such, though it pains me greatly to detract from the living-conditions of our people...

There must be changes, for the betterment of Prospera. More drastic measures.

Prior to this conference, a large number of houses were thoroughly inspected, and the list is still-growing. Yes, this is a gross breach of your privacy, and
for that, you have my condolences. Every property will be inspected, down to the last plank of wood, until we either find Miss Lynn, or the Witch in question.

Ideally, we find both.

Secondly, there will be several new anti-Fel measures taken into use. The first, you already see. My drones will watch the skies. The streets. Every nook, and
cranny in which it may be necessary. Should we find something worthy of our attention, a policing unit will investigate. This is necessary, for a time, until we
can sufficiently weed out those that do not belong. We will be watching. Make no mistake, this is not our interest. But more drastic measures are warranted.

That brings me to the second measure."

A done drifted by, placing down a wooden, person-sized mannequin on the stage besides the angel-winged Minister, who approached it slowly, and raised her
hand to touch upon the center of the chest. Runes slithered out from the spot, forming a large 'X' with vibrant, red runework for a moment. It faded slowly
over the next few seconds, until it could no longer be seen. At which point the woman wandered back to the podium, and cleared her throat anew.

"What you saw me apply just now, is a rune that reacts to the usage of Witch-based magic. It functions like a leash-- a strong incentive never make any
use of the dark arts, now, or in the future. If it does, well... Let me demonstrate. This knife has been embedded with the same mana-signature as Hel-based
magic emits. This method only works on dummies for practical testing purposes."

Another drone slowly ventured over, holding said knife. It was stabbed into the middle of the chest of the mannequin, which immediately caused the runes to
flare up, and explode. Violently. The entire chest cavity of the dummy was blown open-- a fatal wound, surely.

"...But it will trigger when Fel rituals, and magic is run through the circuits, provided the origin is not external. From hence on, it will be mandatory for all citizen
Magi of Prospera to bear this rune. This includes the Ministry. If you find this measure distasteful, then you would have the right of it. But the potential for
rogue Witches has proven too high. It must be rectified. Immediately. For the safety of the nation as a whole.

Other measures are also in development-- ones to replace the previously mentioned one, due to its inhuman concept. As such, I cordially invite anyone with
a better counter-measure to contact me at your earliest inconvenience. I require a sure-fire method, and will place the current bounty of a sufficient solution
at two-hundred-thousand coins, paid from my own wealth. It is regrettable that it came to this. Regrettable that I even need to defend my people from the
accusations that one rotten apple has spoiled the bunch. Regrettable that I must invoke these terrible means, to show that our intent is true.

...I am truly sorry, citizen of Prospera."

With that, the Minister withdrew.
Deep beneath Prospera, into the Undercity.
Leaving behind an uncertain crowd.

Turmoil would come, that was certain.
For the decree was clear:

Subject to the means of anti-witchery, or be expunged.