Ab Antiquo

Good evening everyone! Here I am again, keeping my ears to the ground of the rumblings and bustlings and the pointed fingers and whosit whatsits.

At the end of last week we had more than just the "Silent" being emphasized on the NightWatch's Silent Auctions, We also saw an open declaration of "Get off your ass and do something" From Annabelle and ladypeacek in regards to their former clansman Liski.

More than a handful of hours passed by before the speculation grew. I've become quite fond recently of the idea that, "Silence is an answer." And in this silence, we've been left with more questions, speculations, wonderings and frustrations as to what exactly might happen next.

Only a handful of time ago, Liski entered and as quickly left the Tavern, leaving behind solely a single, excessively well folded note. I've gone through some of the eraser marks and scratchings out to bring you her message in it's entirety. It reads:




To whomever it concerns,

When I was asked to return to the city back in 2009, it was by one of Pea’s former childe who I had a friendship with. At the time, I had no lineage and no connection still active. Everyone around me informed me of the big bad three headed alliance that was in charge. They bullied people and attacked people because they held all the power. They destroyed anything and everything that wasn’t “them” or they didn’t like. They were loathed. Naturally, an alliance started to rise up against them and eventually defeat them. The difference was: this alliance had no desire to be a replacement to them. At least, the majority of the alliance did not. Some felt it was what those individuals deserved and gave it right back as they had done. No worse, just the same in kind. However, that was not what the overall alliance agreed to and those who were doing harm were pruned. Their support was removed. And now we are here.

Many who feel they are forced into stagnation and being beaten down were part of the original problem, but they’ve never apologized for that. And no one is demanding that of them either. From one standpoint, this is an accurate account of history. This is based on the feelings of people on one side of the aisle. It's completely reasonable that those on the other side can feel differently.

I’ve made mistakes and apologized for them to several people. I am not perfect and never claimed to be. I have tried to work with almost every single person who I felt wronged me and mine when they were in power. I have tried to forge new relationships and move beyond the past. I've extended numerous olive branches, some to the same person repeatedly. Most didn’t want to create a united community. They wanted to remain in power. They wanted to hold a grudge. I am not the person from ten years ago; nor fifteen; nor twenty; and many of these issues are that old.

My run as Ferrymen leadership has been fairly simple. Under my leadership I ensured Ferrymen regularly found the shops and guilds within minutes of their movement. Consistently and reliably. For years. We aided in hundreds of charisma quests during our two yearly events. We supported community projects as a group. Gave away millions in prizes and prize money. As a group, we rebuilt Ferrymen from dust and made it something to apparently be well feared. It’s a legacy I am proud of which cannot be taken away.

Since the tactic of thinking a timeline has some magical meaning was employed, I will address that directly. My response to being hit was to laugh. I couldn't think of a more appropriate response to two individuals with no relevance in the city to attempt to force relevance by attacking someone who is also irrelevant. By propping me up to be this massive threat and hinderance, you've granted me power I don't deserve. I appreciate it for the laugh though. My time is also limited and has been for several years, so while I appreciate others have nothing better to do than wait on bated breath for a response, I unfortunately take my time to gather my thoughts and feelings before I respond. I felt Annabelle deserved that much respect.

Much of the claims made in the article are false and while I could point them out, it will eventually become a she said/she said debate so it would be entirely unproductive. Ferrymen know the truth, my allies know the truth, and I know the truth. That's good enough for me. I cannot change minds of those who want to believe the worst. But there is some truth sprinkled between what was written and I can acknowledge my own failings.

Annabelle, I am sorry that you felt the Corridor was beneath you and disrespectful. Perhaps you will allow me to explain why it was necessary.The Ferrymen, unlike many groups, are always evolving. What it meant to be part of the clan in 2004 is vastly different from 2014 or 2024. Every time we grow and change, it creates a new identity, and to maintain fairness and unity, everyone—no matter their history—must begin again. To show favoritism has historically been shown only to cause problems. Many others, including former leaders, did not find it offensive and had no issue with doing it so they could learn about the new make up of the clan. It was not meant as a personal insult to you, but I can understand how you felt how you did. Sometimes a home is not a place we can return.

I sincerely apologize to those who felt victimized by either my alliances, clan, family, or me personally over the last 20 years. It has never been my intention to harm, but we all do so. I have used any power I've gained to protect those I love, some times that means others must be harmed. But, I will apologize all the same. I've been blamed for Dama's way of doing things, and while I don’t believe I was the sole contributor, I cannot deny my part in it. What followed — the cruelty unleashed on people — was something I never condoned, and it weighed heavily on me. For those who were hurt, I offer my deepest apologies. I will continue to distance myself from any such actions in the future, ensuring that any power I wield serves only to protect, never to cause harm.

Lastly, I’m truly sorry, Vex. Everything here that’s happened has undermined your hard work and the contributions you've made to the clan. It was an insult to the respect you've already earned. You’ve been celebrated for your dedication long before any of this, and you never needed anyone else to speak on your behalf. I hope this doesn't tarnish your legacy because you deserve so much better.

Whether you approve of who leads a clan or not, you are not part of it and have no say on it. That is up to the membership alone. Several former leaders have stated their approval over the years and commended my work. Not everyone has to agree and my style is different from your own. I don’t agree with how other entities operate but I don’t attempt to dictate them either. Ferrymen is not the NightWatch to be deliberated upon, but as I have been semi-retired for well over two years now, your opinions are noted but unnecessary. You largely are asking for something I cannot do, since it's already been done. I can agree, the current Ferrymen are not my Ferrymen. The clan has already moved onto a new team. Leadership has already begun to change and shift accordingly and will continue to do so without outsider input.

I will not be responding to further insults and nonsense. I once respected you, Annabelle, but I’ve come to realize that engaging with your insults is no longer worth my time. Your attempts to provoke me will be ignored, as I’ve chosen to step away from this toxic back-and-forth. I do wish you well and hope that whatever anger you continue to hold onto for a person you've never really spoken to or known is one day released. To the rest who responded, please know I haven't read your words and they have no standing with me, but I wish you the same release.

If anyone wishes to speak with me for productive discussion, they may find me at their leisure. My number is listed.

Sincerely,
Liski de Vangeline

Liski wrote: That didn't happen.
And if it did, it wasn't that bad.
And if it was, that's not a big deal.
And if it is, that's not my fault.
And if it was, I didn't mean it.
And if I did, you deserved it.

Your narc is showing, Miss Ma'am.

In case anyone like me was wondering if this meant Liski was no longer head of the Ferrymen, we have this from Vex:

“Since I’ve gotten a number of questions about my uh… legacy… I figure I should clear this up. Gentle reminder that Liski remains Stygian and does indeed maintain full control of the clan. If there comes a time when that changes, I’m sure I’ll be just fine.

Vex de Draak
Acheronian of the Ferrymen”



This was also placed along with the note left in the tavern. So. I guess we're all being cute high schoolers and I'm going to do my best to read all of the notes as they get passed back and forth!

Brom wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 01, 2024 1:45 am

In case anyone like me was wondering if this meant Liski was no longer head of the Ferrymen, we have this from Vex:

“Since I’ve gotten a number of questions about my uh… legacy… I figure I should clear this up. Gentle reminder that Liski remains Stygian and does indeed maintain full control of the clan. If there comes a time when that changes, I’m sure I’ll be just fine.

Vex de Draak
Acheronian of the Ferrymen”



This was also placed along with the note left in the tavern. So. I guess we're all being cute high schoolers and I'm going to do my best to read all of the notes as they get passed back and forth!

Actually, that's the way we did that before. Messages were posted in public spaces like taverns.

...So yes, it's very highschool-core.

Oberon wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 01, 2024 2:22 am

Actually, that's the way we did that before. Messages were posted in public spaces like taverns.

...So yes, it's very highschool-core.

Hey, I support this. Much easier to report on!

Yes it was quite nostalgic. And I’m very cute, thanks for noticing.

A transcript of my reply left in the same establishment follows:


Dearest Liski,

It appears as if there are a series of overdue apologies required and although I was taking a step back so my wives could handle their own business, you brought my business in so here we are.

First, I apologize that you believed that any of us not caught in your web of gaslighting and cycle of abuse are going to buy your nonsense like your own do. This novella full of vague statements and attempts to play the victim are a sham, much as you now are.

Now, in 2009 you know there wasn’t yet a big bad three headed alliance. There was Ygg/RoR and by extension the Lokason and St. John lineages. We were big, we were bad …and we only made one offensive maneuver during that entire time against the Cap Dynasty, who were being created solely to come after us. The D’dary did not join until later and then we were big, we were bad …and we were completely outnumbered by YOUR alliance and family in 2013 when we went to war. A war that D’dary joined solely because Ace decided that tearing apart Linconnu, a new clan with 10 members, and declaring themselves the new D’dary was the first step in ushering in the Age of Dumont. Tifereth warned them that D’dary would be coming in two years’ time. Who was really destroying what? Hmm?

Was I an absolute cunt to people that were nasty to me and mine? Yes, I was. I’ll continue to be so. No apology required there.

Since nitenurse and Tifereth are not here, and ophelia is sitting with her Liski pompoms in a clan that nobody even knew she built, by default, these apologies fall to me to give. So, I apologize for being part of a multi-year alliance that held the city’s power in such a way that didn’t go around smashing others’ attempts to build until we were directly threatened. You didn’t see any of those three groups, whether allied or not, squashing anything in the city that we couldn’t touch ourselves. Although in reality, shouldn’t you be thanking us? Because, if we were as bad as you tried to paint us as, neither Ferrymen nor deVangeline would exist today.

I apologize that you listened to “everyone” and didn’t apply any critical reasoning to the situation yourself to see that we actually encouraged our enemies to build because otherwise, the city would go stagnant and die.

I apologize because ophelia and Vex have to sit over there and act like you’re not completely delusional as you split hairs over apologies from an alliance they were both part of, and one of them led. Especially when one of them was forced to join to keep his lineage safe in the first place.

I apologize that you decided to spy on RoR, Ygg, and St. John. You were good, I’ll give you that, but you weren’t good enough to not eventually get caught and thus deserve the ass beating you eventually received. Fun fact for everyone, though - ophelia was the one that caught you in one of the most intricate operations I have ever seen in my life and she didn’t have to gaslight the entire city to pull it off.

I apologize that your own ally was stupid enough to come to me, who at the time was one of ophelia’s closest friends, and declare that the Age of Dumont was going to be ushered in because they were going to take out the Red Queen. I don’t apologize for taking that threat seriously. I don’t apologize for finding every crack in the Dumont conglomerate and shoving a stick of proverbial dynamite into them.

I apologize because you thought bankrolling a destructive narcissist so you could throw your rocks and hide your hand was your power wielding strategy. I apologize that you helped to whitewash history by allowing that narcissist to prey on the weaknesses of one of this city’s icons and tugging her to your side. I apologize that you treated her like a toy, propping her up in a game of hot potato while rewriting history to place the blame for everything we did you didn’t like (i.e. beating your ass in a war because you fumbled having 95ish hitters) onto me. I apologize that you kept funding that narcissist as he went after everything I touched. Tantibus, Ravenbane, the Mayor Pea stuff, Smerb’s place, RoR–you sat back and watched him tear it all down and just kept shoveling that coin into his pockets.

I apologize that you don’t understand leadership and that you cannot simultaneously be a clan leader and semi-retired at the same time.

I apologize that you also don’t understand the point of all this and instead just tried to paint everyone including yourself irrelevant so allow me to articulate it in a different way. The fact that the Ferrymen did all those things you mentioned yet NOW sits stagnant and rotting is the issue. The fact that your political strategy has consisted of bankrolling, blackmailing, blackballing, and gaslighting for years is the issue. The fact that you had two women with enough conviction to make a stand and hit you with willingness to be fully bled for it, and your response was an attempt to position yourself as a victim by vaguely and incorrectly referencing the sins of their wife and also to position yourself as “irrelevant” as they are is the issue. The fact that you claim Annabelle’s words were false yet provided zero evidence to the contrary is the problem.

I apologize that Pea and Annabelle have proved themselves to be your better in every conceivable way that counts. Actually, no I’m not. I’m quite proud of them.

Respectfully,

Seyda St. John Wolfe-Adaire

You run a clan I once led. It was me who took a clan I had never any intention of leading, from 2 inactive members to 60+ active. It was me who built the spirits in Ferry. It was me who bled through multiple wars, not from the back but as the first one to step in. It was me who snuffed out the lamps of a leader who admitted he did nothing. You, don't get to call me irrelevant. That's the entire problem. To YOU, more than anyone else, as the leader of Ferry, I should be....relevant. Am I relevant to the rest of the city? Who cares. This isn't about them. This isn't about the city. This is about you, leader of a clan both Anna and I once held in the largest parts of our heart, both added and built upon to make it what it is today. The fact you consider us irrelevant IS the problem. The fact that YOUR members have no idea who I was in Ferry, IS the problem. The fact that you relit the nonsense of Lucius, IS the problem. The fact that you have added nothing but you have taken taken taken, IS the problem.

The rest of that shit had nothing to do with Anna or myself. We were not in these alliances. We did not lead anything you feel so threatened by. We tried to play games and make a nice little life for ourselves in this city and you would not allow it to happen. Not for us, former leaders of the clan you now lead, for no reason but you weren't the one controlling it. That IS the issue.

Your words mean nothing, Liski. Whatever compelled you to write such narcissistic apologies, sprinkled with lies, all while not only not defending any of the accusations made against you, but also calling yourself out for your clan being stagnant and no longer performing any of the most basic services that the clan was founded upon, is nothing short of pathetic.

Do you know that your very own Shadow Phial is not even shown on the public map in the public tavern? A tavern that was created with the intent to be helpful and welcoming to new citizens of our City, that also seems to be the only place you feel comfortable visiting while you refuse to frequent a public place your own clan member owns and operates, has such a grossly outdated map that you should be embarrassed to call yourself the “leader” of the clan founded upon the ideals of information gathering.

You don’t need to lie to the City and claim that I don’t know you. That we’ve never spoken. No one, either inside your clan or outside of it, believes your petty lies. Your incompetent ass spent months trying to persuade me to be your childe after your gross actions ran my entire family and everyone I loved out of town by dangling potential leadership in The Ferrymen in front of me under the premise that you would be retiring soon and wanted someone you could trust to lead the clan. You were ecstatic when I bound to Daly because you felt you finally had some semblance of power over me. So be gone with your lies.

I don’t even care that you’ve painted me as an irrelevant leader of The Ferrymen’s past. While I was there, every single member of the clan loved me, respected me, and followed me without hesitation. They would have never sat by while I was attacked, physically or verbally, and done nothing. This loyalty kept that clan going in one of its darkest hours and I am extremely proud of everyone who was a part of that. Pea was essential to continuing those efforts in her leadership and built The Ferrymen up to be even stronger than I could have dreamed.

You’re welcome.

I hope this doesn't tarnish your legacy because you deserve so much better.

I asked who the fuck Liski was. This? This answered my question.

Who the fuck is Liski? An insidious propagandist. I’d be impressed if it weren’t so transparent. Lost her touch, maybe. Or her attack dogs.

As for Vexian’s legacy: don’t worry about it, Liski-who-is-definitely-not-reading-this! He’s survived worse. He’s thriving. He’s changing and adapting and evolving and you, Liski, stagnate and rot, and by the looks of it have allowed the rot to spread out all around you.

You don’t need to worry about his legacy.