by Flession » Fri Jul 14, 2023 4:10 pm
An adjunct to the Hall of Records, the Hall of Information may be Sigil's most valuable resource. It provides general information about government operations, cultural affairs, and private sector services; Cagers and visitors with routine questions are directed here. Among the services the Hall may be able to provide are:
- Locating a missing relative.
- Giving directions to a Lower Ward inn.
- Recommending a reputable pawnbroker in the Market Ward.
- Mediating a dispute with a merchant.
- Petitioning for government employment.
- Rectifying a mistaken tax assessment.
- Explaining the status of a civil war in Acheron.
- Arranging a meeting with a wealthy landowner.
Located midway between the Hall of Speakers and the Hall of Records, the Hall of Information's a stately edifice of blue marble edged in onyx, its sparkling crystal windows framed in turquoise. A pair of marble ramps leading inside runs between three marble columns. The words on each column (one per capital) taken together summarize the Hall's credo: COOPERATION, COMPLIANCE, and CONTROL. (Take care not to lean too hard on the COOPERATION column; it's been weakened by structural flaws and is about ready to collapse. The Bureau of City Services has issued a statement that repair is imminent.
Inside, a steward'll arrange an appointment with the appropriate official and collect the fee, when applicable. After cutters make an appointment, they may look around a bit, so long as they speak in hushed tones, avoid disturbing any of the officers, keep their hands off the clean walls, and stay away from the chief, Bordon Mok. A force of Mercykiller guards keeps an eye out for troublemakers. In Bordon's defense, let it be noted that hers is a difficult job, demanding a firm hand and unwavering focus. And she performs her duties well. During her three decades as chief, the Hall of Information's been a model of efficiency.
But as a person — more precisely, as a bariaur — she's foul-tempered and frightening. If she has affection for any living creature, she's kept it to herself. In the rigidity of her beliefs, Bordon isn't so different from other Takers. She contends that society's outcasts are victims of their own laziness, that the strong're meant to dominate the weak. But Bordon takes the philosophy of the Fated to an extreme. She believes fear breeds loyalty and compassion's a character flaw. She intimidates her Hall officers with vicious insults - she refers to the Portal Registrar as "my little cranium rat," his children as "ratlings" — and lashes 'em with a silver whip if they fail to bow when she walks by. (If Bordon hadn't arranged for the Hall officers to receive handsome salaries, it's unlikely that any'd remain in her employ for more than a few weeks.) She despises the Harmonium, and considers primes an especially repugnant species of vermin. She trusts no one, colleagues included, and is rumored to have evidence of immoral acts conducted by several of Sigil's most respected Cagers, which she intends to use as blackmail.
All interior walls and floors're made of polished blue marble, illuminated by aquamarine chandeliers. Every surface is spotless. Footsteps and muttered conversations echo in the otherwise silent hallways. A faint aroma of apples hangs in the air.
The directory to the Hall of Offices is a complete listing. The type and quality of Information available In each office is up to the DM. While the officers strive for accuracy, Information is often outdated or Incomplete. Additionally, the government reserves the right to withhold sensitive data. The Hall of Information is open around the clock, every day. A character who wishes to use the Hall must follow these steps:
- OBTAIN A LIST OF OFFICES FROM THE STEWARD. The steward's sole function is to aid cutters in making appointments; he won't answer any questions, nor will he recommend which office to visit. He will, however, provide a directory of offices for berks who don't know where they want to go. The character must choose an office from the directory that seems best suited to the particular situation. For instance, someone Interested in hiring on as a necromancers apprentice might try the Wizard's Registry. A body who wants to complain about a mugging by a dwarf might try the Nonplanar Races Commission. There is no guarantee, however, that the office chosen will be of any help at all.
- MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. After the character chooses an office, the steward makes an appointment. Appointments can usually be made within a day or two; same-day appointments are uncommon, except in emergencies. A character may make only one appointment at a time, and may discuss only one problem per appointment.
- PAY THE PROCESSING FEE. For most appointments, a character must pay a processing fee to cover administrative overhead. Fees are listed in the directory (the Health Commission appointment fee is 1 sp). The steward collects the fee as soon as the character makes the appointment. No fee, no appointment. Missed appointments result in forfeited fees.
- MEET THE OFFICER. On the designated day, the character goes to the appropriate office In the Hall of Information and meets the officer.
Most officers are low-level fighters, lawfully-aligned {either lawful good or lawful neutral). The officers work 12-hour shifts, five days per week. It's entirely possible that characters may have to deal with different officers on return visits. Once the character explains the situation to the officer, two outcomes are possible:
• The officer Informs the character this is the wrong office. Consequently, the officer can't help out. The character may return to the steward and make another appointment with a different office. If you're lucky, the officer may suggest which office the character should visit.
• The officer agrees to try to help the character.
- LEARN THE RESULTS. The officer provides the character with whatever Information or service the DM feels is appropriate. The officers provide better general Information than specific details.
Hall of Information Directory
- Association of Heralds and Criers: Disseminates material from the Hall of Records and Hall of Speakers intended for public consumption. Processing Fee: None.
- Bureau of City Services: Explains duties of government offices, including law enforcement, tax collection, social services, construction projects, and housing. Tells where to find officials. Processing Fee: None.
- Bureau of Commerce: Oversees merchants, traders, and craftsmen. Provides information regarding availability of goods and services. Processing Fee: None.
- Bureau of Customs and Traditions: Provides information to visitors regarding Sigil customs and traditions. Processinq Fee: None.
- Bureau of Learning: Referral service for mentors, sages, and teachers. Oversees libraries. Processing Fee: 3 sp.
- Charity Commision: Responsible for registration of all charities. Monitors resource distribution. Site inspection. Investigates misconduct and mismanagement. Processing Fee: None.
- Department of Arbitration: Encourages fair trading, product safety, and quality assurance. Sets trade standards. Locates professional arbitrators to mediate between buyers and sellers. Processing Fee: 1 gp.
- Department of Employment: Registers employment agencies, interviews applicants (by arrangement with employer). Some hiring for city positions. Processing Fee: 1 sp.
- Health Commission: Maintains registry of hospices and healers. Certifies treatments. Processing Fee: None.
- Inner Planes Relations: Oversees affairs on Inner Planes pertaining to Sigil, including trade regulations, diplomatic arrangements, and treaties. Tourist information also available. Processing Fee: 8 sp.
- Land Registry: Provides names of Sigil landowners, along with lists of their properties. (Information may not be distributed without landowner’s written permission.) Processing Fee: 5 sp.
- Ministry of Public Rolls and Records: Distributes selected government records, most of a statistical nature. Provides reading rooms (1 cp/hour, limit of 8 hours/day unless reader receives special approval). Processing Fee: 1 sp.
- Ministry of War: Provides information regarding status of known conflicts in all planes. Receives inquiries of mercenaries and weapon dealers. Queries regarding Sigil defense policies also answered. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
- Nonplanar Races Commission: Registry of services for all nonplanar races (those other than bariaur, githzerai, human, half-elf, and tiefling), including such pertaining to health, housing, and food. Provides information regarding nonplanar racial organizations, societies, and social groups. Processing Fee: 1 gp.
- Outer Planar Relations: Services similar to Inner Planes Relations, as pertaining to Outer Planes. Processing Fee: 8 sp.
- Outlands Relations: Services similar to Inner Planes as pertaining to Outlands. Processing Fee: 5 sp
- Portal Registry: Distributes information regarding location and accessibility of known portals in Sigil available to general public. Limited information regarding portals outside of Sigil also available. Processing Fee: 5 gP.
- Priest’s Registry: Voluntary registry of priests, including specialties and services. Monitors current location of all registrants. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
- Prime Material Plane Relations: Services similar to Inner Planes Relations, as pertaining to Prime Material Plane. Processing Fee: 8 sp.
- Taxation Bureau: Reviews tax problems. Assesses special fees. Arbitrates taxation disputes. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
- Wizard’s Registry: Services similar to the Priest’s Registry, as pertaining to wizards. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
~~
Bordon Mok
[img]https://lparchive.org/Planescape-Torment/Update%2075/1-Hall.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk67/Mr_Tibbins/HallofInformation.jpg[/img]
[i]An adjunct to the Hall of Records, the Hall of Information may be Sigil's most valuable resource. It provides general information about government operations, cultural affairs, and private sector services; Cagers and visitors with routine questions are directed here. Among the services the Hall may be able to provide are:
[list][*]Locating a missing relative.
[*]Giving directions to a Lower Ward inn.
[*]Recommending a reputable pawnbroker in the Market Ward.
[*]Mediating a dispute with a merchant.
[*]Petitioning for government employment.
[*]Rectifying a mistaken tax assessment.
[*]Explaining the status of a civil war in Acheron.
[*]Arranging a meeting with a wealthy landowner.[/list]
Located midway between the Hall of Speakers and the Hall of Records, the Hall of Information's a stately edifice of blue marble edged in onyx, its sparkling crystal windows framed in turquoise. A pair of marble ramps leading inside runs between three marble columns. The words on each column (one per capital) taken together summarize the Hall's credo: [b]COOPERATION, COMPLIANCE, and CONTROL[/b]. (Take care not to lean too hard on the COOPERATION column; it's been weakened by structural flaws and is about ready to collapse. The Bureau of City Services has issued a statement that repair is imminent.
Inside, a steward'll arrange an appointment with the appropriate official and collect the fee, when applicable. After cutters make an appointment, they may look around a bit, so long as they speak in hushed tones, avoid disturbing any of the officers, keep their hands off the clean walls, and stay away from the chief, Bordon Mok. A force of Mercykiller guards keeps an eye out for troublemakers. In Bordon's defense, let it be noted that hers is a difficult job, demanding a firm hand and unwavering focus. And she performs her duties well. During her three decades as chief, the Hall of Information's been a model of efficiency.
But as a person — more precisely, as a bariaur — she's foul-tempered and frightening. If she has affection for any living creature, she's kept it to herself. In the rigidity of her beliefs, Bordon isn't so different from other Takers. She contends that society's outcasts are victims of their own laziness, that the strong're meant to dominate the weak. But Bordon takes the philosophy of the Fated to an extreme. She believes fear breeds loyalty and compassion's a character flaw. She intimidates her Hall officers with vicious insults - she refers to the Portal Registrar as "my little cranium rat," his children as "ratlings" — and lashes 'em with a silver whip if they fail to bow when she walks by. (If Bordon hadn't arranged for the Hall officers to receive handsome salaries, it's unlikely that any'd remain in her employ for more than a few weeks.) She despises the Harmonium, and considers primes an especially repugnant species of vermin. She trusts no one, colleagues included, and is rumored to have evidence of immoral acts conducted by several of Sigil's most respected Cagers, which she intends to use as blackmail.
All interior walls and floors're made of polished blue marble, illuminated by aquamarine chandeliers. Every surface is spotless. Footsteps and muttered conversations echo in the otherwise silent hallways. A faint aroma of apples hangs in the air.[/i]
The directory to the Hall of Offices is a complete listing. The type and quality of Information available In each office is up to the DM. While the officers strive for accuracy, Information is often outdated or Incomplete. Additionally, the government reserves the right to withhold sensitive data. The Hall of Information is open around the clock, every day. A character who wishes to use the Hall must follow these steps:
[list=1]
[*][b]OBTAIN A LIST OF OFFICES FROM THE STEWARD[/b]. The steward's sole function is to aid cutters in making appointments; he won't answer any questions, nor will he recommend which office to visit. He will, however, provide a directory of offices for berks who don't know where they want to go. The character must choose an office from the directory that seems best suited to the particular situation. For instance, someone Interested in hiring on as a necromancers apprentice might try the Wizard's Registry. A body who wants to complain about a mugging by a dwarf might try the Nonplanar Races Commission. There is no guarantee, however, that the office chosen will be of any help at all.
[*][b]MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.[/b] After the character chooses an office, the steward makes an appointment. Appointments can usually be made within a day or two; same-day appointments are uncommon, except in emergencies. A character may make only one appointment at a time, and may discuss only one problem per appointment.
[*][b]PAY THE PROCESSING FEE.[/b] For most appointments, a character must pay a processing fee to cover administrative overhead. Fees are listed in the directory (the Health Commission appointment fee is 1 sp). The steward collects the fee as soon as the character makes the appointment. No fee, no appointment. Missed appointments result in forfeited fees.
[*][b]MEET THE OFFICER. [/b]On the designated day, the character goes to the appropriate office In the Hall of Information and meets the officer.
Most officers are low-level fighters, lawfully-aligned {either lawful good or lawful neutral). The officers work 12-hour shifts, five days per week. It's entirely possible that characters may have to deal with different officers on return visits. Once the character explains the situation to the officer, two outcomes are possible:
• The officer Informs the character this is the wrong office. Consequently, the officer can't help out. The character may return to the steward and make another appointment with a different office. If you're lucky, the officer may suggest which office the character should visit.
• The officer agrees to try to help the character.
[*][b]LEARN THE RESULTS[/b]. The officer provides the character with whatever Information or service the DM feels is appropriate. The officers provide better general Information than specific details.[/list]
[size=150][b]Hall of Information Directory[/b][/size]
[list][*]Association of Heralds and Criers: Disseminates material from the Hall of Records and Hall of Speakers intended for public consumption. Processing Fee: None.
[*]Bureau of City Services: Explains duties of government offices, including law enforcement, tax collection, social services, construction projects, and housing. Tells where to find officials. Processing Fee: None.
[*]Bureau of Commerce: Oversees merchants, traders, and craftsmen. Provides information regarding availability of goods and services. Processing Fee: None.
[*]Bureau of Customs and Traditions: Provides information to visitors regarding Sigil customs and traditions. Processinq Fee: None.
[*]Bureau of Learning: Referral service for mentors, sages, and teachers. Oversees libraries. Processing Fee: 3 sp.
[*]Charity Commision: Responsible for registration of all charities. Monitors resource distribution. Site inspection. Investigates misconduct and mismanagement. Processing Fee: None.
[*]Department of Arbitration: Encourages fair trading, product safety, and quality assurance. Sets trade standards. Locates professional arbitrators to mediate between buyers and sellers. Processing Fee: 1 gp.
[*]Department of Employment: Registers employment agencies, interviews applicants (by arrangement with employer). Some hiring for city positions. Processing Fee: 1 sp.
[*]Health Commission: Maintains registry of hospices and healers. Certifies treatments. Processing Fee: None.
[*]Inner Planes Relations: Oversees affairs on Inner Planes pertaining to Sigil, including trade regulations, diplomatic arrangements, and treaties. Tourist information also available. Processing Fee: 8 sp.
[*]Land Registry: Provides names of Sigil landowners, along with lists of their properties. (Information may not be distributed without landowner’s written permission.) Processing Fee: 5 sp.
[*]Ministry of Public Rolls and Records: Distributes selected government records, most of a statistical nature. Provides reading rooms (1 cp/hour, limit of 8 hours/day unless reader receives special approval). Processing Fee: 1 sp.
[*]Ministry of War: Provides information regarding status of known conflicts in all planes. Receives inquiries of mercenaries and weapon dealers. Queries regarding Sigil defense policies also answered. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
[*]Nonplanar Races Commission: Registry of services for all nonplanar races (those other than bariaur, githzerai, human, half-elf, and tiefling), including such pertaining to health, housing, and food. Provides information regarding nonplanar racial organizations, societies, and social groups. Processing Fee: 1 gp.
[*]Outer Planar Relations: Services similar to Inner Planes Relations, as pertaining to Outer Planes. Processing Fee: 8 sp.
[*]Outlands Relations: Services similar to Inner Planes as pertaining to Outlands. Processing Fee: 5 sp
[*]Portal Registry: Distributes information regarding location and accessibility of known portals in Sigil available to general public. Limited information regarding portals outside of Sigil also available. Processing Fee: 5 gP.
[*]Priest’s Registry: Voluntary registry of priests, including specialties and services. Monitors current location of all registrants. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
[*]Prime Material Plane Relations: Services similar to Inner Planes Relations, as pertaining to Prime Material Plane. Processing Fee: 8 sp.
[*]Taxation Bureau: Reviews tax problems. Assesses special fees. Arbitrates taxation disputes. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
[*]Wizard’s Registry: Services similar to the Priest’s Registry, as pertaining to wizards. Processing Fee: 5 sp.
[/list]
~~
[img]https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/0e3b31fe-9a09-4252-8e57-a7d2893acf14/d520tbz-a0553e38-03a8-4716-9efd-9c48aea6e858.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_684,q_75,strp/bariaur_by_thecrux_d520tbz-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9Njg0IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMGUzYjMxZmUtOWEwOS00MjUyLThlNTctYTdkMjg5M2FjZjE0XC9kNTIwdGJ6LWEwNTUzZTM4LTAzYTgtNDcxNi05ZWZkLTljNDhhZWE2ZTg1OC5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.Dw8aaM24PpyH3s4LIrcI1gLL3vamVY3nqpjuRyh8HnM[/img]
Bordon Mok