The Red Shawl Controversy

Cultural event

A brief but heated controversy erupted over the decadence of the red shawl as part of the Loyalist Caretaker Costume. Many caregivers felt they should focus on their responsibilities to the orphans. This conflict became so heated that it almost ended in a knife fight. Only the intervention of Cassidy herself prevented the worst.

In recent years more and more caretakers have started wearing a red shawl. In some cases, this shawl was even embroidered with gold or another precious metal. Some of the caretakers found that this was too decadent as their duty was to care for orphans and not waste limited resources on such a status symbol.   There were a multitude of heated debates and even some physical brawls. This came to a sudden end when one of the caretakers drew a dagger in his rage. This was the moment that Cassidy herself finally intervened. She stopped the brawl from hurting anyone and dismissed the group. She told everyone to go to their quarters and clear their heads. The next day they all should return either wearing a shawl or not. The count of the shawls would then decide what to do.   The next day the caretakers enter the meeting hall in silence. Most averted their gazes from the others ashamed of their display during the last few days. Never before had the Dragon herself intervene in the affairs of the caretakers.   When all were seated Cassidy stood up and spoke with a smile: "Fifty-eight caretakers with shawl and fifty-eight without. Seems like it is decided then." Most of the caretakers reacted with confusion, but nobody dared to speak up. After a short theatrical pause, Cassidy continued: "Those who wish to wear a shawl will do so. Those who oppose it will not. Nobody will mention it ever again". With this, the controversy came to a peaceful end.