[ WP ] Describe a fantasy world devoid of the usual stereotypes : where dwarves do n't live underground , orcs and ogres are not savage brutes and dragons are neither dumb beasts nor hyperintelligent ancient beings .

`` Gentlemen!'' I said, in a rather sharp tone to get the meeting into order. 
 
 `` Thankyou!'' I said as the buzzing died down and most of the faces turned towards me. Suddenly I could feel an empty pit in my stomach. Was I really the public speaker I wanted to be? I licked my suddenly dry lips and tried to remember my speech. Suddenly, I realised with terror that I could not remember a word. Thank the Lords that rhetoric pause was considered of the essence in these parts of the world. I composed myself. 
 
 `` Ladies, Gentlemen, Shield Maidens, Firebreathers, Strongmen, please lend me your ears.'' 
 
 There was a slight murmur, mostly of approval. Being inclusive always got you some bonus points. 
 
 `` I stand before you to speak on the matter of suffrage. I know many of you are old enough to remember old offences. But you are also the veterans of our progress, are you not?'' 
 
 There was another murmur of approval there. Always flatter your audience. 
 
 `` Some of you remember the wood elven luddites and their fight aginst progress. Did we not rise above petty quarrels, sit down in peace and find a solution? Did we not preserve their beloved forests as we found coal?'' 
 
 A few scattered'hear, hear' and'aye's coudl be heard. By now I had worked myself up, but I still had to work them up. 
 
 `` We remember the days of old, yes. We remember the dwarven zeppelins and their bombs. We remember high elves and their palaces built from bone of orc and human alike.'' 
 
 Some did remember, and there was the scant booing now. They did not like this, but they were listening to my every word. 
 
 `` We remember roving bands of human bandits. Dragons splitting up anything they found on the ocean, orcs toiling their farms and refusing to share anything with anyone, even those dying from famine!!!'' 
 
 More booing. I need to get to the point soon, or their anger will be directed at me. The dragonhead poking into the windod, the hall being too small for his gigantic frame seemed especially upset. And you should not wake the dragon. Even in this age. 
 
 `` No, we do not forget. We hold in high regard those that died for justice, but equally those that died because of injustice. And while we will never forget, we can forgive. Yes, that is the only way to end centuries, no, millennia of bloodshed, of hatred, of conflict, injustice and pain.'' 
 
 They were actually silent now. I suppose thay had not expected this kind of speech. I have them now. 
 
 `` So I say to you, remember, never forget, but forgive. Let us be a beacon of hope to the dwarven nomads in their airships. To the dragons at the bottom of the sea. To the dark elves on their mountainsides, to the humans in their small, petty warring states, even to the primitive and barbaric wood eleves in their jungles and forests. I say, let freedom and justice rule this land. Let no soul that has attoned for his crime go without the rights that all deserve.'' 
 
 There was quite the calamity now, and I had to wait for a few seconds before I continued. A quick sip of water, correcting my tie and collar, making sure my silk tophat was still placed on the chair next to the podium. 
 
 `` Thus I say, nay, demand in front of you. Suffrage! A vote for every soul, of every nation, of every race, of every conviction, of every religion. If he or she comes here with the self-evident truth that all beings deserve the right to pursue life, fame, fortune and happiness in his or her heart, let him also vote whom to best further those heartfelt goals.'' 
 
 I did not allow them much respite for cheering before I continued. Yes, I AM a public speaker! I raised my voice until it thundered above them all. I leaned forwards and stretched out my hand. 
 
 `` Will you support me? Will you march with me to the senate, demanding SUFFRAGE!?'' 
 
 The approval was defeaning.'Suffrage, suffrage, suffrage!' it was roared again and again. I grabbed my hat and made my way down the crowd, shaking hands, doding the foul stench of the dragon roaring his approval, butting heads and taking shoulderclaps. 
 
 `` Master Strevk! A picture and a statement for the paper, if you please?'' I hear a voice from a reporter. Of course. I turn there, straighten my back, smile and praise the Lords I had my fangs re-gilded the other day. I will look fantastic. The flash goes off and I blink in the sudden light. 
 
 `` Right-o. And a statement?'' 
 
 I nod and smile again. 
 
 `` We orcs can never truly be free as long as others are in bondage!'' I say, then head out to lead the crowds towards the Senate. They shall feel the popular opinion today. I smile broadly as the marching band starts to play the old'Greenskin Glory'.
