Neji Lazula |
"Can't say I blame the guy. Politics is boring," Neji mumbles under her breath. "So Tatiana doesn't want to hold the throne forever, though she seems fine with stating for now. We need to establish her eventual replacement. Anyone actually want to be the Monarch? No one here actually seems to want to rule Sloboda. I know some of ya swore an oath to Tatiana, but ya kinda missed the part where she just intended to serve as regent for someone."
Kora Tealeaf |
The bags she was carrying were heavy but not a problem for the small halfing, the muleback cords she owned made lifting such things trivial. Her armor didn't slow her down as much as the two guards that were in her damn way. Her cloak was still around her, the dust from her most recent ride was still clinging to the bottom edges.
"Here to see Treasurer Anando."
The Guardsmen scoffed ever so slightly and the other one smiled. "He can't be disturbed, he is in the middle of important work at the moment... Little Miss." His voice was anything but respectful.
Kora set the bags down, smiling as she looked up at the pair of humans. The jingle of coins surprised the two guardsmen before they were taken aback by Kora's terse reply. "Clever, little miss. Totally original coming from the town fools. Now open the door."
They both chortle a little as the little halfling starts turning red around her neck line. "And if we don't? What'ya gonna do then? Eh?"
Kora smiled as she said. "I'm gonna break your friends legs and make him swallow his teeth. While for your cleverness your gonna suffer worse... Much MUCH Worse..."
Intimidate 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
They both took a step back as she cracked her knuckles at them, there backs were against the wall now. Her smile was completely savage as she spoke again. They hesitated for the briefest moment before she started cracking the knuckles on her other hand. "Listen up ya shits..." She threw open her cloak revealing her Silver gilded armor as she stepped towards them, at the sight of her armor they both went wide eyed. "I am the Lieutenant of the Silver Dragonflight, Kora Tealeaf and you have less then three seconds to open that door..."
"One..."
Corsario |
Maria Borgnok volunteers to be Queen ;)
Anando is working on his table, eyes down looking at the figures in a small book. His fingers black with ink.
He looks up, sees Kora, and seems unsure what to do about her.
"I asked the guards to don't let anyone inside except Queen Venetia. I am sorry to say I am busy at the moment. Please come back tomorrow."
Tatiana Fortuna |
Tatiana finishes chewing her food and cleans her mouth before flatly replying to the Lizardfolk, "I do." She pauses to let everyone understand that while she has expressed no desire to be queen, she takes her role of leader very seriously. And the steel in her voice will tell you that she will not relinquish the position without a fight.
"I thought you were clear when you referred to me as queen and asked to follow me here. Or during the conversations about ourselves (that happened during the days transit between the Stag Lord's lands and Trivium). However, considering all the conversation today, it would be understandable that you might have second thoughts. See you are feasting with us on a uniquely, auspicious day for which everyone had hoped but no one planned. Therefore, our conversations have been quite muddy as we sort through our affairs. Perhaps you have an expression in your native tongue suggesting that it is not wise to air family matters in public?"
Venetia Medvyed |
"It isn't about who wants to be the Monarch, it is about who the people will follow and who will make a good leader. That being said a leader needs to accept that they are the leader and should not make people feel that they do not want to lead. I do not pretend to know how Tatiana has lead this place in our absence, but if she does not feel that she should be the Queen, then she should not. I personally will serve whomever this council decides would be best to lead us, weather that is Tatiana, myself or anyone else here. I will not say that I desire to be Queen, as that would be treason, Queen Tatiana is the one who sits on the throne until she decides to abdicate it or until we decide as a group who should lead. Regardless of who this council decides to support, I will do my best to support our leader in whatever way that I can, or if I am selected as the leader I will do my best to gather the trust and support of those around me."
Ti'Itza |
Ti'Itza nods sagely at the steel in Tatiana's voice, not at all threatened as he turns to regard her and her alone. Its hard to tell what his sudden toothy grin means but he acts in no way that is aggressive towards her. Merely focusing on her as he speaks. "Your level of thought is above my understanding at this moment. My people are far simpler... My egg father once said Mud slung between chiefs in front of the tribe doesn't change what it is. Only leads to division and weakness within the tribe. Weakness is intolerable as the tribe is one and the same. If the tribe suffers then we all suffer..."
He then looks down at the meat that has so teased his nostrils this entire time, tearing off a large turkey leg and admiring its... juiciness, running it in front of his nostrils as he breathes in its seasoned smell for a moment before adding on. "Feel what it's like to truly starve and you'll never waste food. So celebrate your victories or go stand in the swamp and talk while I celebrate in your stead. Such things can be spoken of later."
He takes a large bite and barely chews it before swallowing down the tender meat. He doesn't even glance at the cloth so dainty set by his set of forks and knives, preferring to instead lick the juice off his long claws when the leg was gone. He paused before tossing the bone aside as Tepti tapped him on the shoulder and gestured to his plate. Chuckling he set the bone on the plate. "How strange."
Tatiana Fortuna |
"Thank you for your understanding, Ti'Itza." Tatiana replies with a smile. "Thank you for sharing our celebration today and for your patience. I look forward to standing in the swamp and sharing in your celebration."
Kora Tealeaf |
Seeing his unsure behavior however she smiles, sadly he doesn't see it but she doesn't really care as she drops the bags down in front of his desk as she stands near it. She composes herself as she speaks her face a mask of neutrality again. "Saw what happened yesterday and after hearing you weren't at the feast thought I'd pay you a little visit to... chat."
Tepti |
Tepti was trying to resist eating but Ti'Itza was making it nearly impossible, she nearly groaned when he noticed her half-hearted attempts at being polite.
____________________________________________________________________
Ti'Itza continued to eat, no longer concerned with speaking again. He had kept his tone light when he spoke and took Tatiana's expression as a happy one. That was the greatest thing for him to learn right now. Scaleless expressions. However his companions composed state was humorous. She nearly pulled it off save for her twitching tail every time he like a tidbit off his claws.
He left nothing on the bones, some he snapped in his teeth so that he could eat the cooked marrow. The food was beyond anything he had eaten. But he was being more thorough to drive Tepti wild. Finally he did the worst possible thing, he tore off the remaining leg and, instead of biting into it, waved it in front of Tepti's nostrils in an almost seductive way. It was cruel but efficient as he nearly lost a claw as she bite into the leg and started to devour it. However he proved an expert at avoiding her bite, pulling his claw away just as she bit down...
All semblance of calm lost as she dug into the delicious food like her companion. She spoke in draconic, pretending to be hurt by his actions. "<You are cruel to me Nest-Mate...>"
He responded in their native tongue. "<I was concerned... You hadn't touched your food yet. I thought you'd soon suffer scalero...>" He grunts as she gives him a sharp jab in the ribs with her elbow.
She responded between bites, scolding her companion some. "<You need to tread carefully, we don't wish to anger them while they settle their dispute.>"
Ti'Itza grunted. "<They are probably just hungry, like little scales after a long day. Food aids the mind as well as the body. Food wasted does nothing but stink like...>"
Tepti elbowed him again, in the same spot and this time he grimaced.
Tepti's words were like a cutting remark but Ti'Itza just chuckled. "<It was a mistake when she asked for your wisdom, I think your nest father retained the brains in your clan...>" She shoulder bumped him hard and nearly caused him to spill the drink he was about to partake of. He chuckled again as he shoulder bumped her hard right back. Nearly knocking her small chair over.
Soon they were both enjoying themselves despite the tension in the air...
Corsario |
Kora Tealeaf |
Kora was a survivor, she'd survived the streets, survived the pirate den, the slave arena and now she's survived the fall of the Stag, left to contend with dead men that want to eat her face. She had scars from knife fights, scars from manacles clamped to tight and contended with the nightmares that came before she was liberated by Danath. But dealing with a morose halfling wasn't in her expertise, she would at least try...
"Then just listen... because I may not live long enough to keep an appointment." Her tone was blunt as every word was true. The dead were hungry and dinner was talking to a depressed treasurer.
She starts to adjust her cloak before mimicking the very words she heard earlier in the square as her men were trying to hold back the crowd.
"...this "kingdom" will break for lack of a queen much faster than it would for the lack of my person."
"You couldn't have been more wrong..." She opens her cloak and unsnaps it before throwing it on the floor. Leaving the symbol of her command status to lay in the dirt. Her armor was battered, scraped and far from the shining example the Dragonflight troops lived by. A fresh scar was healing across her left cheek, where a deado's strike tore her helmet off, complimenting the many scars that dotted the sides of her face and forehead.
"Without you more of us would have gone without proper supplies resulting in more deaths during all the fighting. None of the barons helped us with that, they were out getting their glory, but I know who was responsible and that was you as Treasurer. Without you we got nothing to fall back on... Just some amateur who can't balance your books and his errors will turn the kingdom on its head." Her voice was somewhat hard but trying to be soft at the same time. She wasn't used to be being easy on people.
"Look, just because you don't receive roses or pats on the back every morning doesn't mean you go unnoticed. You're just not paying enough attention to notice how large a role you have in this kingdom. Tatiana knows it though and wanted you by her side this very night and here you sit... If she thought you were of no use, she'd have told you long ago." She chuckles, more mocking herself than anyone. "Besides, the ones who are expendable are people like me. Soldiers are a dime a dozen, just slap a sword in their hand and push them out the door. Simple. People like you though..." She loses her nerve and quickly kicks the bag closest to her armored boot as a way to distract herself.
Tatiana Fortuna |
Tatiana receives the list of barons from Janus via Topper Red and adds the elected barons. "Right, where were we? Oh yes, Topper Red was going to read the list of barons or representatives of their barony. When you hear your name, why don't you introduce yourself?"
Corsario, please introduce the NPC elected barons in attendance. This is to complete the introductions, so we can move on.
Corsario |
Topper Red stands next to the table, and starts reading the list. After each name the person in question introduce himself.
"Arv Akul'mar
The Cenobitic Monks"
Elpida keeps in her seat, her eyes downcast, red on the ears.
"I am the representative of the Cenobitic Monks, and I extend out thanks to let us live in peace in the Varnhold barony."
After a second, seeing she isn't going to say anything else, Topper Red continues.
"Daliedhur Beltharan
Danath Orlovsky
Edeldhur Beltharan
Halcorg
Janus Sevenstar
Kiritta Narvagoth
Maria Borgnok"
Maria stands, touching Danath's arm in the process, and smiling apologetically afterwards.
"I was born here, in the Stolen Lands, of a simple mother and an unknown father, and had to face many challenges to be here, among friends and comrades. I never met your King Rupert, but all that we have achieved here was done without his help. I believe in the people of the Stolen Lands, and I think you should heed the words of Seraph Whitemoor, as she has shown herself a great leader. I only have known some of you for a day" - She puts her hand on Danath's shoulder - "but I already feel at ease with some you. I hope the rest can accept me as your friend as well."
She sits back as Topper Red continues.
"Mulray Gasparo
Neji Lazula
Ni'Tir
Oleg Leventon"
Vodyanoy stands, as short as he is, and speaks in a clear voice.
"I am here before you in representation of my father, Oleg Lenveton, and my Mother, Svetlana Leventon. They moved out of Brevoy to start a new life away from Brevoy politics and internal strife. I beg you not to follow that road here. They have been here for year, facing monsters and bandits, and are willing to join forces with you. Thank you."
After a wave Vodyanoy sits next to Neji, and Topper Red continues.
"Seraph Whitemoor
Szymon Wojcik
Tarina Medvyed?
Tatiana Fortuna
Tepti
Ti'Itza
Venetia Medvyed
Xi'Tir
Zmeu Dunarea"
The wizard stands timidly.
"I was saved by your friends here from a fate worst than dead. I was being dominated and forced to do unspeakable acts against innocent people. And they, instead of killing me like a rabid dog, saved me and spared me, elevating me to this great responsibility. I owe you my life, and my freedom, and I swear to help this kingdom as long as I live.... as long it doesn't involve hurting another living being."
Some clapping is heard. They are coming from Maria.
Topper Red finishes.
"Those are all, my queen."
Corsario |
"I am glad somebody noticed what I am doing here! You are right, after I am gone this office will go to hell. And after that, with the current leadership, all the "Kingdom" too. Too bad King Rupert died. We were real close to fulfill his dream, but not everyone was born to lead, to rule, to make dreams come true. Am I won't stay to see his dream turn into a nightmare. Some day I will tell you what he did the first day... in fact the only day... he was king. How he was able to make a lot of people, a lot of strangers, follow him. He was a great man. And he is gone forever."
Janus Sevenstar |
Janus stands once Topper Red finishes.
"It has become evident to me that we can accomplish a lot together. The majority of you already have; Neji tells me that you toppled the Stag Lord in less than an hour. That's unprecedented. Things have not always gone as planned, but we have all done a good job in making lemonade out of life's lemons. Let us continue to do so. We are surrounded by enemies on all side; unity right now is more important than ever.
"Seraph Whitemoor is correct in that Sloboda has operated under system of law thus far. However, it seems that we need to now clarify some details and get the entire system of governance established. We should write a formal constitution and go from there. Based on what I have heard, I have written a list of Eight Points that everyone seems to agree with in some fashion. Again, this is merely a rough draft, but most of these ideas have been said more than once."
Janus begins to read his list.
One: We shall have a Monarchy.
Janus looks up at the others.
"The buck has to stop with someone, who needs to make hard decisions for our nation. At the moment, our first Queen is Her Majesty Tatiana. For good or ill, all forms of government seem to ultimate hand one person power over the nation. Even the Andorans have a central leader of their Congress."
He continues reading.
Two: We shall have a noble class of Barons, who elect the Monarchy.
"Everyone on our list will be one of the Founding Barons. They have all earned that position in some shape or fashion. I imagine that the exact number will increase or fall over the years, but for now, we know everyone who votes."
Three: After a set number of years, the Barons elect a New Monarch via a majority. The Old Monarch can certainly keep reigning if the majority vote for them. If necessary, the Monarch can be voted out early if a majority of the Barons agree.
"We will need to establish the number of years for each term. Some have suggested two years, but I think that larger number might be necessary. We will also have to decide what constitutes the majority. Half plus one? Two-thirds?"
Four: The Monarch shall appoint qualified people to cover certain positions of power within the central government.
"It is hard to run every aspect of government by oneself. Her Majesty has already done appointed people to help her. For example, my friend Neji is the Magister of Magic. Seraph is our Head General. Halcorg is our Warden. And so on. This will also include courts."
Five: Each Baron on the list of founders may own an individual Barony, a province or fiefdom of the Kingdom so to speak. These are established ala semi-autonomous states. A Baron does not has to have their own fiefdom.
"Again, there is precedence for this point. Some of you already run a fiefdom. My idea is that we simply adopt the system en masse for those on the list. However, at the same time, I know that some of you do not wish to rule land. That is fine too."
Six: Baronies shall be run as semi-autonomous states. They have to obey the sovereign laws of the land, but they can otherwise create their own rules and regulations within reason.
"I will get to the 'within reason' clause shortly. However, this is just to clarify what we have been doing thus far."
Seven: With the advice and approval of a Majority of the Barons (or their representatives), the Monarch shall make and enforce the sovereign laws of the land not already established in our constitution.
"Point Seven is the one we have talked about the least. We agree that there should be ultimate laws of the land, but how are they created? We all seem to agree that the Monarchy's power should not be absolute. Anyway, my idea is that the Barons establish some sort of Parliament. They can send a representative to the capital city to vote for their interests in how Sloboda should be run. Meanwhile, the Monarch enforces the laws, and they can certainly propose new ones. A sort of constitutional Monarchy so to speak."
Eight: We shall have a Bill of Rights to protect the citizens of Sloboda.
"I believe this one speaks for itself. The people are ultimately what give us power. Brevoy has no such thing, and we have seen where it can go. This will also help prevent a dictatorship. These rights will also apply at the fiefdom level."
Corsario |
Maria interjects...
"So no votes for the citizens, right? We are better, and they can't be trusted?"
Janus Sevenstar |
"We can work that in, Maria. I think that would be where we amend Point Seven. As I said, that one aspect was not the... clearest to me. It needs to be revised."
Janus tips his head to a certain Harrower.
"On our way back here, Kiritta floated an idea of a two house Parliament. One "upper" house would contain our representatives, and one "lower" house that holds the people's elected representatives. At the moment, given the... newness of our state, I imagine that the upper house would be heavier in terms of power and final say. However, once things stabilize, we can change that later to balance the power more evenly. Such a provision could even be in the constitution. 'After X amount of years, this document shall be revised to equalize the power of the two houses.' or something like that."
Kora Tealeaf |
Angry Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
The anger in Anando's eyes doesn't compare to the horrified look Kora gives him. It is soon replaced by a fierce look as she points at him accusingly, nearly enraged by his comment. "I can't believe you! You damn FOOL! You did fulfill his dream, your still fulfilling it and now you are abandoning it to make a point?! What makes you any better then those you hate then? Nothing! Especially as you will cause pain to untold innocent people for NO REASON!" She shook with frustration as she brought her fists down to her sides. Cayden's drunken fist I want to knock some sense into him!
Her voice was as angry as she was with the guards outside. Maybe even more so, she had been such an innocent once and no one had protected her when she needed it most. She swore when Danath saved her she'd never let others suffer like she did if she could. "What would this Rupert say to you if he heard you speak now? Would he agree with you abandoning this post just because nothing is sunshine and rainbows. No, I seriously DOUBT it. He'd tell you to stick it out, find a better way because he knew the world sucks. People can be cruel, vile and selfish. However there are those who are kind, gentle and goodly too. I know for a fact this kingdom is a damn spot better then the other shithole I came from." As she spoke she got closer and closer to Anando until she was nearly pressing her forehead against his like they were literally butting heads. Her anger was bringing the Issian drawl of northern Brevoy to the surface.
"So tell me your plan, how ya gonna go back to Brevoy? Let alone survive on your own? Or look for this girl, with no money? If ya think the Surtovan's have forgotten about you then your a damn fool! Your a traitor to the crown remember? Same as I, same as Tatiana and the rest! We step foot in their territory and they'll bury ya in a ditch. Better to have you here then dead Anando."
Seraph Whitemoor |
Seraph looks to the others and then rests her eyes on Venetia. "I hereby withdraw any claimant to the Monarchy until I deem it necessary to step forward, there are enemies to fight and this is far too distracting for me to focus on. I have a nation to protect."
She leans on the table then and nods mostly in agreement with Janus's proposal, she doesn't hide that she isn't completely satisfied but when she established her own barony she would try her system on her own.
"I voiced already what I do not want to see in this country. Andoran's Supreme Elect is akin to a Monarchy but selected by the people and look at their nation. I will say this parliament intrigues me more then anything, so long as the people have some voice I can agree to these terms. You may not understand why I want this so badly but I can simply state I am one of them. So naturally I do not fear the common people's ideas because you build a house from the ground up. If the foundation is weak the grand roof still falls with the building. Besides without them we'd still be kicking rocks in a bandit held country."
Danath Orlovsky |
Danath nods to Maria giving her a warm smile before focusing on the task at hand. He pounded his fist on the table lightly, the echo of his armored knuckles drawing attention. "Seraph is right that without a firm foundation we won't make much of a stand, Janus's words and the others ring true as well. Without a strong roof and structure we will come apart at the seams. We can work out the small details for now, build our trust with the public at large but I agree with the proposal at hand. Even if it is basic it is at least a great start!"
He focused on Venetia then. "However, what is bothering me most is what to do with our esteemed Treasurer imminent departure. Can we convince him to stay?"
Seraph Whitemoor |
Seraph noticed how Maria was treating Danath and barely avoided smiling ever so slightly. He had a way of warming up people he's never met, breaking down barriers that others would find only difficulty. She didn't smile however as she thought of Maria's predicament now, the one she caused her to be in. She turned to focus on Venetia before looking back at Danath. "I'm working on that now but we need to ratify this discussion before we can focus on Anando."
Xi'Tir |
When Zmeu spoke Xi suddenly had a look of surprise before glaring at Seraph. "She kicked meh in the face dat night..."
When Janus spoke of the terms Xi merely wrapped her knuckles on the tab in agreement, she didn't care for politics. She then glared at Ni'Tir when she spoke...
Ni'Tir and Chimalma |
"Ya probably deserved it sista~ I have thought of dat every now and again, ta give ya perspective~"
Ni'Tir mimicked her sisters agreeing knuckle wrap on the tap before saying. "We be needin' laws to protect the land too Mr. Sevenstar, because my Barony will be a place for dem dat seek to join da natural world and I won't be kind to dem who harm it for no reason."
Janus Sevenstar |
Janus revises Point Seven.
Seven: There shall be a two house Parliament: the upper house for the Barons and the lower house for the People. With the advice and approval of a Majority of the representatives of the Barons and the representatives of the People, the Monarch shall propose and enforce the sovereign laws of the land not already established in the constitution. Parliament will also have the power to make and enact laws, which are to be enforced by the Monarchy; ultimately, all laws will go through Parliament.
"Ultimately, all laws will go through Parliament, but I just want it to be clear that the Monarch can also make proposals. His or Her Majesty will also need some leeway to interpret and enforce the current laws."
Janus turns to the Tir sisters. "We can establish a set of laws to do that, and you can further fine-tune them in your own fiefdom. In our Fey-populated world, protecting nature is important. As a gesture of goodwill, I shall have similar rules to yours in my own lands."
Ti'Itza |
Ti'Itza was getting dreadfully bored with all this talk, however the food was quite good and there was far too much of it on the table. How the scaleless did not eat whole countrys in a day shocked him. "Where is the challenge to decide..?" He pauses as Tepti whispers in his ear and, as shocks never ceased this day, he muttered sullenly. "No challenge? How boring, no wonder they're numbers increase... Huh. I will remember this." He cleared his throat and rose to his feet once more. Greedily sucking some juice off his claws before stating.
"Your generous hospitality is greater then one so simple as I to imagine, your food is delicious, your huts are strong and I find it is not my place to decide the path of this tribe. AI will need your aid to see the Honorless cast out and the true Chief restored to his people. He doesn't bow but adjusts his long tail as he sits back down.
Ti'Itza respectfully withdraws his vote.
Tepti nods in agreement with Ti'Itza, more concerned on not choking on the large slab of ham she had just put in her maw before every eye seem to turn towards them.
Tepti withdraws her vote, whilst trying not to choke.
Neji Lazula |
"I agree with Janus," Neji says as she too tries to consume a piece of ham that must be as big as her gnomish body.
"I have no vote, but I know that Janus has good ideas," adds Destroyerman as he speaks for the first time.
Ni'Tir and Chimalma |
Ni'Tir turned to face Janus, nodding happily at his response as she smiled at him. "Balance is important if we want ta make new allies among dem. I am glad to see ya be agreein with me on dis. I will also work to provide the kingdom da resources she needs without harming the land too much..." Ni'Tir feared her vision more than anything and if they lost the war with balancing the issues with the delicacy of nature they could lose much more in the long run.
Tepti |
Tepti gave a low growl as Neji tried to down the ham and Ti'Itza joined her, however it took a moment to realize they were laughing and not growling. Tepti had swallowed the large chunk just moments before picking up a carrot, she paused and stared at it curiously. "<What is this....?>"
Ti'Itza |
Ti turns to regard it and reaches over and breaks it between his long fingers. Speaking in draconic "<A poor weapon...>" He regards it for a moment before throwing it in his mouth and starting to chew. "<Not a weap...>"
He grunts as Tepti elbows him where she had hit him before. "<That one was mine find your own.>" His low rumbling growl of laughter appeared to irritate her some before she growled in laughter as well.
Corsario |
"But.. they accused me of withholding information... of lying. And when I resign, as one should do when your liege dies, they didn't try to retain my services! I cannot go on working with people that doubts me and despise my work! And maybe I am not miss-strong-warrior, but I can fend by myself just fine, thank you."
Tatiana Fortuna |
"Thank you Janus. Thank you Topper Red, but we neglected Anando's name on the list of founding barons," Tatiana says indicating the empty, custom-sized chair. "Anando has been instrumental in founding this kingdom and voting member of this council since the beginning. Despite his current absence, we can not forget him."
Janus Sevenstar |
"I was under the impression that he was formally retiring, once he got everything in order anyway," Janus replies. However, unless anyone objects, he adds Anando to list, "However, it would be a disservice not to include him after all the good work he has done. Unless he says otherwise, we will include him for now."
Ni'Tir and Chimalma |
Ni'Tir nods in agreement, followed begrudgingly by her sister. "By what I been told he has done great tings for da kingdom. Should we try callin' him here?"
Kora Tealeaf |
Kora never breaks eye contact as her eyes widen at his comment of Miss-Strong-Warrior, the anger drain from her face, replacing it with a pained look as she took a step back. She was here to give him perspective and finally it seemed like she was breaking through to him. Press too hard and she'd lose everything she had gained...
"You can judge me, as I have judged you, but I've been through the meat grinder, thought I was tough shit too until I was caught. Then I learned a hundred types of pain..." Her clenched fist was shaking as the anger surged back and she crushed the pain back down again. Her voice was calm as she spoke again. "So I ask you, what can you do that you couldn't do with these barons at your back? I agree sadly that, yes, your friend Rupert is dead, but would he want you to throw away everything you've gained here?"
"As for the accusation... Get over it, shes under a lot of pressure and you blame her for being upset at the idea that you were withholding information? I'd have reacted the same way... So do not just presume your unwanted and at least talk to them while there is still time."
Tatiana Fortuna |
"Well, he has already been invited once to this feast," Tatiana replies to Ni'Tir. "Perhaps another messenger could ask him if he would like to accept his position as a founding baron... and enjoy the celebration? I believe we have more affairs to decide tonight that would need his counsel."
Corsario |
Kora Tealeaf |
"Everything. Really?" Her tone was less then kind as she as she pointed out how Anando was acting over this slight. "Its plain to see from your quarrel in the streets your just as strained as they are. So drop it and explain to me why your trying so hard to run from the responsibility that was entrusted to you and you alone. Or have you forgotten?"
She clears her throat, before imitating what she had been told the days following the conflict between the Dragonflight and Brevoy over the resources bequeathed to them by the Fallen King Rupert.
"King Rupert I declared that in case of his death the Barons of the Lands had all rights for the resources for the purpose of colonization of the lands, on the condition that his faithful cohort Anando Veresisi be named treasurer of the Kingdom. Rupert's fiefdom, would be granted to his Daughter, Alexandria." She repeated all that was important, she wanted it to be a hammer blow, she wanted to shake him into realizing he was making a mistake.
"Realize your name is dead in Brevoy Anando Vereisis, if you return there showing the skills you have now they will find you. No one forgets who's stolen from them, especially nobles and worst of all Kings. Besides if your gone who will start Alexandria's Fiefdom? Answer me that. She watches him for a long moment before cutting off his thought process with... "If you think the barons have time your gravely mistaken..."
Corsario |
Let's cut to the chase...
"Yes, maybe I reacted a little bit harshly. But they are supposed to do a better work ruling! If, and only if, would apologize for the way they treated me, I could reconsider my position. But I doubt they will!"
Fell free to bring Seraph in...
Kora Tealeaf |
Kora sighed as she reached down and picked up her cloak, she donned it once more. She smiled as she adjusted her dragon pin and dusted it off. "Don't set your expectations so high... They've only been ruling for half a year and you knew this Rupert for most of your life right? So maybe you may know what is needed in a ruler but that doesn't mean they do. Can't expect them to be born Monarch's can ya?"
She picks up one of the bags and turns it on its side on his desk. Revealing it was filled with silver coins. "Kinda cliche but ya worth your weight in Silver to some of us and more to others. Forgive some of the men, they don't know how to read or write but they tried chiseling their mark..." At somewhat a loss she rolls her shoulders as she tries to release the tension in her muscles before saying. "Hope ya make the right decision but I need to get back to my patrol. So..."
"... I'll see you around Treasurer Vereisis." She punches him in the shoulder, lightly but probably still enough to hurt before she turned on her heel and made her way out of his chambers. As soon as she cleared the door she glared at the two guards. "Straighten up, don't slouch and strap your armor on right. I'll be back tomorrow to make sure you've straightened up your act! Scaredy cats!"
Seraph Whitemoor |
Kora tried to explain herself before Seraph stopped her. "On second thought, I don't need to know. Return to your patrol and brief me later on what happens."
Kora salutes, thankful she didn't have to explain further and quickly scurries away before the General changed her mind. Once she was gone Seraph chuckled before clearing her throat and proceeding to the door where a pair of guards looked at her. She hadn't even spoke before they opened the door.
She stepped up to the threshold and bowed her head slightly to the Treasurer. "Apologies for disturbing you, Queen Tatiana has asked you be present in the feasting hall Baron Vereisis. We have an important matter to conclude and all Barons need be present." Her tone is polite and respectful despite the firm way she spoke. She waited for any questions...
We can skip further banter and go straight to the feasting hall. Up to you boss man. ;)
Venetia Medvyed |
"Janus, perhaps there should be rules as to who can and cannot become the monarch as well, age is certainly a factor and young leaders are often less reliable." Venetia adds when Janus is finished speaking, "Though of course different races mature differently, if we were to say something along the lines of "any potentional monarch must be at least thirty five years old" that means something vastly different to a human then to an elf, as the elf wouldn't even be accepted as an adult in their society at that age." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "And if we are going to have the monarch chosen every few years or so, should the monarch have a maximum term that they can serve?"
Venetia nods to Seraph as the red head states that she wishes to withdraw any claimant to the Monarchy, and then notices Danath's gaze and responds, "I agree that if we can get Anando to stay that our lands would greatly benefit from his skill set."
Just some catching up, so many posts...
Corsario |
By the way, is Anando Veresisi.
Seraph's explain the situation to Anando.
"I see. I have to say it is very generous of you to nominate me as a Baron. I would need to attend, then. Can I request something? I would like for your Lieutenant to escort me. I think she will be able to protect me."
Anando smiles for the first time in two days.
"Specially of myself."
Kiritta Narvagoth |
Not really paying attention, but catching the last statement by Venetia, Kiritta shakes her head:
Why should age matter. If the rest of the barons believe someone capable of ruling, then they should be able to rule. I would hope that the wisdom of the barons would be sufficient such that they would not elect a tyke, or any other baron incapable of ruling. Placing an age restriction upon the ruler is just as illogical as placing a restriction that only men, or no dwarves, or only people with the blood of the Brevian royalty can be ruler.
You all can put any restrictions you want on it, but I think this is beyond foolish.
With that, she turns back to enjoying the food before her.
Janus Sevenstar |
"As our Harrower friend pointed out, I do not think age will be too much of an issue in our system, Venetia. Since the Barons select our Monarch, we do not have to worry about a child inheriting the throne during a time of crisis. While the process might change in the future, we currently have it so that the Monarch will be one of the Barons, selected by his or her peers. The system seems skewed toward being run by capable adults by default."
Janus pauses and then turns to the rest of the group.
"However, that is my opinion. Does anyone else have anything to say on the subject of age?"
Seraph Whitemoor |
She was glad that he was understanding of the particular situation they had brewing back in the feasting hall.
Seraph actually chuckles at the halflings boldness before politely speaking to him. She didn't correct him on what was said of his position, she looked forward to Tatiana's surprise when he joined them. "Apologies to disappoint you Baron Veresisi but..." She smiles a broadly intending the polite refusal to be more of a challenge to the Halfling Treasurer. "... that isn't a command I can give, she's has pride for her position, she has come a long way to be where she is and I think you will need to work a lot harder in regards to Kora. But..." She adds in a matter of fact fashion. "I know she doesn't plan on leaving here anytime soon, she is quite taken with this new colony. I'm sure she has her reasons." She finally has a place she belongs...
She turns and waves her hand to indicate they take their leave. "So if it pleases you, I will escort you tonight and pass your message on to my Lieutenant upon her return. However I warn you that if we do not hurry, I think that Ti'Itza, Tepti and Neji will devour the table."
Corsario |
Anando stands, get his coat, fix him a little bit, and follow Seraph...
"Thank you, general."
Janus Sevenstar |
Once all comments on qualifications for the Monarchy's age (or other qualifications) have been taken, Janus moves on to the next couple of points.
"We can probably keep the military situation as is; they answer to the Monarch. Granted, maybe Parliament is the one with the power to formally declare war on other nations. Bandits like the Stag Lord would be fair game for immediate military force, though. Also, Daliedhur and Seraph seem to provide the bulk of the current army. Perhaps we should create a unified force if we already haven't? We are going to need a strong military in the future. What is to stop the victor of the Brevoyan civil war from just marching on us after we've pacified the stolen lands for them?"
Janus pauses.
"I am not entirely sure what to do about land distribution for fiefdoms. What has been done for that thus far? Based on our current provinces, we seem to have some precedent for this process already."