Daliedhur, Seraph and Sofia
Do you go meet the Four Swords guys?
Kiritta will go with the rest of the Coven to the meeting. Halcorg will accompany her, but will remain a good distance off watching and guarding. Kiri will be wearing her usual bright colored Varisian clothing. She is not carrying a weapon, although she never does.
As always, Xritha will accompany Kiri, sitting on her shoulder and making off color comments about anyone and anything that happens to cross her mind - the decor, people's clothing, their appearance, etc.
Xritta also continuously scans for magic and/or evil and informs Kiri of what she sees.
Daliedhur, Seraph and Sophia
Do you go meet the Four Swords guys?
Keep screwing up here lol, so I saw that Xi'Tir failed to spot her vanishing in the rift and such right? ANd she didn't hear what she said right? The below post is setup as she didn't see or hear anything and didn't spot Lilliana again. :)
Seeing the two men in the tent Xi'Tir, looking quite tired and knowing she recognized that Rupert fella approaches quickly before they get much further in the tent. Materializing from out of nowhere as the noblemen and his halfling appeared to not be paying attention. She hailed them before she got too close, not caring to much if she surprised them or not. She didn't hide the irritation in her voice as she spoke. "Oi! Rupart! Ya best search dis place before entering ya. Caught some woman h're last night mon, however I never seen her leave. Said she be workin' h're but I was suspicious mon. Been gua'din all night, seen nothing else. Have ya seen meh sista?."
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"Oi! Rupart! Ya best search dis place before entering ya. Caught some woman h're last night mon, however I never seen her leave. Said she be workin' h're but I was suspicious mon. Been gua'din all night, seen nothing else. Have ya seen meh sista?."
The Halfling puts himself between Rupert and Xi'Tir.
"A woman you say? I think two woman, at least! What are you doing here? Who are you?"
Rupert stands and touch the halfling in the shoulder, as he advances towards Xi'Tir...
"Your sister? Yes, I see the similar factions, I got the pleasure of meeting her at the Town Hall reception, but I don't remember seeing you there... Why didn't you assist? Who was the woman you saw? How did she looked like? Did she do something? Planted something, or casted a spell? "
He seems concerned, but amigable.
"This will be a secret meeting, and your sister is invited, and should arrive soon. As you were invited to the other party and you didn't assist, I guess is just fair you assist this one, where you weren't invited. I need to ask two things from you. Keep an eye on the surroundings, and warn us if somebody else gets near. Don't let anyone see you, not even your sister, it is a private meeting after all, and I don't want anyone to think I have favorites. Second, keep this scroll case with you. Give it to the Lord Mayor if something... Bad... Happens. If everything goes as I want, you can destroy it, or return it to me later. OK? "
The Halfling retorts:
"Are you sure sir? Is she trustworthy?"
Rupert Surtova looks at Xi'Tir, her face, her weapons... And smiles.
"I would trust her with mi life. "
Xi'Tir will remember that was the last thing Rupert Surtova, first king of the Stolen Lands, ever said to her.
She glares at the halfling, she never did trust them as they were little half-men. Chi gave a low growl at the halfling before Rupert intervened. She clicked her tongue and the Cheetah backed down and she mummbled quietly at the halfling. "Careful Mon she Bites."
When Rupert intervenes her glare cools to a suspicious stare as she listens to him speak. "I didn't go cause of da stink of so many in a tiny place, can't do it mon. Won't do it. I prefer da open places. 'sides Ni'Tir didn't need no assistance. Da woman though was Lilliana metinks, whether it truth or not I don't know. She was walking in shadow like me mon, suspicious but I didn't see her do anything. She seemed mighty suspicious when she said she was supposed ta be here. She called for the guards and den didn't see her again. Twas strange, she didn't smell, most things do but she didn't... Just somting I noticed." She gives them a rough description in her thick accent, although some details were muddled as it was dark and the meeting was short lived.
She hesitantly tasks the scroll case, giving it barely a glance as she slipped it into her pack. "Sure ting mon. I send Chi if someone comes, she faster den an arrow."She waved her hand and Chi stalked forward, smelling Rupert first and then the halfling before loping back over to Xi'Tir. With that she nodded and vanished back into the foliage, taking up a high spot in the trees and watching the area around the tents.
Seraph, having already turned down the swordling, doesn't even think about the invitation once she was back at the encampment. She is focused on her duties and wondering what the note in her pocket was about. After a long meeting with everyone back at camp she was still annoyed about what happened and spent a long time that night talking with Danath, which helped her to cool off. She left him looking over his maps and knew he would be up until nearly the morning.
Kaldwell looked at the invite. Well, he wasn't surprised. And he was most likely safe - murdering him now would be poor manners, if nothing else, but it would also be political a bad idea. Not right after he had sworn fealty to Rupert. Neither Rupert nor his enemies would want to connect a murder to the event like that. Well...maybe another Surtova loyal to the King or Queen, but that seemed unlikely so soon.
So after changing into his normal clothes Kaldwell went. In the darkness his skills should allow him to move with relative ease up to the site and look for an ambush - just in case. And Equally, he could vanish as well. It would be more difficult if they lit enough lamps, but...he would manage.
"Jay! Jay! Wake up!"
Janus' chocolate brown eyes open with a start, and the half-elf jolts upright. He is swiftly greeted by the sight of a small blue-haired gnome dressed in equally as blue scholar's robes sitting on his lap and looking at him with a worried golden gaze. Her tiny pointed ears droop slightly, a classic gnomish sign of depression. However, her expression lightens as she sees him awaken.
"About time, Jay! I've been trying to wake ya up for like five hours!" says Neji as she jumps to her feet and begins trying to help her friend to his. However, given the sheer size difference between the two of them and the fact that the half-elf is wearing several pounds of heavy armor, the small summoner finds the task much easier said than done. With a groan, she abrupt stops and commands, "Yo, D-Man. A little help here!"
A second later, Janus is hoisted to his booted feet with little trouble. He feels an iron grip let go of his arm and turns to see a giant silver clockwork golem with a massive falchion strapped to his back lumbering back to Neji's side. Janus can't help but raise an eyebrow at how stealthy the construct can be at times.
"...So what were we doing before I... abruptly decided to take a nap on the street?" Janus inquires as he starts to dust off his mithral armor.
"To be honest, I have no idea," the gnome replies as she struggles but ultimately hands the woozy Sevenstar heir his heavy shield. "I was reading up on a couple of old languages when Noelle came bursting through my window and begging for our help. She thinks that ya had another one of those haunting visions. Anyway, one of yer acolytes was watching ya after ya passed out, but I told him that D-Man and I would take care of ya. Well, we tried; must have been a bad haunt cuz ya were out for hours, Jay. If case yer wondering, Noelle left about an hour ago. She said something about handling some business in yer place at some fancy dinner-"
Janus instantly felt a cold shiver go down his spine.
"Neji, how fast can Destroyerman get us across town?" the half-elf asks as he begins making his way to where he should have been five hours ago. Neji snaps her fingers, and Destroyerman quickly scoops up his summoner in his arms and begins following the half-elf at a pace that a tiny gnome could have never hoped to match on her own.
"Well, after outfitting this guy with that heavyload belt I made last week, he could probably fly us there in seven minutes if he books it. Less if I enlarge him," muses Neji as she recalls her courier runs around Restov.
"That works!" proclaims Janus as he quickly jumps behind the golem and hops on his back.
Needless to say, Destroyerman is not very amused. Combined with all her gear, Neji is lesser than fifty pounds; even with his magic belt immensely augmenting his strength, the clockwork eidolon strains slightly under Janus' sudden weight. However, he manages to quick adjust his stance, and carrying the two humanoids becomes easy enough.
"Well, hold on tight, Jay," chirps Neji before she turns her head to her eidolon and says, "Let's rock, big guy."
OoOoO
"About time you got here!" says a small azura faerie dragon as she lands on Janus' shoulder. "You sure missed a lot, Janus. Rupert Surtova was just proclaimed King of the Stolen Lands; I was just informed that he will be the man you swear your oath of loyalty to."
"...Good to see you too, Noelle!" deadpans Janus as he makes his way through the crowd to get a better look at the events unfolding before him. "...Rupert Surtova...He's...?
"Cousin to the Regent and the man who will be overseeing much of the reclaiming of the Stolen Lands, including the establishment of Lord Erastil's new temples," Noelle informs her master as the two of them watch an oath taking unfold. "I thought you knew that; those hauntings can sure cause terrible memory loss."
"They sure do," grumbles Janus as he messages his temples.
"Well, never fear, Janus," declares Noelle as she scurries down the half-elf's arm and deposits a piece of paper in his gloved hand. "I wrote out an oath for you to take; I think your are going up very shortly."
"Thanks, Noelle," says Janus as he scoops up the tiny dragon and gives her an affectionate nuzzle.
Not literally a moment later, Janus finds himself before the newly proclaimed King of the Stolen Lands. Having seen enough of an oath taking to know what to do, the Oracle of Erastil swiftly bows before the new king and kisses Rupert's ring. Keeping Noelle's paper tucked away in his glove, Janus recites his oath.
"I, Janus Osiris Sevenstar, swear fealty and complete loyalty to you, your Majesty. As the Church of Erastil's representative for this endeavor, may our partnership be efficient and productive in restoring peace to the Stolen Lands. Additionally, should you ever need my services as a healer, I will do all in my power to keep you in good health. May you have a long and happy reign."
There is not a trace of deception in Janus' oath and demeanor. He means every word.
"Mistress Neji, a halfing wanted me to give you this message; he wished to personally hand it to you or Lord Janus, but as you instructed, I clearly relayed your preference not to be disturbed while you ate," reports Destroyerman's deep and mechanical voice as he places a piece of parchment before the little gnome.
With a mouth full of various foods, Neji looks up at her clockwork eidolon and then back to the document the just handed her. After swallowing the entire ensemble, she begins to look it over. "Huh. Interesting. I'll be sure to give this to Jay once he's done kissing up to Rupert. By the way, good job handling the situation, D-Man. You know how Ms. N hates having her dinner interrupted," muses the gnome as she consumes another pound of chocolate.
"Of course, Mistress Neji," says the golem as he once again assumes his position of guarding the summoner as she eats.
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"I, Janus Osiris Sevenstar, swear fealty and complete loyalty to you, your Majesty. As the Church of Erastil's representative for this endeavor, may our partnership be efficient and productive in restoring peace to the Stolen Lands. Additionally, should you ever need my services as a healer, I will do all in my power to keep you in good health. May you have a long and happy reign."
"May good Old Eye bless us in our effort, and I thank you for your offer."
Rupert Surtova smiles at you.
"D-Man, I wasn't really paying attention when I first looked at it, but this paper doesn't say anything coherent," says Neji after taking a second glance at the memo.
The eidolon shrugs and replies, "He wanted to see Lord Janus, but as our friend's courier, it is your job to handle any Sevenstar mail, correct?"
"...I think he just used ya to point out Jay and gave ya this as a distraction," ponders Neji as the gnome begins wondering what she can do to upgrade the golem's critical thinking skills. Yes, eidolons were universally known not to be the sharpest swords in the armory, but that did not mean Destroyerman had to be so stereotypical.
"In my dream I saw you... Well I felt you loving the world, and that's what saved us all from destruction at the hands of the unloving. "
"So then if I am supposed to love the world, does that mean I am supposed to start with you?" Tarina asks a little flirtingly, "You did say you saw this prophet's body right?"
Danath astride Aru arrived relatively quickly as Aru's magically enhanced speed made such overland travel easy, such speed allowed him to bypass choke points faster as well.
He gave the area a quick glance, he wasn't overly concerned of Rupert but he didn't trust any secret meeting to be as secret as one hoped...
He didn't notice anything amiss and proceed onward.
Not wanting to be late, Kiri hurries with Halcorg to the meeting place. Once close, Kiri leaves Halcorg to watch the area from the trees prepared to move in should anything unexpected occur.
Kiri then proceeds to the tent, walking in and expecting her ability to see the unexpected to give her the upper hand should anything happen.
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The secret meeting starts on time. Besides all of you, Rudolf Ferdinand Aldori III, Saul Magill (representative of "The Oracle's Shadow") and a monk from the Cenobitic Order all arrives, so all of you, who swear fealty are here. The only one that doesn't "belong" is Rupert's halfling helper (the one that gave you the messages).
Rupert greets all of you, and ask you to sit down. After you all do it, he stands at the end of the table and starts talking.
"I won't be a King by imposition. I refuse to be a King because of my cousin wish it so."
He looks expectantly at all of you.
"Many before us have tried, and failed, to colonize the Stolen Lands. And in this occasion everybody wants us to fail. My dear cousin at New Stetven wants us to fail, and me die in the process, so he can get rid of me, and at the same time weaken Rostland. Issia wants us to fail so they can keep Rostland dominated. Even Rostland wants us to fail now because we are now part of Issia's plans for they continuous subjugation. The River Kingdoms wants us to fail so they don't have another player in their pathetic squabbles. And the monsters and bandits in the Stolen Lands are betting their lives and fortunes in our failure."
He waits to see if all of you concur.
"And we will fail. Don't doubt it. We don't stand a chance."
He waits for any retort to end before continuing.
"Unless we stand united. Unless we all join. Unless we trust in one another. But you don't trust me. So we are doomed."
He shows you an ornate parchment he had on the table, raising it with his hand. He starts reciting the contents without seeing it.
"I, King Rupert the First of Sloboda..."
He smiles a little...
"That means "liberty" in the archaic Issian Language, I hope you forgive me the liberty - pun intended - of naming the new country, as "Stolen Lands" sound horrible..."
He gets serious and continues...
"... recognizes the following rights from his peers, the barons of his land, now and forever."
"1. All the people in the land shall be free, in action, word, travel, religion and thought. Slavery is forbidden. Only an act against others will be punishable as a crime, and only if condemned by a judge. Nor talk nor ideals can be a crime in itself. Each person possessions are to be preserved unless ordered by a judge.
2. An Oath is sacred. What you say is your bond, and you will be make responsible of it.
3. Each baron, and the King, will be granted a territory, and within that territory his authority will be uncontested, and can enact his own laws and customs, as long as don't restrict the liberty of their subjects or the breaking of oaths. Each baron is the ultimate judge in his territories, and can delegate that capacity in whoever he wants. A baron that breaks the law can be judged, and condemned, by a majority of a jury of all the other barons and the King. A King that breaks the law can be judged, and condemned, by a majority of a jury of all the barons."
He stops here to let you understand that he is giving you control, by law, over him.
"4. Each baron will obey the orders of the King, unless they contradict the first two articles. Each baron will cooperate with the others, and with the King, in the defense and protection of all the subjects of the Kingdom.
5. Each baron will choose his own rules of succession. The King will be selected, when needed, by a majority of votes of the barons. A King can be deposed if a majority of the barons vote for it."
He sighs...
"I could have written "all", but I need to trust you if you are going to trust me."
He gets serious again and continues.
"6. Each decree of the King can be revoked if the majority of the barons vote against it.
7. All the resources granted by Brevoy to colonize the Stolen Lands belong to Sloboda, and will be used as the King and the Barons see fit. The don't belong to any one person.
I, King Rupert the First of Sloboda swear and sign this, as well as the other 15 barons of the land on this Oathday 16 of Calistril of 4710 AR."
He stops reading. He looks at all of you.
"I won't be a King by imposition. I will only be a King if you all trust me, if you all decide to join with me, and create a new nation in Sloboda. I will only be King if we unite. Venetia has a point, I can't order her to be my queen. But I think I can be a good husband to her as I can be a good King for Sloboda."
He puts the parchment on the table, grabs a pen and signs the parchment.
"I just need for you to follow me, and we will fail if we do not stand together. We need a king now. somebody to organize us. If we start to fight between ourselves, to squabble between ourselves, we don't stand a chance. But when we triumph, I will be the first in invite you all to select our new king. So if you decide to help me, sign, and we can start created our new home. If you don't, I'll try anyway, but I know I can't do it alone."
He extends the pen so you can sign.
Danath looked at Rupert with a knowing gaze as what he proposed was unknown to any land that he knew of. Such equality would be looked down upon with scorn by many but would be uplifting to the citizens so long as it held true. It was so close to what Danath had planned that he couldn't help but chuckle in surprise.
Without a word of argument he signs the document, he does however have one request. "Liberty... This will bring an age of equality unknown across the kingdoms but your wrong in one thing. I do trust you as you have yet to betray me, being an Orlovsky or Surtovan has nothing to do with the mission before us or trust. I had greatly questioned the reasons behind your actions but I was nonetheless sworn to aid you with all the might I possess. However I hope you won't mind us naming our own territories." He smiles as he finishes that last swirling flourish on the y of his name. With that he steps back and lets someone else step forward, for once his stoic nature is swept aside in feeling he had made the right choice for once in a long time.
Now the only problem would lie in defeating those who stood against them in the lands of Sloboda and Brevoy's wrath when they find they had been betrayed...
Seeing that Danath had signed and feeling the sincerity in Rupert's proposal Ni'Tir steps forward and signs her rough signature onto the parchment. "Da earth be on our side, those who tread unwelcome will be doomed mon." She smiles summoning up a ball of flame to dance across her fingers before snuffing it out in her clenched fist. "So long as ya don't harm the earth I have no reason to not trust ya." She smiles warmly at Rupert, her eyes twinkling at the possibilities ahead of them.
Edeldhur smiled now, definitely much more appeased regarding Rupert's intentions than he was at the formal dinner. Then he had spoken the words trying to be as uncompromising as possible, now... Now, even though he couldn't read past his expression and words, the document seemed to be in order, and he was starting to believe the man.
As he approaches, he looks Rupert in the eyes - "Your words ring sincere to me, as far as I understand them - I value this" - he picks up the paper - "Much more than I value the official business earlier on tonight. And it is this" - he still holds it in his hand - "That makes me believe your actions will match what is written. Words on a piece of paper are just that - they can be burnt, whisked away, or simply ignored - their value will be backed by actions. The same way yours will dictate if this piece of paper has value, so will mine, and ours, dictate if our signature has meaning"
Putting the charter back down on the table, and signing it, he finishes - "I sign it in free will, and will make sure all those that do so, will live up to it" - he offers a bow and a smile at Rupert, then returns to his place in the gathered group.
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As you sign the parchment Rupert embraces you, and thank you for it.
"I am sure we will prevail, together. And yes, we all can name our on territories. But after we all sign we will need to discuss some kind of... Union. Some way to tie the laws and customs of our different barones so they all are together in this, while respecting their particularities, just as we will work together without losing our personalities... "
After the tall elven wizard steps forward, the brightly dressed short Varisian woman steps up:
I have foreseen that I was to be here this night. For many years the usurpers from Cheliax have forced the Varisian and Shoanti natives to live as second citizens. In this land I would expect that all shall be welcomed so long as they come in peace and do not harm our citizens or our laws. And by all, I mean not just humans, elves and other humanoids, but all creatures great and small, fey and monstrous included. As long as they agree to live peacefully.
However, I must ask that the judges and the rulers of this land always consider that while this may be a land ruled by laws, it is the people who are governed and it must be the people who are considered first, not strict adherence to the laws when such strict adherence might result in more harm than good.
With that, Kiritta takes the quill and signs her name using an archaic Varisian script that in fact dates back to the age of Thassilon.
Knowledge(nobility):
Sense Motive: <-- I assume you only want 1 Sense Motive
"And I thought you called me out here for something completely different Rupert, first you make me your feoff and now you want me to sign something that makes me your equal? Man, this will really tick off that cousin of yours, where do I sign."
She picks up a pen and signs her name in Taldan with speed, and decent precision, each letter flowing into the next.
Marius had quietly sat and listened to their new King's noble speech. He sounded almost Andoran in his ideals. This worried Marius. Liberty was a fine idea, but it required law and order to protect it. To give liberty boundaries so that it did not grow into something worse, anarchy.
But this new charter was planting the seeds of that very thing. An anarchic state where the Barons held as much authority as the King would allow for mob rule should one of the Barons become charismatic enough or cunning enough to bend the majority of the council to his idea.
No idea, no matter how noble, could overcome the basic selfish nature of man. Only Order, applied without malice nor mercy could reign in the baser nature of creation.
"Freedom is a noble idea King Rupert, but if unchecked, freedom is the seed from which the thorns of anarchy grows. How do you propose a system of baronies, all with different laws and customs, to work together cohesively as one. Your two restrictions, regardless of how grand an idea they may be, are simply not enough to ensure that a citizen of one Barony is not persecuted by the laws of another Barony they visit. For what if, in the laws of one Barony the price of theft is you pay 3x the price of the good you stole to the aggrieved party and in another Barony it is the hand with with you took the goods? How do we reconcile the various differences that are sure to arise?"
He stood up and looked at the rest.
"This is why I propose that rather than a Barony, I be made the Marshall of this new land and that we come together here and now to implement a set of laws that will be enforced uniformly throughout the kingdom, rather than a piecemeal collection of codes and regulations that vary with the crossing of an imaginary border. Not for my sake or the sake of us, but for our citizens who will then be protected from obscure regulations they may not be familiar with."
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"And I thought you called me out here for something completely different Rupert, first you make me your feoff and now you want me to sign something that makes me your equal? Man, this will really tick off that cousin of yours, where do I sign."
She picks up a pen and signs her name in Taldan with speed, and decent precision, each letter flowing into the next.
"Yes, Venetia, it will really tick my dear cousin. I just hope he is unable to do anything about it. "
He grabs you by the arm and takes you a little aside.
"I am sorry I can't start courting you properly, but this "King" business is much work. When I get myself a Queen she will be able to help me. But, speaking of which, I have a confession to make... Little after we lost contact I had a little... Indiscretion. From it a most wonderful daughter was born to me. I will make arrangements for you to meet as soon as posible. I think its better for you to know in advance, and I hope it doesn't make you think less... "
At Marius diatribe he excuses himself and go confront him...
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He stood up and looked at the rest.
"This is why I propose that rather than a Barony, I be made the Marshall of this new land and that we come together here and now to implement a set of laws that will be enforced uniformly throughout the kingdom, rather than a piecemeal collection of codes and regulations that vary with the crossing of an imaginary border. Not for my sake or the sake of us, but for our citizens who will then be protected from obscure regulations they may not be familiar with."
Rupert stops speaking to Venetia and goes back to talk to you...
"Master du'Caat... Each Baron will decide who will have the right to impart justice in their own barony. And you will be just as able to do the same in your own, whatever name you wish to give your assigned territory. If we all, some or none of us decide to make you Marshall, that is something will only happen if you respect our right to decide, and you will be bound by oath to accept our decision, even if you don't like it. As for different laws for different baronies, and how to make crimes punishable if the criminal escapes one Barony and goes into another, is part of the things we need to discuss AFTER we all sign."
A daughter huh, guess it's only fair that I tell him about Tarina then. Venetia opens her mouth to tell Rupert about her own daughter, right as Rupert excuses herself, sighing at her missed opportunity.
This was one of those times Arv was more than happy to let Danath's words stand on his behalf. His head was reeling. In spite of his cognitive abilities, Arv had never been very good at reading people. Trying to work out motivations and hidden agendas, and how this proposal would take shape when realized... Had he not just quieted the nervous hens of the north? and now this?
"I'll just smile for now, and raise a glass..."
Szymon expected an ambush not this. After swearing fealty to this guy, Rupert wanted to make him a baron. A baron! First, a swordlord by his own hand. Then, a hero of Restov with his friends. Now, a baron! His parents won't believe this. They thought their dreamer son would not amount to anything.
He watched Edeldhur sign and support the agreement. Edeldhur is the smartest person Szymon knows, so it must be a good deal. He waits his turn and signs the contract. Szymon is too tongue-tied to say anything, especially after putting a condition on his oath of fealty.
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He watched Edeldhur sign and support the agreement. Edeldhur is the smartest person Szymon knows, so it must be a good deal. He waits his turn and signs the contract. Szymon is too tongue-tied to say anything, especially after putting a condition on his oath of fealty.
Rupert embraces Szymon.
"May some day our swords defend our land together."
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I have foreseen that I was to be here this night. For many years the usurpers from Cheliax have forced the Varisian and Shoanti natives to live as second citizens. In this land I would expect that all shall be welcomed so long as they come in peace and do not harm our citizens or our laws. And by all, I mean not just humans, elves and other humanoids, but all creatures great and small, fey and monstrous included. As long as they agree to live peacefully.
However, I must ask that the judges and the rulers of this land always consider that while this may be a land ruled by laws, it is the people who are governed and it must be the people who are considered first, not strict adherence to the laws when such strict adherence might result in more harm than good.
"Well, yes, all people will be consider as equal, at your barony, if you wish so, and in mine too. But every one will decide their rules and laws. And about laws, only by having them will the people be equal. If we start ignoring the law then the strong and the bully will prevail. Only laws can defend the weak and poor."
After the relatively uneventful dinner (one would think that an entourage consisting of a blue-haired, half-fey summoner, a faerie dragon, and flying death golem would get more attention), Janus finds himself presented a piece of paper by a halfing courier, who mumbles something about telling a certain nosy gnome and her tin can to mind their own business. After confirming that the shorter man is a representative of Rupert, Janus sees no harm in at least checking out what the new king of the Stolen Lands has to say.
OoOoO
Before he ever judges somebody (provided that he has the time), Janus is always sure to ask Erastil for Guidance and insight.
"...That's... a rather incredible offer, your Majesty," says the Oracle after listening carefully to what Rupert has told him. As far as the Oracle can see, Rupert means every word. "I was expecting to help rebuild a few temples at most, but Baron Sevenstar does have a nice ring to it!"
He looks to Anton, Edeldhur, and Szymon. While he is certainly acquainted with the other Heroes of Restov, he can't say that he's exactly best buddies with them. His own title of Hero stems more from his work as a healer and that one time he upgraded the entire town guard's armory on half their budget. However, their positive reaction is enough to edge him into signing.
Provided that he makes a few suggestions first.
"As excellent as this foundation of law is, I think it would be smart if we should add a new clause saying that this document will be refined and clarified at a later date. Open for future amendments so to say. Of the top of my head, 'uncontested' might be a rather... strong way to describe authority. Granted, retroactively adding this eighth article might be in bad taste considering that a few of us have already signed."
Janus points at hand in Marius' direction.
"Additionally, some sort of unified law enforcement might not be a bad idea. Somebody has to enforce our supreme leader's decrees and reign in any rogue barons. Otherwise, we would just be adding another sixteen or so squabbling countries to this region."
Janus briefly thinks about anything Neji might want him to say.
"The barons might also want to consider what certain powers and responsibilities would be best left to the king. For example, one single royal postage system would be infinitely easier to maintain and manage than sixteen. A unified court system might also be the way to go."
He pauses and thinks some more.
"Perhaps some universal, guaranteed rights for the citizens would also be good to add at a later date. For example, at least in my domain, I would have any person on trial to be judged by a jury of their peers unless they wished otherwise. It's been a practice of the Church of Erastil for ages, and I find that it works rather well. We already speak of such a right for ourselves, so why not extend it to everyone?"
Ever a cautious individual, Janus waits to hear any replies to his ideas before officially signing. However, anyone who can fog a mirror would see that the Oracle is certainly willing to add his signature to the list. He just wishes for the possibility of future amendment to be open.
Satisfied with how Rupert has fielded the questions and concerns, Arv strolls up, and bows. "Any room for my name on this piece of paper?" He smiles at Rupert, signs, and bows again.
Arv then makes his way to Marius. "I believe we should make time to discuss a few items which may be in our mutual interest. With this collection of Baronies, you see potential chaos with regard to the law, whereas I worry the same about trade. The former is paramount to the efficacy of the latter, and the latter flourishes within the structure of the former. I would also argue, the former does not go over very well if the latter is skewed against you. If you were to put together a list of laws you would find most important for our united baronies, I would be happy to give it a look. You might be surprised how many I would stand beside you on, and that is even before discussing import tariffs, or a choice for a united baronies center of trade." Arv shrugs...
"As I said... we should make time to talk."
Kaldwell stared at Rupert in amazement. To right such laws into the very founding of his nation...[i]He's either mad, more cunning than I ever dreamed, or truly intent on this.[/b]
Kaldwell was reasonably certain, however, that he meant what he said. While it didn't set his mind entirely at rest - Rupert was still a Surtova - but it was certainly more than he'd ever expected. There were ways around the laws, of course. Mind controlling the barons with a powerful spellcaster - what did that Halfling do, exactly? - was one way. Blackmail and hostages another.
"May I suggest that all votes by the barons," Kaldwell said after a moment, "Take place in an anti-magic chamber, to assure there minds are there own? Otherwise the terms seem more than reasonable, Highness." Certainly more reasonable than Kaldwell would have ever guessed. That should take care of his main fear, in magic.
Ni'Tir listens to the many voices and opinions springing up around her and couldn't agree more with many if not all of them. Edeldhur's words however made her look questioningly at the elven wizard before she decided to not speak her mind. "I agree with many of ya been sayin' but let us finish signin' dis and then continue talkin'."
He was astounded at all the clear logical thinking coming up around them and he agreed with a lot of what was being said. Even Kaldwell's paranoid sounding need to ensure a chamber was protected from magic was a good idea, one he would wish to be seen further then just being applied to barons along. Not really wanting to speak until everyone had agreed he approached Marius and Arv "Marius I couldn't agree more to you being our lands Justicar and I will fully fund your organization to see it so. I am sure that Arv has already spoke of a centralized place of trade with you as well and that is something I want more then anything. The creation of a city centralized where multiple baronies intersect would be an auspicious start."