Jay also heals Anando's nose.
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"Regardless of what happened back there, I still made a promise to help you, and I want to keep it. Again, what you decide to do is ultimately up to you, Anando, but may I at least make a suggestion on an alternative to your current plans? Neji mentioned to me that King Rupert wanted Alexandria to have his fiefdom. Perhaps it would be more... productive if you managed that after resigning and let us search for her. Given your work, I do not doubt your ability to find her, but I think people like Kiritta and I could make the process more swift and clean with our divination magic."
Janus pauses as he looks out a window, his eyes staring deep into the forest.
Anando answers him... a tear in his eye.
"He was a great man... the greatest I knew. I know he had a good reason not to tell me, but it still hurts me.""King Rupert saved my life. He saved all of our lives, really. More importantly, he also gave me the best chance I have had in years to rescue my mother. I understand that it hurts that he never mentioned Alexandria to you. However, given how well he lived his life, I at least want to believe that His Majesty had a good reason to hide his daughter. If I had to guess, it was probably his extended family.
"Regardless, I owe him a lot, Anando. The best way I can make it up to him would be to faithfully execute his final will. I think it would be... the best service to such a great man if we all worked at this together. And even that aside, I don't think I could ever sleep well if Rupert's sacrifice was forgotten. The best way to make sure that never happens is to find Alexandria and make sure that she is safe here. Again, I think we could best achieve that goal if we work together."
Neji eventually slips her piece in.
"Jay's always been a better speaker than me, so I basically agree with everything he said there. However, I just want you to know that I appreciate your work, Anando. I apologize for never being more vocal about it. I was... I should have been. If you want to resign, that is completely fine by me. Just be aware that...
"Thank you... I try my best to make Rupert's dream a reality. About keeping Rupert's fiefdom "safe"... do you realize it doesn't exist, right? There is no "barony" of his. And it will probably never exist now."
You notice Anando is broken-hearted... he needs more healing, but not on his nose..
"...Erastil once told me that my mother wasn't in the First World. It turns out that she is. I know the gods don't have any presence in that realm, but he still should have seen her get abducted. I plan to ask Old Deadeye why he... lied. Point is, I know your pain, Anando."
Janus nods at Anando's point.
"I didn't know. If that's the case, then we can find an alternative for Alexandria. Rupert surely left her something, and whatever it is should be watched. If you want to... completely retire, then I am sure someone will help her. Venetia seems willing. If not, I can certainly take her in. 'Sevenstarland' currently consists of myself, two awesome gnomes, and an Eidolon. There will be room for her."
Neji adds her opinion. "We really want ya to stay. It's dangerous out there, and we don't want to lose anyone else after all that's happened. I'm sure there's somewhere safe here you can retire. If nothing else, I'm sure Alexandria would like to meet ya."
"It will exist if we make it Anando, and we need you for more then just that Anando. If Rupert's daughter starts asking questions about her father, what am I supposed to tell her, I have been out of contact with him for many years before we met again, years in which you knew him and I did not, Rupert may expect me to take care of his daughter, but I have a daughter of my own to take care of as well, and daughters can be quite difficult to manage. I will need your help to raise this Alexandria in the way that Rupert wished."
When Tatiana arrives at the castle, she starts organizing: calling on reinforcements for the staff and steward, developing short-term hosteling options for the barons and other guests (the runaway nobility), and killing the proverbial fatted calf for a celebratory feast later in the evening. Szymon constantly stays at her arm and out of her way. He seems to enjoy her take charge attitude and wears apparently a painted on smile of dizzying happiness. Since, he always travels light, Szymon makes a minimal impact on Tatiana's living quarters.
Tatiana's next priority is to get a copy of Rupert's will: either the original or her own personal copy. She wants to avoid Anando, so if she can get the original document without a fuss, i.e. breaking into Anando's personal office or chambers, she does that. Otherwise, she brings Venetia her copy of the will to read before the feast, while discussing room and board arrangements with all of the new guests. She tells Venetia that she will return to her quarters before the feast, ostensibly to collect the document, but also to have a private conversation about the will.
As usual, Tatiana eagerly accepts constructive criticism and good ideas to improve on any of the plans, whether sleeping arrangements or festivities.
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Realizing that his fledgling nation seems to be running high on emotion and low on logic, Kiritta, with Halcorg usually standing but a few paces behind and not willing to let his recently returned wife get out of his reach, let alone his sight, begins to start to attempt to set some order.
She calls the barons and returned nobility together.
After seeing what happened today, we need to have a constitution that will lay out the laws of this land. I personally could care less about most laws as long as people are not hurting people. However, this is a nation and there must be laws as guidelines so that people can live in their homes feeling safe and knowing that the military, or some crime lord, or their neighbor, cannot just come charging in and take over. We need to set forth punishments so that when one steals or kills, the punishment for each crime is set forth and the manner of trying such acts is known.
Next, we have the big issue which seemed to create most of the problems today. The rulership of this land and what to do about Rupert, Anando and Alexandra. I propose that a small portion of the funds provided by Rupert to found this nation be set aside in trust for Alexandra, should she be found. This money can be used to build a modest estate which shall be run by Anando as the trustee for Alexandra. From these assets, Anando shall be able to retain spies, adventurers, and others to seek information on Alexandra. In addition, Janus and I can use our magic to aid in the search as necessary.
For the rulership, we must decide what is to be done. Rupert is no longer here, and while the nation is founded in part on the assets that he bequeathed to us, it was the hard work of our companions, the Barons, which freed this land from the ravages of the creatures and evil which existed here before. Thus, it shall be the Barons, with our assistance, who should decide how the ruler of this land is to be chosen. There are many ways such as skill at arms and magical battles, which have been used in the past. But, I do believe these are the way we should do this. Otherwise the ruler could easily be the biggest and strongest idiot who can wield a sword, or some practitioner of the dark arts.
I propose that a class of barons, we shall call then senior barons or perhaps dukes, shall elect a King or Queen every two years. A sitting ruler may seek reelection, and any other baron may challenge him for the throne. A sitting ruler shall have all powers granted by the constitution until his term is up. If a ruler dies, a new ruler shall be elected. If a ruler is abusing his powers, then the barons can convene an impeachment proceeding and if 2/3 of all barons allowed to vote, vote to impeach the ruler, then he shall be impeached.
Once a ruler is chosen, he shall appoint individuals, who may be barons or other lords, but need not be, to fill the various important roles of the land. General, Magistrate, religious overseer, Warden, chief of economic development, chief arcanist, and many other positions. These appointments shall be voted on by the barons to provide protection from a ruler placing cronies into positions which might endanger the land. In addition, the barons may impeach any of these individuals if their actions are so warranted. I would hope that each new ruler would continue to employ those appointed by his or her predecessor, unless some great need required the replacement as the stability and continuity of the government is key to keeping a nation strong and acting as one.
After finishing the longwinded speech, Kiritta looks around the room to see what the others thing of this approach.
Xi rises to her feet looking ready to protest before Ni'Tir puts a hand on her shoulder and urges her to sit down. She considered Inertia words as she tried to keep her sister calm.
Xi was very angry and didn't try to hide it. She looked to Halcorg and her expression became a mixture of anger, pain and a little betrayal. She looked to her sister then. "Who is she take judge eh? Why ya silent while she spits on us?!"
Ni'Tir placed a finger on Xi's lips. "Be still and focus on calm sista."
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Seraph refrains from allowing her personal feelings to distract ehr from what she had to say. She is composed as she steps forward, standing at Queen Tatiana's side as she needed to be. She had a small detail of bodyguards near Tatiana as well, all loyal and upper ranked Dragonflight soldiers. One of which she whispered to, who then quickly saluted and left the chamber.
She set her hand on the table near where a tactical map of the Stolen Lands was displayed. She pushed the pieces on the board forward, indicating a push to secure the Stag Lands before she lifted the image of the Stag Lord off the board.
"Queen Tatiana, I have given orders to prepare the men to secure the Stag Lords fortress along with cleaning up his remaining forces lest another bandit lord try and take a hold of our new gotten gains. The dead have continued their attacks in our absense and its not good milady. I will redouble our efforts."
She turned then looking between Kiri and Halcorg, but her eyes moved between all of the assembled companions and barons. "We have kept in mind Lord Rupert's ideals when this kingdom was created which I thank all of you for seeing our accomplishments. But I will remind everyone that you are in the presence of the current ruler of Slobada, please show Queen Tatiana respect. This is not a request as I will not risk unrest outside this room again and the fragile moment our kingdom is the worst it has EVER been. We need tact and to ease the kingdom into this, not rapid changes foolishly pressed upon them."
"I apologize that some of you were ill informed as to what we have established but we have standing laws and a Justicar will be summoned to provided them for everyone's viewing within the hour. What we have drafted as the ruling notions of the Kingdom will be brought before you as well. We were unprepared for this meeting as it wasn't officially called but I assure you it will be orderly before its end."
"On that note I will say this as a point of caution. The Silver Dragonflight have secured the borders and we have been fighting for many months to hold this kingdom alongside our allies the Leventon's and Baroness Borgnok. We are far from Lawless and many have died to defend this kingdom. Please bare this in mind when you speak as many of us were close with those who have fallen. I personally will not stand a single insult to the dead."
Her voice was firm but respectful and she held back the emotion it brought to mind. She had buried far to many over the last few months.
"We have estates already built, at the moment expansion and securing our new borders is of the utmost importance. Not buildings that will be used as guildhalls, when we have options already in place. None of you were here to understand our current state of affairs, but if we show any weakness now. The creatures and countries that surround us will be enboldened to breach our lines. The dead have been showing increasing aggression, attacks are on the rise now multiple times a week and they are the next target we push them into lake Silverstep."
[saller]" In the mean time, if Ruperts child can be located then I promise to do everything to aid in rescuing or securing her here within Slobada. But the citizens are our top priority, as is this kingdom. Anando you are far more important then you give yourself credit and again I urge you to remain with us."[/smaller]
She was sincere when she spoke to Aanando as the Halfling had done a great service to the kingdom. Losing him would be a great blow for the kingdom as a whole.
Again looking at the new arrivals.
"You may not know this however we are not welcome in Brevoy, we are criminals. No better then the Stag Lord in the eyes of the Brevoyian Nobility as we stole from the Dragonscale throne itself. Any actions across their borders will more then likely be seen as an act of aggression, so I wish to air on the side of caution and not act unless we are absolutely sure we can succeed."
"I wish to avoid another Taldan and hope to model the kingdom around the upper class being representatives voted in by the people. It would ensure those who are given their position actually perform admirably for their term which I wish to be no less then three and no more then five. They should be allowed to remain in office as long as the people continue to believe they are worthy."
Danath looks at Seraph momentarily, his face remains composed as she continues.
"I also do not believe that the leading rulership should remain stagnant either, or in the hand of a monarchy. My proposal is that the official leadership of the country also be endorsed by the people, the best three among them needs to be selected by the barons and dukes. From there those three will vie for the position and must win the admiration of the populace. However, I agree with Kiri in the removal of those not performing in a way befitting the kingdom. The Ill Confidence should either be supported by everyone or by the majority. We can decide that later."
"Until we determined a new method it is my firm opinion that titles should fall in line as such. Depending on gender, Queen or King, Hands of the King. Which will be two individuals that help the king handle decision making and serve as confidantes. Followed by Dukes or Duchesses, Barons or Baronesses, Knights and baronets or knight errants. You must be of the rank of Knight or Baronet to run for a higher position within the kingdom. That is all I can say on this matter, thank you."
"A sound idea, in theory, but this nation is a small one, it would not be difficult for one person to bring in numerous new citizens to the nation and gain control of it through such endorsements. I am unsure such a method would work in practice, if we let the masses decide who will rule them what is to stop them from throwing every single one of us out? This country has already become fractured simply by our return, we cannot afford to have the country run by people so easily split. Create all the checks and balances that you need, but there needs to be a single leader that the people can look up to, but not choose. The people need to respect the authority and what you are proposing is too easily turned into chaos. If that power is myself or Queen Tatiana, I care not, there may be those who would follow my banner if I declared myself Queen, but that position is Tatiana's for now, and the document that we signed before Rupert made it clear that if we choose to change who is King or Queen, it must be a decision that we all reach together, not the decision of a single man or woman."
"All rulers started from theory, did it not? Though a single ruler Like ya Taldan and Brevoy? Even dey are rife with chaos and weakness. No single suggestion will be greater or lesser den da other. The people need ta respect da power? Ya sound like dem hell knights I hearin' of. Respect is earned, not forced outta ya and what is dis talk of Banners and those that follow ya, you surely can't be suggestin' ya'd go to war for the throne Venetia?" Ni'Tir was beside herself at the thought of the barons fighting amongst themselves so foolishly.
"But she is right mon, we did sign an agreement of how dis kingdom would be ruled and I am inclined ta honor dat agreement."
Answered in discussion thread. Sorry :(
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Maria stands behind Seraph...
"I think Seraph's ideas are great, an a good start for this Kingdom. I was a "commoner" until some months ago, never a "noble woman"..." - she looks at Venetia - "... so I am in favor of letting commoners have a saying in who will rule them. I vote for Seraph proposal!"
Arv bows his head in deference to Seraph... "I believe what you propose is admirable. However. I could not see the master sculptor Balscenziorne asking the general public their thoughts on The Agony before he was finished.. or handing over his hammer and chisel to someone the masses thought should have a crack at it."
"If this kingdom is to be extraordinary, it should be shaped by those with the vision - the kingdom itself should find its voice before the reins are handed over according to the whim of the uninformed masses."
"I also fear voting by the general populace could quite easily lead to vilification of candidates by other supporters... you all saw what happened today."
"Being a noble woman isn't always all it's cracked up to be, I'm not saying that commoners can't have some power, though perhaps not every one of them. There should be some method of deciding who can vote regardless, for example say we were to annex an entire city, do we just let everyone from that city vote without knowing anything about them?"
And her party started without her, Topper Red came to tell Tatiana that the discussion had already started in the Great Hall as soon as the beverages were ready. Tatiana would not have the opportunity to speak to Venetia in private, which was a slight disappointment. She and Szymon used their magical Sleeves of Many Garments to dress in elegant and fashionably matching outfits, her in a diaphanous light blue ball gown and him in military style waist coat and light blue cummerbund.
When Tatiana enters the Great Hall near the beginning of Kiritta’s “long-winded” speech, she waves off Topper Red’s fanfare and takes her place at the center of the table with Szymon on her right. Does Halcorg’s wife think we’ve running this kingdom without laws? She’s been here less than a day! She carps to herself as the Four Swords trail behind her and take positions along the walls nearby. She notices that Anando’s special seat making him almost eye-level remains conspicuously vacant. A servant had delivered his regards, but it was clear that his situation was not going to heal itself.
She nods to Seraph’s preparation and smiles in gratitude. She watches and listens to the speakers jockey for position in this fledgling kingdom. After Venetia’s comment about nobility, there appears to be a natural pause in the discussion, so Tatiana clears her throat to attract attention, ”First, I would like to welcome you to the kingdom of Sloboda and its capital of Trivium. Tonight is a celebration of the defeat of the Stag Lord and the return of most of our loved ones. We should plan a memorial for King Rupert as soon as the proper arrangements can be made. But tonight, I would like the first toast be to our King Rupert, without whom the kingdom of Sloboda would not exist. Here, here!” She toasts and genuinely smiles to everyone trying to dull the edge of politics.
Tatiana regains the attention. ”We need to start our story from the beginning.” She pulls out her copy of Rupert’s Will. ”This is King Rupert’s Will on which we have founded the kingdom in his and your absence. I would like to review it again tonight. "I, King Rupert I of Sloboda, being able of body and soul, declare that in case of my death the Barons of the Lands have all the rights for the resources the Dragonscale Throne and other parties has given me for the colonization of the lands, on the condition that my faithful cohort Anando Veresisi be named treasurer of the Kingdom. I also declare that the Barons have the right to choose a new King by the method they see fit. About my fiefdom, I grant it to my Daughter, Alexandria, and name Venetia Medvied as her representative until she is of age."
She lets that sink in for several seconds before continuing, ”So in our case to the representatives of Brevoy and Restov, we colonized the Stolen Lands as King Rupert had intended and founded the kingdom with Anando as treasurer, even without our king or barons. As we started making allies and settling land, we formed a government around the friends and family of the barons elevating ourselves to that title of baron,” she makes eye contact with each of the cohorts. ”Along the way, we invited key allies to join us as barons, Maria being one of them. While Sloboda is a kingdom, I have never accepted the title of queen. I have always preferred the title of Regent in the absence of the rightful king, Rupert, and consider myself at best first among equals whom I consider my brothers and sisters.” She makes eye contact again with each of the cohorts. ”Unfortunately, we do not always get what we want and people have called me queen, especially with our treasurer being the loudest among the monarchists. From the Will I believe King Rupert imagined that he would have a personal fiefdom of this kingdom, because I don’t think he had one in Brevoy. Please correct me if I am wrong. So however we proceed, we need to identify that fiefdom which becomes Venetia’s until we can locate his daughter Alexandria. Rereading the Will again, I think that King Rupert only wanted to ensure that his mystery daughter was provided for. Again we can debate the interpretation of the Will as you wish.”
She pauses again and maintains the attention, ”I believe the easiest thing to do is to confirm all of the original barons to our single level of nobility of barons. Now, we have quite a few. As to the future, it has clearly been within the power of the barons to determine it, so let’s continue our discussion. However, I would like to echo Seraph’s comments that this kingdom is not without laws and order. We do not live in a kingdom of anarchy. Welcome again. Let us all be joyful in your homecoming.”
Ti'Itza carried Tepti on his back, much to his companion's embarrassment. When the crowd hemmed them in he had at first glared with all the savagery he could muster. It wasn't far from the truth that had they attacked, he would have beat them without mercy. The only thing that held him back from calling down lightning was those that spoke first.
Now he followed them to a large castle, a gaudy thing. The great stone in the distance... his father once said... We don't go there, we avoid those places, the scaleless ones like to build great huts and not move. Makes them easy to track. But they are stonger there and we are not welcome...
Here he was, going to a place his father once forbidden him to do so.
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Now they waited, watching in silence as these barons spoke among themselves over which way to rule was wisest. Being from a smaller tribe they're way was far too uncivilized for them to consider, so they did the best thing and remained quiet.
Tepti's wounds were on the mend and she appeared different somehow. In a way he couldn't quite understand. Especially with all the talking as a distraction. Taiana's speech was most welcome to him as he was quite frankly famished from their early ordeal.
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Maria speaks after Tatiana.
"Excuse me, Queen Tatiana, if I differ. I never new this King Rupert I. And I think neither Baron Oleg Leventon nor me owe our baronies to him. I swore fealty to the Kingdom of Sloboda, and Queen Tatiana Fortuna. Not to a bunch of Brevoy nobles. I spoke some time ago with Baron Oleg and he got away from Brevoy to escape of the noble houses. We won't accept Sloboda to become part of Brevoy, nor the Brevoy noble houses to rule us."
She looks at Vodyanoy. Vodyanoy nods and speaks looking at Neji.
"I fear Baroness Borgnok is right. My father dislikes Brevoy's noble houses. But he has not met you, and I am sure he..."
Maria interrupts him.
"MAybe the first order of business is to decide who will be the ruler of the Kingdom, and I think Seraph's ideas are worthy of consideration. I know "nobles" like to think in us commoners as children without wisdom or common sense. But we are not. We deserve the right to elect our rulers. And it's better to do it by organized and clean elections than do it by force and war!"
"Your opinions are noted, Baroness Borgnok, Sir Vodyanoy, and I agree with them for the most part. I think there might be a bit of a misunderstanding, however," Janus comments as he speaks for the first time. "If I understand Her Majesty correctly, the original Barons simply intend to honor the memory and will of the man who made all of this possible. Without King Rupert and his funds, the Stag Lord would still be terrorizing your lands and families. Rupert even gave our Kingdom its name. He was different from his family. As shown by his will, he intended to try new ideas, and let others help him rule. Those of us who knew him think he at least deserves something for all the good that he has done, directly and indirectly. After all, we are judged on how we treat others, living or deceased, when we pass on. That is all."
Janus turns to the others.
"Forgive my silence. I simply agree with the majority of the ideas floated and had little to say until now. I like the idea of a system of government that does not replicate the mess known as Brevoy. The idea of some sort of constitutional monarchy is a good one. We should also not shackle ourselves to the original idea of what Sloboda was envisioned as. That would be unfair to Baroness Borgnok and our other post-Rupert allies."
He found some of the examples his fellow Barons used as quite weak to the situation presented to them. Seraph however was voicing the ideals he wished to include in what he believed would be their Barony. However Seraph had changed greatly since he had left them, to him it had been merely a few days and for her a lifetime. He couldn't reel in his happiness to see her so strong as his secrets hung over him like deaths shadow. He never stopped smiling though.
Despite his smiling, Danath is deeply troubled by something.
Danath was about to do as bidden, enjoying the smooth way that Tatiana reminded them of the oaths they had swore to the now past Rupert Surtova.
Danath was interested as to who the woman was that now back Seraph's idea however he wasn't allowed much time to muse as the same woman spoke again after Tatiana tried to calm things down.
He focused his new found abilities once more to fuel his charisma as he moved around the table to introduce himself to each of these unknown individuals. As he approached each in turn he tried to improve their attitude and lessen their defensive stance. The last thing Danath wanted was for his family to meddle in his affairs.
"I understand your passion and your reasons Baroness Borgnok, Master Leventon, but I too must side with my companion Janus. Which I do not do so lightly. He is a talented man and a trustworthy one and I am Danath Orlovsky. However I do not represent my family in these affairs, Seraph can assure you as I was once her teacher but it appears I have nothing left to teach her." He gives Tatiana an apologetic look as he spoke out of turn, but he was genuinely interested in trying to lessen the slowly heating debates.
Seraph couldn't help but raise an eyebrow questioningly at Arv's poor example. What he suggested was so far removed from what she had proposed or perhaps she was just surprised at how much they all feared giving the common folk a modicum of power. However out of respect she remained silent as Tatiana spoke. She noticed the nod of approval at her preparation and was glad, but remained quiet as she spoke.
She was genuinely shocked when Maria spoke up but she had a slight inkling as too why. The thought of leading the country had crossed her mind as well but she focused on starting her own Barony instead. Where her ideals and Danath's could prosper unopposed by fearful notions and distaste for the common sense of the common folk.
When Tatiana wasn't distracted Seraph approached her and waited to sit before broaching an idea to her. "On our return here I gave it some thought and wondered if it would be to bold for me to suggest I start my Barony by rebuilding the Stags fort. But with the return of our companions I can see the need to give them a place to build and show the citizens of Slobada they are not our enemies. I hope I have not overstepped myself tonight Milady, I know my ideas on rulership are alien to some. So I will have to try it within my own Barony, starting with public officials and moving upwards if it works out. That is when I have established one..."
Seeing Danath speaking with Maria and Vodyanoy made Seraph feel a sense of relief inside. No doubt he was swaying them to the fact he is a good man, an honest and trustworthy man. She just had to hope he wasn't overwhelming Maria with that smooth voice of his...
It was then she noticed his faked expression and her heart stilled for a moment before she calmed herself. She'd ask him later what was bothering him...
Tatiana nods at Seraph's comments and then addresses the Great Hall, "Maria, you may differ all you want. However, these people," Tatiana identifies each of the first barons by nod and eye contact in turn brushing Szymon's cheek as the last one, "are most of the original barons that King Rupert's Will specifically identifies. They were barons before we were. Therefore, my point was simply to confirm their status as barons of the Kingdom of Sloboda. To stand against recognizing them as barons would be the same as not recognizing King Rupert, which devolves and eliminates all legitimacy of the kingdom. Because without King Rupert, we have no more legitimacy than the Stag Lord."
She pauses, "Perhaps your concern is this notion of noble and commoner. You do recognize that I have never been a noble in another land, like yourself. Perhaps you don't know that many of the original barons of Rupert's kingdom were also not nobility, like my dear Szymon." who she holds their clasped hands up a bit off the table.
"Seraph has reminded me that we need to disposition the lands of the Stag Lord for their prosperity, but I believe it would be a good idea for the newly returned and original barons to introduce themselves first. Szymon, why don't you go first." She passes the attention to Szymon...
... who looks uncomfortable with the attention. Szymon's glowing smile diminishes to a forced grin. It was fine to bask in the light of Tatiana, but to receive the spotlight on himself felt harsh. He clears his throat to buy him some time before looking toward the original barons for support.
"I am Szymon Wojcik, a commoner from Restov. I have trained and practiced very hard to earn the title of Aldori Swordlord. King Rupert offered me a barony in his dream kingdom, and I swore to serve him in exchange. My oath has transferred to the Kingdom of Sloboda."
"I am Janus Osiris Sevenstar from Restov. Minister Neji is my oldest friend and adventuring partner. I suppose I am the representative of the Church of Erastil in Rostland, though recent developments have... complicated my original plans. Like my friend Szymon, I too swore loyalty to King Rupert. While my aligence now lies with Sloboda as a whole, I intend to make sure that His Majesty's memory and last will are honored as best as I can. Again, given everything he has done for us, King Rupert deserves that much."
Danath stood near Maria and Vodyanoy as he introduced himself, his voice easily heard across the chamber. "I am Danath son of Poul Orvlosky of Brevoy, first commander of the Silver Dragonflight. I swore to lord Rupert to see this endeavor through as well and owe my continuing breath to his unflinching bravery in the face of overwhelming evil. However I do not and will not represent my family or their affairs in Slobada, I will not allow any to sully Robert's dream or his memory."
"I am Ni'Tir, you all know my sista and I hope she has not been makin' trouble in my absence." Ni'Tir smiles as XiTir glares at her. "We originally hail from the Mwangi, met da Dragonflight soldier's and accompanied them throughout their travels until we were asked to join Ruperts side." As she spoke her trinkets jingled and reflected the light in strange ways.
"I am Venetia Medvyed, of the Brevoy noble house Medvyed. I hail from Brevoy, however I have spent the last nearly twenty years in the River Kingdoms raising my illegitimate daughter, Tarina. My family does not know about her, and I've tried to keep it that way, however I am not sure that such a facade can be kept much longer. The man who was originally our king, Rupert Surtova was an old friend of mine, we had an intimate relationship, and he proposed to me before his death, but I never gave him an answer. I now carry his sword to remind me of his wishes, and I believe that they deserve to be upheld. If you believe that I represent either Surtova or Medvyed, you will find yourself mistaken as I am certain that I have more enemies in Brevoy then many who sit here. I may still be in good graces with my family back in Brevoy, but I doubt that I will be for very long."
After Venetia speaks, Kiritta stands up, her long multihued dress flowing about her.
I am Kiritta Narvagoth. You all know my husband Halcorg. She looks at him sitting stoically next to her.
We hail from Varisia. I am a Harrower and was brought here by a vision that this was where my fate had been directed. I have no ties to Brevoy or Restov or any noble house in this land. I use my knowledge to learn all I can of a land and to understand all there is to be learned. I did not intend to insult those who created this land or to infer that this was a lawless land. Rather, my intention was to propose a method of solidifying the rule of this land.
She then looks over at Seraph and Maria, who seems to be supporting Seraph.
While rule by the commoners is a noble ideal, and something that I believe should be in the future of this land. However, at present I foresee this as being a dangerous method. This is a nation with nearly all citizens, other than those few from the Leventon lands, are new to the land. Many are itinerant peoples who are just as likely to remain here as to leave for other supposedly greener pastures. Until we have secured this land from threats, giving control of the ruler of the land, if only in part, to the common folk is an ideal fraught with peril. Perhaps in ten or twenty years when we have secured our borders and people are voting with confidence, rather than fear of attack from the north or south, is a time to amend a constitution and allow the common folk more voting power. But, until then, the absolute rule should remain in the hands of those who brought this land into existence.
She pauses and takes a drink.
As others have inferred, if we were to allow the common people to vote, who is to say that agents of Brevoy or the River Kingdoms would not use agents and money to influence the voting to place a puppet on the throne? If the majority wishes such a system, I shall not stop it. I just wish that others consider this before a rash decision is made which we all regret.
Once she finishes, she sits back down, not paying great attention to how her statements affected others.
After Arv presents himself, Tatiana thanks him and asks, "Topper Red, as the court herald, would you please identify all of the barons of the kingdom and their representatives if they are not here. We're more than a dozen, so it would be good for the original barons to acquaint themselves with the barons who were not their friends and family."
She then looks at the new barons like Maria in turn and says, "Please feel free to introduce yourselves when you are named."
Janus has someone bring him over some paper, ink, and a writing stick. He quickly writes out all the current Barons of the Kingdom and double checks it with Neji and anyone else who wants to help. When finished, Destroyerman flies the list over to Topper Red.
"That should be everyone who is currently a Baron. Remember, some of the original signers of the charter unfortunately perished in the First World. Or betrayed the cause. By the way, how big a bounty are we going to place on the head of Marius du'Caat?"
Arv shakes off his withdrawn pensiveness. "I am Arvander Akul'mar. Far more common than noble. What little noble blood I carry was not the result of a consensual union. It has little to do with who I am today. What drives me are my experiences as a youth. I was born in what is referred to as the Bandit Kingdom... Pitax... a place which breeds few good citizens."
"My liberation from what should have been a life either under the thumb of corruption, thuggery, and violence or holding the whip myself... not to mention my legitimately earned successes... is all due to my education. Without those piles and piles of books - cast aside as worthless by all else around me, I would have been a different man. I would have been a pawn of those with the most muscle and silver."
He pauses... shakes his head, and tries to come back to topic.
"If one sees at first mention an avenue for corruption in your plan for the workings of determining the ruling class, then I think there is cause for discussion at least. We know each other enough to discuss... without simply trading unyielding speeches, do we not?"
"While I strongly suggest listening to Kiritta closing words, I too will accept what is decided. I know in my heart what lies in each of yours is nowhere near my line in the sand." He bows genuinely and deeply, then sits.
Seraph wisely says nothing despite the way they all speak so harshly of the underclass and their ability to think for themselves. She looks to Taiana before speaking out of turn again. She had an apologetic look as she hadn't meant to stir up such a debate.
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The Elf Wizard, Edeldhur, stands.
"My name is Edeldhur, and together with my sister Daliedhur we have sworn to create a new kingdom on this lands. I am a student of the Arcane arts, and we were born at Kyonin, in a village taken by Nyrissa in which it's inhabitants, as well as our own parents, are prisoners of her. Now that we have identified our enemy, I will strive to find out a way to attack, and defeat, her. If I may I would say the abolition of Nobility is a worthy goal, but one that will take too long, and won't be accomplished in a new land, prone to banditry and chaos. I have heard good things about this new allies we got, both human and Lizardfolk, and I think we must be included in our plans from now on, as equals."
"Such weakness... It makes me ashamed that the scaleless ever overwhelmed us. It proves we are the more inferior race because of our laziness..." Tepti looked to Ti'Itza her eyes narrowing in warning as he spoke without reservation. However, to Ti'Itza his voice wasn't insulting, but matter of fact as he rises to his full height, towering over most in the room as he looked around at them one by one. He had been patient enough waiting to know who is the real ruler of this land. Now he would speak. "When you are decided I will want to know who rules in this chamber. Although I am more interested in the feast not this... mudslinging."
Xi chuckles at the Lizardfolks words. "OoO~ I like dem." Ni'Tir glares at her sister. "What at least he ain't afraid to speak truth Sista."
"Harsh words bring harsher statements sista. Ya should remember what happened to ya..." Ni'Tir's response is cold and Xi looks at her deeply hurt before looking towards the big Lizardmen who was standing now.
NI'Tir rubs her forehead warily, Xi had a ways to go and was still recovering from the emotional shock of her return...