Arcaea/Dining Hall/Ipsosez Conference
Letter from Ciann Fraoch (3 days, 12 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (19 recipients) MiLords, I am honoured to be in the presence of such esteemed Lords and Ladies of the Far East, many of you have heard of the troubles in the Northlands and if you have questions I shall endevour to answer them as best I can. Shortly the Most Holy Guardian of the Faith shall be arriving but I wish you all to know that I place myself at your disposal and look forward to this great crafting.
For those of you whom are unaware of our titles, I am the Geire Suil of Arcachon, which is what many lands would call a judge (there is a theological difference but I believe we will progress further if we avoid theological discussions in public).
Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of this undertaking,
Ciann Fraoch Geire Suil of Arcachon
Letter from Edara Kindon (3 days, 9 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (19 recipients)
Lady Ciann!
I'm so pleased to see that you are here! I didn't know who would be coming, but I'm glad to see that there are so many friends here even besides those who came from home. I know that it's quite a long journey for you; you should have broken your journey in Talex and visited us there. We don't have a huge castle, but it does have plenty of room for guests. I hope that you'll consider stopping off on your way back home. You can take back some of our special things. Well, everyone can, actually, because I brought things for all the conference attendees, special Talexian things. I think Jenred or somebody might have some other Arcaean things, but I have Talexian truffles (which look and taste like mushrooms to me, but people get all whimpery over them), some lovely smoked hams and bacon (because we raise all those lovely pigs), and foxberry jam, which actually goes quite nicely with the ham. It goes with other things as well, of course. I guess all I brought was food, but Talex doesn't have any gold or jewels or anything that people get excited about. We do a lot of things with wood, though, which are a lot more useful. We do have a lot of wood, so I guess it's natural that we would have woodcrafts. And the mushroom things.
Best,
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Talex
Letter from Caim Haerthorne (3 days, 9 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (19 recipients) Lady Edara,
I do have a taste for mushrooms, personally.
It is good to see both Your Grace and your compatriots here. There are many names I recognise, but admittedly some I do not through no fault of their own. Welcome.
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Letter from Guy du Bas-Tyra (3 days, 1 hour ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (19 recipients) Honored Lords,
Ipsosez is a veritable who's who of the Far East, right now. It is truly an honor to be having all of you in Greater Aenilia's lands.
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from Henri de Bardt (3 days ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Returning the greeting of his old friend Virish, Henri gestured for his stalwart companions to secure a table and victuals at a nearby tavern.
Sir Henri de Bardt Royal Treasurer of Cathay, Duke of Colasan, Marshal of the Royal Engineering Corps
Letter from Jenred Bedwyr (2 days, 22 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Duke Rekhyt,
Thank you once again for hosting this gathering, and I hope you enjoy the small sampler of various wines, ales, brandies, and more esoteric drinks from across Arcaea that is presented with this letter.
We now have at least one representative from every realm on the Far East present here in Ipsosez. While, of course, our main purpose here is to discuss and draw up a charter for the proposed Feudal League of the Far East, I hope to see many of you socially as well.
Unless there are any objections, I would suggest that we convene the first meeting shortly after dawn, and I will lay out my view of how the League would function to begin the debates.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Letter from Ciann Fraoch (2 days, 19 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) MiLords, I am in agreement with King Jenred, especially for those of us who have come from a great distance, there is much to be discussed and time away from our lands is dear. Upon the morn let us convene, I look forward to such proposals.
Ciann Fraoch Geire Suil of Arcachon
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (2 days, 13 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Jenred slowly made his way to the back of the hall where the representatives of the Far East had gathered. Slowly, because he personally knew most of the nobles attending the conference, and took the time to share a smile and brief conversation with the majority of those. Eventually, however, he arrived at the head of the long table Duke Rekhyt had made available for their use. In times of war, when the stronghold of Ipsosez was a bastion against all comers, this table would be covered with maps, charts, figures, and as many Marshals and other commanders as could spare a moment to confer with the rest before marching out to battle once again.
He looked out at the hall for a time, as the background chatter slowly fell quiet. He was...Nervous. Not for the first time in his life, by any means, and a lifetime of battlefield command meant that not a trace of his anxiety was visible, but...
This was the culmination of a decade of quiet work: Treaties, personal friendships, private appeals, old favours, and at least three wars had been needed to bring the entire continent to this hall, and even by the scale he reckoned matters on, that was a huge investment.
He knew how fragile it was. How divisions had already begun, how some were skeptical about his motives, how more did not see the point...
But he also knew that this more than any number of regions flying the Arcaean flag would be a legacy worth leaving for his children. And, if his darkest fears proved justified, this might be the finger that tipped the balance in favour of humanity over the unnatural Invaders that were devastating Beluaterra.
By now, the room was silent, as all the nobles watched him. A host of scribes waited to pen every word spoken in this hall so that the rest of the island could learn of it. Even the lesser servants were quiet as they waited in the wings.
Jenred breathed deeply: In...Out.
It was time.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (2 days, 13 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) "Nobles of the Far East."
"We are gathered here today at my request, and it is only fair that I lay out how I envisioned this League would be formed. But before I begin, I would like to strongly emphasize that aside from the basic tenets of which you have all been informed, none of the rest is set in stone. I have one vision of how we might accomplish these goals, but so long as those goals are accomplished, then I care little how they come to pass. Even the name is merely provisional, and I encourage all of you to provide suggestions and constructive criticism. I do insist that it be constructive, however, as this could very easily devolve into veiled insults otherwise."
"Now. There are several points to be addressed, and I will start with the behavior I think the League should stand against. Rape should be forbidden, of course, but in general I believe that our guiding principle should be to prevent abuses against those who cannot defend themselves. Those who carry weapons have chosen their path, and that should be respected. But there is no honour in slaying unarmed peasants in their homes, or in setting fire to crops to doom them all to starvation later."
"Few if any of us can claim that we have not participated in or acquiesced to others performing such deeds. I am no exception. But I would not have us point fingers over past misdeeds. The point of this is to agree that there are some things that should not be tolerated even in war. Given this, I suggest that the League forbid looting which kills unarmed peasants as its purpose, and forbid the destruction of food stores. There will inevitably be those who try to fight the destruction of a recruitment center or the like, but since they have chosen to fight, that is not to fall under this. The stealing of food should also not be forbidden, as the food is merely taken to feed others in need of it. I am open to other suggestions regarding what should be forbidden, but I request that all suggestions be concrete and easily defined."
"Regarding military cooperation, I suggest that all League members agree to join together in the event of an island-wide threat, such as a resurgent Chaos Requiem, another Tony, or an Invasion if Beluaterra is overrun; and to move against those who violate League strictures. Given our experiences with the war against Soliferum, such a military cooperation must have a single, undisputed leader, or the entire point becomes moot as every realm pulls in a different direction. I propose that an election be held for the post of Executor of the League, with each realm receiving a number of votes equal to the number of duchies under their control. Once this Executor is elected, the Executor would have the power to declare that a violation of League strictures had taken place or that some threat qualified as island-wide, and call upon League forces to move against it. The Executor could be overruled at any time by a majority vote of the League, to prevent abuses. The Executor could also be removed at any time by a supermajority of two thirds of the League, triggering a new election for Executor, or could be replaced by a simple majority if another candidate can be agreed upon."
"Again, aside from preventing the worst excesses of war and providing a military hierarchy in the case of island-wide events, all of this can easily be changed. This is merely an opening suggestion, and I look forward to having the idea improved upon by the best and brightest minds on the continent."
Jenred smiled, bowed slightly, and moved to return to his seat next to his wife and the rest of the Arcaean contingent. For a wonder, his daughter Ashkeyana had managed to keep silent for the entire speech. He had tried to impress upon his nearly-six-year-old girl that it was important to keep quiet for the time being, but you never knew with children that young.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Caim Haerthorne (2 days, 12 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) After parting with a few words of good luck to King Jenred before his speech, Caim cast his eyes nervously about the room. Whilst there were many delegates from each realm, the highest nobility of the land, his own liege was not yet present. The pomp and pride of the Lightstar family was absent amongst all the other banners.
As King Jenred came to the end of his speech the Captain-General paced about the room behind the first ranks of the crowd and found one of his scribes taking notes. In no mood for wasting time with being pleasant and accustomed to being obeyed, Caim bent down behind the scraggly form and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. The robes shook for half a second as the scribe stifled a yelp, so occupied was he in finishing off the notes.
"Is that done?", Caim whispered.
"Y-y-yesm'lord."
"Good.
Caim grabbed the transcript and scanned the words briefly. It would do. He grabbed a nearby messenger before going back to the business at hand. There were murmurs in the crowd as King Jenred allowed his words to sink in. Now it was a question of how well recieved it was...
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Roleplay from Virish Arrassum (2 days, 9 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Ambassador Virish was dressed in his robes that showed him as an Ambassador of Kindara and being that he had served as a General and Military commander for many years of his life he had no issue with saying the first words after Jenred. The Ambassador rose in his dark robes and began to speak to the great men and woman who surrounded.
"King Jenred I agree with you on all points and offer up two things for consideration. Firstly I would like to have pillaging and plundering to remain considered moral in this treaty if it is done in the context of a Brutal Takeover. Second I would like to see to it that some sort of consequence be laid out in specifics if any realm breaks this treaty."
Virish bowed as the great King had before him and then took his seat once more.
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
Roleplay from Virish Arrassum (2 days, 9 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Ambassador Virish was dressed in his robes that showed him as an Ambassador of Kindara and being that he had served as a General and Military commander for many years of his life he had no issue with saying the first words after Jenred. The Ambassador rose in his dark robes and began to speak to the great men and woman who surrounded.
"King Jenred I agree with you on all points and offer up two things for consideration. Firstly I would like to have pillaging and plundering to remain considered moral in this treaty if it is done in the context of a Brutal Takeover. Second I would like to see to it that some sort of consequence be laid out in specifics if any realm breaks this treaty."
Virish bowed as the great King had before him and then took his seat once more.
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
Roleplay from Caim Haerthorne (2 days, 9 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) "A fine point, Ambassador", said Caim. "We must not forget that sometimes the peasantry will, in the course of a prolonged war, take up arms themselves and actively resist the armies marching across their lands. The use of force and the use of diplomacy must be weighed out in this course and is of paramount importance when considering how light or heavy the hand must be in the code of warfare."
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (2 days, 5 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Dressed more plainly than nearly all of the dignitaries, wearing only the scarlet chevrons of his house rather than the Golden Lion of Cathay, Galiard Scarlett sat in what passed for a middling place of honor in the type of conference that drove heralds mad trying to determine relative standing between Dukes and Ministers, Ambassadors and Generals. He had no retinue save for the bulky, salt-and-pepper-haired form of Ulwitt Dodd, whose weatherbeaten face, straight hair, and handlebar moustache echo a style some twenty years past, though of course it's possible that nobody has told the giant man that.
Galiard cleared his throat and held up a hand to cut off the herald from announcing him. "Good my lords," he began in a tone and fashion accustomed to such speech, "If you will indulge an old man's experience rather than any standing to be among you today, I should like to impart what little I know that can be disguised as wisdom, for you to digest or disregard as you will; I am here today not by invitation due my rank, which is nil, but rather because the King Jenred and King James were too polite to deny me entry. I speak only for myself."
"For those of you who do not know me," Galiard continued, only to a murmur of "...lucky you..." from Dodd, and a couple scattered chortles from some of the Cathayan and even a couple of the older Ohnar-ian dignitaries, "My name is Galiard Scarlett, and I hail originally from Ossaet; I have fought with or against most of the realms of the Far East, served Adghar in my youth and the Aenil ever since, sat in judgment of Lasanar's High Court and ruled both it and the child of my life, the Crown of the Cathay, now born by a finer man whose bones creak less than mine," he said with a sidelong smile at King James. "The Gods have favored me in allowing my life to last long enough to see the end of Conan and Mad Tony, whom if I were to declare what must be had for breakfast would oppose it with every design they had, and have done so in every great endeavor I have attempted. To those of you here who had a part in that destruction, I am in your debt."
Galiard looked over to King Jenred. "It pleases me to see such a reversal these past many years as Arcaea, for one cannot imagine more an opposite of the base and vulgar Arcaea of my generation than the likes of King Jenred and his court, or such a noble purpose as what draws us here today. To the spirit of his proposal I lend my aged support, though I must add to the most recent conflict with Soliferum my own tale of a many-bannered war with Antoza, and a caution. I labored greatly in bringing together Lasanar, Ethiala, Sartania, Arcachon, Greater Aenilia, Nighthelm, and Zonasa in our conflict against the Mad King Corey of Antoza, and in many respects the existence of the Feudal League would have made my life easier; but alliances such as what we had in those days, and the life of a super-Alliance such as what King Jenred proposes, will always be utterly dependent on the honor and courage of those of you here today and your successors, no matter how you word the provisions. Such a far-reaching agreement as this must not lull even your lowliest knights into complacency, for one need look no further than Arcaea or my own home of Lasanar to know that a realm great and honorable on Tuesday can by Friday become great and terrible."
"As to the notion of an Executor," Galiard shook his head, "I must advise against the creation of such an arbitrary authority on both a legal as well as a practical basis. I agree with His Majesty that a military authority must exist in times of need whose orders in matters martial carry the weight of law. This is little different from how many of our Generals and Marshals work today; though few, if any of our knights owe fealty to the General or the Marshal, that figure is imbued, temporarily, with the oath of fealty owed by each knight and made manifest by their liege's assigning them under the Marshal's command. In this manner is the fundamental fabric of our society, that of fealty, kept sacred."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (2 days, 5 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Galiard continued, not with a fiery voice of oratorical persuasion, but the matter-of-fact tone of an old man telling a story with no motive but its own sake. "But the Executor would by necessity be outside this chain of fealty for all save one of the realms involved. With power such as has been suggested the Executor wield, even with the wise checks and balances imposed on him, he might me seen as above Kings, the creation of another, higher branch of the feudal tree, with the right to dictate to Kings. Even if this must practically be the truth in times of great need, I council against the formal symbol of it. Instead place a provision allowing any one Sovereign to invoke the power of the Feudal League, and have every realm in it have a single vote on whether to acede to the need for a war -- not a vote based on the number of Duchies, with all due respect, King Jenred-of-
Many-Duchies; and then let them likewise vote on a realm, and not a person, to lead the League in that operation, with the duties and responsibilities of leadership falling to the Sovereign of the designated realm to delegate as he or she sees fit."
"For the need here is martial, not judicial," Galiard concluded. "A single source of marching orders in war: aye, that is reason enough to suspend the loud and sometimes fruitless debates of our estate. But a single source of judgment of all participant realms, who is in violation of stricture? This would be a Sovereign of Sovereigns, a most dangerous power, and one likely to stir more resentment than resolution."
Unconciously, Ulwitt Dodd had adopted the tired, 'blah blah blah' face into which he often relaxed when Galiard was being Galiard, glancing periodically in vain around the chamber for anything in need of smashing or crushing. He relaxed into his seat, keeping to himself his curiosity of why Galiard felt it necessary that he had to attend.
Galiard inclined his head with respect. "I thank you for listening to an old man, my great and noble lords."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Borna Stublic (2 days, 4 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Borna was standing at the corner of meeting hall, away from main table.
He was able to see the most prominent nobles on the continent only when they stand up to speak, yet he was impressed.
"Ah, spending so many years among human faces that are mostly distorted by utmost fear caused by presentation of inhuman powers and rage... Yes, I did seehear stories that such solemn gatherings exist", he thought, "but I hardly expected to ever see one."
His attention was particularly drawn by some old, tall noble, who was holding massive helmet in his hand, helmet not only e by r herald, but also by row of different-coloured feathers, feathers long that Borna could not imagine what godly or godless creature they were taken from.
"Who he might be? I see him standing all the time, but not talking."
He took a look at his own shiny necklace, that looked as ordinary pearl necklace, but with oddly shaped pearls. "Will anybody notice it is made of monsters' teeth..."
Sir Borna Stublic (Knight of Ipsosez)
Roleplay from Erandi Marques Torres de los Reyes (2 days, 2 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (20 recipients) Regent Erandi Marques was present in the room, but not a central figure. His greetings with the rulers and official delegates were cordial, friendly, and pleasant, but not overly long or drawn out. He asked no questions of families or the like, simply expressing his humility of being surrounded by such an honorable and noble host.
As King Jenred made his way around the table, Erandi greeted the King with the proper formalities and respects due one of such stature, however the look of skepticism on his face hardly went unnoticed. Yet, he had traveled to the stronghold to listen and hear out the cause. The Regent took his seat and cleared his mind.
As King Jenred gave his speech, a trusted scribe made note of major proposals for Zonasa's council. Zonasa's culture of peace and inclusion did not promote quick decisions and would certainly sponsor twice as much debate within the Principality's council than in all of Ipsosez in the coming days. The report was quickly sent out.
Much of King Jenred's speech, concerning the behavior of nobles, was already law in Zonasa and championed by the local guild "Guardians of the Flame" whose membership had included the great Zonasan Regents of the past, as well as foreign dignitaries, including Sir Tharion de Ravenal, former High King of Aenilia, amongst others. Erandi was also under the impression there existed a similar guild in Cathay, Aenilia and Arcaea, with a title of "Phoenix" something or other, but these were just rumblings he had heard over the past few years and had no true knowledge of this organization.
Hearing Sir Galiard Scarlett speak was most interesting indeed, and Erandi found his concerns echoed many of the elder statesman's musings. The Regent felt it prudent to still his tongue for a time yet and eagerly awaiting the thoughts of the other rulers, particularly those of the Aenilian and Cathayan officials.
Erandi Marques Torres de los Reyes Regent and General of Principality of Zonasa
Letter from Dormondt Lankmere (2 days, 2 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Dormondt walked the crowded streets, his robes of office and cloak garnering quite a few looks of curiosity, if not wariness from the locals.
Roland, send word to the Geire Suil, and let her know that I have arived.
Dormondt Lankmere (Priest of Adgharhinism)
Roleplay from Virish Arrassum (2 days ago) Message sent to all nobles in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Virish had listened to everyone very carefully and then decided to stand and say.
"I wish to extend Kindara's full support to Royal Sir Galiard in regards to having one realm lead the League and that each realms receives one vote instead of one vote per duchy."
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
Roleplay from Guy du Bas-Tyra (1 day, 22 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Guy stood, and waited for attention to come to him, "I am Guy du Bas-Tyra, Count of Erahol, and Ambassador of Greater Aenilia. I have one major concern about this League, that Sir Galiard brushed upon. Whoever we vote Executor would hold more power in his hands than any king, and, if he was convincing enough, would be able to turn the entirety of its force against an individual nation, any that dares not join it.
The League would hold too much power, how can we say that, in the interests of stability, that it will not cause stagnation? I agree that rules should be established for warfare, but the League will either act tyrannically in its power or be destroyed from the inside by those who would follow their own interests over that of the League. I am not saying this out of spite, but because power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Know this, whoever becomes Executor would hold more power in his hands than any single man or woman in history, and our struggles to stop another powerplay against the continent would result in us freely giving power to one person."
With these words, Guy sat back down.
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from Virish Arrassum (1 day, 21 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Ambassador Virish stood after Ambassador Guy sat and began to say.
"Perhaps there should be three positions that hold equal power? I do not know how we would divide this power however."
With that Virish sat back down in his chair.
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
Roleplay from Guy du Bas-Tyra (1 day, 21 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Guy stood again,
"Having three positions of equal power would be as disastrous as having one, as their reaction time would be much slower. Instead, this League should be entirely for deciding rules of war and other things, I believe that our rulers are wise enough to know when their is a problem for the continent, so provisional alliances will work, unless anyone does not trust their lords..."
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from James Blazeral Harker (1 day, 19 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) James sat listening to the various nobles give their speeches, showing a smirk of amusement at the mention of him by Galiard. Waiting until the Kindaran and Aenilian ambassadors paused their constant sit-and-stand, he stood and spoke with his usual calm demeanor.
"I believe we're all in agreement that this body should lay down a set of rules governing civilized warfare. Rape and murder of innocent peasantry should never be allowed. Destruction of civil buildings and food is much the same, though taking the food for your own troops is acceptable. If the peasants take up arms against an invading force, well, they're no longer innocent peasants, and if they come to battle they will be dealt with like any other honorable warrior. Honor will be observed, however, especially in the case of that sort of bravery. How much fortitude must it take to stand up to armed, armored and trained soldiers with nothing but a pitchfork? It amazes me every time.
"On the matter of contention here, I agree with Galiard, for the most part. There should not be a vote by number of duchies, or one Supreme Executor position. That would leave too much of an opening for imperialism. However, I also don't agree the leadership of a coalition should be decided by a vote. By what knowledge would, say, Kindara have to help them lead a fight against Cathay, Luna forbid that should ever be necessary? Leadership should be taken up by the realm with the most to lose, the border realm suffering the casualties and damages. They will be fighting the hardest to survive and to push whatever combined enemy there is back, and they will have the most motivation to lead well and successfully. As well, they should have the most intelligence on our enemy."
With his piece said, he sat again, listening intently to the next speakers for their input.
James Blazeral Harker King of Cathay
Roleplay from Guy du Bas-Tyra (1 day, 19 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) "Honored Lords, it seems that a number of those who have spoken so far are opposed to an alliance, rather seeking a set of rules for civilized warfare, which I think we can also use for those who seek this unity. Instead of the current idea for this league, why not one that will only come together as the league when a nation fails to follow the laws of this Concord? If a nation permits its men and women to act as animals, then the league will draw its collective sword to defend this international law."
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from Lucius Scarlett (1 day, 18 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) "I wouldn't mind being Supreme Executor," Dodd murmured quietly to Galiard, who ignored him. "Do you think it pays well?"
Galiard smiled wryly as King James spoke, and then turned to listen to to the Count of Erahol. Across the room, a slightly younger (though hardly young) man who nonetheless bears a resemblance to Galiard sat some ways to the side of King Jenred of Arcaea; Lucius Scarlett had thus far remained silent, but he rose and cleared his throat. His voice was smooth as velvet, like a bard's, rather than Galiard's gravelly, stentorian tone of authority.
"My noble cousin will forgive me," Lucius said mildly, "Clearly he spent too much of his youth in Lasanar's Republic, with his wishing to vote on everything; but King James' way is the course of wisdom. Better to say an informal agreement among the League's participants that designates the realm in the lead of a particular war. But this brings me to Lord du Bas-Tyra's point."
"As an oath becomes more distant from a man, it becomes less substantial and less likely to be enforced," said the old Knight. "That is to say; if my noble cousin here promises to aid good Ser Dodd, that is a promise seen and witnessed by everyone here. But let us say that he promises not only his aid but the aid of my whole House, which, nominally, he have the power to do. I am legally bound by such an oath, but may have all manner of conflicting obligations and thus find many excuses not to pursue it. Now let us imagine that King Jenred promises Arcaea to a cause; here I am bound to my liege the Duke of Topenah, who is in turn bound to the King, who is bound to the cause -- I am thus three times removed from the actual business. Add the League, in which a man a half a continent away may commit me to a cause, no matter how proper and good it may be, and one must traverse four different ladders to come between the man in the field holding a sword and the man pointing his finger and claiming to be wronged."
Lucius shrugged his shoulders. "This is no different than any of our alliances today, of course. The difficulty is simply in codifying it. I wonder if King Jenred is really proposing something altogether new, or simply a formalization of the alliance which many of us already support? What if we were to write, in lieu of 'alliance between Cathay and Greater Aenilia and others,' 'Alliance of the Feudal League,' and include all the members. It would work much as our alliances work now, with the history, motivations, and expectations of the alliance clearly spelled out in written form. This information is scarce available today, even to the curious. The only difference I see betwixt this and a genuine entity called the Feudal League is that the former is based on diplomatic protocol and treaty and the latter is based on its ability to compel its members -- an ability I should fear it would lose the moment a signatory realm found some half-palatable reason not to follow such a command, which, with all due respect to Your Majesties, seems a not uncommon trait among Sovereigns."
Sir Lucius Scarlett (Knight of Topenah)
Roleplay from Iceberg Slim (1 day, 17 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Iceberg sat in silence, towards the rear of the assembled dignitaries. As he enjoyed the wine of this distant land, the Earl of Sasrhas listened intently to both the words of wisdom and of madness that spouted forth in these honored chambers.
He knew of the risk in speaking too soon, especially when bound to represent the interests of others. He also knew the risk in taking too long to speak, once the decision has already been made. The only betrayal of his inclination was the slightest nodding with the words of those with whom he agreed, and a miniscule pursing of the lips in disapproval of those with whom he did not.
Until the debate was framed more clearly, he could not tell you who was mad, and who was wise. But he could tell you that the wine was fantastic, Sir Galiard used to dress more impressively, and that this gathering contains more political power than nearly any other in all of his advanced years.
Iceberg Slim Duke of Sasrhas, Ambassador of Ohnar West
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (1 day, 16 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Jenred stood, a somewhat puzzled look on his face.
"Nobles of the Far East, perhaps I have been somewhat unclear."
He nodded first to Galiard.
"Lord Galiard, my proposed Executor would only have power in times of emergency or when a violation of the agreed upon strictures has occurred. In a time of peace and honour, said Executor would have no power whatsoever...But yes, when called upon, the Executor would have the power to dictate to Kings, in any field relating to the emergency which empowers the Executor. The League would not have any diplomatic stake, and would not supersede or replace any existing alliances, as that is not its purpose. Indeed, the idea is to create a new level of interaction, separate from diplomacy. League members can and undoubtedly will fight each other, and so long as they abide by the strictures we agree upon here, their status as members of the League is immaterial."
He then nodded to Guy.
"Ambassador Guy, indeed, my intent is that the League only takes action when an event has taken place. However, having some experience with attempting to build alliances, guilds, treaties, and hierarchies in the midst of a war, I think it better to establish a system now so that in the event of such an emergency, all are already aware of the plan and can move together without a great deal of chaos."
He shrugged.
"That said, I think King James' suggestion that the mantle of leadership be taken up by the most aggrieved party has merit, so long as we decide on some method of deciding between rival claimants. And, so long as there is a strict timetable set for how long before a vote must be decided upon to call upon the full power of the League, I suppose a vote would be acceptable. I suggest a week, at most, and three days would be better."
"As for the voting...I considered a single vote per realm, but that seems rather fraught with various difficulties, not least of which would be the potential for well-timed secessions to affect voting outcomes. If, for instance, the Dukes of Soliferum had all seceded at the height of that realm's power, when Mosesadelphia was burning and raping across my lands, they would have been able to easily outvote the rest of the island. To an extent, I think that it would be better to grant a vote to every noble, but such numbers fluctuate too frequently to be useful, and are too easily manipulated. I am willing to hear counter-arguments, but one vote per realm seems almost to invite abuse, to me."
He turned finally to Virish.
"Ambassador Virish, at this point I am undecided regarding brutal takeovers in general, and do not think that there is any acceptable justification for the mass murder of unarmed and unresisting peasants. We are nobles: It is our right to command...And our duty to protect. As for specific consequences...It rather depends on the severity of the violation, but perhaps the loss of one region for every day the strictures are violated? I am uncertain."
He lowered himself back into his seat, and took a moment to smile at his daughter and wife before returning his sharp gaze to the rest of the room.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Caim Haerthorne (1 day, 15 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Whisps of conversations came to his attention in between the speeches made. Though many were concerned about what was happening here, with many nods of agreement to the words of old King Galiard and King James, hundreds more were astounded that this gathering was happening at all. Caim, insisting on standing with his hand idly playing with the pommel of his sword, took his place amongst the Aenilian party, near the table of Duke Rekhyt and Ambassador Guy. His eyes and stance however bespoke a wandering restlessness.
It was a strange thought to realise that his father had fought tooth and nail against every man here who could be now be called a friend. Should he be shamed by the memory of the Haerthorne name?
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (1 day, 15 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Galiard interjected from where he sat at the comment regarding the Dukes of Soliferum.
"Your Grace," said the old Scarlett, "I had presumed that membership in this league was to be by invitation only; a newly-seceded Duke, even were such a thing a commonplace affair, would hardly be able to steer the whims of the greater realms; besides which, even if the League were to accept one or two new realms, they would have at least a half-dozen established realms to contend with. Besides which, any voting is imperfect; establish a vote based on the numebr of Duchies and you will have a permanent resentment among the smaller realms. Establish a one-realm, one-vote policy and I suppose you risk the collected realms of the Far East losing their marbles, but in that event, voting irregularities in the Feudal League chambers will be the least of our problems."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (1 day, 15 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Jenred shrugged.
"Or resentment among the larger realms, as a dozen nobles wields greater power than seventy."
"As for membership...I had anticipated that League membership would be open and encouraged for all. Otherwise, you run the risk of deciding who is 'worthy' and having this become effectively an alliance as many seem to fear."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Ciann Fraoch (1 day, 15 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Ciann worked her hand open and closed under the table, feeling the chainmail bite into the bit of flesh around her thumb and wondering why she wore her chainmail to this gathering. She considered it a fine piece of worksmanship, but it had seen hard use and still bore deep scratches from her battles with Cerber's assassins, she could take them out but it was important to remember what power does to a man.
'They should have sent a scholar.' she muttered to herself before realizing Iceberg had yet to utter a word.
Trapped in silence by the twin powers of protocol and self-doubt it slowly dawned on her that at some point she was going to have to speak and her blood ran cold.
'Holy Adghar, guard me from my own foolishness and vanity.' she whispered and straightened her back.
Ciann Fraoch Geire Suil of Arcachon
Roleplay from Virish Arrassum (1 day, 14 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Virish slowly rose after Jenred was done speaking and calming began to say.
"I must insist that a brutal takeover be allowed in certain circumstances as Kindara currently has no action left except for brutal takeover against Osaliel due to a long and horrid war of attrition against Soliferium. If you say no to pillaging and plundering Kindara will still fully support the League, however we must remember that the world is not built on good ideals alone. Many of us are Military officers or former military officers, tell me how many times have you had to do a brutal takeover due to the fierceness and length of the war alone? I am sure that Pates had a brutal takeover more than once."
On that note Virish sat down just as carefully as he had risen.
(OOC: The game mechanics will force you into a brutal TO if the sympathy level is low enough.)
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
Roleplay from Caim Haerthorne (1 day, 13 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Caim waited for Virish to sit again, then stepped forward, uncrossing his arms and speaking loud and direct to the members of the proceedings.
"In response to King Jenred's last argument, I suggest this: make membership free to all realms except with a clause that a realm's legitimacy must be reviewed by all other members of the League if it is newly seceded and challenged by another. That seems like a fair way to do it. But then the question comes of how far we can interfere in the internal politics of a realm, especially when the secession is signal of a rebellion. At that stage we must have a way of determining, without allowing alliances and personal interests to interrupt the cause of fairness, membership in these special cases. If we look deeper into this we would need to have it already set in stone just how far the League involves itself with the affairs of its member states. We have already had it pointed out by King Jenred that wars will still be fought; baser politics will go on as they always have."
"With that in mind the only real test for whether that nation should be allowed to the League would then be if it were deemed a threat to more than just the sovereignty of one nation. Further votes that are blatantly there to tip the balance of power would threaten the fabric of the Feudal League's legitamacy and thus relations across the continent. The ideals that the new realm espouse might be an abomination to everything that the rest of us hold dear. Yet if it is merely a crisis facing a ruler who has offended his lords ad knights, then even if that conflict erupts to involve a neighbouring kingdom should it not be a matter for normal diplomacy? The League would have to recognise that if the new realm survives it will remain at potential odds with their mother realm in times of need when all realms must be called upon, but as a General asks his soldiers to lay aside their petty conflict for a greater one, then so would the League do the same with realms who despise one another but are needed to fight together."
He paused in his words, looking about him to gauge the reaction of the nobility in the room. There was some sweat running down his spine, sweltering beneath the pressure of both his cloak and a hundred-fold gaze. Despite it he held his position well for Caim was still a proud man in his prime; tall, golden haired and blue eyed.
"Now, the votes of each member have so far been a matter for contention. Having one vote each is not exactly an ideal form, yet if one realm were to dominate every time then the point of the League would be lost. Thus a compromise would be in order. Say, perhaps, if we ordered a heirarchy of votes whereby the the number of votes alloted is in relation to the number of regions of the realm rather than duchies. If we did choose duchies then realms like Arcachon and the new southern nations would lose out, barely able to influence decisions made by the larger realms of Arcaea, Ohnar West, Greater Aenilia and the Principality of Zonasa. If we were to give one vote to everyone and an extra vote for every five regions over their first five, for NeoSartania does only have three regions, then a little more balance would be present in the voting. Of course this is not set in stone but a suggestion to goad your minds into thinking further."
Caim looked down at his hands, one hand resting in the other as he thought on his last point.
"Finally, Ambassador Virish, I am of the opinion that if we are not allowed to consider peasants who have supported armed violence to be combatants subdueable by harsher than normal methods, then we must seek a greater use of treaties and allow realms to admit defeat when they are beaten. This would not be helped if every time a realm is defeated they are to hand over everything beyond reason, but that they co-operate in ensuring that those regions which would be apart of a treaty and are not responsive to their new rulers are handed over."
He made sure that everyone heard his parting words.
"Not every war will be fought against a snake like Conan."
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (1 day, 12 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Jenred waved a hand.
"Existing issues would have to be grandfathered in, Ambassador Virish. And I am not yet ready to condemn all brutal takeovers...Merely undecided."
"Captain General Caim, a voting scheme like that could be workable...The numbers may need tweaking, but I would be agreeable to something of that nature."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (1 day, 5 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (21 recipients) Galiard's expression had grown pensive as the discussions continued. He rose after Caim had finished speaking. "Forgive me," he said, shaking his head, "but the more I hear of this, the poorer its future seems. You would have a free-standing invitation to a full-scale military alliance open to all with a regulated mechanism of resolving all affairs between realms to which all member realms are subject? This will create any number of undesirable situations: the League might have have forced Conan and myself, as equals, to the negotiating table years ago when that was the last place we wanted to be, and had we declined to participate we would have handed an excuse to our allies not to support us. Any realm can seem well and honorable for long enough to gain admittance into something such as this. If this is an entity which can bind its members in any respect, then membership must be a privilege and not a right. Otherwise we are awarding medals to men simply for agreeing not to rape and pillage, as if the virtues of honor and nobility required nothing further."
Galiard clasped his hands behind his back. "As to the matter of size and votes, I hope I do not appear biased, for Cathay has a fair number of Duchies and regions, and I myself have no power there from which to speak. But I can tell you that any system whereupon a large realm receives more influence under the charter of alliance, whether it be based on regions or Duchies -- indeed, General Haerthorne, a vote based on regions is hardly a compromise in that respect -- will knit the end of the Feudal League then and there. No matter their present conduct, large realms are always viewed with skeptcisim and caution by smaller ones, and the only advantage to a small or medium-size realm in joining such a group as this is to feel that their grievances may be heard in a forum of equals. In years past, Lasanar's credibility still had barely-healed wounds from its expansion; and now, Arcaea and Ohnar both have pleasant to-days, but I have not forgotten their bloody yesterdays; I would not hand either realm more influence over the Far East than it already has, and if their Dukes bristle at having to look upon smaller realms as equals, then I wonder what will satisfy them beyond their lordships in the largest and strongest realms in the Far East, that they also wish certainty in their diplomatic endeavors? No, my lords, this cannot be."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Thain Himoura (1 day, 4 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (22 recipients) Thain had kept quiet so far, and sensing a pause, he rose. He no longer cared for social gatherings, but he believed in the cause that Jenred was now fighting for... Not with swords, but with words.
"My peers, Ambassadors and Lords alike,
One vote for duchy is more than fair, it ensures that each city upon this island has its say, and its voice will be heard through the realm's chosen representative in a time of crisis. As for the post of Executor... I don't see its necessity and only see it as a way for realm and alliances to attempt to wrest control of the Far East. In a time of crisis if military action need be taken, three Generals should be appointed to the Supreme War Council of the Far East, and those three would appoint a spokesperson. The three would be equal, but only one would speak for the three to avoid confusion. These men will first need to volunteer, and then be elected to the council, every realm receiving one vote per duchy. The top three candidates will be then appointed.
As for deciding when an emergency condition exists, a 2/3rds majority will be needed, again to prevent abuse. I trust each of you to know what a true emergency is. Daimons, Conan, Tony, the Requiem.... All foes we've come to know in the troubled history of this isle. This is a glorious occasion, the first time every realm has met peacefully to discuss our futures. Let us come to an agreement. Rape and murder is wrong. Deliberate starvation through the destruction of food is wrong. Is a brutal takeover wrong? Yes, if all other options have not been first exhausted.
Furthermore, we should not be so hasty in declaring war against those we deem a threat, or this league will gain a reputation for being a warmongering forum made to bend the island to the will of the powerful. If a realm is deemed outside the guidelines of the League, lesser steps should first be taken to correct the problem, while an investigation is launched. Trade sanctions, trade embargoes, and then finally, war. But at the same time, we cannot hesitate to act swiftly against clear threats. This is not a forum of politics, it is a union of minds seeking the good of all residents of our fair isle."
Thain sat slowly, his white and gold attire a contrast to that of his guards, who wore the black and gold of the King's Guard. Both men stood on either side of them, claymores strapped to their backs, scanning the room. Behind Thain sat a man in quiet prayer, emitting a deadly aura. His face was not visible under his hood, nor were his daggers, under his robes.
Sir Thain Himoura King of C'thonia, Marshal of the Hammer of Thor
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (1 day, 4 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (22 recipients) Galiard watched Thain with a neutral expression. "I do not wish to belabor the issue of voting," he said after a moment's silence. "But this seems to me quite hasty. Let us say that every Duchy has a vote. Does the King vote on their behalf? If so, that is not, in fact, giving 'each city a voice,' as you say, but I suggest that is not desirable. A Duke is bound to his King in matters of state and has autonomy only as concerns his Duchy. If every Duke votes directly, then you are left with an awkward situation where the foreign policy of a realm is suddenly in the hands of its Dukes and the Sovereign is little more than a figurehead; this also circumvents the bond of fealty between Duke and Sovereign. But if the Sovereign votes on the Dukes' behalf, then you are simply assigning to the Sovereign a degree of power based on the number of vassals he already has, thus reinforcing his advantage with no guarantee that, simply because each of his Duchies 'has' a vote, that the Duchies in question will have anything at all to do with the voting."
Galiard resumed his seat. "This is certainly a matter for you, my gracious lords, to resolve, and not for an old man; I apologize for having so much to say, but it has ever been my vice. I have seen most every manner of conflict between man and realm on this continent, and the cases in which they were resolved to the satisfaction of the honor of all concerned were those in which the realms had strong alliances based on mutual trust and the ability to work through their differences. This is never a guarantee, even among honorable realms, and I fear that, in attempting to codify a desirable outcome, you will end up depriving the Sovereigns of precisely the flexibility and agility they require to navigate foreign affairs."
"But," Galiard smiled wryly, "if I, who have not the burden of a Crown, am more concerned for this than those of you who do, perhaps I have mis-learned this lesson; or perhaps it is one that every man must learn himself. Thus the end of my wisdom, or my ignorance: do not overreach, my lords, lest you weaken the strong pillars upon which all agree by attempting in haste to build too much upon them."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Selene Octavius (1 day, 3 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (22 recipients) Selene rose to speak, still dressed in black mourning garb.
"Gentlemen, I am the ruler of the smallest realm there is barring Soliferum. Yet I have no objection to a realm's vote being equal to the number of duchies it has. Why should Sartania have a vote of equal strength to that of Ohnar West or Cathay? It would be grossly unfair to pursue a policy of one realm, one vote. Do not forget, in the event of military action being taken it will be the largest realms who supply the most resources because of their size. Should a realm which contributes only a tenth as much have just as strong a say? No.
"When it comes to the position of Executor do not forget that this, if my understanding is correct, would be a position only used to co-ordinate efforts during a League wide endeavour. As such the Executor will have no power other than in times of emergency - something which it should take a super-majority of two thirds of the League to declare. And, with all due respect to King Thain, three leaders cannot be a good thing. It will only lead to indecision in the middle of a crisis. Let us elect one Executor, a High General if you will, but one who will only lead in times of an emergency. With a super-majority required to declare an emergency then there will be no danger of the League becoming a militaristic super-alliance, focusing only on defeating those who oppose it.
"However, in order that we may expedite matters, I suggest that, once everyone has aired their views on the matter, we vote to decide the exact structure of the League with each person holding one vote. Would this be acceptable to you?"
Lady Selene Octavius Prince Bishop of NeoSartania, Ambassador of NeoSartania
Roleplay from Dormondt Lankmere (1 day, 1 hour ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (22 recipients) Dormondt heard the call to vote, and seeing a pause, he stood, making eye contact with all present before continuing...
Lords and Royals, respected Nobles, I see no reason to belabor the point of the tow-thirds vote to enact a state of emergency as I feel that this logic is sound. If the concern is one of the Executor being able to manuver in such a way as to gain power in times where it is undesired, or even detrimental, than perhaps a list of people eledgable for the post should be a matter of public record, and the decision should be made upon the enactment of the state of emergency itself.
This would mean that the process of enacting such a state would comprise of two actions: 1. Declaring if the voter believes that a state of emergency indeed exists, and if they so choose, 2. Who their pick for Executor would be.
In my mind, this would provide for the majority needed to declare such a state as well to provide a mechanism to allow for either those who believe that such a state is mandated to provide a strong military mind or for those who disagree with the state of emergency to vote in one who would temper the panic with a measured response.
He sat once more, looking to the assembled and gauging their response.
Dormondt Lankmere (Priest of Adgharhinism)
Roleplay from Ciann Fraoch (1 day, 1 hour ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (22 recipients) Almost jumping to her feet once his Holiness finished speaking Ciann could barely contain herself.
"MiLords, there nee also be a provision for those whom are acting outside of the allowances of their state and are punished therein. Elsewise rulers, though not MiLords of course, might be tempted to engage in ill acts and convince a noble of a rival state to betray the treaty and then seek redress. Those who must inforce the laws of the lands should be able to agree on a penalty for wayward nobles so none may be beyond the hand of justice, as black-hearted men care nothing for their own land and scheme and bring doom to all those around." Beathlessly, her words tumbling out, she continued, "This land will always breed another Viracocha."
"As for votes, why not one vote for every 5000 CS of military strength, or however it is that scribes count it, that way those states who contribute the most will have the greatest say. As a last note, we do not ban rape merely to protect the peasant, but also the souls of our soldiers whom we are pledged to lead in just and honourable warfare. Cruel acts do not only harm the oppressed, but the oppresser as well."
"Thank you MiLords."
Uneasy at the premise of standing any longer she clanged down on her seat and looked over to her Guardian, praying she did not disappoint his Holiness.
Ciann Fraoch Geire Suil of Arcachon
Roleplay from Caim Haerthorne (1 day, 1 hour ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "It seems we are in several places at once, both in regards to the voting system and the purpose of the League, as well as within the issues themselves." A smile escaped his lips as he surveyed the crowd, and from the glimmer of humour in his eyes when directed at King Jenred the two of them might feel like it was an aside between friends.
"We should probably remember that we have only a little time to form a firm opinion on the Feudal League and hopefully come to some kind of consensus. Aenil know what it might mean if we all end up storming away from this. Regardless, His Grace Galiard Scarlett is right to an extent. Diplomacy needs to be flexible so that Kings and Queens can act freely where it is best that they do so. I'll leave the matter of who is given the privelage to joining the League to be decided by others, though I agree that membership should not simply be handed out even if we try to avoid forming a simple diplomatic bloc to use against those outside of it."
Caim crossed his arms, thinking on the last point for a few seconds.
"I... suggested the votes based on an amount of land divisible by another amount because it came to a more even number than if we based voting rights off of duchies. Whilst going with duchies may be alright in the end, this should only be for certain things. Say for the inclusion of new realms we have a vote of one to each realm and a simple majority, whilst on the side we have councils with positions whose responsibility is not only to give advice but to balance out the threat of any abuse of power. Ultimately, however, when it has come to war itself I can say that in the most recent war against Soliferum that the Generals of our respective realms have been most communicative. I suggest forms that we can use, but we could merely reinforce the importance of our current military and diplomatic heirarchy whilst allowing a greater scope for partaking in the design of grand strategy to our military leaders."
The words from his mouth tracing their way back to his mind did not find a happy welcome. Caim shook his head a little at just how many different ideas were held in store for the League.
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Roleplay from Virish Arrassum (22 hours, 55 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Virish stood once again and began to say.
"Kindara supports a two thirds super majority on all voting and would not object to voting based on the number of Duchies. Our ally NeoSartania speaks wise words when they say that the bigger the realm the more they can help and the larger the realm the more they must commit to helping in any situation."
Virish sat back down after his brief speech.
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
Roleplay from James Blazeral Harker (22 hours, 52 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) James sat listening, quietly absorbing everything said with arms folded and unconsciously rubbing his left wrist. He missed the feel of the smooth metal that had adorned it and truly, most of him for the past....Luna, however long it had taken against Soliferum. He could hardly remember a day in the past year he hadn't been fully armed and armored. However, he had decided to eschew that in favor of simpler, comfortable clothing for this event. How would it look, being visibly armed at a peace meeting? He hadn't even a bodyguard in sight, only his Captain standing amongst the crowd. He longed for the reassuring weight of his sword at his side. It was almost like a security blanket now.
Regardless, he listened, then stood "I fear we're getting too bogged down in details and voting system suggestions right now. We can handle the mechanics with time, instead of struggling to force a system into place now and risking damaging the goodwill that has managed this near-miraculous gathering. If need be, we can form a guild to facilitate communication after this meeting has ended.
"For now, we should focus on what we want to accomplish with this League. So far we have some merely wanting it to regulate warfare, some treating it as an island-wide alliance, and there's some legitimate fears an Executor could abuse their powers to bring further harm to the island. Let's concern ourselves with this, and not whether Arcaea or Cathay should get an extra three votes because per capita we have 2.5 more peasants, et cetera" He shook his head then, a little exasperated "Otherwise, if we keep on this tangent, I fear our elder members like Sir Scarlett may lapse into a nap, and we would lose out on his keen wisdom and expansive history" He casts a quick glance and grin Galiard's way, then nods to the assembly
"Basically, let's get back on track here. For a start: What, precisely, would an Executor or High Supreme General or whatever over-the-top title we choose to give him be empowered to do? And what recourse would Rulers have in the event an Executor initiated an action that was.....well....Blatantly not in their best interests?"
James Blazeral Harker King of Cathay
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (21 hours, 56 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Jenred shook his head in some puzzlement.
"I remain confused...At no point did I suggest that this should be any kind of alliance. The only reasons the League would have been invoked against Conan is because he was supporting Tony's claims to godhood and violating the codes we are drawing up. No one would have forced you to negotiate with Conan, Lord Galiard. I have no intention of relinquishing my sovereignty in Arcaea to any, and the League would not be marching against anything less than a great and apparent evil. As an experienced diplomat, surely you recall how exceedingly difficult it can be to convince half the island that something is a great threat. And if we have the entire island participating in this League, then it becomes dramatically less likely that it will be abused for political ends, as competing factions will ensure that no single alliance will be allowed to cover their war with the mantle of the League. Yes, it would be possible if over half of the island were joined with a unity of purpose and lost to all honour...But if that ever occurs, then we have far larger problems."
Jenred then nodded at James.
"Agreed, a guild will need to be established regardless for communication purposes, and the discussion can be extended beyond this conference if need be. As for what the Executor would be able to do...I see the position as General to the Generals of the League, providing leadership to them in much the way that a General of a realm provides leadership to the Marshals. I envisioned the Executor being able to declare a League action, subject to oversight as I outlined, but I am willing to accept a vote first on the matter if absolutely necessary. The position is a military one, and merely serves to ensure that a decision is made efficiently, instead of half a dozen or more Generals arguing over the best course that results in nothing being done."
"And, for what could be done if an Executor abused their authority...Again, replacing them should be a majority vote, however we determine voting. I am still in favour of duchy voting, with each realm deciding how they wish to handle the matter. If we follow that path, I myself will tell my Dukes to either vote themselves or vest their votes in a proxy. It is certainly possible that they will vest their votes in me, but will not be required."
Jenred nodded at Ciann and Thain.
"Certainly, invoking a League war would not be the first action. If a lone noble acted, then the realm would be asked to deal with said noble themselves, with punishment according to the crime. Trade embargoes, closed borders, and various other lesser actions would certainly be used for isolated violations. But, if a realm's policy is to violate our standards, then that policy must be changed."
"I am worried about a two thirds vote, however. Such a requirement would make it easy for a single alliance to block any actions against themselves, regardless of how we structure the voting."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Dormondt Lankmere (21 hours, 21 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) I am not so certain that this is a bad think King Jenred.
I, for one, would only see the involvement in this League in drastic circumstances, aside from any rules of general engagement, so a two-thirds vote, which would inhibit petty political actions, would not present a barrier in the situations in which the League's involvement would be crucial, such as during a continent-wide invasion.
Dormondt Lankmere (Priest of Adgharhinism)
Letter from Virish Arrassum (20 hours, 24 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Virish stood, just as fragile as the last time from fresh wounds, and began to speak on behalf of his realm once more.
"Your Highness King Jenred, I truly must insist on a two thirds vote because if two thirds of us dont want whatever we are voting on then we should not be doing whatever that vote was about regardless of if its only because of an alliance. This League should do the will of the mass majority even if that is just because of alliance."
Virish sat once again.
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (20 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "Your Majesty." Galiard got to his feet to at least one groan, though Ser Dodd looked innocent. "I hope you will pardon the confusion: is it an alliance, is it not; on the one hand you say it is not and diminish the influence it might have, but on the other, should this nebulous definition of an 'emergency' arise, whosoever commands these votes and the Executor should find himself in quite an influential position. I cannot help but wonder what problem it is you are trying to solve: in times of dire emergency in which there is a clear villain, such as a Daemon invasion, even left to our own, imperfect diplomacy, we would unite without the assistance of the Feudal League, and designate a General-in-Command easily enough. Indeed I well recall the difficulty of raising armies against Antoza, but had we the Feudal League then, I do not think it would have helped -- for I cannot imagine any of the Sovereigns with whom I dealt in those days desiring not to assist us, but then finding themselves compelled to do so by the Feudal League, and then doing it."
"I am not in opposition to the premise for this conference, my lords, not that it would deprive you of much sleep if I were; rather I think that this proposition is so potentially weighty that I should want to see a formal treaty, with careful details on precisely the purpose for the League, under what conditions it might be invoked, and the obligations of the signatory realms in that case. For much of the island's conflicts have not been these drastic, polar affairs in which one side is right and one clearly wrong, even if that is how history remembers them -- of course it would be so, for I am alive to tell the story of Corey and Antoza, and Corey is not! Indeed I am surprised that Conan stumbled in such a manner as to allow himself to be painted thusly, for his past strength came from his opportunism in appearing to be the good guy, the underdog. Even Antoza's mad King Corey would not qualify as such a blatant villain -- it took all my effort to get him acknowledged as such, and that, too, would be no different under this Feudal League. I have found myself in the past wishing for more detailed treaties, to be sure, but never have I found myself thinking 'if only I could command, rather than ask, a fellow ruler to do as I wished,' for it is my experience that, no matter how many treaties you have, that is all anyone here may ever do.
Galiard looked around the room with a detached smile. "But you all seem very eager to make history, and I should not wish to deprive you of that opportunity, nor to nag you for the remainder of this conference with my skepticism. My recommendation, for what it's worth, is that you limit your council today to only the broad strokes: agree on the problems you are trying to solve and the best sort of tools you feel are suited to solve them. Then establish the guild you speak of -- perhaps right here, in Ipsosez, or else nearby -- and then at least two of you have your diplomats pen the details as you would wish them, and haggle over the particulars. For if this to happen, whether a vote requires 1/2 or 2/3 hardly needs every Sovereign of the Far East in one room."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Guy du Bas-Tyra (18 hours, 30 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Guy rose, and slowly turned his gaze across the assembly of nobles, and then began to speak,
"I agree with Lord Galiard, we will know when a crisis strikes, so a constant alliance would not be necessary. Furthermore, action raises men and women to positions which they would not have reached in peacetime, so this League would cause stagnation throughout the realm if used as a military powerhouse. We should agree on common law, and manners of enforcing it, so that those who cannot fight are protected."
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (18 hours, 16 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Jenred grinned wryly at Galiard.
"We would select a General-in-Command easily enough, you say? I find that...Amusing. Even when every participating realm in the fight against Soliferum agreed that we needed one paramount General to command our forces, agreeing upon one and agreeing to give one the necessary authority never truly happened. I know, as I tried for literal years to arrange such."
"Again, this is not an alliance. This is an agreement between nobles that some behaviour will not be tolerated, whether it is performed by allies or not. The idea is not to involve the League in every conflict, as indeed, the vast majority of the wars fought on this island are murky affairs."
Jenred's face grew hard.
"But there have been instances of great evil. A man declared himself a god, and all who gainsayed him were threatened with destruction and foul crimes. For daring to speak against Tony, I was informed in no uncertain terms that my lands would be burned, the men hamstrung and enslaved and the women raped by entire armies, and I myself would have to watch my wife raped by the Judge of Soliferum before she was cut open and I bathed in her blood before being slain in turn."
There was a moment of silence as the room looked in some shock at Jenred's blazing cinnamon eyes, and listened to the ugly anger in his voice. He continued in a more restrained voice.
"This was not an idle threat. Had the Southern Federation not blundered in their first assault on Talex, it would have happened. I had frantically begged aid from my neighbours, but even those who were initially willing quailed at the size of the force that marched...And I could not blame them. Arcaea, just barely, managed to hold off those forces from half a continent away, and that only because in their arrogance they attacked our best protected city instead of attacking another fortress, or being content to lay waste to my farmlands."
Jenred gestured toward James.
"Cathay was nearly broken in Anacan, and even though relief made it just barely in time, the rest of King James' lands suffered horrifically. As I understand it, the lands south of Anacan have yet to fully recover from the devastation of the war, and that leaves aside the havoc wreaked in the lands formerly held by Soliferum."
Jenred's lips tightened.
"And, of course, much of the fault for the devastation can be laid at my feet."
His lips twisted in a cold smile as a slight murmur of surprise filled the hall.
"Oh, yes. Aenilia, Cathay, Ohnar West, and Papania did not trust me. And since the matter was seen as merely political at first, nothing was done. Conan chose his target well. And it would have worked...If Tony had not been as insane as he was. That insanity eventually brought Cathay, Aenilia, and Papania into the war, and contributed to the entrance of others, despite the perfectly understandable terror they felt."
"But if they had known that they could count on the support of even half the island, much less the entirety of it...If they had known that if they dared stand and fight, they would not have done to them what Soliferum threatened to do to me, then just maybe Tony and Conan could have been stopped before the western and southern lands of the Far East were decimated."
"That is why I wish to see this League formed. I do not blame anyone for not riding to Arcaea's aid in those dark hours. I quailed myself, and had I realized how far Conan would go to save his puppet, I do not know whether I would have been able to or not."
Jenred's eyes grew haunted for a time, as he saw the pathetic remnants of Taop after it was retaken, the burned and broken bodies littered across half the island from the endless war...He shook his head to clear it, chasing the memories away with an almost desperate squeeze of Edara's hand before continuing.
"The dangers I speak of are not fanciful or figments of imagination. They have happened. Others can speak of the Chaos Requiem, still more can recount tales from Beluaterra of the horrors there. My brother Arlian once told me of grills he saw in southern Riombara were the Daimons cooked entire villages by the simple expedient of surrounding them and breathing fire onto the huts. All who fled were slain and tossed back in. Let us debate how, by all means. But why should never be in doubt."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Guy du Bas-Tyra (17 hours, 41 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Guy was numbed with shock by what Jenred said, but regained his composition,
"King Jenred, you truly doubt mankind that much? Providence saved all of us, you say, but while I agree that luck is not something that should be taken into account, I trust the steel of arms and of the men who wield them. It is the nature of every living being to eliminate whatever is harmful, and I trust that the rulers of this continent will always know what is right and what is wrong, so instead of preparing an alliance which could march at a misunderstanding, we should make sure that the rulers are those capable of killing off a threat."
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (17 hours, 14 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "Ambassador Guy, I am confused. As far as I can tell, you and I are arguing for the same point, yet you seem to believe I am arguing for something different. I do not want this to be an alliance. I do believe that steel and the strength of arms is the way forward, hence why I have asked you all to be here. I have already agreed that King James' suggestion that the injured party or the party most at risk should take the lead, and that the League should not act without a confirmation vote. Except in times of emergency that a vote has authorized, the League would do nothing. What do you disagree with in this?"
Jenred's tone was not hostile, merely puzzled.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Guy du Bas-Tyra (16 hours, 56 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "My argument is against this League, for I believe that provisional alliances will always be better in wars than a prepared army. This League would be torn apart by wars between members of the League, and that would weaken the whole of the continent."
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (16 hours, 58 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "Ambassador Guy...The League would not have a standing army. The League would not be torn apart by internal wars, as internal wars would be accepted and valid between League members. The idea is to have a standing agreement that under certain conditions, we will all join together to move against those who act in a manner repugnant to all nobles, or against a great, island-wide threat."
Jenred sighed.
"I do not know how many times I must repeat this, but this is not intended to be an alliance. I merely wish to see established rules of conduct with real teeth and an established system for choosing a war-leader, as I have personally seen how incredibly difficult it is to do so once a conflict has begun."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Azrea Hyral (16 hours, 41 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Honored Nobles,
I believe we should stop referring to the proposed Leauge as an alliance, and instead as a pact, or a moral accord that we all agreed upon for the purposes of waging war, wars that may very well be waged among League members. To my understanding, the only time League members will be brought together as a single force is in the case of a) an island-wide threat or b) when it is determined that the terms of accord have been violated and are in need of being enforced. In either case, a lead General will be be voted into position by an as of yet unagreed-upon method, to effectively coordinate the League's multiple armies. The League will only function as an actual alliance when it is "active" so to speak. The rest of the time it will be a dormant insurance policy, certainly not some stagnating force on the day-to-day diplomacy of its members.
Some have said that we will know a great crisis when we see it, know wrong when we see it, and that we will all rally against it when the time comes regardless of any League, but I ask you to look at Beluaterra. We all seem to agree upon the danger there, but when you look do you see a great union of man against the evils that plague the land? No. No one can agree on anything, everyone is using a different scale of what is evil, what is wrong and what is acceptable. What the League will do is define, beforehand, what the people of this island consider wrong, what we all agree to stand against, so if the land falls prey to another Tony, another Requiem, another evil, no one will have to wonder who will stand beside him.
Azrea Hyral (Lord)
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (16 hours, 19 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Galiard watched King Jenred, blanching a little at his description of the conflict with Tony and Soliferum. He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair and looked around at the Aenilian and Ohnarian delegations. He did not rise, but spoke:
"You must forgive my ignorance, then, King Jenred," he said, "for what you are describing is more black-and-white even than the Antozan conflict was, and there the difficulty was simply getting realms to agree that it was a worthy cause; selecting a General was easy, though I suppose I selected myself. If what you are saying about the depravity of Conan and Tony is true -- and about how Aenilia, Ohnar, Papania, and even Cathay did not believe that this was a cause worthy of their attention, or rather feared that the price was too high ... I see much better now what it is you are after. For until this moment I could not imagine circumstances such as you describe in which the great powers of the Far East would sit idly for so long. It is a hard thing, to know that so many of my friends are dead and gone, and the hard lessons we learned in our youths do not outlive us. Until now I had congratulated everyone who fought Conan and Tony -- but if indeed it took that much doing, and that much time, before the banner was raised against him, then shame on all of you who stood by, whether because it was not politically convenient, or because you thought you might fail. Shame."
There was an awkward pause as several courtiers murmured to one another about the audacity and the wisdom of a man with no formal standing railing so at Kings and Princes.
"And Shame on me," Galiard added, "for relinquishing my commitment to the ideals which drove you here today, King Jenred, and in being absent for this great conflict. Shame on me further for being absent when a man who had been one of my finest vassals and the Duke of Taop served Conan's ends in all this. I asked what problem you were trying to solve and your answer could not be more clear. And I agree with Lord Hyral that, perhaps, we have been calling this thing by the wrong name; for it is not so much a league, which might be seen as an active political entity, but a standard to which we must hold another, both as Princes and as Men -- and Women -- such that, if we could define those things that are worthy of fighting and dying for, and the causes to which we stand ready to commit our lives, actually voting on a particular matter should be a mere formality, for we should already know the conclusion. Indeed it sounds like you describe an Order, perhaps a Knightly order -- but one with an express purpose of unifying the realms of the Far East when as individuals we are prone to weakness, to political expediency, to compromise, when some situations require that we forego all those things. Such orders are commonplace and often of little account, but if one were to have the membership and commitment of everyone in this room, and the flower of the Far East's chivalry -- perhaps things might be different. Is this too far off your mark, Your Majesty?"
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (16 hours, 19 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Jenred shook his head sharply.
"I do not condemn them, and neither should you, Lord Galiard. You should know as well as any that while the threats were issued, proving that was more difficult. Conan was foolish in many regards, but excellent in convincing others. He convinced me for a long time, and I cannot blame others for falling to his silvered tongue when I did. And once their true madness became clear, it did not take long for their might to assemble."
Jenred's lips twisted.
"And, as I said, much of the fault lies with me. I was too arrogant, and did not pay close attention to the sensibilities of those I should have."
"More importantly, this is not the time to fight old battles. The war is won, let the rest lie. Time to move on. And, yes, a Knightly Order might well serve, though I had not considered that idea before...That might work considerably better than my original idea, in fact."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Report from Iceberg Slim (16 hours, 7 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) The old man in the back finally rose to his feet, as the swirling storm of words reached its climax.
"Dignitaries of the Far East, I am Iceberg Slim, the Earl, or Duke, if you prefer, of Sasrhas. For those among you whom I have only recently had the pleasure of meeting, let those among you whom I have known for many years guide your opinion of my persona.
I believe that this matter of voting, this matter of the League, and the matter of sovereignty can all be addressed in one fell stroke.
You say the voting should be based on realms which may be privileged to be a member of this league, or you say that the voting should be based on Duchies where every realm in the Far East has a right to be heard, regardless of their society.
You also say this League is not to supercede the power of Kings and Ministers when it comes to guiding nations, but merely to call the realms of the Far East into action against a foe that threatens to consume us all.
You also say that this League is to determine, effectively, internationally accepted standards of honor for the battlefield, and off of the battlefield. This body is to lay the framework for a supra-national system of laws, perhaps with an Executor as Judge, or perhaps not.
Why do we not consider this: Let this League be composed of the Duchies of the Far East, with regards to determining the acceptable conduct of war? One Duchy, one vote. After all, the Dukes, and if there are any other Earls, of the Far East are those who are most responsible for the well-being of their people.
This neatly solves all three matters, as the Dukes cannot necessarily force a Sovereign into a course of action. However, the Dukes can certainly serve as a fair balance to the power of a Sovereign gone mad. For would the former Dukes of Soliferum have truly supported the conduct of Conan if they knew it would cost them everything?"
Iceberg paused, and ran his hand through his hair, now snow-white with age. It had been many years indeed since an opportunity such as this had arrived.
"The other matter seems to be the election, appointment, and/or function of this 'Executor' or 'War-Chief'. Why is such a position necessary? Let the League of Duchies simply declare their votes for or against a current Sovereign action deemed in violation of the code of warfare, and thus determine how the battle lines will be drawn.
As truly ambitious leaders of men who have gathered here in this magnificent stronghold of Ipsosez, we should be occupying ourselves with defining this code of warfare. Its enforcement will be the simple part. The crafting of a treaty that is acceptable to all will be far more difficult.
And as several others have stated, we have limited time. We must focus on the matters of most import."
Iceberg Slim Duke of Sasrhas, Ambassador of Ohnar West
Roleplay from Iceberg Slim (15 hours, 59 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Iceberg had no sooner taken his seat when the discussion of the Soliferum conflict began between Sir Galiard and King Jenred...
Iceberg muttered to himself, "It is unwise for those to condemn that which they do not know or understand. Some realms had problems of their own... such as civil war. Or such as an insane neighbor such as the former Prime Minister Remorse..."
He raised his voice so that he could be heard from his seat...
"Be careful with your words, this conference is for the future, not the past."
Iceberg Slim Duke of Sasrhas, Ambassador of Ohnar West
Roleplay from Guy du Bas-Tyra (15 hours, 40 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "Yes, a knightly order would be a more welcome idea, an order which would accept men and women of all sorts, but, I must say, it sounds more an order of Justices than an order of knights, by the criteria we have placed."
Guy du Bas-Tyra Count of Erahol, Ambassador of Greater Aenilia
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (15 hours, 22 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "Let us not conceal our own blemishes for the sake of diplomatic nicety," replied Galiard with an amused smile at Iceberg's last comment. "It seems to me there is shame enough to go around, and even if it is ... as King Jenred says, understandable that many fell victim to Conan's promises and snake oil, the point is that they -did- fall prey to it, and that is a failing. Not a crime, not even a sin, but a normal, human failing, the sort to which we are every one of us prone. I condemn no man in this chamber more than I condemn myself, and acknowledge no human weakness that a Knightly Order might combat that I do not myself possess in spades. The details of why this or that realm could not do the right thing at the right time do not matter. I have heard many of them, and in my own past, I have offered many of them."
Galiard paused for a moment. "Indeed, Duke Sasrhas," he allowed, "perhaps, had we a pillar of chivalry and honor at our backs, keeping us all strong and keeping our own demons from getting the better of us, my brother Septimus would be alive, and Lasanar, too. For while you are correct in saying that it benefits no-one to fight about the past, we should be fools if we did not look to it to see what lessons, precisely, must form the basis of a system that is to govern our virtue and our dignity; for I can tell you that the forces which rent Cathay apart with Duke Valgar's defection and the forces which rent Lasanar apart are not strangers to most of us here. The problem is that some few of us learn to master the undertow of those forces every generation and then not enough remain to keep us from repeating our mistakes. For it is not Daemons or some foreign force that visits such dark times upon us all, but our own base natures, from the highest King to the lowest courtier. For the point of such an Order is not to wage war, though in need, it might; not to decide political questions, though in need, it might; but to act as a beacon, a light upon our letters and actions that might otherwise be in darkness; to keep us honest and transparent even when the path of least resistance might dictate otherwise."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Letter from Caim Haerthorne (14 hours, 28 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Caim suddenly laughed at the mention of Conan's oily words. "That is true, good sir. He once sent me a letter out of the blue, before I was actively involved against him, calling me 'his dear friend'. Fortunately I already knew him for what he was, but the promise of support can make a man do a lot."
"Still, if we do get anything out of this, I'd like to see both this knightly order and a way to unite the nations of the Far East when it is truly needed without mundane politics getting in the way. We have a few scattered knightly orders restricted to certain realms, such as the Order of the Pheonix in Arcaea and the Black Knights of Sir Valgar's, though I know not if either are active anymore. A knightly order for which all brave men and women of the Far East can join once proving themselves, forsaking a measure of their previous lives to be a shining example in courts and battlefields across the land. I'd give up my own place as Captain-General and Baron to be apart of such a thing."
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Roleplay from Ciann Fraoch (14 hours, 14 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) 'MiLord General Caim, I must make a point to that. If there is to be such an order it cannot be one such that there are many from all the lands, for then it shall be doomed to become a political entity. There should be knights in each land, but a large and spreading organization will create false claims and false alarms and when it speaks it's voice will become as a cock's crow on a farm, scarce heard though loud.'
Taking a moment to catch her breath she continued,'If it is small and all respect those few who stand watch, then when the call is uttered all may know it to be a true call. For though we all stand here with noble hearts, time and power can forge any noble into the very threat we fear, should they find some pact or ill fate. It is said that in Belueterra there are those who commune with the beyond itself and draw might from it. My great fear is that those who would wish this land harm will worm their way into our hearts and steady our souls so we no longer see the ills we commit. I have fought an unjust war and killed men for naught but pride and greed and were it not for the wisdom of his Holiness, I might fight such a war still. It is easier to do ill then one may think and I would not sleep well at night if one with a silver tongue and a vile heart were to hold sway over such an order.'
Realizing she was babbling a little, she nodded quickly and sat back down.
Ciann Fraoch Geire Suil of Arcachon
Roleplay from Caim Haerthorne (14 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) "True, the tests should be open but the standards should be high and the sacrifice a large one. Before considering all of that, what would the knights do? Would they live as they were before and continue being apart of the ambitions of their realm, to meet ocassionally and be called up in times of need? Or would the order be their lives, itinerant soldiers travelling the land, invited by Kings and Lords into their lands to dispatch evil and foster the growth of good hearts from Kindara to Arcachon? Even further, who would their allegiance lie with? These are all questions that we must ask and I have some answers to give, but first I'd like to hear what others have to say."
Sir Caim Haerthorne Captain General of Greater Aenilia, Baron of Ahael
Roleplay from Erandi Marques Torres de los Reyes (13 hours, 48 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (23 recipients) Erandi had listened calmly for a time. However, as he was to represent the Principality, the Regent of Zonasa rose to humbly address the audience. Aware that he could be long-winded at times, the Regent made every effort to be as concise as possible.
Honored nobles,
First, I should like to express my gratitude to Duke Rekhyt and Greater Aenilia for hosting us here these past few days. Most gracious, kind and accomodating, sirs, I thank you. A thanks as well to King Jenred, who has called the leaders of the continent to this historical summit. And finally I am honored to be surrounded by the class of nobility represented here today. Rulers, Ambassadors, Generals, Historians, and Dukes alike, I am most honored to be in your presence.
The Regent raised a quick toast to the room, and cleared his throat with a small drink of wine.
To the matter at hand, Zonasa is in agreement regarding the conduct of Nobility in regards to the aforementioned barbaric behaviors. Indeed, these principles are the pillars upon which Zonasa proudly stands.
Yet the political implications of this League appear to impede upon Zonasan sovereignty. Respectfully, Zonasa will not be coersed into conflict by any leadership other than her own. It is agreed that there are threats that may require the entire continent to band together as one to march against unspoken evils. Were such a threat to arise, Zonasa would be most agreeable to working within the structure of the League to combat such a threat. However, I must stress that Zonasa shall be free to make the initial decision for herself. I humbly and respectfully regret that I must stand firm on this matter.
If the League seeks to achieve true legitimacy, it must include leaders from all realms and most duchies of the continent, for if but a few realms join, or several principle duchies are neglected, it shall certainly be tainted by prejudice and the League's actions treated with suspicion, as many have alluded to here previously. And quickly, if the League members are sworn to uphold the League's honorable code of conduct, than I should see no difference in how the votes are allotted, so long as they are allotted consistently and fairly. Perhaps a dual-vote system, wherein every realm is awarded a vote based upon the duchies that hail their banner, and a second vote, one vote per realm, with both votes requiring 2/3rds majority to pass. (OOC: just realized that bit was strangely patriotic. Odd.)
Yet I must agree with what King James of Cathay has stated, let us attempt to focus on what we have most in common for this first summit, and walk away with a productive beginning, rather than have our differences destroy what progress we might attain.
With that, the Regent took his seat.
Erandi Marques Torres de los Reyes Regent and General of Principality of Zonasa
Letter from James Blazeral Harker (5 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (24 recipients) "I quite like the idea of a noble order of Knights, spread across the island, dedicated to upholding the civilized virtues of combat and to the defense of the island as a whole. I propose, then, that we could follow this format: The Rulers and Generals of each realm, as well as a chosen Knight for each duchy, be it the Duke themselves or an upstanding warrior of honor, be a part of this Guild to be formed. In this manner, each Duchy still has it's own vote in whatever affairs may come up, without the worry of a Sovereign forcing a certain vote or the Dukes banding to force a Sovereign into an undesired position. Again, as stated by so many already, this vote would only be called in times of obvious, islandwide crisis, to avoid the doom befalling Beluaterra.
"The Executor, or as I've begun to think of them, the Paladin Commander, would be chosen from the realm most urgently endangered, again because it is my belief they would have a better grasp of the tactical situation than any other. I acknowledge the need for such a position, as it would have been instrumental in reducing the loss of life in the war against Soliferum. Many soldiers from all realms died needlessly because of the lack of coordination.
"I offer Colasan as the central location for this guild to be chartered, should Aenilia choose not to house it in Ipsosez. Ipsosez would be ideal, simply by it's location, but Colasan is not so much farther north.
"An itinerant group of warriors will not work. However, a coalition of honorable, likeminded warriors, called upon only in an hour of need to unify the island, from all over the island - This is workable, and Cathay will throw it's full support behind it. This island needs this. We have proven we can work together successfully. We needn't make a formal alliance over this, only our word as nobles of honor that when the League, or Order, or whatever, calls, men and women of honor will stand and heed that call. Otherwise, like Beluaterra, we will fall apart and die"
He casts a glance Jenred's way, then to the assembly "My apologies if I became heated. Jenred's words stoked a fire in me. I never knew Tony said such things to him. Had I known, and the current King of Cathay still had not acted after prodding, I would have left to join Arcaea. I render Cathay's apologies to you, Jenred, for if our King knew about that and still chose inaction for us, then he shamed us all, and the honor we Cathayans pride ourselves on is damaged. As well, it only increases our gratitude to Arcaea for coming to our defense in Anacan. It is a shining example to the rest of us what this League has the potential to do.
James Blazeral Harker King of Cathay
Roleplay from Henri de Bardt (53 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (24 recipients) Stepping out from where he had been quietly listening to the proposals of the islands magnates, a barrel-chested middle-aged warrior cleared his throat so speak, "I am pleased to see our discussions turn to the establishment of an Order of Knighthood dedicated to chivalry and honor. Many years ago, when I first set foot upon this isle, it had been my sincerest hope to dedicate my life to that self-same goal. To see so many honorable and storied lords and ladies of the land give voice and breath life into such an endeavor is enough to fill my heart near to bursting with joy."
As he spoke, the big bearded man unashamedly wiped tears from his eyes.
"Furthermore, I am quite deeply honored that His Royal Majesty, King James (being the first of his name) of Cathay would offer up my humble city to host this Order. There is nothing in life that I could more fervently hope to uphold than these standards of nobility which we hope to enshrine for all time."
Sensing the emotionality of his statements, the towering giant stepped back gingerly to where he had been seated and wiped his brow.
Sir Henri de Bardt Royal Treasurer of Cathay, Duke of Colasan, Marshal of the Royal Engineering Corps
Roleplay from Jenred Bedwyr (32 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (24 recipients) Jenred puzzled his way through Erandi's statement and suggestions.
"Regent Erandi...I am confused. On the one hand, you suggest that Zonasa will never enter a conflict unless you decide to, and on the other you suggest a voting system that would allow that as an option. Can you clarify what your position is? And would Zonasa be willing to hold with this Knightly Order instead of a League?"
Jenred waved a hand at James.
"What is done is done. I could never prove the threat had been made, and many trusted Conan's word over mine. As I said, I hold no grudge over the matter, merely learned a harsh lesson and thankfully prevented it from being carried out. No apologies necessary."
"Regarding our original point...I rather like your idea, James. Have all members swear to uphold the right of humanity over the inhuman, nobility over the barbaric, with the Code compiled and published so that all will know the standard we hold ourselves to. I would suggest that the Order be open to any willing to swear the oaths, though we restrict voting rights in some fashion as you suggest. We most certainly do not wish to exclude any who share these ideals."
Jenred turned, eyebrow raised in question, gesturing with an open hand to the rest of the table.
"Are there any objections?"
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Roleplay from Galiard Scarlett (just in) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (24 recipients) Galiard had watched the last round of proceedings without comment. He listened to King James, the Zonasan Regent, and then Jenred again, and offered his most brief contribution to the proceedings:
"I have none, Your Majesty."
Sir Galiard Scarlett (Royal)
Roleplay from Virish Arrassum (just in) Message sent to everyone in the region Ipsosez (24 recipients) Virish Followed after Giliard in saying.
"I agree with King Jenred as well."
Sir Virish Arrassum Ambassador of Kindara
