Arcaea/Dining Hall/Ipsosez Conference/IV
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
