Council Meeting: Rebirth 720

[Pegasus]

Rebirth Cycle 720
~~1st Cylus 720~~

Three more stood - wishing to take new roles. Again, people voted. Once more, the man who oversaw them - a tall thin Sev'ryn man - took them to Kura. This time, he approached her and there was a brief, whispered conversation. He had things to tell her, there. But it was brief and then it was done. And then, finally, he turned and spoke.

"All accepted."

It was as easy - or as complicated - as that. Sidhe'nn Fraear looked at Kura and said, in a low voice tinged with danger. "Are you serious? Do you have any idea who this woman is or the trouble she'll bring you?" Shania did not speak, did not answer merely looked around the room. Then, when she caught sight of the Warden of Slags Deep - there he was - she smiled. Again, though, no speaking, just a glance at the Warden, then she turned her attention back to Kura.

The Sev'ryn who was the administrator in charge of business at this point, nodded to Kura. "Per the orders of the Albarech, nomination and voting for new positions is over. The new council members should take the respective seats. The Albarech will now determine the order of business."

And people moved - the empty seat was there for Nir'wei, Kura's vacated seat for Kal. Tio moved to Reza's chair, she moved to sit among the village and town representatives. Meanwhile, Sidhe'nn Fraear stood and looked at Kura. "I am too useful for this to happen. You must see that?"

And all was silent as the room looked at the council members.......

!	Message from: Thread Rules
	There are a few rules which apply here. 1. Council member nominations are now closed. 2. If you wish to observe only, you are more than welcome to do so. This thread is open to anyone. 3. Now the meeting begins.......

!	Message from: Moderation Specifics
	I will post here once a week That will be every Sunday. My next post will be Sunday 16th February 2020

Council Lists

Albarech

Kura

Advisor to Albarech

Name: Brandel
Race: Human
Age: Born 640
Title: Albarech of Scalvoris Council
Skills: NA: Prophet only NPC. You don't need to know!
Other Information: Previously the resident on Watch, a job he held for 20 arcs, Brandel was unanimously elected to the position of Albarech by his peers immediately upon the decision that there'd be one. He is very focused on the island and its well-being, without family or any other hobbies to distract him he works tirelessly. He hated the Pirate Lords and all they stood for and he is determined that, on his Watch, he will do good for the island and her people.

Militant

Name: Rand Broson
Race: Sev'ryn / Human
Age: Born 667
Title: Militant of Scalvoris Council / Militant of Elemental
Skills: NA: Prophet only NPC. You don't need to know!
Other Information: Rand is a hard, fair man. He doesn't speak much as he believes that you learn a lot more by listening than you ever will by talking. He is the head of the Scalvoris Military (the Elements) and he is very proud of that job. A hard working man, he tends towards solitude and does not make friends easily. He has a temper, as his troops will attest and he will not back down when he believes he is right.

Accountant

Shania (see Gunvorton)

Devout

Now Tio

Trainer

Name: Marcelle Tren
Race: Mixed Blood
Age: Born 687
Title: Trainer of Scalvoris Council
Skills: NA: Prophet only NPC. You don't need to know!
Other Information: An educator of children by trade, Marcelle would be the first person to tell you that she is out of her depth in this whole Council thing. But she's doing her best and she has a sharper mind than she gives herself credit for. She is a passionate teacher and a friendly woman. Also, she isn't afraid of conflict and has the skills of managing a classroom of five arc olds. Veteran soldiers have quivered and quaked at her stare.

Foreign Affairs

Kal

Natural Affairs

Nir'wei

Academic

Now Devin.

Merchant

Name: Francis LeShard
Race: Mixed Blood
Age: Born 687
Title: Merchant of Scalvoris Council
Skills: NA: Prophet only NPC. You don't need to know!
Other Information: Francis is a shrewd businesswoman who is here representing the Merchants' Guild. Really that is exactly and only who she is representing. She has worked as a businesswoman throughout the north and east of Idalos and her bottom line is the profit. She is nice, friendly and polite to everyone. She would also sell her grandmother for the right price.

Almundian

Name: Jo'ne Tide
Race: Mixed Blood
Age: Born 691
Title: Almund Representative of Scalvoris Council
Skills: NA: Prophet only NPC. You don't need to know!
Other Information: Jo'ne is the Mayor of Almund. Her father was a pirate and his father before him. Her mother was a whore and her grandmother a drug dealer and the bane of the seas. Jo'ne is a foul mouthed, tobacco chewing woman who will take no nonsense from anyone.

Darbytonian

Name: Elliot
Race: Human / Sev'ryn
Age: Born 679
Title: Chief Ranger
Skills: Bow: 70, Sword: 55, Hunting: 50, Animal Husbandry: 50, Animal Training: 50, Fieldcraft: 50
Other Information: Elliot is a stern man who will not suffer fools at all. He is a hard working individual who has no family ties; there have been many women and men who have attempted to attract his attention but he appears to be completely married to his job. He is a man of few words and will act rather than debate. He will defend Darbyton and Scalvoris with fibre of his being and is as loyal a man as can be.

Egg

Name: Liza
Race: Human / Sev'ryn
Age: Born 694
Title: The Merchant Quen
Skills: Negotiation: 65, Appraisal: 65, Business Management, 60, Seduction: 50, Glassblowing: 50
Other Information: Liza is a friendly woman who has taken the rag tag nature of Egilrun and turned it into a place for trade. She is keen business woman who is more than able to strike a hard bargain. She is hoping to strengthen trade negotiations with Viden and to be able to supply them useful and unusual goods. She is loyal and tenacious and will always work for the betterment of Egilrun specifically and Scalvoris generally.

Gunvortonian

Name: Shania
Race: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Title: Gunvorton Overseer
Skills: Unknown
Other Information: If there is one thing which everyone agrees on, it is that Shania is a nice lady. Friendly, helpful and always willing to help out, she is the backbone of the growing region on Gunvorton. She knows everyone, it seems, and she's always there should anyone need a little bit of information. She runs the local inn and it is her job, as she tells everyone, to make sure that all who come to her establishment leave just a little bit happier.

Havardreen

Name: Linca
Race: Biqaj
Age: Born 678
Title: Chief of the village of Havardr
Skills: Other things too. Need to know....
Other Information: Linca is the chief of Havardr, the hardest worker on the island, some say, and a straight talking fellow. He will trade, but he won't be fiddled and is a hard negotiator.

Proper

Name: Leigh Birch
Race: Human
Age: Born 693
Title: Scalvoris Town Representative of Scalvoris Council
Skills: NA: Prophet only NPC. You don't need to know!
Other Information: Leigh is the Mayor of Scalvoris Proper. She lives there and has her offices there. She is a friendly and very well organised woman who is keen to listen to all of the opinions on offer. She has trouble sometimes as she can have a bit of a tendency to avoid conflict, but that just means that she sits back and doesn't take sides. It certainly doesn't mean that she's lacking opinions.

[Tio Silver]

The hidden powers looking to fill the vacuum left by the Pirate Lords? What a curious thing to say. Tio watched with clear interest, not to mention a fair bit of amusement, as the spat between Shania and Sidhe'nn grew but refrained from speaking, opting to see how Kura would choose to handle it. He knew Sidhe didn't exactly have a stellar reputation but there was certainly no proof that he'd ever been bad at his job: indeed some might argue that it was that same coldly efficient mindset that helped him keep such a strong hold of Scalvoris' finances despite the constant stream of disasters that seemed to crop up every season. He'd met Shania before and could honestly say that he liked her, but that didn't mean he trusted her so much to take her at her word that there was some kind of conspiracy going on. How then would the new Albarech handle this?

Not too well as it turned out. No asking for proof, nor asking Sidhe to defend himself. Shania's proposal was accepted without another word. Sidhe spoke up to protest against the decision, a perfectly reasonable thing to do, and Tio found himself frowning. Was nobody really going to question this? On a personal level he'd rather see Shania as the accountant too, but this wasn't a matter of the heart. Logic was needed here, and logically speaking Shania had come in with an unsubstantiated claim and been taken at her word for it. Someone needed to be the devil's advocate, to question the validity of decisions that seemed right at first glance and be willing to suggest the cruel but necessary courses of action. Perhaps Re'za had been the one to do that before? He didn't know, but since nobody else would then perhaps he'd have to be the one to play that part.

"Are we really going to do this? Accept that Sidhe is involved in some sort of hidden conspiracy and replace him without a shred of proof?" He asked, looking around at the rest of the council to try and glean their thoughts. "Shania is undoubtedly a great merchant, but Sidhe has had no failings as an accountant that I've heard about and has far more experience in the role. We have no reason to believe that either one would be more skilled than the other. This whole appointment hinges on the claim that Sidhe is a traitor: a claim that has yet to be proven by evidence. Accusations like this is surely something we should be looking into before making a decision? Either one is a traitor or the other is happy to run a smear campaign, and until we know the truth neither of these two should be allowed to hold a position of office."

He glanced back and forth between Shania and Sidhe. "If Shania accuses Sidhe of being a traitor let her prove it, and let Sidhe have just as fair an opportunity to defend himself. I propose we settle this with a trial, with the position of Accountant at stake. If Shania can prove beyond any reasonable doubt that Sidhe is indeed working for these 'hidden powers' then the position should be hers. If she cannot however then Sidhe should keep it. Until then perhaps Brandel, as one experienced and trusted to be honest in such matters, could hold onto the position?"

[Kura Wolfsdotter]

Kura hadn't given outward reaction to either Kalortah or Devin's campaigns, though she suspected that both may cause her some trouble if she didn't keep an eye on them. Shania's decision to run for Accountant was a surprise, however, and Kura raised her eyebrow to it, noting the wording she used for her run and Sidhe'nn's own snarl, but lack of a defense. However, she didn't speak and instead let the voting pass. When the officiator of the votes spoke to her, however, she nodded briefly then shuffled through her new papers. The Sev'ryn had told her to look at the financial reports. The news she received from that report was not exactly pleasing and she carefully concealed a frown. Sidhe'nn had been rather poorly behaved during his time on the Council, it turned out.

When the results were announced, Kura watched the council carefully, while Phelan and Rahmet focused on the crowd, paying close attention to the Warden and any representative from the Logging Consortium who happened to be in attendance. However, Sidhe'nn decided that now would be a good time to protest his being voted out and she fixed the former Accountant with an even stare. Then Tio spoke up and Kura looked at her new Devout. This was going to be an interesting Council to run, she could already tell, but she could at least sympathize with his desire for legal clarity. However, she simply smiled at him. "Devout Silver, your desire for honesty and clarity do you credit, but there are three flaws to your reasonin'. First, Accountant Shania made no accusation of treason, she merely made her case for the position and stated her opinion as to Master Fraear's behavior. Second, every member of the Council is voted into their place, barring such instances that a member retires and chooses their successor, as Brandel did today. You are askin' that we overturn those votes, the very foundation of our system of government, on what is, at best, an implication of improper behavior. Third, Brandel has given Scalvoris a great deal, and chosen to step down and retire. It would be extremely selfish of us to attempt to push more responsibility onto his shoulders when he has given us so much of his life already." she said, her tone polite and calm, but firm.

Then she turned her attention back to Sidhe'nn. "Master Fraear, you are fully aware of our process and laws, and as such, knew that your seat was up for votin'. You chose to make no counter-claim to defend your seat. Yet now, you ask that I overturn our laws in order to benefit you and let you keep a seat on our Council that you made no move to defend. I confess myself disappointed, Master Fraear, but no. I will not betray the ideals of our land, nor the laws that make up the foundation of our government, in order to make an exception for you." she said, her tone the same as it had been when she spoke to Tio, but with an underlying note of disapproval. "You are, however, of course welcome to take a place among the citizens of Scalvoris." she said, by way of dismissal. If he refused, she would, of course, have him removed from the Council floor.

Once all the Council was in place, Kura smiled at them. "Now then, to business. As this is a new year, and a new Council, I would like to propose that we examine any treaties to which we are currently bound." she said, before giving a faint grin. "Of course, I had planned to suggest this prior to Brandel steppin' down, but prudence suggests that we do so regardless." she said, before looking at Kalortah. "However, I am no longer the Councilor of Foreign Affairs. Councilor Kalortah, you are new to our council, and have not yet had time to familiarize yourself with our current treaties. If you would like for us to hold on this matter until you have had time to familiarize yourself with them, then we will do so. Otherwise, we can wait while you quickly familiarize yourself with the treaties, or I can quickly summarize, whichever is your preference." she said. While she spoke, Phelan was practically nailed to the floor in front of the Warden of Slags Deep. Kura had been aiming to break from the treaty that had turned Slags Deep into a sovereign territory and reclaim the part of their island that had been traded away. However, she knew better than to believe the Warden would take this lying down, so Phelan was watching the Warden carefuly for any signs of how he may react.

[Devin]

When those people actually voted him onto the Council, Devin smiled brightly. That was quite … no, of course he had expected such an outcome! He was after all the best, the most intelligent and the most good-looking person in the room! A moment later, when he realized who else had been allowed to join the Council, his smile faded again though. He hadn’t thought that they would actually vote for feather-face! His speech hadn’t even been that good. He did have nice wings though, beautiful, glorious, magnificent, marvelous wings. He wished he had such wings! He wished he had Kalortah’s wings because they would look even better on him!

When the Sev’ryn told the new council members to take their seats, the Mortalborn took a look around before he sat down on the chair that he thought was meant for him and let his gaze drift over the crowd once more. From this perspective, they looked even less appealing than before. In fact, there were only four people that were marginally attractive!

He’d probably have to tie a rope around the weird floating guy (Tio) to keep him from accidentally floating away while they kissed though; besides, his eyes were kind of freaky. The new Albarech was most likely a lesbian, and Nir’wei probably smelled like a Jacadon due to the company that he kept. The most beautiful person in the room apart from him was unfortunately - feather-face, and he wouldn’t even touch him if someone offered him - well, maybe he would, for a million nels!

Maybe one of his new colleagues had something worth stealing though? He shook his head. While the chance of his getting caught was miniscule at best (he was a masterful thief after all), it would be better not to risk anything. Kalortah would probably be happy if he were thrown out of the council and into Slag’s Deep, and he didn’t want to make feather-face happy!

After a while, Devin actually began to focus his entire attention on the proceedings like a good councilor, out of sheer frustration over the lack of prospective mates or victims. A woman named Shania wanted to become the new Accountant. What she said actually made sense, although he couldn’t help but wonder who the hidden powers in Scalvoris were (he loved a good mystery!). The weird floating guy decided to undermine Kura’s authority for some reason and criticized the vote. Even he knew better than to do such a thing!

So, when Kura spoke her mind, he nodded and remarked (because there would be all kinds of things to be gained from supporting the most powerful person in the room), “The Albarech is right. I’m a bit curious about the supposed presence of hidden powers nevertheless though, I have to admit. Could there actually be any?”

It was a reasonable, justified question, especially from a councilor that had had the job for exactly five bits and wasn’t entirely familiar with the political scene of Scalvoris yet. Kura then addressed Kalortah though. A part of Devin was glad that he wouldn’t have to make any decisions, but would just be able to lean back and watch the show for the time being, but another part of him couldn’t help but wonder why she had addressed him first. Why didn’t she have any questions for him? Was he not important enough?!

[Kalortah]

Kalortah nodded to the Alberecht and then went to take his seat, hopefully it'd be situated far from Devin's. He didn't wnat the human's annoying voice to rattle his nerves everytime he had the unfortunate occasion to speech. It seemeed, however, they were seated on the same row, and thus he would have to tolerate the Academic Councilor... at least until a suitable replacement could bre found to run against him. But that was a concern far in the future.

He kept his wings folded neatly behind him as he took the seat the Alberecht had just recently vacated. He didn't like the way Devin stared at his glory. It reminded him of Korva, and the way she'd greedily lusted after his feathers. But then, he liked Korva. That was different. He couldn't dislike Devin anymore if he tried!

"Congratulations, Councilor Devin." Kalortah whispered to the thief audibly, in a show of magnanimous acceptance that he didn't feel a bit of. It probably showed. But then if the human wished to take it as sarcastic, that was his perogative.

Then it came time for the business of the day, and the Alberecht came to him first. As it should be. Foreign Affairs was a far more important issue than Academics! Certainly!

"I would ask that you summarize, I will go over the treaties in greater detail in my own time, but would like to remain informed just for this moment, so I can give my first impressions of them, such as they are.."

He nodded to the Alberecht, and pointedly ignored Devin's input into the issue. What business was this of his, afterall! Academics should keep their noses in their books and out of Foreign Affairs!

[Max]

Politics were such a dull, drawn-out affair. She couldn't understand why people enjoyed them so much, let alone why any citizen thought it their duty to sit and listen to them. She was here to spectate, true, but her reasons were vastly different. It wasn't like she thought hanging out in a room full of Elements, without vices or weapons, was her idea of a good time. Here she was though. For most of the time that followed the announcement of the new Albarech, Max was fighting to stay awake.

One-by-one people raised their hands, stood up, and gave short soliloquies about how great they were. Most of the candidates were strangers to her. A couple sounded or looked vaguely familiar, but not enough to garner her attention for long. The man who floated was an obvious anomaly, and though she didn't know his face, there was something oddly familiar about him. It was something in his mannerisms and what he said, she was sure. Then he said his name and the Rusalka tilted her head. A mirthful grin spread across her face.

Well look at you, Bonehead. Doing just fine, I see.

He didn't have the bizarre mask or that terrible shirt anymore. Whatever had happened to him since he invaded her broken dreamscape had worked out for him. This appearance was certainly an upgrade, and his changed status to Immortal was a shockingly heavyweight trade-up too. Her focus on Tio was shifted when the Gunvorton representative brought the conversation of corruption to light. When one of the newly elected councilors, the academic one, inquired whether there were hidden powers in Scalvoris, Maxine outwardly laughed before clamping a hand over her mouth.

Oh, you poor bastard. You have no idea, do you?

Kura went about dismissing the previous Accountant seat while Max returned to drifting her gaze across the crowd. There was an area among the civilians bearing witness that the Rusalka had noticed the Gunvorton representative explicitly drawn to. When she spoke out against the man she usurped, Max had caught the subtle glances she kept directing toward one man in particular. Her caramel eyes settled on the back of the finely dressed man's head. The moment she did, the color drained from her face.

Warden.

Max had murdered her way through Slags Deep's very finest, disembowling even the formidable Junior Warden, until she made it through Level Seven. Killing hadn't been the only thing that won her freedom though. The Warden had arrived to admire her handiwork, and had ultimately facilitated her escape by paying out her sentence and providing her with resources to escape. She'd also agreed to serve the mysterious force imprisoned in the bowels of that pit, The Warden's eldest daughter. Max hadn't seen him since that trial and she owed them a great debt. She imagined both he and his trapped child were growing impatient.

It went against every instinct in her body to peel her spine from that wall. She did it anyways. Moving through the crowd of witnesses silently, she found a seat directly behind the man who gifted her with liberation from the hell he reigned over. It was as close as she dared to move. Maxine was still acutely aware that her high profile crimes made plenty aware of what she was and where she'd been as a result. An ex-convict incarcerated in the highest level of security sitting next to the Warden would've been a bad look for both of them.

Maxine didn't bother murmuring a greeting. She expected that he'd already known she was there. Arms folded, she divided her attention once again between feigned interest in the meeting and a man who had won her allegiance. His attendance had been no mistake. That much she was sure of.

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Nir'wei]

As the others were sworn in - none of which got much attention, since they were all utter strangers to his mind - Nir'wei descended from his place in the audience to take one of the empty seats of the Council. How strange it felt to take such a seat in a place like this; to know that eyes were on him now, to represent the affairs of Scalvoris. Almost on instinct his hand reached half-way out for a spirit wolf, but he caught himself and instead made it look like he was scratching his thigh. Not the best idea to materialise a wolf here, in the open. Enough questions might be asked when his face would inevitably change within the next five trills. That, and the fact that nobody had actually asked for his name, nor had he given it... mostly because he hadn't yet decided what he would call himself.

Unfortunately, there were bigger things at play. He'd been away for a long time, and never all too interested in the political games of the Council up until about five trills ago, so these people rising, talking, accusing, their squabbles were all completely lost on him. The only thing he had to piece it all together were the accusations hidden in the snippets of conversation of his fellow Councillors... and even that seemed to be over in a glimmer, snuffed by the always-dividing code of 'proper conduct' that threatened to make his eyes roll just at the mention. It was entirely possible for a person of absolutely no skill or proficiency to earn lofty authority through absolutely nothing but a low sense of morality and a silver tongue; he'd seen it himself with the sudden and unwelcome appearance of the Order of the Mantis, feeding off hate and fear and twisting it to their own desires... but as an elected body himself, he also didn't have a leg to stand on in that argument, unless he wished to prove himself a hypocrite before his fancy new seat turned warm. He schooled a passive expression and said nothing.

With everything eventually settled, it was time to get down to the first orders of business... treaties. Agreements with other cities, right? Interesting, but surely something that Foreign Affairs would deal with - the new guy, an Avriel, but apparently a civilised one, seemed quite content to settle them briefly. Excellent for him, because it meant he could continue focusing on trying to act completely nonchalant.

[Pegasus]

~~1st Cylus 720~~
The Review

~~Kura~~

Overview

Congratulations and commiserations all in one! Kura - after many seasons of work - has been given the top job in Scalvoris. Things are, as they say, just about to get interesting. For me, one of the things which I enjoy most about your writing of Kura is how she does things on her terms, in her way. She's a very strong pc. Awesome work. Best get busy........

Points

XP: 20
Renown: 20

Knowledge

Politics: x4
Negotiation: x4
Etiquette: x4

Consequences

+1 job.
This may count as your Wealth Thread.

~~Maxine~~

Overview

As ever, your writing of Max is exquisite. I love how you portray the conflicts she feels - and her realisation of just how powerful Kura now is and what that means as Kura holds Max's leash was really well considered. You play her to her skill level and use her skills really cleverly. I had such clear image of Max guffawing and clamping a hand over her mouth. Great writing!

Points

XP: 20
Renown: 20

Knowledge

Politics: x4
Detection: x4
Etiquette: x4

Consequences

The Warden undoubtedly recognised you - as you did him. Consequences from this may be far-reaching

~~Tio ~~

Overview

Tio, the new Immortal, has become the head of Religious Well-Being on Scalvoris. I love that he decided to do this, and I can't wait to see what he does now. Great writing - looking forward to seeing what he does now. Whatever it is, I'm sure he'll have a lasting impact!

Points

XP: 20
Renown: 20

Knowledge

Politics: x4
Negotiation: x4
Persuasion: x4

Consequences

+1 Job.

~~Nir'wei ~~

Overview

It seems like this is exactly the right role for Nir'wei and I have to admit to having enjoyed reading this very much indeed. It's fascinating to see how he's changed and I wonder what he's going to do in terms of this role. Lovely writing - a pleasure to read!

Points

XP: 20
Renown: 20

Knowledge

Politics: x4
Negotiation: x4
Persuasion: x4

Consequences

+1 job ...

~~Kalortah~~

Overview

Oh, he's so arrogant - so very wonderfully arrogant. I love this PC and I am very much looking forward to what he does in his new role. You have that calm and smug air of superiority just written to perfection here - and it is wonderful to read. Thank you so much for your contribution to this thread!

Points

XP: 20
Renown: 20

Knowledge

Politics: x4
Negotiation: x4
Persuasion: x4

Consequences

~~Devin ~~

Overview

What a fun PC - I really enjoyed Devin's thought processes here and his internal monologue of how good and handsome and well-qualified he is just had me in stitches! I really enjoy how you write this PC, and somehow there's something just a little bit vulnerable about him at the same time.

Points

XP: 20
Renown: 20

Knowledge

Politics: x4
Negotiation: x4
Persuasion: x4

[/tab]

Consequences

+1 Job!