Meeting of the First Grand Council

Roleplay Library
1

((OOC: The title is of course subject to change. I’ve been talking with a few people about this, but essentially this serves as a sort of United Nations to The East Pacific. I’ll post an OOC thread about this once I’m done with this))

After various reclamation projects, funding difficulties, disputes over architecture, more funding difficulties, and overall angst between nations of The East Pacific, it finally happened. Nations came together in a display of solidarity; a hope, perhaps a dream, of mutual understanding between the diverse nation-states that comprise the Realm of the East. No longer a disconnected region, it is intended that the body, tentatively called “The Grand Council”, will help to settle disputes, develop understanding, and aid in communication between member nations.

Member nations? No nation need apply - the invitation has already been extended. Delegations may be brought to the island, of course, but each member nation is allotted just two diplomats to serve on the council. No nation should stop with two people, though. In fact, it is encouraged that member nations send staff, workers, etc to help build the melting pot of the capital district.

The Capital District is actually a relatively large multinational city with updated architecture and various boroughs that seem to have collected various nationalities. The collection of administrative buildings in the center are for delegations, council reps, etc. These structures have a distinctly Grecian “flavor” to it with whitewashed stone walls, columns, the likes.

As far as The Grand Council, they meet in the Grand Hall. The Grecian architecture follows into the building with marbled floors and into the Council Floor, a large room where the Grand Council meets. There within that room are various desks for the member nations, a podium, the likes.

2

Premier Cecilia Riskotov of Vulshain read the report. “So, there is to be a gathering of nations of the East Pacific Region?” Cecilia sighed. This was a perfect way to increase trade and also smooth any problems with anyone. She knew that there was some tension between Vekaiyu and Laiatan. She sighed again as she thought about it. Things were definitely going to get interesting.

3

The Ecclesiarchy of Rational Stars, deigns to provide clerics of his glorious service to sanctify the new grounds and serve as laymen of the holy word in this glorious enterprise. There is great hope in this new opportunity to convert the heathen masses of TEP and the Ecclesiarchy has appointed Two Bishops one of the Order Implacabilis and the other of the Order Defaeco.

We hope the shining lights of the stars that guide us will serve as a source of hope and inspiration for our neighbors as we seek to do the good works of the Lord. Praise Be.

4

Despite the skepticism of the Lazlowian government over the effectiveness of this regional organization, it was only proper, that the communist country sent representatives to the council. Jázon Radics was formerly the Minister of Foreign affairs until relatively recently, when he was forced to resign. Although the reasons of the resignation were never officially revealed, the truth is, that the veteran diplomat, who was involved in the government since the Great August Socialist Revolution of 2003, was removed from office after he failed during the negotiations with Vekiayu and Vulshain. His appointment to this position effectively meant, that he was now sent into exile from the capital.

The other delegate was József Lengyel, who in terms of experience was quite the opposite of Radics. At the time of the revolution he was a college student, who took part in the organisation of the student protests, which played a vital part in the success of the revolution. After the revolution, he enrolled in the Karl Marx Politological College, and was one of the top graduates of the diplomatic faculty. He joined the Ministry of Foreign affairs, and was eventually promoted to this position.

Algaisia was also represented by a delegate, Laura Andrews. Of course, her appointment was made with Lazlowia’s consent, and she was well know to be in the pro-Lazlowian faction of the Algaisian Communist Party.

5

Edgar Erle, President of the Democratic Free Republic of Bachtendekuppen, was sitting in his office at the dark oaken desk he spend many late evenings at. He was staring at the invitation he had just read. Apparently a great interregional conference was to be held and he felt that Bachtendekuppen, for the first time since it’s great civil war, should be represented.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” President Erle said.

The white and broad doors opened and in walked Will McKenzie and Alas Remosi II. As President, Erle was the Head of the Diplomatic Representation Office and Remosi, who was the diplomat that settled the civil war and started the first new government of Bachtendekuppen, was the most experienced diplomat he could possibly send. He still didn’t know what to think about McKenzie though. Young, energetic, very principled and yet he feared him to be too naive for the diplomacy world. But Remosi wanted to take him with him to this event.

“Mr. President,” said McKenzie, “All preparations have been made. With your blessing we shall leave in the morning with our staff. An office has been rented not far from the Grand Hall and the necessary hotel rooms are booked.”

“Good,” replied Erle while turning to Remosi. “Do you have everything you need? I want us to be prepared for this event as best as we possibly can. First appearances are everything.”

“Don’t worry about it Edgar”, Remosi replied, “Everything is ready.”

6

Embassy of East Malaysia - Confederated Territory
Rillanon, Capital District, Christie Island

Ambassador Erik Westwood sat behind his desk reading the normal diplomatic correspondence he read each day in the embassy the East Malaysian government still funded even after the regional government became dysfunctional but that was mostly because of a CapCoal Bank branch and the luxurious hotel that was built to make the embassy complex more secluded.

Most of the correspondence were the normal pleasantries from other ambassadors or regional leader but one letter caught his eye, it was actually from the regional government. He read through it and thought, ‘Huh, The Grand Council is going to be meeting in The Grand Hall? Imagine that; Maybe we can get things going around here.’

He quickly pressed an intercom button to his secretary, “Allan, I need you to get the embassy staff together for a meeting. The Grand Council is meeting and I plan to be in attendance. My office conference room in five. Thanks.” He closed the intercom before a reply was given because he knew his secretary would get the job done. While he was waiting for his staff, he quickly put together a correspondence to the DFAD wireline.

7

Noi read the invitation over her morning tea.

‘The Pax have a sizable community in the underground there already. Maybe I will promote an Arkane or two to ambassadors…’

8

President Zakhari Kreskov, now several months into his second, four year term as President of the United Provinces of Laiatan, took a seat in the familiar leather rolling chair behind the three century old Presidential Desk. He turned around in the chair and stared at the snow-laden skyline of the bustling capital city. The 56-year old Lobo sighed with relief, relaxing for the first time in almost five months. His intercom buzzed, breaking his moment of solitude.

“Mr. President, Ambassador Moiseyev is here to see you.” Kreskov turned around and pressed the speak button on the intercom.

“Send him in.” He looked up for a moment as Moiseyev walked into the office through the large, wooden doors. “Thank you, Sofiya.”

Kreskov stood up and shook Moiseyev’s hand as his arrived his desk. “Welcome back, Mykola. Enjoy your vacation?”

Moiseyev sat down after Kreskov, and nodded in response. “It was very nice. Relaxing. I hear you’ve got a new assignment for me.”

Kreskov smiled as he chuckled. “Yes, I do. I don’t think you’ve heard the Grand Council has opened up in the Capital District. I’m appointing you and Nikolai Grigorin to Laiatan’s delegation. You’ve already been confirmed by the Narodnoe, so all you have to do is say yes. Nikolai’s already accepted the offer as the junior delegate. I know with your background, you’re the perfect choice for this position.”

“Yes, of course,” Moiseyev replied, a large smile appearing on his face. He and Kreskov stood up and shook hands once again.

“Excellent. We’ll be making travel arrangements and will send you all the information you need in a few days.”

Moiseyev nodded in thanks as he walked out of the office as Kreskov took a seat back in his chair, and turned back to the window as flurries of snow began falling.

9

…Invitation Received…

…Re-directed to Presidential office…

…Waiting for reply…

10
  • Crystalline Palace, Crylin, Middle Isle of Tano*

Jbenamin, Grand Sultan of Tano, descendant of Jben, sat in his chambers, reading Ag Rozn a Jben (The Book of Jben, the most sacred of all of Tano’s stories), making the occasional note, and rubbing his aching head as ancient Shadi language swarmed across his eyes and sank into his head.

CLONG

Jbenamin jumped, surprised that one of his lieges would disturb him during such an important and stressful time.
“It’s open!” he said.

His Priest of Foreign Lands entered the room, breathless. “Sultan Jbenamin! I bring news!”
“What is it?”
“An invitation for all the lands of the region of the East Pacific to meet!”

Jbenamin rubbed his eyes. They still hurt.

“Sultan? Shall I arrange for us to arrive? It will require a great deal of planning. Ambassador Fredor must be notified, and… wait, will we be using him? Of course we will, he’s our Head Ambassador. Uh let’s see, we’ll need to show our culture, and attempt to bring forth several plans for peace and of course their’s the matter of…”

“ENOUGH!” shouted Jbenamin. “I tire of your babble!”

“Sultan…?”

Jbenamin massaged his temples. He stared at the cold obsidian surface of his desk. Then it hit him.

“I shall go.”

“What?!”

Jbenamin smiled. He had been feeling cooped up, tired, trapped, wanting an adventure. And this would be an adventure indeed.

11

The Grand Council
Main Assembly

Erik Westwood sat in the large main assembly room of The Grand Council, watching all of the new and familiar faces coming into the room and taking notes. This was the first Grand Council to meet in years and he was honestly excited to get back into true regional policy. Once everyone was assembled, he figured they would start the first order of the day: electing a new Speaker. He looked around for his colleague was their yet, with the sudden meeting of The Grand Council, he was on assignment in the human territories of East Malaysia. He also wasn’t sure if anyone was going to officially convene the council with so many new members, if not then he would do the honors.

12

Within the Grand Hall Main Assembly

“I wish they’d hurry up and heat this place. I mean better than how it is now you know?”

Sayli Imleskori, a middle-aged vulpine rolled her eyes. Her attire was a common female Vekaiyun business outfit - black with white pinstripes blazer and skirt to go with black boots. Tucked within the small pocket of her black vest was a pocketwatch. “This is the second time you’ve complained about the cold, and that’s since we’ve entered the building. You complained in the lobby. You complained three times in the limousine ride to the Grand Hall. You even complained when we walked passed the blowers in front of the doors.” She pushed her glasses further up the bridge of her nose.

“Surely you can’t be that observant,” Makswel Lekoviyey retorted. Also a middle-aged vulpine, Makswel had an updated business casual look: a trim black suit with thin lapels, and a very thin red tie, the only color on his outfit aside from the red handkerchief fluted and set in his lapel pocket. “Besides. I wasn’t expecting it to be this cold since we got here.”

“We’ve been here for three days now…” Sayli grimaced as Makswel tapped his pen against his desk. “I wonder when the Listonian representatives will get here.”

“Suppose they’ll be a little Vekaiyun?”

“Probably. It’s hard to tell who’s in charge over there anymore. Evesuni, Yiskevi, or Iskaristre our commodore from Vekaiyu.”

“Well it’s nice to have people who will pretty much agree with whatever you say.”

“Don’t be hasty,” Sayli warned. “They’re occupied by us but they’re not idiots. We’ve technically given them autonomy.”

Makswel plucked the small Vekaiyun flag on his desk next to his name tag and began to swirl it around slightly. “Not a bad move, I guess.”

“Stop that,” Sayli said as he pointed a finger at him, giving him a glare. “We represent some two-hundred seventy-eight million people with that flag you’re so casually waving around. Millions have died by that flag, and tens of thousands are stationed in Listonia alone protecting it. Show some respect.”

“Okay, okay.” He shifted in his seat. “Suppose the delegation from East Malaysia will start the meeting?”

“I wouldn’t see why not. They’ve been here the longest, so they seem like the obvious choice.” He pulled out his pocket watch. “We’ve got a few minutes. We should introduce ourselves, right?”

“Yeah!” Makswel sprang from his seat.

“Easy, killer,” Sayli said. “Remember, we’re the representatives from Vekaiyu. At least try to act cordial.”

13

General Ivan de Ketoff of the Vulshainian Confederate Ground Forces entered the room. He was a tall human man. He had a large scar across his face and his right eye had been replaced by a cybernetic one. His left arm was a robotic arm. He carried a large briefcase. "I apologized for my lateness. My plane was delayed due to bad weather. He sat down next to the Vekaiyun representatives as he placed his briefcase on the table. “I am General Ivan de Ketoff, representative of the Confederacy of Vulshain.”

14

Jbenamin was bored. He was being dressed by his servants for the First Grand Council meeting. So far, he had been in the massive dressing room for 3 hours, and it showed no signs of ending soon.

His dress was to be a traditional Shadi Jeng Aga wear, an extremely complex dress composed of blue silk, Lapiz Lazuli gemstones embedded into it, with the Shadi’s most treasured stone, the Jeng, topping it off at his neck. The Jeng was an extremely rare crystal that appears only in Tano. It has an amazingly complex natural shape, that when held up to the sunlight while in Tano, will give off the most amazing color and reflection. The most remarkable thing about it however, is that this only happens in Tano. Many scientists had studied it, and concluded that this was because of Tano’s exact position in accordance to the sun, in every season.

He sighed. The process of imbedding the Jeng alone would take at least another hour. Maybe the royal dressers would permit him to sit down so he could work on his speech for the meeting…

15

Ravensgard

-My lord?-
Emperor Adam van Haven lazily opened his eyes. Scant hours ago he was fighting his own brother for rule of Vodrak, and apparently something more important then his own sleep needed him…
-What is it?- the Emperor muttered, half furious at the servant who woke him, yet too tiered to do something about it.
-The ASR have intercepted a message from some “Grand Council”. They deem this requires you attention.-
Adam rolled his eyes.
-And the ASR did not think it proper to inform me in person?-
-We did.- a voice echoed around the room. The servant bolted. -Yet we did not wish to earn thy ire by waking thee, oh Great One.- A man dressed in flowing black robes stepped into the middle of the room. He bowed his head and waited for the Emperor to speak
-And yet you came to me in person…- Adam said -What is this “Grand Council” and am I the last to hear of this?-
-Most likely my liege…- The man said lifting his head to glance at the Emperor -Anyone with ears and a mind to use them could’ve read the message… And our enemies are many.-
-As you say. And…-
-I did not forget about your question either. The Grand Council appears to be a meeting of all the nations. Yet this could easily be a plot…-
-You will not interupt me again.- Adam braked at the man -Just send two of your men to… join this council.-
-And their true purpose?-
-To keep the Borsuk out obviously. The last thing we need in that invasion is foreign intervention.- Adam said and dismissed the man with a casual wave of his hand. -Before you go remember this: it won’t be the “ambassadors” heads that will fall for failure. If you deem necessary you will go yourself. But you will not fail.-

16

Jost and Fluer made an odd pair. Jost was a small, sentient, member of the Arkane; an insect like race of burrowing organisms that were assimilated by the Pax long ago. Fleur was an Arlenian; a race of tall humanoids with wings. They were often compared to angels before the Pax enhanced their bodies.

Fleur smiled as she and Jost walked into the main hall. She loved getting out and meeting new people. They always had a story, and in the Hive, stories were treasures to be passed through the collective. She looked down at Jost, who was visibly distraught.

“What is wrong now? I thought you would be ecstatic to leave the burrows? The mines can’t be more interesting than this… Can they?” She asked quietly.

Jost looked at her and wriggled his antennae. “It isn’t that I am uninterested, rather I have been waiting for years to leave the mines. It is the SMELL. I had forgotten how… pungent most humanoids smell.”

Fleur giggled. It was an old story among the Pax. The Arkane were seen as otherworldly monsters by some, until they got close enough to smell them. Most Arkane were blessed with an odor of flowers. Some Loopian company had once based a perfume off the pheromones of an Arkane. “I do not think it would help us to bring that to light. After all, we are Pax. We have a distinct disadvantage here.”

Jost gave the equivalent of a sigh. “I know. I wish Noi had more tact or personality. We might get more willing converts.”

They both walked to the front of the hall, and sat in their section.

17

Erik noticed a member of the Vekaiyun delegation jump up in what he would almost have called excitement when they noticed him. Quickly he looked at his watch and looked around and seen a few more delegations had not arrived yet or were still filing in. He did notice the other part of his delegation moving towards their desk, gave a nod of acknowledgement and pointed to his watch.

Deciding not to wait to speak with him, he quietly stood up, redirecting his attention to the Vekaiyun delegation he moved towards them. He figured he would kill a little time on his way to start the meeting and speak with them.

18

“Lateness?” Makswel questioned. “I think we’re all just getting started I think. At least that’s wha-”

“Charmed,” Sayli Imleskori said as she extended a hand in a common “foreign” greeting. Vekaiyu, in an attempt to ‘fit in’ with other cultures, had slowly begun to phase out their style of greeting and attempt a more friendly, personal one. Some liked it, others did not. Sayli, already being a seasoned veteran in foreign visits and diplomacy, frankly didn’t care. “Pleased to meet you. I am Sayli Imleskori, Vekaiyun Diplomat and Undersecretary for The East Pacific Realm.” She was stretching the truth just a tad: while she was an undersecretary, the last time such a title mattered was back when Selvala McEva was Premier, and even then it was merely used as a mouthpiece. Two years of laying low made her perhaps feel slightly rusty, but otherwise ready to get her hands dirty once again. “This is my comrade, Makswel Lekoviyey, also of the diplomat title.”

“Delighted,” Makswel said. “My mother told me never trust a cyborg,” he thought.

“I can see they made the logical choice in setting nations in alphabetical order.”

“As opposed to setting the more important nations in front,” he said, still holding his miniature Vekaiyun flag.

“Wonderful architecture, this place,” Sayli added, attempting to keep her more lively partner in check. “Ah, it appears the delegate from East Malaysia has arrived,” she said, spotting him from the corner of her eye. “Welcome! Tell me, is the weather this snowy on your islands?”

19

Jbenamin sat atop the deck of the Velu, and Or class ship, the highest class of all of Tano’s ships. As he sat down, quietly watching the sunset sparkling over the serene water, his two Priests of Jben he handpicked to accompany him joined him.

“Want a drink?” said Jonton Carr. Jonton was a new priest, just admitted to the order of Priesthood. Although he had several radical ideas, modern philosophies, and new age thinking, he was outspoken, dynamic, and a quick thinker. He didn’t always have a strategy, but you could count on him to get you out of a tough spot in a hurry.

“I’ll have a Laurus Crysala.” said Jbenamin. “Quint, want the same, I assume?”

“No thank you Sultan, I’ll just have spring water.” said Quint Serbini. Quint was one of the most top ranked Priests in the entire nation. The only Priests with more power were the High Priest, the Crystal Priest, and Sultan Jbenamin himself. Quint had a reputation as a quiet, soft-spoken man, who always had a plan or two in mind. He never took risks before calculating them, and was a skilled diplomat. He was the exact opposite of Jonton, which Jbenamin hoped would help him. By combining them together, he hoped that each others good traits would cancel out their not so desirable traits.

“Okay, that’ll be a spring water and crystal wine coming up.” said Jonton.

Jbenamin stared back out into the distance. As the sun’s last rays desperately tried to light up the world, he wondered what would be in store for him at the meeting…

20

Vasiliy Krechniv fidgeted restlessly in his seat. The plane had been en route to the presumed Grand Council site for hours now. Had he not known better he would’ve suspected the pilot had lost his bearings. Yet neither the long trip nor the prospect of crashing into the ground and dying in an eruption of flames bothered Vasiliy. He had been trained to deal with discomfort and the constant possibility of death. No, what unsettled the you ASR officer was the presence of the legendary inquisitor-assassin Konyev, one of the oldest and most infamous of the ASR senior council.
Inquisitor-assassin Konyev Aadvian Newski. The name would inspire dread in those who had met the oldest known ASR member, but all of his targets have been either silenced or tortured to death, so very few outside the ASR and the notorious Shadow Guard knew of this man. Rumor in the Assassination and Special Reconnaissance has it that Konyev witness and in fact fought in the Uprising over 50 years ago, and was decorated for his merciless dispatch of the aristocracy.
It was no surprise then that a Vasiliy, barely an officer, was intimidated by a man the likes of Konyev. The only thing that troubled Krechniv more was the fact that the ASR command sent Konyev Newski on a mission outside the borders of Vodrak. Though a decorated war veteran, the inquisitor-assassin was known for his ruthlessness and blood lust, and even the infamous Shadow Guard deemed him to be near to uncontrollable. The within the emperor’s personal guard [Shadow Guard]] goes that ‘Konyev Aadvian Newski is not tasked, he is unleashed.’
-We will be arriving soon, lieutenant Krechniv.- the coarse voice of Newski interrupted Krechniv’s thoughts.
-Pardon my boldness sir, but… I am an officer- Krechniv instinctively said, but he soon regretted he ever spoke. Newski shifted in his chair and with a cackle replied
-Officer, lieutenant. Makes little difference. Ranks change, but people remain. Do not forget this officer Vasiliy Krechniv, father of three, married to Alexandra Kasprowna, stationed in Korsk though from Blackthorn…- The surprising amount of details Konyev knew about him didn’t help to calm Krechniv down. If anything the officer understood, that if he failed, it won’t be just him who died - and perhaps Newski sought to remind him of this.
-Now, now. Don’t be sullen. We will need to entertain soon. Remember, you are an aristocrat. Act like one.- the inquisitor-assassin said. They did not speak again until they landed…