Council: The Court of a Dying King

[ThreeWords]

Katherine did not actually smile when she heard Gennadiy's words, but the corners of her eyes tightened in a manner that might just suggest amusement. She knew all about the Lord Chancellors particular habit, but she was surprised that he still came out with decent ideas. On the other hand, she thought, they were all here for a reason.

"We can cover up the current state of the Emperor," she agreed, "I can have the nurses persuaded easily enough, and there's no harm throwing some sand in Sanshasi eyes. Perhaps a ball of some kind? But either way, they will find out eventually, and we'll be better off finding a solution before they get wind and try to press some advantage."

She wrote a note in Bureau shorthand, then continued, "Furthermore, we need to be prepared for pretenders to the throne. There will be bastards and cousins, real or fake, who will try to claim the throne in absence of another ruler. They may try a legal claim or incite rebellion amongst the masses, but we need to know who has the position to make such a challenge, and if needs be, decide who we support."

She looked around the table again, then spoke further, "The stability of the realm is paramount. We cannot allow just anyone to sit upon the throne, so it seems that we have two options, should the Emperor not recover. First, we select a Regent, but since he must be trusted, we chose from amongst this Council, or select a suitably popular noble who lacks the guts to resist our advice. Second, we select one of the inevitable claimants and support his attempt for the throne, allowing us to select a ruler fit for the throne."

Spoiler: OOC

I'm making Sanshasi a word. France -> French, Sanshas -> Sanshasi

 

[Arrogancy]

Darren listened politely as the Commander-General made his case for a return to Magelan. He began drumming his fingers against the table. Wars were expensive, and nearly constant, as far as he could see. The Empire was always deploying troops to one territory or another to put down some uprising. Typically they were fairly brief affairs, thank God. However, it was devastating to the treasury all the same.

He was working out a response when the Lord Chancellor spoke up, followed by the Spymistress. They began discussing the Sanshasi envoy, trying to figure out how to delay them. It was currently closely guarded how deep into disease Siegfried had fallen, for the moment, but that made the envoy problem all the more delicate.

"We can't delay the Sanshasi envoy indefinitely until we can find a new Regent." Darren replied to Katherine, "It would be an insult to keep them waiting for more than a week without seeing anyone, and they'd get suspicious. We should have them meet the Council within a day or two and make our excuses then. Or perhaps we won't need to. We already govern the realm with the Emperor gone, we could probably deal with their requests as well."

"I also don't think we'll need to worry too much about claimants to the throne." He turned toward the rest of the Council, "Prince Ferdinand might be but a babe, but he has the support of this government. It would be a fool's errand to try to unseat him from the throne. No, I don't think we have much to fear from the succession. I think our bigger problem will be the competition for the Regency. Every highborn lord and lady of the realm will be banging down the Council Room doors demanding that we elect them the new Regent. I wouldn't be surprised if that competition came to blood." Darren let those words hang in the air.

 

[PrinceOfShapeir]

Spoiler: Note

The Empire lacks a national police force. Cities and towns organize their own Watch forces. However the Courts do have their own agents that supercede local Watch authority and the Minister of Justice is in direct command of the Imperial City Watch.

 

[The Harkinator]

Lord Vayon Foscare, High Lord of the Admiralty had been mulling over the Councils discussions. Concern for his family and their holdings in Iskendar preyed on his mind. His family held power over much of Iskendar and the plague had already killed a distant cousin, an uncle was infected too if rumours were to be believed. But troubles away from Court were distant and apart from blockading Iskendar to prevent infected ships from leaving, there was not much Vayon could do.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that competition came to blood."

The Lord Treasurer threw a comment into the discussion over appointing a regent. The room fell silent as all contemplated the repercussions. Vayon spoke up for the first time in the session,

"We ought to select a popular lord, one with sway in court but little out of it. We don't want to pave the way for an armed takeover." There were plenty of lords with large holdings that might have the ambition and backing to cause a civil war. "Give them a seat on the Council but no real power, we can keep everything steady without being the figurehead." Vayon knew the Council was designed so there was no nominal 'head' aside from the Emperor. If the decision was made to choose a councillor for the position of Regent the infighting would be disastrous.

"But we cannot allow this to distract us from matters of state. We must maintain stability during this time. To that end I say we divert part of the fleet to blockade ships passing in and out of Iskendar. We can send food into the city but a quarantine is the top priority." Vayon paused for a moment before turning to address Giovanni Merizoni, Commander of the Armies.

"Our war on the Magelan continent is worrying, but we must look to our own lands and holdings. The navy is in dire need for reorganisation and refitting." Vayon then looked to the Lord Treasurer, "This obviously requires funding but will save much more in the long run. After all, we cannot fight a distant war with a mismatched navy. I have already drawn up plans for such ends and such a move would convince all that this current crisis has not brought the Empire to a halt." Vayon drummed his fingers on the plans he had brought with him before waiting to hear the rest of the Council speak again. He wondered how much longer this meeting would go on for and what would come of it.

 

[Doc Gnosis]

'Means they'll consider us the power behind the throne.' The Lord Chancellor noted, the scribbling on his parchment subsided as he looked over the list, letting a small grin creep in. In his head that kind of message may be useful for him and the rest of the Council, but it would put more pressure as well. Any misstep or bad decision will be directed towards them by the nobility. A thought entertained his head on one of the ambassadors trying to turn one noble into an information source for them, but he had to stop his thoughts before they spiraled into paranoia. He had to speak or these thoughts would stew.

"Then we'll address the Regency issue after the Sanshasi have been seen to. Trying to fill that seat now may show enough weakness to the ambassadors, unless..." his head raised and lips were pursed at a new thought. "We could make the nobility bear the brunt of the ambassadors' scrutiny; anyone who can handle the Sanshasi without incident could be considered for that regency; otherwise this Council seizes a portion of their wealth for creating that incident. We'll need cooperation from the courts of course." The last sentence was directed to the Minister of Justice.

"On a different tangent, I agree with the Lord Admiral's suggestions, but I also recommend sending a few Alumni to look into this plague. I trust that they will root out its secrets and prevent it from spreading further. I already have the list of Alumni ready." He said as he offered the parchment before the Council. "They can be sent off to Iskendar and cure this plague with help from the army." His gaze returned to the table in thought.

 

[Arrogancy]

"This obviously requires funding but will save much more in the long run. After all, we cannot fight a distant war with a mismatched navy. I have already drawn up plans for such ends and such a move would convince all that this current crisis has not brought the Empire to a halt." The High Admiral said to Darren. It was tough not to let his head fall into his hands right there.

"Refit the entire navy? Now?" Darren looked over the broad accounts he had in front of him. The realm had just gotten out of debt within the last four months, the first time in almost ten years, and now this. "It's bad enough that we can't commission the work through Iskendar. Have you any idea of the cost? That project could beggar the realm in better times."

Shuffling through the papers he found the general accounts for the army after Magelan. The damage had been extraordinary, and that had been but an expeditionary force. A proper invasion would require thousands more men, horses, arrows, swords, armor, tents, bedding, and, of course, food. Taking this with Vayon's suggestion to rebuild the navy... "I'll not do it." He said at last, looking toward the High Admiral, "Unless the refitting is critical to the immediate future of the realm, then it can wait. I might be able to find some funding to start the project, but I'm not going to drop everything for this mad scheme.

 

[drmigit2]

Lorthdale was going over Iskendar's situation in depth within his own head. Agents had come back reporting on the dire situation and it was maddening. Any other city would have been fine, but Iskendar was far too important to lose. What else could he do about it? It was starting to seem as if any decision he made on the issue would end up hurting, and hurting badly. Then there was the Treasurer's comment that the competition over Regency could easily come to blood. If that happened, Lorthdale would be forced to make a decision. He sighed and spoke up now that people were beginning to actually discuss law. Specifically, the Lord chancellor.

"We'll need cooperation from the courts of course."

"While I see the merits in this sort of competition, I don't think it's appropriate for a job as important as Regent to be tossed around so casually. Whoever takes this job will be a de-facto ruler, and between the council, the easiest solution might be to simply put a puppet up so the council could rule behind the scenes." Lorthdale paused and looked around for a moment, and then turned over to Siegfried's chair, gesturing towards it. "But that would be an insult to the man who entrusted us to these positions. Whoever becomes Regent must be a capable ruler, but also trustworthy with the Prince. This makes the job rather difficult to fill, and we should not try and simply hand wave it away."

Lorthdale turned to the other council members expectantly. "Every other decision we are to make today is simple, with only small triflings getting in our way. Many of us are expert at handling these issues and I am not overly worried about how they will end." Lorthdale's words became less jovial as he began to discuss Regency again. "However, this position for Regency could very well end in disaster. Siegfried entrusted us to handle this properly and in his name, I will not see it end in disaster. Let us be serious about this, how are we going to decide Regent?"

 

[The Harkinator]

"Let us be serious about this, how are we going to decide Regent?"

Vayon had known the Lord Treasurer was unlikely to agree to the refit of the navy. But the ships were in dire need of repair and the cost of upkeep was draining resources, still money was more often diverted to the army of the Empire and this foolish war in Magelan had cost them too much. Vayon would have suggested the army packed up and left to spare the remaining troops but with the death of Crown Prince Richter the Empire of Archerus would demand a bloody toll. Money, men and the heir to the now unstable throne had been lost in the distant war and much of the fleet was busy transporting supplies to the expeditionary force.

The realm always seemed to have some great financial burden that stopped the navy getting necessary money. To be fair to the Lord Treasurer Vayon did prize the navy above other funding concerns and knew there were some areas more deserving of attention from the royal coffers. Darren did a good job with less to work with than he would have liked. Vayon then addressed Lord Justice Lorthdale.

"I do believe a ball would be a good idea. We can put on a good show for the Sanshasi and evaluate prospective candidates for the Regency. It also allows us to stall the Sanshasi for a day or two as we prepare everything. We can always say the Emperor holds the ball for them then say that unfortunately," Vayon put his fingers together and put on his most diplomatic voice, "His Archeran Majesty has been taken a little ill tonight and regrets that he cannot join you for the evening." Vayon then dropped the silky voice, "Then we negotiate with them ourselves, or try and send our soon to be Regent to negotiate. A bit of responsibility, given to them by us would set a precedent for how we work with a Regent."

 

[RandomMan01]

"I'll not do it."

Giovanni ran his fingers through his hair. The Lord Treasurer's words were not surprising in the slightest. The cost of an invasion force would be outstanding, and now that the Lord Admiral had suggested refitting the Navy, it would be insane to go along. However, Giovanni had a plan.

"Lord Treasurer, while I understand your concerns, I would like to mention how profitable holdings on Magelan could be. Even one small town could provide rare resources which could be traded off for the money we desperately need. At the same time, the colony would convince the people that we have the situation under control," he said, facing the Lord Treasurer, "I do not ask for a full invasion of the continent, just enough resources to establish a colony, fortify it, and supply the soldiers there. It needn't be large, just exist," In fact, a small colony might even be better. Giovanni realized that the Magelan natives would fanatically defend their territory, and he had dealt with fanatics before. In his experience, it was best to dig in and let them throw themselves against your defenses. Less area to defend would mean they wouldn't have to risk to many lives to defend it.

His spiel done, Giovanni turned back to the council to focus on the newest issue, that of appointing a reagent. In all honesty, Giovanni had very little interest in who the temporary ruler was, and would prefer the council just handle things on their own. The important thing was that the young prince lived to take the throne, and-to that extent-it didn't matter who was in charge. However, he realized that they had to appoint a reagent to keep up appearances.

"On the issue of the reagent, I agree with the Minister of Justice, and say we appoint a puppet to tend to foreign emissaries while the council makes the important decisions," he said.

 

[Arrogancy]

"Lord Treasurer, while I understand your concerns, I would like to mention how profitable holdings on Magelan could be. Even one small town could provide rare resources which could be traded off for the money we desperately need. At the same time, the colony would convince the people that we have the situation under control," General Giovanni remarked.

Darren held in an internal sigh. He knew suggesting postponing the reinvasion would be unpopular, but the military seemed determined to return to the war, and fast. Still, the talk of colonizing was tempting. He hadn't been alone in speculating the wealth that could be on Magelan, finding the right spot to colonize could make the whole enterprise worth it. However, he wasn't quite so impulsive as the Commander General and the High Admiral seemed to believe.

"I'll admit, that colonizing Magelan could be very lucrative." Darren began, "However, Commander General, I don't think that the enterprise will be so immediately successful as you believe. It will take months, perhaps years for the initial investment into Magelan to start seeing returns, barring some brilliant stroke of luck. That said, I believe your proposal of colonization then invasion has merit.

"We could set up a colony, a foothold from which we could begin capturing the rest of the continent, and setting up the necessary resources extraction operations. It would certainly cut down on the long-term costs of conquest. But in the face of the death of Prince Richter, we can't appear too timid. I would propose an invasion force of 1,000 men, a full legion, with half again so many settlers." He almost regretted saying that, but it was necessary. The costs of transportation, equipment for war, equipment for colonization, it would be immense. However, there were other ways around those costs until the colony was profitable.

"I'd be willing to refit a minor fleet to escort our forces across the ocean," Darren continued with a nod toward the High Admiral, "The entire operation could be assembled within three months. However, before I agree to pay for anything, I'd want to see both the plans for the refitting of the fleet, and our proposed invasion plans.

"On the subject of the regent, I'd advise caution in our selection." He turned back to the general Council, "The Regency isn't without power, and if our candidate knows that, there could be trouble. If a rift between the Regent and the Council appears, then this government could break down violently."

 

[RandomMan01]

"We could set up a colony, a foothold from which we could begin capturing the rest of the continent, and setting up the necessary resources extraction operations. It would certainly cut down on the long-term costs of conquest. But in the face of the death of Prince Richter, we can't appear too timid. I would propose an invasion force of 1,000 men, a full legion, with half again so many settlers."
Giovanni smiled, happy that he was getting through to the Lord Treasurer. An invasion could be costly, yes, but the potential for investment would be incredible. One legion of trained soldiers-if commanded properly-would easily be able to handle establishing the colony. Nodding his head, he listened intently to the Treasurer's next words.

"The entire operation could be assembled within three months. However, before I agree to pay for anything, I'd want to see both the plans for the refitting of the fleet, and our proposed invasion plans.
Giovanni nodded his head in approval.

"I and my staff will begin planning immediately," he assured, "I will notify you when plans are complete,"

 

[Doc Gnosis]

Czernovici said nothing but nodded at Lorthdale's words, and grunted in approval of the Lord Admiral's words. The idea was sound enough though he preferred a solution to lean on the nobility should they try something frisky like holding the princeling's life in his hands or extort a favor from the Councillors, but the ball will do. Suppose the ambassadors may forgive the Emperor?s absence due to mourning, maybe they?ll try to instigate some scheme to get a voice in Acherus through the nobility, maybe the young prince, perhaps the Council.

The Lord Chancellor noted that he should send a few more Alumni along with this 'invasion' - he gave a small chuckle at the name - to Magelan; certainly there was no reason not to send another token group to these lands. Odds were that there were some youths who would relish the prospect of an uncharted world He only hoped the couriers would arrive faster than the ships can embark. And that the couriers have not gone out drinking.

The conversation started to die down, and he chose the time to speak again.

"Is this Council in agreement with arranging this grand ball?" Gennadiy asked.. "Any concerns regarding expenses for this ball, or it fulfilling the goal of picking our Regent in secrecy? I'd say there may be a chance that the ambassadors may catch our moves and submit their own candidates through proxy. A more extreme case may be that they'll try kidnapping the heir should they be aware of him and the Throne's instability. But I figure that we can work around Sanshas. Just need to keep everything and everyone close by."

 

[The Harkinator]

"I think we've got everything sorted. Lord Treasurer, you will receive my revised plans very soon. As for the ball, and I think the last matter of the day, who shall we invite as potential candidates? The rest of the ball mainly sorts itself out," Lord Vayon shot a look at the Lord Treasurer before continuing, "Finances willing of course."

Pausing for a moment to consider candidates, Vayon spoke once more, "I think somebody with lands in the capital, or close by would be ideal. We can sell the candidate to the Empire as a guardian for the young Prince. If our candidate believes it themselves, they will be more concerned with the well being of Prince Ferdinand than trying to run the realm or take power. How about Drevin Renvollo? He's a minor lord of the city and was always close to the Emperor. He's well liked too, much of the court will accept his appointment." Vayon considered the problems of appointing Renvollo, "He doesn't have much clout in the rest of the realm and we'd have to work at getting the most powerful in the Empire to accept him. But with such a power vacuum we will have to deal with ambitious Lords several times in the near future."

The idea of civil war was an ugly one. It would tear the Archean Empire apart at exactly the wrong time and even in the best case scenario would weaken the realm.

 

[Doc Gnosis]

"A good suggestion, but let us not assume that anyone we consider for the Regency will have the Emperor's loyalty at heart." Gennadiy responded. He cast a glance at the empty throne before returning to the Council. "Nor would it guarantee that the lord Renvollo shall work with this Council or the people who occupy it. Should he take the Regency, we would need a close eye kept on him should the nobility attempt to curry favor from him."

He closed his eyes for a second, thinking something over before opening them. "I would recommend someone who is already part of the Emperor?s infrastructure to take the Regency: Dean Innokantus Woltz. He's dealt with the nobility on many occasions, already in charge of affairs in our region, and he will ensure the young prince will mature into a great ruler in the future. He'll dance with the nobles here while we can focus on more pressing matters, like Magelan." Czernovici emphasized the last part. "And if the Dean gets any idea, we'll remind him where his loyalties should be."

 

[Arrogancy]

"The rest of the ball mainly sorts itself out...Finances willing of course." Lord Vayon remarked, looking toward the Lord Treasurer.

"Isn't there anyone else we could pawn the expense off on?" Darren said, looking about the table, eager for suggestions. He'd have enough trouble financing the invasion/colonization, and now the ball for the emissaries... "Surely there's someone in this city who needs our favor? Someone rich enough that they'll host a ball for the-the 'esteemed ambassadors from Sanshas'?"

Shaking his head slightly before any names were mentioned, uncertain of whether to expect any, Darren followed up, "No matter, if no one can be found, then yes, the treasury will take on the expense. After all, we're going into debt to fund the war, why not enjoy ourselves a little too?"

Then, it seemed the conversation turned to a proposed regent. "I would recommend someone who is already part of the Emperor's infrastructure to take the Regency: Dean Innokantus Woltz. He's dealt with the nobility on many occasions, already in charge of affairs in our region, and he will ensure the young prince will mature into a great ruler in the future. He'll dance with the nobles here while we can focus on more pressing matters, like Magelan." The Chancellor suggested.

"We can't put an academic on the throne for the regency." Darren announced, "He won't command any of the respect of the high nobility, and everyone will be able to see plainly that we mean to keep power in the Council. Siegfried's former supporters will come after us with fire and it will risk stability of the realm. No, we can't have a dean from the, very estimable," He gave a quick nod to Czernovici, "But politically nonviable Academy. No, we need someone from within the ranks of the high nobility, someone who can control the politics at home and help stabilize the empire."

With this, Darren took a deep breath. He'd need to be calm and collected when he pitched this if anyone was going to trust it. "We need someone who can command the respect of the nobility, and hold in check the competing interests of the empire. My father, High Lord Garral Naven, would be our ideal candidate. He's served the empire for years, has fought for the Emperor, is widely respected amongst the nobility, and is one of the most powerful lords in the realm."

 

[The Harkinator]

"My father, High Lord Garral Naven, would be our ideal candidate. He's served the empire for years, has fought for the Emperor, is widely respected amongst the nobility, and is one of the most powerful lords in the realm."

"And in a single stroke would make him Emperor in all but name, with his son controlling the pursestrings. Your father is indeed one of the most powerful lords in the land and appointing him Regent would give him the chance to sieze the throne. Lord Naven is powerful enough as it is, you would allow him control of the realm and all it's wealth. A foolish idea, though you are right about Dean Innoktanus Woltz, the nobility love to hear him speak on scholarly matters, of which he knows much, but they will never accept or respect him as a Regent."

Vayon hoped this matter could be resolved quickly, "Lord Renvollo is the ideal candidate, the fact we may need to keep a close eye on him actually works in our favour. If we appoint a Regent and do not monitor them closely who knows what they may be tempted to do. Power changes people and we would do well to know what our Regent gets up to when we are not looking. Besides, Lord Renvollo can be persuaded to fund the ball himself." Vayon looked around at the council, then at the Emperors throne, "In addition, he has no strong ties to any member of the council or high nobility. He is not a ready made pawn in someone else's game. All of this makes him the ideal candidate and easier to keep under control."

And remove from power, when it becomes necessary. Either when Prince Ferdinand comes of age or somebody is able to corrupt the Regent. Thought Vayon , not voicing his concerns to the rest of the council.

 

[Doc Gnosis]

"We can't put an academic on the throne for the regency.He won't command any of the respect of the high nobility, and everyone will be able to see plainly that we mean to keep power in the Council.?

?...the nobility love to hear him speak on scholarly matters, of which he knows much, but they will never accept or respect him as a Regent."

A muted sigh escaped Gennadiy's nose as the conversation turned to criticism. The bottle one again flashed in his mind as he listened to both cases from the Councillors. His temples started to tense while his neck grew stiff. Renvollo would be the better choice between the two for requiring a close leash. But having that man establish the ball would only serve to make him look like he?s currying favor, and with the Council needing him close, he would be as much a puppet as Woltz to the nobility. It would take the Spymistress' bureau, the Lord Chancellor imagined, to make certain who he was in Contact with. The Lord Naven was not at all viable, but the conversation was taking a dark turn.

"Naming the Elder Lord Naven Regent will alert the Sanshasi to the matter plaguing the Throne. A Highborn noble rising to further prominence will make them wonder about the Emperor. It's bad enough that they may know of Ferdinand's death, but we would be replacing the quarreling nobles with emboldened Sanshasi hungry for power." Gennadiy responded as quickly as he could, holding back a snarl for Vayon's faux-pas.

'Damn it...' A hand reached into his pockets and drained the bottle of its contents. He felt the tension in his head loosen.

"Renvollo may work for the Regency, but he cannot be the one who will fund this ball. He'll be as much a puppet as Woltz if he does." Czernovici changed the subject. "Speaking of, as far as the nobility will see in Woltz, they won't see the Council trying to keep power. They?ll see the Emperor keeping a firm grasp on his future. Unless they're already aware of the Emperor's health, there will be no ill will from them."

 

[The Harkinator]

"Then we fund the ball in honour of our Sanshasi guests and appoint Lord Renvollo as Regent. As you say, he works for the Regency." Said Vayon with a smile, he didn't think the council would go for Lord Garral Naven and Dean Innoktanus Woltz was a shaky candidate.

"Oh and Gennadiy, I'd leave that drink alone if I was you, lest you forget it was Crown Prince Richter that has sadly died. Prince Ferdinand is alive and well, long may he be. Be careful with the distinction before we start getting any ideas about what you're saying." Vayon was still smiling, but his face was cold and harsh.

 

[Doc Gnosis]

"Hmm?" Czernovici cleared his throat at the Lord Admiral's retort. "I meant Richter of course. May the young prince Ferdinand mature and outlive this entire Council!" He responded. "The Academy has already been sworn to serve the Realm and Emperor, and no death would change that."

Spoiler: OOC

*sigh* Why can't I keep track of names?

 

[Arrogancy]

"Then we fund the ball in honour of our Sanshasi guests and appoint Lord Renvollo as Regent. As you say, he works for the Regency." Vayon announced.

"I'm not certain we should settle on a Regent just yet," Darren began, addressing the general table. He didn't think that his father's appointment would work, at least initially. Still, there was always hope for the future, and he wasn't about to commit to a new Regent.

"We can run the Empire in the short term without a figurehead, provided we can pass off the Emperor's illness to the general public. The Sanshasi and the nobility can be fooled until we've had more time to consider our possible candidates more thoroughly." And until I've had time to investigate Renvollo, Darren thought.

Revollo could very well work for the Council's purposes, he was without great influence in the general court, and he would be palatable to the imperial elite, even though they wouldn't like it. He could be managed easily and it would be incredibly difficult for him to defy or constrain the Council. However, if he had any sponsor amongst the Councillors, then things could shift very suddenly. The regency wasn't without power, as he had said, and it most especially wasn't without power if the Regent had any strong supporters amongst the Council, anyone who could sway the nobility and make the puppet ruler dance to their tune.

Darren made a note to try to find another candidate, should Renvollo be found in the pocket of one or another Councillor. He ran through a mental list of his father's bannermen and any lords his family had any advantage over. One of them could do.