The Eastern Council : Session One

Laisha smiled in spite of herself.  The show of support for the Clarion Call was heartening to her.  With so few knight in the land, they would need all the members they could get.  

She regarded the merchant after impassively.  She had always left business to the merchants, satisfied that they could handle business better than she could.  "I would most certainly be willing to open my borders to trade," she remarked.  "Keeping the routes safe should not be much trouble either.  I've help stop my fair share of bandits in my life."

Count Lane sat back in his chair, occupied with deep thought. Early expansions would not be possible at this stage, and the council shot down his offensive maneuver in favor of simply poking around in the dark.

However, deep down, Simon knew his fellow nobles were right. Charging blindly forward into Mystmountain territory was a bad idea. He stared at the ceiling, eyes locked on the shifting flames of the chandelier. The North would not be won overnight, and it currently can not be won with force. If this is how the council wishes to work, then the North shall be won with slow determination.

At that moment, one of the candles was snuffed out. The warrior remembered that he himself was living on borrowed time, a man only lives for so long. Taking back home may not even occur during his lifetime, and he did not wish to start making enemies for his family, and more importantly, his daughter, to handle when he's gone from the world.

War and crusading will have to wait. Duskfall Sanctuary and the House of Lane must be built up to handle the the monumental task of returning home. The question is, does Simon continue to act independently or work with the Council?...

The warrior then came back to reality, and responded to the merchant matter. His demeanor was considerably different from his outburst previously.

"We shall open our borders for travel and keep patrols up when we are able. Anything more than that I cannot say."

Again, Quiris added two cents into the conversation without other signs of opinion apparent in his body movement.

"Ravenfort will open the area fully to travel as soon as the defences have been properly created. As of now, open travel isn't safe or feasible due to the unknown plans of Mystmountainees. Patrols will be created at first opportunity."

From his position behind his lord's empty chair, Godwin scanned the merchant skeptically as he spoke his piece. Waiting to gauge the reactions of the others, he finally spoke up.

"Your proposals seem most reasonable in my eyes, and should be welcomed eagerly by my Lord Andros and our people. I will speak favourably of your intentions when I relay my report to his lordship"

For now anyway. He then allowed his gaze to fall upon Count Vincent, who had spoken but a brief moment ago. He studied the man carefully, before grunting quietly to himself and refocused his attention upon the speaker.

Tysha nodded to the merchant, and allowed others to speak first.

"I will of course open my lands to the Company, once I've ensured the safety of your property will be guaranteed."

"The hills of Isenfeld will be safe for all traders to pass through."

"Traders have always been welcome, but I'll do my best to guarantee their safety in the march."

Protecting traders in your own county should have been a mandatory duty, so Valdir had felt little to speak up only to make that statement. However, since the other Counts spoke up to say something so meaningless, he couldn't stay behind.

"Well, it's great to hear all the support being offered to the merchants, I am sure that the traders will be pleased, and commerce will prosper as a result!" Aelfrid grinned, spreading his arms wide once more, and replacing the cap on his head.

"Think that's about all I had to say on the matter, they're all yours again Sir Florian!" 

Florian sniffed as the merchant sat once again, wrinkling his nose as he himself rose to his feet once again.

"Jolly good, well then I guess the next thing for debate is how this Council itself will function. You have before you the decrees and commandments regulating its inner workings. Have you anything more to add to that, or any queries?"

Vincent cleared his throat before he stood up. He first looked to the Merchant and talked to him.

"First of all, of course our Borders are as well open for trade and commerce. You are always welcome in my lands."

Vincent bowed a little and turned to Florian.

"Thank you for the time and effort you put into this. It is really appreciated. And now I would like to propose a decree. The defense in the north is very important to the well being of the steppes, but we cannot put this burden upon the shoulders of the Lords of the north or the ones who are rich enough to help them. I say everyone has to help. And therefore I say a new Tax is enforced for every Lord equal to a fifth of their income. This money is then transferred to the council. From this money the Watchtowers could be payed, mercenaries could be bought in the event of an invasion, or property could be rebuild if it is destroyed by a storm or flood or through raids."

"What do you say?"

Valdir, upon hearing the words of Count Vincent, raised from his seat.

"Count Vincent, I like the idea. However, some may be too impoverished by the war to happily put a new a tax at the top of their list. Perhaps, we could vote on the matter, but not enforce the extra taxation until after our second council session?"

He then looked at Quiris Corax, Simon Lane, Tysha Abaddon and Vealdis Hullcleaver each in turn.

"I am sure that those of us that have their holding closest to the Mystmountain threat, will appreciate the effort you made Vincent."

Vealdis nods to Valdir and then to Vincent.

''We should indeed bring up that idea in a later council, when we have the coin to be spend in the first place. It is still a gesture that will not be forgotten, Count Margrove.''

Tysha scowled, at no one in particular, but concealed the expression after a moment.

"A reasonable and just proposal, my lord. Perhaps, Lord Griffon, we might discuss the election of the governor?"

Florian took another nosefull of snuff as the nobles were talking, and continued to sniff loudly throughout. 

"Well I am sure we can hold a vote on the matter of an extra taxes..." he wriggled his nose again as Tysha spoke, and nodded as she made her request.

"Reasonable. Very well then, at the moment the governor is elected by simple majority 24 hours before the Council Meeting, what changes would you propose?"

"If that is the case, I propose nothing. I do, however, support the tax. The north is vulnerable, while the south is defended only by our keeping the savages back. It is a matter of... justice."

Tysha sat back down.

Wiping his nose again as the Countess spoke, Florian narrowed his eyes at her reply.

"May I suggest that the honourable nobles present actually read the decrees and commandments in the packets provided before wasting more of the council's time?"

Once he had spoken, Florian clapped loudly and a servant entered the room quickly, and hurried to his side. Florian scratched a quick note and passed it to him. The server quickly hurried from the room once again.

A few minutes later, a line of men in Marleons heraldry filed in, placing a piece of paper with the vote before each noble, and waiting silently for the vote to be made and passed back to them, whereby they would place the ballot in a box made specially, and leave the room once more.

Valdir coughed and smiled, knowing his cough must've been just as annoying as Florian's sniff.

"Then, shall we continue to the topic of Feudal Law and the Transfer of Power?"

He pressed his index fingers on the parchment in front of him, as if to suggest it was next on the agenda.

Vincent voted and then handed the piece of Paper to one of the men who put it into the box. He then cleared his throat to answer Count Valdir.

"I guess the King has given us in his wisdom the correct approach to the Feudal Law. The Law of halves is revoked and we can all rejoice about that. We need the men to defend our new found homes and the people living in our countys. Regarding the Transfer of Power I say we keep the status quo as well. Titles may not be usurped. We have much more urgent matters to tend to and not a single Noble of the steppes has shown us any sign that he would be unworthy of holding his title."

Florian looked up from some notes he was reading over, to interject.

"Feudal law states that Counts may not be removed from power except by the King or other legitimate force, such as this Council. It is more over the creation of new, higher titles such as Earls and Dukes, the creation of Marches or the vasseling of one Count to another which is not currently covered adequately. The crown is investing much power, authority which it usually reserves for itself for the better administration, and faster growth of this area."

He paused a moment to pull out his handkerchief and wipe his nose before continuing.

"The creation of an Earldom for instance - it would require a nominal fee to the crown, but other than that there is little in place to legislate how this is handled. Pendor has, for generations seen titles handed down from father to son, never before has there been the need for such widespread allocation of power. What influence must be exerted? What hoops jumped through? What oaths offered by vassals? Even what geographical or political power will it hold? Once created, what powers goes it offer? The right to taxation? To raise vassal levies? And if so, by how much or how many?"

He replaced the cloth in his pocket, and sat straighter, eyes casting over each present noble in turn.

"How much power would you see vested in these people? Should each Count be virtually autonomous, or rather have power concentrated in the hands of a few for a more centralised authority? These are the decisions this council must make"

OOC : Trying IC to say OOC what would it cost, like gold, prestige, how much land must be held before a title can be created, etc.

Vealdis fills in his vote and then gives it to the servant. He stands up turns his face to Florian.

''The last thing we need are counts that give themselves any more titles. With all do respect to all lords and ladies here that proclaimed their own, ofcourse. Titles should be disussed in these councils and a majority should aprove of it. Wars have been started over Lords that fancied themself a king.''

Vealdis uses his sleeve to whip some sweat of his face before he sits down again.

Count Lane rose form his seat to address the council, showing no regard for Vealdis' suggestion.

"I personally believe that each Count and Countess should be allowed to operate on their own.

We shall rise through the ranks with respect, prosperity, and military might."

Simon hesitated before he continued, suggested he was conflicted with his own words, "Other titles can be awarded by the Council. These titles could be influenced on how the individual contributes to the region, whether it be by wealth or defense. However, titles awarded by the Council are no more powerful than the ones achieved by the individual."

After that was said, Simon resumed to sitting in his chair.

[OCC: Respect -> Prestige, Prosperity -> Gold, and Military Might -> Self Explanatory]

Valdir, who also scribbled down hit vote gave it to one of the men clad in Marleons colors, spoke up as well.

"We shouldn't call a vote on whether or not the nobles that rule the steppe are allowed to handle their own affairs autonomous. However, if conflict arises the Governor, in his neutrality and authority, could function as a mediator. Furthermore, I'd propose we skip the topic of vassalage and Earldoms until we've managed to retake Poinsbruk and Alden Castle."

Everard nods

"I agree with Simon Lane. Each count must maintain a degree of Sovereignty as deserved of a vassal of the King."

Vincent blushed a bit when Florian corrected his words. He thought a few moments and then found the words he needed.

"Excuse my foolish comments, I guess I have to think before I talk." He laughed a bit.

"Returning to business, I think a Count should only account for his deeds to his superiors. Which would at first be the Governor of the Steppes. If he is not able to settle the matter then other, and maybe more drastic, measures have to be taken. Regarding fees to acquire an Earldom or such, I think we are right now too far away from this to happen. I think we should address these matters when they are imminent."

Vealdis nods at the words of Vincent and Valdir.

''I agree, more urgent matters are at hand, I don't think that anyone here will bend the knee today nor conquer another ones land.''

Vealdis then rose and turned himself towards Simon Lane. He sneezed before continuing.

''Indeed, lords and ladies must be able to do their own business. They may proclaim who is their vassal for all I like. I meant that titles that are in a higher degree than they currently possess should be handled by this council.''