URI:
   DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       A Roleplay
  HTML https://worldofliphiliusrp.createaforum.com
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       *****************************************************
   DIR Return to: Event 1
       *****************************************************
       #Post#: 730--------------------------------------------------
       *RoC* The Finale
       By: guest2 Date: May 3, 2020, 12:28 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center][quote][font=courier][glow=black,10,600]WoL CHPT 1.10
       "The Finale" (Y1058) [/glow][/font][/quote]
       Posting Order (Tier A)
       unknownmercury: Gabrielle Brighteye, Septimus Vianacelli.
       DolittleMax: Malachi Gelathius Hythian.
       Kimcora: Asena Valda, Eir'Asa Aluanas.
       Pyxie: Melrose Meghan, Konsole Hawe.
       JLevitt99: Damien Malneux.
       MISSimissyou: Reggie Whetherford, Archibald Whetherford, Aphera
       Evermore.
       NPC's
       Freida Vawne de Whitheres, Hydrus Luka de Whitheres
       Timeline
       Hibern Season, 11th of Twille, Y1058
       Prevern Season, 11th of Bellik, Y1058.[/center]
       #Post#: 1302--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: unknownmercury Date: July 13, 2020, 9:46 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Gabrielle Brighteye
       Location: Truce Embassy, Alessandria, Marieve
       Accompanying Asena Valda ([member=4]Kimcora[/member]) and
       Malachi Hythian ([member=1]DolittleMax[/member])
       Gabby stood behind her designated podium on the stage that had
       been erected in the grand courtyard of the Embassy. She stared
       out at the crowd and knew she would win this. Asena did not have
       Gabby's way with words. Malachi did not have Gabby's clean
       reputation. Neither of them had the backing of a significant
       religious faction. There was no way she could lose this debate.
       She smiled as the crowd slowly silenced. She had drawn the long
       straw, getting to make the first opening statement of the debate
       and so decide the tone from the word go. She cleared her throat
       and began speaking.
       "Thank you, everyone, for being here. I cannot say how honored I
       am to have a chance to speak before you tonight. Before I get
       into my opening statement, I would first like to pay respects to
       my advisor, the late Damon Roux, who sadly fell to an assassin's
       blade during an attempt on my life." She paused for a moment,
       bowing her head out of a false sense of respect and to allow the
       words to sink in with both the crowd and Asena Valda.
       After that moment, she raised her head. "I wish to make a world
       where such assassination attempts will have no reason to exist,
       a world where all of the countries of this great world are
       united in strength and petty politics do not divide people. My
       opponents will try to play on your fears about my church, say
       that we're dangerous, violent zealots, when we have distances
       ourselves from the actions of extremists who claim that they
       follow Embra's teachings. I implore you, do not allow them to
       manipulate you with such slanderous accusations.
       "The Truce needs a fresh look on how to fix the myriad problems
       of the world. It does not need someone who has been in the
       political sphere for ages and is wrapped up in the web of deceit
       and corruption that pervades, like my opponent Malachi Hythian.
       The Truce needs a peaceful hand to guide it, that the world may
       be united, a hand to offer peace, not a sword to offer danger.
       Asena Valda is a warrior at heart, as many of us have witnessed
       in the past.
       [color=orange]"In tonight's debate, I will do my best to prove
       to you that I have the fresh perspective and the gentle hand
       needed to guide all of this wonderful World of Liphilius into a
       new era of peace and prosperity. Thank you!"
       As the crowd gave its perfunctory applause, she turned a sly
       smirk towards her opponents.
       #Post#: 1332--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: DolittleMax Date: July 18, 2020, 7:10 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Malachi Galanthius Hythia
       Location: Truce Embassy, Alessandria, Marieve
       Accompanying Asena Valda ([member=4]Kimcora[/member]) and
       Gabrielle Brighteyes ([member=3]unknownmercury[/member])
       Malachi sat in his seat, impeccably dressed and groomed so that
       once again people were reminded of the pure grace and beauty of
       the Evli kind. He wore black, to show his distress over his
       missing wife. Of course it had been decided that Gabrielle would
       go first and Malachi conceded. It was best to see what this dark
       horse had decided to put forward so he knew better how to
       attack. She made a snide comment on his character; the obvious
       point of attack before laying attack on Asena's Nomadic
       background. A slight mention to an assassination attempt on her,
       resulting in the loss of her party member. Malachi had a vague
       idea that this would impact Asena but knew not how deeply. Gabby
       finished with flair, well spoken and attractive- but she wasn't
       the only one who could be charismatic.
       Malachi stood, remaining silent as he moved to the podium. He
       stood and looked out to the crowd of people before putting his
       palm cards away. He wouldn't need those...
       "Firstly, to those of you who have heard the rumours and are
       concerned; My wife Luna Hythian has been kidnapped and indeed we
       are putting out our best people to find her. I thank you all for
       your kind sentiments and wish you to know we search tirelessly-
       yet I must attend to this gathering today as part of my duty to
       you, the people"
       He now moved to stand aside from the podium, "What our previous
       candidate has pointed out is my supposed 'corruption.' Indeed,I
       have had my fair share of drinking, betting and mistakes but
       what does that make me? A mere mortal and normal being. We are
       all fallible and for Miss Brighteye to suppose she is anything
       but is to say she thinks higher of herself than you; the people
       she serves"
       Malachi gave a gesture toward Asena, "I would disagree that
       Asena Valda would not make a good member of the Truce because of
       her Nomadic background; a strategic and military informed
       perspective can serve well" the compliment would be short lived
       "However, where Miss Valda does fall short is her ability to
       govern her emotions and her ability to separate personal matters
       from political ones, as we saw most recently. The Truce does not
       need someone who wishes to outwork their personal grievances
       with your resources"
       "Tonight I stand before you, just a man, with the knowledge and
       experience on what it requires to be good leader. I have held
       the weight of the leading Phonax since I was a young man. I have
       brought it to prosper further and become the land you know it to
       be today. What experience does Gabrielle Brighteyes have in
       this? Or Asena Valda. Miss Brighteyes may argue that leading a
       religious sect that relies on donations and good will is
       experience. But how do they deal with differing opinions? I dare
       say Miss Brighteyes' right hand lackey could describe in detail
       how they deal with 'assassins.'"
       He finally moved to stand behind the podium, "I am here tonight
       to ensure that you get what you want as a people. I have fame,
       power and wealth so why would I need to exploit and system such
       as the Truce? No, I come before you to offer my service and
       experience to you all"
       With that he took his seat again.
       #Post#: 1334--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: Kimcora Date: July 18, 2020, 10:13 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Asena Valda
       Location: Truce Embassy, Alessandria, Marieve
       Accompanying Gabrielle Brighteye
       ([member=3]unknownmercury[/member]) and Malachi Hythian
       ([member=1]DolittleMax[/member])
       Asena stood behind her podium, trying her best not to look like
       a deer in headlights in front of all of these people. Although
       she was hardly a wilting flower with eyes on her, she knew this
       sort of thing was completely out of her element. She was under
       no illusion that this would be easy for her or go off without a
       few bumps. But, she was confident she knew what she had to say
       and had the power to say it. This was the moment she got to
       speak directly to the people, the ones who she wanted to help
       all along. The debate meant something and was the ground by
       which her campaign would be launched. She had already been over
       her talking points laid out and her own ability to defend
       herself. Septimus and her spent the whole week working on this
       and Melrose already had coached her on how to behave
       nonverbally. Farren even gave her a few pointers on her wording.
       For all the help, Asena was eternally grateful to her team.
       Especially the beautiful blue dress that Aidene helped her pick.
       It was more conservative than before to not distract from her
       words, but Asena still felt beautiful in it. The night she tried
       it on she sent word to Damon to have him be the first to see it
       on her, but she never got a response. She assumed he was
       busy...Perhaps a matter with the campaign or with his shop?
       Either way, once this mess with the election was over, finally
       they could be together. He could quit Gabrielle’s campaign and
       they could get on with their future together.
       It had been nearly a week since they spoke last and she was
       beginning to become anxious. She knew Damon was probably there
       in the crowd now for Gabrielle’s team. She looked to the area
       and found Eir’Asa sitting in one of the front rows, a seat empty
       beside him. The drake didn’t meet her eyes and she got an odd
       feeling about that, but didn’t have time to analyze it. Where
       was Damon? Gabby was taking the stage and was about to give her
       speech. Surely he would have to be present if he--
       ‘Before I get into my opening statement, I would first like to
       pay respects to my advisor, the late Damon Roux, who sadly fell
       to an assassin's blade during an attempt on my life.’ The world
       around Asena stopped and for a moment the words didn’t seem to
       register. Everything else but Asena and Gabrielle fell away at
       that moment... She stood there, pale and wide-eyed, staring at
       Gabrielle with the look of someone that was stunned into shocked
       silence. As she felt a tightness filling her throat and her
       heart stopping in her chest, her hands tightened on the podium
       when the words began to make sense.
       ‘Damon. Paying respects. Fell. Asassination.’ The words hit like
       knives sinking into her heart, ripping through the confidence,
       the shock, and the pride Asena once held.
       For a moment, everyone in the room could see her agony and
       sorrow that was palpable by the tears that sprung in her eyes.
       She wanted to scream or sob, but it felt like the air was stolen
       from her lungs. Surely this was a mistake. It was wrong.
       Gabrielle was lying. Damon was alive. He was alive. He
       was...Gone--Dead--Assassinated--He was---He was… The image of
       her lover there with her flooded her mind with fresh memories of
       only seeing him days ago. Now, those images were replaced with
       ones she had seen on the battlefield, ones of his face of a
       corpse. Asena felt her body beginning to heat up to an
       unbearable temperature in all her confusion and pain, her head
       dropping to her chest as she struggled to right herself. She
       couldn’t lose herself there--She couldn’t think about this here
       or she risked destroying everything that she worked for. That
       Damon worked for…
       Realization hit her and her green eyes flicked to Gabrielle.
       White hot rage began to fill her as her eyes narrowed
       dangerously at the other candidate. She spoke about peace and no
       need for assassinations...She did this...Asena knew she did. Why
       else would she wait now to say anything? She was using this to
       undermine Asena. She knew about Damon and had him killed... He
       would never sacrifice himself for Gabrielle. Not when they were
       already planning to be together and he was planning on betraying
       Gabrielle. Everything in her wanted to launch herself across
       that podium and beat the living hell out of the priestess. She
       wanted to burn her alive there, incinerate her until there was
       nothing left. Everything in Asena wanted to make Gabrielle
       pay...But she couldn’t…To do so was to confirm everything
       Gabrielle said about her. She would have to collect herself and
       put these feelings aside. Her people and her party needed her to
       keep it together. She couldn’t run off to sob and sulk like a
       girl. To do so was to show weakness, which she wouldn’t allow
       Gabrielle more of that pleasure here.
       Asena spent Malachi’s speech taking deep breaths, letting her
       heat simmer and her body relax. As she stood in silence, she
       compartmentalized herself, placing all thoughts of Damon away in
       a corner where they couldn’t touch her. It was a strategy she
       learned while fighting, one that kept fear from overwhelming her
       in situations where death was closer than she would have liked.
       This strategy wouldn’t last long and the melt down would be
       swift and terrible. But by the time a silence fell over the
       crowd after Malachi was finished speaking, Asena was composed,
       but just on the surface. Inside, she was cracked and flawed
       despite the strength she projected to the audience.
       “Good evening all…” She cleared her throat when her voice shook
       and Asena let out a breath. After a momentary pause, she began
       to speak again, this time with the same vigor and pride she
       usually showed in herself.
       “As some of you may know me, I’m Asena Valda, a Nomadic Warrior
       that served Liphilius for 7 long years. Some of you may know me
       as a nobody from a mining district. And some of you know me as a
       Truce candidate that is here today to speak to you all about why
       I should be elected.” She had this. She could almost hear
       Spetimus’s voice in her mind as she recited the key points she
       wished to hit on. If she could get through this opening
       statement, she could get through the rest...
       “I’ve spent my formative years dedicated to solving the issues
       of inequity and inequality in Liphilius. It was why I decided to
       become Valda of Nomad and why I answered the call to the Truce
       when I heard of the elections taking place. While one of my
       fellow candidates mistakenly paints my time with the Warriors as
       a determinant to my candidacy, it was instead a chance for me to
       see the injustices our world has perpetuated for centuries. I’ve
       traveled from the shores of Alessandria to the tundras of
       Uleplex and all suffer under the same oppression and
       difficulties that should be righted by those we elected...The
       Truce was established across Erudi to protect and serve our
       people. It was built on the foundational values of
       representatives from all the races to ensure they all had a
       voice. But they have fallen short and allowed our concerns and
       our strife to go unanswered and belittle our dissent...I’m sure
       many of you can think to a moment you felt abandoned, forgotten,
       or wronged by someone you trusted to do the right thing for you
       and your family.
       Sadly, I believe my opponents here today represent much of the
       same of what is wrong with the politics in Alessandria today.” A
       hand gestures to Malachi where he sat with the pride that could
       make a lion appear bashful.
       “Lord Hythian was born with a title that gave him a privilege
       and power most of us can only dream of accessing. His influence
       got him here today, before you as a candidate. While I will not
       deny he may have faced hardships or given effort to be the man
       he is today, I can attest that this status blinds him from the
       plight of every man, woman, and child in Liphilius, not just the
       ones who’s purses grow full on the backs of the citizens or
       those that have never known the pain of an empty belly. Electing
       him would be more of the same bureaucracy that has stalemated
       true growth and progress in Erudi…” Her hand then gestures to
       Gabrielle. Sadly not to hurtle a fireball in her direction.
       “As for Lady Brighteye. While a woman of faith and an arbiter of
       equality for religious freedoms, she is loyal to the Church and
       its faithful first. She is completely partisan to the needs and
       desires of Embra, and will do her diligence to see their needs
       met above all others. As is expected, we cannot expect her to
       put her prejudices and views aside when making decisions that
       will affect the entirety of Liphilius. Electing her would be
       damning us to more of the division we see between the people of
       this city…” She meets the eyes of a few in the audience,
       allowing a pause there so that her words can sink in.
       “I cannot argue that peace, equality, justice, prosperity, and
       unity are dreams that all of the candidates wish for. But to
       state them so simply here does not relay to you the magnitude of
       effort and progress it will take to achieve them. I am ready and
       prepared for such a challenge. Lord Hythian is correct that I am
       passionate, but that passion is born from experience and a drive
       to do everything in my power to see change succeed. My largest
       grievance stands with the absence of action that we have seen
       for far too long.
       For those dreams to be achieved, your leaders will need strength
       to withstand their own prejudices and the doubt of others, your
       leaders will need resolve to work tirelessly until all in
       Liphilius’s needs are met, and your leaders will need honesty to
       answer to the people of Liphilius and deliver on their promises.
       All of these values were instilled in me as that daughter of
       miners and a traveling protector of Erudi. As a member of the
       Truce, my plan is to work alongside my fellow Truce councilmen
       and the leaders of the world to drive Liphilius into an era of
       growth. So that no voices of change or cries of injustice go
       unheard...Thank you for hearing me.” Asena gives a small bow of
       her head, before turning her attention to the orator who would
       no doubt begin leading the debate. She clasped her hands
       together on the podium, to hide the fact that they shook with
       effort and anguish.
       #Post#: 1339--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: Elissac Date: July 19, 2020, 4:39 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Elissac
       Location: Truce Embassy, Alessandria, Marieve
       Company: Alone
       Elissac listened to each candidate speak as he stood close to
       the stage, politics wasn't his thing, but he felt obligated to
       hear them out just in case Asena lost.
       As Gabrielle Brighteye revealed the death of Damon he could
       immediately tell that Gabrielle herself wasn't affected by his
       death and was using his death for political means, then she
       backed it up with shallow words. Elissac attention turned to
       Asena, her appearance ate at his very soul, anger filled him and
       it became directed Gabrielle. His fists tightened as he
       continued to listen to the rest of the speech.
       Next  Malachi Galanthius Hythia, he began strong but went
       straight to the " I am one of you" speech. Though he had to give
       it to him for defending Asena.
       Finally, It was Lady Asena's turn. Elissac grins a bit as she
       called out both candidates. she was able to hold herself
       together as she addressed the audience.  his attention moving to
       the other candidates to see there reactions.
       #Post#: 1387--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: guest2 Date: July 24, 2020, 5:54 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [table]
       [tr][td]
  HTML https://i.imgur.com/jWxFzsWs.jpg[/td]
       [td]Konsole Hawe.
       Alessandria, Marieve: Truce Embassy.
       Accompanying Candidate Teams.
       [/td][/tr][/table]
       ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂&
       #9602;▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂&#
       9602;▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂&#9
       602;▂▂▂▂▂▂▂[size=9pt]
       Konsole was standing next to the fellow bodyguard. Elissac, he
       believed, was his name. He silently observed him when they first
       met one another.. though Elissac seemed to ignore him. Not that
       he minded, but he could tell the male was.. the furthest from
       mild-tempered. He could also tell he highly respect their shared
       employer, Melrose Meghan. He did wonder if he also knew
       Genievieve Ulmiz de Zhorogtei, however. That is, after-all, how
       Konsole met Melrose.
       Once the first candidate spoke, he noticed how Lady Valda seemed
       to ignite with emotion. Silently did Melrose observe, yet he
       stayed where they were supposed to. Behind their candidate. He
       had also noticed the absence of a couple of folk.. Nesyrn Zoya,
       in specific. He was told about her, but never got the chance to
       meet her. What was she like? He was curious and wanted to
       observe her. Such was his fascination with whoever he was to
       work with.
       He remained stood, however, and continued to calmly observe
       whoever was around. Perhaps some might even be intimidated to
       see who stood behind Lady Valda. If they knew who Meghan.. no,
       Enigma truly was, they might be.. well, a little put off.
       Likewise with Konsole, not that he was well-known around these
       parts. Yet once Lady Brighteye spoke, he took in consideration
       how she shared the same homeland as him. Yes, he was born in
       Uleplex.. but moved shortly after to Ilydia Bay where he truly
       learned his dark arts; and also where he fashioned his first
       claw of which he was talented battling with.
       He did lean over and murmur to Elissac, though.. if he were to
       work with him; he should try to befriend him, right? Konsole
       wasn't that sociopathic.. but he stopped mid-way once Lady Valda
       stepped forward for her opening statement. A blush snuck across
       his cheeks; fortunately covered by his mask as he feigned
       discreetly stretching his sides, and awkwardly so.
       #Post#: 1424--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: JLevitt99 Date: July 29, 2020, 10:18 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Damien Malneux
       Alessandria, Marieve: Truce Embassy.
       Accompanying Candidate Teams.
       Damien stood at the front of the crowd, watching the 3
       candidates stammer and spit out hastily written responses,
       obviously not written by them, save for maybe Asena. She was
       surprisingly honest, and soft spoken, for someone this fresh
       into the political game. He watched her face twitch and
       immediately struggle to hide the rush of emotions as Gabrielle
       announced Damon, the one he had mentally noted as a glorified
       street urchin, at the banquet where she caused her little scene.
       Pathetically easy that was, pushing her buttons in just the
       right way to make her erupt. His gaze shifts to his own
       candidate, Malachi. His speech was well written, Damien would
       know, as he had penned it. Gabrielle remained the enigma. Nice
       and sweet enough to appear the most normal, but he had seen what
       lurked behind those honeysuckle sweet lashes when he had dropped
       the little mentions of her idiotic little cult group. For
       someone who regularly prescribed to the art of mind washing and
       torture, she held nice conversation. All the same, the right
       things said, and the rage was almost visible behind the makeup.
       Waiting for the speeches to end, he looked around to see if
       anyone else could close their mouths and gather themselves long
       enough to ask a question of the candidates.
       "Excuse me, Candidates? What of the raised taxes on our lower
       class? How are they expected to pay when they earn almost
       nothing at all?"
       He caught Asenas eye, and the tiniest bits of a smile showed
       through. As they locked eyes a silent message was given,
       "I know about your boytoy"
       Without words, he didn't miss a beat with his question, but with
       any luck the fiery she-devil got the message
       #Post#: 1434--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: MISSimissyou Date: August 2, 2020, 10:55 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Reginald Whetherford
       Alessandria, Marieve: Truce Embassy.
       Accompanying Candidate Teams.
       Reggie sat enthralled as the candidates spoke. He had always
       considered himself rather above politics, too enraptured in the
       beauty and joy of life to bother with lowering himself to the
       petty games and rules of political play. He was finding now,
       however, that there was rather more to enjoy than he had
       originally anticipated. Truly, the game had only just begun but
       there was already blood on the floor, so to speak. Already a
       dead man mentioned and opening statements had only just
       concluded? Not to mention, Miss Valda seemed to be coming out
       full force with her little speech. Whether she meant it or not,
       she had laid tragic blows against both of her competitors. He
       knew he should be on Malachi's side, his father was, after all,
       but he couldn't help but rooting for the warrior woman. She
       seemed the most human out of all of them. Hythia was well
       spoken, of course, and a sure win when it came to convincing
       those with power. Miss Brighteye, on the other hand, would have
       no trouble winning over any and all with love for the church.
       Ridiculous as he found the whole notion of devotion, it did
       wonders when trying to convince those of a common disposition to
       do anything. She might also have some support from those with
       money, now that he thought about it. He knew many a lord and
       lady who absolutely adored the religious side of things. Valda
       on the other hand...when it came to the masses she was likely
       the most popular out of all of them. He couldn't blame the
       people, of course, for their choice in supporting her. She had
       come out of nowhere and had the angle of being a commoner like
       the folk she would be representing. If Reggie had to pick
       someone to support full force, it would be her. He couldn't
       disobey his father, however. At least not as long as the old man
       lived. How else would he be able to make a living? So, for now,
       he stood on Malachi's side for this debate. Hopefully he would
       win, his father would be pleased, and Reggie could peruse study
       in his newfound love of politics. Perhaps he would be on stage
       answering questions of the people one day...
       ___________________________________________
       Archibald Whetherford
       Alessandria, Marieve: Truce Embassy.
       Accompanying Candidate Teams.
       Archie was finding it rather difficult to pay attention to any
       of the proceedings. He knew he had questions that must get asked
       of the candidates, he had them tucked away on a card in his
       pocket for reference, but he couldn't help but remember the
       unfortunate event at the manor. Asena Valda, spit fire that she
       was, had nearly destroyed the ballroom. It had been rather
       costly to clean up, though he hadn't billed the young woman for
       the destruction. He wanted to wait until after the election to
       discuss the matter civilly with her. She was under massive
       stress, after all.
       That wasn't what was bothering him, however. No...the true
       trouble came from the disappearance of a certain young lady at
       this event. He had never spent much time with Luna but he found
       himself far too often daydreaming that Freida's little family
       might have been his if he had played his cards differently in
       the past. He had always had an affection for Luna and had
       thought that they would one day grow closer. He had almost
       wished he could have been something of a second father to
       her...and now he knew nothing. He had sent informants out but
       all they had managed to glean was that he disappearance had
       something to do with a circus of sorts. His intelligence team
       led him further to realize that greater powers may be at play
       and he could do nothing at all to help her.
       His attention drifted back to the event as a question was asked
       of the candidates. He had missed their opening statements
       completely in his reverie and he determined to hear out their
       answers. His backing rested fully with Malachi, of course, but
       he should, at the very least, be informed on the other
       candidates views. Trying to clear his mind of the predicament,
       he turned his full attention to the responses.
       _______________________________-
       Aphera Evermore
       Alessandria, Marieve: Truce Embassy.
       Accompanying Candidate Teams.
       Aphera's eyes were fixed on Miss Gabrielle Brighteye as she
       spoke. She was a goddess incarnate. Every word that tumbled from
       her lips was honey sweet and pure. Every time she heard her
       Mistress speak her determination to protect her only grew. She
       felt her head tilting slightly as she mentioned the demise of
       one of her chosen. A traitor. Her lips parted slightly and a
       furrow formed between her brows. She hadn't known the man well.
       She hadn't known him at all, in truth. A traitor. She would have
       killed him herself if she had been asked. She would have bathed
       her blade in his blood to make him pay for his betrayal.
       Confusion clouded her mind for a moment at the very thought of
       betraying a woman chosen by Gods to lead them. Who could
       possibly be so foolish or so vein to assume their selfish acts
       would go unpunished. She listened patiently as the others spoke,
       her look of confusion shifting into one of anger. How dare this
       man assume he could insult her mistress? How dare this woman
       assume she was better than her in any way? If her mistress asked
       she would gladly kill them too. Anything to protect her and her
       honor.
       #Post#: 1439--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: unknownmercury Date: August 5, 2020, 1:48 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Gabrielle Brighteye
       Alessandria, Marieve: Truce Embassy
       The priestess could have gladly set Malachi and his lap dog
       Damien on fire. The Elvi thought he was so clever, pretending
       that the Truce wouldn't give him access to even more political
       clout than he already wielded. Nobody in their right minds would
       buy the idea that he had their best interests at heart.
       As for Damien... Eh, damn. She hadn't heard anything about
       raised taxes. Marieve was not her home, and even if it were the
       Church was exempt from taxes, as was the funding she received
       from said Church. The question froze her for a second before her
       brain supplied what seemed a straightforward solution to her.
       She composed herself before speaking.
       "If I were Asena Valda, my answer would be that I would fight
       against any oppression against the people I rose from. I am not
       and cannot pretend to understand the plight of the impoverished.
       If I were Malachi Hythia, I might propose that raising the taxes
       on the poor was a necessary evil for the good of the country. I
       am not Malachi, and cannot pretend that this injustice benefits
       any but the elites of this land.
       "If I make it into the Truce, I promise that I will work to
       change the way taxes work. Why should the poor pay more than the
       rich, when the rich are better able to afford it? I will put
       into motion a plan that will force equality onto everyone. The
       same amount will be levied no matter how much money you make in
       a year. Everyone pays their fair due to keep this grand society
       maintained and operating."
       Scattered applause. She'd hoped for more, but it was an
       off-the-cuff idea. She would be satisfied with a few people's
       approval on this one.
       Septimus Vianacelli
       Alessandria, Marieve: Truce Embassy
       Septimus faked a cough into his handkerchief to cover his
       snickering at the priestess. Her idea wasn't awful, but it
       clearly came from a position of privilege. Luckily, taxes were
       one of the "big issues" that he had made sure to speak with
       Asena on so that she wouldn't be caught as off-guard as Gabby
       clearly was.
       #Post#: 1443--------------------------------------------------
       Re: CHPT 1.8 - The Debate
       By: DolittleMax Date: August 6, 2020, 6:41 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Malachi Galanthius Hythia
       Location: Truce Embassy, Alessandria, Marieve
       Accompanying Asena Valda ([member=4]Kimcora[/member]) and
       Gabrielle Brighteyes ([member=3]unknownmercury[/member])
       Malachi listened to Asena's speech, not paying much mind. It
       went the direction he had supposed it to and was not taken by
       surprise by any of her statements. The easy route of attacking
       his title- which mind you, was not some privilage 'bestowed upon
       him' but rather something he had to live up to after his late
       brother died in battle. It was easy for someone who'd never held
       responsibility for more than themselves to attack a leader. He
       was used to it by this point.
       Damien- one of his 'supporters' -posed the question referring to
       the issue of taxes. This was a question he could shine in;
       afterall, he'd helped form the current Phonaxian system with-
       with- Myrrhe... His face fell a moment before he turned his
       attention to Gabby's answer. Clearly she was out of her depth
       here and hadn't thought of the practicality of leadership.
       He stood, beginning to offer up his own answer.
       "It would seem Ms Brighteyes is not familiar with any form of
       tax system- which is not surprising considering most of her
       activities are funded by donations. I agree that the rise in
       taxes on the lower class in Alessandria was a poor decision made
       by people who have little experience in running an economy. One
       might look to a thriving nation to see what they have done
       correctly in order to replicate it for themselves. Phonax is
       among the most- if not the most -wealthy countries. In my years
       as their leader we have fine-tuned the system in order to make
       it not only fair, but sustainable. Taxes are no longer decided
       on a whim by the leader but based on how much an individual owns
       and earns in a cycle. If I were part of the Truce I'd push to
       implement a similar notion so that those taxes would be taken
       out of surplus and used for the lower classes"
       Malachi gave a small head bow to Damien, "I hope that
       sufficiently answers your question"
       He took his seat again, ready to watch and see how Miss Valda
       would handle this query.
       *****************************************************
   DIR Next Page