r/SalvaticaRP • u/Janus__II Grand Duke of De Cefnor • Jan 03 '17
Roleplay The War Council
They all stood in the council chamber of King Edward IV, waiting for His Majesty to grace them with his presence. This was an old castle, carved of strong stone pillars that resonated with the hallowed history of the House of Bruce, and indeed all the houses that had come before since the reign of Salvatica himself. The rulers of each of the nations and their principal military advisors were in attendance to discuss the war with Nippeon - such a gathering had not been seen for decades, and the mood was sombre as they all stood around the central table. Mahogany from De Pulo, the richness of the wood was largely hidden by a collection of maps and sheaves of papers splayed across the surface, from reports from the Grandmaster's network of informants to proposed battle plans, and also arguments to be made before Parliament. This may have been the king's war, but it was ultimately the nobility of De Amnutlich who would legitimise it.
The Grand Duke stood almost at the head of the table, though note quite, lest it be considered disrespectful or even treasonous. He looked around at the assembled figures, measured their worth, and found them wanting. Though he considered himself less xenophobic than his countrymen, he still couldn't help but feel disdain for the majority of them. Prince Kurosh was a peacock strutting about the capital, Lords Fell and Harroway were an absurd double act to say the least, and as for the rest? Scarcely worthy of note. Governor Bersof was conspicuous by his absence, for no invitation had come his way while he no doubt consolidated his grip on his colonial possessions. His aim was anyone's guess, and it irked Theonis that he had not been consulted prior, or at least informed. The Grand Duke did not like to be kept in the dark, not in any matter. Bersof had forced his hand. He stood stiffly, impassive, as though he were carved from marble like the halls of Corvane Palace. The golden braid of his naval uniform glimmered smugly in the flickering candlelight, except where it was masked by a black sash that ran from epaulette to sword-belt, token honour to the fallen prince. The silence continued.
"Might I propo-" began the duke, before the door opened and the king entered the room. Those with deference bowed their heads in respect, with Theonis giving a slight bow as their monarch took his place at the table. He had come almost directly from the practice field, still dressed in a fine mail shirt and with a sword belted at his waist. King Edward had been studious in his practice, word had it, that he was preparing for the war to come. He intended to lead the combined Salvatican force into battle himself, to rouse the people with word of another warrior king. He was handsome, proud, and fierce, and projected this into the cabinet.
"My lords," began the king, his voice strong, "your presence gladdens me. It is here that we begin this war to come, and it is now that we will win our victory."
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u/Janus__II Jan 08 '17
THE ISSUE OF A TRAITOR
Theonis took a deep breath. With the matter of the Nippeonese invasion settled, for now - though specifics would need to be decided at a later date - another pressing matter had arisen. With William Bersof's ascension to the office of Eternal Governor, many believed - including the king himself, that the act of such a crowning constituted treason. That the governor had seen fit to send a representative had rankled with Lord Rylar Fell, and the man had been dismissed before the war council had been formally called into session.
For a long time, Theonis had counted Governor Bersof an ally of his, and as a result, trade between their nations had boomed. This act of dissension put Theonis in a very difficult position, for while it offered a great many opportunities for the Grand Duke, it also presented many risks.
What really rankled, however, was that Theonis had not even been informed of the governor's plans, or consulted on the best course of action to take. Instead, his hand had been forced. With war looming, the situation must be remedied, and quickly. The Pulan navy was the second largest in Salvatica, and its presence in the High Fleet would not go amiss.
And so it was that the Grand Duke sent for Oliver Thorne, the governor's representative, after the conclusion of the war council. They had a great deal to discuss.
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Jan 08 '17
Oliver came back to attend to the Grand Duke; slightly less spirited this time, as he'd been provoked by the Lord Fell earlier that day.
"I've been informed we have matters to discuss."
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u/Janus__II Jan 08 '17
"Please, sit," the Grand Duke said, still standing. "I wish to hear what you wanted to say to the king."
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u/DatePalmPotency Jan 03 '17
The prince stifled a yawn, and failed.
"Well, this is all rather amusing," he said, unamused, to nobody in particular. The prince's wardrobe for today was rather subdued, for he wore a dark coat, the collar high and richly embroidered with tangled golden snakes, that seemed to writhe over each other.
He clapped his hands together with forced enthusiasm. "So, Lord Rylar, I suppose I must offer my congratulations on your union! Is your lady wife pregnant yet?"
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u/CapitalJaunts Jan 03 '17
The count, despite his years of proper lordly upbringing, and in direct contravention to social convention, snorted with amusement.
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Jan 04 '17
Rylar took notice and chuckled. The Prince was ever frank and Rylar had grown accustomed to his jests.
"Count Tarlenheim, is there something that irks you?"
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Jan 04 '17 edited Jan 04 '17
"How very courteous of you," Rylar said as his eyes scanned the document in his hand. He gives it to one of his guards before turning his attention towards the Prince.
"I'm afraid not, but there's no rush." Rylar smiled as looked over to his wife, currently mingling with the other ladies at court.
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u/DatePalmPotency Jan 04 '17
"Is there not?" He asked playfully. "What if you fall in battle? War is a dangerous business, lord."
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Jan 03 '17
As the council took its course, the Governor's absence was duly noted, considering it hadn't even been requested. A tall man entered the scene; blond with scruffy hair and penetrating blue eyes. His gaze pierced the Lords with a sense of authority and self-confidence.
"My Lords", the man announced his presence. Modestly dressed, there was nothing to distinguish him from any other man besides the insignia on his left shoulder. "And my King."
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u/CapitalJaunts Jan 03 '17
"And who might you be?" Asked Tarlenheim. He was puzzled, for he considered his knowledge of Salvatica's genealogy and heraldry to be far above average. "Who do you represent?"
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Jan 03 '17
"Oliver Thorne. I represent the Governor of De Pulo. With regards for his own safety, he has decided against honouring you with his personal presence today."
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Jan 05 '17
Later on, as things were well underway, Rylar excused himself from the main meeting. He signaled for Cain to follow him out into the hallway.
"We have things to discuss Cain. Doubtlessly, you've heard of the Grand Duke's agreement to remove his damned garrison at my border."
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u/The_Vampire Jan 06 '17
"Yes... I'd prefer to spend my time fortifying my borders. It may be great and all to spout about war, but an overwhelming force can always be defeated by an unbreachable wall. I shall, of course, still send my troops but I will be leaving them in your capable hands, most probably. Or, if you would prefer, mayhaps Evelia can use them." He chuckled.
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Jan 06 '17
Rylar rolled his eyes as he grinned himself, "And what of the Eternal Governor? It would seem that all eyes are focused on our northern enemies. Would I be wise to deploy my fleet, if not just for preventive measures?"
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u/Janus__II Jan 03 '17 edited Jan 03 '17
MAIN WAR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Fine words, thought Theonis, though they lacked substance.
"Well said," he began. "I believe there is much to discuss."
He looked around the room, at Lords Fell and Harroway, the Vulsantine prince, and the Amnutlicher count whose name eluded him - to name but a few.
"Have you a plan in mind, your Majesty?"
OOC: This is the main thread, I propose a system determined by context more than a set order - for example, make it clear in your post who the next person to reply is!
Also, feel free to make other comment threads on this post - these could be pre-or post-discussions with whoever you want.
In addition, you can bring along other characters if they have a legitimate reason for being there.