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Post by aatuylva on Apr 16, 2010 0:31:30 GMT -5
"Tinis must be very large..."
The AFV soon comes to a stop, it's doors opening from a switch in the driver's area. The Governor, in a blue suit with a simple red sash, is just exiting a large, heavily armored train. It looks more like a tank, really. It bristles with turrets and crow's nests, and gun ports. People are going to and from this, for them, it is completely normal. What shouldn't be normal, for any circumstance, is the extremely large artillery piece being pulled by it. Stidham almost looks longingly at it before his eyes set upon Dunsel, and they harden.
"Hello Governor." The Governor was looking his best, but his best still looked like a short, fat man with a head that's sheen could blind.
The Governor stumbles in, mumbling apologies to everyone, multiple times, for his lateness, his stumbling, his not knowing Tinisian, before he receives a glare from Stidham and introduces himself properly.
"Dreadfully sorry, I am Eric Dunsel, Governor." He holds out his hand.
"I do hope the Lord Commander has been treating you well?"
As soon as he's inside Stidham gives the command to leave, and the AFV buttons up again, heading for the council hall.
"And I do hope there haven't been any dreadful ghost stories."
"No promises, Governor."
"Goodness man, you scare everyone enough already with that smile. No need to make it worse."
The Lord Commander looks almost surprised at this retort from the Governor. Dunsel promptly sits down, smoothing his tie.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 17, 2010 1:47:12 GMT -5
The Tinisian escorts seemed the most concerned with the appearance of the train. Solivan seemed more puzzled than anything.
"It is good to meet you Governor Dunsel," said Guw. "It is an honor. And we must say thank you for the invitation to visit your homeland. And no worries, despite the ghost story I'm quite sure my aides are not phased."
The aides gave funny looks at this of course.
"So I must say that we're not entirely sure how things work here in the Confederacy. I was just explaining a little to the Lord Commander about how the title of Governor is different in Tinis. I'm curious how things work here in comparison. The head of state there is the First Speaker and they preside over a Chamber of Speakers which is the body that makes law. But the military command is separate and held under a Council of Commanders. How do these things work here?"
Guw was actually highly interested in how this civics lesson would be presented with both of the Lord Commander and Governor present. It might color it a bit but it was better than having it biased towards either a military view or a civilian view. The compromise view would show how it really was done in practice, even if the rules of the laws were biased other ways.
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Post by aatuylva on Apr 17, 2010 9:37:25 GMT -5
"Well...It is a tad complicated, so bear with me for a moment...The Confederacy was founded on autonomy and cooperation..We are still, very much, three separate nations, just flying one flag. The central government set in place is merely a means to help bring us closer together.."
"And to keep them from killing each other."
The Governor gives Stidham a sharp look. "...ahem..I guess I should explain the People's Council. Each of the city-states has a leader, a consul, of sorts, who is elected democratically by the people who live there. The eight council-members then meet here, in Accallia, to determine who should lead the nation as a whole concerning defense, law, diplomacy, and budget. They then appoint, from a selection of petitioners, a War Minister, a Governor, and a Secretary of Internal Affairs, who handle defense, diplomacy, and law respectively. I as governor am also responsible for the distribution of funds to national efforts, including the military. The People's Council then select one of their number to serve as an advisor to the three they appointed, so that the people's voice is always heard."
Stidham, who has been sipping at his wine, adds, "The Governor doesn't have much real power, as the city-states will handle their own affairs most of the time. But since he decides whether my boys get new boots, by proxy he can advise me on new trouble spots he believes should be patrolled. Really he's more of a buffer for the Council if something goes wrong....Until he opened the borders at least."
"For example, the military handles three sectors. There are six Lord Commanders, excluding myself, who divvy up for two for each, so that each of the former nations that now make the Confederacy have the same protection. We operate independently, defending Aatuylva with our own logic and decisions. The Governor, can suggest where we might deploy, but the seven of us are fairly stubborn. Lately, due to his actions, we have mainly been deployed in protecting possible entrances for dignitaries, instead of suppressing the forest bandits. The Internal Security forces, on the other hand, do not operate independently, and follow the orders of the Lady Secretary and the People's Council."
"Needlessly complicated in places, but the Council tends to be adverse at change.....usually."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 17, 2010 22:34:35 GMT -5
Solivan raised a paw. "Sorry to interrupt. But these forest bandits. I think that's why you told the ghost story."
Guw was silently happy that the watcher was going to be asking about them.
"Would they wish to do us, I mean, Tinisians or other foreigners, harm if they found us?"
Close enough. Not the question she wanted to ask but it would hopefully yield results.
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Post by aatuylva on Apr 17, 2010 23:09:40 GMT -5
"Only if you go into the forest. I've kept a pretty good bead on them until now, almost ran them out of the country. InSec had to take over, and they've been doing....adequetely. We can't exactly keep all of them down. And new ones seem to be popping up all over the place. A few cults here and there, ethnic supremacy groups. But my men keep them far from civilization. To answer your question, no, normally they wouldn't. I would be out there, killing them. By the bushel. But, alas, I am here, playing diplomat because of orders."
The Governor looks down, a little disheartened.
"It is a known fact that you tend to overexaggerate things, Michael. Yes, the bandits could pose a threat. But they're no where near as bad as they were before. Most travel is by train or air, and the bandits can't touch those. They don't have the firepower. So while the danger is there, you will be safe."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 17, 2010 23:43:17 GMT -5
Guw nodded. "Thank you very much. I... hope you don't mind if I'm a little blunt here. But I'm curious as to your underlying goal with opening. These descriptions of bandits might seem as if you wished for help, or perhaps feared foreigners were encouraging them. If it was the latter that would make sense that you'd wish to find friends and allies to help deal with nations that might wish you ill. But that is a limited scope for sure. If as you say you can deal with them given the resources. But then perhaps that is it. Do you wish to integrate with the global community to attain the strength needed to fight them?"
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Post by aatuylva on Apr 17, 2010 23:54:48 GMT -5
The Governor looked at Stidham, a pleading look on his face. Stidham's response was to laugh and get more wine.
"We...we have the resources..its just. ....to be honest...our economy is...having trouble...without new technologies, and trade, we won't be able to keep the trains running, so to speak. And a little help with finding said bandits would be appreciated...they keep getting better hiding spots. Don't mention this to the council now, I'm sure they'll find some crime to charge me with if they think I mentioned any weakness.....Well all of them except Arkus. He's a good lad."
Stidham laughs again, "Oh yes, the son of Ryvuul, to be trusted! Ha! At any rate, you'll be able to ask the council. We're almost at the hall now."
He indicates out the windows, and the buildings have gotten progressively older and more decadent. A former palace.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 18, 2010 23:39:20 GMT -5
Guw nodded. "Do not worry, it is not our intention to do things that might interfere with the internal politics of our friends. So we will keep quiet about any admissions, on this or other subjects, that you may wish to not be readily shared with the other members of your government."
Guw and Solivan were the one's most concentrating on the conversation at this point. Mention of the hall had most the rest peering for the ports to get a good look.
"But unless there's anything else of that nature you'd like to discuss before we get out, I do believe we all should be smiling or some such to make as good impressions with these councilors to match the good impression you made for us upon our arrival in your country." Guw instantly put on a cheerfully pleasant smile as they stopped. "Your nation, so you determine the protocol if there is any for visiting dignitaries exiting a vehicle."
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Post by aatuylva on Apr 19, 2010 0:01:12 GMT -5
Stidham stood up, stretching. "If you'll allow me to check first that the way is safe first..."
He walked to the door of the vehicle, and knocked a peculiar pattern, and received a different one in return.
"Alright then, after you. Mind the steps."
The council hall was a large marble building, with great wooden doors, reminiscent of some palace or temple. Six great statues of bronze stand before it. One, of a great snarling wolf, was painted black, and was terrible to look at. Across from the wolf was a faceless hunter, holding a spear. Two more stood on either side of the door, one of a fierce dragoness, and a woman with a dagger and a mask, wearing a hood. The most imposing stands in the center, wielding a sword, with his foot on an anvil, screaming up at the sky in a rage. This one's gaze falls upon the final statue, whose place is on top of the council hall. A hooded figure with three gemstone eyes, holding an axe in one hand, and a book in the other, his posture triumphant and arrogant. His helmet has three sharp points, and gleams with gold. Each one also on a pedestal, listing their names: Sifus; Kjolan; Ulfante; Chyara; Virros; and Akalan Virrakos.
Both Stidham and the Governor seem to look upon the statues with a great reverence and fear.
"Welcome to the Council Hall. You are the first outsiders to ever step on these grounds, much less enter inside. There is no safer place in all of Aatuylva, this place guarded by me, the Lady Secretary, and the Gods themselves. I cannot go with you for I have pressing matters to attend to. The Governor will show you the way."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 19, 2010 0:08:44 GMT -5
"Thank you very much Michael for the warm greetings and safe trip," Guw gave a slight bow to the Lord Commander.
The aids and escorts had pilled out after the three important people of course. The aides seemed transfixed by the display before them. The escorts were more intent on checking out the situation with the non-statue figures around them. Guw on the other hand turned to the Governor.
"I think I could believe the gods of your nation would be watching this place for no other reason that they seem to stand among us here. In fact this place seems more a temple than a seat of governance. Has it been previously a place of worship?"
Solivan raised his hand before interrupting. "Mind if I take some pictures?"
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Post by aatuylva on Apr 19, 2010 0:28:35 GMT -5
"I'm afraid that for security reasons, any pictures you take will be have to be looked over by InSec before you leave. We wouldn't want the internal structure of our government's sanctuary compromised to a foreign power should something dreadful happen. Feel free to take as many pictures as you want of the grounds though, some of the art is inspiring. As for your question Miss Guw, to my people, they are one and the same. In olden times the King had the will of the Gods, the Maji were blessed with their knowledge, and the Alpha Lords of the Commonwealth had their power. Even with the Council, I doubt any Aatuylvan would accept them if they didn't take religious beliefs into account. A bit....barbarian to you, perhaps, but we take it very seriously. That and the statues imbue the proper sense of smallness to those in power, to always remember that one day, they will be forgotten."
He looks ashamed for a moment. "I seem to have droned off a bit there, and I apologize. I do love to tell stories though...let us head in and I shall tell you of Akalan..."
He tells of Virrakos, young apprentice to Virros the swordmaker, and how he stole the secrets of the gods and brought them to mortals so that they would learn and grow. He later became the protector of Accallia when the first King had a vision. This is how he came to be known as Akalan.
"But it doesn't end there. Many are convinced that he, or someone acting in his name, visited us in our known history. Sometime before the Second Great War. I don't rightly remember. Anyway, the story goes that this avatar of Akalan travelled across the land, teaching and telling grand stories. We built three universities in the nations then, in his name. I don't know much about the stories he told, but they are in the Grand Library, and I can show you there after the meeting. The last account of him was that he 'rode a horse of light' into the palace of the Gods. But I must be boring you, with silly tales of superstition and myths."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 19, 2010 1:01:02 GMT -5
"Actually the superstitions and myths of a people can speak volumes about their character," said Guw.
Solivan did seem to be concentrating his camera on the statues, art, and sculptures.
"I doubt I'd have time to read a great deal about your myths but yes, perhaps a visit to the library after we're settled here might be a glorious thing. Virrakos would probably be on good terms with the people of Tinis as we similarly value knowledge. Some nations value wealth or military might or style. And really, to each their own. But my people are almost greedy when it comes to learning new things. So I naturally had hopped to do more on this visit than open up normalized relations. I guess I was hoping you'd be the Akalan to us so that we may learn about you, and in return, perhaps we could be the nearest thing we have in our history, Glorvan, to teach you about us."
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Post by aatuylva on Apr 19, 2010 1:13:47 GMT -5
The Governor smiles at this, but looks a little sad.
"While my people are fond of knowledge Miss Guw...I am afraid they do have an obsession with power. But, I suppose, everyone does. It takes different forms, whether it be gold, or guns, or books...at anyrate, we shall be meeting the council soon."
The marble halls gave way to plush carpeting and warm colors, though the guards were omnipresent, watching the outsiders' every movement. Eventually, deep within the building, is the chamber. It too had great wooden doors with intricate carvings, and opened to a room where there was a table with many boxes on it... The council-members stood in front of it, instead of on the raised dias, and were all wearing white hoods with gold lining. One of them steps forward and pulls back his hood.
"Greetings Ambassador Guw. I am called Arkus, of Majiin. I welcome you on behalf of the People's Council, and all of those who entrusted us with our tasks. I hope your welcome was warm, and your enemies lay cold."
He is rather young, and rambunctious. The fox seems to be holding a lot of pent up energy and is genuinely excited. He heads over to the table.
"We have prepared gifts for our visitors, as is tradition..."
He lifts the boxes, revealing among other things, a masterly crafted clockwork musicbox, a pair of ceremonial swords, and a bone-carved flute with intricate designs.
"Originally the Ailupans had insisted on giving you a traditional welcome and making you honorary members of their tribes or some such, but being as they view clothing as purely a decorative device... Well, anyway, have a seat! I'm sure you have lots of questions."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 21, 2010 19:59:21 GMT -5
Guw chuckled as she and the others took their seats. "Don't worry, there are regions of Tinis that has the same view as the Ailupans with regards to coverings," she said glancing at Hugususa with a grin. "We thank you for your gifts. We have brought similarly gifts to bestow upon your nation and people. Jaz?"
Jaz had been waring a rather thin backpack since getting off the helicopter. "Apologies, not all is here. But," he said taking off the backpack. "of the three items we hath brought, this is most appropriate."
Jaz placed the backpack on the table and proceeded to produce its contents. Jaz laid the Pargalonian make mechanical blade upon the backpack.
"We present the weapon crafted and used by Zopa Apoz Ketdelmoz'Hat, master crafter of the House of Genius."
The blade had two wide blades jutting from an incredibly wide hilt with one edge of each blade facing the other blade. If held up it would look more like a wall of metal than a sword. But the curious thing was the gear boxes, levers, buttons, and gizmos all around the grip.
Guw smiled. "Do be careful. You may keep the backpack as well and there are instructions for proper care and usage. To prevent possible injury to Jaz here or yourselves we opted not to wind the springs before coming. The other two items are a music player," which Guw pulled from her pocket. "Along with a solar recharger for it, that contains some of the best music my nation has produced. Its not of the quality as the gift of musics you present us, but will at least give a taste of what it sounds like back home. And yes, the third gift was a little too large to carry off the helicopter without looking silly. Its a stone carved puzzle box. I haven't been able to figure out how to open it though." The other Tinisians had a slight chuckle at this. "With these gifts we thank you for the invitation to your marvelous realm. And we humbly accept the symmetric items. They will be prized and well cared for."
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Post by aatuylva on Apr 21, 2010 20:32:27 GMT -5
Arkus' eyes light up at the mechanizations of the sword. He very much wishes to take it apart and look at it, but he's pretty sure one of the others would want to use it first. The music player is interesting as well. Solar powered... This, he'll keep himself, there's a lot you can learn about a people from their music. That and he's sure some of the chips used in it make it worth three times as much as it would in its country of origin.
Arkus bows. "Thank you, your gifts are a pleasant and welcome surprise. As for the puzzlebox, I'm pretty sure Cedric would like a crack at it."
Arkus turns to his fellow council members, and urges them to introduce themselves.
One steps up, revealing himself to be a very old, nay, ancient human. Seems to have the same enthusiasm as Arkus as he introduces himself.
"I am Cedric of Accallia. I do hope my friends don't trouble you, most of them aren't half my age but they're twice as stubborn!"
The next six introduce themselves: Arolusi of Tantus, a female black panther, Eckhard of Haverigg, another human, not so old, with black hair, Heshel of Arvor, a lupine with black fur...seems to be common around here, who specifically introduces himself as an Ailupan, with a wink, Michel Adrian of Tetra, a bobcat with greying fur, and Albrecht of Chromi, another wolf, grey, who most certainly is not an Ailupan, and will growl if suggested otherwise.
The last, whom Arkus states is Dugald of Haven, refuses to remove his hood, but does nod in the general direction of the dignitaries, before taking interest in the mech blade.
"This reminds me of the Artificers of Ryvuul...back before the unification. Interesting contraption."
Arkus seems genuinely pleased at this. He had thought that Dugald would attempt to murder the outsiders. And the others were being..somewhat friendly. Some a little too much, but that happens.
"Now, I do believe we should get right down to it....as visitors, if you have any questions that you feel the Governor has not answered?"
To be honest, Arkus was hoping they knew what they were doing. He certainly didn't.
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