NationStates Jolt Archive

We'll play Truth and Treachery here.

Welcome, welcome to the Republic of Aphel. Our Capital Aphel is fledging, and the nation is trembling before a power clash of the 5 major established houses: Iunius, Optix, Oppridor, Arcanum and Libris. They are joined by the fledging and emerging House Dimir. All those houses want to form the nation to their own vision, and they use every conceivable method to further their ambitions.
Tremble, for strive is coming this way....

State System:

The people elect a Senate, which represents all fractions in the same percentages as population statistics state, and a High Chancellor, who leads the Senate, forms the Coalition and the Government (which consists of Chancellors).
The Senate may pass laws, deny orders from the Government and sack the High Chancellor or Government.

The jurisdiction is passed by a High Speaker of Justice, who is appointed by the current Chancellor of Justice and approved of by the Senate, and his team of self-appointed Judges. They cannot be sacked by anyone.

Furthermore power center is the Archmage. He is delivered by House Arcanum and appointed FOR LIVE by the Magical Assembly, which consists of all mages recognized by the current archmage's files.

Another power center is the Thieves' Guild. It is an organization that epitomizes crime, and is lead by a Loosehand Council, elected for life if living long enough.

NEXT MONTH HAPPENING: SENATORY ELECTIONS.

All Houses are preparing for the Senatory Elections, the Government still seats for 1 year before the next Chancellor election. Make up your programme, public plans and secret actions of intrigue and post them here. For secret affairs, such as assassinating an enemy character or stealing from the city vaults, you can telegram me in NS or PM me on the forum.

Martinus was puzzled when he saw the public. How would they react to his speech? Regaining his confidence, the High Chancellor stepped onto the podium in the middle of the Governmental District, in front of the Senate. He looked around. People, from all races, sexes and factions, had come to listen to him. Some that hated him. Some that loved him. Slowly, he began his speech:

"People of Aphel! My people!
It is in thy mercy that I was elected High Chancellor last year, and so I would like to speak in favour of my Senate candidates and my Coalition!"

The public was still quiet.

"The Senate and the Coalition have made much progress under the guidance of the House Iunius. Your dearest rights have been enforced by us!"

The lower public cheered at him.

"Furthermore, please note that the economy has improved with the improval of the agricultural and services sectors!"

The higher half of the public cheered.

"And at all, note that all Iunii Fraction Senators are on our election list again! Fine candidates, who have proved themselves over their last 5 years of office, of which I can recount only 3 years as my Chancellorship"

The public went suddenly silent. Martinus decided to launch the climax of his speech.

"Fine candidates, it is thanks to them, not to me, that we have achieved so much in your service! Fine candidates, for which I speak."

It had to be now. He started a fine yell.

"I speak for my candidates
They speak for the people,
The people speak to me! Together we are Aphel's unity! Vote Iunius!"

A sudden roar emerged from the crowd, and Martinus calmed down a bit.

"Vote Iunius,
And not those aristocrat oafs of House Optix, their right to rule lost in the revolution.
Vote Iunius,
and not those obscure egalists of House Dimir, for all progress of the economy will be lost if egalism rules!
Vote Iunius,
and not all those who are not for free voting, for they undermine your dearest rights!"

The crowd went absolutely bananas as the Chancellor ended his speech. There were cheers of "Vote Iunius!" and "Long live Chancellor Tanear the Righteous!", but also sympathisants of the Houses that were just sent whining by the Chancellor. Only House Libris, a long time ally of the Iunii, was left spared.

With a roar, the enemy sympathisants stood against the Chancellor, who, with a slight motion of his hand, stopped the fight with the help of the Chancellor's Guards. This battle had been won by the Iunii.

Well, what is the response of the Houses Dimir and Optrix?

A retalitory attack on the House Dimir's political opponents and detractors was not the style of the House, or at least was not the style shown amongst the populace, which was one reason for the House's small size. It was typical that they only held a few seats in the senate, which was the way the Kôshaku prefered it.

Typically the meetings were small informal events, where members brought friends or relatives for them to join in the politics of House Dimir. One thing only the most observent of opposition might notice was that once a person joined House Dimir, thier political alliegence was unshakable.

The feverent detractors amongst the populace who targetted rival houses frequently turned up ill, of a serious flu or one of many other natural dibilitating illnesses, a day or two before they were 'scheduled' to bash the senators of House Dimir.

“Peace!” a subtle, melodious voice cooed throughout the plaza, and instantly the crowd fell quiet, “The High Chancellor’s words should not be greeted with violence… but the utmost respect. Indeed it is quite impressive that one so young should ascend the ranks of the Republic so quickly.”

Onto the stage, next to Tanear, walked Archduke Athalus Velim, head of House Optix. He wore resplendent red and silver robes, the colors of the Royal House, which blew gently on the breeze. His cunning green eyes swept the crowd before him, a smirk fluttered around the edge of his lips.

“But, nonetheless, several issues which concern House Optix greatly have yet to be addressed by the Chancellor… my friends, children are disappearing from their beds at night, people fear to walk the streets alone, the Thieves’ Guild openly sells kidnapped slaves . Intimidated by House Oppridor, the citizens of slum town say nothing… but I know their fear. In the vast sewers beneath our city are the ruins of Old Aphel… home to brigands and goblins.” Athalus said, his voice magically charming, “House Arcanum has failed. Its greatest duty is to protect the citizens of Aphel from supernatural threats- like the Undead.”

A tremor of fear ran through the crowd… it was not wise to speak of such evil openly.

“Vampires dwell in the depths of the city, feeding off the innocent. Neither the Republic’s knights nor Arcanum’s wizards act. House Optix alone shoulders this grave responsibility. My fellow Councilors and I have taken it upon ourselves to hire Argus Knight, yes the legendary vampire slayer from the Northern Mountains, to deal with this growing threat. I hope the High Chancellor will sign this proposal, giving House Optix and Argus the resources and authority to deal with the subterranean menace,” the Archduke smiled mockingly as he produced a scroll from the folds of his robes, handing it to Tanear.

**************************

Several days before, House Optix Counsel House, Velim’s chambers.

“Vampires!” the noble exclaimed, “Have you lost your mind? Brining that unholy filth into the city! This is not some wizard’s game Athalus… you must realize the danger.”

“Do think I released Vampires into the city sewers as a game?” the elf smiled cunningly, his sharp eyes peering haughtily at his fellow noble, “No, it cost me a great deal to capture the wretched creatures… let alone ship them into the city without anyone noticing. I have a plan Orvas, calm yourself.”

Orvas Relys frowned at the Archduke, who laughed lightly.

“In addition to releasing Vampires on the city, I’ve taken the liberty of hiring, quite publicly mind you, the famed vampire hunter Argus Knight. Knight is a member of House Optrix by birth… he was more than willing to oblige us, for a handsome fee.” The elf stated, “The public will grow frightened of the Undead; the Senate will not have time to act before I make it known that the Royal House is the only group dealing with the problem. It should bring us considerable support in the coming elections.”

“Athalus, you are ruthless.”

“One must be, if one is to survive. Inform the Council that I have hired a Vampire Slayer, I will tell the Senate, and the public, in due time.”

Martinus' Tanear's Office, Senate Square, State Quarter

Martinus sighed when even the next message from Protector-Chancellor Hieronymus, a co-member of House Iunius, appeared, stating that there were even higher crimerates with the day, children disappearing from their beds and the slave traders of the House Oppridor. Oh gods up above, what should I do?

He remembered that day when the Arch-Duke Velim had openly praised him and pointed out the issues. It was a rare thing for the arch-conservative House Optix to openly consent with House Iunius. It was, however mandatory not to anger his coalition partner House Arcanum in consenting to much with the Optes. The Arcana hated house Optes sorely.

He decided it was worth it, and began to write a letter to the Arch-Duke.

High Chancellor Martinus Tanear, Lord of Aphel, president of the Senate and leader of the Coalition government,
Greets Arch-Duke Athalus Velim, last member of Royal House Optix, Member of the Senate, Friend of the Republic,

It was the formal greeting of the Aphel High Chancellor to one of House Optix. It was good to impress your near-allies. He smiled and wrote the next lines.

I thank thee and thy house for their services to the Republic. My thanks that you append our issues, even while thou art not in the coalition. The news of those issues you spoke of with praise and critics to my house, concern me and Protector-Chancellor Hieronymus deeply. We call on you to make plans, my friend, to repel the vampires and return safety to Aphel. I would like you to answer my summons in my private office after the Senate meeting on the economic rise is concluded. Be careful not to let anyone know of my summons, certainly not the suspect House Dimir and your enemies of the House Arcanum. When we can struck an agreement, the next meeting can be debated in the Senate.

Answer my summons, and go with the gratitude of the Republic,

Martinus Tanear,
High Chancellor of the Republic of Aphel,
Lord of Aphel,
Founder of House Iunius,
President of the Senate,
Leader of the Government.

Martinus took his quill of the paper. Optix was well to be summoned indeed, in recent light of events....

*****************************************
After the Senate meeting on economic rise, Martinus Tanear's Private Office.

The High Chancellor, tired of a hard day's work in the Senate, stood up to his Secretary, a gnome, and said to his assistant:

"I've been expecting him. Tell him to enter."

"Ah, a pleasure as always High Chancellor," Velim's almost magically suave voice cooed as he entered the room, paying no heed to the gnome. The Arch-Duke extended a well manicured hand towards Tanear and smiled, "It is rare that an Optix and Iunii meet on such amicable terms. I am happy for it."

The High Chancellor answerred the question with his own voice, not the commanding voice he had as High Chancellor.

"Rare indeed, and in my pleasure. Now what are your plans about the vampires and the safety? Chancellor-Protector Hieronymus (OOC: Chancellor of Safety) is very pleased that Optix helps. If you please, the government will add support to them."

He smiled at the Arch-Duke and expected an answer.

"I have utmost faith in the slayer Optix has hired from the Northlands. He has killed well over two hundred vampires in the Wilderness and has assured me in his letters that a few rouge undead will not be a problem for him. He and his band of Hunters arrive today I believe, they will be lodging in High Quarter. I have spoken to several mages knowledge on the subject, and they tell me that a threat as dire as Vampires are far beyond the capabilities of the Republican Guard... perhaps this task is best left to the hirelings of Optix?" the Arch-Duke asked, raising a thin eyebrow at the High Chancellor, "We do not know what else lurks in the sewers of Aphel... or in the ruins below."

**************************************

Optix Council house, High Quarter

"Welcome, Hunters," Orvas Relys, secretary of the Optix Council said to the six men in front of him, "It is an honor to host such famed warriors in these halls."

The noble glanced around the elegant arched walls and vaulted ceilings of the Council House, his eyes avoiding the rough-looking mercenaries glaring at him.

"Well, down to business then. You'll be paid 5,000 Tanears ((OOC I assume the high chancellor had the money named after him :) )) for each vampire you kill. The Arch-duke informs me there are ten of the abominations, they dwell in the sewers-" Relys was cut off by a grunt from the lead Hunter, a dangerous looking man with a jagged scar running down his face.

"It seems that Duke Velim knows a great deal about the Vampires... I wonder where he found this out?" Argus Knight growled sarcastically.

Orvas frowned and replied, "Intelligence is not your business, your job is results..."


((OOC Theao feel free to have Dimir spy overhear the conversation if you wish. Though the vamps the Archduke released into the city and those of House Dimir are probably not aware of each other))

One of the agents of the true House Dimir rather than the public House Dimir smiled as she worked at servant tasks for the House Optix. Few people watched their words around a humble servant and some of the spell work of the Dimir mages helped a great deal.

Exiting the building and returning to her home, she removed a simple bracelet and was greeted by one of they mysterious messengers of House Dimir, a necrosage. After giving her report, the necrosage put a hand to her forehead and another to it's own. Serving as a conduit for one of the true leaders of House Dimir, the agent's mind was wiped of the knowladge by Circu.

*************

Duskmantle
In a space where there is no room, in a structure that was never built, meets the house that doesn't exist.

The leaders of the Dimir House, Kôshaku Mardin Szadek, Szadek the Lord of Secrets, and Circu the Lobotomist as well as a few others gathered and met to discuss the Optix situation.

"It has come to my attention that House Optix has been unleashing vampire amongst the populace. While normally this would be perfect, they've also brought in a band of vampire hunters of some renown." Szadek commented
"If I know you, you've already got something planned and underway." The other Szadek, the Kôshaku, commented.
"Of course." He replied as he gestured negligently.

*************

One of Dimir's Infiltrators led a Doppelganger into the home of a Optix member, who was moderately well known. Once the Infiltrator slew the member, and in such a way that when the body was found it would cast suspicion upon House Optix.

The Doppelganger followed and pressed a hand against the corpse, "Fear not, your life will not go unlived."

*************

The Doppelganged member of House Optix headed to a local gossip hotspot, and after a few drinks let slip a rumour that his house was had brought in some vampires that had been responsible for the recent rash of unexplained killings.

*************

Meanwhile Szadek, Lord of Secrets had sent his own children into the sewers to search for the vampire that the Arch-Duke had foolishly unleashed.

The High Chancellor roared with anger. The Optix had sent vampires into the city? It was not at all uncertain. He would meet the Arch-Duke in his office to discuss the latest foundings, and this came just in time...

**************************************

"You know what I think, Velim? That your Senator's words are true. If you do this to win votes, know this: we will take them from you. I hope you realize what evil you let into this city. Be thankful I do not fine you."

The High Chancellor was angry, and that did not happen very often. Velim had gone too far...

The archduke smirked, his green eyes glittered dangerously.

"Do you know the weight of your accusations, Tanear? You charged Optix with releasing Vampires into the city... what proof do you have, save the ramblings of a drunk. Rumors run rampant in this city, Martius, you can't believe them all." the elf said coldly, "But isn't it convient that you make these accusations and spread these rumors on the eve of your election? Fear mongering."

********************

Optix Council House, Velim's Chambers. One day before...

"Find the Senator that let the information slip; kill him," the Archduke spat, his green eyes surveying the black-clad assassins that stood in his office, "Make it look like House Dimir did it, their opposition on the Senate floor of my Hunters was rather... suspicious."

"Yes sir" the two ninjas replied in unison, and noislessly faded from the room.

The two ninja would, if they searched the senator's house, would find that thier work was already done. The body would give the impression of a fairly fresh death, which would also point at House Optix as the one resposible for killing the man.

**********

Meanwhile the vampires sent by Szadek to search out the imported vampire continued their search for the remaining kindred. The coffins of some of them had already been transported to a save house. As each awoke, it was given one of three options, true death, exportation, or swearing blood-loyalty to the Keeper of Secrets.

**********

"Seems like the Arch-Duke's in trouble with the High Chancellor." Mardin commented with a smile. "I wonder how the general populace is taking the news."

As he mused, he asked some of the members of House Dimir, the public branch, to polled the population and to find out what Optix's blunder had cost them, regardless of how truthful the rumours were.

"My dear Arch-Duke, this "drunk man" is your sake. He is, after all, your House's Senator. As for now, this meeting is concluded. We will see how your house does in the elections. As for a coalition, you are not out of my list of possible partners."

He gestured at his Gnome Secretary.

"Mnyneus, take the Arch-Duke outside. If he has any complaints about me, he may come and seek me at my house"

As the votes were cast, Houses' leaders waited in their villas, anxious for the final results.....

ELECTION RESULTS

Total Seats: 768

List 1: House Iunius 27% ............. 207 seats
List 2: House Libris 11% .............. 85 seats
List 3: House Optix 25% .............. 192 seats
List 4: House Oppridor 12% .......... 92 seats
List 5: House Arcanum 10% .......... 77 seats
List 6: House Dimir 5% ................. 38 seats
List 7: House Pacem 10% ............. 77 seats

Congratulations!

Biggest Rise: House Optix + 15%
Biggest Fall: House Arcanum: -17.5%

I hope on a great period for all Senators. For now, the Coalition is FIRED. New coalition formations will be started, appeals can be made till tomorrow.

Martinus Tanear
By the Grace of the people,
High Chancellor,
Leader of Aphel,
President of the Senate.

The High Chancellor sendas a letter to Arch-Duke Velim

Dear Arch-Duke,

My congratulations to your house. It has made a massive progress, albeit under suspicious circumstances. I apologize for sueing you in public.

But now, at our last meeting I mentioned that you were not bottom of the list in my list of possible Coalition Partners. In fact, your house is on top. All issues of the Coalition Tanear 1 are solved, but not the issues that we spoke of in our meetings: the Vampires and the safety problems. For bringing that to attention, I thank you, and I hope that we may discuss forming our coalition. Meet me at my villa with your candidate-Chancellors, so we can get started formulating a Coalition Programme. The position you covet, that of Arcane Chancellor is eithin your grasp, as I'm willing to give it to you.

I hope to greet you as a friend and Coalition partner. Keep silent until I announce our Coalition Formation in public, and be the thanks of the republic with you.

Martinus Tanear
By the grace of the people,
High Chancellor of Aphel
President of the Senate,
Coalition-Formator

(Theao, if you want to kill Argus Knight and take control of the Vamps Velim set free, be my guest. Also, W. Argonian, just to let you know, I'm styling Optrix after the model of House Telvanni in Morrowind.)

Arch-Duke Velim smiled as his chariot approached the High Chancellor's mansion, finally true power had been granted to Optrix by the people. Sure, the House had to defile the city with vampires in order to gain votes... and it was likely that whomever had killed Senator Maylock ((doppelganed senator who let slip word of the vamps)) wanted more Optix blood, but such was the nature of politics in Aphel. The country, and House Optix, were headed in a new direction.

Many of the candidate-Chancellors in the chariot with Athalus were not the aloof aristocrats one would expect. In fact, only one was a current Optrix senator- Orvas Relys, Secretary of the Optrix Council. The other four were powerful mages... wealthy wizards who had left House Arcanum to escape from its rigid hierarchy and inflexible rules on magic use. They had cast off the bonds of House politics to pursue less accepted- and often illegal- forms of magic. Two were rumored to be Necromancers, and one was verifiably insane. Xenophobic, conservative, and royalist (or at least a-political), all of Optix's new chancellors fit the model of a Royal House Sentor... one could almost overlook their magical abilities and say that the Arch-Duke had chosen them for their politics, but to anyone who knew anything about the politcal climate in Aphel it was clear that Athalus was preparing for his takeover of Arcanum.

House Dimir was pleased with it's seats, even the limited number it had gotten. Kôshaku Szadek sent a messanger to the Iunius and Optix houses, congratulating them on thier successes.

***********

Szadek, Keeper of Secrets smiled of the released vampire, all but one had become his, and that one had been removed from existance.

***********

As the irritant of a vampire hunter strode about the sewers and undercity he would find his fellow hunters were disappearing without a sound or trace. Soon he found himself alone, throughly lost in the unforgiving underground when a young girl appeared and began leading him but where he'd know not.

ooc: Rather than kill him, it'd be more advantageous to wipe his mind and bring him into the services of House Dimir(if you don't mind of course).

"Ah, Arch-Duke Velim, as always a pleasure. I know what you did to get votes, but if it is the will of the people, I wil gladly form a Coalition for the well-being of Aphel. House Arcanum is furious even as we together get a majority of the Senate."

He layed a list on the table, on which a possible seat division was described:

High Chancellor: Martinus Tanear (Iunius)
Chancellor-President: Athalus Velim (Optrix) (OOC: The Chancellor President is the Deputy High Chancellor, appointed out of the second most powerful House in the Coalition)
Chancellor of Justice: Iunius
Chancellor of Finance: Iunius
Arcane Chancellor: Optrix
Economy Chancellor: Iunius
Social Chancellor: Iunius
Divine Chancellor: Optrix
Chancellor-Protector: Optrix

"My House did nothing to get votes but protect the people." Velim said coldly, sitting down at the Chancellor's desk, "I have but one objection to your proposed seat division. No one in Optrix would be an acceptable Divine chancellor, but the Iunii are legendary for their piety. My House would like the Chancellorship of Justice instead. Surely we can compromise."

Behind him the Optrix candidates sat silently, all of them aging elves in elaborate robes. Three of the four carried the staves of wizards, an air of sorcery surrounded them.

OOC sorry for crappy post but Im a bit tired.

"It is agreed then. Let the Republic rise into a new age."

The Chancellor dismissed his guests for now, waiting for tomorrow, when they would return to debate the Coalition Policy.