«12. . .3,3353,3363,3373,3383,339»
--------VOYAGE--------
HMS COHAN, WESTERN OCEAN
The Rabbi as well as the rest of the diplomatic mission have been traveling aboard the HMS Cohan, a new and experimental type of steamboat that could go as fast as 15 miles an hour, shortening a 3 week long trip to slightly over 11 days. Even with this type of speed, the trip was dreadful. The Rabbi rarely travels by boat, let alone a ship as fast as the Cohan; causing him to be seasick for most of the trip. He would split his time between lying in a bed barely being able to sleep, to being hunched over a bucket and spilling whatever mush he had eaten that day.
It was the tenth day of the voyage, the Rabbi was both relieved that his suffering would soon be over, while still dreading the fact that he would have to go through another day on this damned boat.
His dread was interrupted by the sound of knocking on his door.
"Who is it?" the Rabbi yelled out
"It's Adam, open the door."
Adam was the deputy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, sent out to handle the more official part of the trip. The Rabbi stood up to open the door, he sat back down on his bed while gesturing for the deputy to sit down.
"I have prepared for you a booklet on Keyraht, I heard they skipped over actually giving you much information about Keyraht so I thought this would be good for you."
The Rabbi calmly grabbed the booklet and set it down on his lap.
"Thank you Adam, you are the only person I have had the pleasure to talk to from the Foreign Ministry."
The Rabbi chuckled at his own joke, while Adam grinned uncomfortably.
"Your holiness. This trip will most likely be one of if not the most important diplomatic mission you will be a part of. I know you have been beaten down pretty bad by seasickness, but you must study up. This trip cannot be a failure, I hope you understand that."
"I understand that young man" The Rabbi said with a sigh. "I just wish they would have done this prior to me getting on the damn boat!"
The Rabbi tried to chuckle again but was too nauseous to feign happiness.
"I will make sure to study the booklet Adam. Now, let me rest so I won't look like a mess once I get off of this boat."
Adam stood up and left, shutting the door behind him. The Rabbi laid back down on his bed, opened up the booklet, and started reading.
A Less Extravagant Welcome
Pahoang
A Frankian ship enters the mighty harbor of Pahoang. The city is tightly packed around the bay which animates its economy. Though infamous for its infestation of immoral businesses, the port is highly important for Keyrahti-Frankian trade and beyond. This Frankian vessel carries Chief Rabbi Stanislau Sheikhow and deputy to the Frankian Minister of Foreign Affairs Adam, who together make up a diplomatic mission seeking to assist the Kingdom of Keyraht. Waiting for him is Opu Karani, Minister of Rites, and Pala Mani, Minister of Defense. These two ministries often work jointly to handle foreign affairs. Opu Karani wears the traditional clothing of a Keyrahti priest: a long, orange tunic with a golden belt and blue coat, his head adorned with a golden headress. Pala Mani, meanwhile, is wearing full general's fatigues decorated with a lot of medals and ribbons.
The Rabbi exits the ship, and Opu Karani bows. The emissary bows back. Adam also bows.
"Welcome to Keyraht, blessings upon you. I pray the journey was not too arduous," the minister says. Pala Mani opts to simply shake their hands. "Your visit is most welcome," he continues, "This carriage will bring you all to the capital where the King awaits you in his palace. He apologizes he could not meet you here, on account of his condition."
Adam and the Rabbi state their wishes for the King's best health.
"The trip to Mo'ikor should only take a few hours," Pala Mani says, "The roads have been cleared for us. A more extravagant welcome awaits you there."
Keyrahtis and Frankians alike load into the carriages, which soon depart for the kingdom's capital.
The Vitian Realm, Catland, Zhenkwezima, and Pays dEspoir
A More Extravagant Welcome
Mo'ikor
The caravan travels through the outskirts of Mo'ikor, capital of the Kingdom of Keyraht. The outskirts are defined by a loose arrangement of houses, businesses, and marketplaces where the commoners of the city dwell. On either side of the caravan, soldiers march and ordinary Keyrahtis watch in interest of these outsiders. The large, unorganized outskirts soon give way to a rigid grid of dwellings made of stone with red tiled roofs and separated from the common folk by a brick wall. Here, low-level government officials who work in the palace live, as well as a few minor noble families. This area, too, ends, and gives way to a massive moat separating the rest of Mo'ikor from the Royal Palace. The moat is about 500 feet wide, the bridge lined with soldiers saluting the incoming envoy.
In front of the entrance of the palace is a large plaza. This is the furthest into the complex the general public may go, as separating the palace complex from the plaza, in addition to the moat, are gigantic walls. As the caravan travels across the plaza and through the gates, the lines of soldiers welcoming the diplomats give way to thousands of bureaucrats, priests, eunuchs, nobles, and any other statesmen deemed important enough to welcome them. A band and chorus perform the Keyrahti anthem in its traditional Classical Keyrahti. Were Kanewarman VII not in charge, scores of concubines would too be welcoming the caravan.
The guests and hosts exit their carriages and walk on a golden-colored carpet decorated with symbols from the Kingdom's folklore. Opu Karani and Pala Mani lead them to the Southern Temple. The Frankians light incense which they brought as gifts before a shrine to Kanewarman VII. Opu Karani kneels before the temple's golden statue of Tau'am. Pala Mani does the same and invites the diplomats to do so as well.
"Tau'amu ana'e no mo'i, pua Ke Warman," the Minister of Rites prays. Tau'am, bless our king, and guard the Land of Enlightenment. They stand up and exit the temple.
The New Order
With war possibly upon the Pays D'Espoir once again, General Montfort has been active in the capital, with a standing army. He has for the most part been doing naval trainings. But the troops in the capital have made some of the radicals, aware of his conservative fraternizing, uncomfortable to say the least. In their mind, this is all proven when the general in the cold winter morning marches into the temporary house of the triumvirate and government with troops and some more conservative colleagues. Though knowledge of the conspiracy is not known to the general public many predicted that an ambitious general would seak to end their new republic. Afterwards, he marches with some troops and makes an announcement to the crowds.
"The enemies of the revolution from the inside have been captured!" he announces, the crowd is quiet, but he continues.
"I have discovered a conspiracy among the conservative elements of the revolution seeking to overthrow the triumvirate and declare me the new fire keeper, much like the Valais of days yonder. These conservatives have been captured and will be tried for high treason."
suddenly, his conservative entourage comes out, with soldiers escorting them. It seems despite his conservative sympathies, general Montfort has not abandoned the revolution.
He goes on "I have dedicated much of my life now to the republic, to the revolution, to the fire, to the hope but most importantly to the people. However, with this conspiracy vanquished, it is clear that no more enemies to the revolution exist within our own borders. The last enemies, exist beyond our own borders. There is little more I can offer our republic as a Triumvir, if a general's duty is to vanquish the enemies of his people then the simple reality is they have been vanquished. For me to cling onto power would be converting myself into the enemy. "
he stops for a moment, and goes on "In laymens terms I am rendering my resignation to the highest authority, the people."
The crowd is silent. They are not sure if they should cheer for the general's heroism, or if it'd look as if they are cheering on his resignation. He walks off the platform with two soldiers with him to go back to organizing for whatever war may befall his young republic next. After this news the remaining two triumvirs, Simon D'Eau and Antione come forth and Simon speaks before the crowd, barely able to contain a grin
"It's been quite some time since I wrote my grievances against the Valais family, ultimately I was first and foremost a man of the fire. I promised to dedicate my life to theology from a young age. My attack on them was solely a religious one at the time, I had no idea it would help spark the creation of the world's very first republic" he chuckles to himself, "but it was not me who led this revolution, it was the people. Nor was this revolution solely over the fire, this revolution was ultimately for the people. I could always eloquently put into words the hope I thought I might feel looking before the central fire, which never existed, but now I am unable to put into words this greater hope I can see is very much real. Not just Paysans either, the torch of revolution will be handed to all the peoples of this world in due time. But the spark is not set ablaze here yet my friends, democracy is not instilled. As I'm sure the General stated, likely less eloquently knowing him, if the triumvirate is to continue we will be no different from the Valais family. I am happy to proclaim the beginning of a convention, with representatives elected from across the country with universal suffrage to design the instruments for a new democratic government, the first of its kind. "
The Vitian Realm, Catland, and Keyraht
The Charter
Before the convention could even begin it started with a historic act never seen before in history, both man and women walked up to the voting booths to cast their ballots. The monumentous decisions that lay before them was not lost upon anyone, with Simon D'Eau writing "we hold before us the fate of not only a people, but the fate of this world". Every hopeful republican from far-flung lands would be watching to see how exactly a democracy could organize itself on a national scale, failure now would be failing not only themselves and their posterity but the entirety of the world, perhaps even the divine.
As nature dictates in such a moment, divides have begun to form in the radical faction of the revolution. They both hold the same founding ideology, that the fire is representative of the hope within each and every Payesian and is obviously not literal, and therefor each man and women should be granted equal weight in the decisions of the country. The divide exists on foreign policy and economic grounds. The "Notre Pays" movement, meaning "our country", is founded upon a nationalistic-religious policy. They believe that the fire has solely ordained hope to Payesians and therefor the revolution will solely be a Payesian phenomenon, and that any attempts to spread it is mere folly. They believe that the revolution, was equal parts political and religious and that it must remain so. On economic matters they believe in a "laissez-faire" approach, the concept is that if the government has no involvement in economic matters then in theory the invisible hand of the market should balance things out. Their main base of support is urban and rural elites, along with the more religious members of the revolution, they can also count on the support of the more conservative navy.
On the other hand, "les travaillist" are a party founded upon the economics of Liam D'Erable. They believe that fundamentally each business should be led by the workers, as if the natural development of the government was political equality, why shouldn't the same hold true for economics? They believe in strong government involvement, but argue for an odd relationship between church and state that is best described as "pluralist." They believe that the government should be guided upon by the principles of the fire, but that ultimately it is up to the individual to decide what the fire means to them. Furthermore, they take a strongly internationalist approach to the revolution, they believe that the revolution will never be secure until every man woman and child is free, therefor they are likely to support a robust army and navy. Their main base of support comes from the poor and downtrodden and the army.
For the constitutional convention both factions made overturns to Simon D'Eau and General Montfort, but both refused to weigh in on the matter, viewing it as improper. Therefor, the elections would return a convention evenly split. Something many feared might lead to deadlock. But shockingly, Liam D'Erable the leading Travaillist and the leading Notrarian Juliette Bouleau would come to an agreement, with a new system of checks and balances. The constitution would be organised as follows,
The Executive would be headed by a triumvirate, one triumvir would be directly elected by the people, another would be elected by the Chamber of the Commons, and the final one selected from among the district intendants by a vote amongst themselves. Each is elected every 5 years. The Triumvirs have supreme authority over executive matters, including martial affairs, and foreign policy. They have the authority to enter into any treaties with a simple majority vote, subject to the restrictions of the Council of Firekeepers explained later. The only exception is declaration of wars, which requires the approval of the assembly regardless.
The Chamber of the Commons would have representatives elected from each "occupation", ie some would be allocated to farmers, others to lawyers, and some for the army among many other jobs. The vast majority of economic affairs would be managed by this chamber, which could allocate funds to investing in any business or the like. This is a compromise whereby businesses will continue to be privately owned, well this could act as a "democratic" counterbalance to the otherwise oligarchic economy.
Another "chamber" that would exist is the Council of Firekeepers, the Council would be made up of 500 randomly selected citizens from a yearly basis, all business of the Triumvirs legally must be done in front of the Council which is sworn to secrecy for the duration of the year.If an individual Triumvir goes on any public business, including ever leaving the capital, they must be accompanied by a minimum of 10 Firekeepers. However, the Council has the authority to bring any information to the public eye with a majority vote, to charge the Triumvirs, and to bring any initiative of either the Triumvirs on their exclusive jurisdiction to the vote of the assembly. Ontop of this, to appease the Notrarians, the Firekeepers have the vague religious duty of "upholding public morality" whatever that may mean. The primary reason for this council's formation is that the very reason why the Valais dynasty could achieve tyranical aims was because of the secrecy of the central fire, this acts as a check on corruption.
The final significant branch of government is the popular assembly, made up of every adult Payesian they meet on a local scale headed by the popularly elected local intendants who head their districts. They are required to pass any "laws", however the definition for law is incredibly strict. Ultimately all economic and foreign policy affairs are handled by other branches of government, so the assembly acts more simply for criminal law and as a check on the other branches usually. Though the assembly may legislate on all matters, even if it is not expected to do so. Legislation can be initiated to the Assemblies from any of the other branches of government or if 20% of intendants petition to bring forth legislation. Districts will work the same as under the regime of the triumvirate, running as a diarchy, with one popularly elected intendant along with one appointed by the central government to enforce the law. The one appointed by the central government has no political powers and is merely a part of the bureaucratic apparatuses of state.
With the government in place the first elections would be held, Liam D'Erable would become the Triumvir from the Commons, Juliette Bouleau would be the Triumvir from the intendants, and as a shock to no one the popularly elected Triumvir is Simon D'Eau.
The Vitian Realm, Catland, and Zhenkwezima
Bureaucracy
The Royal Palace, Mo'ikor
Regent Te Moruon walks intently through the halls of the headquarters of the Department of State Affairs. The building is silent except for his footsteps and an air of dread fills it. The King's condition has not improved whatsoever, and absolutely everybody in the palace's vast complex knows what soon awaits. The Regent walks into a meeting room where a score of bureaucrats are waiting for him to debrief him on the situation in Keyraht's islands. Te Moruon sits down. The ornate, decorated seat where the King sits is left empty out of respect for him.
"This department is hereby convened," the Regent announces, "Now, we shall handle these briefs from north to south. How is the situation here on Wo'aru?"
"General Ron Akhaj-- garrisoned in Ta Kuong-- reports a surge in seditious activity, particularly republicans. He states his attempts at quelling them through violence, as you ordered, only seems to radicalize them further. He requests another brigade to properly handle it," an advisor says.
"Rejected. Remind the General that I merely authorized, rather than ordered, violent methods to disperse the protests as a result of declaring them acts of rebellion. This is something it seems even you failed to realize. Tell the General I recommend he stops butchering his fellow countrymen," the Regent says.
Another advisor states, "In Pahoang, the hartat (clergy) complains of immoral businesses running rampant again."
"Tell them I recommend they send these complaints to the provincial administrator. These complaints waste my, and the king's therefore, time."
The briefing continues for a couple hours. Requests for relief in a few impoverished villages on Burukai. A religious sect believing in the imminent heavenly return of Tau'am on Harakur. Republicans and menial matters everywhere. After the briefing, the Regent stands up to further emphasize his words.
"Heed me, brothers: Keyraht can not be a republic. Yet His Divine Majesty Kanewarman VII has no children, and I his regent am a eunuch. A time may soon come when we must search for a suitable King among the minor nobility. You are all dismissed."
They all shuffle out of the room, into the adjacent courtyard, and wherever they may need to go.
The Ghost King
Royal Palace, Mo'ikor
The Regent of the Kingdom of Keyraht stands alone in the royal throne room. The throne where Keyrahti kings would sit is abandoned, the king sickly in his bed. In Keyrahti state religion, where the throne stands is regarded as the center of the universe. These days, the foreigners conjecture that Keyraht sits at the easternmost edge of the world, and that the planet it lies upon is the fourth in line in the solar system. Regent Te Moruon walks out of the room and before him is a vast plaza full of men who have proved their worthiness to the Keyrahti state and are ready to be inducted into the palace complex's bureaucracy. They stand in perfect lines, awaiting the Regent's orders.
"Fellow countrymen and servants of His Divine Majesty the King, progeny of Kane, it is on his behalf I welcome you to the Royal Palace," the Regent declares, "In order for you to join the ranks of Keyrahti bureaucracy, you must first perform prostration before the King who lies within that palace and sits upon his throne, the center of the universe and of civilization. I will lead you all."
Te Moruon turns his back to the crowd and gets on his knees. The sound of hundreds of men doing the same follows. The Regent bows so low that his head touches the stone bricks of the ground. He and the hundreds of new bureaucrats bow nine times. The Regent stands up and turns back to the crowd.
"His Divine Majesty orders you to report to your assigned departments for further orders," he says. The crowd methodically empties the plaza in a rigid, orderly fashion.
Industrial Policy
With the revolution finally settling down, the country is in dire need of a complete economic overhaul. The country previously relied upon selling wine in order to fuel its economy, but with much of the wineries converted to grain farms, this has led to its main niche in the global market being overtaken. Few argue for a return to the previous wine based economy, as Triumvir Liam D'Erable argues that reliance on one good will only bring misery for Payesians. Thus the main question in everyone's mind is "how" to diversify the economy. Nonetheless with the Chamber of Commons held by "Les travaillist" the economic policy would follow their vision.
Firstly a central bank is created, this bank would be owned in majority by the government with a board appointed by the Commons. The remaining ownership would be owned by private individuals and companies, as a compromise to the Notrarians. The interest rate for the bank is purposely made incredibly low, and it is given permission to give riskier loans to any new factories made. Ontop of this the government prints 100,000 Payesians livres, a not small amount. This will lead to an increase in inflation, something Liam states is simply necessary for Payesians to keep up with the rest of the world industrially. These new funds are spent in several ways, firstly the government incorporates the "Payesian Locomotive Corporation" to create a new rail system between all Payesian cities. The hope is that with faster means of transport, the market should grow more efficient, with areas more able to specialize. With more specialists needed to fuel this new industrial economy, the government decides to invest in 3 new universities focusing primarily on the sciences, instead of theology as was traditionally the case in the past. Any "unwanted" individual in other countries with a university education or any other form of industrial knowledge is welcome to Pays D'Espoir to live on government expense if they are to teach at any of these new schools. Of course, it requires the ability for them to pick up the Payesian language. A primary issue for the Payesian economy is however demand, despite the revolution most Payesians still are either farmers with little need for finished goods or members of the urban poor unable to afford them. Thus demand for any of these new goods are low, this is to be resolved through several methods. Firstly, the government will subsidize the price of grain for the next 10 years. The hope is that with this massive expenditure, the average Payesian will have enough money in order to purchase these finished goods, kick-starting the economy. Once again many worry about rampant inflation but Liam states this is just a necessary evil. Secondly, the hope is that the wages for the grand infrastructure projects the government is doing will grant Payesian enough money. But lastly is militarization and foreign aid. However, this is not under the purview of the chamber of commons and is under the exclusive authority of the Triumvirate.
The Doctrine of Hope
With tensions of revolution spreading globally many are wondering what will be the Payesian response, therefor the three Triumvirs meet before the Fire Keepers in order to discuss this. Firstly Juliette Bouleau speaks
"let me be the first to tell you all this is an exciting time of course. I agree with everyone that we should be friends of any democracies that do arise, but we need to understand our place on this globe. Sure democracy is working well here, but how are we to know other people are capable of sustaining it? After all if it wasn't for the hope and goodness of General Montfort we'd be living under his thumb, right Simon D'Eau? That goodness right there can only be found through the hope, which can we really argue is present within all the people of this globe? If we are to support foreign revolutions, we'd simply be going against the natural intended order. If they have hope sure democracy can succeed, and it will without us, after all we needed no aid, no? If we support revolutions abroad where they are not meant to happen, will it not just be preparing them for a worse dictatorship? A dictatorship which is, naturally, more hostile to democracy and thus us and is more efficient? Plus I must ask you all are you ready for Payesians to die in foreign climates?"
it is clear she is speaking not to her fellow triumvirs, but to the crowd of Firekeepers. Therefor Liam responds in kind
"Will the mice ever be safe as long as the snake exists? No, that is the natural order, as you seem so obsessed with. Similarly, as long as royalists remained in our country, did they stop trying to hunt and kill our glorious democracy? Now my fellow triumvir you seem so relaxed to be the mice, to let fate takes it horrible cruel twisted methods and kill us. But I say it is high time the mouse looks back at the snake and take fate into her own hands. For our revolution to ever be safe no enemies can remain, for as long as they do they will make it their mission to extinguish that flame. "
Simon speaks, "Now now as someone who has actually studied theology I can say the hope is not simply a Payesian phenomon so your appeal to such... division... is unbecoming of our faith Mrs Bouleau. But Mr D'Erable, she has a point in that are we really ready to let a generation of young Payesian men die abroad?"
Liam fakes a sigh of disappointment, in fact this was exactly the result he was wishing for, "then I propose at the very least we increase the size of our military in order to defend against possible incursions. Furthermore, I think we must at least aid any democracies that do arise with material and intellectual support."
Julliete speaks "An army is a tool to be used, so I'm scared of why you intend to keep that tool, what do you wish to use it for?"
Liam responds, "Nothing beyond defence. Anything else would require the approval of the people, after all"
Thus, Liam would get his wishes and a great demand for weapons and other resources would soon be artificially created to fuel the Payesian economy. But with this a new declaration is made before the globe as a whole,
The Declaration of Hope
"The Payesian people, aware of the struggle that happens within the aftermath of a revolution, are prepared to aid any foreign government which is founded upon those very same principles as ours. For such a government to be legitimate, it requires only that it be organized even if royalist counterrevolutionaries remain. This proclamation extends only to the nations which remain unfree, thus not including Zhenkwezima a nation similarly seeking equality as much as our people did. The triumvirate is empowered to send any amount of weapons and foods deemed necessary to extend liberty in this manner, and Payesians as private citizens may organize militias to fight outside of government purview for these revolutions without being declared deserters or traitors. This proclamation should not be, under any circumstances, interpreted as a declaration of war on those unfree nations which remain, for a nation to be unfree the people must first freely express the desire to be free or else their subjugation will be interpreted as voluntary. Therefor, unless a legitimate revolutionary government exists which recognizes itself as the sole legitimate government, Payesians will not be entitled to serve abroad nor will our people send aid. "
A Flashback
About 75 years ago
King Raia III has died. Rumors spread around the palace say that he succumbed to alcohol poisoning in celebrations following the ultimate subjugation of the Harapuri chiefdoms. His widow, Queen Dowager Mateay has assumed the duties of appointing a successor. Raia III left no children, and the shrinking Bakan dynasty has been reduced to one person: a cousin of Raia III who, since becoming an orphan, has lived in a rural monastery. Bakan Waroa, seventeen years of age, has been summoned to the grand palace at Mo'ikor, where he will assume the name "Kanewarman VII."
Prince Waroa entered the palace flanked by two guards and followed behind by a score of servants. The Prince wore tattered, faded multicolored robes typical of a Keyrahti monk. The Queen Dowager wore her ornate robes and behind her stood a dozen former concubines to King Raia III. On the sides of the throne room were numerous Keyrahti ministers, nobles, and priests.
"At your service, Your Majesty," Prince Waroa said as he kneeled and bowed before the Queen Dowager.
"What an odd sight it is to see a Prince walk on his own two feet," the widowed Queen says, taking note of how the Prince refused to be brought in on a palanquin.
"My condolences on your husband's passing," the Prince said. He looked at the crowd of concubines. "And yours too," he added.
"Do not mourn, for it has come your time to be the King, the Light of the Keyrahti and ruler of this planet's four corners. Kane has gifted you his throne, and chosen you to embody his will."
"I am honored."
"I have already selected for you two consorts." The Queen Dowager snapped her fingers and two peers of Prince Waroa stepped forward. "Princess Nara and Noble Lady Airan." The two bowed to the Prince as she said their names. "They will be your wife and concubine respectively."
"I cannot," the Prince asserted, "I am a monk."
"You were a monk, and now you are a king," the Queen Dowager replied, "And a king must have children."
"I will be the last king that Keyraht ever needs. Kanewarman. That's who I shall be. May I sit on my throne now?"
The Queen Dowager stepped aside and Kanewarman took a seat upon his newly inherited throne. Everybody in the room kneeled and bowed before King Kanewarman VII. Once they all stood up, everybody took a turn shouting "Tautani hou," a classical Keyrahti blessing wishing for a million years reign.
That day, Kanewarman VII would formally wed Nara and Airan before immediately divorcing them. He granted them permission to continue to live in the Royal Palace. Raia III's former concubines were spared from being sacrificed and buried alongside their deceased husband and given pensions and residences in the outer ring of the palace complex. The Harapuri chiefdoms were organized into a protectorate, allowing for a degree of autonomy amongst the native population. The King suspended taxes for a year in celebration of his ascension to the throne. The surplus from the previous year's taxes were distributed amongst the commoners. King Kanewarman VII enjoyed immense popularity during the early years of his reign.
Zhenkwezima and Pays dEspoir
The Great Debates
Though few can remember so, the revolution was originally a religious phenomenon. It seems one of those who can remember is Juliette and her Notrarian faction. As such, while Les Travaillists have been working on economic policy they have been debating religious dogma, and have finally come up with a comprehensive piece of legislation. Juliette has personally spoken to the other triumvirs of this act, hoping to bring it before the popular assembly.
The act creates the "Dogma of Fire" as the sole official religion of the state, this church will be headed by the Firekeepers under their vague powers to regulate "morality". They will be charged with upholding the central fire in the capital of Montfeu, which will be publicly accessible to all citizens. A newfound requirement of citizenship will be membership into this church. Though the council of Firekeepers is the formal head, due to the nature of the office, they will not serve as the actual day-to-day managers of the church. Instead, the Triumvirate as a directory will be the head of this new church, which will be integrated into this new bureaucratic apparatus with all local bureaucrats serving jointly as priests. All marriages will be handled through said church, solving another issue in that no code for marriage has been made since the revolution. Thus, as of currently, the archaic marriage regime of the Ancien Régime remains in place, an incredibly patriarchal system. Though some might view these measures as against the revolution, Notrarians argue that it in fact advances women rights and ensures that a strong Payesian national identity will continue.
Immediately Liam D'Erable springs into action arguing that the Triumvirate must immediately deny these measures, thus not bringing them before the assembly. He states that freedom of thought is a fundamental right, and though Pays D'Espoir is very much a religious state every individual must be free to follow their own doctrine of hope. He then states it goes directly against his recent measures of inviting skilled foreigners with the offer of citizenship in order to industrialize the nation. Juliette responds, stating that granting citizenship was never under the purview of the Chamber of the Commons, and therefore the Council of Firekeepers must strike that. Whether due to the new powers she promises to grant them or due to genuine conviction, the Fire keepers follow through. They agree to strike the measure as "against the charter" and state it will be brought before a vote of the first held popular assemblies. After this however a vote is held on Juliette's measures and Simon D'Eau votes against it, arguing that though he supports a state church religious freedom must be guaranteed otherwise a new conservative dogma will simply arise. Juliette marches out, accompanied by no more than the legally required amount of Firekeepers and vows to bring the measure before the assembly regardless.
Quickly she would prove her words right, she has begun a vast writing campaign arguing in favour of the measure declaring "Les Travaillists" as conservatives fighting against progressing womens rights in marriage, as traitors seeking to fill the country with foreigners. Even Simon D'Eau isnt free from attacks in the press, in an anonymous publication he himself is declared a traitor for aligning with an authoritarian power. They also question what in the fire's name was Liam D'Erable doing while abroad before the revolution? They argue at one moment that he was a slaver, the next that he is somehow a former leader of a peasant revolt in Keyhrat and will bring the country to war with the monarchy. Attacks alone were expected, but she does more than just write. She invites intendants from across the country sympathetic to her cause, and begin to hold meetings among other "Notrarians" in order to ensure her measure can be brought before the popular assembly regardless by gaining the required amount of support among them. Furthermore she incorporates the "Notrarians" as an actual nonprofit organisation, which is beginning to fund reelection campaigns for supporting local intendants. This seems to indicate a fundamental shift in Payesian politics, factions have always existed but never where they organized before. The organisation formally calls itself the "Payesians for a Payesian Pays."
Partisan Politics
With the rise of the new PPP to represent the Notrarian religio-nationalist and laissez-faire base, Liam's Travailists are put at a fundamental disadvantage. In order to prevent a PPP sweep in the next popular assembly, Liam has begun travelling across the nation at his own expense, visiting farmers and the workforce of factories. He encourages the organisation of "Syndicates". These Syndicates are wholly democratic organisations to represent the workers to management, direct their elected members of the Chamber of Commons, and most importantly further the cause of "workers" throughout. On top of this, the national organisation known as "The Union of Payesian Syndicates" or UPS is created. They quickly release a manifesto supporting all of Liam D'Erable's policies. They also found a press, and in the press they attack the PPP viciously, calling them "counter-revolutionaries" and draw parallels to Juliette and many members of the Valais family. Likewise, they question whether or not Juliette is the illegitimate daughter of a branch of the Valais family.
The first popular assembly is still quite some time away. Each district needs to build buildings to actually house the assemblies, which are multiday events which may even have religious or social implications. Immediately the PPP has begun tapping into its network of rich donors in order to help fundraise for the construction of these buildings, they propose making grand cathedral like structures with a central fire. Many of the districts struggle to refuse the free construction of these buildings. In turn Liam D'Erable includes these assembly buildings in Payesian infrastructure spending arguing they are a vital part of Payesian democratic life. These assembly houses follow a classical architecture,beckoniing to a purported golden era before the Valais dynasty. Both of these expenditures have led to a relative economic upturn in the nation, with greater employment. But they have also led to personal loyalities strengthening, with many of those thanking either Liam or Julliete for their newfound employment. UPS members blame Julliete for effectively trying to supplant the state's authority through the PPP, whereas PPP supporters state that Liam is effectively embezzling state funds for partisan measures.
The Frankian-Keyrahti Treaty
The Frankian diplomatic mission has concluded their meeting with King Kanewarman VII. In what is likely to be the last of the King's major diplomatic moves, Keyraht has secured a treaty of cooperation with Judaist frankia. The terms of the treaty are as follows:
1. Frankian access to Keyrahti ports.
2. Establishment of embassies between the two states.
3. Judaist frankia will be granted permission to establish a military garrison at the important Keyrahti port of Pahoang.
4. Further trade between the two nations, with merchants facing lower tariffs and fees than those from other nations.
Additionally, King Kanewarman VII, through his Regent Te Moruon, has declared that a state of friendship now exists between the two countries.
Long Lived The King
The Eulogy of the Monk-King
At the age of 92, in the 75th year of his reign, King Kanewarman VII has died in his sleep. All the Royal Palace's courtiers were assembled in the plaza that sits before the mighty throne room, and at the top of the steps stands Regent Te Moruon wearing black mourning robes and a black cap. The only color on his outfit is a silver embroidery of the traditional Keyrahti cosmology, with Tau'am sitting in the middle. The Regent opens his mouth.
"It is with great despair that I must inform the kingdom of the passing of its King, Kanewarman VII, light of all Keyraht and ruler of the whole world. If there is one thing that should comfort you all, it is that His Divine Majesty ascended into the pure land in his serene slumber. Indeed, not only has Keyraht suffered a great loss with his passing, but so has the entirety of the universe. His Majesty was born Prince Bakan Waroa, son of Bakan Mana. At the young age of ten, his father perished in our pacification of Harakur, and young Prince Waroa enlisted himself to join the ranks of the clergy. For years, he studied the classics of our coveted faith, and at his monastery he quickly surpassed the wisdom of even the most learned and elder monks. He wore the robes of a monk with pride and honored the traditions.
At the age of seventeen, Prince Waroa ascended to the throne. As a merciful king, he relieved his predecessor's concubines of their grisly fate which the Queen Dowager sought to carry out upon them. As a king who knew the plight of his people, in the first year of his reign he levied no taxes upon the populace, allowing them to fully enjoy the fruits of their labor, and he furthermore distributed the surplus amongst those who needed it. As the Monk-King of Keyraht, His Divine Majesty Kanewarman VII sought to further enlighten his people, so he oversaw the construction of one million [not literally] temples and shrines across the kingdom. As a king who knew the horrors of pointless warfare, he maintained peace in sixty of his seventy-five years as king. His accomplishments were divine and as numerous as the stars in the night sky.
Now, he has passed onto us his kingdom. Though he may have left us, may his holy example forever guide the Kingdom of Keyraht, and may his enlightened spirit remain to sit upon the throne."
Te Moruon turns to face the throne room. He and the entire crowd proceed to kowtow before the building 75 times, once for each year Kanewarman VII reigned. Following this, a procession emerges from the building led by Minister of Rites Opu Karani carrying the golden coffin of the king. They march through the streets of Mo'ikor, which is lined by thousands of people mourning the loss of their king. The procession marches all the way to Kanewarman VII's former monastery, where his remains will be interred.
The Five Reforms
"From the date of this proclamation, the institution of feudalism is declared extinct. All laws to the contrary are repealed."
As soon as Kanewarman VII's funeral and mourning period concluded, Regent Te Moruon announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening and modernizing the kingdom. Named the Five Reforms for its five main aims, it comes following increased republican activities and civil unrest. The Five Reforms are:
1. Abolition of feudalism.
2. Nation Assembly elections within the next one hundred days. One of the main priorities of the newly reestablished National Assembly will be the selection of a new monarch for Keyraht.
3. Establishment of Mo'ikor University, a modern university where, in addition to traditional Keyrahti religious and philosophical classes, the general public will have the opportunity to study sciences and liberal arts.
4. The establishment of the Bureau of Mechanized Industry to guide Keyraht's economy into a powerful, industrialized and modern economy.
5. A public education system available to all Keyrahtis, regardless of social standing.
This has been met with support from moderate republicans. Many traditional hardliners, however, have protested these reforms as an abandonment of the traditional Keyrahti way of life.
The fire that is bound to spread.
With news of this reaching Payesian shores, the media is ablaze. Both the UPS and PPP news sources are actively spinning the story in their image. The UPS declared in the press that Pays D'Espoir is akin to a "guiding star" to the unfree people of the world, and that this revolution is proof of the globalist phenomenon of the revolution. There is even a petition across the country to make this day a Payesian holiday to celebrate in solidarity this momentous achievement, UPS news sources also reminds readers that before the "Ancien Régime" was abolished in Pays D'Espoir the position of firekeeper was held vacant for quite some time. Thus the dejure existence of a monarchy means little, and that this is the forthcoming of a second republic.
PPP news sources are much more conflicted, official party lines states that democracy is solely a Payesian phenomenon and thus this serves as propaganda against their platform, and perhaps even to the success of Liam's "Declaration of Hope". News sources vary wildly from simple claims such as this all merely being a monarchist ploy, to the more elaborate claim that Payesians and Keyrahti are secretly one people divided by an ocean and therefor the PPP was right to state democracy was solely a Payesian feature. Nonetheless, Triumvir Liam D'Erable is sent as a diplomat to Keyraht in order to investigate the situation along with 20 Councillors. Some wonder why he'd be foolish enough to go in the middle of an election campaign, possibly falling right into Julliete's ploy. Still, he is uninvited to the country due to the hasty nature of such a situation, and therefor it is not known whether he'll receive any form of recognition or even be allowed into the country.
A Payesian Triumvir in Te Moruon's Court
Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Keyraht, Liam D'Erable is granted status as a foreign diplomat. Pays D'Espoir is given a consular office in the outer ring of the Royal Palace complex, and D'Erable is understood as the young republic's Consul within the palace. Staunch monarchists within Regent Te Moruon's court criticize this, worrying it could allow devilish foreign ideals of republicanism to further taint the post-Kanewarman VII kingdom.
Montfeu rekindled
Despite Liam's reforms on welcoming foreigners stalling, the remainder of his reforms are still being enacted in his absence. The Payesian Locomotive Company has connected the capital of Montfeu with much of the producers of iron, coal, and wood. This has greatly increased the rate at which Montfeu is able to recover from the hurricane, in fact Simon D'Eau passes an infrastructure bill through the Chamber of Commons in order to redo much of the cities roads and buildings at the central government's expense. It is understood that Montfeu will not only reflect on the success of Pays D'Espoir, but on democracy as a whole, and thus these expenses are necessary to make it a worthy capital. Street lamps are placed on the city streets to increase safety, roads are repaired and widened to allow increased traffic. Aquaducts are to be constructed to give running water to the city both for publics baths and for drinking. Ontop of this the University of Montfeu is remade into a university focused on law, architecture and the sciences instead of theology. Much of the organisation is handled by Simon D'Eau who takes it has his own pet project.
But this is not even the most ambitious project, with the new regime it is deemed as necessary to create a new house for government. Thus, a new complex is to be made in the centre of the city. This massive building will house all three branches of government, all central bureaucracy, housing necessary for members of government while they are in the capital, the central fire which will simply be for display with the religious connotations under fire, along with vast amount of tables for public buffets and the necessary kitchens. This has created numerous jobs within the city and thus the economy is buzzing, with this new-found wealth plenty are moving from the countryside to the city, more than enough for these construction projects. Thus, the newfound weapon, ship, cloth, furniture, paper, and steel among many other industries are granted a boost in employment. But not all is sunshine, the city is still under construction and thus many are homeless and the poor are forced to live right next to these factories because the train within the city is not yet finished and with the aqueducts unfinished will often be drinking contaminated water. In fact, bouts of illness spread throughout the city. Luckily, with the university more focused on the sciences they are able to prevent any rash decisions like bloodletting and encourage bathing, thus decreasing the mortality. Still, Montfeu is quickly becoming a city of the world's desire, as quickly as parts of it are becoming slums.
Foreign Interference
Liam D'Erable spends his first few days frantically reading through the news, discussing with locals, and getting a grasp on the situation. With this he has realised several facts,
1. The planned national assembly exists solely as an advisory body. Meaning, as much as he hates to admit it, the PPP were correct in that this was merely a monarchist plot to survive.
2. In his opinion the ending of feudalism was incredibly hasty, in Pays D'Espoir land was collectivised after numerous reactionary plots. However without such bloodshed it is likely that the old elite will remain in power over the people in Keyraht.
Liam carefully considers his options for some time, he can not afford to spend too long abroad, for he has an election. But, if he merely accepts this monarchist regime, it'd be threatening his chances at victory by proving the PPP right. Whatever he does will be carefully watched by the Firekeepers attending him, thus he is limited in his options for intrigue.
But even electoral concerns aside it is clear that in the long run these reactionaries will not respect the right of their own people, let alone the Payesians. The revolution must either contract, lessening its radical elements to survive, or expand, encompassing the globe until all people are free. As much as the PPP might be comfortable lessening the rights of the peasants for the survival of liberty, Liam is not. For liberty to be truly won all people must be free.
He contrasts his home country to Keyraht, which brings him a sense of renewed righteousness, Pays D'Espoir is a growing industrializing power revitalized by her liberty. In contrast to Keyraht, what he views as an old, archaic society needing enlightenment. Therefor, under the broad purview he was granted, he begins to invite fellow republicans to the Payesian consulate. He gives books on the Payesian experience of republicanism, explains how peasants not only are free but own their own land. He even goes so far as to tell them of the "doctrine of hope", that all they need to do to get military support is organise a legitimate democratic government. But he reassures them that it would be best to do it through the legal process, he has one of his entourage ask if that is a legal requirement. He responds "Well no, we can support any democratic government whether or not it's legally organized, but of course to support friendly dialogue I must state I can not formally say I support any violent measures" . Further than this he even goes so far as to personally fund the creation of republican clubs, so long as they promise to avoid violence whenever possible, whatever that might mean.
A Message from the Land of Pride | Varsovia, Afromtide
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In the great courts of Velos, a message is relayed; On off-white parchment, trimmed with gold leaf, a letter appears on desks mahogany, oak, stone, marble, and cherry.
On it, a short, eloquent message.
Greetings, great leader. You are formally invited to the Varsovia peace accords in the small, beautiful land of Afromtide. Please feel free to come to our beautiful city and overview the brokering of a long peace across this bountiful sector of Velos. -Czesław Zawisza, Grand Diplomatic Envoy
Of course, alongside official script is always a message from a friend.
Brothers,
A peace is soon arriving to our region.
However, negotiations are not yet complete. Please, come along and help bring peace to the ocean between us.
-Levi Cohen, Prime Minister of Djeda
Cousins,
Talk is soon to swarm Erhus. Many will come to hurt our fair shores.
We ask that there is support from older shores.
-Annisa Tanjung, Peacemaster of Xzianza
Friends,
There is much occurring south. Our nation is the only one seeking for revolutionary change, a new, everlasting peace in our small region.
We ask that we are not alone in the journey for change. Come to Varsovia. Help us change the very definition of peace.
-André Goulart, Prime Minister of the Council Kingdom of Recife
Valued Customers,
The war has long crippled the economic relationship between the Kingdom of Hevana and the Cattish Empire. We are proud to announce that this is soon to end.
We would, however, like your hand in helping foster a peace that prevents such terrible losses to occur for a long time.
Thank you.
-Tahara Masazumi, Financial Envoy of Meiyo
Cousins,
In due time, peace will befall our beautiful shores. Deviviana, however, comes to your great nation for assistance in building everlasting peace.
Come to the Varsovia accords. Show the world the strength of eastern power.
-Gauri Bhaumik, Mother Guru of Deviviana
Come home.
Let us finally end the dispute our grandfathers began.
We wish you the best.
Catland, Zhenkwezima, and Pays dEspoir
The Payesian Triumvirate, sans the absent Liam D'Erable, agree to send a representative. Juliette, reluctant to even send a representative, will not be going abroad. Triumvir Simon reluctant to leave the reigns of state to Juliette alone decides it is best if he does not go, therefor the Triumvirate decides to send a "special representative". However, the council of Firekeepers quickly veto the idea stating that it would go against "the spirit of the charter" to send any representative alone, for it would be near identical to a Triumvir going alone to have an agent of the Triumvir go alone. Therefor a compromise is reached whereupon two special agents will go, along with 5 Firekeepers each. One representative is from the PPP and another is from the UPS, despite Liam's abscence, in the spirit of open cooperation between both the parties. They are empowered by the Chamber of Commons to negotiate economic treaties and the Triumvirate to negotiate any other foreign treaties, however they are not entitled to unilaterally ratify either.
A Response From The Land Of Enlightenment
The message is received in Keyraht. The royal court debated whether this even warrants a response. After all, Keyraht has little to gain with concerning itself with barbarous states across the ocean. Nevertheless, the court agrees to send in a minor member of the palace bureaucracy, the Priest Opu Kiwarro, youngest son of the Minister of Rites Opu Karani.
Foreign Institutions
For the second time in its history, Keyrahtis have cast their ballots. This time, suffrage was extended to all literate males. There were some exceptions to this, however. Any women employed or previously in the Royal Palace, if literate, were also permitted vote. This includes the few remaining, now elderly women who served as concubines under King Raia III. It also includes Noble Lady Airan. In total, four women were granted the privilege to vote in Keyraht. Votes were weighed. The most powerful vote belonged to male bureaucrats within the inner circle of the Royal Palace. The least powerful vote belonged to those who were women or literate farmers.
The election was held in a climate of growing interest in the ideals of republicanism. Owing to some foreign influence, more and more of the Keyrahti urban elite found themselves calling for the abolition of the monarchy. Clubs promoting republicanism sprouted up, mostly on the northernmost island of Wo'aru. The most radical of these was the Kanatamanu in Pahoang. However, in such a conservative and isolated country, monarchist sentiments are still heavily entrenched within the population. There were a number of candidates advocating for a constitutional, or at least reformed, monarchy. Many of the republicans who are not as radical found themselves supporting these candidates.
Owing to the special nature of the region, elections did not occur in the Harakuri Protectorate.
Results
Royalists - 14 seats Reformists - 7 seats Republicans - 7 seats
Liam D'Erable diligently writes home about the results, in pompous words he describes this as a "victory" for liberty, he states "it exemplifies how the flames of liberty can not be cooled even by the forgive me Simon D'Eau, water of an islander aristocracy." He describes how reformists should be considered "allies" of the revolution at least for the time being, mentioning how even in their glorious republic moderates exist causing only "minimal" trouble as a clear reference to the PPP. It's clear, by the loaded language, this letter is for public viewing . Still it should not be assumed to not contain incredibly useful information, it describes the specifics of the voting system in excruciating detail, a report on all the public information available of the representatives elected, a report on the economic state of Keyraht from his view, and on the functioning of any republican club he has details of.
In Keyraht itself he begins working slightly more covertly, with the republicans not necessarily doing the best he recognizes that he can not count on such a regime to defend him if the reactionaries attempt to fight the fires of hope with... more literal fire. He even goes so far as to moderate his rhetoric, though he still speaks about the need of the expansion of republicanism he moderates the most radical elements of the Payesian constitution to convert it into something of a moderately conservative representative republic, or even constitutional monarchy in front of some crowds. Still, pragmatic concerns have not gone out the window, as much as Pays D'Espoir is a republic, it is also a state. Therefor, Pays D'Espoir needs to look out for it's own safety. Thus, in a much more secrective letter without pomp, he requests the right to meet with the strongest states able to confront Payesian influence in the region, Zhenkwezima and Judaist frankia in order to confront what he has dubbed the "Keyrahti Question". He writes significantly less hopefully in this letter describing it as "the boiling point most likely to cause a war which our young republic is simply not prepared to face yet" still he exemplifies that his love of republicanism is not all show describing how the only conclusion he sees to this crisis is either these older states occupying Keyraht wholly, granting a moral victory to republicanism, or that some form of constitutional government arises in Keyraht. The Triumvirate quickly approves of his request, putting political infighting aside in order to ensure the republic's interests are maintained. He thus seeks to schedule a meeting with first the Frankian embassy in Keyraht.
The Kingless Monarchy
The Royal Palace
Regent Te Moruon, sits in a shrine to the recently deceased King Kanewarman VII. He looks up at a portrait of the dead God-King.
"My eternal king, please, I shall not let you down," he says. The Regent stands up, exits the shrine, and walks to the National Assembly's small building just across from the shrine. As he enters, all 28 representatives stand up, bow before him, and sit down. Te Moruon takes his seat. As the acting Chief Advisor, he presides over the assembly.
"The National Assembly of the Kingdom of Keyraht is convened," the Regent states, "The agenda as of now is the nomination of candidates to hold the coveted title of 'King.' This is a most sacred position. Whoever is granted the crown shall be the example for Keyraht, Zhenkwezima, and may even aspire to enlighten all the barbarians of the world."
A member of the Reformist faction stands up.
"The chair recognizes Representative Tauwa," Te Moruon says.
"I would like to nominate the Minister of Rites, the honorable Opu Karani. As minister, he has demonstrated his respect for its people and traditions. His experience within the bureaucracy will ensure a continuation of the wise reign of His Majesty Kanewarman VII."
"I believe I speak on behalf of all who hold our traditions dear," a staunch Royalist begins, standing up, "When I say that the National Assembly should not even consider the possibility of a eunuch reigning over our land. Minister Opu is a good man indeed, however his inability to produce heirs would only further delay the issue of inheritance."
"And who do you offer as an alternative?" The Regent asks.
"I nominate Prince Marubua of the Wasowak clan. As he is a young man, he could guarantee us a long reign. When he was a young child, he served as the Living God and King's Hand of the city of Ta Kuong. He is also the most senior heir to the Wasowak clan, a noble lineage which, according to our oral histories, is descended from Sakiwa, the companion and disciple of Tau'am." As he sits down, the Royalist says, "I yield my time."
A member of the Republican faction quickly jumps up. "I nominate nobody as the king. Keyraht has moved past the needs to preserve such an archaic institution. Nay, the men of Keyraht should be the kings of their nation." The Republican sits down.
"It is the current agenda of this National Assembly to nominate anybody as the King of Keyraht. 'Nobody' will not be considered."
Another Reformist stands up. "I nominate Noble Lady Airan. She has proven herself to be a good humanitarian for the nation. She used her peculiar conditions with which she entered the bureaucracy to further the conditions of the common man. When famine struck Burukai, she used her stipend to fund relief efforts there. She was a good friend of Kanewarman VII, and is the most merciful woman in all of Keyraht."
A Royalist objects. "We find the notion of a woman, and a former concubine, though unconsummated, serving as the King of Keyraht. To do so would be an insult to our traditions."
The varying factions bicker more over their nominees before the Regent dismisses the assembly for the day. Later that afternoon, Te Moruon walks through the Garden of One Million Flowers with Pala Mani, Minister of Defense. The Regent relays his disappointment at the meeting of the National Assembly, much to Pala's concern.
"I feel none of the candidates are proper. Opu Karani, as much as I like him, is not fit for the job. Us eunuchs are meant to serve the throne. Noble Lady Airan is completely out of the question. The people would never accept her as their Queen. And Marubua...he's too young. Can we really entrust someone as young as him with running the kingdom?" Te Moruon shakes his head, "I know Kanewarman VII was younger when he ascended, but he was an exceptional man."
"Perhaps, and it is true that eunuchs like us are never meant to sit upon the throne. However, this Marubua may be of use," Pala Mani asserts, "He could be given a proper education and molded to be just the king we need. In the meantime, somebody has to reign on his behalf, and that would be you. You could retain your power for some time. You've already proven yourself to be competent. More than just a king, Keyraht needs a leader that can lead us through this ever-more bizarre world."
The Regent nods at Pala Mani. He excuses himself, saying he has provincial reports he should address. In reality, he walks to the extravagant, vacant throne. Alone, he ascends the stone stairs of the plaza and enters the room where the seat of the King of Keyraht is. He walks around the throne, inspecting it. After the room one last time for any guards, he feels the throne's cushions and, for a fleeting moment, considers sitting on it. Instead, he steps back, kneels, and bows to the empty throne.
Zhenkwezima and Pays dEspoir
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