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Post by Admin on Dec 30, 2014 0:27:42 GMT
The Potentate, Janus Hassildor assumed his seat in the White-Gold Tower with an air of unnerve. The men and women sitting all around him at the great round table were many kinds of folk; some venal and grasping, some virtuous, some merely incompetent. It was these very people who would decide the fate of the Empire in just an hour or so; whether or not they would seal the Empire to doom or save it from the grasp of defeat, he could not say.
Janus' face had grown paler and more gaunt in the past decade; deepening lines turning his face craggy, but still he carried an air of dignity, and there was no question, he thought, that the Elder Council respected him... even if they did not love him.
He rose from his seat, and he practically felt each Councilor intake a sharp breath; he felt as though all the world were balanced upon a string that he held. He spoke, his voice as stentorian as possible.
"My good ladies and gentlemen, I bid you a good evening," he began, as smooth as one could be when under such pressure. "Under my rule the Empire has grown and prospered, and we have gained back some of our territory. But this cannot continue. This is an Empire, and I am only a Potentate..." An old and stressed Potentate, he almost said, though he knew better than to voice uncertainty, now. It might unravel all he had done.
"On this day, you will choose from among your ranks the next Emperor of Tamriel. The Emperor will of course have all the power of the Emperors of old, and the Heartlands surrounding the Imperial City will be theirs to rule. I will remain in my capacity as High Chancellor."
He awaited questions, and saw there were none; only fidgeting and discomfited Councilors, seeing their greatest chance at power.
"Those who would nominate themselves, please give a brief speech about why you would be the best possible choice... And keep it civil." He gave a weary smile, sat down, and prepared to listen to the nominees.
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jrir
New Member
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Post by jrir on Dec 30, 2014 0:40:00 GMT
I, Jrir Fahliil-Feyn, Jarl of Eastmarch, would like to put forth for consideration the Jarl, I'm sorry Count, of the Jeralls.
Not only is his position nigh impregnable from a military standpoint, his hold, sorry county, not used to these Cyrodiilic customs. Anyway, his county holds Sancre Tor, which is the spiritual heart of the Empire in many ways.
The Jeralls also contain a large diversity of races, putting him in a distinct position to see what would aid the races as a whole the most. Skyrim to the will back him, or at least his Eastern flank is covered. The seat of the Empire should be returned to the birthplace of Reman, and where Holy Talos recovered the CHIM-el Adabal! Long live the Empire!
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Post by Emperor Faustus Carvain on Dec 30, 2014 0:57:17 GMT
As he rose to his feet, Faustus felt the eyes of everyone in the chamber fall upon him. What they decided would truly change the destiny of Tamriel itself, and Faustus thought of himself as one of the more plausible choices.
"Let me start by saying that I do not think I would be the best emperor in this room. Count Janus Hassildor has earned the respect of each and every one of us, and it would be an honor to follow him. But, self-doubt behind me, I think that I would be a reasonable choice for the emperor. I admit that I am young, and I admit that I have less experience that others in this room. I have only lead Bruma for the past ten years, every since my mother left our mortal sphere and embraced Aetherius. Bruma has been as hard-hit from the Oblivion Crisis as all others here, if not more. The Great Gate itself opened outside of our fine city! But, when the gate opened, we persevered, and the statue of the Champion still stands tall! We are a tough people, and up in the Jeralls only the smart or the strong survive. Even in Falkreath or The Rift, it is fine temperature for a stroll, but when you climb the mountains, you feel your bones freeze."
Sitting down, Faustus casually began again, in full force. "Compared to most of the residents of Bruma, I am but a weakling. What does that say about me, I wonder? We know that no representative will come from Vvardenfel, since Red Mountain's eruption destroyed it, and I don't think that the kingdoms of High Rock can put aside their squabbles. The Alik'r of Hammerfel hasn't said anything about our state, I doubt the Argonians of Black Marsh will accept our invitations after how they dealth with the Oblivion Crisis compared to us. That leaves Cyrodil. Of the counties that have joined us, I believe that I am the best choice. I rest my case."
Relaxing his body, Faustus returned the stares of the others, a slight smile on his mostly impassive face all the while.
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Post by themightyforsworn on Dec 30, 2014 2:14:26 GMT
From a dark corner of the room the leaders heard the rattle of antler as a man known only as "The Leader of the Forsworn" slowly rose to his feet.
"Ladies and gentleman, I look around this room see many in fancy formal attire, with crowns of jewels and gold adorning your heads. I am more of a simple man, and I do believe that the empire and its subjects grow weary of the indulgences of the ruling class. We men and women of The Reach have been through much these past years and it has hardened our spirits and made me into a leader that has made sacrifice and swallowed pride for my people, and I am willing to the same for the people of the empire. While we may not be the most diverse peoples of the land we have taken in comers of all lands, and as of recently thanks to my new ally Jrir we have even put aside our differences with the Nords. We are also home to the most secure city in all of Skyrim if not the entire Empire. And lastly, as the rightful owners of the most fruitful silver mines of the empire, we are the holders of the purse strings of the empire which has given me more insight into the economies of the empire than I even care to know."
"The Leader" then wearily takes his seat before one last remark, "I am aware that I look like no leader compared to you many great leaders, but speak with the men whom we fought with during the Oblivion Crisis, or better speak with the Imperials from Haafingar whom we fought shield to shield with, when men yern for leadership there are few that can match the fortitude of a Reachman."
With that he leaned back taking a long drink of wine that Count Corvain was generous to share with all of the Jarls his eyes now glazed over waiting for the next to speak.
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Post by Emperor Faustus Carvain on Dec 30, 2014 3:12:02 GMT
While the Reachman sat, Faustus stood again, clapping. "Bravo, bravo! I must give credit where credit is due, and that speech was certainly good." He stopped clapping and sat, reclining in the seat in which he sat. "Yes, you hold Markarth, the ancient Dwemer ruin turned silver-mine city. I wish to ask you a question. You lead the men of the Reach, proud, hardy men that fought for their rights. But, have you lead nobles? Equally proud, although normally much less hardy, men who consider themselves above others? It's like herding cats, and while you may command the Forsworn, can you command those who were raised to look down on you, to think themselves the best? I was born and trained to do so. I have no doubt you'd make an excellent general, or tactician, but I cannot consider you a king." As he noticed the wine in the man's hands and the wine staining his lips, he looked at his own bottle, placed near his feet along with a glass, and thought to himself, He shouldn't've drunk that here. It shows that he either thinks himself as noble as those who he rejects, or he has the self-restraint of a limpet.
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Post by themightyforsworn on Dec 30, 2014 3:59:23 GMT
The Leaders eyes narrowed staring at Faustus from across the room his lip curling ever so slightly in disgust.
"So to make sure that I understand you correctly you say that because you are able to round up soft spoiled men and lead them into battle that would make you fit to be emperor? I am no fool Faustus a man does not rise to the position I have by being a foul, rude, oh how did my friend from Whiterun put it, ah yes barbarian. Over these years I have learned the ways of nobles. This does not mean that I do, or ever will embrace the nepotism and spoiled nature that you are ever so willing to indulge in. But years of forging alliances has taught me much of politics and how to deal with the.....more civilized cultures of the empire. I have no doubt that there will be those who look down on me for where I am from and my less than noble birthright...I also have no doubt that some of those people are in this room right now, but you see Faustus, it is a mans actions that will always speak loudest. No matter how fancy your clothes or how noble your birth any true warrior can see through these trappings and see a power hungry, manipulative, man. He looked around the room eyes locking with others, "and maybe that's exactly what this empire deserves"
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Post by Emperor Faustus Carvain on Dec 30, 2014 4:06:41 GMT
Faustus stared at the leader, meeting eyes with the him, but not in a threatening way. "I'm sorry... Leader... you are an honest man. As my mother used to say, sometimes you need a hammer, and sometimes you need a corkscrew. What do you think we need right now?" He raised his arms, shrugging.
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Post by Admin on Dec 30, 2014 4:09:54 GMT
The Potentate rose from his seat, hands raised in a conciliatory manner. He was quite glad that Count Faustus and the Forsworn warlord were not closer.
"Please, remain civil. I will not stand for gibes and japes, not now. If you have naught to say but cruelties and insults, then speak to each other later, in private. You may continue, if the two of you will assume a less... confrontational tone."
His deep red eyes glanced to either side of the room, his gaze shifting to each man in turn.
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Post by Emperor Faustus Carvain on Dec 30, 2014 4:15:07 GMT
Faustus feigned exaggerated offense, and said, "I have done nothing but state my observations, but I will refrain from further unnecessary commenting."
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jrir
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by jrir on Dec 30, 2014 4:18:26 GMT
The massive Nord from Eastmarch rises swiftly from his seat at the precedings, clearly agitated.
"ENOUGH!" He says, banging his gauntleted fist on the table.
"These deliberations appear to be going nowhere. Count Faustus, you insult my ally in your evaluation of him and his people. It appears to me you are not the man I thought you were. I am now in doubt of your suitability of sitting in the Ruby Throne, with this Council around or not. Clearly you do not understand a warriors culture as well as you think you do. Fresh allies we may be, but warriors understand each other. You obviously do not understand the Forsworn. The Nords are not so different. We may have nobility, but we are still a martial culture. Our nobility is by birthright, but it must be sustained by actions. A poor noble is not noble at all. From what little I gather of the Forsworn, they are not so different."
"It light of this, I think it is time for me to present my credentials for consideration. I have led Eastmarch for decades, I have served in both the forces of Eastmarch and the Imperial Legion. I have commanded both warriors and nobles. Both wealthy and peasants. I alone sit here with experience needed to take back the lands the Empire once claimed. Naturally, I couldn't do this alone. I would need the diplomats of the Cyrodiils, all variants of the Khajiit. Also the Forsworn, not only have my new friends' forces proven to be adept guerrilla fighters, they have a unique brand of Mage." Turning to the Forsworn Leader, "I believe it has been called hedge-magic, please forgive me if this term is offensive to you, I do not know what to call it otherwise. This gives us shrewd diplomats, Khajiiti assassins if need arises, Nord berserkers and warriors, and a corps of veteran Battlemages. I believe I am the only one with the ability to pull these disperse factions together. I have ruled from the throne of Ysgramor for years, I have controlled his ancestral holdings. I implore you, allow me the chance to prove that the Empire can be rebuilt stronger than ever, with all parties benefitting from my tactical expertise and the ability to draw from you, the Elder Council's knowledge and wisdom."
Jrir retakes his seat, somewhat satisfied with how he presents his argument. He takes a sip of the fine wine provided by the generous count, and takes a deep swig of mead he had brought from Skyrim to remind him of home.
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Post by Admin on Dec 30, 2014 4:26:09 GMT
//All excellent arguments, gentlemen- I must sleep now; hopefully by tomorrow some people will have voted.
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Post by Emperor Faustus Carvain on Dec 30, 2014 4:30:17 GMT
Faustus rose once more, to speak. "Jrir, it doesn't matter that you are a noble! I am sorry that a considerable amount of Imperial nobles will not accept the advice of a Nord, and I am sorry that an even larger amount will not accept a Forsworn! Both of you are accomplished warriors, accomplished tacticians, accomplished generals, and I believe that you are men that understand logic! Count Janus is the obvious choice for Emperor due to his experience as Potentate, but there will be a civil war if either of you take the throne, and that is not what we need! The Thalmor are on our doorstep! We need to unite, and the only way to do that is to be united. We need to work together, and the way to do that is to have someone that is suitable to the public eye along with experts in other fields to advise him and ultimately have the power behind the throne."
As he slumped back to his seat, he picked the wine up contemplated it once more. No. Not now.
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Post by themightyforsworn on Dec 30, 2014 4:38:43 GMT
The Leader takes a deep breath a small smile creeping across his face looking across the room at Faustus. "Well Faustus you have done what I thought was impossible....I agree with my friend Jrir. It took a Burman to show me that the Nords are not so bad after all!" A chuckle echoing across the room "No offense to you Jrir. As it would pain some of my people to be ruled over by a Nord once more so far I have yet to hear of a more rounded individual than this. I do look forward to hearing from of our other brethren for I am sure that there are questions or concerns about any of us that we have yet to dream up."
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Post by themightyforsworn on Dec 30, 2014 4:47:45 GMT
"So Faustus we should simply bow to your nations racial biases and crown you as emperor as default? I have yet to hear anyone else in this room bring up one word of racial issues yet you continue to beat that drum! It is as if that is the only defense you plan to lay before us! If you believe that the only way that your peoples will unite with the rest of the empire is if one of their own sits on the thrown then I say to hell with the lot of them! You will not hold this alliance ransom on the threat of racial tension! The only two things that you have brought up have been race and nobility, I would love to hear you make a more poinient argument for why you and not any of the other men in this room. Jrir and I aside as barbarians and Nords. I do find it interesting that you think your people would throw away a chance to defend the empire against the Thalmor in opposition to us but think that we would simply all bend our knee to your kind.
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jrir
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by jrir on Dec 30, 2014 5:03:10 GMT
"As my new friend, the Leader, says, race should not be an issue. This is about all of us. I intend to support any people who are fighting for their own freedom. The Empire cannot micromanage every single city in every province. We need loyal people who are able to not only work together as a unit in the Empire, but keep their own people content and happy. I think my Forsworn friend understands this, and he also understands, as a warrior there is honor in my words. I intend to do all I can to help his people, and those of all the Empire. With us all standing together, behind the Emperor and Elder Council, the Thalmor will remember the power of Men, no offense to any Dunmer I may have missed in the room, I know you have no love for the Thalmor either. We must shore up our alliances, remove obstacles preventing our movements, and unite as one, and it seems that the Leader and myself are the only ones being truly impartial in this! Think of this everyone, we are being so bull headed that only a Forsworn and a Nord can agree on just how asinine the racial arguments are! What the Empire needs now is someone who is not only a seasoned warrior, but can think logically, and is willing to accept sound advice and assistance from wherever it may come, and it seems that only the Leader and myself are capable of doing that. Oh and Faustus? You may want to slow down on the wine, I think some of it may be clouding your judgement at this critical moment. And Leader? Rest assured that these aren't just words. I intend to do everything in my power to rebuild the burned bridges between our people."
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