The Mystria Prosperity Convention [Closed|ATTN Mystrians]

[Malgrave]

Nadzieja Brzezicki listened carefully as the representatives for the multitude of Mystrian nations present at the conference made their viewpoints known, the Malgravean Prime Minister taking notes in response to some of the most interesting comments, a habit that she had picked up from her time in academia and something that she had found a rather welcome addition to political life.

Yet despite all of that the Prime Minister couldn't help but feel slightly nervous as she waited to speak, after all the general election was fast approaching and the people at home were increasingly expecting their government to deliver something that appeared to become closer to impossible as the days dragged on.

As the Dystan Prime Minister finished speaking, Nadzieja finished writing her notes and gave the kobold a polite round of applause before rising to give her remarks to the conference.

"Comrades,

It has been a particularly turbulent and troubling time for the Malgravean people as we have found ourselves threatened with destruction by advanced space-faring powers, endured the forced disappearance of our Head of State and their family and been forced to look at the internal organisation and ethics of our own scientific and cultural establishment.

In fact, I would say that the past few years have been the most disquieting for the Malgravean people since the darkest days of the civil war, and of course, the trauma that our ancestors all collectively endured when they were forced to flee our original homeland during the Great Exodus, and the fact that they knew that not everyone could be evacuated in time.

In response to such a crisis, I believe it would've been quite a simple affair to follow with decades of Malgravean tradition and re-enter into a period of isolation and seclusion from the international community, as we did in response to the exodus and the civil war, however, in Malgrave we understood that such a decision would be to accept defeat and to undo the progress that we have made in the 20-years since entering the international community.

You see in Malgrave we have a principle that translates into common as that of social solidarity. It is something that we have found somewhat difficult to explain to foreigners over the years, but I would describe it has the foundational understanding that everyone in a society must work together in a spirit of cooperation and friendship to ensure that a basic standard of living is enjoyed by all.

In the days immediately following the Great Exodus this principle was put to its greatest test, as the Malgravean people found themselves stranded in a new land without much in the way of permanent shelter and with a dwindling food supply, however, the Malgravean people came together sharing accommodations, clothing, food and other essential items and we eventually emerged from the crisis to form the nation that you know today.

Malgrave is quite fortunate to possess a strong economy in which the benefits of growth are shared broadly amongst the general public, and that combined with a strong social safety net ensures that while the principles of social solidarity are alive and well these principles can be utilised to help those in need across the international community.

I am exceptionally proud of the work that Malgrave has performed to support those struggling in Crystal Spires, Imeriata and indeed the various parts of Altea, with the Territorial Defence Force and Royal Marines working together with brave volunteers from the Ancestral Study Group and valued experts from companies such as MalTec and MalTra to help these areas move forward to a brighter future, an example being those in Imeriata that have ensured that the transportation network and sanitation network destroyed by orbital bombardment has not only been repaired but improved to meet the demands of the future.

In performing these international assistance operations the Malgravean government discovered that Mystria lacks quite a few important standards in practically every field from railway gauges to even more pressing areas such as anti-corruption efforts, and for that reason, the Malgravean government believes it is of the utmost importance that this conference agrees to establish a non-governmental organisation to develop and promote such international standards.

In that end Malgrave proposes the establishment of an international body in Epping, Malgrave called the AEQ, named in such for the Malgravean Ancient term for equilibrium which we believe is rather appropriate for an organisation designed to establish balance in the region.

I have also listened to the concerns that the C'tani and Rohanian delegations have made in regards to the provision of quality education and immigration, and we find ourselves in broad agreement with the principles outlined here today. Malgravean educational institutions have entered into quite agreeable partnerships with fellow institutions in Crystal Spires, Kouralia and the Dornalian Republic and we believe that the facilitation of a relationship with more institutions across the wider Mystrian region will be a good thing.

In addition to that, the current Malgravean government is a firm supporter of freedom of movement, especially in regards to the ability of students to travel abroad for study and that is why Malgrave has quite a streamlined process for foreigners wishing to enter the country to enroll in a University or Academy, and we would like to see such a scheme promoted across the Mystrian region.

I have also listened to the proposals made by the Silverdalean delegation in regards to the establishment of protections for our environment and wider ecosystem, and while it is quite distressing to hear that certain parts of our ecosystem are under threat of becoming extinct as Malgrave has invested quite some considerable time in the field of environmental science we believe that Mystria should be able to work together to establish a body to conserve our previous environment, and the establishment of the AEQ would also have a positive impact in this vital area.

While I have heard policies on a wide number of policies that the Malgravean government can support I believe that it is important to raise concerns that we have about some of the proposals that have been brought before us today, an example being the hypothetical court system that I have heard mentioned here earlier.

It is the opinion of the current Malgravean government that such an arrangement could potentially lead to frivilous law suits being filed against the Malgravean state, for example a foreign government that doesn't like the current organisation of the Malgravean economy could file a dispute and attempt to force their way into the Malgravean electronics market or they could object to planned expansion in the Research Colony and undermine our continued journey towards ascension by blockading a means of scientific development, so as it stands Malgrave will not be supporting this court arrangement.

Yet despite this minor disagreement I remain hopeful that we can come together during this conference and make real progress on areas such as standarisation, the promotion of education and freedom of movement and other schemes designed to improve the livelihoods of people living in the Mystrian region, and so to everyone here I say thank you and may the ancestors continue to watch over you.

[Imeriata]

Primus returned the nod even if his face and the suspicious narrowing of his eyes at the suggestions that came about the decreased protection of trade barriers, an influx of goods that way would drain the coffers of the weaker trader partner and leave them dependent on others he knew far well. He did however sit in silence for a moment, very much the model image of the kind of regents the starcrowned dynasty had portrayed themselves as for untold centuries, a divinely appointed regent and upholder of the old ways. His regalia was that not of a mere ruler but an iron aged warlord, his crown was a war helmet akin to those that had been forged by warrior kings in eons past, his chest was covered in shimmering maile as the old arcane hauberk he was wearing was a masterpiece of ironwork and enchantment. Over his shoulder hang a checkered cloak of silver and golden yellow with the head of a lion resting on his shoulders. His trousers however were more modern cut and clung tightly to his body with long leather boots covering most of them. Two of his guards stood before him dressed in similar ceremonial hauberks and bronzed helmets, shields painted white in their hands with archaic stylisation of the golden eagle that his dynasty had always made use of painted upon them.

Behind him was a great gaggle of servants, adjutants, and protection, dressed in all colours and shapes representing the miriad of people in the federation from lightly dressed non-humans with the ears of rabbit in the case of Honey Sweetear that served as the representative of the realm of Leporidaeria that at the moment was in a hushed conversation with his cousin about something or another. Others wore the exotic dress of the sun worshipers, but most of them were of Scanderan origins, no matter if their skin was dark, or pale did most of them wear the rough similar set of tunics and dresses that were embroidered as decorations as was the custom of the home continent.

Most common amongst the group was the dress of the high guard, his personal protectors. Instead of the ceremonial outfits of the men before him did these men wear far more practical outfits made of quilted black silk with golden and red embroideries on them. Their faces were hidden behind angelic masks attached to silvery helmets made from runesilver as the Scanderans called it, Scanderan mithril was another term even if the alloy was neither made from or even as strong as the real ore that other people's made us of. Their chests were protected by cuirasses of the same material and in their hand did they hold the gilded ebony KVG-09's that was a more ornate version of the humble weapon that all warriors of the royal guard made use of.


"Great exodus! The cowards ran from justice leaving kin behind!" Muttered a voice in the good old tongue from behind him.

"bloody hypocrites!" the voice continued, a well known voice but somewhat understandable as Brigita Fridasdottir, one of the lord elects that dominated the commoner's part of the royal court shared a special kinship with the Malgraveans as her short stature attested, however she like most of her kin was still a bit salty about being left behind. Despite having made their successful way through the federation rising to certain levels of success and producing loyal subjects of the Absolute Royal Federation.

"The legal question of a court raises far too many questions, which law will held primacy, should it be based on the old Scanderan codes? Or should it be based upon barbarous codes of legality? Whom amongst us would step forward and suggest their code of law as the legal primacy of the region?" Primus instead cut in to the discussions before him. "Would our privileges as monarch put us above the courts of men? would we extend the same privileges to burghermasters?" He continued using the term Imerians often used to any elected head of state even if the closest translation was the far less august title of mayor. "What about topics on which legal codes differ? Should the gravedigger be whipped in the public square as the Scanderan law codes dictates? Or should we fall back on those barbaric practises where such crimes are not punished?"

"As far as the question of education goes, of course would the federation be more than willing to open our schools for those who would search the world for betterment and learn of our ways! It has always been our intent, and we have made no secret about it, that We wished for all to learn our ways and allow the old ways of Scandera to flourish abroad and to make all that are enriched by their wisdom greater! We are also willing to encourage the free movement in as far as We see it reasonable and does not go contradictionary to federal law and royal ordinances in our domains! We are however willing to at least lower our tariffs to the same levels We did for fellow members of the Greater Prussian Empire, however, We will resist any attempt at formalisation of standards for products, We and We alone should set such rules for what We consider safe for our people!" He said firmly, hesitating for a moment as if chewing on something vile as he said the words 'lowering tariffs'. Of course the federation had begrudgingly resigned itself to follow GPE regulations on lower tariffs between fellow member states but it had of course also cut at those demands with a vengeance as far as finding loopholes were concerned and where once mighty walls of tariff controls had stood hand instead mazes of regulations, exceptions, and other royal ordinances popped up to make trade for outsiders in the federation more than complicated and challenging enough to make it, while easier, still an uphill struggle. Made even worse with the utter suspicion the federation showed such investments and new companies, made even worse by the fact that the federation also made no secret about them being more than willing to revert policy on the matter if they felt like the foreigners were getting too big for their shoes. An act of kindness the federation apparently was willing to extend as an olive branch to fellow Mystrians, even if it was hardly a very generous gesture.

"However, the issue of defence and the eradication of the great beasts that prowl our region is one We however can offer the solution to, for those that wishes will We, with all the power of our birth and the great glorious legacy that haveth been placed upon Our shoulders by the great Gods above and the long line of ancestors that gave Us Our powers in turn and through whom Our legitimacy flows, offer the royal guard of the Krigsmakt to scour your lands! Let it be said that nowhere where the guardsman in the Blue dress goes will not rejoice and jubilation of those he save follow! THUS SAYETH WE, MYSTRIAN YOU KNOW OF US, YOU KNOW OUR COLOURS AND OUR DEEDS, LET THOSE THAT THREATEN YE BE LAID DOWN AND SLAIN BY OUR MIGHTY! FOR THUS HAVETH WE DECREED!"

[The Ctan]

Telissat looked at the group and let his hand flicker over the paper in front of him. The C’tani used a cursive tradition in their writing, and to understand Necrontyr in its written form one had to be familiar with three different script-forms, including the dreaded sine-script. Telissat’s handwriting was in the less elaborate demotic style, short brush-strokes of a tapering pen as he wrote.

“Then I think we have our agenda,” he said.

1. Mystrian Wildlife Foundation
2. Regional Customs Union
3. Student Exchange Programme
4. Free Travel
5. Space Exploration
6. Intelligence Sharing
7. Teleportation Law
8. Regional Goods Standards
9. Monster Attacks
10. Regional Court of Arbitration
11. Regional Criminal Court
12. Space Exploration
13. Mystrian Wildlife Foundation
14. Teleportation Law
15. Monster Attacks

“The AEQ seems to the topic at hand, so it hardly goes to say that we think this is a fine option to consolidate several of the key items into an effective framework and would endorse such an idea.”

[Rintyar]

*2 Days Before the Convention*

Two warriors clashed in the center of a circular mat, one armed in a leather mimicry of the typical muscle cuirass and skirt of the Norai noble warriors, painted largely black with red accents. The other was armed with a mere red loincloth, wearing a bracelet that identified him as a lowly slave in ages past. They were in fact a unique style of actor, playing out a very unique take on an ancient slave rebellion.

Both were lean young men, each clean shaven and ashen skinned. The slave’s hair was long and straight, complimenting its silver color. The warrior’s hair was a dark, wavy red, only adding to their differences. The slave in particular had golden piercings on his chest, seemingly to further cement his position as part of the Queen’s Harem.

They grappled with each other, both trying to test one another’s strengths as they grimaced. Before long, the slave held the advantage, putting his opponent in a headlock, showing off his body slightly more so as he held his opponent down tightly, only forced to let go after the soldier’s elbow smacked him in his defenseless belly. 

They would continue to grapple and strike one another, all for the entertainment of their queen. Before long, after a long and grueling set of chops, headlocks, and several painful holds, it seemed that the ‘soldier’ was finally put down by being placed in a camel clutch, his upper body stretched to the point where he finally tapped out and begged for mercy from his opponent. 

Further depravities continued on the mats they fought in, watched intently by their Queen before the arrival of her esteemed guest and superior.

Kaimara watched the scene unfold before her with a slight sigh. She knew the Queen of the Undercities was perhaps too fond of her harem, lovely gentlemen as they may have been.

“Empress Kaimara! A pleasure to meet you on our latest diplomatic adventure, my alleged spouse.” 

The still current ruler of the Undercities walked with that same ludicrous ostentatiousness of all Rintyari Drow, her body swaying in a wholly confident and narcissistic manner necessitated by their nobility. 

There was a strange feeling, looking at the other woman as if she had never aged much. Kaimara herself hadn't aged much either, looking as young as she did when she had struck that blow on the Black Queen of Seydasi.

Arathiel, Queen of the Undercities, wore a unique ensemble for the gathering, a bronze muscle cuirass, engraved with silver and rubies to create a near perfect, idealized look at her upper chest, worn over a thin silk tunic. It was of no real use so much for anything more than showing off the immense wealth of her family,. In truth, Kaimara mused to herself, the Drow Queen's abs almost looked more impressive than their metal recreation.

"Ah, yes, how could I forget the ever so irresistible charms of a woman so old she could have been my grandmother when my blade was the most dangerous weapon of war."

The Drow ’ put on a faux shock at Kaimara’s words. In practice, the only people who could have meaningfully told her age would have been other Drow, still looking beautiful and only barely beginning to show the many stresses that age brings with it, a very slight crow’s feet starting to develop at the edge of her eyes. 

"Oh, quit being so glum and hurtful. I enjoyed you when you were younger, so much less serious and miserable all the time too!” 

Kaimara, having been invited to this quick, debaucherous display, couldn’t help but sigh in return.

“Yeah… I miss those days too. I’m afraid I have a people to lead here, especially since quite frankly-”

“Rintyar’s current prime minister is a total idiot and an ideologue more interested in spiting her political opponents than any serious improvements in the nation?” 

“... Yeah, there is that. I was referring more to the various issues at hand in the world at large, the presence of the Thalassians amongst other things.”

“Mmm.” Aratheil leaned in and stood on her toes to give the Raizari a kiss on the cheek, some of her inherent and great magic prowess sinking into the larger woman. This brought the Empress a strange mess of sensations, irresistible to the lesser wills and unbelievably alien.      

"You're the Empress here. She gets in your way, you knock her down. The Thalassians are pissants and their claims of authority meaningless. You have nothing to worry about here.” 

“I know. I do not know who to trust beyond the Rohanians and the Dystans however, everyone else could be a threat for all I know.” 

"Even your own prime minister."

Kaimara couldn't help but chuckle in return, returning the kiss shortly afterwards, actually having to lean down to kiss the smaller figure. “I guess I have nothing left but to wait and see. Do you have everything ready for that?"

"Of course, of course. I merely intend to relax before it is time now that I have made my preparations ahead of time."

Kaimara turned over to the two harem fighters, both having finished their scuffle. The slave, dominant and victorious, kissed his defeated opponent as he planted him against the floor, both now wholly stripped of their prior garments. They were totally oblivious to the arrival of more Drow men. Dressed in fully covering executioner masks and black loincloths, only their mouths exposed, several of them licked their lips, enticed by the events about to unfold.

"I keep forgetting that your idea of how to relax is always bathed in depravity and young men, Arathiel. One of these days the Goddesses will smite you into chastity."

"Oh, collector of husbands and titles, don't act so coy about your own celibate ways."

***

*During the convention*


Satara, Prime Minister of Rintyar, wore a less revealing outfit than either of her political elders, arriving in a still very traditional and official formal wear, consisting of a simple blue suit and slacks worn authoritatively with a jacket and tie, giving her a rather chaste attire by comparison to the more openly exotic figures of the other figures

The President of Ranstreimos, by contrast, wore her traditional outfit, almost to flaunt her people’s unique style and persona from their more traditionalist allies near their coasts. 

Kaimara Nictores, Satara, and Aratheil Vozreine all sat in close proximity. Taking a slight but obvious distance was the Ranstreimosi President, almost summarizing the close but distanced relation Ranstreimos and Rintyar now held. 

They spent much of their time listening to the other candidates for now, biding their time to argue their points.

“I don’t like their talking points. The constituents aren’t going to want foreign workers here.” Satara mumbled to herself in a tone and accent terribly alien to Kaimara. The language of Rintyar had changed so thoroughly since she had first ascended to the throne that it took a concentrated effort at times to keep up with a conversation, though this was alleviated by several light magics placed in her outfit to make her understand everything around her a fair bit better.

“Making trade easier for all of us is good, no point in arguing against it. We can still handle the specific issues later of course." Arathiel whispered back into the Prime Minister’s ear, only learning an annoyed look back from her..

Imeriatans, only good for throwing themselves against other creatures anyways. Not a lot to learn from them.

Kaimara thought to herself as she let him finish speaking, before turning back to the three individuals besides her. 


Before she could get any of her thoughts through, Satara would stand shortly after the Imerians finished, deciding to take the offensive so to speak. 


“I appreciate your ideas on information sharing and trade agreements, Sherozi. I personally have some qualms about the ideas of expanding movement across our nations and pouring together into one greater alliance against monsters with so many misaligned interests, but I shall refrain from commenting on them now.” 

“Begrudgingly, the Imeriatans bring a point about the futility of such a court proposed for the purposes of unifying the region under a court of law. I do not believe it is in our best interests to give any potential authority over ourselves or any other Mystrian to nations and people undeserving of it. My cabinet cannot possibly agree with this.” 

Kaimara wasn’t fond of Satara so blatantly going past her to discuss here, but she kept her silence and neutral looks for the moment. It was clear that she wanted to please her party first and foremost by reassuring and stoking their fears in equal measure, a fact that only bothered the old Empress further. 

“More importantly,” she began, making it clear that the Prime Minister had perhaps overstepped her boundary. “I do not approve of such a decision myself. I would, however, like to extend a more open hand towards combating potential threats beyond the Dragon Sea Alliance. Combating unwanted piracy, trafficking, and criminal movements should be the goal of all nations, and I do believe we could make further progress on that end through even a basic modicum of cooperation." 

[The Ctan]

Telissat listened to the responses that were coming to the idea of a regional warcrimes court with a mixed feeling of pleasure and guilt, on the first side it was simple enough; he recognized easily that it was a ploy in part to try and confine his people’s influence, and that was against their intrests. On the other his principles did suggest that such a thing was a good idea. International cooperation and goodwill were the name of the game after all.

“I think it must be said that while we are in favour of the universal concepts of Law approved by many of our peoples here,” Telissat, “we sit in a hall designed around the principles of the Just God, where ordered repetition is used to focus the mind on the Just God’s net of law that extends throughout the cosmos.

“The other widespread religions of my homeland, the Shemsu Ma’at, whose name might be called the Followers of Law, the Celestarii, the Numenists, the Adherents, all follow a strong teaching that Law is the underlying cosmic constant.

“We are zealous adherents of Law,” she said, “but we must be prudent not to buy anything with the name ‘Law’ on it. Our nations have law codes, but that does not mean they are always perfect representations of justice.

“Likewise the political process is messy and subject to biases and pressure of all kinds,” the C’tani leader said. “None would question that the Spirean People are amongst the most devoted to Law and justice, these values are inculcated in Spirean Culture at every level, but by that same standard, I do not believe that many would regard the Spirean law code as universally applicable. I doubt that our friends of Rohane would consent to a Spirean-led court initiative, fearing that such an initiative would be as inflexible as the Spirean justice system itself.

“Perhaps then someone who prizes the normative values of international society more than we do, and whose nation has shown a reckless disregard to threats and influence,” he said.

Telissat looked at Primus, “We would be happy to support a regional court of sovereignty under the auspices of Imeriata,” he said. “The Absolute Royal Federation is nothing if not Absolute on these things,” she said. “Immune to pressures and with a straightforward concept of the state and international law that anyone can understand in five minutes.

“You may say ‘Ah, but slavery’ - indeed, but our people first met the Imerians on the plains of Vorradia, liberating slaves and overthrowing wicked regimes. We said then that we would one day liberate the slaves of the Federation, and this, we have done, and with the High King’s aid the Federation now stands as a shining beacon of law for all in the wide world to see.

“But, I know as well as all that this idea seems unpopular; but it illustrates the point. Mystria has much in common, but I do not think that such an institution would be apolitical…

“We oppose such a motion.”

[Imeriata]

"We give Our thanks to the honoured master of the great civilisation! His words as well as the truth in them warms Our heart deeply and We can only hope to be able to offer Our thanks and gratitude eternal!" The muffled voice of Primus came out, slightly tinted with a metallic tang as his face covering crown stood proud guard before his mouth. As it had done for untold eons upon countless ancestors of his. Ancestors that could be traced even back to the days of bronze. "We would second any suggestion of a court under federal auspices and we vow upon salt, earth, iron, flowers, and flame that we would uphold unto the best of our ability the just and honoured laws that were universal amongst us all, and not to bring persecution for those laws that only a few of us follows! Thus We say onto thee, let Our words be known and let you know them to be true and strong! For none here may stand amongst Our people and Our realms as far as truthfulness goes. Samewise are Our domains known far and well in their permanence, nay will there come a time when mere a scant few years a master amongst the burghers will be elected for thee know that Our and Our sons will sit upon the silver throne, and you know that Our and Our sons rules will follow in the steps of those that came before us! Thusly you can know Our word to be upheld as long as a rightful king rules Our glorious domains!" He added rising from his seated place as the glowing light behind the eyes of the crown went upon each and every person in the room.

"As the honoured master of the great civilisation confirms, aye our crimes in slavery is well known and upon that We and Ours know shame, but alas, We and Ours strike at such a scourge whenever it falls, We and Ours have proven Our redemption tenfold! We and Ours have over and over walked out and taken up the mantle of resistance against our foe no matter the cause, thusly can we show that we are impartial to any attempt at interfering with our or those judges under us's decisions! Likewise are We and Ours more than willing take lawspeakers from all of your realms and hear them out and allow them to decide amongst them and Us about if punishment is called for and according to all our laws if they should be punished!" He continued tall and loudly, proud like an eagle.

"Thusly, under the condition that it falls upon Our shoulders to behold and protect such deliberations, with those conditions do we approve such an idea!"

[Dyste]

"Oh, really?" Tyroth grinned. "It appears that the High King himself seems to have many wonderful ideas." He could tell that perhaps Primus really had what he believed to be the best interests of Mystria at heart, even if he was misguided in his practice. "I have to say I agree with Telissat in that such a court could not fit all of our notions of justice, however it may try. After all, laws vary wildly in different parts of Mystria, even amongst allies; the Rohanians have no laws dealing with the usage of magic, whereas we Dystans have an entire branch of law dedicated to such means. It is why my little companion wished to bring up teleportation law, after all. I understand that there is some merit to the idea of such a court, but... I cannot in good faith support such a notion, I do not believe it can be impartial. However, I can approve of ideas that would help bring Mystria as a region together. Just... perhaps ones that do not involve us judging one another."

"AEQ, this AEQ, such letters mean nothing to me," Prime Minster Gnomekicker said. "But the idea does intrigue me. It would be good to share such ideas together, and in turn all of us may have advancements to improve our livelihood. Dyste is of course one of the most forward nations in Mystria when it comes to Magitek and airship development," the invention of the modern airship, while ultimately taken from designs from Lufenia, was often accredited to Dyste during the Imperial War. "Of course, that is why improving trade routes would be good for us all! We of course have such an agreement with the Dragon Sea Alliance, Sage Whitewing saw to that ages ago. But perhaps we can see about expanding such routes."

[Legokiller]

“Silverdale is hesitant to support a regional system of court.” President Fluffykins spoke after she heard the others say their piece. “The concerns for how impartial and apolitical this court will be is questionable and may strain what we wish to build as friends. Hence we’ll say nay.”

“The AEQ, hm.” Jinx buzzed for a second. “This does intrigue us as it may roll our efforts to conserve the environment alongside many other subjects to standardize. Of course, to do so, we have to be mindful of how our education will be beneficial to the students and find appreciation for technology to the natural world itself. This balance must be done with full knowledge, on what will impact our nations and the local environment. I believe that Silverdale will support the AEQ.”

[The Ctan]

“Well said, honored High King,” Telissat said, feeling conciliatory in his tone, “there is something to be said for the idea of a regional court indeed and though we think it unlikely that such a court will be formed, we are happy to endorse the Absolute Royal Federation as a location for it. However, it is with regret that I must say I do not think the avenue of discussion is worth further consideration, we must be mindful that to be effective as an instrument of peace, much coalition building would be required, and that is not something that we can offer here. We would be remiss in suggesting that we could commit personnel or resources to this idea of an all-Mystria international court without a solid game-plan that we could all say would not see countless man-hours wasted without notable buy in.”

This of course was perhaps the most direct ‘no’ that he could offer without seeming to disagree with the idea per se. Even for his own culture, time was not free, and the limited pool of government adepts were not to be squandered. “For that reason although we like the idea, the implementation must remain a ‘no’ for us, and with that in mind, unless anyone has any objection, I should like to move on.”

Telissat turned to look at Prime Minister Gnomekicker, and nodded an affirmative, “I am glad to hear support for the idea of the AEQ and would be happy to support the name, as well as the location of such an institution, while it would not itself be an instrument for climate management, we can imagine any number of scenarios where that would be helpful for the environment, and certainly in terms of emissions, and other such dangerous effects the benefit of clear international measurement and production standards will allow for other agreements to be made in the future.

Telissat examined his agenda items and struck through the sine-script with a triple brush stroke to eliminate an item, before swirling notes off the side of it to an angle, giving the single upward line of text branches like tree and roots.

1. Mystrian Wildlife Foundation
2. Regional Customs Union
3. Student Exchange Programme
4. Free Travel
5. Space Exploration
6. Intelligence Sharing
7. Teleportation Law
8. Regional Goods Standards - Positive support.
9. Regional Court of Arbitration Query this?
10. Regional Criminal Court Little support.
11. Monster Attacks

“Perhaps,” he said to Jinx, “it would be best to discuss the environmental initiatives that the nations of Mystria could work on as a group? If you would care to lead the discussion, I am certain there is much that we can do to support that and I assure you that there are many here who would support such initiatives.”

[Legokiller]

“Why, of course.” Jinx Beeworth stepped up from her seat and beegan to explain the proposal. “As friends, we can acknowledge that the land we dwell in Mystria has shaped our nations to what they are, and impacted us on a cultural level. Yet, as we reach new highs and living standards, the risk of its destruction and exploitation of resources to nefarious mako plants took its toll on the environment. This led to many extinction of animals, to illnesses that affect both folks on land and underwater. However, we can strive to rebuild and protect our ecosystems for us to the purpose.

“The Mystrian Wildlife Foundation will be this organization for our member nations to help protect the environment. The initiative will cover many needs, such as studies and classification of the current status of flora and fauna across the land, and determine if one is in critical danger or not. This will include studies on the causes of it. We can build solutions like wildlife preservations to projects to raise the population to the land they’re in at a healthy level. We can also contribute experts from our lands such as druids and other nature speakers to get a clearer idea of course.”

“The Mystrian Wildlife Foundation can also offer their advice to help distant solutions to help the ecosystem to be free from hazardous pollution.” Jinx then bowed. “I thank you all for your time.”

[Malgrave]

Nadzieja Brzezicki bowed in the direction of Jinx Beeworth and the Silverdalean delegation as they finished speaking, a sign of respect and thanks in Malgravean tradition and one she hoped that the delegates present would understand.

"I am quite thankful to the Silverdalean delegation for noting the importance of protecting our environment, as noted the inherent greed of the global financial system has often resulted in damage being inflicted upon our natural environment for short-term gain, however, the United Kingdom of Malgrave has long abandoned such short-term goals in pursuit of a system based on long-term sustainability and the principle of solidarity which means that as with the Silverdaleans, Imerians and I suspect Dystans we have a desire to protect our ecosystem.

I applaud the establishment of this Mystrian Wildlife Foundation and initiatives such as the study and classifications of the current status of flora, fauna and other parts of our ecosystem, however, in the short-term I suggest that such a foundation receive all current information from the relevant local agency in the nation of each of our nations to prevent known information being researched multiple times, for example Malgave has a government agency dedicated to the protection of the environment and a research institute tasked with storing and protecting information on the ecosystem that can and will be submitted to any such Mystrian Wildlife Foundation when it is established.

I believe that it should also be recognised that the oceans, lakes and assorted waterways of the region aren't just inhabited by non-sentient life but also sentient people that depend on the protection of said environment to live a prosperous and secure live. In recognition and respect to such life the United Kingdom of Malgrave has enacted tough measures to prevent dumping harming these environments and we have also carefully created a series of regulations concerning noise pollution from the engines or merchant ships and the RADAR/SONAR typically deployed during navigation of the seas and I recommend that nations that don't already follow similar practices take action to remedy this in the future.

It should also be noted that measures to protect the environment should also consider the air around us, for example research conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science & Engineering established that air pollution has an incredibly harsh negative impact on the health of all lifeforms, and you can imagine how that factors in with large lifeforms like draconids that might spend a lot of time exerting themselves in potential dirty air environments or smaller lifeforms such as kobolds that don't have the ideal lung capacity and can be more easily harmed by breathing difficulties.

I suggest that we work together to reduce emissions from known sources of air pollution such as that caused by the burning of fossil fuels for power production, the continued use of industrial facilities and the dangerous levels of dust that can be generated from mining activities, for example in Malgrave our limited mining operations are closed during periods of particular bad weather and we take care to limit the spread of dust during the extraction and storage of these resources. In the interest of maintaining a sense of social solidarity with our environment and assisting the public health of our friends, colleagues and loved ones I implore the members of this convention to look at these measures as well.

I thank the Silverdaleans for bringing up the environment during these talks, and may the ancestors watch over your path."

Nadzieja once again bowed towards the Silverdalean delegation and again once more to the rest of the room before taking her seat.

[Dyste]

Winstara Gnomekicker allowed for the Malgravean delegation to finish speaking before offering up his own opinion on the matter, "We in Dyste do highly value the environment; many of the reasons we can occasionally be wary of technologies if the environmental impact they might have. Of course, some technologies can actually be beneficial to us. Of course, while I am no Mage, Dystans often have magical solutions to problems such as these; there are spells to purify water, or to make the land more fertile, after all. Naturally that is not an option for all of you, but we are wlling to share our knowledge on such things."

"While not quite as old as the Silverdalean form of druids, Dyste has had a long-standing druid's circle that has aided in the preservation of wildlife, founded by the famous heroine Mishera Val'Shorath and currently headed by her daughter Reina." The drow founder was one of Tyroth's old adventuring partners. "The group accepts people from anywhere, be they elf, Draconid, bovinian, sylph... I admit that my fellow kobolds can be a little suspicious of why nature should be protected, but rest assured, as Dyste's Prime Minister I understand all too well. My Malgravean counterpart does bring up a good point on how air pollution can affect those of us with different lung capacity, after all. Regardless, while not every nation employs druids, I think it is something to consider."

"Regarding both of these points, I do acknowledge they are not for every nation, but that proves why we need a unified foundation, so we can find what is right for all nations. Somewhere like Rohane Alista might not be capable of utilizing such magic, but they have methods we do not have. If we can cooperation for a better health of the planet, we all benefit from it. There is no reason not to move forward with such an idea, I say."

[New Dornalia]

For his part, Gerald hadn't been asleep. Rather, like a good diplomat, he had been taking notes on what was being discussed. The environmental proposal seemed to be the safest one, which people definitely agreed upon--well, the Dysteans and the Silverdaleans, at least. Gerald stood up and went, "I echo the sentiments expressed so far regarding the Mystrian Wildlife Federation. Any environmental initiative which preserves the flora, fauna and natural beauty of Mystria for generations to come is something I believe the Colonial Republic can get behind, with both magic and science support." The extent of magic and science support wasn't explicated on, but Gerald figured that to boast about the ability of the Dornies to help out the initiative would come off as more offensive than supportive. So, Gerald moved on.

That being said, it wouldn't hurt, Gerald felt, to offer at least one Dornalian institution--well, more like suggest them. State Department rules technically frowned upon officially sponsoring one group or another.

So, by coughing--or performing some Tentaculan equivalent thereof--Gerald continued, turning to Winstara and Jinx, "I particularly echo the sentiments expressed earlier in regards to the employment of magical resources, particularly by Prime Minister Gnomekicker. The Colonial Republic could put your peoples' druids in touch with our...well, the official term is 'Empowered', but most folks call 'em magical types. You've probably seen them out and about in Mystria, but well, figured it wouldn't hurt to bring them up here. Groups like the Order of the Vanguards and their Order of the Platypus, the Order of Elizabeth the Fair, et cetera. At the very least, it's good networking."

Looking about, Gerald then nodded and sat down, eager to see who would comment next.

[The Ctan]

“There seems to be no objection to a Mystrian Wildlife Foundation, and I would suggest that we consider that matter moved to a conclusion, of course remembering that we are not necessarily suggesting a binding motion here that every member of the region must abide by, bur a set of opt-in protocols. I certainly feel that it is essential that any major environmental movement within Mystria include a major element of magic, Kouralian fae mages would be another example of those who actively seek to keep magical forces in balance with human forces, and should be included, I think.”

He took a sip of water, though he was a machine, Telissat’s far-off primary mind acted through a remote avatar and that was cybernetic, flesh over its metal armature, meaning that as much as any necrontyr he could find his mouth became dry with prolonged speaking.

“If I may, I would like to address a topic of particular importance to us, as accurately pointed out by Deputy Ambassador Kaang. It cannot be denied that space travel particularly has become a topic of concern in recent years, particularly given the aggression known as the Great Humiliation.

“This is one of the areas where there is the most concern in our home country. While we are not opposed in principle to the idea that everyone should enjoy the benefits of interstellar travel and other technologies, there is no shortage of examples of an outright transfer of technology leading to social effects that were well-meaning but have had ill consequences. Conversely, while there are those who would prefer to keep such things entirely under control for the next tens of thousands of years, to enjoy continuing strategic supremacy.

"Those who are further sighted than this would instead suggest that our strategic position in the long-term can only be enhanced by making sure our friends are able to join us in every endeavour.

“That’s a dream that is only for megalomaniacs, but it is also a road to stagnation, if the C’tani cannot, with our starting advantages, retain a leading position in technology, then we need to learn from those who can. I say this both for my domestic opponents, but also to reassure you that I have nothing against those who wish to enter an era of stardrives.

“Then it becomes a question of what would be best for Mystrian nations’ progress? We have kept the Isasrach city-ship south of here for years now, to allow its first-rate hospital and surgical facilities to be used since the Nefreedian invasion of Crystal Spires, for all Mystrians, while we have been constructing similar facilities in Altea and D’halbrisir, we would like to expand that programme. While we already export drugs and medicinals to everyone who wishes to buy them, we would like to offer an extension of that programme.

“In terms of development, though, that’s not what’s sexy and off the main topic that was asked, of space travel. For that, we have to consider carefully what would be best. It cannot be denied that for instance, The Batorys or perhaps the Imerians are the leading nation in interplanetary travel, since the failure of New Freedomstan to exist as a nation - I cannot imagine it would be welcomed by their hardworking designers to have their work obviated because their governments have purchased an off-the-shelf colony fleet from Yavanna Fleet Yards.

“Conversely, buying such goods at market value can easily lead to the Mefcane Effect, where the raw materials in the region of most value, such as the Mithril in Carceno, could violently re-write the map.

“Instead of suggesting such things as a simple matter of purchasing technology, I would like to instead propose a three-tiered approach to integrating interstellar technologies in a formalized way.

“Firstly, a formal agreement between ourselves, and, if willing, the Colonial Republic and Ascendancy, to maintain a permanent commitment to protecting the region as a whole from interstellar aggression from all external forces; this would be a formalization of the existing status quo.

“Secondly, the formation of an All-Mystria Stellar Service,” he paused, “that’s not the name to use for it, though, which would have personnel from all involved nations and serve as a training and capacity building force, capable of undertaking exploration and defensive missions, as well as, in time supporting off-world colonies of Mystrian nations. The vessels and equipment provided to this force would come from us, and our partners along with training and expert crew.

“Thirdly, indigenous development of space travel capabilities; while we are quite willing to provide examples, and training on such matters, the fact is that several nations in the region have already made significant progress in these matters already, and indeed one of the reasons for the Treefolken aggression against Crystal Spires was fear of the consequences of Crystal Spires developing a functioning stardrive from recovered Mysidian knowledge, something that we believe is already ready for experimentation. In this, the leading nations of Mystria in these areas, such as the Batorys and Imerians, can cooperate or compete to develop new platforms capable of putting into practice what is learned.

“Unlike some other aspects of our proposed agreements, however, this would have to be entirely predicated on a shared understanding of civil and humane rights; there are some nations in the region whose leadership must by necessity exclude them from participation, whose governments practice perversions against sapient dignity; as much as we may wish to put forth a policy that assumes all are deserving of equal treatment, I think I can safely speak for both the Menelmacari and the Dornalians when I can say that the stars should be forever closed to those whose industry is already water-wheels turning in rivers of blood,” he said, and his clear silver eyes fell upon Ichtaca of Catedonia. It was unclear what his intentions were, and his gaze moved on swiftly.

“As such there shall be, for our participation, a cost, and that cost is the agreement to a declaration of fundamental sapient principles.”

[Imeriata]

The high king rose, his face unreadable behind his silver mask that was part of the crown but there were still a certain stiffness about him while his fists were closed. His voice was cold with a certain coldness behind it as he spoke in the sing song language that was the good old tongue.
"His royal highness, blessed be him and his descendants and may their rule last until the very last star in the heavens of which the first of their lineage was crowned with, would officially lodge a complaint about the term used!" A page spoke out loudly in English, apparently translating but it seemed a bit doubtful that the high king had included the first part.
"There were no humiliation felt by the federation! Our warriors and our people held strong facing a foe that wished the destruction and enslavement of all of us, their methods and their goals are well documented amongst those that travels the stars! Yet having faced the glorious warriors and spirit of the Scanderans and our subject peoples they were happy with trinkets and hostages! You say humiliation? His royal highness scoffs at such terms, we and our people still stands tall and proud, twice over we have been attacked by peoples from the stars, at first the wretched cylinder spawns that attempted to make a claim at His royal highness, blessed be His name, domains in Sirmera and they were left dead or running amongst the streets of that city when faced by the might of the royal guard! When the goa'uld came for this world they started with the mightiest of realms upon it and having tasted our resolve they took of! Call it humiliation? I name it a source of pride for be it not due to our blood! OUR MIGHT! OUR PRIDE! It would be the whips of the voidspawn that would be upon the whips of you all! Despite that all over their domains are humans mere slaves for the serpents do the federation stand tall and true! Whatever lands took up rebellion in the aftermath are either being or been crushed and are again under the domains of His royal highness, blessed be He as ruler of all that light touches, and our fleets and armies again counts in their millions! His royal highness ask again, is this a source of shame? Look upon our lands! Our men! Are machines and our might! It is nay any shame we see, we see pride and glory, UNBENT AND UNBROKEN!"

"As for the unified space force, how would such a thing even be organised, would each state contribute one individual to it's running? or would the states with the greatest power and influence have more say in it's function? Would you suggest that our colonial ventures in the future should be joint administrated or should we simply maintain authority over what is ours by right? While it is an interesting idea are the federation worried about what such a project would entail and we would need some guarantees about the future to back such a proposal!"

[The Ctan]

“Of course, we would accept as a given that the name itself is not exactly a flattering one,” Telissat said, attempting to be conciliatory, “but it is well known in academia outside of the Royal Federation by that name. While no one fails to acknowledge the glorious warrior spirit of Imeriata, the Atumite objective is known to us to have been the capture of the North Iceplains Stargate, and the relic-technology found there, which is of great value to them, as well as the infant goa’uld held as prisoners there by the Federation.” He did not say how this was known, “Travellers who have reached Delmak, the stronghold of Sokar, who mounted the attack, and lived to tell the tale confirm that much the same was claimed at home as the Atumites claimed here, I there is no significant grounds to suppose their objectives were other than they claimed; if they wanted to conquer land on Gaia they would likely start with the weakest of its countries, not the great might of the Federation.”

“I would suggest that existing colonial ventures be administered as they are, but if any new venture were to be supplied by All-Mystria Space Forces, then its administration should be decided at the time of its approval as an enterprise. Of course I do not suggest that we dissolve, say, the Batorys Space Ministry in order to support this one, but that this be a programme supported as a body for international cooperation, naturally the number of qualified personnel each nation could provide will vary; Imeriata has experienced cosmonauts, while Malgrave has many more scientists, for instance.”

[Malgrave]

Nadzieja Brzezicki rose to speak briefly once again to give the opinion of her government on the matter being discussed, as while the conflict had been called the Great Humiliation by certain scholars when translating over from Malgravean Ancient to Common the experience suffered by the Malgravean people was rather hard to describe as it contained feelings of fear, humiliation, shame and indeed dishonour, especially when the Malgraveans considered how the Ancestors would contemplate such actions, and so in spite of the experience that she had with speaking to crowds during her academic career due to the rather sore subject the Prime Minister had to take a calming breath and wait for her hands to stop shaking.

"I believe this term the Great Humiliation is based on a rather literal translation from several analysis of the conflict from Malgravean academics," Nadzieja said starting off her explanation to the Imerian High King, "It is one of the prime duties of the state to be able to protect their own people from harm, however, in spite of our hard work and sacrifice we were unable to do such a thing during that dark period and as a result our Paragon Queen was taken from us. It is that shameful and dishonourable failure that has been on the minds of the Malgravean people over the past few years, especially when one considers how the Ancestors would look upon us with disfavour for failing to perform such basic care and well that is a rather hard principle to translate from Malgravean Ancient into Common."

Eliot Reymont then stood to speak, the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister had been rather quiet during the conference but in recognition of the emotions being experienced by the Prime Minister had offered to talk.

"Malgrave is quite proud of our commitment to the paragon-worthy fields of science and engineering, however, we are also not resistant to working together on collaborative projects to further our understanding of these fields and we've been quite thankful to the assistance that has been provided by Spirean and Dornalian scientists over the years on the ongoing quest to solve MIDD and the glorious joint-engineering project that has resulted in the construction of a high-speed rail network between the Kouralian mainland and the Research Colony." Reymont said looking at each delegation as she spoke, "At the same time it is important to ensure that advanced technology falls into the hands of those that are able to use it in a responsible manner, for example those that engage in practices that belittle the struggle of sapient rights by crushing democratic freedoms or engaging in evil acts around ancestral energy shouldn't be assisted in the technological revolution and ideally they should face international pressure to reform. Malgrave is agreeable to the C'tani proposals on this front."

[Kouralia]

It would not have been wise to suggest in Kouralian media that Elena was unsuited for this event. Beloved of all peoples - or at least a sizeable majority of her own - as she was called at home, the adoration she was subject to would not have allowed a detraction without portraying it as baseless, scurrilous, and entirely unkouralian. Not for her to be declared a priggish schoolgirl nor a pain in the neck. Of course, that relentless pressure ever neared an all-consuming pressure - a tidal wave that demanded perfection from the one at its crest, and threatened to mercilessly drown any who slipped and fell from their pedal stool. It was not for nothing that someone who could so effortlessly and naturally command the minds and deeds of her fellow soldiers found her hands balled tight into fists to quel the nervous tremors that always threatened to return in the face of the public and her duties to them. Of course - as unwise as it would have been to speak it, it would certainly not have been incorrect.

Avid sportswomanship, moderate musical talent and an expensive education in engineering and skill at arms might have made the Princess a well-rounded person by the standards of Kouralia - but none of these were qualifications to speak on the vast and taxing labours under debate at the moment. An earnest and genuine appreciation of and interest in whatever the speaker declaimed might lift one to feel atop of the world after a short conversation, but it certainly did little to help either delegates addressing a room or a distracted young woman from focussing attention on matters of state.

Much of the convention so far had passed either in an indescribable whirl, or had dragged such that it had felt akin to 539 days of not really being there. She surely must have turned over her gift to Caliste though she remembered it not – the same as she must have travelled down the receiving line with her companions. But she could most assuredly not remember much of what had happened before in the convention. As the Kouralian party had taken their seats Elena had felt the buzz of her Maltech Ascension in her pocket, vibrating with a message. She’d half been tempted to turn it off without checking it, but curiosity killed the cat and once the Princess saw Emily Lowwe’s pet name pop up on-screen above the bland descriptor 10 Multimedia Messages she knew there was no way she couldn’t open them. Of course, she could only view the first two before she remembered where she was and shut down and turned off the little device. A cheeky grin and loosened top buttons were one thing, but if today’s foray into amateur erotica was anything to go by, Elena’s shameless lover was leagues ahead of the disposable anti-static cleanroom suit she had thought amounted to being a ‘Sexy Scentist’ when they had first met.

Of course, seeing the first two had been more than enough to distract the Kouralian princess of any notion that she might involve herself in the conference. How long had she been day-dreaming of Emily? Only the gods – and those who paid attention to the room’s clock – knew, but now the word “Kouralia” in that accent had pulled her back to the present day where unfortunately matters of state needed deliberating on.

Glancing to her right she met the eye of Sir Barynel, who slid a small leather-bound note-pad across to her, pages already filled with notes made by himself. An international war-crimes tribunal in Scandera was certainly an idea to consider – even if only for a moment. A wildlife foundation again was something she thought odd – but given her travels abroad had been to the frontiers of D’halbrisir, the forward thinking Malgrave, and the futurescape of Menelmacar she couldn’t guarantee every nation was as progressive as Kouralia in ensuring a synergy of man and nature. And now on space-travel… She looked up again at her companion.

Kouralia may not have spoken so far, though the Captain of Justiciars could have been the only one to speak for all Elena knew, but if she knew Sir Barynel’s body language well, then that would now change.

“Your supremacy, and my esteemed brethren and sistren.” The Kouralian began with a voice quiet from disuse as he rose. Standing, he smoothed his silken maroon tie down over his midnight blue shirt and cleared his throat – both from genuine need and to gain the room’s attention insofar as one person could. “First, I must apologise and offer comment on the previous matters now my colleague has returned to me some figures.” As he spoke, the Crown Captain of Justiciars gestured to the foreign minister, Sir Osƿynn Byraþenræ behind him. Smooth and courteous, with his right palm still pressing his tie to his breast, there was nothing about the gesture that belied his irritation that it had taken so long for the Crown Union to be in a position to comment on the convention.

“An international tribunal, for crimes of war or crimes against the common good is an interesting idea. It is not without merit, and were it to proceed I do believe that Scandera could do well as a host. But, as others say, the extent to which a universal standard on offences can be established is questionable. I am also not entirely convinced that the situation within Mystria is such that an international tribunal on crimes against sapient-kind would need to convene for anything more than ad-hoc sessions.

“To put it simply, I do not believe there are sufficient wrongs against us all. Where one has wronged another nation in crimes of war, I do not think any would hold it against the aggrieved party to hold such a tribunal themselves.” That said, he reached down and, without comment, took the leather-bound pad from Elena’s hand. “On the subject of information and intelligence sharing, I should like, Your Supremacy, to discuss the Coalition of Policial Networks which does link with this concept of an International Criminal Court.

“Now, to conservation of nature.” At the end of the sentence, Sir Barynel paused a moment and smiled. “Those who have not visited my land and spoken with my people would perhaps express surprise at it, but I think our conservation projects are at the forefront of national pride. Renowned as we are for towers of marble, if you walk a day upon the streets of Kurton you will see more greenery both natural and tended than in a weeks travels in some cities abroad. As His Supremacy says, the fine balance between ‘Man’, or rather industry and nature is keenly guarded in Kouralia both by mortal priests and monastic figures, and also by the genii locorum or nature spirits. I wholeheartedly support any efforts to help others make their lands a shared space for all beings great and small.”

That said, the Captain of Justiciars turned the page in his notepad and glanced down, before holding it open with his left hand and subconsciously dropping his right to his hip, where its thumb curled through a belt-loop.

“Now, to the stars!” He declaimed dramatically with a widening smile that spoke to his enjoyment of the talks. “I think I will be looked upon askance by some of my contemporaries for suggesting this, but a colonial space administration unified among all nations would, I think, be a poor idea. A multi-national group at the forefront of development and exploration and research I see as being both reasonable and desirable. However, the minutiae and day-to-day of space travel is something I feel each nation needs to explore on its own. The needs of Malgrave will surely be different from the needs of…” He paused, “say the Dragon States for example.”

“I do believe that assistance given to individual nations, who may join in some collaborative efforts but not necessarily unify in all regards, is the right path forwards. And you most assuredly have no complaint from my quarter when it comes to actively – and kinetically – refusing the cosmos to those who cannot be trusted with its wonder.”

[Legokiller]

Fluffykins wasn’t a fan of the pompous speech on how Imerieta was the ‘leading the space.’ A mere eye-roll is what she gave to the page after that pompous speech, and decided to suck it up for now. It would be easy to point out great humiliation. On how the Crown Alliance dug up a dangerous technology, and their misadventures brought upon disaster. Yet Fluffykins knew and was not in the mood to damage Silverdale’s soft power for sharp retorts. There was something to gain here.

“Silverdale is no slouch when it comes to technological development. Our people survived in a cold land and used our magical talents to make an otherwise inhospitable land to become bearable for civilization. Our space program had put forward our astronauts to the moon by our own work. Hence you can count on our nation’s talents and magical prowess to make up what we lack in terms of a technological edge. Silverdale will be in full support of this proposal, and contribute its resources to it.” Fluffykins said.

[Rohane Alista]

There was quiet discussion between Her Glory The Regent Genevieve and the various government officials that had accompanied her from the Rohanian camp, the light sound of rustling papers accompanying the scrum as several documents were passed back and forth. The quiet discussions stopped as the regent shushed her aides, listening to the other speakers, waiting for them to finish before standing herself to address the conference.

She cleared her throat softly, then spoke in a gentle but firm tone. “The conference is moving along quite swiftly. Unfortunately, this does mean many of the representatives here do not have time to properly formulate their arguments for or against matters. For that reason, I hope the honored representatives do not mind as I address a few issues which have mostly been moved past before transitioning to current topics.

“Regarding mass regional standardization, this is a topic Rohane Alista is generally wary of. While in some ways we share standards or come so close as to be interchangeable with other nations, such as with the Rohanian and Malgravean rail gauges,” at this she nodded briefly to the Malgravean delegation, “in many others, Rohane Alista is fairly unique, and has had decades, if not centuries, building on these standards that work for us. We do not think that regional standardization is necessarily a good thing in every case at this time.

“Next, the ecological accords. This is an idea we generally support; the planet is our home, and we should be sure to keep it nice. However, this comes with some asides and stipulations, of course. Rohane Alista is home to one of, if not the, largest natural jungles in Mystria, but we cannot assent to measures placing undue restriction on how we utilize the territory. Many aspects of the Rohanian economy depend on the full utilization of the rich natural resources found in the region, and given the struggles much of the rest of our nation is well known to have with agricultural pursuits, the fertile soil there is also our main path towards food independence. All this is to say, while we will watch any specific ecological accords closely, we will only assent to those that do not threaten our ability to act in the best interests of our people.

“I apologize for the brief backtrack,” the empress bowed lightly. “Now I can continue on with the matter immediately at hand, space exploration. It is hard to deny that an… umbrella of sorts over Mystria, formed by our advanced FTL neighbors, protects us from threats like those that caused the Pillage of Imeriata. We feel that it may be best for each nation to work individually with any or all of these said powers, such as the agreements we have with our friends in New Dornalia, however, so as to make sure the protections they have fit their needs, and to avoid any unfortunate situations where states feel themselves restricted by the threat of a protector turning hostile. I realize to some that may sound like a baseless concern, but it is an issue that has happened in Rohane Alista’s history, and we are not eager to see it repeat.

“As for a region-wide space initiative, unfortunately, I feel Rohane Alista must decline to participate. Our space exploration, colonization, and defense initiatives are performing well, we are quite confident in our ability to maintain our current trajectory, and indeed our advanced projects have already shown success, up to and including the formation of a small but existent space defense fleet, work on our own self-developed stardrive,” at this she nodded to Telissat, “and a project that I am pleased to announce, to build habitats above the planet commonly known as Venus. Obviously, Rohane Alista is not against cooperating with other rising and existing spaceborne powers on projects, but we wish to do so fully and completely under our own power, because when we reach for the stars part of our wish is to prove the ingenuity and capability of the people of Rohane Alista.

“Regardless, this is not to say we think that a Mystria-Wide space program is a bad solution for those who seek it. We wish you good fortune, and will happily work with you when the situation is appropriate. It is our sincere hope that as we both accomplish our goals, respect will be grown between the programs, and perhaps a friendly rivalry, which will help drive us all to be determined to succeed.

“However we do agree that it is too dangerous to allow nations who clearly do not hold sapient rights in regard to become space powers, as it is already dangerous to allow them to become planet-bound powers. If any such Mystrian Space Program wishes to cooperate with Rohane Alista, it will be bound by similar requirements as the C’tani put forward in regards to inherent sapient rights. While we do not have a list of such requirements at the moment, we would be looking to work with our allies, especially those with proven track records and close relations such as Silverdale to create such a declaration,” Genevieve smiled at Fluffykins, then took her seat again.

[Dyste]

The Dystan Prime Minister spoke up next; King Tyroth had mostly stayed back in spite of his presence, wishing to allow the new Prime Minister to show his own voice and impact that his predecessor didn't seem to be able to do. "I admit, space travel had never been a strong suit of Dyste; usually if there are matters which we need to go to space, we get the aid of others, like the Dorns and the Rohanians. However, there is a well-known Dystan duo known for their travels to other worlds, the Sage of Expeditions and his kobold companion." He was, of course, talking about Rylux Crescent and Zahhak Ashtail, who were heading an expedition into discovering a potential cure for the affliction that appeared to affect everyone in Malgrave. "I admit I am not sure what we can offer to such a program, aside from the potential for teleportation to other planets. Ambassador Snowtear happens to be working on such a thing between this land and her family's homeland, albeit kept under strict supervision. But that is a subject when we get to teleportation laws." Said ambassador seemed to mostly be chatting up some people outside the main discussion, and keeping an eye on the Rohanian delegation.

"Now, as for the subject brought up by the Regent of Rohane Alista... I strongly agree with the notion of acknowledging sapient rights. I believe the Dragon Sea Alliance will be able to put forth ideas on such matters, seeing as we carry many species within our nations..." He expected a certain subject to come up, and he was already ready for it, "And before anybody says anything, even I acknowledge gnomes are a sapient species with rights, our longstanding feud has never been one about that subject." He carefully omitted that 'the subject is that gnomes are jerks' from his words.

[The Batorys]

co-written between the Batorys and Rintyar/Alduinium

Above the clouds, a silvery streak ripped across the sky. Anyone observing wouldn’t hear the roar of engines until it was well past them, at which point such an observer would hear a loud crack, like a thunderclap. The source was a specially chartered Eleint Skylines flight, as could be seen upon closer examination from the relatively simple forest green livery, that left most of the aircraft gleaming bare metal. Inside, on the other hand, it was a stark contrast. Lovysa Zarathul enjoyed the smooth, quiet ride, as the Ku-93 supersonic airliner approached Crystal Spires. It was not often that she took flights in these craft, and she had never been to this land, let alone the city of Glorelheim before. The matriarch of her clan, she had been asked to accompany Foreign Minister Ildiko Varys as a technical observer and advisor. While the Batory Empire was not a part of the Mystrian continent and environs, there were significant Hyperborean interests there, and the throne wanted to remain abreast of important Mystrian affairs. Also joining them was a cultural adviser.

Said adviser, much to one's amusement, terror, or relief, was ultimately a Narvan. Draped in her clan's finely crafted fabrics, by Narvan standards she was dressed comparatively conservatively, almost inoffensively so. Indeed, one could almost call it a decidedly non Narvan wear.

Several of her servants, human and moroii men and women alike, readied the myriad gifts Narasa Narva had prepared for this occasion. Finely crafted replicas of Narvan weapons using otherwise long forgotten techniques and metalworking skills to recreate their legendary performance, copies of the Epic of Narva for every possible attendant, and last but not least, scale models of the latest and greatest Hyperborean rocket, the Zarathustra 10, intended to reach Nergal with a heavy enough payload to finally begin the colonization of the planet of war, to provide a more clan neutral gift.

Naturally, carrying all of this took dozens of suitcases and several servants to inspect and prepare them tidily, especially given the significance of the Batory Imperial observation.

While she hadn’t known the woman from the Narva clan beforehand, inwardly, Lovysa was quite glad that Narasa had taken the lead in the matter of gifts. She had asked permission to include the Zarathustra 10 model, which was good, since this would be the first time that the rocket’s existence would be made public, as it was in the prototyping stages. While technically the property of the Empress, of course, Lovysa felt it was in a way also her domain, since her clan had designed most of its engines. Beyond that, the Zarathul had to admit, her colleague had a far better idea of what to bring than she would have. But this was all well and good, since the tall easterner was the cultural observer and adviser on this expedition, and so it was her role to charm, impress, and make sure they didn’t commit any gaffes at the conference.

Ildiko Varys yawned, stretching her arms, apparently having woken up from a nap, as the Spirean coast came into view. Unlike the other eastern moroii, her clothing was quite austere, though no less fine in quality. A black dress hugged her figure, and though from a distance it appeared uniform, up close one could see fine silver threading as well as patterns in a green so dark it was barely visible against the black, but gave the garment a shimmer when the Foreign Minister moved. She looked over at the Zarathul, who was clad in that clan’s traditional garb, a plain rust colored cloak with a hood, red eyes shining through a hinged metal mask that itself reflected a dull gleam.

“You’ve not visited anywhere in Mystria, have you? It’s quite unfortunate, it’s quite a beautiful place when it isn’t being equally dangerous. If only we would not be cooped up in a rather small portion of it.” Narasa Narva would say, a small steel necklace with an obsidian shard hanging around her neck. “Though I must admit, even my knowledge is not perfect, unfortunately.”

Lovysa looked out the shaded window, narrowing her red eyes as she did so. “It looks hot,” she said, laconically, observing the mist-shrouded greenery below. Moroii were cold weather creatures. Rummaging through one of her bags, the Zarathul matriarch withdrew a pair of tinted sunglasses that appeared to be crafted to mount onto her mask. At least with her hood drawn up and her mask, she would be shielded from the sun’s cruel rays. There was nothing to be done about the humidity, though.

“Indeed,” said the foreign minister. “But we expected that. It is tropical, after all.” Looking back to Narasa, she asked “How did you find it on your last visit? And how did you cope with the weather?” Gazing out the small window as the scenery streamed by below, she added “Anything specific we should be on guard for, in your experience?”

“Well, I can’t speak much for Glorelheim herself. This, and most of Crystal Spires, I have not visited in person yet. Mystria is so vast and diverse that simply migrating from one land to another feels completely different. Even neighboring islands once ruled by the same queen are radically different in terms of people, terrain, and history. That, I believe, is the most important thing to keep in mind. What one group of Mystrians, as meaningless as the name itself is, would appreciate another might be incredibly offended by. Indeed, many of the Empire’s policies will immediately draw the ire of their nations.” the Narvan explained, walking closer to both Lovysa and Ildiko.

“Nobility is quite prevalent, though its power varies and none is as expansive as our own Empress, at least not individually, and most certainly not united under any one law. Very few wield an iron glove as tightly as the Empress, and even fewer have not had their lands ravaged attempting as such. Some Mystrians, such as the Catedonians and Alteans are under the thumb of foreigners, colonized a century ago to fuel the ambitions of distant overlords, perhaps deservedly so in the case of the latter, though the former find few perks from their chains.”

The black clad foreign minister adjusted her hair. “I assume that the nobility is more prevalent outside of Crystal Spires…” She referred, of course, to Crystal Spires’ ideological standpoint. Communism was not known for being friendly to nobility. At this point the city itself had come into view. Enormous gleaming domes occasionally glimmered as sunlight cut through the mist every now and then. From afar it almost looked like a nest of eggs, laid by some unimaginably gigantic bird.
The Zarathul matriarch sketched a bit, clearly interested in the engineering on display. Despite the fact that they were traveling faster than the speed of sound, the city didn’t draw closer nearly as fast as expected… the domes were much further away than they had initially appeared, their vastness throwing off perspective, causing an optical illusion of proximity. “Beautiful” she could be heard to say.

“Despite presumably not being very fond of nobles or monarchs, the Spireans were friendly enough to invite us. I anticipate that the Malgraveans will also be relatively reasonable.” Ildiko turned to Narasa. “Who should we watch out for, besides the Rohanians?”

“The Imerians are an imperialistic lot, only tempered by recent losses. It would be best to keep an eye on their ambitions. Aside from that, I do not think most of them would take actions contrary to the interests of the Empress,” Narasa said. Her own awe at the sight was only slightly hidden, her facial expression turning almost joyful at simply looking at the locale.

Of course, the airport was not in the city proper, and the occupants could feel the deceleration as the Ku-93 slowed, its wings slowly moving outward to their subsonic configuration. There was turbulence as the aircraft went subsonic, but then the smoothness of their ride returned, though not quite as tranquil as when they had been flying faster than the speed of sound. “Perhaps their recent humbling will make them amenable to deals they would normally turn up their noses at. We shall see.”

Before long, the gleaming airliner was landing, the pilot skilled enough that the initial thud of contact between the landing gear and runway was only a light bump. However, owing to the still considerable velocity at which the Ku-93 had been flying upon landing, it took most of the runway to fully slow to taxiing speed.

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Mónika Sorvik watched the gleaming jetliner come in for a landing. [To be filled in later with Crystal Spires]

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The Hyperborean delegation had remained seated at the back, quiet through much of the initial proceedings. “Everyone else calls it that,” Mónika Sorvik said under her breath, not in common, of course, referring to The Great Humiliation. Perhaps an overly dramatic name, but that’s what the media had largely gone with upon the easy Atumite victory over the Imerians and Malgraveans. “I suppose no one ever told the Imerians?”

This elicited a chuckle from Ildiko and Lovysa.

“Hmm, leave it to the Malgraveans to come up with such an awkward title.” Narasa Narva had been merely observing, leaving all of the actual political decision-making to her superiors, but watching intently nonetheless. “I hope the Mystrians come up with a less awkward and nonsensical title sooner than later, at least.”

“I’m not sure there is any bias in the term Great Humiliation, either,” She moved towards the other two women. “It is quite the humiliation no matter how you look at it, I’d think.”

Ildiko nodded. “Perhaps they have never read anything ever written outside their absurdly named ‘absolute federation.’”

“Even if it’s a terrible name, the Malgravean idea is a good one, at least for weights and measures,” the Zarathul said.

“Perhaps we can ask to have its name changed?” the foreign minister said. “Rather than the mud-house language.”

“I’ll request it,” Sorvik shrugged. “I never did understand their reverence for that silly tongue.”

“They venerate their ‘ancestors’ to a religious degree, though they would never dare claim that they worship or possess a religion, I suppose.” Narasa added, smoking a cigarette now. “It is a fascinating subject at the very least.”

“That said, I don’t think we’ll actually need to do anything to get that changed, it seems that everyone else agrees it is a terrible name.”

The others chuckled. “I don’t actually mind the idea of the court,” Ildiko ventured. “So long as it is strictly for deciding matters between sovereign entities, without internal interference, such as financial disputes.”

“So long as they are not able to probe within the Empire,” Lovysa ventured.

Mónika nodded. “Else we’d get people suing every clan that had ever made anything for the Batory military.” She looked to the woman from the Narva clan.

“What?” the Narvan shrugged, clearly unaware or disinterested in the clan disputes in question.

“The court idea, Narasa,” the foreign minister said.

“I guess.” She continued smoking, sighing to herself. “I wonder what the end goal of the sapient rights demand is, something about that seems like it is aimed at someone specific.”

Mónika nodded. “I think you’re right,” she said, looking to the other one from a western clan, Lovysa.

While it was hard to read her, what with her face hidden behind her metal mask, the Zarathul also nodded. “I think they’re referring to the one over there,” she said, motioning her head, red eyes indicating the same delegate who the C’tani had made pointed looks towards.

The figure in question, a redheaded neko woman, aging but still in stellar condition, was flanked by two cloaked priests, wearing masks of a cold metal, each showing an almost alien visage. They each stood more than a head over her, bodies hidden completely behind robes and bronze scales.

They all spoke amongst each other, speaking about any number of unknown things. A clear concern could be seen on the woman’s face, though no reaction could be discerned from her masked ‘advisors’.

“Mmm, we shall have to keep that in mind. Perhaps it would be more fruitful for us to focus on the discussion on space, however?” Narasa turned towards them again, flicking away what was left of her cigarette butt.

“It has been of some concern,” Ildiko said, dryly, “that there is an apparent vulnerability to civilizations whose technological abilities far outmatch our own. Perhaps it would be good to get an agreement on non-interference, and potential protection from any other such advanced civilizations. At least until the Empire is better capable of defending itself to a greater degree. Until we can match their capabilities, we are at a disadvantage. But I’m given to understand we can’t just buy the tech off one of them.”

Lovysa nodded “correct. We know what comes of meddling with technology without understanding how it works,” she said, referring to the Great Humiliation.

“It would be wise to begin to tamper with what we can safely buy, at least.” Narasa suggested, looking around at the rest of the delegates. “If only to see what we could make use of, no?”

“Still dangerous to do that,” the Zarathul said. “Aspects of physics that for them are common knowledge may be theoretical or even unknown to us. Where there are unknowns, there are possibilities but also dangers.”

The other western clan moroii, Sorvik, nodded. “Materials, yes, we should buy. And things we can understand the physics behind. In the meantime, wresting assurances from those powers might be worthwhile.”

Nodding, Ildiko stood up to address the conference. “My gods, discussion has moved quickly. If I may, a few thoughts…” she began, eastern moroii accent noticeable in her common. “Firstly, we are aware that we are looked on with suspicion by some here. This is unfortunate, and we would assure all present that we have no ill intentions here. While our intention is not to… how do you say… ruffle feathers… we think there are some earlier matters that bear further discussion. While the name could use some work, there is some merit to the Malgravean suggestion of regional standards. At least for such things as weights and measures, in order to facilitate trade and minimize confusion and disagreements stemming from different understandings of things like what exactly a ‘ton’ is. A lack of such standards can lead to conflict and inefficiencies, costing an enormous amount when all added up. For this reason we would ask the assembled body to consider the proposal, albeit with a different name.”

Her Sorvik colleague cleared her throat. “We also suggest locating it in Rensk rather than Epping,” she said, her accent similar to, but noticeably slightly different than the foreign minister’s. “For the sake of separating it politically from the United Kingdom’s government, at least a little bit. If it’s still seen as too Malgravean, perhaps Glorelheim itself could host the institution. And we would request that it be named something else.”

“Furthermore, while we would of course never support infringing upon the sovereignty of nations,” Ildiko resumed speaking, “there is some merit to the idea of a court to settle disagreements between governments in a manner that does not involve shooting at each other.” Perhaps it was a bit hypocritical for a representative of the Batory Empire to talk about the sanctity of sovereignty, given the history of invasion and conquest, but then, this applied to every other empire as well, including those also in attendance. “Obviously this is more applicable to a civil rather than criminal court, since I doubt any here are any more willing to have their leaders indicted than we are to have our Empress tried. Still, while I have the greatest respect for the Empire’s military, it is always preferable to solve disputes without bloodshed, is it not?”

She let that hang in the air for a minute. “Moving on… the Batory Empire has long been a site for ‘eco-tourism,’ as they call it. We are in favor of the idea for a wildlife agreement, and our own laws are probably stricter than what would be proposed internationally, as our rulers’ religion, which I share, stresses the importance of the natural world.”

Ildiko smiled, though did not bare her fangs. “Lastly, to the most recent proposals regarding space travel, associated technology, and sapient rights.” The black-clad foreign minister continued. “This is something that has been of great concern to the Batory clan. The Empress has informed me that she strongly wishes to avoid a situation like the much-discussed Great Humiliation.” While obviously the Imerians didn’t like this name, the Hyperborean term for the conflict was taken from newspaper accounts of the time and from Malgravean sources, and so the name remained. “So we are quite open to the C’tani proposal. Depending on the content of the proposed declaration of sapient rights, we would very seriously consider signing in order to secure the assurances of the Great Civilization, the Colonial Republic, and the Ascendancy, to prevent interference with the Batory Empire by any similarly technologically advanced power. The inter-Mystrian spacefaring service is also an interesting idea, and perhaps could be helpful in avoiding disputes between governments over space claims and colonies, though we obviously don’t want to abandon our own efforts at developing spacefaring technology. We also would suggest adding to this proposal a stipulation regarding the three spacefaring powers previously mentioned providing consultation upon the discovery or unearthing of any suspicious artifacts as has happened in the past.” In order to avoid further irritating the Imerians, she had concluded without mentioning the Great Humiliation by name again while still referring to its events.

[Alduinium]

Ichtaca was sighing as her ‘aides’ were arguing behind her back, already getting deep into their theological rhetoric against one another.

With their sheer political power within both the Cult itself and the Dragon States, they could effectively hijack her speaking role with no repercussions, and it seemed that at least one of them intended to do so, walking forward past Ichtaca, his entire body hidden beneath robes and a metal mask.

No words were spoken yet, but she didn’t mistake that gaze for anything other than a direct attack on the Dragon States, one the Priesthood would answer to immediately. She herself could only look with worry,

“I do not understand the purpose of a declaration of Sentient Rights.” One of the priests spoke, ignoring the presence of the alleged leader of the Catedonian delegation.

“I see no reason to draft such an article without determining which deity was responsible for said sapient rights. For all of creation was mandated by the Aedra, and only the one truly responsible for reviving this world can determine the rights of the lesser mortals."

His partner moved upwards as well, Ichtaca now left completely behind.

"Would such an article declare those undeserving of mercy to be granted basic rights by these gods as well? Would Onashey, mighty slayer, force the Imerians to treat the Wharen with a modicum of respect? Would Rasmer force the Rintyari to treat the murderous Shura as equals? Would a murderous defiler of all life, aligned with Daedric or Daemonic forces be respected as deserving of some rights? This is a ridiculous notion that would grant the enemies of all creation on Mundus a modicum of legitimacy that no sane person should grant them, and it would only serve to empower one god over the others. I inquire all sane men and women of Mystria to reconsider such an agreement, least of all one written by the biased hands of mortals.”

“As my colleagues are explaining.” Ichtaca would step forward, reasserting her own limited authority, the Priests only begrudgingly stepping aside. “Arguing in favor of such a measure should take both time and deliberation. I do not think it is wise for such an agreement to be written with such haste. There are too many specifics and too many special situations for all Mystrians to meaningfully abide by such an article without inadvertently harming the sapient rights of others. Until the subject of a sapient right to burials and a universally applied system of capital punishment of all Mystrians can be unanimously agreed upon by all Mystrian nations, I do not think that it would be wise to even consider a sapient rights article that would be anything other than defanged by too many competing political and religious ideologies regarding what rights the sapient has.

Ichtaca’s poker face was excellent, given her distaste for every word coming out of her mouth. She knew better than to argue against her benefactors however, lest they plot against her instead. Even then, her attempt at appeal through a less overtly religious bend was clearly not taken too kindly by the Priests, now bickering once again behind her back.

[Kouralia]

A moment's silence, a pregnant pause, punctuated the end of the Catedonian delegation's speech before Sir Barynel cleared his throat and stood. "A word on the last, if I may."

His gaze travelled the table as he spoke, lingering on the Imerian High King and others of a more religious bent before travelling to the two shadowy figures that stood with Ichtaca. "I cannot see issue with this simple concept, the rights held and exercised as an inseperable part of personhood - this, I think is to be expected. The Crown guarantees the rights of all who fall under its protection or its dominion - this is enshrined in the Eſtatutſſyſsym, and no limited aspect of the Crown can change it. All in dominion or stewardship of the Crown are entitled to these key protections whether citizen, resident, traveller or foeman - whether rich or poor, noble or base, Prince or Lord or Commoner.

"These are Rights of, from, and for all persons great and small. These are the bare minimum that one can expect from the all-powerful state authority which otherwise looms over them, threatening to constrict their freedoms. These come from no divinity, and no divinity is entitled to a say in them unless they are - to throw out a phrase oft used by the those of Menelmacar - a mere hedge spirit given to involve itself in the machineries of mortal governance." By now the Crown Captain of Justiciars was unquestionably speaking to the aides of the Catedonian Diplomat. "Rights do not apply to some Daedric lord or lady, for they are not of or under the state or nation that upholds those rights - though were that creature to somehow find itself in the Custody of the Crown the rights would apply because how could they not? Rights do not, in this sense apply to beasts - though the rights of animals are also legislated for in my land even if I cannot recollect the Statute at this time.

"The Rights serve only to bind and limit the authority of the Government, they serve only to enforce nobility and correctness on the part of its agents, and they serve only keep the people under that Government safe from its most insufferable excercises of power. I see no role for a true Divinity in this document, for these Rights do not protect from Divinity they protect from the State and its monolithic bureaucracy and faceless officials." The Crown Captain finished, his gaze dancing from one priest to the other before again travelling the room and aiming to meet the eyes of all the representatives.

"These Rights of Personhood are not the be-all and end-all of entitlements one has - but they provide quick and readily comparable protections from the worst predations of a tyrannical official. The Prohibition of bondservitude or slavery, the Prohibition of punishment without law, the Right to a fair trial, the Right to have all rights applied nondiscriminatorily and the Right to Redress against one's government for breaches of these rights. These are not all those guaranteed under the Eſtatutſſyſsym, and not all of the rights are as absolute as those. But with this starting point, I defy any representative here to declare their people unworthy of those protections and themself not a tyrant.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. I can expound further on the Eſtatutſſyſsym if needed, as it is a subject close to my heart, but I think this is a fertile enough counterpoint to the paucity of self-awareness on the part of the Catedonian and Nordic Governments."

[Malgrave]

Nadzieja rose a few moments after Sir Barynel finished speaking, the Prime Minister bowing slightly to her Kouralian counterpart, a movement not only designed to showcase the standard level of respect that existed between the two allies but also a certain amount of gratitude towards him for his comments.

"It is the opinion of the United Kingdom of Malgrave that it would be most unwise to base any declaration of sapient rights on one particular religion or the words of a singular religious figure, as beyond the excellent points raised earlier by my Kouralian counterpart there are other points to be considered here," Nadzieja said her voice remaining steady, although her accent was becoming more pronounced as she spoke.

"I believe that the Catedonian delegation made a rather excellent point earlier, although I believe that they'll disagree with the conclusion that I have drawn from their remarks here. It is worth considering that the religions of Mystrians have a multitude of differences on how to treat crimes, for example, I know that some religious faiths would ask for harsh treatments to be levelled against those that have committed actions of treason like corruption or profiteering while others would ask for values of forgiveness or mercy to apply, so when thinking of sapient rights these ideas would certainly clash during the decision-making process, would they not?" Nadzieja asked in a rhetorical fashion pausing to give a playful wink towards the Catedonian delegation before she continued speaking

"It is therefore important for us all to ensure that this declaration of sentient rights is built on firm foundations and it is the viewpoint of the Malgravean government that would be best achieved in a secular manner as stated by our Kouralian friends."