The Lyonhall Convention (IC/TG to Enter)

[Gualla]

The Lyonhall Convention
or The Establishment of the Independent State of the Commonwealth of Gualla

Revolution has swept across the island nation of Gualla, particularly in its capital city. The Provisional State Council, under Philippe Keya and once sought to lead the country into a new era of independence has been arrested and imprisoned after a popular revolt. At war with the right-wing faction of known internationally as the United Gualla Army, the Provisional State Council’s harsh use of force made them unpopular amongst their small remaining supporters, and lead to their overthrow at the direction of the National Committee, nicknamed the Old Guards, a pentarchy of old businessmen and magistrates seeking to moderate the politics of the country.

With the Old Guards in command of the largest city in the country, and the United Gualla Army on their doorstep, they have opted to seek diplomatic aid and compromise rather than outright violence. John Retta, leader of the United Gualla Army, along with foreign military advisor, the Duke of Jouille of the Riessan Volunteers have agreed to meet with the National Committee, along with Bernice Bona, representative of the Northern Libertarian Movement— the third horse in the race for control of the country.

The peace talks have been agreed to be held in the stately home of businessman and member of the National Committee, Pierce Degife known as Lyonhall in the pastoral countryside just south of Gualla City. As the three factions move to create a suitable compromise, foreign observers have been let in to witness the rebirth of the commonwealth.

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Rules

1. I am OP and lead Negotiations and Approve of Participants and Observers
2. Other nations may join via TG with delegate information to be observers. Foreign observers will be directed to sit in the upper balcony while the Guallan participants are on the chamber floor.
3. If Observers wish to bring an issue to the floor, they can send a missive via carrier down to the chamber floor upon which it shall be reviewed by the President of the Convention.
4. Diplomatic etiquette and formal attire is required by all participants and observers
5. Delegations may include no more than five diplomats, and no more than five security personnel
6. Violence is not to be tolerated on the grounds of Lyonhall throughout the duration of the Convention.
7. Observers may send missives to particular participant delegates on the Chamber Floor or speak within in cases of recesses.
8. No Godmoding or Metagaming
9. Be Respectful
10. Have Fun

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Delegates

Participants

National Committee
• Louis Asres
• Pierce Degife
• Cecil Hagan
• Wallace Amare
• Laura Legresse
United Gualla Army
• John Retta
• Duke of Jouille
Northern Libertarian Movement
• Bernice Bona
Neutral Guallan Delegates
• Maurice Keya
• Leo Chyano
• Curtis Tan

Observers
• Rodman Clark Rockefeller
• Henry Smith
• Venno Pihlak

[Gualla]

Angus Alazar, entered the great hall of Lyonhall, where seats and tables had been arranged for the various delegates of the country along with a platform for himself where a seat and desk awaited him. Alazar, a 73 year old man had been selected to serve as the President of the Convention due to a combination of his age, experience in politics, economics and philosophy, though it had been nearly a decade since he’d retired, and lastly for his neutral position between the three factions.

Very tall with white hair, and dressed in high formality, he made his way to his seat, behind him drapped both the blue, gold and white tricolor of the revolutionaries under the National Committee and the red and white cross of the United Gualla Army, while the Northern Libertarian Movement lacked any flag of their own, in accordance to their decentralized ideology.

Below the elderly man, arrived the various delegates of the various factions. Louis Asres and Pierre Degife the more business minded end of the National Committee, and Cecil Hagan, the man who had brought the capital under his control through leading the revolutionaries, along with Wallace Amare. All four of the men were in their fifties or sixties and self styled themselves as liberal-conservatives, uneasy by the radical left and radical right alike.

Laura Legresse was the one odd man— or rather woman— out amongst the National Committee having joined them once the tide has turned in their favor. Meanwhile there was John Retta, the right wing leader of the United Gualla Army, who envisioned a strong autocratic rule to lead Gualla into the future. Notable on his appearance was the lack of a left arm, lost to infection when he had been a young man, and in its place a prosthetic.

Bernice Bona was the only other woman amongst the delegates, as well being by far the youngest (both Retta and Legresse in their forties) at only 21. She came from farming family in the north, and hoped to prevent the destruction of that way of life by these wealthy urban elites. Meanwhile in the neutral camp was Maurice Keya, the older brother of the fallen Philippe Keya, and the black sheep of his own family. He hadn’t supported his brother, but had come in hope of clemency for him and his other collaborators.

Curtis Tan,38, another northerner along with Leo Chyano, 50, with Seoyese ancestry hoped to simply ensure equality and justice in whatever government form, fearful if the nationalist rhetoric of the more conservative voices that had made themselves known and with the Provisional State Council members all imprisoned, Tan was left the near sole voice for the still hundreds of thousands of liberal Guallan people.

On It was this group of people that would form the future of Gualla.

[Riessany]

Michael Pearson, better known as the Duke of Jouille was a tall man. He stood at six and a half feet, for he was the tallest member of his family. He had the dark skin and fair hair commonly found amongst those of Hyrukian descent, as Jouille had been born there before his family had moved to Riessany. He wore the Riessan blue ceremonial military uniform, decorated with the medals he’d won from his previous campaign, along with a blue and white sash of his own house. Jouille had become the unofficial right hand of his brother-in-law, King Berengar of Riessany.

A military man who had over seen the military operation of the annexation of the principality of Guyenia after the death of its prince, the Duke of Jouille had been sent north to the isle of Gualla to aid the United Gualla Army, providing John Retta and his militia with millions of rhinettes worth of weapons, ammunition and military strategies. But no one more than Jouille had been more surprised at how quickly they had transverse the island north to the very doorstep of the de facto capital.

But then, even with his small number of highly trained volunteers they had outclassed the ragtag militia forces the Guallans had cobbled together. The Duke of Jouille was honored that he was allowed to be a participant, a position guaranteed to him behind closed doors with pressure from King Berengar. Riessany had been the only other nation to involve themselves in the events unfolding in Gualla, and the king had thus felt it only his right to have a voice in shaping the young nation, particularly to his liking.

Riessany had always been a deeply conservative nation, save a brief flirtation of liberalism by the king’s great-great-grandfather ninety years ago. By throwing their weight behind the United Gualla Army, it was hoped that they would secure an ideologically friendly new alliance with the young nation. It was thus the Duke of Jouille’s task to nudge the Guallans in the right direction, whilst maintaining the veneer of being but a friend offering their aid.

[Gualla]

John Retta smiled as he looked up at the Duke of Jouille, pleased with his presence. As the only member of this convention to have received foreign aid would, he saw, greatly leverage matters into his favor.

Alazar, stepping behind his desk and raised his gavel, pounding it. “Gentlemen,” He nodded towards Legresse and Bona, “Ladies, I call this convention to order.” Alazar donned his glasses, and from a paper read out the names of the gathered delegates. With all in attendance, Alazar announced that they had reached a quorum and could begin with the session.

“Each delegate may have a vote on each matter,” Alazar said, “Each member of the National Committee shall have one vote, Mr. Asres, Mr. Degife, Mr. Hagan, Mr. Amare, and Madame Legresse. Mr. Retta, in light of the stances and territorial and popular support of the United Gualla Army, henceforth referred to as the UGA, you shall have four counts to your vote. Mr. Tan, Mr. Chyano, and Mr. Keya, you shall each have one vote. And you, Miss Bona, shall have two counts to your vote. Are we in agreement?”

The vote was unanimous.

“The Ayes have it,” Alazar declared, making a note. With that he took his seat, the rest of the delegates following suit. “Now. To the first order of business, the creation of a supreme national government.”

[Gualla]

John Retta stood from his seat as he addressed the convention.

“If Gualla is to survive as a nation, we must be lead by a leader strong enough to keep us safe. A father of the nation, in whose hands the concerns of state affairs can be trusted. A beast with five heads,” Retta looked to the Old Guards, “is one with four heads too many. If we wish for our people to feel save, we must give them the right to vote, though only for a supreme leader who can serve for life and can dedicated his years of his term to the protection, governance and justice of the state. With popular support and with supreme control, such a government will insure that it is a lean and efficient machine that can operate without the concerns of the everyday people of our country.”

Curtis Tan rose from his seat. “Mr. Retta, what you advocate for is populist tyranny!”

Alazar banged his gavel. “Order Mr. Tan. This is a civilized body. I’ll not have rabble rousers in it.”

Tan took in a deep breath, biting back several harsh words he wanted to say to the old man. He could not help but wonder if Alazar used such language on account of his race. Tan had noticed how he had spoken to Bona, with a condescending tone common in the elderly.

“A elected tyrant,” Tan said, lowering his voice, “Is still a tyrant. And one without any checks of power or citizenship to answer to is a recipe for disaster, either by atrocity committed by a leader who has long out lived their mandate, or for revolutionaries who have no other option but to tear down an oppressor.”

This last line in particular made the Old Guards all shift uncomfortably. While they had been the ones to lead the revolution, it had been more in a sense of wishing to rein them in rather than spur them forward. Revolt was messy and the deaths in Genoga that had spark the revolution still rung recent in their minds. As Tan sat down, however, it was Maurice Keya who stood.

“We live in turbulent times, and in a dangerous region. If we do not have a strong central government, then we shall fall prey to factionalism and instability.”

“We shall fall into instability if all power is handed off to a single man,” Tan rebutted. “A skilled man on a unicycle may accomplish great feats, but should one not built for it try he will come crashing down on his face. If we want stability, we need four wheels. Not one. An unchecked autocrat invites only more problems.”

“Even if it is what the majority want?” Retta said. “It is the majority of Gualla who rally behind the UGA.” This wasn’t actually true. Indeed it was closer to 46%, but it still made them the largest individual group, which his mind could parlay into a majority. “Populism is good. It should be the majority of people who get their way, damn those who are weak enough to be in the minority, it is tough for them, but it is the only way to be fair.”

“Mr. Retta,” Alazar interrupted with a bang of his gavel. “Such language is unbecoming of you and this hall.”

“My apologies, Mr. President.” Retta looks to Tan and then to the other delegates. “One man selected by the people is the foundation of a government that truly represent the people. The People’s Will must be followed and obeyed. Mr. Tan, I believe you fear the will of the people. But I do not. I wonder why that is? You call it autocracy, but I call it democracy!”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille listened to the debate with a sense of unease. Within him the voice of King Berengar and his own conscience fought with one another. He knew that it would be beneficial to Riessany if there were but one arbiter of power, particularly if it were John Retta, who would in no small part own his position to Riessany.

And yet, Jouille could not help but see that as a short sighted mistake. A dictatorial regime was not necessarily ideal. Tan had a good point, Retta would potentially provoke a strong counter movement against him, in which either he would be overthrown and Riessany left with a belligerent government towards them, or he would have to put down, likely with Riessan aid, which could bog down their own reasons.

There too was the personal aspect of the Duke of Jouille’s thoughts. He had grown up in the fairly liberal environment of Great Hyruke, and Retta’s rhetoric sounded alarmingly like a hallmark of Porto-fascism, an ideology that was more destructive that it was useful even to the conversative Riessans, at least in Jouille’s mind. He was sure there were quite a few in Caiserstadt who who have loved Retta’s sentiment.

Jouille remained silent, not wishing to support the proposal nor speak out against it openly. Instead he remained seated and began drafting his own form of government

[Southeast Marajarbia]

A Marajarbian representative, named Henry Smith, would silently enter the convention hall and make his way to a seat with the name of Marajarbia written on it. Henry was sent to observe the proceedings, for Marajarbia was more than interested in helping a relatively new nation develop itself. Marajarbia was nothing more than a mere superpower seeking a variety of new nations, and upon hearing of the Lyonhall Convention, Marajarbia just had to send some form of support to the new nation.

Of course, Marajarbia was interested in seeing this "Gualla" nation join some form of alliance as well, but Henry would wait until the proceedings were over. For now, he would just watch, and would continue to do so, as he was ordered to by President Edwards himself.

[Gualla]

Louis Asres stood, decidedly not looking at Retta. A older gentleman, with salt and pepper hair and mustache, with admittedly more salt than pepper, Asres was the President of the Guallan First Bank, the largest in the capital and the country as a whole. It had been in no small part his financial and business interests that had prompted him to call on his fellow men of high society to form the National Committee. And while he was not a man built for leading armed forces through the streets as Cecil Hagan had, he felt far greater comfort here in the glided halls of Lyonhall.

“Mr. President, I suggest that we put it to a vote, on Mr. Retta’s Leviathan Plan,” Asres said, referring the terminology of a leviathan as a strong autocratic figure who protected the people. In absolute truth, Asres saw the merit in the idea, but he had no wish to see that role fall to the likes of John Retta. The popular vote aspect of his plan and the potential backlash of it uneased the old man. There needed to be checks and balances, if only to make sure the right men, of proper breeding were able to safely guide the nation. Men like himself.

“Very well,” Alazar said, cutting off Retta who opened his mouth in protest to the wording of Asres’ comment. “All in favor, say aye.”

John Retta and Maurice Keya alone raised their hands.

“All those opposed, say nay,” said Alazar making a note. There was practically a race between Bona and Tan in their opposition. Alazar made another note as he looked at all the others raising their hands in opposition. “The nays have it, 9 to 5.”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille watched, expressionless, as John Retta’s proposed form of government was shot down. The mere fact that they were voting on the matter, Jouille thought, should have made clear that the Guallans, or at least these gathered here with the power and intention of leading the nation, wouldn’t tolerate an autocracy.

Even so, Jouille couldn’t help but think of the numbers. 9 to 5. Despite having lost, it pointed to the odd truth of this arrangement. Retta had a tremendous amount of voting power behind him. Indeed, in the most ideal situation it would take only three of the delegates, Retta, Bona and a third to dominate the entirety of the convention. Though the Duke suspected that such an alliance with Bona was unlikely. As was one with Tan.

The Duke of Jouille instead turned his attention towards the Old Guards. Where King Berengar might have found himself more aligned with Retta, hence their support, Jouille himself imagined that he could personally find fertile ground with the old men and woman. Better yet, if he could lower Retta’s ambitions and sweeten him to the Old Guards, then such an alliance would satisfy every measure of success in his mind.

The Duke of Jouille finished the draft of his own proposed form of a new Guallan government and had a carrier take it to Louis Asres. In the same turn he looked to John Retta and quietly said, “A strong executive may be more valuable if made in tandem with a suitable advisory body that can temper the worse tendencies in men.” He thought of Riessany, where the King ruled with his own Privy Council. Councils it seemed to Jouille, were a favorite of the Guallans.

[Gualla]

Louis Asres looked up as the carrier handed him the message from the Duke of Jouille. Asres raised and eyebrow, looking across the room to the foreign military officer. He eyed the paper but hesitated in opening, debating over the costs and benefits of anything that could come from the man who had arrived on Guallan shores with a small but dangerous military force. One that had only a short time before threatened to aid the overrunning of Gualla City.

While Asres mentally debated his options, Bernice Bona rose from her seat, deciding to seize the lull in the wake of the shooting down of Retta’s proposal to provide one of her own.

“Tyranny can not be allowed to be the order of the day in Gualla, in any form. A central government invested with two much power will not be supported in any form by the Northern Libertarian Movement. It should be left to the local communities of people who have the ultimate authority. If we must have a state encompassing the whole of the isle, then it should be a loose federal system, one elected by the people, all the people directly. Their only task should be to protect the shores of our nation, and leave domestic affairs to the people.”

There was a moment of stunned silence in the chamber. Curtis Tan nodded in agreement with a smile, but the Old Guards, John Retta and Maurice Keya all looked at Bona in a mix of shock and amusement. Maurice Keya let out a harsh laugh.

“You would have the nation descend into anarchy. Rule by tyranny? It is just as bad as rule by the mob, for that is what we shall suffer under such a plan.”

“The common people can not be trusted with the governance of the nation,” said Retta. “Are the farmers and grocers truly to be expected to be the ones to decide on a yearly budget? A suitable infrastructure bill?”

“Not to mention,” Legresse said from her seat with a huff, “it would see us spilt into a hundred different polities, each village and hamlet having their own rules and regulations, which will fracture the nation and invite chaos!”

“You mean great the control of oligarchies such as the National Committee,” Bona snapped back. “Direct democracy shall encourage political engagement by our populace, and insure that whatever course of action we take is supported by the public.”

“That is if we can ever complete an election,” said Cecil Hagan. “Five million people can not easily nor expeditiously vote on every business of the day.”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille rubbed his temple in annoyance at Bona’s proposal. It was more outrageous than Retta’s, a feat that was almost impressive. He looked up from his seat to Alazar and then to the rest of the delegates.

“Gentlemen, ladies,” the Duke said, slowly rising from his seat, his full height unfurling even as he spoke with a low soft voice. There was a sudden contrast in his imposing figure and the calm padded mannerism of his demeanor and voice. “Surely there must be a solution that lays somewhere south of autocratic totalitarianism,” he gave a regretful glance to John Retta, “and north of absolute anarchy.” He directed that look to Bernice Bona.

“I am but a humble guest in this preceding, but I can not on my honor help but see that there lays in truth a dual purpose for a government for the Guallan people. In my travels across this nation, I see the concerns of your people, again and again. The need for strong leadership, and the inherently autonomous values in your blood.”

The Duke of Jouille, hesitated for a moment before adding, “It is an admirable and honorable pair of pillars of a great culture. One I believe shared with Riessany, where the Crown’s institutions ensures our safety and security, and individual man may have control over his own fate by the strength of his own hands.” It was a rosy eyed way of looking at things, but that did not matter.

The Duke bowed to Alazar, and re took his seat.

[Southeast Marajarbia]

As the events went on, Henry would be writing down a series of notes about what was going on. Some of these notes had to do with the present representatives wanting the nation of Gualla to become independent as well as a democratic state, which to Henry were signs of a willingness to protect national sovereignty as well as no hesitation when enforcing and spreading democratic values.

Henry would continue to watch and take notes.

[Gualla]

Bernice Bona looked disapprovingly at the Duke of Jouille. “Why is he here again?” She said rhetorically.

“The Guallan people wish to have control over their own destiny,” said Chyano, the first time that he’d spoken. “And they must have the right and ability to do so for themselves. But that is not accomplished by rule by referendum. You speak of a the lightness of a federal touch, but if it is to be the will of ever single person, we will be crushed under the weight of the infrastructure that would require.”

“Or ripped apart by the riots that would no doubt erupt the moment one resolution manages to passes,” said Laura Legresse.

“If we ever got that far,” said Cecil Hagan.

“Shall we put it to a vote?” Asres said, taking the Duke of Jouille’s missive and opening it. He looked to Alazar who nodded. Alazar called for the ayes, and once again only two hands were raised, that of Bona and Curtis Tan. Alazar pounded his gavel as Asres read the plan.

“The nays have it,” Alazar said. “11 to 3.”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille looked again to Louis Asres as he noticed the older man reading over his plan.

The Jouille Plan

On the formation of a government in Gualla

1. The creation of a unicameral legislative body
2. Members of the Legislative Body would be elected by popular vote for all those who’d served in the military
3. The Legislative Body would draft, propose and amend laws
4. A king would selected by the Convention, securing the formation of a constitutional monarchy in Gualla
5. The king would have a general authority to execute the national laws, including the power to make war and treaties.
6. The king and Legislative Body would select judges to serve over a national court of justice.
7. State officers would take an oath to support the constitution
8. The proposals of the Constitutional Convention would be ratified by referendum of the people

The Duke turned his attention away from Asres and instead focused on Retta. While he hoped to lure in Asres and the others of the Old Guards with a focus on the constitutionality of his proposal, he sought to do the opposite with that of Retta.

“Perhaps,” Jouille said in a low voice to Retta, “perhaps, to prevent the fear of future mobs of the commons from throwing the nation to the whims of a future leader who has not your skill and tact, such a position should be secured from election. After all, when kings are crowned there is no concern for the mob having placed them there.and with such a commander-in-Chief, with a marshal’s baton and a king’s specter, peace and order will always reign, no?”

[Gualla]

Louis Asres raised an eyebrow as he read over the Duke of Jouille’s plan. It struck Asres as something a bit… mixed. Both something that seemed out of the nineteenth century and clearly had with it a vein of Riessan influence in it. And yet the legislative idea appealed to Asres. With a few changes, he could see a future for Gualla from this plan.

As Asres began making his notes, John Retta nodded his head in agreement with Jouille’s words, seeing a future where he was not simply a supreme leader, but a monarch, something that came with an extra since of grandeur. This was of course because Retta could not imagine any other man having such a mantle other than him.

Asres, satisfied with his edits, rose from his seat. “I propose a more sensible solution,” Asres said. “Firstly, a government of three branches, with the creation of a unicameral legislative body
With members of this Legislative Body being elected by popular vote by all property owners over the age of twenty. Further more, this new Legislative Body would draft, propose and amend laws, and would select judges to serve over a national court of justice.”

He hesitated considering his own thoughts, and being realistic about those in the convention, adding, “with a chief executive President to head the enforcement of laws and handing military and formal diplomatic responsibilities.”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille was disappointed as he listened to Asres’ proposed form of government, one that held most the bones of his own draft, though with a key different. It seemed that the banker was more interested in a presidential republic than a— in Jouille’s mind— a more suitable monarchy. That was not to discourage him and his own push for it in Gualla however. Jouille, if it were in his power would crush the movement of republicanism in Gualla before it had time to take hold.

“A tempered legislature may be in reason,” the Duke of Jouille said to John Retta in a whisper, “but surely a president can be both strong and beholden to elections and left with power tied by two branches. A crown can not be subjected by the same mere laws as that of a President, better suited for a social club than a national government, wouldn’t you agree?”

[Gualla]

The members of the convention looked at one another as they considered the plan of Louis Asres, thus far the most detailed of them so far. Maurice Keya rose from his seat, finding that he could see the division of powers as set up by Asres as something that he could leave with.

“Such a government would likely see a greater sense of stability than autocracy or direct democracy.”

Leo Chyano nodded as he too saw it as a compromise between the extreme of Retta and Bona’s plans.

John Retta, however, was not one to go down without fighting. With the Duke of Jouille whispering in his ear, he rose from his seat.

“Mr. Asres’ plans may have merit, with a safe guard for this proposed legislative body, but it seems he lacks both such guards for this executive or ensure its long lasting stability. Would Mr. Asres truly see this executive elected, handing no doubt power to a legislative body that would become a bloated hydra? I propose an amendment to this proposal, with the chief executive being a hereditary monarch.”

“That is outrageous,” Bona shot up from her seat. “We do not need a king. What is next? A return to feudalism?”

“There are plenty of successful monarchies,” Cecil Hagan pointed out from his seat. “Tell me Miss Bona, how many successful anarcho-states are there?”

“We have no history of monarchy here,” Curtis Tan said.

“Nor do we of republicanism,” Retta shot back.

“Seoya is a monarchy,” Hagan said, nodding towards Tan. “One would think it’d be in your blood, given your… mixed background.”

“Is your ego so great,” Bona kept her attention focused on Retta, “that you now lust not only for absolute power, but for a crown? What of your do called loyalty to the people?” She turned to the other members of the delegation. “Surely we can not entertain this madness.”

“We have flirted with republicanism,” Hagan said, finally rising from his seat to address the delegates of the convention. “Under the disastrous administration of Philippe Keya,” he pointed an accusing finger at Maurice Keya. Keya looked down at his desk, sinking back into his seat. “Your own brother is the great Republican beast who we were all forced to ban against in order to save our own nation. None of you were in the streets with the people. I was.”

Hagan up a hand to his chest over his heart. “The People of Gualla have been given their referendum on republicanism and they have made it clear. They. Do not. Want it!”

“And you believe that where they called for the head of the consul, they shall happily put a crown on someone’s head?” Bona all but spat.

[Gualla]

John Retta waved his one hand as if he were batting aside Bernice Bona’s comments. Cecil Hagan looked to his fellow members of the National Committee.

“If we are to preserve the security of Gualla, then we must have a figure that we call can rally behind. An elected executive will see factions and parties arise and rot the country from the bottom up. A monarch is a moderating force, one who unites the nation, without being subject to the Will of populist fads or the tyranny of the Mob.”

Hagan looked to Alazar, even as the other four murmured and shifted amongst themselves. “I propose we put it to a vote.”

“Very well,” said Alazar. “Let us vote on the amendment of an executive monarch to Mr. Asres’ proposal for government. Those in favor, say aye.”

John Retta, Cecil Hagan, and Maurice Keya all raised their hands, the later somewhat guiltily. It was however the fourth man who raised his hand who shocked most in the chamber. Wallace Amare, who silently stood with Hagan.

“Those opposed?” Alazar said. He tallied the vote and then stopped with surprise. “It is a tie. 7 to 7.”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille smiled as he listened to Alazar read out the results of what was perhaps the first competitive vote in the convention thus far. Jouille looked to the members of the national committee. Hagan and even Amare were surprising but welcomed surprised supporters. Jouille made a note of Hagan, that was a man to keep an eye on. Where he suspected Retta put the idea forward simply for his own interest, Hagan at least seemed to agree with it in a ideological way, which to the Duke of Jouille was a far better basis for cooperation.

Whereas the king may have liked Retta, Jouille was increasingly seeing him more as a tool to leverage the others into suiting Riessany’s interests. The fact that he’s managed to insure that it wasn’t shot down immediately, and at least carried it to a tie was a boon. It meant that he need only to convince one more person to vote in favor.

“Gentlemen,” the Duke of Jouille said, rising from his seat once more, “a Guallan monarchy shall be a great stabilizer not only within its borders, and true too without. Your neighbors are monarchies, young and old but each fierce. To become the champion of republicanism so close to either Seoya or the Celestial Empire, is to invite danger. Will a fractious republic truly be able to stand on the world stage in face of such coalitions? Where a republic will gain you chaos at home and enemies abroad, a monarchy could prove the saving grace of Gualla.”

[Gualla]

“The future of Gualla should not be decided based on the pressures of foreign monarchs,” Bernice Bona said, feeling as if she were the only one with any sense of sanity.

“You would have us pretend as if the other great powers do not matter?” Cecil Hagan asked.

“Not when deciding our own futures.”

“Even if it is for the best of our people?” Argued Maurice Keya. “A republic had proven itself a failure in a matter of weeks, and you would have us repeat that mistake for the sake not of the future of the people, but for the selfish desires of those who know nothing of tradition or duty. A king in Gualla will not only serve to aid us on the international stage, it shall also prevent the madness of the likes of—“

“Of what?” Bona sheathed. The venom in her tone halted Keya’s tongue. She looked ready to tear his head off if given the chance.

“Of the young, radical, lazy and uneducated,” said Cecil Hagan with a huff. Though Curtis Tan noted his was seated further away from Bona than Keya. “The very likes of which should not be trusted with the future of the nation, no more than children should be left in charge of taking care of a home. That is a duty that belongs to a father.”

Cecil looked to his fellow delegates. “A king would be that father of the nation. One above reproach or the swabbed of such legislative debates” like this he wanted to add.

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille nodded along in agreement with Cecil Hagan. He stood and looked to Angus Alazar.

“Sir, if I may, do you not agree that a tie is not a suitable resolution to this amendment? A second vote is needed on the matter.”

[Gualla]

Angus Alazar nodded, finding himself in agreement with the Duke of Jouille. He raised his gavel, calling back the attention of the delegates of the convention.

“His Grace, the Duke is correct.” Alazar said. “A sec—“

“If I may,” John Retta said quickly, fearing that even with a second bite that the tie would not be broken, or worse that the attitude of Maurice Keya in particular would change and they would lose, decidedly quickly to come up with a new idea. “In the case of ties, is it not common for a respectable, neutral party to provide themselves as a tiebreaker?”

Alazar hesitated and raised an eyebrow considering this. He put a withered finger to his chin, thinking, then said, “I suppose Mr. Retta, in this you are correct,”

“Then,” Retta pressed, would it not be more proper for an honorable gentleman such as yourself to serve as this tiebreaker. Your experience and wisdom is known by all here, as your level headedneutrality in matters. If you were to cast a vote, if only to break this tie, it would I am sure, be respected by all here that it was a decision made for the greater good.”

“I suppose,” said Alazar. “If that is acceptable?”

The the rest of the delegates look to one another, and, perhaps agreeing in Alazar’s neutrality, or that he would choose their side, agreed.

“Very well then,” Alazar said, “let us vote again, and if there tie, I shall provide my vote.” Once again he called for the fors and the against and once again there was a tie as each party refused to change on their position, Retta believing a crown would suit him, Bona fearing the very same notion. Alazar nodded and raised his hand. “Then, to break the tie, I shall vote, in favor of the amendment. With this, the motion motion passed, 8 to 7.”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille looked up, masking his shock as the old man tipped the matter on their favor. It had never concurred to him that Alazar might be used in such a way to put weight on the scales. Instead he had been prepared to wear down the other members of the convention till he could twitch one vote into their favor. Jouille smiled softly and nodded his head, pleased with this victory.

[Gualla]

Louis Asres’s eyes widened in shock. He had not expected Alazar to vote in favor of the amendment. He looked to Pierce Degife, who put a hand to his chin. The rest of the National Committee turned to Hagan and Amare, neither of who looked in the least bit surprised or ashamed.

“A king we shall have,” said Cecil Hagan to them, “though trust me gentlemen, and my lady,” he bowed to kiss the hand of Laura Legresse, “we shall not have a King John.”

“Perhaps not,” said Legresse, pulling her hand free from Hagan’s grasp. “But that does not ease the power wielded by them.”

“Agreed,” said Asres. “Mr. Alazar, I propose that a second amendment be made to this proposal. The formation of a cabinet of officials to direct the departments of the executive branch.”

“Very well,” said Alazar. “All those in favor…” he made a note. There was no debate to it. “The ayes have it, 10 to 4.”

[Gualla]

Alazar moved on to the next order of business, having made two amendments to Asres’s plan (which in truth was the secret plan of the the Duke of Jouille) they now had to decide on if they would actually even adopt the altered plan.

“All those in favor of adopting the constitutional outline proposed by that of Mr. Asres, twice amended, say aye.”

Asres, Degife, Hagan, Amare, Retta, Keya and Chyano all raised their hands, saying aye, while Bona, Tan and to the great surprise of her fellow members of the National Committee, Legresse voted against.

“The ayes have it,” Alazar announced, “10 to 4.”

Alazar made a note, then and there, with the stroke of a pen, Gualla became a monarchy.

“And who,” Laura Legresse said, saying the very think they had all been thinking, “will be the first king of Gualla?”