The Lyonhall Convention (IC/TG to Enter)

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille stood, feeling like a hunter who had carefully laid a trap and now needed to spring into action in order to catch his prey. He cleared his throat, avoiding John Retta’s eyes and instead focusing on Alazar and Hagan. Retta would want the throne for himself, but Jouille saw that path as either a disaster given his attitudes or impossible given the attitudes of the rest of the convention. And yet there was no one else in Gualla King Berengar would trust.

So Jouille would push them not to select one from in Gualla.

“Gentlemen, ladies,” the Duke of Jouille said, “it is the tradition of the continent of Meillur that when there is a newly established monarchy, one in which there is no domestic house with history or experience on a throne—such the case with Gualla— that the custom is the offering of an invitation to a foreign prince or aristocrat.”

Jouille continued, looking to Bona and Tan, from who he expected the greatest resistance would come from. “This at first may seem strange to you, but it is a matter of stability and longevity, without fear of one side triumphing over another with the nation. A foreign candidate, the right one, shall be a true outsider, unbiased in matters of internal politics. A mediating force for the greater good of the country.”

“And,” Jouille continued, “By selecting a foreign prince or aristocrat, you all can expect to gain diplomatic links and a crowned head accustomed to the trappings of courts and ceremonial duties.”

[Gualla]

There was an uproar throughout the chamber at the Duke of Jouille’s words. John Retta shot up out of his seat in horror at the Duke’s words.

“That is outrageous!” Retta roared. “Gualla is for Guallans, and we must be ruled by a Guallan.”

“Which Guallans?” Huffed Curtis Tan, certain that his and Retta’s definition would not be one and the same. “The same ultranationalists who threatened to march on the city?”

“True Guallans know we must be strong and United.”

“I can’t believe it,” Bernice Bona shook her head, “but I must agree with Mr. Retta. A foreigner on this ill conceived throne is a recipe for disaster and international intervention into our affairs. It is bad enough you all wish for a central government to dictate our ways, now you— Duke— would have a foreigner be imposed upon us as well?”

“The Duke makes a fair point,” Cecil Hagan said. “The king should be a neutral force, one who can mediate and prevent the radicalization of either side of the political spectrum. And that is best attributed if they have no dog in the fight.”

“Of course the king should have a dog in the fight!” Snapped Retta. “He’s the bloody king you fool.”

“Mr. Retta,” Alazar banged his gavel. “I will have order. If you can not speak in a civil manner, you will be removed from this chamber.”

Retta’s hands rolled into fists at his side as he seethed.

“We should select from within the country.” Bona crossed her arms.

“From where?” Asked Legresse with an exasperated drawl. “From within this chamber? From the city? The army? Which one? Or perhaps from amongst the citizenry.”

“The vast majority,” Wallace Amare said calmly, “of our citizens are farmers, poorly educated with little to no experience of urban life, much less that of the outside world. None will be fit for reigning a monarch. We need someone with the skills and upbringing to match this role.”

“Indeed,” said Louis Asres. “While it is not ideal, the prospect of giving it to someone with the right accumune to govern in Gualla invites favoritism and factionalism. And those without it, well, it would be like giving a poor man a million florins. He will burn through it in a month’s time.”


“So we sell ourselves to a foreign prince?” Bona asked. “One who knows nothing us? Not our language or customs, or faith or concerns? No! Never!”

“Indeed!” Retta shouted. “Our must come from within, not from without! If we are to have a King of Gualla, he should actually speak Gualla! Be Guallan!”

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille raised an eyebrow as he looked amongst the delegates. “Do you truly believe that there is anyone that could be selected from with here that can take such a mantle and not provoke dangerous outrage from one side or another?”

[Gualla]

The delegates looked at one another, considering the words of the Duke of Jouille.

“His Grace,” said Cecil Hagan, “is correct. We need a clean slate, someone who can both grow with us, and not be weighed by any favoritism, not only political, but also geographical within the commonwealth. And we shall need Allie’s in the future. With the right choice, we shall make long term alliances.”

“At the sacrifice of our own integrity,” said Bona.

“If one man can shatter out integrity we truly are doomed, Miss Bona,” said Leo Chyano. He looked to Curtis Tan. “Guallan does not have to been born here in and restricted by blood. You should understand that more anyone. We are not a homogenous society, no matter what some,” he looked to Retta, “may say. With a king born aboard we do not simply elect a foreigner to be our monarch, but show to all of the world that our identity as Guallan welcomes all.”

Curtis Tan opened his mouth to protest, but then close it again. Chyano made a good point. A king of a minority group within Gualla would doubtless aid the protection of similar minorities. Bona looked to Tan in horror as she quickly sense the shift in the argument. Tan looked past her to Alazar.

“Let us put it to a vote. Selection within, or the extending of an invitation without.”

Angus Alazar nodded. “Those in favor, say aye. Those against.” Alazar made a note and announced, “The ayes have it, 8 to 6.”

[Necria]

the Necrian delegate Venno Pihlak made his way to the balcony to attend the speeches of the Guallan politicians for the achievement of a possible peace, which would finally stabilize the region. Venno knew that attending this meeting was of paramount importance and could discuss any terms of the Lyonhall Convention. arrived at the balcony he sat down together with the other foreign delegates and began to listen, suddenly flashed through his head "what would happen to the leadership before the civil war" so he got up to ask the president of the consultation a question: "I have a question for the convention: What Will Happen to the Pre-Civil War Leadership?"

[Gualla]

Angus Alazar nodded and look to the other delegates of the convention. “Mr. Pihlak brings a good question to the convention. As we debate the future leadership of the nation, it is vital that we address the former leadership.”

There was a beat of silence as various idea and concerns bounced around the minds of the delegates, till Laura Legresse rose from her seat. “There must be clemency for the members of the Provisional State Council.”

“Feeling a soft spot for your former compatriots?” John Retta said, unimpressed.

“There was very any malicious intent behind their actions—“

“You mean your actions?” John Retta turned to the others. “Let us not forget that it was the PSC that opened fire on Guallan citizens, attempted to ruled by decree from their Republican stronghold in Gualla City. Their oligarchic rule and the ambitions of Philippe Keya lead to the direct death of thousands. Not to mention the destabilization of the nation, destruction of property and more. They are criminals. They must be punished. Executed.”

[Gualla]

Maurice Keya stood from his seat aghast at John Retta’s call for the execution of the members of the Provisional State Council. Keya was indeed the black sheep of his family, as he had been the only one amongst his brothers not to support Philippe in his actions, as their politics did not align, but even then, he was his brother.

“We are not savages. The death sentence is a step too far. While Henry Shale was the one who opened fire, let’s not forget that it was Joseph Tsega who marched on Genoga and intentionally pulled back into a civilian filled area—“

“You have no proof of that,” interrupted Retta, but Keya pressed on.

“And let’s also not forget that it was the Provisional State Council that ordered Shale’s arrest, recognizing the mistake.”

“Hundreds dead is hardly a mere mistake,” said Cecil Hagan. “And even if it were, there is no way we can let them go. The people of the city were prepared to put their heads on spikes when they stormed the Townhall.”

“Not to mention,” said Wallace Amare, “we have just agreed to form a government that is antithetical to their extremist ideology. Should they be allowed to go free, or even into exile, they would become a permanent threat to the future of Gualla.”

“Indeed,” said Hagan. “One needs only look across the channel at Seoya to see the dangers of letting a former regime fester in exile abroad.”

“You would have us follow the example of Hojin the Hound?” scoffed Legresse.

“I would have us improve on his failings.”

“If they are executed,” Louis Asres said, in a soft thoughtful tone, “They will become martyrs. While the people were horrified by Henry Shale’s actions, you all forget they still had, indeed, may still have a tenth of the population of the nation behind them.”

“Not to mention,” said Leo Chyano, “if the first action our new government is killing the people who, whatever their failings, secured our independence, what will that say?”

“Our entire future as a nation would be built on their blood,” said Bernice Bona.

“This entire debate is ridiculous,” said Curtis Tan. “They committed crimes, they should be given a trial.”

“This,” said John Retta darkly, “is their trial.”

[Necria]

after carefully listening to the discussions and consulting the other foreign delegates, Philak was writing a report to be sent to the motherland regarding the convention's membership and progress.

the old guards were mainly fearful and very moderate compared to the rest of the members, even if they had organized the revolution that had deposed Keya, they seemed too soft according to Pihlak to govern independently, and therefore favorable to Necria, Retta in government would have been a nightmare for Necria , an ultranationalist like him would have meant the end of all investment plans in Gualla, Bona was seen on the same level, only that she was not a nationalist but a libertarian, while for the neutral representatives, they were too few to be decisive , the duke of Jouille was instead a very competent man, but Pihlak thought that there was something more to it than the pure desire to rebuild the country. In essence, in the report written by Pihlak, Gualla would have been a potential ally only under the leadership of a moderate liberal-conservative government. As for the works in the commission, the alliances were almost always confirmed in the votes except for that of the King, where Retta launched himself against Jouille and sided with Bona. Other issues that have strained the established alliances are that of autocracy and the federal system. On the speech on the end of Keya's leadership and his council only her brother Maurice sided in favor of life, while others were in favor of execution, especially Retta and some of the old guards, while the moderates were in favor for the trial

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille stood. He agreed with Asres that the Provisional State Council and Philippe Keya in particular couldn’t be allowed to go free. But in the same breath he knew the dangers of attempting to build one government on the blood of the previous.

“If so may, gentlemen and ladies, in regards to the members of the Provisional State Council, their crimes must be met with proportional. Henry Shake, we can all agree, was the only member to wage war against his fellow Guallans. In that, death is suited. But for the others… their death will only turn public opinion back in favor of them, and stain the new future of this great commonwealth.”

The Duke of Jouille thought of Riessan politics and the fate of Mamela of Derita, the widow of the former monarch before King Berengar. When her husband had died she had been pregnant and the succession had depended on if she had a son or a girl. When she gave birth to a daughter, it had cleared the way for King Berengar, a male cousin, to take the throne. Yet there were still those few who thought that Mamela of Derita’s daughter should rule Riessany, infant as she is.

King Berengar’s older advisors had considered ridding themselves of the two, but it was agreed that by keeping them locked up—if in a glided cage— they could better contain them.

“Revolt,” Jouille said, “is not necessarily destroyed by force, but by letting it whither and die in obscurity.”

[Gualla]

John Retta looked to the Duke of Jouille and again found himself caught off guard by the Duke’s words. Riessany had supported him and the United Gualla Army, and yet in every other turn it felt as if Jouille were opposing him.

“Have you forgotten who you came here to support? You are meant to be my ally,” Retta said in a low whisper. He raised his voice to say, “Shale may have been the chief perpetrator of actual violence, but let us not forget that Philippe Keya who was the architect of this entire affair.”

“They are young men, of queer ways,” Legresse said, exasperated by Retta’s voice. “Keya is an intelligent man who only ever acted in what he thought was the best interest of the people. He was misguided, not malicious.”

“Well said, Madame Legresse,” said Maurice Keya.

“And Shale?” Snapped Retta. “Was he misguided as he soaked the streets of Genoga with Guallan blood?”

“That is what happens when you put guns in the hands of boys,” Legresse said. “Let’s not forget it was under your orders that farmboys traded their rakes for rifles and started marching across the isle like mad men.”

“And boys shall be boys?” Bona huffed. “Is that the sentiment we wish to instill in the youth? To women?”

“The youth?” Legresse scoffed. “Women? Child, there is but one woman in this chamber.”

Bona narrowed her eyes. “I may be young, Madame Legresse, but that makes me no less capable. After all, it is the young who secured her independence.”

“And nearly brought down ruin upon us,” said Louis Asres. “I agree with the Duke, we must not let the PSC members be allowed to fester and return. But can that truly be accomplished with only Shale’s death? The others, perhaps, can be excused, but Keya?”

“No,” Maurice Keya said.

“Do you truly believe your brother would calmly and quietly fall back into obscurity? Or that his followers would not flock to his prison cell? Or that foreign governments would host him in hopes of bringing about his return?”

[Necria]

Pihlak kept taking notes on the very heated discussion, and to update the report and thoughts on the Lyonhall members. Pihlak's intuitions on Retta proved true, Too Nationalist and too radical to lead alone the Commonwealth, While Pihlak had changed his mind about Bona, who had shown more initiative, and although young, she had the skills for this and certainly she was a better possible candidate to the government than Retta that could please the guallans. She could be a viable candidate for the government . The old guard was divided between who supported Keya's Brother and was for the trial and who supported Retta and was for the execution, while the duke of Jouille was proving increasingly ambiguous, Pihlak wondered if he was really serving the interests of Gualla or Reissmany, and another question arose in his head "What foreign policy will the country adopt? And above all will it be open to investments and aid from other countries?" for now this question remained in his head, waiting to be asked and confirmed his questions and doubts about the duke

[Gualla]

Pierce Degife rose from his seat, saying, “I believe we should put the matter of the Provisional State Council fated to a vote.”

Angus Alazar boxer his head and banged his gavel, calling on the attention of the delegates of the convention. “Those in favor of the execution of David Bazin, say aye. Those opposed, nay.” Alazar made a note as the delegates voted. “The nays have it, 8 to 6.”

“Those in favor of the execution of John Bullo, say aye. Those opposed, nay.” Alazar made a note as the delegates voted. “The nays have it, 8 to 6.”

“Those in favor of the execution of Penelope Susonios, say aye. Those opposed, nay.” Alazar made a note as the delegates voted. “The nays have it, 9 to 5.”

“Those in favor of the execution of Michelle Arefani, say aye. Those opposed, nay.” Alazar made a note as the delegates voted. “The nays have it, 10 to 4.”

Alazar raised an eyebrow as he noticed the shift in the votes. It seemed that the prospect of executing particular and young women of the Provisional State Council was an idea unappealing to the convention. “Those in favor of the execution of Henry Shale, say aye. Those opposed, nay.” there was silence as every delegate vote in favor.

“The ayes have it. Unanimously.”

Alazar moved onto the last name on the list. “Those in favor of the execution of Philippe Keya?” Cross the chamber every delegate raised their hand. All save one. “Those opposed?” Maurice Keya stood alone, his eyes wide with horror at the decision. The blood pounded in his ears as Alazar announced the ayes had it, 13 to 1.

“This…” Maurice Keya said, his voice deadly calm. He shook his head, not finishing his sentence. With that, he stormed out of the chamber.

[Necria]

"I can imagine Maurice's devastation in losing his brother, sure, he was a bit of the black sheep of the family and his Brother committed crimes against the country, but after all a brother remains a brother even if he has committed crimes against the country" Pihlak said to himself, now he was ready to the new question to ask to the members of the convention: " What will be the diplomatic policy of Gualla and the defense policy of Gualla ?"

[Gualla]

Alazar made a note of Keya’s departure, though even with his absence there was a quorum of the delegates and under the circumstances, he suspected that Keya needed a moment. He took up Mr. Pihlak’s question.

“Foreign policy should be a matter left to the formed government after elections have been held,” said Curtis Tan.

“Or once we have selected a king,” Cecil Hagan said.

“The basis of our foreign policy alone however should doubtless be one of protection,” Bernice Bona said. “With Seoya and the Celestial Empire at war across the channel, it is best that we maintain a course of neutrality.”

Louis Asres put a hand to his chin, as the elephant in the room finally spoke. The on going Andejanes War was a conflict that Gualla had been to preoccupied and remained ill equipped to involve itself in. But the dangers at sea had effectively shut down trade to all of the country’s eastern ports as non of their neighbors risked traveling through the turbulent waters.

“We need only look at our geography for the answer,” said John Retta. “We are blessed to be an isle of mountains and bays. We must be a fortress. Protected, and armed in our approach. We should not involve ourselves in the affairs of our neighbors and should maintain formal diplomacy and military cooperation with Riessany. After all, it is their weapons that won us the day.”

Bona opened her mouth to protest, but Retta pressed on. “Every man, and woman,” Retta smiled at Bona, “should be a conscript into the military so that no one dared thinks to challenge our sovereignty. We should invest in openin trade lines to the northern and south by the western port of Gomoha. Should we do so, we shall become the linchpin between trade from the Borean States and the Southern Crowns.”

[Southeast Marajarbia]

Of course, as the events continued, Henry would still be taking notes, and had already come to multiple conclusions, such as the possibility of the newly formed state of Gualla potentially becoming a member of the ODP or of the Foxtrot Accords, or simply a trading partner which any nation could rely on in times of need.

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille nodded in agreement. It was to be Riessany’s stance, due to its own policies to remain neutral in the Andejanes War, but the larger matter of a friendly Gualla would be seen as a tremendous success.

“Riessany shall naturally stand with Gualla,” said Jouille. There was also of course the matter of the debt that the UGA had accumulated in their purchase of Riessan weaponry that would tie them to one another. If things went poorly, it would be a shame to have to press that particular issue. But till then, Jouille was happy enough to keep matters friendly and hold his tongue on that matter.

[Gualla]

Louis Asres nodded as he listened to John Retta. He made good points, if one’s that we’re biased in his favor. Gomoha was Retta’s home town and as the only port in inhabited by the conflict, it would indeed serve as a vital trade center. However, such a monopoly over such trade routes could be incredibly lucrative.

“I agree with Mr. Retta,” said Asres, “For now, it is the most prudent course of action.”

“Those in favor of Mr. Retta’s doctrine of foreign policy, that of armed neutrality, with the exception of Riessany, say aye.” Alazar made a note. “The ayes have it, unanimously.”

[Necria]

Pihlak continued to take notes. The policy of armed neutrality adopted by Gualla wasn't so worrying for Pihlak, after all Necria had also adopted it, it was more worrying this attachment to Reissmany, but after all it had been the only nation to help Gualla in times of need, and now he wanted the returnment of the favor with interest, Pihlak had finished the questions for now and was ready to see the Commonwealth reborn

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille cleared this throat, sensing a sentiment of accomplishment permeating throughout the convention. Having successfully tackled their most pressing of issues, Jouille suspected that they were ready to move on and step boldly into the future. And the Duke too was eager for such a step, save for one matter that had slipped through the cracks.

“If I may, ladies and gentlemen, there is one matter left that was left unfinished. The selection of a king. I do believe that in the interest of completeness, this convention should select the matter on a suitable candidate to recover the invitation to the new Guallan Throne.” The Duke rose, standing to his full great height.

“And if I may be so bold, I wish to nominate a candidate, that of Prince Rudolf of Riessany, the younger brother to His Majesty the King of Riessany. He recently had his nineteenth and completed his basic training in the Riessan Army. Though young, he is an astute and strong personality, with a keen sense of duty.”

The Duke of Jouille looked to Retta, “He shall bring Maranyon strength and power,” then he looked the Old Guards. “And with such a young man as king, the wise councilors of state will be able to guide him and mold the perfect monarch for the Commonwealth.”

[Gualla]

There was a silence amongst the members of the convention as they listened to the Duke of Jouille and heard him finish. It had doubtless been the idea in the minds of a few there that that was an issue that might be kicked down the the road. There was much to consider in setting up the infrastructure of a hereditary monarchy, at least so was the mind of Cecil Hagan, certainly the most ardent of the new found monarchists.

“Thank you,” Hagan said, “Your grace for your… thoughtfulness in such a candidate. However, I think that while the prince I am sure has many admirable talents and suitability, with there being but two small boys between him and his brother’s throne, that there is greater need of him in Riessany than in Gualla.”

There was a murmuring of agreement amongst the Old Guards. Riessany as an ally was one thing, which they could accept even with their favoritism towards John Retta, but a Riessan prince as their king? It would feel too much not as Riessan friendship but rather conquest. That being said, an alternate candidate would have to still insure friendship with the King and Queen of Riessany.

[Riessany]

The Duke of Jouille was stunned at how quickly the others shot down his candidacy for Prince Rudolf. He had assumed that they would have jumped at the chance to not have to shuffle through lists and lineages and trees to fine someone to their liking, and more importantly, someone who as a brother of the King of Riessany would have guaranteed a long term friendship between their heads of state.

The Duke of Jouille opened his mouth, thought to say what, even he was not sure, before closing it again and taking his seat.