"It is a problem that plagues our nation. Duke Seliora is merely the most poignant example. Everywhere those in power pay all their mind to tradition. This blindness is what allowed the old senate to fall so low, for Daein to separate. We have spent centuries doing little more than admiring our former selves as we grew weaker and distrustful of our brothers and resentful of the future. We need something new, more... flexible, than the harsh old traditions. Do you not agree?"
edited 17th Nov '10 11:33:06 AM by Fauxlosophe
"When I speak of it common good, it is not one of welfare but liberty. Which allows greater enterprise and in that way aid for all. I will admit that I have a distaste for selfishness personally, but I wish that if we are to be selfish we are to sensible. Duke Seliora does not fight for the betterment of the general or himself, but his archaic traditions, decayed morals and dead goddess. Tell me, Duke Dryden, is that worth lives? If there is infighting let it be for the betterment of the nation, if only through Daeinian Selection, rather than for the maintenance of tradition."
edited 17th Nov '10 12:14:25 PM by Fauxlosophe
"What?! No!" shouted Andrea, flustered. This wasn't the plan, this WASN'T the plan! Dammit! This was a stupid mistake from the start, you should have known better, Andrea! Alright alright, adapt and change, adapt and change, quick! she thought as she quickly changed directions back to her original position. As confident as she was in her abilities, she wasn't going to charge in and get herself sandwiched between a group of monsters.
"Well, whatever the case, I suggest we all get some rest while we can. I doubt something will demand our attention immediately, so... yeah." Grant finished with a yawn as he found himself a nice comfy seat, laying back on it.
"While I make know attempt to hide my selfishness, I am not without honor." Dryden said. "And no, I certainly don't agree with any of Hargrave's dated beliefs, though that isn't my primary reason for opposing him."
"Alright, here it goes..." Alex said. A ball of light appeared in the air near the monsters attacking Liam, a bolt of lightning shot from it and struck one of the creatures.
In the capitol, a tall, well dressed man with pale skin and a starting beard walked into the Empress' throneroom from a secondary entrance. "Well, done acquisitioning those mercenaries, your Highness." he said. "I assume this means we can continue to expect your business?"
"As always"
It was quite a silly question, the answer of which both of them knew. The Empress had invested a lot into the efficent services provided by the peculiar group. They wanted her gold and other assets and she wanted their services and secrecy.
"Now, I'll want you report on the current situation"
"I just got back from speaking with a few of my subordinates. Apparently a large force of troops, led by Duke Asmin himself, were recently seen entering the border to Tanas. Because they were met with no resistance, and the Duke himself was willing to travel there, we can only assume that the two provinces are allies. Apparently, some troops bearing Aldric's seal were also seen joining Dryden's troops at the Seliora border." the Black Fang contractor said. "Needless to say, the implications here are dire both for you and for us, your Majesty."
"Indeed they are"
The Empress allowed herself to sigh a little, joining her hands as she thought of the best course of action.
"I'll have a job you. I want the Fang to move and make their march, if you do find marching, a truly difficult one. It will be preferable if you appear to be working for Duke Hargrave in this situation"
"Can you handle this job?"
"Of course. I have never questioned your honour or stated your reasons, at least not all of them. But excuse me, I speak with subtleties from habit when they are not due, even detrimental," Duke Aldric paused, "What I offer you is more than rhetoric: on even ground we are vulnerable to each other. However if we form a coalition, then we gain leverage. Duke Seliora, and many others, put a great amount of power, effort and resources into these traditions, this Goddess. Power that, could it but be freed up and offered to the People of Begnion, would benefit all. Not just the peasants, but the Lords as well. However, if I may change the subject; have you chosen a heir of Duke Hargrave? If this battle goes well, we would be wise to select a player for the vacant throne."
edited 17th Nov '10 1:17:43 PM by Fauxlosophe
"I shall not aggress against the Empress. Nor shall I attempt to provoke it. We shall merely deal amongst ourselves. None shall have the power to hinder any of us without angering the rest, we shall work together for mutual benefit. That is all. If the Empress fears peace amongst her own Dukes, then I must sincerely question what sort of country she is attempting to rule."
"As always I would prefer to stay out of the picture as much as possible" Janika said.
"Offer your services to him after explaining the danger that he faces. If he suspects you may be sent by somebody else to assist him then you may allude that a person of some importance in the church wanted to preserve one of our most devout Dukes"
And just in case the Fang failed to inform Hargrave Janika would send an agent to the Duke's dwelling city to inform the man. Such agent would arrive to the outskirts on a pegasus, leave the mount behind and then enter the city as a regular traveler. It would then ask for a meeting with the Duke and warn him that in his travel he spotted a great force on the border of his territory. He would then ask for a reward for his news just as any ordinary mercenary would.
If the Duke wouldn't believe the Fang then a second voice telling the same tale should be enough to do the trick.
"I'll send word to him right away your Majesty. And by the way, our standard rates still apply. I bid you good evening." The Fang contractor bowed to Janika and left the room.
"The last time there was peace among the Senate, everyone in the world was turned to stone. You can't blame the Empress for being a little bit paranoid about letting something like that happen again. You can't really blame her for not trusting people like me either, to be honest." Dryden said. "If you really want to pick someone to take the throne at Seliora, you're welcome to select some candidates. I'll give you my input where it's necessary, but I'm still wary of the idea."
When Kurt heard of what was going on from a spy, he burst out laughing. After calming down, he said, "Exactly as planned...again...man, I am having too much luck lately. Reckless bunch, and now for phase 2 of my eight fold master plan."
He looked to his favorite maid, "Tip off those mercenaries that the dukes are moving in a coup, but leave out the names, and tell them that the rebel dukes are moving in the direction of the little trading town where Davion is. Follow this up by organizing a meet up with the rebels so I can give them a few powerful swords. Then, organize a rendezvous here with Hargrave so I can give him powerful swords to defeat his enemies with. Make the rendezvous with Hargrave set a bit before the rendezvous with the rebels." With such a double rendezvous in place, I intend to have Hargrave and I destroy the rebel dukes as soon as they step into my deathtrap. I become the hero, mercenaries are unneeded, and then I am ready for phase III. I have to make a meeting with a very distressed empress.
edited 17th Nov '10 2:20:17 PM by NickTheSwing
At Hargrave's mansion, the assassin who was sent to speak with him was hardly well received. "Just what is the meaning of this visit? Duke Seliora is asleep!" the guard asked sternly.
"I have some information that could potentially be life threatening toward the Duke. I'd like to speak with him as soon as possible, please." He did his best to seem polite, and even forced a smile. This wasn't the type of things they trained him for, but using a run-of-the-mill spy for a job like this wasn't an option. In case he was captured, Black Fang made sure to send someone who was trained to fight.
The guard reluctantly let the assassin come in. He motioned for him to wait and went to alert Duke Hargrave to his presence. Within 15 minutes, Hargrave met with the assassin in his hall. "Well?" he asked simply. "Your grace, I've been told to inform you that two of your fellow dukes are currently plotting your destruction. My organization, as well as a few third parties who wish to remain anonymous, do not wish to see you removed from power. I'm here to ask that you allow me and a few of my fellow assassins to use your name, lest we incriminate anyone else."
Hargrave pondered this for a moment. Dryden was in on this, no doubt, but who else? Possibly Duke Kurt or Aldric, though it mattered not. "If you must, you may let them know that I am your employer, but only if you're asked. Don't do anything that might tarnish my name, and make sure that this doesn't become public news. I'll fully deny having anything to do with you if you harm my reputation in any way. Is that understood?"
The assassin nodded. "Thank you, your grace." He left the mansion and headed off to relay this information to his superior.

"He's generally known to be one of the most traditional nobles in our country. The wealthy highborn, as well as the more subservient commoners seem to love him, but there is growing discontent in his province over being forced to follow traditions which many commoners believe should have been done away with entirely a century ago." Dryden said. "He is a man of unquestionable honor, of that I won't deny, but his fault lies in the fact that he believes his standards for what is right are universal."