RP Log: The Watch, The Houses and the Prince Regent.
--[ Throne Room ]-----------------------------------------[ Royal Palace ]----
Wall panels of roughly polished amber glow beneath a cross of spaced chandeliers. The smooth black walnut floor is broken by a center inlay of ivory, a unicorn rising in perfect detail. The room is spacious; easily able to accommodate the significant nobility of Amber should they be grouped by rank, and gifted with exquisite acoustics. At the far west side of the room rises a dais and upon that a carved gilded throne that for all its gleaming ornamentation appears modest. A dark green velvet curtain embroidered with a gold unicorn backdrops the dais.
On the south side, towards the back of the room, is a small recessed door that leads into the scribe's alcove. Broad double doors in the east lead into the grand antechamber.
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Julian says, "On the matter of the Watch and House military forces who here intends to speak."
Addison takes a small half-step forward, bows, and says, "I wish to present the case of General Counsel for the City, Your Royal Highness."
Brand lights a cigarette. He stops pacing, but he isn't still.
Celeste at the moment remains silent, scanning the room as if seeking a particular face before her gaze veers towards Addison.
Quietly, Agravain makes his way into the courty, looking to be only partially walking in the world of now. He weaves his way between the gathered courtiers and the ghosts of the past.
Lamiria steps slightly forward. "I am here to speak on the Watch's behalf, sir. I am the Captain in charge of the Upper City," she says, bowing her head towards Julian.
Julian nods curtly. "Does anyone else intend to speak concerning this matter."
Lucius is present, and following protocol to the letter. But he is silent, watching the goings-on with interest. He remains in a place appropriate to his House and station.
Brand mumbles something incoherent, while looking intently at Julian.
Kincaid says, "As representative of the Order of Clarity. I may wish to speak depending on what is said by both sides over this matter." His voice echoing over the room to reach the regent's ears."
Julian waits through a few minutes of ringing silence and nods again. "Captain. You may begin. Keep it short and to the point. Wandering off topic is not accepted."
Julian looks to Kincaid. "The Order of Clarity has no place in this court. Denied."
Celeste's eyebrows lift and she looks over Lamirie in an unabashed fashion, head to toe and every detail in between. She steps forward, "I am here to speak as required, your highness. Unless information or commentary regarding Mandrake's own contributions, I will remain silent."
Julian looks to Celeste and nods. "Mandrake will be heard as well."
Agravain finds a place to stand and folds his hands into their opposite's sleaves. He looks up at the preceedings with renewed clarity, and says nothing.
Kincaid doesn't seem suprised by the regents words. Perhaps he even expected such a rebuke.
Lamiria nods and looks up to Julian. "Yes sir. The Watch is simply wondering why House troops are being allowed to reside within the city, apparently doing the job that has been ours to do. Especially since, I believe, such a thing is illegal or, at the very least, frowned upon. The fact that only two Houses are allowed to do such is a cause for curiousity as well."
Brand says, "Objection."
Julian motions to Brand to allow him to speak. He looks patient.
Celeste's nostrils flare and her jaw sets. Her arms cross and her feet brace slightly apart as she listens, expression displeased.
Deirdre quietly continues to stand in her place, her eyes moving from Lamiria after she's done speaking, over to Brand.
Brand says, "Mandrake has an explicit letter of marque, giving them specific duties that do not fall under the watch's jurisdiction, which is providing security to the city and dealing with criminals. There is not overlap. Also, since there is a letter of marque, it isn't illegal. As such, there's no basis for complaint."
Addison forms a cluster with Valentine.
Julian looks to Lamiria. "If you have rebuttal make it now. Otherwise the baton passes to the Mayor's office and to Mandrake."
Lamiria watches Brand speak, then shakes her head. "I will only say that we are not specifically targetting Mandrake. Does Chantris not also have troops within the city? At the docks?"
Julian grunts. "Lord Mayor. You have the floor. Is there anyone here who chooses to speak for Chantris let them also make it known now."
Brand furrows his brow a bit. Abruptly, he crosses to Addison with long strides.
Brand joins Addison.
Brand says something, quick and clipped.
Deirdre speaks up. "While I cannot speak for House Chantris, I do believe that they have warehouses by the docks, not to mention some ships, and are thus protecting their interests."
Julian nods to Deirdre and waits for the Mayor's office's statement.
Brand blows smoke rings. They might have a faint rainbow tint to them.
Addison steps forward and bows to the Throne. "Your Royal Highness. Counsel is of the interpretation of Kingdom Law that the sitting Regent in the place of the King has the Crown's given rights to commit to new judgments, contracts, letters, and writs unilaterally to this body and the Kingdom at large. Pursuant to the Crown's rights to craft such legal documents, Prince Brand as Sitting Regent of Amber Kingdom issued on November 29th of the year previous a Letter of Marque to allow the Mandrake Ducal Seat to bring authorized troops into the Lower City to protect and defend areas designated as Reconstruction Efforts after the Portafada Invasion including but not limited to: Damsel's Rest, New Lyonesse, Fishcutter Square, the Little Market, the Quay, Authority Circle and the Docks. It is Oberonic Law that the City be protected by the Hounds, the Gulls or forces of the King or Regent's authorization, so this document was entered into the Legal Record. Considering this contract with the Kingdom Government in the form of a Letter of Marque, a duly authorized governmental representative of the Crown may make suggestions at any time to reapportionment of troops at the Ducal Seat's discretion to achieve a better contracted result for the Crown. However as the resources belong wholly under the purview of the Ducal Seat and functioning under legal agreement with the Crown, the Ducal Seat may approve, decline, or adjust at the Ducal resources as they see fit as long as it continues to fall under the original negotiated legal agreement. A reapportionment of three patrols from Damsel's Rest to the financial center under continued control from the Mandrake Ducal Seat is validated under this legal agreement. As such, they were authorized to watch over physical infrastructure, which was, those sections of the city under reconstruction. These troops under the Ducal Seat were not empowered with the legal authority of arrest, search, seizure, attainment, or arraignment under the Law, nor were they given rights to testify. They were not, as such, used as replacement for the Watch as the Watch argues; nor were they authorized for Upper City, Palace, or outside the Lower City Designated Areas as stated by the original contract."
RPG: Addison declares that he has the Lawyer (SKL-LA) gift. Use '+gift SKL-LA' to view the gift description.
RPG: Addison used the following +declare targets: Throne Room - Royal Palace
Julian listens to Addison's argument without comment. "Do either the Watch or Mandrake have counter or addition to the Lord Mayor's statement of law."
Valentine steps forward with a folder in hand. "The Letter of Marque," he says, by way of support, and offers the folder towards the Regent.
Lamiria says, "I would simply say that it sounds like there is some overlap as the Lord Mayor has explained it, and that it only provides legality to the presence of Mandrake troops, not the troops of other Houses."
Julian takes the folder and opens it to read it. He nods and hands it back to Valentine. "Lady Celeste. You have the floor."
Brand says, "I freely admit that I can't even remember if I issued a letter of marque to Chantris or not. I suppose I'll have to be executed now."
Deirdre notes, "Which was explained by the House protecting their interests," towards Lamiria, mildly. "Which is, as far as I'm aware, perfectly acceptable."
Deirdre looks to Brand and quietly gestures to her axe.
Brand rolls his eyes at something Addison says.
Lamiria shakes her head. "If that were the case then any House could bring troops into the city and simply say that they were protecting their interests. With or without the approval of the Regent."
Celeste says, "As stated, Mandrake responded to the needs of our city and realm after a exceptionally devestating attack on the city. As stated, ours is not of patrol or peace keeping but part of reconstruction and other related efforts to meet the overwhelming demands of a city in need. To state an army is present is a gross exaggeration, there lack accomodations in the city and it is impractical for far more reasons than I can count. All troops adhere to both the crown and mayor's laws and are neither above the law nor an extension of such. I cannot speak for other houses but note several efforts in the rebuilding of the city, and have seen no army, nor any infringement upon the Watch. I am, however, curious as to why-half a year after the fact-the watch lodges a formal complaint."
Brand raises his hand.
Julian nods to Brand.
Brand says, "I should also point out that by the terms of the letter, if they rose up in insurrection, they could be conscripted by Benedict and ordered to war against themselves."
Julian says, "Do any of the involved parties present have more to add?"
Celeste says, "I will confirm this. Mandrake and her troops are dutiful scion to the crown and the crown's authorities. Any abiding outside the law or fashion counter to Mandrake's obligation would be dealt with swiftly and absolutely. There is a zero tolerance policy on the matter."
Lamiria says, "I was not in my current position half a year ago. Nor was the Captain of the Lower Watch. I cannot say why the previous captains did not say anything." She shakes her head to Julian. "Nothing, sir."
Ace shows up late and dressed for work. He walks toward Lamiria.
Julian looks to the Mayor.
Addison nods politely and says, "The Counsel for the City rests, Your Royal Highness."
Julian nods and looks to Quina. "Lady Quina will make statement on behalf of Chantris."
Agravain begins walking slowly towards the front of the crowd, but he does not speak up to be heard just yet.
Quina curtseys towards Julian, then says with her usual calm, "House Chantris has men in the lower city to aide with the restoration, Prince Regent. Only those serving as guards for each group are armed, and each of these Chantris groups never number more than ten totally."
Julian nods. "If there is nothing further on the part of any of the involved parties the Regency shall now make its ruling."
Lamiria nods towards Ace, but she seems done with talking.
Celeste seems to have nothing further to add, expression impassive.
Lucius steps aside for Agravain, and bows to the priest. He returns to listening to the Regent.
Agravain gives Lucius a nod and smile as he passes by the man. His hands come free from their sleeves to hang at his sides.
Julian waits a minute and then states his piece. "The throne finds that the matter of Chantris and Mandrake has been in order within the bounds of past legitimate regencies' rulings in accordance with existing law of Amber and the Watch's statements. Both Houses are thanked for their aid in the city's time of need and at this time the Watch shall take up their duties in earnest with the following conditions and limitations and rebukes."
Julian says, "First that both Mandrake and Chantris shall be required to remove their troops from the city now that this crisis is past in accordance with known law."
Julian says, "Second that the Watch's duty and the duty of every House to the throne and to Amber includes explicitly keeping the peace. All those involved in the spreading of this matter in the court of public opinion have failed in this duty and are justly rebuked. Should it occur further or again they may find themselves liable for their words."
Celeste doesn't seem at all at odds with the ruling, though it's hard to gauge her thoughts at the moment.
Julian says, "Third that there have been concerns about the Watch raised and the Watch shall be given every opportunity to prove those concerns false. Failure to do so shall result in the throne's direct action on this matter in concordance with the rule of King Oberon."
Brand goes back to looking distracted, and lost in thought. He lights another cigarette.
Julian says, "The matter is hereby closed. The docks are placed officially under the guard of the Royal Navy of Amber due to their military sensitivity. The Watch shall submit reports directly to the throne and to the Mayor's office for the next three months at which point the throne shall investigate the Watch's performance of their duty."
Lamiria nods at the first two points, though the third causes her to frown and glance to Ace. She doesn't argue, though.
Julian says, "Are there any other issues for the throne."
Celeste's eyebrows lift and her impassive expression twitches, she bites her bottom lip before her features resettle. She watches Lamiria's reaction attentively, almost with a brief predatory edge before her attention returns to the Regent.
Muttering to Lamiria, Ace shrugs, "... to... Standing around... get the... done."
Addison says, "I do have one issue, Your Royal Highness."
Julian looks to Addison. "Speak."
Deirdre's gaze flickers to Ace.
Lamiria nods to Ace, but still remains quiet.
Addison bows politely and says, "Your Royal Highness, with the terrorist attack on the Begman Embassy and other extenuating circumstances, we have heightened awareness around the Financial Center, including the Quay and the Authority Circle including the Customs House. Loss of these would incur further financial hardship to the Crown Treasury. I request that the Watch begin doubling patrols in that area immediately with all due professionalism."
Celeste says, "If these structures are so valuable, perhaps there should be provisions sought to make sure the Watch is adequately prepared for threats of this unusual nature. Unless it is the Lord Mayor's belief high visiability would dissuade future attacks?"
Addison glances at Julian, then at Celeste, and offers, just as a point, "The City would like to offer training to the Watch, if necessary. But of course, as the City has no troops, we would have to contract out to a military oriented House or use the actual Crown military."
Lamiria's jaw tightens at the comments, and she shakes her head. "The Watch is more than adequately trained to handle such a chore."
Valentine finds something interesting to look at on one of the folders he's carrying.
Addison says calmly, "The City rests on the point made by the Watch Lieutenant. Thank you, Dragon Celeste de'Mandrake."
Ace nods and backs up Lamiria's statement, "I personally am willing to take on the project at the quay and ensure that proper guardianship of that area with my men."
RPG: Ace declares that he has the Guardian (SKL-GU) gift. Use '+gift SKL-GU' to view the gift description.
RPG: Ace used the following +declare targets: Julian and Lamiria
Brand looks around the room.
Julian says, "The Watch shall handle this matter. Should they prove unable to satisfactorily guard the peace then the trial period shall be considered expired and the matter looked into by the throne immediately."
Addison bows politely and says, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness. The City is done for the evening."
Julian says, "Is there any other business before the throne."
Now, the lone priest steps to the forefront. His bow holds the memory of something more graceful, made stiff with advancing years. "If I may address the assembled, Your Highness?"
Lamiria again bends her head towards Julian. "Yes, sir," she says before Agravain gets her attention.
Julian gives Agravain a once up and down. "Approach the throne first. There have been many things said over the past days."
Deirdre's gaze moves to Agravain as he speaks, though flicks to Lamiria and Ace for a moment once more before settling on the priest.
Celeste allows her gaze to linger on Lamiria in a blatant disagreement to the statment, but far short of open challenge or anything equally disrespectful. Her eyes turn then to Agravain, eyebrows lifting.
Agravain's head dips once more, a motion that brings a bowing of the shoulders as well. He approaches at a stately pace.
Quina continues to stand to the Regent's side, and watches quietly.
Ace bows and then moves to stand with the captain.
Julian forms a cluster with Agravain.
Julian waits for the priest to join him and speaks in a low voice.
Agravain bows his head once more to Julian, then takes a step back from the throne to turn and face the assembled.
Julian leaves his current cluster.
Julian stays where he is.
Lucius looks to Agravain attentively.
The normally soft tones of Agravain's voice raise to be heard by more than just the near few. "The Black Road stains our lands; a blight of ugliness cuts now through the beautiful forests of Arden and stretches towards the sea, leaving a scar in the lifeblood of many. I would remind you all, though, that the Road does not just stain the land that the Unicorn lead our King to so many years ago. The Black Road leaves its mark on our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. While it may cause us sleepless nights and worried days, I would remind you all that the anger, the despair, and the other burdens brought on in these trying times do not have to be borne alone. As the Unicorn was guide to King Oberon, so do her priests stand ready to guide Her people in their times of need. In these times of tribulation."
Celeste's features twitch again but she manages to keep her expression smooth-continuing to reveal little about her thoughts.
Quina nods just slightly, to the priest's words.
"The Basilica is open to you all," Agravain adds, before turning to bow once more to Julian before stepping away.
Lucius's head lowers, and he murmurs what might be a prayer.
Julian nods to Agravain. His expression has not changed yet. "Any other business before the throne?" He looks around patiently.
Celeste stands by not looking as if she's of the mind to add anything, though there's a glance cast about those gathered.
Morgana regards Agravain with particular focus.
Julian says, "Then this court is adjourned."
Julian rises to his feet.
Lucius bows deeply as Julian rises, and remains so.
Quina curtseys as Julian rises.
Addison follows Lucius's example, and he, too, bows deeply as Julian rises and remains so.
Theophrastus falls in next to Quina.
Now Celeste offers a brief glance upward and murmurs and what might be a prayer before settling in to wait for the crowd to shuffle out, gaze sharp and alert as she watches folks exit.
Lamiria nods to Ace before moving away, giving Agravain a long look as she heads for the door.
Petrus makes a slow exit, his cane tapping the floor regularly on his way out.