(mini-event) THE COALITION OF REFUGEES

[natha]

THE COALITION     On the day of the council, there are markers tied with ribbons in the colors of both Olympia and Wyver that line the paths from the cities to the South Outpost, meant to guide anyone with an invitation to the first meeting of the Coalition of Refugees. While during the previous festivities of the gala the Great Hall was sharply divided between Olympians and Wyverns, the differences between the factions are not so apparent now. Inside, the hall is decorated with a more subdued mix of the white and gold of Olympia and the red and black of Wyver. Banners, pennants, and bunting drape from the ceiling and wind around wooden pillars. To one side of the hall, there are tables set up with drinks and finger foods — refreshments for the guests, for after the opening speech. A raised platform has been set up at one end of the room, flanked by contingents of both the Royal Guards and the Knightryders standing at attention side by side, differentiated only by the make of their armor and the colors they wear. Ashti, Shenya, and Heryn stand waiting for the arrival of their monarchs, pointedly ignoring each other; notably, Raysc, Shanrian's son and the leader of Mythi's Fangs, is conspicuously absent. Staff members cluster to the side of the stage, waiting for the speech to begin. A whisper drifts over from a woman in one of the Olympian groups: Do you really think the Empress will try to negotiate for Nithor's skull? The man she's speaking to shakes his head and scoffs, answering: Ha! Not a chance. She thinks it's too soon, who knows if this peace will last. Besides, there's no way she's willing to give up Ysevrai's heart. A horn sounds, and the staff members subside, glancing around to see if anyone's overheard. A moment later, and Simwe and Shanrian make their appearance, walking together to the stage for their speech. Aha… we have quite the gathering here, do we not? All of our heroes in one place… This may be an unprecedented meeting, but it seems as though it will be a productive one. Let us begin by thanking all of you for your contributions to our cities in recent times. Since your arrival, you have weathered the plague that swept through our cities and aided us in finding its cure; you have withstood the scorn of those who were meant to shelter you turning against you, and helped us quell riots in the very hearts of our homes; you have been taken right off the streets and endured hardships too terrible to tell, and have proven heroes in bringing our people safely home. You have done much for us, and shown yourselves loyal beyond many who were born within our walls. We will allow your voices to go unheard no longer! Today— Today, we will hear you. You have demonstrated both strength and valor in equal measures — it follows that you will be wise as well, and it is that wisdom that we wish to hear brought in council to our cities. You are gathered here to look beyond our history of violence and hostility, to see beyond the prejudices we hold. We hope that with your clearer sight, you'll keep in your hearts the betterment of both of our fair cities, rather than allow pettiness to hold sway and lift one over the other. Those gathered here are deemed worthy by action and by the trust of your brethren: a council. Amongst yourselves, decide what matters most to you about your lives within the cities. Discuss what changes you wish to see, and how those changes should come about. Reach an agreement, put your motions to us, and should they be feasible, we will see what sort of effect your ideas will have. The two proposals with the most support among your fellows will be those we implement, so argue your reasoning most convincingly! And remember, this is your chance to impress us. If your advice is sound, we will look to you again. At this, both rulers fall silent, and withdraw to a balcony to oversee the proceedings. This is not their meeting, after all — this is something that only the refugees can determine the outcome of. FINAL OOC NOTES     Welcome to your first chance to have a voice in the NPC governments, Players! Your task is, as a group, to decide the two most important IC issues you would like to see Olympia and Wyver address, and then put forward a plan of action for how to improve whatever those problems are, which will then be implemented in May. Since these are strictly Olympian and Wyvern issues, topics should still adhere to the Natha's policies of not revealing anything about the Storm or the Natha's existence, but beyond that, you're free to propose any topics you think should be addressed about your characters' way of life in the cities — after all, haven't the Orbiters sent you here to make a difference and improve life on El Nysa in their stead?

Comments

[crimsondawn]

My, my! You seem to have given this some thought.

[Hiryuu seems amused.]

But that is certainly one way to address the issue. It's hard to say you wouldn't feel closer to someone after sharing an experience like that.

[meinwaifu]

My, you say that as if business and research don't already exist in plentiful amounts throughout both cities!

[Mephisto no don't be rude to the dragon.]

But we've already seen the results of research falling into the hands of extremists. Rumors say the disease that swept through both cities last October was a virus originally developed on Olympia. But it was only through the combined cooperation of both Olympia and Wyver that a cure was developed. Perhaps, had they been cooperating from the start, an antidote may have been found well before things escalated.

Of course, my suggestions are merely means of encouraging cooperation between citizens. I believe I've heard discussion of a task force to root out extremists groups and shared troops to protect citizens of either nation indiscriminately -- which would be better suited for dealing with hypothetical sabotage.

[meinwaifu]

Well now, I suppose that depends on whether we can take our gracious leaders at their word that they're open to listening to our suggestions! Ultimately, that's all these are. We refugees have very little influence in government matters, which is arguably the entire point of this little meeting.

But I'm sure both sides are politically savvy enough to know that a trade war is often just a stepping stone towards a full-scale war -- and backtracking on promises of free trade once made wouldn't end well for either side.

[crimsondawn]

Is traveling between the cities truly so frowned upon? There are roads one can take already, aren't there?

[meinwaifu]

It's certainly possible... I recall citizens of both nations getting along rather well shortly after a cure for the disease that broke out last October was developed. It was a peace that didn't last, but for a time, cooperating to solve a shared problem did manage to unite the people.

[meinwaifu]

That might just defy the point of making the agreement free trade... but perhaps rather than punishing those who wish to set up shop in another city, there could be incentives at home for those who cannot afford to expand abroad? Monetary, or otherwise... even something as seemingly minor as preferential choice in location within the marketplace could make a difference.

+1

[sweetwater]

+1

[sweetwater]

[crimsondawn]

I see... that isn't quite what I asked, but I will admit that both of those proposals seem as though they will be effective in general.

What I wondered was whether or not you had given any thought to how we might frame your proposal against misuse. We're to impress our hosts, no? It may be more impressive if we can come up with specific safeguards in relation to what you're suggesting, rather than relying on other proposals to handle the matter.

+1

[idealisme]

+1

[idealisme]

+1

[crimsondawn]

+1

[crimsondawn]

+1

[crimsondawn]

[meinwaifu]

With all due respect, our suggestions don't exist in a vacuum. Vetting to ensure extremists don't wind up positions where they may take advantage of things such as restricted research materials at the institute or money laundering operations in the market are already handled by those in charge of their respective fields -- or the guards themselves. Suggesting that the matter of extremists be dealt with simultaneously to ensure the greater success of any proposal made tonight is, in itself, a safeguard.

Unless of course you have something more specific in mind, in which case please, share with the class! This is a discussion, after all.

[exorion]

[Cayde lets out a soft snort at the word "volatile", that's certainly a way to put it, but he listens dutifully to Sanzo.]

I was thinking something similar. Some kind 9f coalition to protect the interests of folks who're getting caught in the crossfire. I mean we're obviously not being protected all that well in either city if we can be snatched off the streets in huge numbers and the only folks who can rescue anyone are other refugees.

[crimsondawn]

Oh, I know that they don't! And as I said, I agree that the other suggestions are useful in general.

But speaking specifically, there are a few things that we could consider including as part of your proposal. Clearly, the vetting that these groups were doing previously was not perfect. That's part of why what occurred last month happened, and part of why we've been asked to bring forth our suggestions for how to improve them, is it not?

If their current process is merely checking an interested party's background, then more needs to be done. We can suggest probationary periods before newer parties have access to anything truly confidential or dangerous, which will give them time to prove themselves and allow for more thorough vetting. Or we can suggest that anyone who works on these projects does so in pairs or trios, which will be determined by someone known to be trustworthy. This could lessen the chances of a group managing to make away with sensitive information without anyone noticing.

You're right that this is a discussion. Do you have any suggestions along these lines of your own? I'd love to discuss them with you.

[meinwaifu]

Ah, so you're suggesting more government oversight, then! I think that's something both parties can agree to.

Do I do feel the need to point out that the incident last month was not simply a case of poor vetting. I imagine it would be rather difficult to sniff out a spy's true intentions when they have the power to control your thoughts and actions with just a few simple words.

And as someone who became rather intimately acquainted with their methods, naturally I would like to see more effort being made in researching means of counteracting such dangerous magic... ah, but I suppose that's more of a personal opinion than a true suggestion.

[Nor is it one he really wants to delve into, if the tight-lipped smile on his face says anything about it. Being brainwashed, tortured and killed (even if the latter was forgotten about by the natives thanks to the Natha) was kind of a touchy subject for him.]

+1

[tricksune]

+1

[dontgiveabuckland]

[Hell yeah.]

+1

[dontgiveabuckland]

you are good to me ;;

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto makes a face at the other man's joke. Very funny, Jim, you know full well this is the same suit he was dumped onto this planet and forced to trek through a jungle in, but thank you for the compliment nonetheless. Jim himself looks handsomely dressed-up, meanwhile. Ianto's going to do his manful best not to notice, but he does have a thing for handsome captains, and he can't help but give him a discreet once-over before reaching out to take the offered envelope and ring.

"You're awfully nonchalant about all of this," he remarks, rolling the little piece of jewelry around in his palm as he takes it in before glancing back up at the other man. "You're certain that it's okay that I take this though? For now, I mean. I can give it back." It looks important and he doesn't want to assume anything is a permanent gift unless stated otherwise.

+1

[wondie]

+1 to make love, not war

[wondie]

+1

[wondie]