[GP] A Game of Politics

[Ringmereth]

Seguith listens to the dwarf's explanation of their plight. "We cannot simply command the people of this town or region to treat your people with respect," the wizard says bluntly. "If your abuse is as widespread as you claim, then the issue lies in the attitude of the people. Farnese is a democracy, ergo the people command the government; not vice-versa."

Seguith continues: "A committee of our scale and focus cannot pledge ourselves towards changing the ways of the north. If your allegations regarding this captain are true, we will see to it that he is brought to justice with the help of the dwaven population here. Understand, however, that we cannot convict him and turn him over to you for punishment, especially with only the word of your group as evidence. In addition, if we are to strive for changes in the treatment of dwarves throughout the north as you request, we need solid evidence of what injustices are being suffered by your people, as well as a clear strategy to end this," he states firmly. Stopping for a brief moment, he goes on. "Finally, despite your allegations, your people have violated the law of Farnese, and we need no evidence beyond what we see here. If you wish for equality and justice for your people, then you must accept it yourself. I do not yet declare you guilty of any crime, but the rationale behind your actions must be examined."

 

[Rhialto]

Deacon Fevre nods in agreement. "Truth be told, Master Lukar, I must question the sanity of your actions. You say you seek better treatment for your entire race, and yet your actions stand a very good chance of causing all in the North to regard dwarfs with suspicion and hostility--even innocent ones who've nothing to do with your uprising. You proclaim 'injustices' that I'm afraid are suffered by men of all races in this land--poor housing and ill treatment, and then ask us to do away with them with a wave of our hand. You launch a complaint against a man, and ask you to do for you what we will do for no person in Farnesse--grant you the official right to put a man whose guilt you've proclaimed on trial." Anguis crosses his arms, and begins to pace slightly. "I must be honest, sir--even if I were totally sympathetic to your cause, I could not grant you these things. If you are the leader of this movement, I would expect you to know this. You want the captain to be punished--make your accusation to a formal court of law, and if your charges have merit, he will face trial. You want better housing--many in my House dedicate themselves to the selfless service of others. Ask them, and they will help you build new ones. You want to be treated as equals--then show men you deserve to be treated as such, and end this foolish revolt. For I will be honest, sir--if you resist, it will only end in tragedy for you. You are too small a force to stand against so great a kingdom. But if you end it now, we will do our utmost to assist you." He smiles. "Indeed, we have been given certain moneys to deal with this problem--moneys you may use to rebuild the damage that has been done to your fair neighborhood. We will give it to you--if you cease this NOW." He turns to Orlan and offers his hand. "Take this offer, sir, I beg you, for we will never give you so sweet a thing again. Refuse this once, and it is gone."

 

[Ranger Rick]

"Mister Lukars, Am I to understand that the release of your hostages will occur after new housing has been completed? That will take several months.

I believe we all agree that the Captain can stand trial, I believe you do not have a seperate jurisdiction. We have come hear to listen and solve your problems because you are citzens like all of us are. However, to be treated as a citizen, you must also follow the same rules as all of us. The captain can be arrested and tried in a court of law. A prosecutor of your choosing as well as a defender of his choosing. After he is found guilty, than you can ask for his just punishment."

 

[Rhialto]

"If he is found guilty, Mr. Quinn," notes the Deacon. "If we hold a trial, it will be a trial, not a show where a man is put to death to please those who charge him."

 

[Ranger Rick]

"If he is found guilty, Mr. Quinn," notes the Deacon. "If we hold a trial, it will be a trial, not a show where a man is put to death to please those who charge him."

Quinn gives a dirty look to the deacon, "If is correct. But I am sure these dwarfs would not bother with a frivolous claim. They have concrete proof that they can gather against the Captain."

OOC: Could I go into a short oratary on the honesty and integraty of the dwarfs? I would use my skill level to impress the dwarfs and to get them friendly towards me which helps their attitude toward the party. However, not being that talented, I would not type it out.
Bluff +11
Diplomacy +18
Perform (Oratory) +11

In the speech I would add in the words about "quibbling amongst ourselves and we need to show a united front." I would look toward the Deacon when I spoke those words.

OOC: I am offline till Monday.

 

[Rhialto]

As soon as Quinn is done with his speech, Anguis coughs slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Quinn for a speech that touches on so many cogent points. However, I was not sullying these dwarfs honesty, merely thinking that as they have brought us no proof, only accusations, it would be wrong to paint the matter as simply one of a quick trial, to be followed with a speedy execution. It may be this matter is more complicated then both sides realize." He turns back to the dwarf. "Now then, my offer still stands--disarm now, release the hostages, and we will seek to address your claims, and grant you funds to rebuild what has been broken. Further, I personally am willing to grant amnesty to those who followed you into this, Lukar, provided they have shed no blood, and caused no egregious harm to this nation's citizens." He frowns. "I would you take it, sir, as, once again, it is the sweetest you will be granted. Especially as I've no doubt of your sincerity when you say you seek what is best for your people."

 

[Twinswords]

Ok proposal: The captain and other misbehaving miscreants will be arrested and put on trail. There will be 3 judges. And atleast one of those will be dwarven. In exchange for this the dwarven leaders wil submit themselves to the same court and offcourse if they gave themselves up willingly they will be shown lentient.

In exchange for a peaceful solution of this rebelion and release of the hostages. There will be given food for the hungry and a recommendation of this commision to the govenment of Farseer to deliver more race equal benefits laws and the forming of a commitee of equal racial opertunities. Also a sum of 10000 goldpieces wil be given to repair and renovate the neighbourhood. If you more information about the incident with the dead child will we give the parents monetary compensation for their loss.

Any thoughts?

 

[Ringmereth]

OOC: Sounds fair enough. However, is the question one of making laws enforcing equality for dwarves and other races, or those laws being ignored? If it's the latter, perhaps a commission dedicated to enforcing said laws would be a valid use of money and a barganing chip to end the revolt. Giving 'monetary compensation' for the loss of a child probably isn't good, as it could be easily spun to make it look as if we're just buying their silence or something like that. Finally, we've been alotted significantly less than 10k gp, and probably should promise a lot less. After all, 10k is a huge sum to average villagers. 1000 gp is probably a much better amount... and there's more for us to split up should we be given the remainder.

In spite of himself, Seguith nods to the Deacon. "My collegue makes a fair proposal, and I would advise you to give his offer consideration. Many reasonable compromises have been put forward today, and I can assure you and your kind that we will give serious consideration to your accusations and requests. However, in light of the information and requests you have provided us, I believe our committe should adjourn for the day and compose an agreement, so as to provide you with a single resolution to be debated and finalized, instead of the range of proposals we have given you today. If, that is, you have given us all information applicable to this situation," the mage offers.

 

[Lord_Raven88]

Turning to the other councilors, The fools are actually willing to listen to preposterous demands

"I believe both parties require time to think about what has been offered here today, perhaps we should meet back here tomorrow to see if we can resolve this, there seems little point in discussing this further, until each side had time to digest what has been said, and seeing what the majority is willing to aggree to."

 

[Rhialto]

The Deacon raises his hand. "I wish to hear what Lukar says to my offer. I wish to know if he truly has his people's best interest at heart. For surely he sees the longer this goes on, the tougher mercy becomes in this case."