Lone Wanderer

Blood on the Sands: Azoth at War (Open!)

@Lone Wanderer@Flagg

I think I've made up my mind of what direction to take. Expect a post tomorrow, if not tonight, of Barsabbas' involvement in the big picture. Is there any more background on Zar Endal in the works?

@Aristo

Looking forward to seeing what you've decided upon! For Zar Endal I don't really have anything planned beyond a few basic ideas in mind (I hadn't expected it to be relevant anytime soon). I'll give it some thought and those whom are wishing to be involved with it are free to add whatever details and character they wish.

Blood on the Sands: Azoth at War (Open!)

Also, after reading through the OOC, I've managed to come up with a little something that may be of interest to @Aristo, @Nieszka, and @Lone Wanderer. Assuming all is well with Mahaad's character sheet, of course.
Since Mahaad is a slaver transporting Nyr'Kiin slaves to and from the Drathan city-states, I was thinking he might already be on good terms with Alkhazar. If Barsabbas and the firebrands, as well as Cerys and the unbroken, have plans to invade Zar Endal, Mahaad may be in the right place at the right time. Both parties seem strong, but Barsabbas seems a little too intimidating to be a great diplomat, and Cerys likely isn't all that well-versed in communicating with people other than the mountain tribes. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on either of those things though! But for the right price, I'm sure Mahaad could be persuaded to help them with whatever goal they have in mind, as I'm sure they're aware that a powerful force behind them is only one side of the coin when it comes to war, specifically invasions. Plus, he's got all these supposedly able-bodied Nyr'Kiin with him, albeit against their will, that Alkhazar wasn't around to claim as his own. I'm sure they could find a good use for a group of insectoids. ;)

@ECDN

This works for the most part though even when Alkhazar is in the city it is unlikely that he actually deals with slavers directly unless they've earned his curiosity which perhaps Mahaad has in the past. The Master of Zar Endal is a fairly aloof ruler and leaves the day-to-day running of the city to his lessers so even with Alkhazar gone there would be officials for Mahaad to deal and trade with. A more likely reason why Zar Endal hasn't purchased Mahaad's slaves might be due to a breakdown of the dealmaking with city officials unless Mahaad has a precedent of only dealing with the Masters themselves.

Blood on the Sands: Azoth at War (Open!)

@Aristo@Nieszka Any efforts to siege and seize Zar Endal in whatever manner you two agree upon has my full consent and support. Just know that there shall be a reckoning. ;)

<Snipped quote by Lone Wanderer>

You're right - I think conflict between the Firebrands and Zar Endal would be inevitable, given their proximity. With Alkhazar away, it'd be the best time to strike; maybe Barsabbas had been waiting for this chance for a while.
Because Zar Endal is a Drathan state, it'd most likely perceive Barsabbas as an enemy, even with him no longer truly representing the Salished. That is, unless Alkhazar can overlook Barsabbas' origin and is willing to deal with him outside of the greater Drathan eye...

@Aristo

Oh for sure Alkhazar would be intrigued by the idea of dealing with Barsabbas and no doubt some communication has been made. Depending on what's resolved regarding the fate of Zar Endal and the Firebrands involvement in that, we could say that those talks either ultimately failed or maybe prior to the current date we've had some kind of uneasy relationship which has ranged from skirmishes and raids to helping each-other out from time to time when absolutely necessary.

Blood on the Sands: Azoth at War (Open!)

I'm open to working out some kind of plot or history between my character(s)/faction and another; would certianly help get the ball rolling for my first IC post.

@Aristo

Given the Firebrands reside in the Claws and Zar Endal's proximity to the mountains I imagine we've clashed in the past or at the least have crossed paths before? On that note if you're looking for ideas, I don't know if the Phantom General would seek to take advantage of this but Zar Endal is currently vulnerable with Lord Alkhazar leading a sizable portion of it's military force to support Zar Vorgul. Alternatively if you're seeking to get involved in the main action at Vorgul maybe the Firebrands accompanied Alkhazar to the city? Just some ideas. :)

Blood on the Sands: Azoth at War (Open!)

Sorcerer-Lord Alkhazar

The Many-Faced and Most-Splendid Master of Zar Endal

The Master's eyes flashed open with a start, beholding the blue-dyed drapes around him and the wooden bowl of a thick black liquid before him through the slits of his carnival mask which now bore a slight frown marring it's features. Confusion reigned for a second as the mage-lord regained his senses and recalled where he was. Ignoring the insolent cramp afflicting his legs the Master sought that which had wakened him from a most vivid and wondrous dream.

And what a wondrous dream it had been! Fueled by ingested ichor, Alkhazar had delved into another realm where he had born witness to a vision which even now painted itself across the halls of his mind. He had stood upon the precipice and beheld the sight of two great birds, their claws interlocked in a fierce struggle for superiority atop a high tower. One had been as black as pitch and the other of the purest white, their feathers slick with blood as ashen raindrops fell all around them from a swirling vortex in a magenta sky. Their cries had challenged the raging winds and that was all Alkhazar had seen before the tower and the birds had fallen away like wet paint and the waking world reclaimed him.

I wish to return. The Master resolved as his senses focused, seeking out that which had awoken him. An irritated thrust of his hand clawed aside the blue drapes to reveal the wide expanse of desert beyond. The Master's eyes danced over the scarred slaves bearing the poles of his palanquin and the slave-drivers with their barbed-whips to settle on the rider leading their camel alongside his grand palanquin. Alkhazar recognized the rider as one of his Faceless, a member of his personal entourage of guards and lieutenants who garbed themselves in a vast array of colours and a carnival mask in imitation of their Master. The Faceless stared at him, awaiting permission.

"Speak." The Master uttered, his voice silky yet suffused with a barely restrained irritation.

"My Master, may the deserts take me for troubling you. We near Zar Vorgul."

And just like that the rider and their insolence lay forgotten as the Master's mask turned to regard the grand walled city of Zar Vorgul ahead of them. A pang of jealousy shot through Alkhazar as he compared the sprawling city-state with his own Zar Endal, drinking in the city's size, it's high walls and the tower sitting at it's heart.

Slinking from one sight to another, Alkhazar's gaze returned to the army marching around him. They were a black jagged line against the red desert, a legion of ragtag slave-soldiers and mercenaries on the march as an inhuman cackle echoed above them on dusty winds.

The Many-Faced Master in all his splendor had arrived!

Blood on the Sands: Azoth at War (Open!)

The Many-Faced Master

Sorcerer-Lord Alkhazar

The Many-Faced and Most-Splendid Master of Zar Endal

Description:
A form bedecked in colorful robes and garments, the aloof Master of Zar Endal makes for a flamboyant character whose whims and wants ebb and flow like dust on the wind. A servant of chaos who revels in his unpredictability, the colourful Alkhazar presents something of an engima to even his fellow Masters whose visage remains ever-hidden behind a sinister theater mask.
Race: Drathan
Faction: Drathan Union
Location: Zar Vorgul
Synopsis of Role:
The Master of Zar Endal, a minor city-state sitting on the Scarlet Plateau within the shadow of The Claws. Alkhazar has decadently ruled his city for as long as most can remember though few is the number of subjects who can claim to have actually seen their distant ruler, whom bids his time ensorcelled within his tower seeking knowledge and plotting within the Congress of Masters. That time however has come to an end with the year of the setting sun upon us and blood on the air, the throngs of slave-soldiers of Zar Endal have gathered and march out to support their fellow city-state of Zar Vorgul. In a unique display of commitment not often found amongst the Masters, the Many-Faced personally leads his legion of slave-soldiers though whether this is out of a recognition that Zar Vorgul is likely to be vital in the coming campaign, or whether the Master seeks to further his own interests and dastardly plots remains to be seen.

Zar Endal

Zar Endal

Location:

A worn traveler's map reveals the location of Zar Endal

Faction/Unit: City-State of the Drathan Union
Description: (TBD!)

Blood on the Sands: Azoth at War (Open!)

The Many-Faced Master

Sorcerer-Lord Alkhazar

The Many-Faced and Most-Splendid Master of Zar Endal

Description:
A form bedecked in colorful robes and garments, the aloof Master of Zar Endal makes for a flamboyant character whose whims and wants ebb and flow like dust on the wind. A servant of chaos who revels in his unpredictability, the colourful Alkhazar presents something of an engima to even his fellow Masters whose visage remains ever-hidden behind a sinister theater mask.
Race: Drathan
Faction: Drathan Union
Location: Zar Vorgul
Synopsis of Role:
The Master of Zar Endal, a minor city-state sitting on the Scarlet Plateau within the shadow of The Claws. Alkhazar has decadently ruled his city for as long as most can remember though few is the number of subjects who can claim to have actually seen their distant ruler, whom bids his time ensorcelled within his tower seeking knowledge and plotting within the Congress of Masters. That time however has come to an end with the year of the setting sun upon us and blood on the air, the throngs of slave-soldiers of Zar Endal have gathered and march out to support their fellow city-state of Zar Vorgul. In a unique display of commitment not often found amongst the Masters, the Many-Faced personally leads his legion of slave-soldiers though whether this is out of a recognition that Zar Vorgul is likely to be vital in the coming campaign, or whether the Master seeks to further his own interests and dastardly plots remains to be seen.

Zar Endal

Zar Endal

Location:

A worn traveler's map reveals the location of Zar Endal

(If our splendid GM could add a water source nearby, whether it be a lake or a river running down from a spring in the mountains, it would be much appreciated!)

Faction/Unit: City-State of the Drathan Union
Description: (TBD when I can get a location sorted out.)

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

With the dissolution of the corrupt S.P.P and the subsequent by-elections held over their seats, the National Assembly had been awash with new faces. A most welcome change had been the addition of four more Labour Front seats held in the capital of Kamidye. Four more faces and votes to fight the good fight. Bolstered by the presence and seniority of Mr. Boro, the new additions included Dalmar Conteh, a socialist firebrand who's constituency represented one of the areas more heavily affected by unemployment, homelessness and discontent within the capital. Joining Mr Conteh was Hakim Okar who had run on a similar socialist platform who's appeal had earned him a seat in an equally radical constituency, Mr. Zahur Attah who's pro-union stance had earned him the seat and finally Monifa Akinjide who's speeches on income inequality and reform had earned her the support and vote of the poor.

From among that new number Mr Attah stood ready with a bill proposal and a speech before the National Assembly:

"My fellow members of the Assembly, before you all sits a second proposal from this party. The issues plaguing this nation, unemployment, homelessness and crime cannot be ignored. While the government has and is making steps to counter this, we must not ignore the fact that those citizens lucky enough to find work do so without any assurances or security that the income they receive will be enough to live on. In the current climate and much to our disgrace, Samgolan citizens are desperate for any form of income or work and the existence of no minimum wage allows for exploitation. While the statistics on unemployment may decrease it does not mean that the Samgolan people are prospering. The Bill before you aims to fix this and it is through a collaborative effort of all the parties here assembled that I hope we might craft a bill to truly help the people of Samgola."

A Fair Deal Act

Preamble: An Act which seeks to empower the working men and women of Samgola, assuring security and a fair deal for all at work.

Article 1: Concerning Minimum Wage Regulation
The nation and government will change it's policy on minimum wage regulation as determined by Law 86 from it's current policy of no provision to one of legally enforcing a minimum wage at a level considered a "living wage" above the poverty line. [Equality]

Actions of the Labour Front

Turn 4
Actions: 3/5 Remaining
- Propose Bill "Office of the Speaker Bill"
- Propose Bill "A Fair Deal Act"

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The National Assembly

As he had many times before, Ashur Boro stood before the National Assembly armed with words. With a brief clearing of his throat and a glance at the pile of documents before him, he began:

"I have for the consideration of the National Assembly a bill intending to replace Article two of the Governmental Oversight Bill regarding the position of Speaker. While I recognize some of you might disprove of a change to a law passed so soon by the National Assembly, it has come to my attention that the original article as proposed was done so with a number of inadequacies inherent in it's writing. The changes as proposed by this bill has righted those wrongs found in the previous version, the powers, responsibility and function of the proposed role of Speaker have been refined and responsibly defined to benefit the democratic process of Samgola. It is this bill which I now put forwards for the consideration of the Assembly. While I have been honoured by Mr Freave for his nomination of myself to the role of Speaker, should my fellow Assembly members herald concerns that I have put forwards this bill to somehow benefit myself, I would assure my fellow Assembly members that this Bill is entirely necessary owing to the inadequacies and admittedly ill-defined nature of the previous article which in the wrong hands was capable of harming democracy within Samgola. Should those concerns persist however I would happily step down from the nomination process."

The Office of the Speaker Bill

Preamble: The purpose of this bill is to oversee the creation of the role of Speaker within the National Assembly. The Speaker shall preside over the debates of the National Assembly, assuring proper conduct and order is maintained during debates and may punish members who break the rules of conduct and order if necessary. Should this bill be passed into law, Article 2 of the Governmental Oversight Act will be rendered obsolete and in all means replaced by the Office of the Speaker Bill.

Article 1: Concerning the role and function of the Speaker
The Speaker's primary function is to preside over the National Assembly during debate and is responsible for maintaining discipline and order. He or she rules on all points of order and objections raised by members when it is believed that common decency and conduct has been breached. In order to maintain orderly debate within the National Assembly, the Speaker may call to order the Assembly if it is felt that there is a disruption or breach of order. Should members refuse to follow the instructions of the Speaker, a member may be punished with a reprimand or more seriously dismissal from the Assembly for the remainder of the day's debate and session. In the case of grave disobedience by a member of the Assembly, the Speaker may call to a vote by the Assembly a motion to temporarily suspend the offending member for a maximum of four months time. Should grave disorder afflict the National Assembly and it is believed by the Speaker that no further progress might be made in the current sitting, the Speaker may immediately adjourn the entire sitting. Should the Speaker call upon this power however they must be able to adequately explain and justify their actions in post.

In addition to maintaining discipline, the Speaker must ensure that debates proceed smoothly. If the Speaker finds that a member is making irrelevant remarks, is tediously repetitive, or is otherwise attempting to delay proceedings, he or she may order the member to end the speech. The Speaker is also charged with assuring proper democratic governance as well as protecting the interests of all parties and members assembled in the National Assembly, should the Speaker feel that there has not been sufficient debate before a vote is called and members of the National Assembly identify that they wish to contribute to the debate, the Speaker may temporarily delay a call to vote. At which point the onus will lie on the signifying members to add to the debate within one week's time of the delay. Should the member require more time to fully contribute, they may apply to the speaker for an extension of time up to a maximum of one month. Should the Speaker feel that the signifying members are merely attempting to delay proceedings he or she may refuse the member this right.

Finally, the Speaker continues to represent his or her constituency in the National Assembly.

Article 2: Concerning the election of the Speaker
The position of Speaker will be held by an MNA elected from among their own ranks. The National Assembly will elect a Speaker at the beginning of a new term after a general election, or after the death or resignation of the current Speaker. Once elected, a Speaker continues in office until the next election unless he or she resigns prior to this. Alternatively a vote of no confidence may be held for the removal of the current Speaker prior to elections provided there is sufficient evidence of a breach of the Speaker's neutrality within the National Assembly in regards to their efforts to keep order and to assure full representation. The Speaker's votes or speeches (unless they themselves breach good conduct) do not represent sufficient evidence for a vote of no confidence.

During the election for Speaker, a member may nominate themselves for the position of Speaker or be nominated by others with the consent of the nominee. Each member may nominate no more than one candidate. With the nominated individuals, a ballot will be held in the National Assembly to determine who will be elected to fulfill the role of Speaker. In the event of a tie or no clear majority, then the individual with the fewest votes is eliminated, as are any other candidates who receive less than five percent of the votes cast. The Assembly continues to vote, for several rounds if necessary, until one member receives the requisite majority.

Article 3: Concerning the partisanship of the Speaker
The Speaker is required to perform his or her office impartially and free of any partisan thought, they are not however required to resign from party membership upon taking or leaving office. If it believed that the Speaker is not performing his office impartially as is his or hers duty, a vote of no confidence as described in Article 2 can be held. In accordance with their impartiality, the Speaker may make speeches to the National Assembly though they are expected to do so only when expressing the direct concerns of their constituents or when performing their duties as Speaker. The Speaker may also cast a vote as any other National Assembly member when required, though theirs must be the last vote on any issue.

Actions of the Labour Front

Actions: 4/5 Remaining
- Propose Bill

DEMOCRACY: Politics in Samgola [Political Party | Single Nation RP]

Labour Front

The Ground Game

Following the speeches and groundwork laid down by the party leader Aman Mensah in months prior, the new term oversaw the deployment of political activists into the province of Nambe. Playing the ground game, activists for the Labour Front went door-to-door with articles, pamphlets and leaflets in hand, most of which being the work of the party's new propagandist Nwankwe Owu. As time had passed under the new government, the Labour Front had remained at work gradually and steadily increasing the presence of the party in Nambe, vying for it's socialist vote in particular. Now that position which had taken root months prior would be assured with Labour Front people now on the ground. Party leader Mr. Mensah likewise remained in the province, being vocal and present at rallies for the ultimate campaign whose fate would be decided in two years time.

---

Actions of the Labour Front

Turn 3
Actions: 2/5 Remaining
- Fundraise in the Provinces of Ziwa, Onige and Makumbe
- Campaign: Ground Game: 4 Months / 100 Activists / Chosen Demographic: Socialist / Province of Nambe
Cost: $200,000 in total (Free Action)

Voting:
- Vote NO on the Freedom of Choice Act
- ABSTAIN on the vote for An Act to Amend the Cabinet of Samgola

Remaining Funds: $392,710