[Political situation in K'ul Goran] The Election - Prelude

“...and so that is basically the long and short of it. When the election is done we will have some more clarity on the future direction that K’ul Goran’s politics will take. And as you are all aware, Daring Heights has a vested interest in the outcome.”

Ambassador Girelle Vellus was accustomed to difficult audiences, but the Council meetings continued to get his sweat glands working. Thank the gods for the magical undergarment he had purchased back in Waterdeep on his last visit, which benefited from a prestidigitation enchantment that kept his skin dry and his clothes dandelion-fresh. Working in the Dawnlands had certainly not disappointed on the excitement front, and a professional like himself had to maintain a certain standard.

The Council members were evidently still digesting the briefing he had provided them with. Aurelia kept her level gaze, cool and controlled, as always. Lord Auber glared over his steepled finger tips, evidently displeased. Commander Trymyng had a faint smile about the corner of his mouth, comfortably reclined in his chair. Mavis the fashion aficionado (what an eye for cloth and cut! What a misplacement as a politician, to Girelle’s mind) looking on from one to the other, unsure of how to proceed.

“So, these conservative Optimates seem to have the countryside vote locked up? Is that what you are telling us ambassador?”

“Correct.”

“That is… a lot of red on your map…”

“Indeed, “ Girelle was quick to interject with a patient smile, “but you see, the progressive Purists do much better in the cities and towns. See the blue chevrons. Which is what really counts, given the dearth of K’ul Goran’s rural population, and hence their lack of political representation. No, esteemed councilors, this election will be won in the cities.”

“So it would seem. Could you please go over the distribution of representatives again, ambassador?” Aurelia’s blue eyes betrayed no hint of confusion or lack of understanding. Girelle thought it far more likely that she asked the question so that other councilors with a less firm grip on the Dawnlands’ diplomacy would not be embarrassed. What a leader! Truly, Girelle has had the good fortune during his distinguished career to work with many a mayor, king, potentate and the odd elected representative, but Aurelia Archselon operated in a class all of her own.

“With pleasure. As I mentioned, the Senate is composed of five representatives for each city (Zot Goran, Maray, Jarvenol and Za’Suul) and two for each major town (Nrav'Garat, Kubiha, Port Alaca, Yur'grav, Cabarat), the remaining countryside together mustering a further seven, for a grand total of 37 senators, one of which is subsequently elected by their peers as senate leader. So you see, all of this daunting red on the map…”, he gesticulated to the two large maps unrolled on the council table, depicting political influence over the neighboring continent of Joran, as far as that was known, “...is only worth a handful of votes in the all important senate leader vote. Procedurally, no other business can be taken up by the senate until a new leader has been seated.”

Girelle shrugged for effect, intent on coaxing a reaction from Lord Auber who had been glaring in turns at him and the maps.
“ And since the Purists seem to have the advantage in the urban centers, they may be considered likely to win the senate election.”

“Rabble rousers. We all know you advise we make common cause with the Purists ambassador Vellus, but I find their bent on doing away with tradition and overthrowing the tried and tested quite dangerous. I for one am not sure where that will lead, ambassador. Break the dam, don't complain about the flood.”

That is what Girelle had expected. Better to deal with the proud nobleman head on.

“I merely point out that our interests align more with the Purists than with the Optimates. They have been cordial at best.”, he allows himself the slightest of frowns, for effect of course, “They seem to resent our adventurer community - the Dawnlands’ greatest asset, Councilor - and advocate for isolation, and the preservation of their privileges. It is no wonder some fear the outcome of the Election, their wealth may depend on it.”

“It makes sense.”
Aurelia’s eyes had not moved their piercing gaze, he noticed. The archmage slowly nodded as she spoke.

“But do we have to make a decision? Sometimes not to do anything may be the smarter option.”

Girelle bowed to the councilor.
“You don't have to declare for anyone. But if we wait until the winner is apparent then our position will be diminished.”

“But sending a delegation of Dawnland adventurers as election observers is not going to make that statement?”

And here Girelle had to admit, she had him.

A mirthless chuckle from Commander Trymyng of the Darings’ First interrupts, rhythmically riding his fingernails cloppedy-clop over the polished council table.
“I swear, half the time we send the adventurers somewhere it is my men in uniform that have to clean up the carnage they leave in their wake…”
He leans over to Aurelia, suddenly all business. "I will need to recruit more soldiers by the way, given all our recent losses.”

“It would depend on how this party of adventurers behaves themselves, wouldn't it? I have the utmost confidence in them.”

“Dear gods…” Lord Auber feints relief from across the table, “...then the day is saved.
Now, what's for lunch?”