The west wind blew into chief Keshs ear. It whispered strange words he could not understand. As he turned to the west he heard thunder and shouting as the sky turned red. Then he saw them, men upon many horses, all shouting and swinging their swords in the air. For a moment Kesh stands still, immobilized by sheer terror as the horsemen ride with incredible speed towards him. Kesh finally manages to lift his feet and starts to run away. However, his old age has made him slow and he barely manages to get a few yards away before falling to the ground. As he lies on the ground trembling he feels the wind sweep past him as the horsemen ride by him, the horses hooves narrowly hitting him. Eventually, almost all of the horsemen have passed him, but one still remains. Hes wearing a mask and is carrying a spear. Kesh watches the figure slowly ride up and get off of his mighty steed.
Who are you? Kesh asks.
But the masked man does not answer. He simply laughs madly before thrusting his spear at Kesh.
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Kesh awakens from the nightmare, breathing heavily and covered with sweat. Its morning and the sun is rising, shining rays of golden light through the window. After Kesh gets ready to begin the day and gets on his elephant, his mahout driving the elephant to the Chamber of Chiefs. As he rode through the streets, Kesh observed all of the families moving through the streets. Children and adults alike lived their lives in this land, always under the watchful protection of the Chiefs. The farmers, merchants, fishers, and builders depended on the Chiefs for guidance and protection. Kesh couldnt imagine a Krato without the Chiefs. Even the Low Chiefs were important, managing taxes and trade.
But the Council is changing. Kesh knew this. More and more often the old Chiefs were giving their sons the title of Chief, even if there were much more capable relatives they could have given power to. Families werent even families any more. They were becoming their own little states, gobbling up smaller families and caring more about power than about their relatives. But today was the one day this could change. There was to be a meeting that would decide once and for all if the title of Chief was to be passed on to ones son, or if a family would collectively decide who the next Chief would be.
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Kesh walked into the council room, his wooden walking stick tapping on the floor as he approached the table. All of the other Chiefs had been seated, and were now waiting for Kesh to take his seat.
Welcome Kesh, oldest and wisest of the Chiefs! a voice called out. It was Hipto, an avid supporter of a law that would make the title Chief go to the eldest son of the previous Chief. For this reason he was very popular among many chiefs and had many supporters.
Greetings Hipto, Kesh said. I see your world are still as sweet as ever.
Thank you elder Kesh.
Sadly, they are also as empty as ever.
Hiptos face turned red with frustration as Kesh finally sat down. The other Chiefs reacted differently to the situation. Some of them tried to stop themselves from laughing, while others seemed just as made as Hipto. But eventually the silence broke as Chief Cronto announced the topic of discussion, the title of Chief and who shall get it.
It obviously should go to the previous Chiefs eldest son, Hepto proclaimed. That way we will already know who will be Chief ahead of time. It would eliminate these stupid meetings in which we select the next Chief. In times of war that wastes valuable time and energy, while my idea would make it much simpler and easier for a new Chief to take his position.
Many nodded in agreement, and some even verbally expressed support. But most of the Chiefs waited for Kesh to give his response. Kesh saw that all eyes were on him, and that he held the fate of Krato within his hands.
Hepto is simply incorrect, Kesh began. His method would increase the corruption and abuse of power already threatening the stability of Krato. With my method of the families electing their Chiefs, capable and fair Chiefs can assume power. Just look at Covo. That madman was given power just because his father was Chief. He then proceeded to jeopardize our expeditions to the south before we finally executed him. If incidents like that continue to occur, were going to have more to worry about then foreign invasion. Well have to deal with civil wars and petty power struggles.
The Chiefs applauded the response while Hepto tried to talk. But it was useless. His voice was drowned in a sea of cheers and yells. He had made one fatal error: letting Kesh continue talking unhindered. All day Kesh ranted about all the corruption in Krato, shouting at the top of his lungs about everything from the blunders of the colonies to the high prices of food. He said it all, not allowing Hepto to get a word in. By midnight Kesh was finally done. The Chiefs voted and in a landslide the vote was 23-7 in favor of voting for new Chiefs.
As the men in favor of the new policy feasted and shouted in celebration, many of those who opposed the new law were quiet and sad. But Hepto remained proud and angry. And he yelled:
This shall not hinder me or my family, for I, Hepto, Chief of the Grutin family, will not rest for this injustice. Opporia gives us the right to rule, not mortal men. Those who share my views will join me. I will now venture to the northwest into unknown lands. I shall carve an empire of my own, where Opporia is truly accepted and Istria does not control everything.
And so Hepto left Krato, bring with him a few hundred followers. Currently no one knows where he is, but many think he is either dead or powerless. For what is there to the northwest but barbarians and empty lands? But Kesh still was uneasy about this news, and even suggested a military expedition to capture Hepto and bring him back to Krato. But this suggestion was rejected, as no one but Kesh himself thought that Hepto could pose a significant threat.
OOC: Basically, Ive finally made a solid system on how the Chiefs are selected. First, you must be a member of one of the major families in power. Then, the members of that family over the age of 15 will vote on who they think the next Chief should be. Whoever gets the most votes serves as Chief for life. So one way it involves being born into the right family like a monarchy. But you are elected, so its kind of democratic.
Ninja the Order has been in your lands since I left and has only helped you. We manned guards around your borders keeping vigil day and night. We served in your armies and no doubt had other effects which only NK can illuminate on. We seek to help nations resolve matters peacefully, encourge trade, help the natins of the South to survive and if need be destory anything that threatens to overwhelm and destory civiliastion. So yeah we are good guys. I have just assumed control now rather than NK. My stats are secert due to an agreement between NK and myself ( NK I still don't have my stats in my inbox. Why not?).
But they must have a seperate motive then just aiding Krato, or else they'd just be citizens of Krato. However, it said in the update that they oppose the spread of Iralliam. Why is this? Are they members of a different religion?
. Nice except for that annoying part.
