Inside the halls of the Folkmoot

[Prydain]

The Folkmoot is a Manx term for a collection of buildings within the Captial District housing the departments headed by members of the Cabinet.

Folkmoot referring to mass general assemblies held by Engell tribes who settled in Prydain in the 9th century then the Church few hundered years later

Mass crowds would gather around the biggest mount and a game of telephone would happen down into the crowd to those furtherst away.

What is now referred as Folkmoot is where the largest Conversion to Christianity took place in the Isles with Saint Patrick said to rise a mount out of the ground only to bring it down it again to walk among the crowd give each person his blessing.

While it is believed by many that Ministers live within Folkmoot since during times of government business most Ministers seem only seen walking between their departments & the Tynwald.

The truth is underneath there are a series of underground tunnels which connect to a private railway station that goes to a public station outside the Capital. Built during the led up to the civil war that created the modern state of Prydain, now they serve as a quick run through & easy way to avoid the public.

The most impressive building within the Folkmoot were the department of Defence which is six stories high with walls made of white marble that are put on a solid steel frame and extra layer of brick.

Right across from it the Treasury was housed in a small grey & blue art deco style building with revolving doors you mistake for a upmarket old school hotel but instead of doormen with long suit jacket & top hats you got police office from the diplomatic protection manning the metal detector top of the steps leading to the building.

Rest of the government departments in Folkmoot were based in a former picture house that also doubled up as host to conferences held by the departments there.

Even though Folkmoot is open to the public and has its own five star hotel, Petite cafes & cocktail bars around the edge of it. Foot traffic is strictly controlled by a mixer of manned gates & automatic barriers positioned at choke points.

Signs in various languages warning those coming through that they must submit to searches and that the guard dogs bite.

 

[Prydain]

06/08/2021

The Privy council founded in 1708 a evolution of the closed door meetings between the key power brokers of Prydain society and the crown. At the start the Archbishop was the most dominating influence alongside the growing merchant class enriched by the maritime empire. The downturn of the importance of churches to local communities co-sided with the ending of its influence in the council.

Sunsetting on the maritime empire led to the Royal Manx Navy feeling emaciated and backed into a corner like a dog. Had power over the crown and its sovereign estate which was made up of the loot from the navy’s cemeteries of control over vital trade networks, as a result in the build up to the second civil war they were able to block any decolonization and social programs that didn’t directly benefit the ageing war machine.

Previously mentioned merchant class were afraid of the strengthening labour movement that had gained representation in parliament and co-operated with the war machine as always.

Both were weakened and in case of the merchant class brought in submission as the radicals of the labour movement controlled the parliament and ensured its supremacy post civil war.

The Lord Protector is now head of and appointed by the Privy Council itself as well as being approved by Parliament, with power and influence being a toss up between the Lord Protector and prime minister.

The meeting chamber is in a large, spacious, oval-shaped room, with high ceilings and large windows that let in an abundance of natural light. The walls are panelled in wood, with ornate mouldings giving the room a sense of elegance and grandeur. The floor is covered with a plush carpet in a neutral colour.

Within it was the Lord Protector Wyddfa , Senate Speaker Isaac ,Quine being the Prime Minister at the time, Archbishop Goff , Police Commissioner Chief Constable Hanes & First Sea Lord Admiral Guilliams.

Qunie had presented his plan to liberalise society primarly through reforms to create representative democracy, the only uniformed men in the room seemed indifferent they were promised no changes to policing powers and the Lord Admiral continued to lobby for reversal of the downsizing of the defence force

Senate Speaker Isaac is a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience in government and public service. Despite his years of dedicated service, he has been struggling with a knee injury he got during his national services. Despite this setback, he remains a commanding figure, standing at 6 feet tall with broad shoulders and a regal bearing

He has a head of salt-and-pepper hair, which is styled in a neat, conservative manner. His chiselled features give him a distinguished look, but his piercing blue eyes are often described as being able to see right through someone. His deep, resonant voice commands attention when he speaks, despite the occasional wince of pain when he moves.

Due to his injury, he moves with a slight limp and is often seen with a walking stick, which he uses to support himself as he moves about.

Isaac listened patiently to the Prime Minister's presentation, his expression stern and uncompromising. "Your Lordship," he said after turning to Wyddfa .
"You seem to forget the great threat that this nation faces. We are against powerful global forces that seek to exploit our national interest , and we cannot afford to be divided or weakened by internal strife. We must have a strong, centralised government that can guide the population on the right path of prosperity and stability."

Wyddfa frowns and stands up from his chair and speaks
"The democratization project will continue, the public will grow hungry for change and if we do not give it to them they will go somewhere probably into arms of the global forces you speak of."

 

[Prydain]

06/02/2023
The Prime Minister Harris office was a grand space located in the heart of Ivy wood Estate ten miles away from the capital district it sat in middle of rolling hills and dairy farms. As you entered the room, you were greeted by a spacious foyer, with a large wooden reception desk to your left. Behind the desk, an administrative assistant sat, ready to greet visitors and take calls on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Moving past the foyer, you entered the main office space. The walls were painted in a calming shade of blue, with large windows offering a stunning view of the countryside. The office was furnished with elegant yet functional furniture, including a large mahogany desk positioned prominently in the centre of the room. The desk was cluttered with papers, folders, and a computer.

Behind the desk, a high-backed leather chair was situated, where the Prime Minister would sit during meetings and interviews. In front of the desk, several comfortable armchairs were arranged, providing a comfortable seating area for guests.

On the walls, hung several pieces of art, including a large portrait of Queen Elizabeth Hadamar-Siegen, Prydain a de facto republic for a hundred years, her portrait were still hanged up in all government buildings since in law the Lord Protector only stood in for the crown since a heir wasn't found after her untimely death.

In the corner of the office, a small kitchenette was located, with a coffee machine and a refrigerator stocked with drinks and snacks. The office also had a private washroom and toilet for the Prime Minister's convenience.

Prime Minister Harris was in a heated argument with Traditional Union leader De Rais over the proposed referendum for Constitutional Statues of Erinia. He is known for his distinctive bleached-blonde hair and for wearing a suit and tie no matter the occasion with common joke among MPs he wear one in his local gym.

A chain smoker he spent the whole time sitting at the chair across Harris's desk or smoking at the opened balcony at the dismay of Harris since a bone-chilling wind swept across the Estate

The Prime Minister believed that the people of Erinia deserved a say in their constitutional status, while De Rais argued that the current system worked just fine and there was no need for change.

The argument had been going on for several hours, with neither side willing to back down. Harris was growing frustrated with De Rais's stubbornness and lack of willingness to compromise. "We are a democratic country," Harris said, his voice rising. "The people have a right to decide who their homeland is governed by. That's the whole point of a referendum."

De Rais scoffed at this. "Direct Democracy is a fine idea in theory, but it doesn't always work in practice," he said. "The people are easily swayed by emotion and misinformation. We cannot trust them to make such an important decision."

Harris shook his head in disbelief. "You are saying that the people of Erinia are not capable of making a decision about their own homeland?" he asked. "That they are not intelligent or informed enough to understand the issues at stake?"

De Rais shrugged. "I am saying that the people need leaders to guide them," he said. "That is why we have a government. It is our job to make decisions on behalf of the people."

Harris sighed, realising that he was not going to change De Rais's mind. "I understand your point of view," he said. "But I strongly believe that a referendum is the best way to determine the will of the people. We owe it to them to give them a voice in this matter."

De Rais shook his head. "I'm afraid we'll have to agree to disagree, Prime Minister, we only have look at the situation in the Green Free State it is slowly becoming a narco state " he said. "I cannot support a referendum on this matter."

The argument ended there, with both men still firmly entrenched in their positions. Harris knew that he had a tough battle ahead of him if he wanted to convince the Traditional Union to support the referendum.

 

[Prydain]

8/3/23

De Rais stormed into the office of the Commonwealth Services Minister, his face red with rage. "This is an outrage!" he shouted while holding front page of the morning's newspaper. "How could the Prime Minister do this?"

The Minister looked up from his desk, surprised by De Rais's sudden appearance. "What are you talking about?" he asked.

De Rais slammed his fist down on the Minister's desk, causing a stack of papers to flutter to the floor. "The Prime Minister has gone behind my back and requested the Lord Protector to use the power of Sovereign Consent to allow the referendum to surpass the Tynwald!" he exclaimed.

The Minister raised an eyebrow. "I see," he said, trying to keep his tone even. "And what is it that you're so angry about?"

"Don't you see? This is a direct attack on the Traditional Union," De Rais said, his voice dripping with venom. "The Prime Minister knows that we are opposed to this referendum, and yet he goes ahead and uses underhanded tactics to push it through. It's a blatant abuse of power!"

The Minister sighed. "I understand that you're upset, but you must understand that the Prime Minister is acting within his rights as the leader of the country," he said. "He believes that the people have a right to have a say in the future of their country, and he's using the tools at his disposal to make that happen."

De Rais snorted in disgust. "Tools at his disposal? You mean he's using the Lord Protector to strong-arm us into submission," he said. "This is not how democracy works."

The Minister leaned back in his chair. "I appreciate your concern, De Rais, but the decision has been made," he said. "The referendum will go ahead, and I will oversee it making sure it is fair and open."

De Rais glared at the Minister, his fists still clenched in anger and he said, "The Traditional Union will not forget this insult. We will make sure that the Prime Minister knows the consequences of his actions."

With that, De Rais stormed out of the Minister's office, leaving the Minister to ponder the fallout from the Prime Minister's controversial decision.

.......
​

Later that evening De Rais held a meeting with his MPs it was held in a private lounge of a reputable members-only club. It was a scene of opulence and exclusivity. The club's decor was classic and refined, with plush leather chairs, elegant chandeliers, and dark wood panelling on the walls. The private room they were in had plush chairs and mahogany furniture, and the atmosphere was hushed and confidential.

The members of the Traditional Union were dressed in formal attire, with men in suits. The air was thick with the scent of expensive colognes, as well as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea.

"Gentlemen," De Rais began, as he stood next to the roaring fireplace which was the centre piece of the lounge. "We have been dealt a serious blow by the Prime Minister's abuse of power. He has gone behind our backs and used Sovereign Consent to push through the referendum. We cannot let him get away with this."

The members of the Traditional Union looked on in silence, waiting for De Rais to continue.

"I propose that we withhold our votes in the Tynwald until the Prime Minister agrees to give the House of Commons a vote on the referendum," De Rais said, his voice full of determination.

The Traditional Union members murmured their agreement, and De Rais knew that he had their full support. He continued, "Furthermore, I will personally threaten to leave the coalition government unless the House of Commons is given a vote. This is our only chance to stop the Prime Minister from trampling on our rights and the principles of democracy."