((can we go with violent please? my entire backstory (and a few others from what I've read) is crafted on it))
Senator Graetius Tauronian, flanked on the left by the captain of the Aztlani guard and on the right by the High Priest of Ozur, bangs his fist on the podium repeatedly for silence from the senate. Graetius then clears his throat (clearly audible in the back row of the senate), quickly nods to the left of the forum, where his staunchest allies sit, and begins his first official speech to the Aztlani senate
Greetings fellow senators and servants of the people!
It is heartening to see so many of you here today and I am sure that, in all we do, we will remember to be loyal to the state and to the proud people of Aztlanxo.
On the streets there is much cynicism regarding this newly elected senate. The average Aztlani, having been brought up under the heel of an oppressive regime, is still doubtful regarding our true intentions. They wonder what our true motivations are, they call into question our legitimacy as a political force, and some are actively agitating for all highborn men and women to be ousted from the senate. While this news is most distressing for me, it must be exponentially more distressing for those few that, if given the chance, would use the political power given to this assembly by the people and by the Gods, to subjugate the masses and re-establish an oligarchical system of government in which they themselves would act as tyrant rulers over the Aztlani. Rest assured, while I still draw breath I will fight for the rights of my fellow man, be them highborn or lowborn… and I hold you all as senators to that same standard. I know that together through, upright and moral political practice, we will combat the cynics dispel any accusations against us as a body and as individuals.
Let is be known throughout Aztlanxo that while we as a nation have freed ourselves from the grip of an oppressive cadre of oligarchs, there is still much work to be done before we can consider our government structure a true republic. I am sure that you all have by now heard calls for a merchant “republic,” wherein the moneyed class would control all aspects of governance. It seems preposterous that, after throwing off the yolk of oppression from the feudal aristocrats, any society would wish to so quickly give up their newly gained political rights to a few wealthy merchants. Please don’t misinterpret my statement… merchants are becoming increasingly more important and instrumental in the growing prosperity of Aztlanxo. They are building new bonds that connect the continent and, through the transport of luxury and basic goods to our glorious capital city, they are increasing the standard of living among all classes. While this work is commendable, it does not allow them to seize complete political power and it does not allow them to look down upon the “lower” classes. I therefore reject any attempts to change our political structure from a Republic to a mere Plutocracy. I also feel that the aristocrats have no business hoarding all the political power for themselves but as they have not openly pushed for greater political power, I see no need to go to the trouble of pointing out that we as a nation had, not long ago, overthrown a similar Oligarchical system.
Recently there has been much talk of invading the “barbarous” lands to the West. Some among you see a western campaign as a short and profitable venture and one that would enlarge our realm and help ensure the continued prominence of the Aztlanti people. While all war is a glorious test of arms, I must stress that these Ulorrans are both fierce and more civilized than some may give them credit for. Any military venture against these people would need to be expertly carried out by the finest generals Aztlanxo has to offer and, once we defeat these people, we must act humanely and honorably towards the Ulorrans. I am part Ulorran myself and although my ultimate loyalties obviously lie with the people of Aztlanxo, I will not have my western brothers clapped in irons and carted off to serve upperclass Aztlani. There are two main problems I have with the recent (absolutely abhorrent) proposal to enslave these people when we subjugate them:
1. If we are to one day unite the continent under one banner, it shall be done in the spirit of Atlantean brotherhood. Can the Aztlani people claim the entire continent of Atlantis for themselves and enslave all other ethnicities? Such a policy would lead to fractionalization and ruin! We must be fair to any conquered peoples and we must try to acculturate them and incorporate them into our society as equals.
2. Mass enslavement inevitably leads to unemployment among the working classes. Even as thousands of Ulorran slaves are forced by aristocrats to till their vast fields, the many peasants of the countryside will flock to the cities in search of jobs. Even as thousands of Ulorran slaves are forced by wealthy merchants to construct monolithic building projects, the many city dwellers of Aztlanxo, having lost their jobs to slaves, will be mired in poverty and squalor.
I now come before you all to propose an alternative to the exclusively aristocratic or merchant rule… to invite you to the Populares, a political party based on primarily on equality among the social classes. Let Aztlani society be based on a meritocracy and let our government reflect the values of liberty and egalitarianism that the people so yearn for. Let no man think he is inherently better than his neighbor, for we are all Aztlani and we rise and fall together. Let us unite under a common cause and not be swayed and separated by social divides.
I call on the merchants, whose enterprising spirit revitalizes the economy and the nation, to join their Aztlanti brothers in the Populares so that they might help guide the party with their pragmatic, resourceful spirit.
I call on the working classes, who, through hard work and toil, have transformed both this city and this nation from a modest farming village into the gem of the continent, to join the Populares so that they might be able to exercise their newly won political freedoms and steer Aztlani society towards greater freedom and prosperity
I must be going soon, my friends, but I wish to propose one more point to this legislative body: that you all consider me for the position of Imperator! If elected, I shall uphold the principles of the Populares and I will do my utmost to bring glory as well as economic prosperity to the nation. Thank you all, and may the Gods bless you and keep you.
---Graetius---
((if anyone has any questions/comments feel free to PM me))