From the notes of Citizen Emilia, Voice of the People

The first task Crysta gave us was to agree on a set of principles that could guide our new constitution. The answer was obvious, universal rights and promotion of the public good. I had a bunch of rights to suggest too, but Charles said this is not the time for it. Crysta smiled and told me we will discuss a broader list of rights later in the week, but to focus on a few basic principles. Thinking back to the tyranny of King Valerius, the corrupt and humiliating show trials followed by mass executions, I suggested “life, dignity and equal application of the law for all citizens.”

Dauphin added protection of property, which I think should have limits for the common good, but I can accept as a broad guideline. I’d wait to address reasonable limitations on property rights later, as Crysta requested. Charles wanted to make it clear that rights applied to all, regardless of lineage, so the nobles couldn't be targeted with specific laws, and I agree with that as well. Aguilo also suggested that the government be responsible for maintaining order, and providing for a common defense, which is also pretty reasonable.

At some point, I think it was Charles's mention of equal protections for nobles, Oliphaunt launched an attack on Robert, accusing the northern militias of theft and violence against nobles. I don’t really know what’s going on out there, I haven't left the city since the revolution started, but I doubt it's as bad as he said. Crysta wanted to focus on the topic at hand, and brought her hammer down to the ground with a mighty THUD! That sure shut them up. She has such control over the meeting. We quickly agreed on the guiding principles and adjourned for lunch. Their argument was delayed until later in the week.

During lunch, I returned to my fellow protestors and we discussed the morning session. Not a lot was really settled yet, but they were cautiously optimistic about he guiding principles, and I was as well.

Special Bulletin from Militia Captain Robert, Commander of the Northern Liberation Forces

I admit, I was a little out of my depth at first, during the convention. Designing government structures is nothing like marching into battle with my brothers. An urban representative, Emilia, took the lead in our first topic, suggesting a number of guiding principles for our nation. I must say, she was clearly describing many ideas I supported, but couldn’t articulate. She was added to the convention at the last minute, and it was a great benefit to our nation that she was present.

I didn't have such a positive experience with some of the other members. I won’t lie, there’s bad blood between me and Oliphaunt. He was our biggest foe until recently. He fought us for over a week, continuing even after Crysta reached the capital and toppled Valerius. It’s not long, but many died on both sides, while he defended monarchy and privilege. And as a further insult, we have to supply food to his army now that it's fighting enemies of the revolution. I don’t know how he swayed the other generals, but I don’t trust him. At the convention, he’s spared no effort undermining the northern farmers’ struggles, as if his violence against us wasn’t enough.

Even on the first topic, merely attempting to come up with common principles to guide our nation, he came out swinging with an attack on me personally, and the militia farmers. He accused us of stealing land, assaulting nobles, and even murders. The land confiscations were required, the nobles intended to cut off food to the capital to starve the revolution. We acted in the best interests of the nation to combat reactionary forces. There have been some rare cases of assaults and murders, which are investigated when reported to me or other militia leaders, but Oliphaunt's claims are wildly overblown.

I was as happy as anyone else when Crysta brought down her hammer to end the argument. Oliphaunt had taken us down into the weeds, and we needed to get back on track. With valuable contributions from most of the members, excluding Oliphaunt, we came up with some reasonable principles for our government to protect basic rights and maintain order and defense.

During the lunch break, that noble, Charles wanted to have a chat. I don’t care much for his type, but he was being polite so I humored him. I decided to ask about the diplomatic situation, that was his area of expertise. He said his ceasefire with Hibion has ended the blockade of our ports and greatly improved our economic outlook. It should prevent any more surprise landings on our western coastline. He was also confident Toskenza to the south and Scola to the east would remain cautiously neutral to give us a chance to produce a moderate constitution. 

Alpina, to the southeast, had joined the Royalist Coalition, but our border is mountainous, and they were not likely to mount a serious invasion force. The only real threat right now was from the north, Valsia and Rubidia. That wasn’t a huge relief to me, since I live in the north, but their hostility was nothing new. I suppose it's good for the country if the main threat is from one direction and easily handled.

I told him I had little interest in placating aristocrats or royals. He frowned and suggested that neutral states might turn hostile if we don’t come to a fair accommodation. I just told him we would beat back royalist bastards no matter how many came our way. He laughed, as if I was joking, then politely apologized. I don’t think I’ll have lunch with him again.

Memoirs of General Oliphaunt, Revolutionary Commander - Northern Front

In these recent weeks I have been publicly criticized as an opportunist, a coward, and a reactionary. I have been accused of pushing aristocratic privilege, of undermining the poor militia farmers, and of even sabotaging the constitutional convention. This is an outrage. Everything I have done has been for this nation and the protection of its citizens.

When the militia farmers rose up and began seizing land, I led the royal army to suppress them. This is not some defense of privilege but of basic order and civility. The militias were, and frankly still are, out of control. I brought this up early on, because our guiding principles should reflect how we intend to deal with such out of control gangs of robbers and brigands. I also stand by my accusations of assaults and murders. There are many credible accounts of such crimes being committed even now.

I will also say that my patriotism is without question. Even before the Royalist Coalition had formed, the Valsian Empire on its own mustered forces to invade, hoping to annex some northern territories. I set aside my conflict with the militias to deal with this greater threat to our nation, and the revolutionary generals rightly recognized my contribution in securing the northern border. After it was clear the monarchy had been toppled, I made the best choice for the nation again, and formally swore loyalty to the new regime.

Even now, my army advances into the Kingdom of Rubidia, and counters the Royalist Coalition armies in the north. The very same militias that despise me, are being protected from invasion by my army. I will not tolerate their insults, nor their criminal actions. I will stand by my country no matter what, but I will also stand up for citizens who are being targeted on the basis of their birthright.

From the Office of Chancellor Pepe, Acting Head of Civil Service

Day 1 - Morning - Guiding Principles

Guiding principles aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. But Crysta insisted on handling this first before moving on to more substantive issues. Even on something as basic as this, the members found reason to argue. Fortunately, Crysta kept the discussion moving forward, her hammer saved us a day of bickering. The group soon found consensus on a set of principles, which I found acceptable enough to endorse.

Result - Consensus reached on these guiding principles, which I will use as a basis for writing a preamble during the first drafting week: We reject tyranny and declare a government founded on the natural rights of all citizens. The government must uphold life, dignity, equal protection before the law, and protection of property. These rights belong to all, regardless of class or lineage. The government shall ensure public order and national defense, and provide for the public good.