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Post by August II "Mocny Sas" on Sept 30, 2016 11:22:45 GMT
While still on campaign in Holstein, HSH August II, seeks to organise a meeting of a Council of leading Cossacks within the Commonwealth.
He is aware that they opposed his election, and are unhappy with the prospect of a "foreign" ruler, and he wishes for an opportunity to clear the air with this mighty constituency.
The aim of the council is merely a dialogue, to listen to the grievances, hopes, and goals of the Cossack leadership.
He requests that Hetman Sieniawski undertakes the organisation on his behalf, being in good standing with the Cossacks, and well respected.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Oct 3, 2016 14:08:35 GMT
The Cossacks are willing to meet with the King whenever he finds time away from the War.
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Post by August II "Mocny Sas" on Oct 7, 2016 16:52:25 GMT
With peace, August II is finally free to pursue his planned talks with Cossacks. The are invited to Lwow, where the council shall take place.
On arrival, after the customary oaths of allegiance and general courtly facade they are invited into private rooms and encouraged to present any 'petitions', concerns, or other words the the King. They are invited to be candid, as naturally, such opportunities for direct address to the King are rare due to the challenges of his schedule.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Oct 12, 2016 13:47:31 GMT
The Cossack leaders assembled appeared a wild bunch, one even carried with him the skull of a Tatar raider. They are suspicious of Kings, particularly foreign Kings, but suggest that they would be much gladdened should their liberties be respected and their way of life protected. They are also wary of the Szlachta, who they complain often overstep their bounds and interfere in Cossack hunting and fishing grounds. If the King was to step in to limit the power of the Commonwealth nobles, he would have Cossack support.
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Post by August II "Mocny Sas" on Oct 14, 2016 16:47:48 GMT
August makes clear his commitment to the Cossack's rights as stated in their Treaties with the Crown and within August's Pacta Conventa. He reiterates what is within the Pacta and intimates that he is willing to make those stipulations concrete in a separate and new treaty with the Cossacks, in exchange for their support within the realm.
He explains, privately, that he shares the Cossack's concerns over the power of some nobles, stating that he believes that the real source of this comes from the Magnates, who's positions empower their allies to take liberties. He questions whether the Cossacks have faced problems from the Wisniowescy (the largest land holders in the South East)?
He further reiterates his commitment to freedom of religion, and engages with the more religiously minded on the different provisions for freedom of worship in the Empire and in the Commonwealth, highlighting the benefits and failures of each system (the fact that some in the Commonwealth proselytise in areas of different denominations leading to friction, compared to the forced privacy of certain worship in Imperial states leading to different sects becoming isolated from society as a whole).
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Oct 14, 2016 17:00:48 GMT
The Cossack leaders mumble among themselves for a while, before a man at the fore turns a wry smile to King. "Maybe he has, maybe he has not. What are the benefits for us should we report any alleged occurrences?"
This is a clear gambit. Should Augustus offer them concessions, he will promptly receive reports that Wisniowescy has violated the rights of the Cossack peoples. Due to the private nature of these discussions, there are unlikely to be any repercussions against the King.
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Post by August II "Mocny Sas" on Oct 14, 2016 17:14:05 GMT
The King remains quiet for a moment, assessing his interlocutors... "I can speak openly with you, I believe", pausing again as he ponders on his words "You all know that the powers of the King are extremely limited. I cannot promise that, assuming you have complaints, I can achieve any sort of restitution for you. I will not belittle your intelligence by pretending I can. Many of the Magnates have a higher income than the Crown of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania combined. Obviously the State generates more revenue, but the State is bound to the Magnates' will.
"What I can promise you is that any information you provide would be valuable to discredit them. I am sure you are all aware that the mood in the Commonwealth is growing ugly. The War with Sweden began very very badly, now we have a legion of Turks at our door. Many in the country, including the lesser nobility, are growing tired of their power which they rightly now see as a great threat to the country's stability..."
The King carefully watches their response to these words... he has had plans for years, and wants to tell if the men assembled before him may finally be the tool he needs to achieve them...
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Oct 15, 2016 13:14:11 GMT
"I'm sure we can find some evidence of his misdemeanors."
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Post by August II "Mocny Sas" on Oct 16, 2016 20:43:06 GMT
"Provide whatever evidence you will. I would also appreciate if you would pick one from amongst your number to become an unofficial representative to the Crown. They will advise me on Cossack affairs and will be a permanent connection between the Government and the you."
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Oct 16, 2016 21:10:56 GMT
The Cossacks depart the Parliament, beleiving they have reached an understanding with their King. Shortly afterwards Augustus receives word that Dmitri Doroshenko, son of the famous anti-Russian Cossack rebel leader, Petro Dorshenko, has been appointed their leader. They suggest their King should await further news.
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