[color=blue]"We can hope," Fiona says. [color=blue]"However, a discussion rooted in ignorance, or even misinformation, is worse than no discussion at all. And being new to Normandy, I have heard nothing save that a couple of covenants are dissatisfied with the status quo and wish to form a new Tribunal. I would need much more information than that to make a rational decision in favour of a new Tribunal."
(ooc – Fiona is fudging the truth a wee bit. Iirc, she's heard that a couple of Normandy covenants are staunchly in favour of Lotharingia – Cunfin being one, but can't remember offhand the names of any others – and finds it reasonable that there are at least enough Rhine covenants in support to make up the four required, but hasn't heard any real details beyond that. If you need it, her Guile roll is Com 2 + Guile 2 + die roll of 6 = 10.)
"Ahh, but which side is ignorant, or misinformed?" Murion looks at Fiona, "If they satisfy the requirements for establishing a Tribunal are met, I'm not sure we can prevent it from happening, unless I would choose not to entertain it. However, I have made the choice, and what happens now is the politicking. Some particulars such as the ownership of vis sources is to be sorted out, as well as borders, but I would expect that the proponents to have that well thought out."
While it is not expanding the Order's boarders outward, the proposed Lotharingia tribunal does expand the boarders of thought, politics and interaction with others. It seeks to push long standing traditions to the limit and beyond to see what would happen. Based on others view points with how mundane lords and the church might respond to this will steer the debate and the votes.
"If we are finished expanding our geographical borders, the only borders I can see remaining are political ones." Murion adds. It's been a lovely evening, and dinner was grand, compliments to the Chef she nods towards Andru and Korvin both. It seems she's familiar with the chef's cuisine.
Elsewhere...
Valerian ignores Alexei's hand. "There may be a reason. There may not be. I chose not to attend the dinner, because the discussion of politics gives me a headache." He smiles as he says that, and Alexei almost wants to believe him. "Truthfully, though, I wanted to see your vast wealth for myself. And while I don't have a formal charge to make at this time, be assured that We will continue our investigation at a later date. And, if you would be so kind, I'd appreciate it if you could take over for me. I invest you with authority as a Hoplite of the Normandy Tribunal to see to the care and comfort of Murion on her travels, said authority ends upon completion of your duties escorting Murion." Before Alexei even responds Valerian disappears, and where he was standing are three scrolls, sealed. One is addressed to Murion and one is addressed to Alexei and the last is addressed to Apollodorus.
Alexei stands gobsmacked at the revelation and equally sudden departure of Valerian. Stunned a moment more he finally looks down at the sheaves of paper left behind. Finally he gathers them up and cracks the seal on the one addressed to himself and opens it up to read the contents.
Alexei murmurs as he reads the scroll. "Hereby entitled...rights, powers and responsibilities...honoured ranks of Hoplites...unto death if needs be..." he finally stops and rubs his forehead for several seconds and then picks up the bottle of wine and takes a long drink before putting the cork back in and then rolling up the scroll and putting it back in the case.
"Be careful what you wish for. My master always said that." he says to himself as he heads back to the dining room, scrolls tucked under his arm.
I'm not awarding any other XPs here, but if you receive XPs elsewhere, you can spend those on relevant abilities used in this story, if you participated. For example, the Tribunal xp award could be spent on abilities and arts used in this story, even if you only participated in dinner party parts of the thread.