The Exarch (late summer 1242)

Play by Post Campaigns Ars Magica 5th Edition: Light of Andorra
101

OOC: I'm assuming that since familiars are discussing House Mercere's financial troubles that the cat is out of the bag on that particular issue.

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Lucas nods again. "I thought it unlikely that House Tremere was looking to hurt House Mercere. But it's good to hear it directly from you. Your house can play a deep game, and sometimes they do uncharacteristic things for more complex reasons."

"But you came to ask questions about the status of my house, not discuss the actions of yours." He takes a deep breath.

"This is a turbulent time for House Mercere, and much is happening to weaken it. The hope was to keep these matters quiet as long as possible, but Horus tells me that the word is already out and rumors are flying. So that ship has sailed." He presses onward. "Following Tremere's rather substantial withdrawal of vis from the Mercere bank, several others have attempted to make similarly large withdrawals. In addition, if Val Negra is a going concern again, it has substantial vis deposits on the books that could potentially be withdrawn - that's at least one reason it's important to all of this."

"The problem, put simply, is that House Mercere doesn't have the vis to pay out all of its depositors if everyone wants all of their vis at once. In part, the missing vis is at work in the portal network, ready to be repaid over time with interest, likewise, other vis deposits are lent out to various magi and covenants to be repaid with interest as well. But we also suspect fraud of some sort may be involved and are currently investigating that possibility. The bank will remain closed during that investigation to keep the matter from getting worse and to prevent anyone from improperly profiting from the situation."

"Of equal concern," Lucas adds in a somber tone. "Our primus, Insatella, is dead - of an apparent suicide, no less. Again, this matter is under investigation for the possibility of foul play."

"Of course, as you can imagine, the loss of Insatella combined with the bank run is significantly destabilizing to House Mercere. This leads to my concern that someone is trying, by fair means or foul, to weaken House Mercere - and by extension, the entire Order. That concern then leads to other questions. Is this attack directed at House Mercere as the main target? If so, why? Are we instead meant to be a distraction to allow something else to occur without greater scrutiny? If so, what are we all to be distracted from? These are all good questions, none of which have good answers yet."

"Then there's your question about Val Negra. In responding to this, first let me say that I may not speak freely about this matter; there are some things I must hold back. I apologize for that."

"Then, let me say that you are very well informed about Mercere artifacts. We do, in fact, have a lantern as you describe. Unfortunately, it is not in my possession or my control. I can speak to those who do control it and ask, on your behalf, if you can be allowed to travel with it, under Mercere escort of course, to Val Negra. Unfortunately, that's the best I can do at the moment."

"There is clearly something going on here," Lucas concludes. "The ousting of one primus, the death of another, a run on the Mercere bank, and the reappearance of Val-Negra all happening within a day of each other? That's too much of a coincidence. The trick, of course, is figuring out what's going on before it's too late."

102

Tiana has been sleeplessly researching the books, calling in ledgers from every portal location. Guillermo assists by teleporting around where he can collecting data. And lending her an item that suppresses fatigue. Cecelia winds up reviewing accounts as well, and has discovered some crazy practices going on. No one has thought of the money. The real money, the actual silver involved in running all of this. House Mercere is incredibly mega wealthy in silver. The Redcaps have been laundering. Where vis is plentiful they have been buying it up from poor magi for as little as 8 to 10 pounds. Where it is scarce, they have been selling it to rich magi for as high as 15 to 20. There are countless examples of this. All the banks are involved; Andorra, Barcelona, Cunfin, Harco, all of them.
And there are countless silver fees for transfers and services and holdings. Blahblahblah. By modern standards it is financial corruption and exploitation. But by Medieval standads, it is just being reckless but clever.
Then the Val-Negra account. There was a massive deposit of tangiblw actual vis made long ago. There were also a number of external assets, such as vis sources and mystic real estate, that were divided up. Most were sold off or given to heirs. A few were leased.
Then the annual payments of vis and silver to the Val-Negra account. I already mentioned Doisettep and Andorra. But Celia discovers that Castra Solis and Duresca are involved.
Andorra stops paying in 1111. That is also the year that "modern" Andorra was rediscovered & refounded by the Knights of Seneca. It could be the knew magi knew nothing about it.
Doisettep, who inherited many assets, continues payment. So does Castra Solis. Every seven years, Duresca takes about half of whatever has accumulated in that period and leaves the rest invested.
Why?

103

Vocis is shocked when Lucas details the death of the Mercere Primus. He was already shaken when the news of the instability in the banking is stated plainly, but that pales compared to the news of the Primus. "I understand your reservations with sharing the details and I will hold this in utmost confidence. "

"I will continue my own investigations and see what can be found, and please make the request to your associate who will visit Val Negra."

"Given how precarious Andorra is now placed in the hermetic landscape I have to suggest that you share this information with the senior Magi too. I will not without your permission, but news will move quickly and they may need this to make better choices in the politics coming tonight. The Flambeau incoming Primus is using a platform of change in his political campaign. "

"The Tremere are also starting to gather resources to rebuild. The Exarch has asked me to petition Andorra for aid in terms of vis to assist with the rebuilding of the Order as a result of the damage from the recent wars. He listed healing and restorations as the main endeavours but also repaying vis spent for the cause."

"In light of the situation with vis and the bank I can see this as a potential additional burden on the Mercere - and it strikes me as a concern. As magi seek to gift small amounts their balances will be made plain, and it may instigate further commerce on an already lacking pool of resources. I do not understand banking at all, but I think your House needs to reopen the banks in a reasonable time, and soon. The longer they stay stalled the greater long term damage is done to the trust in the system. If it is an attack on the House rather than a distraction of a greater plot, then reopening with limitations is far better than a shutdown."

"I will still petition Andorra, but will seek an arrangement sympathetic to the wider stability issues. "

104

Cecilio would like a chance to meet with the Tremere Exarch. She has several wonderful ideas to hawk to him. Not really to getting vis, but to saving vis.

105

Everyone will get the chance to meet with the Exarch. And the Archmagus. At the supper meeting. Which is right now :slight_smile:
Roberto shows up looking a bit scruffed up. A few bruises and scrapes and a black eye. He looks angry but stays really quiet. Pietro seems just fine, nods at Roberto with a smile, then right away starts chatting it up with the Exarch. Basically saying he was also surprised by how suddenly things escalated at Tribunal yesterday. [color=gray]I won't lie. I have had plans to make a run for Primus soon. But not quite yet. Still, opportunity favors those who sieze it quickest. Anyway, when you have a free moment latter, I would like to discuss the Mercere situation. I just heard about it from the other Archmagi, and we are putting a safety net in place.
But for now, let us deal with the present situation. I presume it is no coincidence that we both show up here right after the incident in Provencal.
Markus nods. Then adresses the gathered Andorra magi and thanks them for their hospitality.

106

Arachné shows up, eva following her. Intissar, of course, is in the familars council. She'll seat, taking some milk with honey, looking at everyone, trying to get a read on them.

I hate this. This is a waste of my time, AND they're trying to strong-arm us. God, I so much hate politics.

At times, she'll scribble some notes on a sheet of parchment, always thinking on potential new spell effects.

107

"You're quite right," Lucas says to Vocis, stifling a yawn. "I've only just arisen after an eventful night, But I'll see who I can get together from the covenant before the supper meeting and given them a precis on the situation with House Mercere."

"As for opening the bank," he adds. "I expect that'll happen soon. We just needed a few days to sort things out and prevent widespread chaos. We also wanted to make certain that if someone was manipulating the bank, they would be limited in their ability to capitalize on the event. But you're right, the sooner we can reopen, the better, even if it's under restricted operations."

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Lucas will gather a hasty meeting of all the masters of the covenant who can make it before the supper meeting. Anyone who can't make that meeting can hear the information by word of mouth. We don't have to play out that meeting if it would get in the way of the story. We could just hand wave and say that all the masters have been informed of the Mercere situation.

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Lucas will also seek out Rilcheaux to find out their departure time to Val Negra. He'll also pass along the fact that Vocis knows about the lantern (I would guess from contacts in House Tremere) and has asked to be able to go to Val Negra (presumably with Vibria) using the lantern. The logical solution to his request would be to have him come along on the current trip. Lucas won't advocate for or against Vocis going. That's for Rilcheaux to decide. He will note that it would be safer to pass through the griffon-infested mountains with Vocis and Vibria, and that Vocis is a clever magus who might be able to help us in our investigation. He'll also note that with Vocis' contacts in House Tremere, he can probably get official permission in time. So we'd only be delaying his trip. That having been said, the decision is Rilcheaux's, and Lucas won't question it.

OOC: I was thinking that getting more people involved with this story would be a good thing.

108

"Drop me off before dinner at a meeting point, then make plans for Vocis to accompany you to Val Negra. Say nothing about the lantern unless he asks, and then only reply that your inquiries about it have not been answered. You can certainly infer where this is going, but I want as little information to get out as possible. I trust Vocis, but the grogs of this covenant are poorly organized and gossip spreads like an oil fire. In the morning the two of you, plus whomever else is going to be going will pick me up at the meeting place and we will proceed from there."

109

OOC: Do you mean recruiting people to play gest spots in the many various plots spawing? Perhaps :smiling_imp:

110

I just meant it would be nice to include Vocis and Vibria on the trip to Val Negra.

111

Purity will inject her thoughts into this. Cecilio doesn't seem to think Tytalus magi are worth much. Says conflict never gets you anywhere and trashes them and stuff. This sounds kind of big. I bet it would take a conflict free group to manage it. What if we went looking for infernalists and ate them until we get the ones responsible.

Exarch, I have some ideas to help save Vis! Cecilio pauses for a second, then a few more, semi-consciously expecting an interruption from Purity. Oh hey, Purity isn't here. There are a couple mastery texts in our library that allow one to reduce the vis needed for the corresponding healing spells. I wrote them, but you could copy them. Or have a grog copy them. But that's not what I really wanted to suggest. My research has led me to think that experimenting with Longevity rituals is probably the best way to proceed, but I've never been known for getting lots of vis. The point is I could perform longevity rituals at cost. Around 10th magnitude. But if you're looking for a cheap longevity specialist, consider me.

112

"Understood," Lucas replies. "I'll pick Vocis, and perhaps Vibria, up at the last minute, giving no one a chance to whisper about it to anyone."

113

Exarch Markus nods affirmatively at Cecelio's proposal.
[color=brown]I will gladly take you up on that offer! One Longevity Potion every two years from now until the next Decenial in 1250. It is the goal of House Tremere to get everything rebalanced by then.

114

Thank you so much! It will be a big, big help. Vis for everyone! Well, less spending of vis.

115

Exarch Markus speaks some more, adressing the issues of the day.
[color=brown]I initially intended to seek financial assistance from Andorra, but that was before I heard the news about House Mercere. I had worked out a compromise to keep the Zenchodium running with minimal funding. But perhaps even that is not enough. Still, I have decided to leave Tremere deposits untouched in Andorra, Barcelona, and Doisettep.
I also heard word of the untimely departure of Intastella. Allow me to express both my sorrow and my hope for a brave new future.
Concerning the situation of the Flambeau Primus, though I witnessed the events I have not formed a full opinion as of yet, but I will keep my eyes open to things as they develop. There are few Flambeaux amongst you, and this covenant is an important part of the history of that House. Tread light and choose wisely.

116

Roberto looks Pietro straight in the eye, and puts forth a proposition.
[color=red]I motion that this covenand does host a "convocation". But mot here at Arans.
Ibiza.
There are many poor towns that can benefit from providing services. They will pay little mind to the Gifted and strangeness. This covenant owns two properties on the island and can easilly acquire more. Mundane authority is minimal and still in a state of flux.
And it dramatically reduces risks to our security.
These are Flambeau magi we are talking about. [size=50](the Kingons of Ars Magica)[/size]. Equal measures of the best and the worst the Order has to offer. And in addition to being properly compensated for our time and expense, that the two contestants for Primus each pay this covenant a Queen of Creo vis. A third part of this sum will go to aid in the TRansylavanian Recovery, and another third to the relief of House Mercere.

117

"Oh, wait I have something else for you, Exarch Markus!" Cecilio says, while she pulls out two scrolls from underneath her chair. "Lab texts. All the big libraries are getting these. These have a little bit of progress to a breakthrough to help fight demons. Its not a project I intend on finishing, so I figure I should make sure other people can access them. That way if anyone does start up on making our magic better at destroying demons they'll have a bit of a head start. I was going to mail them to Tablinum, but I figured making a gift in person would be nice. I can still mail them if that would be easier. Anyway carry on. I'm out of interruptions."

118

Solomon glances sidelong at Roberto, "I'm fairly certain that supper is not the proper place for motions to be given. And I'm quite certain that if it were the appropriate place, such a proposal is something that should be discussed amongst the magi of Andorra prior to simply blurting it out."

He then turns to Pietro and offers a faint smile, "Archmagus, I understand your interest in holding the convocation here is in no small part related to our unaligned, and thus neutral status, yes? However, in nearly the same breath, you announced that the covenant of Val-Negra is re-opened, or at least brought back from the shadows, that you are its pontifex, and that you have named it Domus Magnus of House Flambeau. Furthermore, you mention that you wish to reestablish the Val-Negra Tribunal as a result and, correctly, point out that Andorra has historically pledged allegiance to said Tribunal. Thus, if your ascendancy as primus withstands Garus' challenge, Andorra would serve to become an rather influential covenant with the Tribunal shared with the Domus Magnus of House Flambeau. Quite a lucrative arrangement for what some see to be a rather 'backwater' covenant with no friends or political support. If I were Garus, I would not see Andorra as neutral at all. By your actions and intentions, I would hazard to say we are one of the least neutral covenants in the entire order in this regard."

119

Roberto shrugs with a smug grin.
[color=red]Breech of protocol. My apologies. Motions and votes are for private council meetings. I should have prased it as "I propose an idea". For this supper meeting was called to both enternain our gests and entertain ideas.
But Solomon is right. You overplayed your game and made this the least neutral spot for your convocation.
Pietro frowns, nods, then slowly smiles again. He strokes his silvery beard when he begins his reply.
[color=gray]Young Roberto, you are a renowned hero of many adventures. But you know nothing of politics. And it seems you learned nothing from our little talk.
Now, listen to your elders discuss matters and perhaps you will learn.
Solomon, Arachne, my apologies. I spoke of my request in an informal manner, intending to explain myself more fully when I made my formal presentation. After supper. It is polite to wait until after the meal to discuss business, Roberto. After supper but before strong wine.
But since the subject is in the air, I shall explain myself. I came here last night on the very eve of the day these events transpired because I wanted to be the first to have your ear. Provencal Tribunal closed last night and the gavel drops opening Iberian next week. There will be polotickung there, and more will develop.
I am not the only one who thinks this is the best location. I stole the idea from Garus! He has yet to come to you with his proposal and offerings. Who knows what gifts he will bring?!? And his offer may be better at first, and there will be negotiations. Garus himself may be above bargaining, but his followers are not. Nor am I. It is how things get done and we move forward.
It will be one of his agents. Probably Cipiro, Grand Marshal of the Milites. Garus is old, much more than even I and I am over a century. He does not travel much anymore, and Cipiro is his political hawk.
So there is that. Both of us see an advantage here, and the reason for that reveals another layer of complexity.
There are more than a dozen different political factions in House Flambeau. Milites, Mithrites, Mercurians, Neo-Mercurians, Senecans, Ash Guildsmen, Villanos, Sebastians, then even more off in the far western and eastern Tribunals.
And they all have various takes on who the next Primus should be.
It is not a matter of discontent. Garus is quite popular actually. But often disregarded as irrelevant or ineffectual. And old. As I said, moreso than I by several decades. He is expected to pass any year now. But then again, they have been predicting his death for twenty years yet he endures. Bravo! But it doesn't matter. Different factions have long been preparing to choose a successor, some from amongst themselves!
The support I had in calling for a Convocation is not the same as the support I will have or not have in that convocation. The Flambeaux are agitating to make the change they have long been waiting for. I just ignited a fuse, made a spark by presenting myself as a challenger.
Markus was there. Not sure what his perspective was. But I started by issuing the challenges of old traditions, knowing he would refuse and cite the new democratic custom. I declared him forfit and called for a convocation to confirm my new status. He refused me, so I challenged him to Certamen.
The Chief Quaesitor stepped in and we all agreed on the following valid conditions. If I lost, I would quit my claim and stay silent on the issue for the rest of the year, not interfering in any of the remaining tribunals.
But I triumphed, and the condition there was simply to call for a Convocation. The purpose of the Convocation is to decide "Who is to be Primus of House Flambeau?".
We have one year to has out the details or he will decide for us.
So now you understand?
He hold the position by seat, I hold it by claim of old traditions. But in reality, it is up for grabs. I know of at least two others that are likely to throw their hat in.
Now, don't think like Garus. Think like Cipiro. He is the one that will handle all of the arrangments. He has been running the show for years.
What would Cipiro want?
Now you see why I wanted to talk to you first.
I can all night explaining why and telling you what I know. But I am sure you have questions and there are things I should clarify or correct as you require.

And there is the matter of how many obscure setails I can bore you with, as well as things I should save for latter.

120

Arachné nods to Solomon, appreciative of her sodales political acumen.
Great. Another meaningless struggle for power.
Bless Solomon and his gift for this!
But Pietro? The more I hear him, the less I trust him. He's making a power grab, and trying to bypass the will of his sodales, all the while dragging us into his schemes. I don't like this at all. More politics mean less time spent on Andorra, more attention to us, more enemies too. Just great.

It seems as we've got everything to lose by holding this convocation here.
Aside from the obvious drain of resources in a troubled time, some people are bound to make the same connection as Solomon, which means the loss or our "neutral" status, and possibly some enemies, especially if you win the seat. But in the meantime, while I may trust you to act as our friend, who can tell if Cipiro, or some of your respective allies, won't try to strongarm us?

Thinking back to this resources thing, this makes me suspicious. The financial trouble will strike everyone hard, and holding such a convocation will strain any covenant's finances even more than usual. For Garus to have proposed our location... This could be a ploy to weaken one of your allies, or the Val-Negra Tribunal.

(Of course, she doesn't trust Pietro much on this. It could come from Garus, or Pietro, but she'll hide her suspicions. In fact, most of her speech is partially bullshit, as she positions herself as being somewhat on Pietro's side, whereas she's very much attached to Andorra's neutrality, and is as wary of him as she'd be of anyone trying to corner her)