Beneger gets a coy grin at this old ones antics. A long handbill of rather impressive deeds, he'll have to remember that. He closes his eyes to keep from laughing, amazed at the amount of clamor invoked by such a stunt. Hands on his hips, he can't help but shake his head, listening in as best he can on all the different conversations abound. At least it all wasn't about him. He turns to Jaen to whisper, "And here I thought this would be boring."
Siobhan speaks softly for the ears of the one she is advising, [color=blue]"I have heard of him and when he first arrived, I mentioned to my fellow queasitors about him being Preaco and they refuted me. The appearance and manner befits the one that I know. Though we could ask for proof of identity. I am just not sure that any of us have arts to prove it if he is trying to trick us. I am from the Hiberian tribunal so I have not actually seen him before.". She glances over at the old man.
Jaen watches Julia talking to Desiderius, biting his lip and thinking. When Beneger whispers to him he says, "Oh, I don't know. Maybe exciting is not a good thing."
Jaen leans back in his chair to try to see if he can catch Bjorn's eye. Agitatus judged Verditic contests? Jaen tries to remember hearing or learning something about this.
Jaen will try to rack his memory
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Verd. Cult Lore+1, Int +2 Roll of 10 for total 13 (assumed it was simple. 3 if it's stress and will roll for botch)
Kylios can't stop laughing, a huge honest belly laugh that makes tears stream down his face. This old man has perfectly fooled the tribunal, lied about his house, and is about to take over power! How perfect, how Tytalean! He tries to make a mental note to feign senility with one of his disguises - maybe an aged spaniard? - but he's just laughing too hard.
Siobhan considers and also adds softly [color=blue]"His might have gauntleted Tytalus and then later joined house ex Miscellania that his credentials could apply to either house. So his words might be accurate. We can't know for sure unless we ask him. Plus if he doesn't want to take up Praeco gavel, then it does not matter his age."
OOC: Code of Hermes roll Int 3 + 2 code of hermes (political intrigue) spec (+ die Either 10 if simple or 0 (4) if stress so 15 or 5)
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When Edgar finishes Agitatus' introduction, Björn will let out a long, low whistle. "So what are you doing here, old man," Björn mumbles to himself. Even if he didn't do all those things he claimed, just surviving to be 137 years old is fairly impressive. Björn tries to remember who the judges were at the last contest, and glances over at Jaen to see if he could confirm one way or the other.
(Int 4 + Verdi Lore 1 + Roll 7 = 12)
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Over by the Quaesitors the whispering continues.
"Well how I was supposed to know?" Fredegisa snaps when Siobhan mentions about her earlier question. "He couldn't remember his own name! But Siobhan is right, if we can't verify his age or if he doesn't want to be Praeco then I don't see how he can claim it. Plus he doesn't appear to have a Covenant."
"What about his Patens?" asks Iuducium.
"They were in order, but he looked so old I didn't bother with the age question. Regarding the House, I agree with Siobhan, Ex Miscellenea often don't know anyone in their House. He could claim both."
Julia waits as Agitatus looks around in some enjoyment at all the commotion he's caused. "Master Agitatus? Is it true?" she asks again.
"Eh? Is what true? Oh that!" He flaps his hand at Edgar who is showing the paper to the other Redcaps who came to join him. "Ach! Half of anything I say is a lie...the other half might not be true." He waggles his eyebrows for dramatic affect. "Then again maybe not."
Talion grimaces over the loss of order so early in his council. "Master Iudicium. I would have a ruling!" he demands, his voice cutting through the chatter.
"What excuse will you use this time to cling to that throne Talion?" remarks Julia sardonically.
"You are silenced for the remainder of the introductions Lady Julia!" he snaps to her. She smiles and sits back down.
[color=blue]"My advice is that he must be offered the seat as preaco and if he refuses it, then we continue with current Preaco. From his behavior, I suspect he doesn't want it. That would be the code." Siobhan says soflty only for the ears of her fellow queasitors. It is for the presidnig queasitor to actually rule though.
Jaen sees Bjorn is looking at him, obviously with the same question. Jaen shrungs his shoulders. "I can't recall a judge from outisde the house. Maybe a guest?"
Iudicium scowls as he looks at the old bafoon, the thought of offering him the Praeconis seat obviously rankles him.
"I would think he needs to actually prove his claims, he said enough ridiculous boasts to cast doubt on any thing he said." he whispers to his two advisors.
"Agitatus." Iudicium says as he stands up to address him. "These are certainly impressive...accomplishments. There is one that needs to be known for certain though. You claim to be 137 years old. Can this be verified?"
Agitatus scowls and shrugs his shoulders. "Eh...maybe, but it probably got blown up with me lab. At any rate it's not with me."
Talion has a smile slowly spreading on his face at this.
"So you have no proof, that you can provide right now? Well...what if I were to cast Frosty Breath of the Spoken Lie on you?"
Agitatus seems to consider this for a moment or two. "I'm not sure...what if I were to send you a letter on the next Full Moon?"
The Council practically erupts in outraged voices.
Björn shrugs back at Jaen and mouths the word 'maybe,' not even trying to shout over the racket all the magi are making, amplified by the cavern. He watches the magi around him, not sure what to think of it all since he has no experience with this tribunal, so he has no clue about the political situation. Björn glance over at Julia and Desiderius, wondering what agenda makes those two seemingly allies.
Jaen will sigh. "That's going to add some items on to the agenda."
He takes out a piece of twine and starts practicing tying knots.
Magi are on their feet pointing fingers and shouting, some have even grabbed vis out.
"You dare!"
"He just threatened the Quaesitor!"
"He's mad!" are just a few of the things that are shouted from around the table. Talion seems to sink deeper into his chair, clutching the handrests with white-knuckle intensity. Goliard stands in front of him while Barbara stands in front of her.
"Agitatus, your invitation is revoked!" Barbara cries to him.
Iudicium is staring daggers at Agitatus, his snake tatoo seems like it is now coiled to strike, while Fredegisa pulls a rod from the folds of her robes.
Agitatus seems a bit confused by all the commotion and shrugs his shoulders as if to say 'What did I do?'
Iudicium holds up his hands for quiet and it finally gets quiet enough for him to be heard. "Sodales...peace, please. I appreciate your concern...but it is not needed. Agitatus did not threaten me...he posed a question. Obviously he is unwilling to verify, or have verified officially his age that he claims. Honored Praeco, you wanted a ruling, my ruling is thus; Agitatus's claims cannot be verified, he also has no Covenant, is equally unprepared to run a Tribunal meeting for a Tribunal he only just arrived at. He is unfit and unqualified to be Praeco. Talion shall remain Praeco, this Tribunal's rulings will be valid pending the rest of the decisions made in it, this decision is resolved."
There is a perceptible feeling of tension released amid sighs of relief. Until Agitatus begins laughing.
"Hoo-hoo-hoo! Ha-ha! Wait...ach wait! Are ya' sayin' this was all about makin' me the Praeco? Hah ha! Ye must be crazy if ye'd want someone like me runnin' this! That'd be like putting a blind and drunk captain behind the wheel of the ship! I'd run this Tribunal into the rocks before dawn!" tears stream down his eyes as he enjoys a good belly laugh.
Iudicium cracks a small smile. "Well we are at least agreed on that. Honored Praeco, please continue the council at your leisure."
Goliard and Barbara return to their places while Talion's eyebrows knit at a furious pace. "Very well. Agitatus, we will not have any more such outbursts or threats. Your token has already been negated, the Aegis is in full strength upon you now. At my word Barbara will perform her duties if I feel you are endagering this Tribunal, this Covenant or any of our Sodales. Do I make myself clear?" his voice is quiet, but carries throughout the hall.
"Aye certainly Praeco, ye'll have no more trouble from me. Ye can count on that!" he takes his seat. While introductions resume, he nudges Jaen with an abnormally sharp elbow.
"Hey! What kind of duties do ye' think she'll perform eh? Eh?" he whispers with a wink and another nudge with his elbows. "She's a fiery lass I bet!"
Jaen, who was trying to tie a double dead man's necklace, frowns at the first elbow. His knot is ruined and he shakes the twine free.
He looks at Agitatus and his frown deepens. "Her duties? Well, she probably has to help the Quasitores keep a tight grip on the situation..." Realizing what they are actually talking about, Jaen's face goes beet red. Having Agitatus slapping the table and adding some more color on Jaen's comment doesn't help. Jaen covers his eyes with his hand and slinks into his chair. He tries to find a servant to signal for more ale.
"The votes have been tallied, the Tribunal of Stonehenge finds that the Covenant Libellus has taken reasonable precautions in the dispensation of its magically created silver. It shall be noted that the act of shipping the magically created silver to other regions and even Tribunals merely exports a problem to another area and will likely come back to haunt us. A further note that this shall be re-addressed at the next Tribunal for possibly bringing it to the Grand Tribunal." drones Talion as Trutina and the Redcaps scribble furiously to record their ruling for posterity. The assembled magi lower their raised voting sigils listlessly and await the next item for discussion.
Talion sighs and picks up a sheet of vellum and reads quietly from it. Once complete he addresses the Tribunal.
"Sodales, the next and final item for discussion will be from Julia of Voluntas. Julia, please." he gestures to her to rise and present her topic.
She nods gracefully and stands to address all of the magi present.
"Salvete Sodales. We have a unique opportunity presented to us. Through various discreet means we have found that there is a growing movement among the mundanes and the faithful to recognize one of our own, Nerius of Criamon, as a Saint. Some of you might not be familiar with Nerius and his deeds, but that is not important. I'm not here to expound on the veracity of his deeds." Murmurs go through the assembled magi. Goliard of Tremere and her two filias do not seem pleased at this topic.
"My suggestion is to host a feast day in his honor at Voluntas. A feast day for those mundanes that believe in Nerius. Of course subtlety on our part would be exercised. Keeping the secrets of the Order is still our concern. But I feel this would be a chance to share in our commonality. We should not become so sequestered in our towers and books that we forget our shared origins. Most of us too are Christians, this can certainly do much to elevate our spirits, the Gift does not separate us from the eternal fate of the knight or the peasant." grumbles begin to grow louder around the table.
"This my Sodales is my suggestion. Let us please discuss this grand opportunity."
Siobhan considers the matter carefully. As long as no magic is displayed and order affiliation is not revealed, it is merely a village/covenant hosting a feast for a bunch of mundanes and then she pauses and mutters to the senior queasitor [color=blue]"What is the stance on this Nerius of the church? Would holding a feast and calling him saint offend it and bring charges of heresy upon them?" She doesn't know this tribunal well and knows the church even less.
Fredegisa leans in and nods. "An excellent question, Sodales. Why don't you ask this of her? If I know Julia she will be prepared."
Iudicium nods. "I don't care for this topic, but let us be informed first."
Siobhan speaks loudly to repeat her question to Julia. She knows nothing of the church other than it often causes trouble over those that disagree with it.
Many of the magi nod at this, at the moment it's about the politest actions any are taking.
"An excellent question Quaesitor."
"Currently the movement is being driven by a young monk, Christoph Hamilton. He's claimed visions and dreams of Nerius. I have of course not met with him, but through trusted Custos. He is preaching of this to some of his fellow monks and also peasants that are near his monastery. He came to us, seeking help as wealthy patrons. That is when we came upon the idea. The movement is small but rising in strength."
"This early on is our best chance to get involved and steer this into a course that is beneficial to us all."
[color=blue]"How did this Nerius die and what did he do that makes him so important?" The queasitor is careful to try to find out what she can about this.