He slips back into his chair, pulling something from his robes, and poping it into his mouth. He seems to chew it thoughtfully, listening to everything going around him as best he could. He remains silent, however, seeing as this was his first tribunal, he made it a point to not get involved... simply observing.
Björn frowns at Julia's suggestion, thinking it a very dangerous idea. He would not have cared one way or the other though, if it did not have the potential to affect him greatly. Feeling the need to say something, he speaks up during a lull in the conversation.
"You say Nerius only has a small following. What do the heads of the Church think of this? Do they even know of this movement? You could be digging a very big hole should the leaders of the Church decide they don't like what this monk is saying."
"I'm also curious how you envision this feast of both mundanes and magi actually working. Are you planning on only inviting those magi that are gently gifted? Last I knew, mundanes don't react well to strange magi."
Julia turns to Siobhan first for her question. She looks a touch nervous as she sorts through her notes.
"Sodales...if the notes obtained from the Normandy Tribunal just before the Schism War are true...he was Marched and slain at a Tribunal meeting. Cristoph often claims he sees Nerius's Martyrdom, dying in a hall of angry men flinging fire and lightning upon him. The energies fall before reaching him, he is protected in a halo of light. He speaks some words, the Monk is still not certain what, and then steps from the light and dies." Julia pauses and takes a deep breath. "This description is quite similar to the accounts of that Tribunal." The assembled Tytalus, Tremere and Flambeau begin muttering angrily amongst themselves.
"Martyrdom? Since when is a March a Martyrdom?" seems to be the main contention.
Julia turns to Bjorn. "Thank you Sodales for bringing that up. I do not have contacts within the Church, but my subtle investigations reveals that the Church is aware of a being named Nerius that some people have claimed visions of since his death. Cristoph will likely appeal to the church soon for Nerius to be Beatified and Canonized, the first steps in being declared a saint. This is a lengthy process."
"Regarding the festival itself. Certain things have not been decided. But I would be willing to share in small rites, storytelling, supplying food and drink, a small amount of money to the monastery, and guarded information on Nerius. Mainly encouragement for this movement and these people. But mainly an attempt to bring mundanes closer to us, that we can celebrate our shared humanity."
At this Desiderius gives a small snorting laugh. Others laugh as well, a bit more nervously at the thought of Desiderius among the Mundanes, sharing in their 'commonality'.
Siobhan looks very displeased, [color=blue]"so you wish to honor at a feast a saint whose greatest claim to fame is that he was Martyred by the Order. To give the church support that should he be sainted, we become the scapegoats of his death though march is not martyrdom. This will in general incite the mundanes against us. To promote this feast, you wish to invite a large number of mundanes to a covenant where the gift might antagonize them and they might see things of magic to cause more problems. To me, this does not sound wisdom or well thought."
Siobhan considers the matter a brief moment before continuing [color=blue]"If the process is a long process as you have said, perhaps the request and feast is premature. Wait and see how the elders of the church view this and how it progresses. Surely seven years might be enough time to let it develop more strongly and see where it goes and have a lot more detals. I am sure this body would be willing to promise some discussion of it at next tribunal if you still with to raise it then. This is my advice."
Kylios, bored out of his mind with this inane political talk, pulls out a half-carved block of wood and a large knife and begins to whittle. With his feet on the table and the wood shavings falling on his lap and the floor, he begins to whistle to himself.
Björn's eyebrows go up at the declaration that Nerius had been marched. "Marched? Did Normandy happen to mention why?"
He shakes his head. "I think Siobhan might have the right of it. There are just too many variables to make a snap decision. I have too many questions. Least of which would be Normandy's reaction, should this feast take place. I am no Quaesitor, but a feast to openly show support in a church matter might be construed as Interfereing with Mundanes." At this comment he glances to the side of the table where Siobhan and the other Quaesitor's sit, to see if he has the right of it.
Turning back to Julia, Björn continues. "How long have these visions been happening? If Nerius died before the Schism War, why are the visions happening now, and in Stonehenge? Didn't he die in Normandy?"
Jaen frowns and sips more ale. What Julia is saying doesn't make sense. He takes a breath and asks, "Well-um, why Nerius anyway? If you want to explore your commonality with the mundanes, why not just do it at by hosting any random Saint's Feast Day?
"What good does it do the Order if Nerius is cannonized?"
Many magi echo the sentiments presented. Julia stands tall and composed but it is quite obvious that very few think this is a good idea.
"Sodales the whole purpose for Nerius and not some other Saint is that Nerius was from our Order and according to the research on his life, he did in fact perform miracles, or at least things that cannot be done Hermetically, such as healing permanently without Vis. His deeds..." Julia is interrupted by Fornax.
"Enough of this nonsense!" she snaps. "Whatever Nerius could do is immaterial, even if we were to consider this Feast Day, why not do it for a hero of our Order rather than one that was Marched by the due process of law! We might as well celebrate the Primus of Diedne!" many wince at the mention of that name, it's a dirty word among most Hermetic wizards, especially in the British Isles.
"And let us look carefully at the intent on this. If today we support a Feast Day, what is the obvious conclusion? That they will try to make him a recognized saint of the church! What then? The church will try and find his origins, and that will bring them to us. They will ask us for this information, our official records of his life." she holds up her index finger. "Once. They will ask only once, after we refuse them then they will demand it of us. Sodales, let the dead lie, let the church muddle in the dark, and let the bloody Mundanes throw their own damned feast days!" Many magi tap their sigils or staffs on the table or stone floor in support of this idea.
Iudicium pats Siobhan on the arm and whispers in her ear before standing to address the Tribunal.
"I would ask you to perform some Quaesitorial duties after the Tribunal." he whispers.
"Honored Praeco and my Sodales, I will render a judgment. This will obviously bring both Mundanes and the Church into dangerous proximity to ourselves and our secrets. This action would violate the Oath and potentially endanger ourselves and our Sodales. There will be no Feast Day, there will be no endorsement of Nerius as a Saint, there will be no recognition that Nerius was either a member of our Order, or that we cast him out and killed him. Secrecy and discretion shall be the rule as always.
"Further, I find that the events leading up to this item to be suspicious and would ask that Julia and her Custos involved be subject to Quaesitorial scrutiny. Siobhan ex Guernicus will interview you after the Tribunal Julia, I expect your cooperation."
Julia frowns, but nods in compliance. She holds up a handful of vellum sheets and gestures to Siobhan with them, she obviously expected this kind of response and is prepared.
"Very well then." announces the Praeco. "This matter is closed and we shall now welcome into the fold our newest apprentices."
Everyone can make Perception + Intrigue roll, please post your results in the OOC thread.
Siobhan is surprised there was not just a vote to let it be voted down for good but she is just as happy with the queasitor ruling. She wonders if she has the arts skills at need.
Elysia nods at that, speaking to Acacius or any of her younger sodales who will listen. “Julia means well, but is misguided, I think. I wonder what Nerius did to make others think me merited it.†She lets out a soft sigh, almost to herself. “In any case, I doubt members of our House think he particularly requires recognition as a saintâ€
She pauses, considering, and then approaches Julia. Elysia speaks softly, so that other magi are not privy to their conversation unless they are willing to be rather rude. She seems oblivious to her station or political status.
"Your speech was most eloquent, lady, but it seemed there was something... missing? I am a Criamon myself, and I'm a little curious. Was there something you felt you could not share with the Tribunal?"
Generic Die Roll (I'm not sure what skill applies. Intrigue? Charm?)
Rolled on: 2009-01-21 20:40:02.906430
1d10 → [8] = (8)
(invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1907608/)
The Praeco seemed about to intone something with regards to the coming ritual when he stops to look at Elysia for a moment then back to Julia. Julia cocks an eyebrow at the question.
"This matter is closed I believe." she says as she stacks her papers and takes her seat.
The Praeco continues to stare and Fredegisa and Iudicium begin to do so as well. Soon most of the magi are.
The Praeco finally turns to Elysia. "Explain yourself. What is the meaning of that question?"
Leans forward some, listening to all of this. How wonderful an even this was! He flipped his sigil up into the air as he continued to chew.. whatever it was. He added nothing, having no place to.
Content that the matter of the feast has been put to rest for the time being, Björn sits back in his chair to continue watching the proceedings. Finally, the Praeco announces it is time to welcome new apprentices, which will hopefully be the end of business. But then Elysia stands and starts asking questions. Björn puts his elbow on the arm of his chair and leans on his hand, curius at what Elysia is up to.
Talion scowls at the lack of response and the delay to his schedule.
"You will report to...to" he looks over to Siobhan and is trying to remember the name. Barbara whispers into his ear. "Siobhan! Yes, see her at the end of the Tribunal and tell her about...whatever it is you think you know."
He nods to Goliard who rings a chime. The clear sound resonates throughout the hall of the magi. Conversations cease and all magi turn to face Talion.
"Now my Sodales, we have the honor of adding to our ranks no less than three, an auspicious number! Three apprentices who this day transform into Magi. Please rise, all of you."
The assembled magi rise as one their demeanor turned solemn. No matter what their feelings, adding new magi is a wonderful time for all, a proud moment. Barbara has summoned a yellow eyed servant who brings a brazier forth which bursts alight at her whispered command. The low orange glow sheds little light, but the fragrance of incense soon spreads throughout.
"I have three fine applicants that will be joining us. They have proven their worth to their masters, they have established their credentials to our Hoplite Barbara and our Honored Senior Quaesitor Iuducium." both magi nod their agreement. "I would ask that our applicants now tell me their names that they may be recognized and then take their Oath."
Rhodri looks about him briefly and clears his throat and speaks, his voice cracks just a bit as he does so.
"I am Rhodri Ap Buthvanen Ex Bonisagus, filius of Maximianus. Please call me Rhodri."
Elysia simply nods in acquiescence to Talion's orders.
When the time comes to introduce herself, she stands up, her body language neither submissive nor aggressive. She speaks simply, not shouting. The ghost of a smile appears in her dimples.
"I am Elysia, of Criamon, filius of Gerfallon. Please call me Elysia, for that is the only name I know."
The Redcap Edgar stands to be recognized.
"I am Edgar the Redcap, filius of Perceval of House Mercere, if it should please you honored Praeco." he says as he squares his shoulders and stands tall. The other Redcaps all give a friendly salute to their latest Brother o' the Cap.
Acacius await for his turn. Then introduce himself. [color=red]I am Acacius Ex Miscellanea, fillus of Zorian Ex Micellanea. It is an honour to be here.
Talion and his attendants Goliard and Barbara smile proudly at this newest crop of magi, plus a Redcap.
"Very well, let us now affirm your loyalty and commitment to our Order, and let us grow hale and stronger for it. Please say your Oath after me:
"I, Bonisagus (state your name), hereby swear my everlasting loyalty to the Order of Hermes and its members.
"I will not deprive nor attempt to deprive any member of the Order of his magical power. I will not slay nor attempt to slay any member of the Order, except in justly executed and formally declared Wizards' War. I hereby understand that Wizards' War is an open conflict between two magi who may slay each other without breaking this oath, and that should I be slain in a Wizards' War, no retribution shall fall on he who slays me.
"I will abide by the decisions made by fair vote at Tribunal. I will have one vote at Tribunal, and I will use it prudently. I will respect as equal the votes of all others at Tribunal.
"I will not endanger the Order through my actions. Nor will I interfere with the affairs of mundanes and thereby bring ruin on my sodales. I will not deal with devils, lest I imperil my soul and the souls of my sodales as well. I will not molest the faeries, lest their vengeance catch my sodales also.
"I will not use magic to scry upon members of the Order of Hermes, nor shall I use it to peer into their affairs.
"I will train apprentices who will swear to this Code, and should any of them turn against the Order and my sodales, I shall be the first to strike them down and bring them to justice. No apprentice of mine shall be called a magus until he first swears to uphold this Code."
Talion pauses and gestures to Rhodri. Rhodri clears his throat and continues on alone.
"I sh-shall further the knowledge of the Order and share with its members all that I find in my s-s-search for wisdom and p-power." It's obvious that he's very nervous.
Talion nods and gestures to the rest of the apprentices to repeat after him again.
"I concede to Bonisagus the right to take my apprentice if he should find my apprentice valuable to him in his studies." Talion then once more gestures to all apprentices to complete their Oath with him.
"I request that should I break this oath, I be cast out of the Order. If I am cast out of the Order I ask my sodales to find me and slay me, that my life not continue in degradation and infamy.
"The enemies of the Order are my enemies. The friends of the Order are my friends. The allies of the Order are my allies. Let us work together as one and grow hale and strong.
"This oath I hereby swear on the third day of Pisces, in the 1,361st year of Aries. Woe to they who try to tempt me to break this oath, and woe to me should I succumb to the temptation."
Please recite the Oath in your posts, make sure to account for the different line that you have. Feel free to simply copy and paste it, but add embellishments where appropriate.
Edgar recites his oath flawlessly in time with the others as Talion delivers it. Rote memorization and verbal deliveries are one of the basic tasks of a Redcap, the oath poses no problems for him. The other Redcaps all nod with pride and approval.