Tea and talks on the river

[Chambers]

The address would lead Phoenyx to Sacramento Marina, the lot number furthest down the mooring and in something of a contrast to its carbon fibre, plastic and steel cousins the house boat of wood rests in the still grey waters, reflecting the overcast sky. The lower balcony has been boarded to create an additional interior room and the wooden door that upon which is painted the crafts name. XXXVXCVXCVC. In a neat and professional hand.

Another way that the Indian style boat stands out from the remaining craft is the signs of habitation. Few patrons of the marina make it there home full time and fewer still of those remain for the winter leaving several docks empty and those that rest in the water possesses the air of stillness to suggest they see no use and are not lived in given the current weather and season.

Cook lentil soup 10/2 (E-suxx) successes (-5 difficulty)

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-11-06 13:03:46	[06] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Lentil soup (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	6, 8, 10, 5, 6, 4, 2	2 successes
2024-11-06 13:03:46	[05] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Lentil soup (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	2, 2, 3, 3, 1, 4	failure
2024-11-06 13:03:46	[04] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Lentil soup (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	5, 8, 6, 5, 2, 8	2 successes
2024-11-06 13:03:46	[03] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Lentil soup (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	1, 9, 5, 2, 2, 5	1 success
2024-11-06 13:03:46	[02] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Lentil soup (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	9, 7, 10, 2, 8, 4, 3	3 successes
2024-11-06 13:03:46	[01] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Lentil soup (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	7, 5, 3, 3, 9, 8	2 successes

Bake Naan bread 12/2 (E-Suxx) successes (-5 difficulty)

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-11-06 13:06:25	[06] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Naan bread (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	6, 6, 7, 4, 5, 1	failure
2024-11-06 13:06:25	[05] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Naan bread (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	2, 6, 7, 4, 3, 5	failure
2024-11-06 13:06:25	[04] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Naan bread (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	3, 7, 10, 10, 6, 10, 5, 10, 7, 10, 1	5 successes
2024-11-06 13:06:25	[03] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Naan bread (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	5, 6, 7, 7, 5, 1	failure
2024-11-06 13:06:25	[02] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Naan bread (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	10, 9, 10, 10, 1, 10, 9, 1, 7, 9	7 successes
2024-11-06 13:06:25	[01] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook Naan bread (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	6, 7, 1, 1, 7, 1	failure

Bake scones 16/2 (E-Suxx) successes (-5 difficulty)

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-11-06 13:08:25	[06] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook scones (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	10, 1, 6, 3, 10, 10, 2, 1, 1	3 successes
2024-11-06 13:08:25	[05] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook scones (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	9, 2, 10, 7, 6, 10, 4, 3	3 successes
2024-11-06 13:08:25	[04] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook scones (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	10, 8, 8, 8, 3, 7, 10, 6	5 successes
2024-11-06 13:08:25	[03] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook scones (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	2, 1, 4, 5, 1, 4	failure
2024-11-06 13:08:25	[02] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook scones (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	6, 7, 2, 5, 10, 10, 6, 1	2 successes
2024-11-06 13:08:25	[01] Chambers rolls 6 to Cook scones (Int3,craft3,galley2 difficulty-5) (size2, durability 0. Target=2) QF mitigation (10 Again)	2, 9, 7, 1, 10, 5, 10, 2	3 successes

Approaching down the jetty seems to sweep a person up in a sense of profound peacefulness, something the awakened might clue in on as being the resonance of a hallow. Something only added to by the wafting scent of hot lentil soup accompanied by fresh bread and something [url=https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-scones-jam-clotted-cream[/url] sweet and fruity.

Phoenyx Xadun

[Phoenyx]

A red Ninja is parked in the lot and and a loncoat-wearing figure dismounts and removes her helmet.

Phoenyx is wearing the coat, more comfortable as the seasons change, to cover the knives on her hip. Some might see it as a threat - to her, it was a precaution. Being invited to a mage's Sanctum could easily be as much a trap as an open invitiation, and though her exposure to Chambers had not suggested this would be anything other than advertised it was in her nature to be armed. Her dark sneakers matched her robust pants and dark red top.

She walks along the jetty, smelling the cooking on the air. It surprises her just a little. She had not expected food, though the Arrow had brought tea.

Dark eyes look up along the boat, curious at the name. It appeared like Roman numerals, but made little sense to her in that context.

Phoenyx paused for a moment, unfamiliar with the protocal for apporaching a boat. After a few moments, sher knocked loudly on the edge of the hull. "Mason? Are you in?"

[Chambers]

The knock on the ... hull was unexpected. But it is a change of pace from the standard line. He takes the time to makes sure everything is secure on the stove with clamps and goes to open the door to greet his guest. The Moros is dressed casually for him which is to say no tie, collar button undone and sleeves rolled up to the elbows. "Hey there, please come in." No need to linger on the doorway after all when a safer space to talk was the planned venue. He stands aside to allow the arrow entrance.

The front door to what would have been the lower balcony is marked with the boats name. XXXVXCVXCVC, and leads into a gloomy workshop in which the air tastes of stone dust. No electronics or light sources are found within bar that which bleeds through from the trapdoor in the ceiling. Various hammers and chisels are hooked neatly on the walls, stacks of different gain sand paper are carefully filed and crates of large rocks take up two corners. A single large work surface dominates the centre of the space on which sits a cushioned box currently empty. A single unmarked door leads in the residence proper.


Once through the second door the scene that greets the visitor is one of a far more comfortable open plan space. The main living area is full of natural light, what little is offered on such a day, with a full wall window by which an armchair is set up, along the interior wall the galley which now has a well supplied spice rack and various recipes cards stuck to cupboard doors, and food storage. A plush sofa against the wall bordering the workshop. Pots and pans hang from the elevated ceiling, a coffee table holds dominion in the centre, and small units clutter around the seating arrangements, providing both surfaces and draws for storage. The air has a hint of roses, clove and cinnamon although currently mostly masked by the savoury and spicey aroma from the oven.


A narrow corridor leads further into the vessel two doors can be seen along its length, before opening again in a much smaller space at the far end of the boat. From the external view of the boat various poles and hooks can been seen set up at the far end, performing unmonitored fishing.

[Phoenyx]

The Arrow looks curiously at the boat before crossing onto the deck with care. She looks around curiously at the various tools, moving cautiously to adapt to to the slight bobbing of the water.

"Thank you for inviting me here," the Arrow says, standing at the table and removing her coat. "I was not sure of your preferences, so I have brought tea. It is a green blend I have discovered has a pleasingly citrus flavour." She sets a paper packet, alongside a pair of loose-leaf strainers. "Your home is most efficient in design. Have you studied sculpting for long?"

[Chambers]

He won't offer to take her coat. While it would be good manners by sleeper standards he understands the laws of sympathy and mages not liking there stuff being touched. "And Thank you for reaching out." Returning the pleasantry. "Several have made noises about helping with charter, but so far only Aurora has put any stock to those offers, so it's very affirming to have someone else who values it." Fresh eyes and ears to their plans and ideas was no bad thing. "And this seemed like the easiest way for us to meet without taking up space that might be needed otherwise." He gestures into the living room proper. "Please come through and take a seat. I've made food if you would like." An offer not a requirement nor something being forced upon the arrow.

Now of course some stereotypes are hard to dodge and offering a British mage tea usually does go down well. "That's very kind thank you. I'll just grab some cups." Which are precured monetarily from one of the cupboards attached to the galley across from the living room, and set on the central coffee table. That a kettle is already on the boil would suggest he had been thinking along similar lines. "Green tea is a good choice, I tend to have a few different blends of tea around the place at any given time. I don't think I have any green right now." Tea drink of preference apparently.

The first of his guests to actually comment on the workshop. "Sculpting has been a fundamental part of my life since very shortly after I awakened." Not giving an indication to how long that had been. "It has proven insightful in many ways." That and the comically large stone spatula shaped like an eastern dragon breathing fire that served as the prize at the cook out can be seen hanging now among the pots from the roof. Bouncing the question back. "Do you practice a craft of any kind?" Running through the list of those he knows do the mages of Sacramento covered a pretty wide basis.

[Phoenyx]

"I am not surprised. We have both lived her for several years at this point - recent absences notwitstanding." It was information her friend freely gave, it was not a secret. Phoenyx follows Chambers through to the living room. The longcoat is folded neatly and places on the back of a chair, which she then takes. "I am fine for now... perhaps later," she replies to the offer of food.

"Thank you. I was not sure if you would have strainers, but please feel free to use your own. It appears to be a habit we share - I also like keeping several blends on hand," she offers with a small smile. Two cultures coming together once again where tea had a profound, almost mystical place in their history. "I find my preferences change depending on several factors. There are several stores in the city that allow you to mix blends if you are experienced enough, or sell their own teas. If you have not encountered them I could offer some suggestions. Or perhaps I could perform a ceremony some other time." Somewhat blunt, but meant with the best of intent.

The Arrow watches as her Host makes the tea. "As I understand it, the art of a civilisation has been known to reflect many facets of it's culture. The Order primarily applies this to warfare and strategy... whether they have influenced our thinking or the Order has subtly impacted various cultures is a amatter of debate even now. Personally, I have discovered that any field can provide insight if approached the right way." She pauses, receiving the tea. "I do - calligraphy, although I am sure you understand I do not employ it much aside from personally." It was easy to form a sympathetic connection with something made by a mage. "During my training my mentor required me to learn skills aside from combat training. Calligraphy was meant to train patience and hand-eye coordination while demonstrating the beauty and temporary nature of creation."

Phoenyx sips her tea before continuing. "Congratulations on passing the Factotum examination. I understand it is no small feat of study, and will be of great use in the creation of a valued charter. Where should we begin?" She asks with a small smile.

[Chambers]

The declining of food was not unexpected. But it was better to have and not need, and besides it would get eaten over the course of a few days regardless. To that end he turns the oven down to just keep the soup warm. But does have to fuss with the bread briefly transferring them to a heat proof dish otherwise they would burn inside the oven. "Sacramento is rather unlike any other city I've seen in regards to that transient nature of its age population." Sure mages travelled, all around the world but a core usually remained tied to the consilium's to keep them functioning.

He will indeed use his own tea strainer, all things considered it might seem pointless but well good habits and all. "I have found a couple myself." Having spent the days and nights he could spare visiting everything and anything that he could justify being present at. "Although I have never attended a tea ceremony before, I may well take you up on that." Returning the smile warmly.

With tea made he will take the armchair seat by the full length window in the wall. Listening attentively as his guest outlines what is most certainly a curious question. "I have heard likewise, even down to favoured materials and medium." To say nothing of the symbolic features. "I agree, any field can. I have found even something as basic as cooking for instance has been unexpectedly helpful." A simple nod he understood all to well and its what made the creation of those books such a weight. "I understand completely." A gentle chuckle. "It was my mentor who required me to learn sculpting. I am very grateful she did." The wisdom of mages it would seem did share some common threads. "Temporary nature of creation?" Her mentor wasn't a stygian then. But politely curious none the less.

Her compliment is waved away. "I would have had a much harder time without Aurora's guidance." He had a debt there to pay he was well aware. "But thank you." He crosses his legs as he seriously considers where to begin. "It's quite a hefty amount so shall we break it up? Start with the new acknowledgement process maybe?" Given the confusion it had caused back in July it was worth making sure it was easily understood.

[Phoenyx]

Phoneyx nodded in agreement. "It is one of the features that has made a functioning Concillium difficult. No-one has been particularly concerned with constructing a Charter from the ground up. Most of us simply did not possess the necessary expereince, so we held to the Laws and made do out of the small number of magers present."

She nods again, sipping her tea. "I learned the tea ceremony from my Mentor. It was a reliable break during the day. It is simple enough if one has the time to commit." It all seemed so long ago now.

The Arrow offres a small smile. "Indeed. Because of the nature of Sympathy, to protect ourselves so many of our creations must be unmade and return to the world, only existing for a short time. Then, we make more, just as it mirrors he circle of life, death and rebirth. My mentor was a Thyrsus and the philosophy resonated strongly with the Primal Wilds, as he aligned them with the Adamant way - the Philosophy that binds the Adamantine Arrow together." There were many philosophies, andthe Arrow knew a few of them. It was always nice to share a new aproach and help broaden someone's ideas.

Chamber's modesty is noted, the Arrow filing his focus away as another respectable quality. "That would make sense. What do you have at present?"

[Chambers]

Leaning back in his chair, attention respectful on his guest. "I will not claim to have experience in the matter myself. And did not foresee this turn in my path. But I do not regret it." How many mages particularly not of the ladder really sat down to understand the construction of charters. "That's why I felt it required I first pass the exam. Both a way to educate myself, and show I am taking the issues seriously." Not just talking a load of hot air.

His smile is warm. "They do a great deal for us don't they, mentors I mean. Should you have the time I look forward to the ceremony then." Having no wish or desire to impeded upon her duties with a sense of required obligation. There is a brief pause, as he considers. "Have you ever considered that you might be someone's mentor one day? If you haven't been already." It was always an interesting way to talk, to flip the perspective. What have we really learnt from, and what would we do differently.

A slight furrow of the brow is the indication he disagrees. "Must they be?" He nods to the comically sized stone spatula hanging from the ceiling. "I could smash that pieces, grind it dust and scatter the dust to the winds. It does not change I have worked upon it." That should someone be of a mind they could without to much effort restore it. "That the state of a creation is changed does nothing to effect the sympathy held with the object." The bond would weaken over time and lack of use no doubt be once established it was quite a challenge to be totally rid of it. "I readily admit I know nothing of the adamant way. So I may well be missing something that prevents me seeing the connection." There had been no agreement but right exchange was a mindset as much as a tool. "My mentor was an apostate. I didn't join the pentacle for some years, and have only ever been a member of the Mysterium. The philosophies of the order made a great deal of sense to me." Taking the time too carefully blow on his tea an take a sip.

Right yes. "The current model was based on how Witch conducted my own acknowledgement when I arrived and adapted to suit a more functioning Consilium." A another pause to order his thoughts and ensure he had each element of it correction. "Acknowledgement is to be carried out by the path councillor or provost if the provost has been given permission by the councillor to do so. Lacking a councillor and provost any member of the path may carry out an acknowledgement. Lacking any members of the same path, the leading representative of the mages order if any. In the case of no path and no order any member of the Consilium may carry out the acknowledgment." A line of progression that should make it clear how to get through the process covering almost every eventuality.

As for the process itself. "A series of question to vet the new or returning mage are to asked. Focusing primarily around why they are coming to Sacramento, if they bring danger with and if they are willing to aid the Consilium in times of trouble or danger." He did not know where the notion of fighting to the death had come from that he had heard recently but that was another matter. "However this are just exemplar questions. As long as some form of vetting has been done the exact nature is up to the mage performing the acknowledgement." And of course the important detail. "Admitting to brining trouble or needing help does not exclude someone from being acknowledged it is only asked so that we know and can better prepare for or handle whatever is after them." And since it had been relevance already. "Nor should a mages personality be considered in regard to granting acknowledgement. Just because someone is disliked or unpleasant. Well those mages exist and providing they don't go around committing breaches of the Lex it should not be a factor." They could handle problem children with a bit of discipline and proper conduct. So far the track record for doing so was pretty good.

[Phoenyx]

Phonyx nods slightly. "Perhaps. It is alway reassuring to see people back their words with actions. It is clear to see why many of the Cioncilliium hold you in a high regard." Most of the people talking about Chambers had given him quite the reputation.

Thinking back to her own time with her mentor, now well over ten years ago, the Arrow nods again, more adamantly this time. "They help shape us into who we are. I have not provided that level of training to an Apprentice yet, but I have spent ime learning to train people in self defense. I should take that back up for the Concillium."

The Arrow watches his reaction, and a smile tugs at the corners of their lips. "Perhaps it was a part of the context of the art. Creating things forms bonds that are still strong if you employ them to write any form of correspondance or creating art for another. It would be a potential weakness to employ the art to write to people." Possibly even harder with sculpting. "Or at least, that is what I was warned." There is a nod. "There is no reason you should, in the way that I know little of Mysterium philosophy. It forms the five core precepts of Arrow philosophy, covering the necessity of opposition for growth, Honour, Adaptability, self development and service to causes over individuals. It stems from our history as the guardians of Atlantis."

Phoneyx sips her tea as Chambers outlines the process for aknowledgement. When he finishes, she waits a few seconds before responding. "The process makes sense - having of expected questions is also an improvement. I would ask that either the Concillium - or at very least, Sentinels or Arrows - are made aware of current threats that could threaten the Circle beyond our usual opponents so we might do our duties effectively. Are the followers of a Path are positioned over a local Order leader because of precident? I know other Orders do not have as rigid a structure as the Arrows, but the highest ranking member has also historically been used as a point of contact for Orders." There is a pause, as she sighs a little internally. The forming of the Council along Path lines rather than Order lines always felt backwards to doing the process to her, but it seemed they were already too far along the process to revise that.