(1610) Formal 1

[Campanella]

"Thank you," Campanella replied to his fellow Moros.

"I suppose one could argue that," he continued, taking up Strix theme. "It is all part of the theatre... Of the ritual that binds our little society together. It demonstrates your willingness to be part of it - and it does serve a practical function. How are we to seek out masters or apprentices if none of us know our strengths or weaknesses." Campanella understood Strix to be a Libertine, so he let the argument end on that note.

He had to physically move his seat around so he could see the other arrivals. "Quite," he said to no one in particular, politely decline Fisher's offered peanuts and trying to avoid reading too much into Tuesday's overzealous bling. "We are waiting for everyone to arrive. By the look of it my Councillor is very ernest in bringing things to order. I take it you have been well?" The Acanthus certainly looked at ease.

Seeing Brother Rat he partially raised a hand, conflating a wave with a blessing with a welcome to share the same row.

[Avis]

There was a small rush of air, and suddenly there was another woman standing in the room. She blinked several times, and then her eyes swept around the room before landing on Xylia and looking her up and down. They were a study in contrasts. Where one had flip flops, the other had combat boots. Where one had skin on display, the other had it hidden behind black denim and leather. Not to mention the length of chain that was padlocked around her waist...

"Aren't you cold?" the chained woman asked.

  failure

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2016-10-03 10:12:53		Avis rolls 3 to Paradox! (10 Again)		4, 2, 2		failure

  2 successes, Teleport

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2016-10-03 10:13:17		Avis rolls 6 to Teleport! (gnos3+space5-2symp) (10 Again)		1, 3, 4, 4, 9, 9		2 successes

[Wayland]

Wayland greets the arriving mages with a smile and a nod, doing his best to try to work on positive relations with the other Awakened in the city, after his talk with Truce. There were only a few people left it seemed to arrive and his Councillor seemed eager to get started, so he was happy to keep the greets short. Besides, there was always time to catch up with people afterwards.

As soon as the doors opened and an unknown person walked in though, he was immediately cautious, and while the last time he'd greeted new people at the Circle had turned out not so great, he was determined to not make the same mistakes this time round. "Yo wassup? You new in town, or like, you just passin' through?". Cause you never know. That Gladstone dude was only after some help with his car after all, and freakin' weird to boot.

Then Avis was suddenly there. Damn that was freaky! "Yeah, was gonna ask the same thing."

[Star]

Some people can't Teleport.

Or tie a necktie on the first try. Or second. Or fifth...

Sean Combs isn't the only one that can make a white suit look good. And while that list might not include mop-headed Angels, the fact still remained. White? Yep. And a red tie. And pocket thing. Red like crimson. It's important, yo. At least, important to Truce, who's a friend. Because this was all Serious Business Consilium and Path appropriate clothing totally says you respect your friend's Serious intent. And that whole Councilor thing.

Check out the red piping on the sneaks. Boom. Someone call GQ.

"I liiiiiike that look, Wayland . So 'grrrrr'."

A Buddy Christ pointed at the Moros and pearly whites flashed in a smile that totally said no was was still mad, all was forgiven, and Wayland had nothing to worry about in his future. One hand flickered into a finger waggling wave at Avis as he slid past them and the new chick.

An electric slide put him close enough to dip long fingers into the peanut bag.

"Hey. Fisher . Tuesday . 'Sup?" He totally stared at Tuesday's ears for a moment. "Uh. Or should I say..." A hand popped up in Spock's classic greeting. "Live long and prosper? Oh my god, Fisher, we're all totally going to have peanut breath. Are those chairs for us? Us, Councilors, not us, Vee Tee. Sorry Tuesday. One day, if you apply yourself and try reaaaaally hard, you might grow up to be a Councilor too. Okay, I'm, like, gonna go say 'Hi' to the Ladderettes and sit before they spazz. Or, like, yell at us."

He offered the two women a mini fist bump before sliding over to Truce .

"'Sup. Hey. Bro, is that robe hot? Do we all have to wear them? Should I take my jacket off? Are they hypo-allergenic? Is mine fleece? Nice set up, by the way. Hi, Faye . Hi, uh, Brother Rat . This looks legit you guys. I mean, guys and girl. Lady."

[Truce]

Truce smiles softly and turns to Faye as she nears him. "As ever." He would drink to that, only the arrangements didn't have the usual refreshments that he remembered from past gatherings. Was it in a hotel where they offered snacks and drinks as incentives? It hardly seems appropriate in a place such as they are now.

His Unseen Senses told him that new workings were being woven as more Awakened arrived for the occasion. That is fine, as they all have a right to consider this place a neutral territory for them to practice their craft. All save one. An unfamiliar face floats among the others that catches Truce's attention. Another newcomer. Well, that would be something to attend to tonight.

As Star approaches, Truce smiles and answers him, "It's not, really. I would say the cathedral gets a little drafty even in this weather. And no, the robes are not required, merely encouraged. But I must say, you're looking very clean cut today."

He does not linger to indulge in more pleasantries and apologizes as he turns his attention to the continuing arrivals. There are still two individuals unaccounted for yet, Councillor Varyx and the mysterious Black Swan that Truce has yet to speak with. But then this ceremony is hardly a requirement to attend. Latecomers would of course be forgiven.

The Deacon clears his throat, signalling to the assembled Magi that he is about to begin. There is a hint of enthusiasm as he says these words loudly, traveling throughout the large open chamber. He hopes it will inspire those who listen.

"Thank you all for attending this Ceremony of Robes. The robe, or gown, has long been the dress of those Awakened who came before us. Even to this day it represents achievement and privilege, worn as academic regalia, or to reflect status among the peerage or religious leadership among the Sleepers. And so we, of the Silver Ladder, honor that tradition by providing robes for any who wish to wear them."

He gestures with an outstretched hand to the table where bundled cloth sits. One may count a dozen robes in total, each waiting for an owner to dress in the likeness of an archaic secret society member.

"We, the Awakened are philosopher-princes in our own right, and too long has that been overlooked. Tonight we give credence to those few who have achieved significant enlightenment within the Tapestry's design, whether through mentorship or their own means of learning. So I ask those of you who come forward to collect your robe who have advanced in their understanding to the level of Disciple or higher, please remain and be recognized so that all may witness your accomplishment."

"And, if you would like, you may say a few words to share the experience of your education," he adds as an aside before continuing.

"In addition, the Silver Ladder offers another gift to each member of this Consilium. A ring, a sign of unity and commitment forged in the metal of your Path. Though bare now, let it serve as a reminder of your journey to Mastery. When you have earned the rank of Master, I encourage you to adorn it with the jewel of your Path's Ruling Arcana, to be worn on the right hand for its Subtle half, and the left for is Gross half. On the pinky is the common practice."

Truce then begins to call the names of each member in attendance, inviting them to come up to the dais to receive a robe and a ring which Truce retrieves from the small box on the table. The Acanthus receive a ring of silver, the Mastigos one of iron, the Moros one of lead, the Obrimos one of gold, and the Thyrsus one of copper. The robes it seems are all the same, each a full length hooded fabric. If they make a claim to rank, Truce will yield the podium for them to say a few words.

After hearing the expressed words of wisdom, Truce will address the Magi once more. "And for all those new faces among us, I invite you now to step forward for introductions, should you wish to participate in this ceremony."

TLDR: Free robes and rings for everybody who wants 'em! If you're a Disciple or higher, now's the time to brag about it!

[Aurora]

Her eyes wander over the Awakened as they each enter, smiles offered to those she knew. The new face is studied briefly, trusting Wayland to address her. It was clear to her who was in a Cabal together, as those in them tended to hang around each other. It was one thing she dislked with Cabals, the alliances and clicqs they formed.

When Star approaches, she had to do a double take. She’d never seen him dress up to this extent. It looked good on him.

She chuckles and shakes her head at Stars comment. The robes weren’t warm, but it was weird to wear them in front of non-Silver Ladder.

And then Truce brings the gathering to order. She takes a seat to watch the proceedings. A couple faces were missing, but they would either appear, or be like the many that come and go.

The robes were offered, and the rings. She already had her robe, but no ring. Nor would she get one, no jewelry was going to grace her hands. A piece of metal would not prove or disprove her commitment to the Consilium. But she was very curious to see how these objects were accepted, or denied, by those gathered.

Smiles were offered to those who stood to get a robe or ring, a nod of acknowledgement.
As the floor was open to the new face, she sits, eager to see how the events would play out.

[Wayland]

Wayland nods to Star as he walks in and looks down at his own clothes, surprised that someone would give him a compliment about it. It fit him well yeah, but he wasn't 'up' on fashion. "Thanks man. I'm diggin' those shoes, they look boss as." Star looked as if he wasn't holding grudges, at least if the Buddy Christ pose was anything to go by.

So the new girl was from the mid-west apparently? Wayland gives a sidelong look at Avis, as the new mage strolls further into the Circle without a care in the world. "Ohhhhh kaaaayyyyy." The Moros walks after her and listens to her make her introduction to the group. Wayland clears his throat to get Xylia's attention. "I'd ask if you were carryin' weapons in here, but I don't think you got anywhere left to hide anything." At least, it would be a bit awkward to pull anything out from what clothing she still had.

"Anyway, if you're like, plannin' on stayin' in the city, you'll need to get recognised by your Path Councillor, and for the Shamans, thats Fisher here." He points to the young woman with the well tanned skin with the big bag of peanuts.

[Avis]

A nod was given to Xylia when she explained her choice of attire, though it didn't really track for Avis. Whatever. People all adjusted differently to different climates. The wonders of the lie, and all the biology it relied upon...

But then Truce called things to Order and Avis drifted toward her seat. Well, a seat. She honestly didn't even think of herself as claiming it. Call it an intervallutrix's conceit. Though that conceit was partially fueled by what she heard Truce saying.

Her lips curled into a momentary sneer as she listened...then made a second appearance when Wayland started badgering the newcomer.

"Talon Wayland," Avis barked, standing up from her seat. "Unless you have something to say to the Consilium, you have nothing to say now. Your duties as Sentinel do not permit you to interrupt the official proceedings. Even if they are stupid."

Avis stalked up to podium, turning to speak to the assembled Magi and pointedly ignoring the robes and rings.

"I call bullshit on this recognition ceremony," she declared. "What is the point of recognizing accomplishment if no difference is made in the robes between Disciple and Master? And how can you even claim it to be a ceremony of recognition if you don't even recognize the accomplishments of the people already in attendance? Why should we come back later with our little prize from the cereal box? There are already Masters in this room. If you're going to recognize anyone, at any time, recognize us now or this ceremony isn't worth shit."