So this is going about as I expected, behold debates as old as the free council, so not all that long in the grand scheme of things. 'As I said yes we all come from sleeping lives where lying is common, which is why we need principles and guidance on how and why to become better. We have a greater duty, awakened word holds more value because we speak truth, even without fate things tend to go poorly for those who break their word. Look to the iron laws for an example. But we can use sanctified oaths as part of the agreement if someone is worried about lying. That and the consequences of lying to the Mysterium about exchange are severe, so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.' The chuckle that followed was meant to take tension out of the statement but doesn't quite succeed.
He's concerned as ever with the physical manifestation of the lie and not the truth behind it. 'The symbol might have more value but the truth that enables one to do so does not it simply is regardless of who what or where. This stops say a greedy mage extorting a village dying of thirst if they adhere the protocol. The point is to let truth flourish, carefully guarded rather than be trampled and ripped apart by all and any who would seek to exploit it for gain.' Yes mages will. but less likely so my order we understand true value better.
Chambers nods affirmatively here. 'Yes there is no obligation for any Mystagogue to step in and correct someone.' Is that a flaw? No. 'But they can as I am now, try and guide others to understand the importance and sanctity of truth. They might pose a riddle to indicate a new way of thinking. If its dangerous they might intervene more directly. They might let the errant mage find out for themselves and in doing so respect the lesson that has been learnt from the experience.' It all depends on the situation.
The moral grand standing ruffles him a little. 'Your point might have some merit if the free council didn't open its lore houses to the highest bidder.' We know more than you think, and this high horse does not sit well under you libertine. 'That is not trust its greed. It caters to selfish interest rather than building a history of good relationships through a carefully built structure.' Pretending otherwise fools no one.
Here Chambers pales notably. I really hope this is one of those we have misunderstood each other moments. 'The very idea of encouraging actions that strengthens the seers, the abyss, when we are already so few, so out matched frankly scares me, there is no pay off for it. None. And how could any mage trust a system that is knowingly unjust. This philosophy would tear any sense of community apart. If we become the Exarchs, for hoarding power is their agenda, it would be the end of reality.' I knew they could be radical but if this is what they discuss doing ... they might be wolves in sheep's clothing.
Chambers takes a moment to refocus, to get a better idea of his thoughts and tackle an easier point. Okay does he have selective hearing I feel I am just repeating myself on a few of these. 'I just said they should exchange them fairly, rote for rote of the same level. What use is a master rote to an apprentice or novice anyhow? they don't know how to use it.' This analogy doesn't normally go over well with those who love guns but I have no better. 'Its like giving a toddler a live grenade with the pin pulled, they might drop it at the feet of the enemy, they might blow themselves up, they might just hand it back to you because they don't know what they are doing. Its a fools game to risk and you lose more than you win.' Providing you value the toddler and want to see it grow of course.
Maybe I should have shifted here first he has actually got the jist it seems. 'And yes if you want to get into the minutia right exchange does not need to be so clear cut. Magical lore for rotes can and does happen but having a skilled curator on hand is a good idea to make sure its fair.'
A strong shake of the head. 'I cannot promise you that, so I'm afraid either we need to renegotiate the exchange or just accept it isn't happening.' That's something you only ask if you know its getting turned down or you want to try and put someone in a corner, this isn't my first rodeo.
Ending on a gentle shrug. 'Less information and more a trade of grievances but I approached it the same way, both getting equal chance to state our woes so neither party felt over shadowed.' And that worked out okay.