The Council is called to order

[Aurora]

A light shrug, “I suppose we’ll find out.” Worse comes to worse, they force it. Not what she would want to do, but, sometimes you just have to for the better.

Nodding to the Arrow, “Glad to hear.”

Then before Aurora can agree with what was said, Cavendish appears, “No worries Councilor, glad you were able to make it.” But she was curious how the Ladder would advise them on the topic of the hour.

Eyes to Salem, “I can’t complain, busy learning new things and shoring up some gaps in my education, but nothing too exciting.” Least not too exciting to her.

A nod then to Chambers, “Yes, I believe we were about ready to begin. Did you intend to take notes or did you wish for someone else to? I’m willing to if need be.” Not a strong point of hers, but she was ready and willing. A notebook was removed from her messenger bag with a pen, just in case he wanted her to take notes.

Then a more official nod to him, he called the meeting after all.

[Chambers]

It was a case of speak of the man he will appear, a moment of curiosity about I that has anything to do with him being an enchanter or not passes through the Moros' mind. Still he's here so that means we have all five. "Welcome Cavendish, thank you for coming. We were just about to get started in Ernest." He arrived before anything needed repeating so not truly late.

A nod and smile to Salem to confirm he had been well enough without launching into detail, or derail the start of the meeting.

In truth this was not a public meeting so he had not planned on minuting it at all. But I guess anyone could show up and observe from the side-lines. It was a public place. "Just a few moments." He will pluck a blank book from the shelf, not the one he uses for the official Consilium meeting. Better to keep them separate in the case we do decide to limit access.

He begins to intone the high speech to strengthen his supernal will and not wanting to waste times focuses on the spells in question as a golden glyph appears first over the book and then another in his own pattern.

Supernal script 2 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2025-02-08 04:50:17	Chambers rolls 10 to cast supernal script gnosis 3 prime 2 HS +2 + wp (10 Again, WillPower)	6, 8, 3, 5, 9, 7, 3, 2, 7, 4	2 successes

One mind two thoughts 3 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2025-02-08 04:51:11	Chambers rolls 9 to cast one mind two thoughts Gnosis 3 mind 1 HS +2 + wp (10 Again, WillPower)	1, 4, 10, 8, 6, 2, 9, 1, 1, 1	3 successes

Inwardly glad he had the casting sufficiently understood to not need to attempt either a second time. "There we are, now we can have exact notes, only visible to those with mage sight and I can still focus on the conversation at hand." The notes might never leave the circle but the extra precaution was still just good sense.

Looking to each mage in turn. "The egalitarian method of anyone placing things on the agenda has clearly failed to meet meet the needs of our Consilium. And I do not doubt that in part that has contributed to the snails pace of the official meetings as topics most are not invested or informed in are dragged out. Additionally many choose to keep their thoughts to themselves as is there right, relying on us the councillors to hash things out." A few of the quiet ones were in this room, but that goes unsaid. "I have some ideas for how to rectify this situation." A pause. Here we go. "As you have no doubt seen by the message, the first and foremost of these is to appoint a hierarch." And he is not joking. "A single leading voice to focus the direction of the Consilium and make decisions on important matters, advised by the council is the most common structure of a Consilium." He was not proposing some radical or unheard of idea.

[Joyeuse]

A nod is granted as Cavendish makes an appearance. "Welcome, Cavendish," Joyeuse offered, granting the same professional courtesy the others had.

Formalities done, Joyeuse afforded their full attention to Chambers as he opened the meeting properly diving directly into the first conundrum the Council had to answer. It happened swiftly, orderly, and precisely, much as the Arrow had hoped Consilium would.

"I bear no resistance to the appointment of a Hierarch," they said, offering their support for the measure, "Given the free-form, transitory nature of the region and our scattered, few numbers I think we are robbed of something precious: Focus. A Hierarch could solve this with the aid of the Council."

[Cavendish]

Nods are given to those that return his greeting. There's a shiver that runs head to toes on the Acanthus as he is addressed as Councilor. It feels wrong, sounds wrong. A Hierarch though, at that he smiles and nods in agreement with Joyeuse's words.

"We are one Nation, however disjointed we may be locally and afar. A Hierarch will bring unity in addition to focus." At first the words come out as it by rote. Then gather emotion in their own right. "I have to imagine it will be like herding cats, cats who can forge new paths through this Lie." Cavendish takes a breath. "Who are the Wisest among Sacramento that can be entrusted with its future?"

[Aurora]

A slight nod, “I have no problems with the Councilors hashing things out, but investigations don’t happen overnight. And having, for lack of a better term, problem children, it just compounds what we have to deal with and what needs to be dealt with first. Which, in my opinion, should be making sure the Circle and the community is safe and secure.” But, that was her. Corn could deal with his own drama.

“Appointing a Hierarch gets my vote, without a doubt. Like you said, it’s the most common structure, and the Consilium is most certainly in need of structure and direction. Appointing one is something that has been put off too long.”

Nodding in agreement to Joyeuse, “Yes, focus has been lacking.” No argument there.

Looking to Cavendish, “I know there are a few who have expressed concerns about having a Hierarch. But I believe it is from lack if understanding and past experience.” But they will do what they have to do. “I’ve talked with one, and believe I’ve smoothed over any concerns.” And had left the door open in case there were more. "As to who is the Wisest? That will depend on who you ask, everyone is going to have a different opinion on that. Then it will be who is willing to step into the position."

[Chambers]

As three of the four other councillors express there support of his notion, far from removing pressure it only amplifies it as the discussions must then move inevitably to the next step. The silence radiating from Salem is noticed. Of course the free council was most likely to object, but silence is not the same as an objection. And unless the Warlock had some truly compelling reasons to why this should not go ahead four in favour was more then enough. "The a hierarch shall be appointed. We as chosen by our paths are considered to be the wisest of Sacramento, best suited to represent our paths in matters of the Consilium." As best as could be endeavoured anyway.

The argument the Moros is making is not hard to grasp he thinks the appointment should come from among their number. "Aurora you have tenure in Sacramento and are well regarded by all for many good reasons." But he was also aware of her views on politics and that made willingness a question of doubt. "I am not the most powerful of mages I admit." And speaking of willingness, when he considered the burden becoming councillor had placed on his shoulders it felt more like a self imposed doom to even consider it. But that was his path after all. "But I put forward my name for consideration." There it was out. "I have shown both willingness to put the work in and that I do not act rashly or in haste but take the steps in best educate myself before making decisions or enacting changes." And if I am to see through what I started in rebuilding this place I don't see how I can't put myself forward.

[Salem]

He gives a small nod back to Aurora. "Ah. Education is my bread and butter so I understand how that can be."

Then it's time to come to the point of this meeting, or at least the first point. The Warlock Councilor is indeed silent for a good while while the others all agree this is an important task and not one to be taken lightly. It does start a meandering train of thought of what it would mean to be the one to put someone like that into power. Is it truly something he could do? The Free Council, as it's core, wishes to tear down the hierarchy and replace it with the purity of democracy. Shouldn't he be protesting this to his very core? He shifts in his seat for a moment, silent still. Still, the stagnation that has been occurring at the past few Circle meetings is something no one, not even Salem, wants to keep going. He looks up to Chambers as the vote seemed to have passed without his input. Four out of five voting for it is a majority vote after all... and isn't that democracy at it's core?

He shakes his head for a moment, trying to clear his thoughts. "I can not and will not voice an objection against finding a way to give some stability to the Circle, some direction and focus. I wish there was another way but a Hierarch needs appointed."

As to who is wisest? The Moros is correct. They are, by election of their peers, and until such a time as that changes, he'll try to act like it. "I do not believe many would be comfortable with a Libertine as Hierarch so I will not put my name forward."

I'm one of them... he adds mentally, but if someone else put my name in, then perhaps I was wrong.

[Joyeuse]

Joyeuse listened as the assembled Councilors spoke their thoughts.

"I will be blunt," Joyeuse began, "It is well within my belief that Councilor Aurora is the best suited for the role. She has the tenure in Sacramento and she is well regarded universally."

Simple facts always took precedent above ambition and emotion.

The Obrimos would look to Chambers.

"I do not doubt that you too could take the position, Councilor Chambers," they continued, "However, my predominant concern is that you are already stretching yourself quite thin. In between your efforts to restructure the Consilium as well as training to become a Factotum, I question if you would be able to effectively juggle all of these responsibilities. Nonetheless, should Councilor Aurora voice that she has no wish to be Hierarch, I am willing to support your candidacy... on the condition that we as a Council discuss the dispersal of some of your other responsibilities to other members of our body, such as the role of Factotum being offered to our resident Ladder, for example."

The Theurge let their words sink in for a moment before addressing the Council as a whole.

"I will not pretend to be a contender for the title of Hierarch myself," Joyeuse continued, "While I would approach the position with the respect and caution that duty is due, I will admit that Councilor Aurora and Councilor Chambers are better fit to the position than I. Especially as it pertains to support from the Consilium as a whole."

[Aurora]

She had to argument for Chambers, so she simply nodded, “It does seem I have both of those things.” But what it meant to her might be different to them.

Now this wasn’t expected. She wasn’t sure where he stood on the topic prior to today, but she wasn’t sure if he was willing to be the one to step up or not. So to her, it was a pleasant surprise.

So there was a little nod to his words, curious to hear what the others had to say.

Support for a Hierarch from the Free Council was also a surprise, and also a welcome one. She had expected that one to be a bit of a fight, but was glad it wasn’t. This was something they needed, and she was glad he saw it.

But what Joyeuse had to say was the biggest surprise of the day. And she was quite sure that the surprise was written clearly on her face.

“I’m honored Councilor Joyeuse that you would consider me worthy of such a position.” And she was speaking the truth. “Unfortunately, it’s not a position I have ever wanted to hold. I’m not a leader, though your words have humbled me. I am willing to offer myself in a more support role to whomever fills it to the best of my abilities though.” She had never wanted to be a leader, and most certainly, not a Hierarch. “I am also a Factotum, as I was once a Ladder, but do agree that if Chambers steps into the role of Hierarch, his work load should be lessened so his focus can be on the responsibilities of that position. I mention being a Factotum as I have been assisting with the rebuilding of the Charter with Councilor Chambers.” So she wasn’t throwing that title out there for shits and giggles.

“That being said, I support Councilor Chambers bid for Hierarch with the recommendations Councilor Joyeuse made.”

[Chambers]

When Salem speaks up it becomes apparent that he is one of the more well reasoned libertines. They joined the Dimond for a reason, agreed to our structures and the lex for a reason. And too many were just rebels without a cause, or anarchists for the sake of it. It is good to know we have someone who thinks further then the immediate. "So hat brings us all into agreement on the course of action." A nod of respect is given to the warlock. "Good." That problem was so apparent it needed no lengthy debate to reach the solution spoke volumes.

Having no issue with blunt speaking, sometimes it was better to not beat around the bush. "I don't think any would disagree Councillor Joyeuse that councillors Aurora is an excellent candidate. And the only other mage I would support taking the position for those very reasons." If Aurora wanted the position the path was clear for her and he had no issues, she was one of, if not the best mage in the Consilium.

As Joyeuse continued he listened with slowly mounting vexation not at the objections to his candidacy but at he lack of basic knowledge they demonstrated. The arguments on the surface hold a veneer of sounding logical and well meaning but to any who had the faintest idea or education of common Consilium structure lacked all substance. Well I have offered lessons to those who need them. "Councillor Joyeuse I thank you for your concern but allow me to put your mind at rest, and correct you on a few matters." Given only two had been raised. "My duties in rebuilding the Consilium would continue on either in an advisory role or as the final voice on the matters that pertain to it, depending on the outcome of todays meeting." Because short of himself and Aurora lord knows no one else was doing anything to try and right the ship. "This meeting and its outcome are very much entwined with that task." Stating the obvious a bit.

And now the other matter. "But as for my being a factotum." Yes, a, not the. "Factotum is not a singular office held by a single mage." Sometimes I wonder if being a mentor should have its own exam then we might not have need as much of this. "The exam is open to any and every mage who wishes to take it." A look to the silent ladder. "I understand that many of the ladder take the exam the Lex being their area of expertise." Back to the Obrimos. "If I might be blunt." Because I don't see you stepping up to take on any of the work load your so worried about. "I would welcome greater interest and learning of our laws and traditions by any mage who wished to commit themselves to it." Talk is cheap and trying to use his efforts, one of a the few mages to actually do anything, against him like that was frankly poor.

Aurora was considerably more tactful, but the position of hierarch wasn't about making it friends and someone has to hold others to the basic standards. But her support meant a great deal. "Thank you councillor Aurora." Eyes fall upon the silent ladder. The only one not to withdraw themselves from being a candidate for the position.