1407 Thyrsuscon 2014
The Arrivals
Autolycus organized a BBQ in the park for the shamans of Sacramento and had a magnificent spread including beer, water, salads, vegetables and three types of burgers. The afternoon started casually, Striker arriving first followed closely by Animus. Animus introduced himself to Autolycus as this was their first meeting. Autolycus returned Animus' greeting stating that the fact that the Thyrsus didn't know each other was the reason he had organised the event.[1]
Autolycus also mentioned that Kiko was the only one who had said she they were coming. Animus, not knowing that Kiko was back in town, was bewildered by this and asked when she had returned, however Autolycus was unsure of the exact details. Striker enquired if Idun was a Thyrsus just before Kiko arrived. Seeing Animus, Kiko bowed to him before embracing him in a familiar fashion and then introducing herself to the others present.[2]
Idun arrived last, greeting those she knew and introducing herself to Autolycus.[3] Animus enquired if Kiko had found what she sought to which she answered that she was still looking for answers.
Kiko - "I meditated a lot and went in search of answers within myself but if it will come to fruition or not I guess only the Kami know such matters."[4]
The introductions were completed by Kiko bringing out the sushi she had prepared and Idun confirming that she would be running a first aid course that Striker had mentioned when Autolycus had asked if Striker and Idun knew each other.
The Meat of the Meeting
Once everyone was introduced Animus asked Autolycus if he had a plan for the meeting.[5] This prompted Autolycus to ask everyone if they were happy with Consilium Councilors being representatives of Cabals rather than Paths.
Autolycus - And then someone asks the Big Question! "You," Autolycus says, clacking the barbeque tongs in Animus' general direction, "have no idea how happy it makes me that someone decided to ask that question, Animus." He looks around at the group as he turns the meat on the grill. "I trust that everyone is aware of the current state of the city? I called everyone together here because I want to know if everyone is content with the Counselors being pulled from Cabals instead of Paths."[6]
Animus responded that Cabal members are trusted and asked the gathered shamans if there was anyone among them whom they trusted enough to represent them.[7] Idun responded by recalling that past Path councillors had not stayed in the position long.[8] Autolycus got the impression that everyone was fine with the system as it was and didn't push the matter.[9]
At this point Striker added that he didn't care either way, but made sure to note that the Archangels cabal (which he had recently joined) was back up to five members and therefore Leo Lockhearts position as Councillor representing the cabal was not in question.[10] This was in reference to Autolycus's comments elsewhere, where he implied that Leo's seat on the council was not valid. Autolycus seemed unimpressed by Striker's remark his response indicating that he still had issues with Leo regarding the night of the recent Archangel recruitment.[11]
Animus, disappointed that Autolycus had dropped the issue so easily, implied that he should fight for what he cared about and asked why his attitude towards other cabals was hostile when he professed to care about the competition between cabals.[12] Kiko agreed with Animus' sentiment about fighting for what is important and stated that she would reduce the world to ashes to show people how much she cared.[13] Idun also commented that Cabal based councillors meant that cabal membership was encouraged as those who joined had a voice in the Consilium.[14]
Turning up the Heat
Auotlycus had a lengthy response to everyone's comments. He stated that he was a problem solver, not a fighter and wouldn't waste his time convincing others of his opinions. He accused Animus of trying to debate him and everyone else of ignoring his question. Following this he told Striker that he wouldn't sit by while he complained about his comments regarding Leo especially since he was the one providing the food a drinks at the barbecue. He finished by complaining about the lack of consistent cabals in the city saying that just being in the city for any amount of time shouldn't mean having a seat on the council and that the most enlightened of each path would be the most capable to lead.
Autolycus - "And even then, just sticking around shouldn't be an automatic seat in any kind of government. Having whoever is the most in tune with their path as Councilor means that, in theory, they'll have a more enlightened point of view when deciding how the Consilium needs to be run. When it's just Cabals? It's like everyone's just decided to dispense with enlightenment as an ideal and wallow in politics because it's easier."[15]
Striker was obviously unimpressed with Autolycus' rant implying that he thought he was casing trouble. He defended his comments about Leo saying that he was just adding to the facts of the conversation. He said that he was glad the Autolycus wanted to improve the city, but he wasn't going to stay at a barbecue where the host was complaining about him eating their food. At that he put down his beer and began walking away.
Striker - "Good for you wanting to do something to improve this place but if you're gonna bitch about me eating your food too then I'll piss off."[16]
Animus implied that he thought Autolycus had potential which was why he bothered to push him. But he expressed that he was unsure how changing the selection method of councillors would help improve the city unless the people of the Consilium care.
Animus - "I don't know whether changing how councilors are selected would be an improvement or not. But if you want my opinion? It's the symptom, not the cause. The Consilium will rise or fall by the number of people who care enough to take a hand in shaping it."[17]
Autolycus' response was that he seemed to be the only Thyrsus to do anything for the betterment of Sacramento.[18] Idun called for calm, reminding them that they were there to relax[19], to which Animus responded that he thought they were calm. Animus then asked Autolycus how he would repair the situation.[20]
Kiko excused herself to go after Striker, asking him to return for the sake of Family. She revealed that she found Autolycus to be rude as well, but she was staying anyway.
Kiko - "Yes he's.. As a Librarian I fail at trying to find the right words to describe him but yes he's.. rude at the very least but while he did put together this whole thing you could at least have something to eat. Plus I'd be honored if you stayed and I'm certain Animus and Idun would as well."[21]
Something about what she said or how she said it seemed to convince Striker to at least consider staying at the barbecue.
Conclusion
No consensus was reached in the end, but the barbecue continued without further incident.
