Stage A: The Debate (still abstaining from interfering in the Coedd v Bloodfather cross-examination until JB returns)
Intro wrap-ups
"Not at this time, good Priestess." The portly Druid, still seated, eyes the guards with a hint of subdued disapproval as he speaks. "We thank you for your answers; further discourse will wait until the other introductions are complete and we may enter cross-examinationBasically the future timebubble that Kythia, JB, and Lum have been using for their discourse; feel free to jump in and/or open up entirely new lines of critique."
"I feel that many among us would posit that all things matter, just in varying degrees." Oskar dei Fiori smiles as he finishes scribing down his notes, looking up to make eye contact with the sage. The slit pupils of his red eyes are unnerving, even from across the room. "-Though I would not have asked if it were not a subject of interest. Your contribution is appreciated regardless of how much it may matter." Having concluded the Usheret introductions, the other judges signal for the next speaker to begin.
New Introductions
An envoy of the Imperial Cult was expected to make an appearance in some form or another, and while the speech delivered is well-ordered and comprehensive Pako would have noticed awkward glances pass between the judges. As soon as he has finished his speech, the aged woman on the middle-right of the panel flips to an early page in her notebook- obviously prepared for this eventuality- and begins to speak. "The Fiorid dynasty has held the Empire to be unquestioned sovereign of this world- and all others- for countless millennia, as the loyal reigns of Tonje and Stian dei Fiori attest. We have done our utmost to serve the current Emperor in all the ways we are able, but recent events have placed a strain on these efforts. Despite our complete dedication to every other task they set- maximal devotion to their Mythohistories, restoration of order to their wayward anarchic subjects- they have seen fit to declare our state persona non grata on account of one measly economic lapse, incurred in the course of expending our resources to meet these other mandates. Though our glory is unsung, we are rivalled only by the Eilif Dhaoine in size while standing parallel with the upper echelons of our fellow Elect in terms of military might. We are the paragon subject, a force for order the likes of which any liege would dream to possess and yet this is our reward? To have the worthless vultures and jackals of Tekhum- the lowest scum clinging to the heel of dignified civilization- encouraged to pluck at our flesh for the Emperor's amusement?"
She pauses to breathe; it is a marvel that one appearing so old could carry on with such a long tirade, even reading from a script. "...Is your recommendation, in the face of these ghastly affairs, for us to elevate this act of grievous mismanagement to divine providence? The Empire is already our liege and always will be, regardless of how we judge its present ruler's decisions, but what kind of political message does it send if we deepen our commitment to a figure in the wake of such a flagrant miscarriage of justice on their part?"
Having allowed the speech to go as planned, Oskar dei Fiori now leans forward, light reflecting of his spectacles in such a way as to hide the true nature of whatever expression lurks above his neutral query. "And besides- what evidence can attest to divinity on the part of the Emperor? The others have demonstrated metaphysical potency which can be attributed to their interpretation of divinity, whereas this claim is made with only evidence of his political supremacy. An unquestioned quality, to be sure, but what would the High Lords say if questioned as to whether or not this translates into a divine nature?"
Though the portly Druid appears to be pleased in sentiment, the other three judges cast awkward glances at each other throughout the entire process. Once it's done, there is a ten-second silence before the aged woman sighs and asks the question on everyone's mind. "Do you profess an objection to slavery?"
The portly Druid's face goes an even paler white as he glances between his colleagues and the speaker, trying to rationalize some form of apologia for one of the few faiths that also seemed to adequately respect the value of life. "Well, strictly speaking, one individual leading a number of others to aid in the pursuit of one single will would allow one to rise to greater heights than if they struggled alone, correct? Is there anything within the faith that would prevent this outcome?"
For the extra attentive, Oskar can be seen scratching at his scaled cheek with an amused smirk for most of the delivery, but it is his Druid colleagues who speak instead. First is the morose visage of the portly Druid, ever-beholden to his taboos. "Such frequent death on the part of this Mother Serpent seems like anathema to our culture, which disdains death above all other ills. The mysteries of divine rebirth are unknown to us with the exception of their existence; is there at least some form of continuity upon which a consciousness may rely?"
The wispy fellow straightens a pile of papers as he chimes in, eyes curiously sizing up the Doomweaver's strange appearance. "Many here have already made the case for divine energy being found within one's own being- would you say that these competitors also draw their energies from the Mother Serpent, or are these energies universal, with your god acting as a sage whose unique insight brings these abilities to greater heights?"
Stage B: The Banquet or Buffet or whatever it was called
The slave, though clearly uneased by Clagath's 'grab', smiles cordially and nods meekly in response, departing to fetch the nearest of the siblings. After thirty seconds alone with the buffet, a familiar face and its familiar smile slide through the crowd to greet the man. "President Clagath, it's a pleasure to see you again." Hinrik dei Fiori glides into the seat opposite to the host of the Aonach, setting his glass of red vintage lightly upon the table. "It was a shame that our interaction at the Aonach was derailed so severely; you were a true stateman throughout the entire affair, whatever my irritations with some of our company at the time." He takes a delicate sip from the glass before continuing. "Alas, with these recent developments, I feel that we have much graver matters to discuss..."
Stage C: Post-Debate Party Dregs (for characters who were debating and also move to partake in the party upon its conclusion)
By the time the debate has concluded and the Druids have withdrawn to deliberate on their final decisions, the party outside has died down significantly. The sun has long since set, a full moon high in the sky, illuminating even the unlit flower patches with its silvery glow. Though the music is calmer and the food more scarce, tired interlocutors may still find fruitful conversation amidst the fading embers.
"Thirst does tend to creep up at the end of such gatherings, doesn't it?" The wheelchair of Hekla dei Fiori is a remarkably silent thing for its size, a feat of engineering which would be coveted by spies the world over were it not used exclusively for the comfort of a cripple. Drawing up alongside Pako, the noblewoman swirls her crimson drink around idly in its glass with a tired frown upon her face, looking out over the still-gorgeous array of flowers that seems to match the pattern of the quilt on her lap. "...If it isn't too insensitive to ask, how old are you?"
@GrimRanger - (any particular party you're interested in talking to?)