Round 4: Elven Conclave of 2044

[farothel]

After their presentation, the Bafatis delegation walked of the stage and sat down to listen to the other presentations. It was quite interesting to follow the other presentations and see how other people thought about the divine. They wouldn't ask any questions for now, just soak it all in.

 

==The party==

 

The chief priest had begged off going due to a headache, but the other priests had gone to have a look around and have a drink or two and talk to other people.

[moossabi]

Stage A: Debate

@Rocket Relm

The judges log their notes on the response wordlessly, proceeding to the next contestant (should one arise).

Stage B: Party

@Lumaeus

• "Honestly? I wouldn't bother at all." He casts a half-porcelain glance over to the amphitheater, smirking. "Who cares what people think about religion? Priests all bleed, and that's all I need to know. If any of these countries' petty gods mattered, they wouldn't be relying so heavily on military security." He leans over slightly, giving a coy side-whisper. "And if they don't have military security, all the better for me." He takes another sip of his drink, red eyes twinkling as he takes a step back. "The only time countries should be 'meeting' like this is on the field of battle, where those worthy to continue living are sorted from the weaklings that don't deserve to live in this world. People around here disagree with me all the time, especially that fat Druid- what was his name, Holger?- always wringing his hands out of some misplaced sympathy for the weak. It's honestly pathetic."
• Lilja seems to slowly lose track of the conversation as it moves into the technical specificities of knowledge transferal. In spite of this, she picks up an enthusiastic smile and nods along. "I don't tend to do much travelling, but I'll bring the suggestion up to my siblings once the time comes."

Stage C: Afterparty

@TheDarkDM

Forgetting herself as she stares idly into her glass, Hekla allows a remnant of her prior melancholy to slip forth from bitter lips. "It loses its luster after a century or so." To her credit, the recovery is swift. As soon as her statement is complete, Hekla snaps back to attention, rotating her chair to face the Mekhalan and throwing a hasty smile across her haggard, pale visage. "Oh, where are my manners, it's a pleasure to meet you again, Duchess. Please forgive my slip of the tongue, your compliment is more than welcome. I'll be sure to pass it along to the rest of my family."

@EmBark - (btw you and lum can continue your interaction, sorry for putting a damper on it)

Many of the visiting nobles have left, thinning the main body of the party to a significant extent, and the slaves are busy cleaning up the empty platters and floor detritus of the feast. Most of them don't have an answer or look at each other awkwardly, but eventually Pako is able to pick her out for himself, seated at a far end of the garden looking out over a terrace.

[volthawk]

@moossabi

There's a small grin on Clagath's face as he listens to Hinrik butter him up - Scorcha had not missed the mark when she reported back to him about this one. Still, that didn't mean he should cut the show short before the elf's finished his presentation. No harm in playing into it - he was genuinely curious what the offer at the end of it was going to be. "Yes. The...encouragement the Empire has been giving some of the Elect to act against us, among others." He takes a moment to eat a little food off his plate and give the statement an appropriate amount of weight. "If they come, we shall endure and strike back. It is how we have always handled those that think we are prey, you see."

@EmBark @Lumaeus

Guyineber's antics get a rare genuine smile from Clagath, for just a moment before he needs to put his game face back on as he thinks over Constance's words. "Ah yes, I've heard a lot about you. My daughter has spoken quite highly of you, you know. Your ways are...strange to us, but we hope to see it continue working for you." The mention of the Aonach gets another few moments of careful consideration. "He provided input, yes. Don't worry, no offence was caused by it." To the Dhaoine, at least, but that was all he had to talk about for now.

Edited March 20 by volthawk (see edit history)

[EmBark]

On 3/19/2024 at 6:32 PM, Lumaeus said:

Constance, buoyed by the thrill of the stirring conference, finds the chance to sidle up to Pako. She has for herself a flagon of mead.

"Pardon me, do you have a moment?" Assuming anything less than direct refusal, she sits. "Your speech today was truly inspiring. I had, it is my shame to admit, written off the Imperial Cults as all essentially different shades of the same thing. While not denying any ecumenical claims of ultimate shared truth, I had never before been exposed to the depths of your theologies, even on such a cursory level. When my report reaches the Arkhive Æternal, I know we'll have a number of researchers' attentions. You would have fertile grounds for both scholarship and, if history is a guide, conversion in the Hive. Coedd is the ultimate truth of this planet, but that does not mean we would deny the ultimate truth of the system. When your missionaries have time, we would value their input."

[WE WILL FIGHT TO PRESERVE COEDD MAJORITY BUT WE ARE INTERESTED IN A MINORITY PLZ]

On 3/19/2024 at 7:01 PM, EmBark said:

The Party

@moossabi @Lumaeus

Pako looks up from his (so far, brief) conversation with Hekla dei Fiori to look at Queen Constance. "Ah, dear Queen. Thank you for your kind words. I can scarcely blame you. The Imperial Cult has some differences from the beliefs of the so-called Imperial Traditions held up by scattered regions throughout the Empire of Tekhum. It does an old man good to hear you speak so."

14 hours ago, moossabi said:

@EmBark @Lumaeus

The pause in which Hekla tries to translate units of time in her head is filled by Constance's interruption, revolving around matters of faith which held no meaning to the seated woman. Frowning, exhausted, she looks down at her drink. What was she doing? She hadn't introduced herself, hadn't asked for the Llort's name (though she knew it already through secondary channels), had no reason at all to engage with the man beyond the gut feeling that he, too, was tired. She couldn't be drunk, it was a physiological impossibility, why had she allowed herself to stumble into such a position of vulnerability? For what, the vague hope that someone might understand the stifling loneliness of eternity?

As Pako replies to Constance, a silent wheelchair makes its leave. By the time either conversant would think to address her, Hekla is gone.

7 hours ago, EmBark said:

@Lumaeus

When Pako turns to ask sometime of his previous conversation partner, he sees that Hekla has left. He looks around to search for her, but it appears the wheelchair is faster than it looks. He ponders their interaction for a moment, then returns to conversation with Constance.

@Lumaeus

"Say, dear Queen, could you perhaps elaborate on the bit you mentioned of if history is a guide, conversion in the Hive? What do you mean by that"

 

The Night-Time After-Party

4 minutes ago, moossabi said:

Stage C: Afterparty

@EmBark

Many of the visiting nobles have left, thinning the main body of the party to a significant extent, and the slaves are busy cleaning up the empty platters and floor detritus of the feast. Most of them don't have an answer or look at each other awkwardly, but eventually Pako is able to pick her out for himself, seated at a far end of the garden looking out over a terrace.

@moossabi

Pako floats over slowly and lands before he takes care that he enters the corner of Hekla's eye, then comes closer to her.

"Pardon the intrusion. May I join you? The night is growing quiet and I'm wanting for company--if you don't mind an old man being a little selfish."

He puts his hands on his back and wobbles a bit on his feet. An old man indeed, grown unused to using his own legs.

[JBarca]

CONSTANCE AT THE PARTY

The Bloodlord smiles graciously.

"You honor me. I gladly accept your gift and your thanks. Normus, by the way, is doing well in Mekhala. I currently have him operating as an advisor for some of my specialists. Do you intend to rotate our man as he ages out of the position? It's pleasant having a true scholar around."

 

BACKROOM

The Omnuud representative smiles, leaning back into her chair.

"We want this to begin a relationship. We want two members of the Elder Blood. The youngest two. They'll come to Khylosen, be taught our ways. We'll teach them sanguimancy, war, and what it means to take rather than receive. We'll even allow you to pick one to be given full guest rights and the protections that entails. They'll be warriors and leaders both.

"As part of this, the Bloodlord won't allow his warriors to assault your people or holdings in any organized fashion.

"In exchange, we want you to be our voice on this mudball. The grasp of the weed is growing stronger by the day, and we know the whispers that grow up through the foundations of equity and split apart what makes life worth living. We want you to be a friendly voice. When Khylosen is brought up, you'll speak our praises.

"It's that simple, for us - though we are amenable to counteroffers. You get your recording and a friend in the void. We get a friend in the well."

 

THE DEBATE

The Bloodlord stands to respond.

"I cannot argue with the Queen of the Arkhive, of course. With that said, though, I have made my case for the Bloodfather. I will happily answer further questions, but if truth must be told, I cannot argue further, for two simple reasons. First, the Emperor is represented by another now, and we simply will not divide attention from the most noble of pursuits. Second, I fear that further arguments will only muddy both faiths, here. Constance has the right of it, coexistence is not beyond what we accept."

As Guyineber interrupts, Peter seems fully unbothered, smiling politely only. As she explains the Emperor's divinity, parentage, and eternity, Peter bangs a fist solidly on his lecturn in approval.

Edited March 21 by JBarca (see edit history)

[Lumaeus]

 

13 hours ago, EmBark said:

The Banquet

@Lumaeus

After greeting the queen and apologizing, Guyineber offers her a plate.

5 hours ago, volthawk said:

Guyineber's antics get a rare genuine smile from Clagath, for just a moment before he needs to put his game face back on as he thinks over Constance's words. "Ah yes, I've heard a lot about you. My daughter has spoken quite highly of you, you know. Your ways are...strange to us, but we hope to see it continue working for you." The mention of the Aonach gets another few moments of careful consideration. "He provided input, yes. Don't worry, no offence was caused by it." To the Dhaoine, at least, but that was all he had to talk about for now.

GUYINEBER: "You are far too kind, but I'm afraid I'm weaning off of foods. I expect I am entering the final decade of my rule, if it's not yet begun."

CLAGATH: "We could not make the attempt at our strange ways without the indulgence and support of those powers who tolerate and shelter us. We hope only that we provide a service worthy of what we are given." And then to the Aonach. "Ah. Input. Then I will thank you for your courtesy as well. The Earl is a man of incisive but...singular thoughts and generous loquaciousness."

5 hours ago, EmBark said:

"Say, dear Queen, could you perhaps elaborate on the bit you mentioned of if history is a guide, conversion in the Hive? What do you mean by that"

"There is no universal character shared amongst all of our citizenry, and to assign one would be crass stereotype. However, there are phenomena which repeat themselves often enough to be of note. Most relevant here is that of scholarly enthusiasm bleeding into daily life. If a man studies the shades between white and black long enough, it stops being work and becomes his entire being. He may become the very Earl of Grey, such is his dedicationHis name was already like that tho. Nominative determinism (and puns) are extremely common among Arkhivists.. Among our religious scholars, this bleed of study into daily life means that we often produce small communities of the pious wherever a new religion is studied. This was how Coedd originally took root. Indeed, the extent of Coedd in the Arkhive likely owes itself as much to the breadth of study coupled with ease of access as it does to any natural inclination on the parts of the researchers. If the Imperial Cult were more available to study in the Arkhive, I have no doubt adherents would be generated from many of the researchers--and this with my blessing, so long as it is not forced upon anyone."

 

5 hours ago, moossabi said:

"Honestly? I wouldn't bother at all." He casts a half-porcelain glance over to the amphitheater, smirking. "Who cares what people think about religion? Priests all bleed, and that's all I need to know. If any of these countries' petty gods mattered, they wouldn't be relying so heavily on military security." He leans over slightly, giving a coy side-whisper. "And if they don't have military security, all the better for me." He takes another sip of his drink, red eyes twinkling as he takes a step back. "The only time countries should be 'meeting' like this is on the field of battle, where those worthy to continue living are sorted from the weaklings that don't deserve to live in this world. People around here disagree with me all the time, especially that fat Druid- what was his name, Holger?- always wringing his hands out of some misplaced sympathy for the weak. It's honestly pathetic."

"Have you not heard reports from Eilif Dhaoine's wars? Priests bleed, it is certainly true, but the followers of Coedd have seen the flora contribute meaningfully to the battle. Priests bleed, yes, but so far the goddess has not. On the field of battle, Coedd is able, and that's a relatively unique divine interaction. Even military security is difficult to keep when the foliage sends out runners to undermine. Have you considered this aspect of religion's import in your wars?"

5 hours ago, moossabi said:

Lilja seems to slowly lose track of the conversation as it moves into the technical specificities of knowledge transferal. In spite of this, she picks up an enthusiastic smile and nods along. "I don't tend to do much travelling, but I'll bring the suggestion up to my siblings once the time comes."

"The Arkhive is always open to you. I will be glad to welcome you in any season and fortune."

2 hours ago, JBarca said:

CONSTANCE AT THE PARTY

The Bloodlord smiles graciously.

"You honor me. I gladly accept your gift and your thanks. Normus, by the way, is doing well in Mekhala. I currently have him operating as an advisor for some of my specialists. Do you intend to rotate our man as he ages out of the position? It's pleasant having a true scholar around."

"The Arkhive has no intention to recall him as of yet. Should he tire of his work--of which he has yet given no indication--he will be invited to return, though if you allow it, he would also be free to settle with you in Mekhala. We may recall the position, but the man is free. If you suggest he may be less able than at arrival, we would gladly send a supporting scholar to prop him up and perhaps ease a suggestion of retirement." She allows room for that suggestion to be made.

"While I have you, I would like to offer a visiting team of scholars who have been somewhat taken with descriptions of your society. They have some interesting ideas on adapting versions of our technologies on Coedd to negligible-gravity versions. They would be sent on a three-year mission with the hope of refining our science--and perhaps with some of your people, this could be mutually productive."

[THIS IS JUST IC GIVING YOU TECHS]

2 hours ago, JBarca said:

"Constance has the right of it, coexistence is not beyond what we accept."

Constance smiles at the Bloodlord. This guy gets it.

[TheDarkDM]

"The compliment was meant for you, Lady Hekla. It is yours to do with as you will."

Moving around to face Hekla, Ana-Tashmetum-taklak reclined against a nearby stone balustrade.

"Please forgive me, it is so easy to forget the weight of history you have lived. One struggles to fathom it."

Amber eyes danced over Hekla's pale face, their color almost lost as the Duchess' irises expanded against the night. The Duchess was too well-bred to pry further, but there was a silent invitation in her gaze, an offer, if not of understanding, then at least of empathy.

 

[FriendlyHeadcrab]

With no parade or warning arrives a boat.  Not a ship, or great vessel of the sky, but a fishing cruiser.  Humble fisherrats lasso the dock and pull the boat aside, allowing their passengers to offload. And offload they do.

Fifty Durats cross the gangplank onto Elven land.  Their clothes are those of commoners, their faces plain and average.  But their eyes, their eyes glow.  They demand a shuttle without ceremony, and are not refused, who would want to make a national incident?

They are carted up the mounted peak and into the forest of brass.  They waddle through the great halls lookin' like a whole bunch of flamingos, heads bobbing this way and that.  The announcer stutters, he is proficient at names, they are his art.  But this name…?

They make no conversation, polite smiles are brushed aside, clapping ignored.  Curious Elves are confused, unsure what to make of this far-too-ordinary crew.  But the astute of the Elves notice individuals in the crowd.  They walk with the same tempo as the others, peer with the same odd stuttering movements, but they are different.  Their clothes lack gravity, seemingly wishing to depart into the sky above.  Their short fur flows towards the wind, as if seeking its company.  And those who see them feel. They aren't sure what they feel, but they feel.  And they feel it powerfully.  The guidance of a parent, the guilt of complacency, the childish fear of an elder, the silence of their empty chapel.

After the speech, the fifty travel to the central amphitheater, and in unison, stand behind a single podium.  One Durat, young, fair-faced, takes the stand.  The others form a triangle flaring out behind him.  As the speaker introduces, the elders share, as if their gaze alone ought compel contrition.

"I am Shrac Xbszsscqegbdvccssdgsscgdsvksbzscszeacsszqksgzkbzs Kegacadedarlepuzysmalemulapasmeweealhinfnknklupyhelozosmesmierphaknusmzylascahacahidujitubiphaknphposlayntaphethunoo.  Listen to learn truth.

I see your teachers.  Your ancient earthen priests, wrapped in nature.  Are they unable to teach you?  We who have come are like children to you, babes who die before their first century.

You seek the divine, is it a mystery?  Don't your elven eyes see, why are you blinded?  What fog binds your mind, so that even your ancient wits cannot pierce reality?

Perhaps you're bewildered, overwhelmed?  You ask of us, the children, so we may teach you.  This is because you are starting to see.  Slingid is The Worst, yet the Bloodfather bathes in the blood of the weak.  Coedd claims to be all, But I am not Coedd.

So then, let me tell you what is known by our eyes.

The Gods are many.  The Gods are Powerful.  The Gods are Present.  The Gods Disagree.

If you talk to one-hundred regions, you will learn of one-hundred Gods.  Each of those Gods will be different.  From each of these divinities you will observe power and the God's Will enforcing itself upon the land.  Even your own prophets will perform works and teach you.

How can this be?  Are the abominations of Coedd lying, is Coedd deceiving them?  Does the Bloodfather sit upon a coagulated throne of secrets?  Does each God carve out their domain, apart from the others?  Lying to cover up their own simple normality in a sea of divinity.  Now finally exposed by the powers of corroboration?

But these Gods cannot be weak.  Their works and wonders are plentiful.  Their strength amply present in this room.  Their strength cannot be the lies of an individual, as an individual can be elevated by the Gods.

This is why you seek us.  You understand there is more.

Now that I've told you what we know with our eyes, I shall tell you what we know with our soul.

There are no Gods, but the ones we have made.

A God is a Collage.  Every person is a piece, every soul a part.  Who is a God?  A God is us, together.  The ocean of endless wishes.

This is hard for the eyes, but your soul will feel it.  You know the magicks.  It swells.  Every day, we see new powerful individuals, new powerful spells.  The Moonmen turn to giants, the Glix dominate in mind and telekinesis.  Now imagine that arcane, just a leak.  It seeps from every person, oozing from their soul.  It is shaped by their wishes, their wants, their fears.

This is the Gods, the magicks of a billion peoples, pouring into a hundred gods.  Is it not clear? The gods are formed in the image of their people.

The priests give a voice to this power, shaping it by shaping souls.  They are overwhelmed by the power, never knowing the cyclical nature of religion.  The people create the god, the god touches the priest, the priest teaches the people, and the people create the god.

This is not the easy truth.  gods are more than force.  They are a hope, a way of life, a cause.  They give meaning.  They give the meaning placed into them.  A god's meaning is the wish of a hundred people.  I hope they're wishing wisely.

I am Shrac Xbszsscqegbdvccssdgsscgdsvksbzscszeacsszqksgzkbzs Kegacadedarlepuzysmalemulapasmeweealhinfnknklupyhelozosmesmierphaknusmzylascahacahidujitubiphaknphposlayntaphethunoo.  I have told you the truth.  Now hear wisdom.

You have begun to feel this truth, and this is why you abandon your druids.  The power of a God dwells in its people.  And at the swell of bodies the power grows.  With the increase of religious size, the power inherent to the religion becomes palpable.  You have observed this strength, and wish to hold it yourself.  Choose wisely.

Make the god you want to worship.  Or better, worship your collective efficacy.  Learn to harness this power, and form it in your best image.  Take lessons from your neighbors.  The unknowing may still teach.

The Khylokians desired blood, and thus they have a father.  Their minds miss the truth, but their souls are fulfilled.

The Glix have inflicted upon themselves a terror, a greater fear so they may face the lesser.  But perhaps they should wish for courage instead.

The Bafatis Dynasty and Magister Sage Ange Jénou understand the truth.  You would be wise to heed their advice."

The High Priest goes through the many other representatives that I unfortunately don't have time to get to right now, and may edit in later. Eventually, the many bodies of the High Priest turn to Garrick Mynqvist, many spit.

"And the worshipers of Coedd, for them I have many words.  How blind are you, that you give your souls to a plant?
Coedd is not waking, it is feeding.  You make your souls soil for its roots.  Your physical bodies become abominations.  This pathetic thing, this growth.  It is a parasite.  It feeds upon your wishes, and grows.  You are not made whole, you are made food.
You preach venom and exhale poison.  Your expansion bleeds sorrow, and you dine on the agony of your cohorts, which you mistake for joy.  Your souls are like shells, the discarded coat of a seed that sprouts terror."

Turning back to the elves.

"You dislike death, then defeat it yourselves!  Manifest your souls with direction!  Create the power you wish to hold

You have quarreled with the Jy'mar for petty reasons.  Move past them, and the Jy'mar will teach you how to Express your Soul.  If you wish for growth, you need look no further.  The Jy'mar form a collection on enlightening souls, collecting their energies into personal growth.  With the wish of your soul, this growth can be longevity.

I am Shrac Xbszsscqegbdvccssdgsscgdsvksbzscszeacsszqksgzkbzs Kegacadedarlepuzysmalemulapasmeweealhinfnknklupyhelozosmesmierphaknusmzylascahacahidujitubiphaknphposlayntaphethunoo.  I have spoken."

Far away in the Burtzlund, an administration assistant rushes into the room.  "Exualted, terrible tidings, the Head Priest Pod attended the Elven Enclave!"
The many Durats of the Exalted Pod rest face in palm.  "Alas, and here I was wishing for a day without interregional incidents.  I'll begin the drafting of apologies for offended priesthoods."
 

[moossabi]

Stage A: The Debate

@FriendlyHeadcrab

The suddenness and thoroughness of the Durat delegation was completely unexpected, leaving the panel in alternating states of bemusement and bafflement. For all the missteps- and the mass assault on nearly every other present delegation- one major piece of credit had to be given: it was the most akin to a real sermon. In spite of this, however, the portly Druid speaks up to deliver a series of semantic corrections. "As a reminder, we have already found our own way to deal with death; it is a cultural cornerstone which must be respected, but this assembly's intent is to collate the divine knowledge of the rest of Tekhum so that we may understand and collate the greater whole from a wide array of angles." His brow furrows in an especially dramatic fashion as he reaches this next part. "Furthermore, three of we five judges are Druids. We seek knowledge of the divine as we seek knowledge of any other force in this universe- we are by no stretch of the imagination 'abandoning' ourselves." Having said his piece, he exhales and resumes a passive expression, leaning back in his seat.

Though the other two Druids don't seem to have anything to add, casting anticipatory glances between Coedd and the rodent horde, Oskar dei Fiori's scaled countenance leans forward to ask a question of his own. "To engage with the hypothetical you propose- If faith alone is what makes a god, wouldn't Coedd's claim to godhood be validated- and her potency ensured- by the faith of her worshippers? Why single her out for such an especially vicious condemnation?"

Stage B: The Party & Backroom

@volthawk

"A similar sentiment is shared by myself and the restored Chancellor, though it pains us to stand against the will of our rightful liege..." Hinrik brings his prosthetic arm up to his chin ponderously, red eyes appearing to contemplate the table, of all things. "Would you begrudge an offer of support in these times? Not a full alliance, for I assume that you would prefer a pursuit of neutrality; merely guarantees of mutual support against any hostile action pursued in the name of this unseemly legal fiction." He gestures towards Clagath, eyes rising to make contact, that omnipresent smile underscoring each ensuing word. "Should anyone move to strike against you, we will commit military support to any reprisals you might pursue, and vice-versa. I do not see this eventuality coming to pass, for the true value of such an agreement lies in deterrence. The would-be parasites already fear to act against us while we are alone, for our might is too great to overcome- I say let them fear our wrath twice over."

@JBarca

The Chancellor's eyes narrow. "It goes without saying that none of my immediate family will partake in such an excursion. I will consult the Noble Households to see if any will be interested in such an offer; it is a foregone conclusion that some will be intrigued by the opportunity, so you will- more or less- have the hostages you seek." Eydis' shoulder seems to slump slightly under the weight of the tangled keratin, though she quickly resumes her posture with an impassive expression. "You must pardon me for being skeptical about this request for a diplomatic blank check. With my personal thanks for aiding in the resolution of this crisis in mind, many still have good reason to scorn your people's unpredictability. And for this core reason- unpredictability- such a request is untenable."

Her crimson gaze rests firmly upon Omnuud, stern tone suffused by a matter-of-fact softness. "You will have our support, but it will be born from our own good will and respect for the Noble wards in your lands. Should you breach either, it will be forfeit. I have already ordered my siblings to cease in their slanders; conduct yourself well when dealing with this world and we may yet convince the rest of Sansar to do the same. Sycophancy, however, is beneath both of our polities; I believe respect and sincerity to be greater guarantees of comradery."

@Lumaeus

• Arni raises a cocky eyebrow- it's impossible to tell what the other is doing behind the mask. "The goddess hasn't yet." He waves a hand dismissively. "I kid, of course. No reason to bother with Dewlad, got more important fish to fry. Literally, in some cases." Seizing upon a perfect anecdote with which to demonstrate his knowledgeability, Arni snaps his fingers and grins that bizarre half-grin of his. "Actually, that's a perfect example. I've seen magic on the field before, wasn't impressed. Most of the southern peninsula is just your bog-standard civilian ranch, but around the coasts and on that southern island you can run into a bunch of weird fishmen. Can't say that they follow any gods, but some of them could control the water, make these big waves to try and slow us down. You can probably guess how that went." The royal general chuckles to himself. "I was plucking fish bones out of my mech's gears for days..."
• "I'll, uh, keep it in mind..." Lilja seems to have backslid into an awkward silence, her hands nervously fiddling with her guide cane. "Well... it was good to meet you."

Stage C: The Afterparty

@TheDarkDM

"It can be... isolating, yes." Hekla's tone is slightly stilted as she scans the other royal's face for signs of any hidden agenda. After a few awkward seconds, she sighs, looking down at the ground in shame. "I shouldn't have been so dismissive. No matter what, it will always be a testament to thousands of hours of work carried out by thousands of laborers. It could only grow stale to me in the first place due to the longevity of their accomplishment." The ghost of a pleasant smile plays across her face, fading as her gaze turns to the flowers. "I shouldn't hoard the conversation so much. How goes life for your noble House?"

@EmBark

"Why seek that conversation with me, of all people?" Moderately embarrassed, Hekla's mouth purses as she glances down at Pako's wobbly legs- as good an object of focus as any. "...I don't mind, though. Apologies for departing earlier, I was... dissatisfied with my conduct."

[EmBark]

Stage C: The Afterparty

@moossabi

"Apologies acknowledged," Pako nods kindly, "though I must apologize then too. I seek you out partly because of your departure earlier."

He looks around, then sits down near Hekla to overlook the same terrace. He takes a deep breath of the night-time garden air. When his chest deflates, air streams out from bony growths on his back.

"It is the privilege of the old to be forward," he starts, "although I know not if such is the same among the very long-lived here. If you don't mind me asking, why were you dissatisfied with your conduct? You merely asked me my age. I presume because you heard about me bringing it up during the debate."

He chuckles a little, then shares why.

"Not that it was wise of me. I presume old age doesn't win you as many arguments here as it does among the shorter-lived."

[Kythia]

The Debate

 

Garrick raises his hand while still scribbling notes with his other hand - engaged enough in his note taking that he appears not to notice when called upon and continues scribbling for a moment until eventually something filters through and he looks up.

Oh.  Yes.  Sorry.  A question for the moderator panel if I may.  Is it anticipated that any faith chosen here today would be…let’s see…would be enforced on the population at large, or is it anticipated to be solely a faith followed by the Del Fiori daily with others in the republic free to adopt it or not?

[JBarca]

Backroom

 

Omnuud khosee-Huel shakes her head quickly.

"I believe we are miscommunicating here. A 'blank check' is not what we have in mind. We want a friend who speaks kindly of us, as we would for our kin. We have no use for sycophants. Anyone weak enough to take such a role is absolutely not worth the time it would take to acquire them.

"If this is agreeable to you, I'll consider our business concluded and get you your recording. Do you have tea? Such deals should be finalized over a warm drink."

Edited March 23 by JBarca (see edit history)

[volthawk]

The Party

@moossabi

Clagath grins as Hinrik gets to the point of it. "It makes sense that you'd suggest that, given some of the statements I've been hearing from certain other Elect countries, even before the Empire's recent insinuations. I suppose you're expecting that some of those countries may be inclined to make good on their veiled threats now that there's an additional incentive, yes?" He nods to himself. Even with that in mind...this could work out quite useful. "Very well. I am willing to commit to an agreement like that."

[moossabi]

Stage A: Debate

@Kythia

"'Enforced' would be too strong of a word." Sighing, the portly Druid flips back to an early page of his notes. "The 'rewards' for this Conclave revolve around the extent to which a faith will be tolerated within the lands of the Principality. Regardless of our results, all participants are to receive our technical knowledge. The most ideal candidate will receive complete freedom and sponsorship to proselytize within our holdings, other favored religions will receive protected minority status, with freedom and sponsorship offered up to a certain threshold in each of our constituent regions. The judiciary panel is considering a tertiary grant for religions which, though outside the scope of our universal support, will receive support to establish a sanctioned community within a specific region of their choosing. The key to this formula is that there will be no enforcement; arguments must be made to our people in good faith, and the Nobility will retain the right to their freedom of conscience throughout." The man takes a deep breath, grounding himself after such an expenditure of air. "-Though we are assuredly not a republic."

Stage B: Party & Backroom

@JBarca

One of Eydis' eyebrows raise, and with it a rather uncomfortable-looking shelf of twisting keratin. "Then you demand only that which I have already stated you shall receive." She rises from her seat, strolling over to a wine rack beneath one of the chromatic windows and sliding a crimson vintage from its position with a contemplative frown. "...I had assumed that you would have read the dossier for yourself. My family does not drink tea, though I could order a pot to be brought up from the banquet." The Chancellor pours herself a glass, the faint odor easily recognizable to one so well-versed in blood. "Perhaps we may... review that recording in the meantime."

(I'm fine with fading to black here; DM me the records pls)

@volthawk

Hinrik shrugs casually. "I expect their sort to do as they have always done. Now I expect as much with greater certainty. It is always best to ensure that reality aligns with our expectations, wouldn't you agree?" He holds out his left hand, offering to shake on it.

Stage C: Afterparty

@EmBark

Pursing her lips and steeping her fingers, Hekla weighs each word of her response carefully. "Admittedly, I had grown weary of the day's activities, began to ponder the nature of expended time. I saw that you were tired as well and simply had a hunch as to why." Such implied calculation doesn't match the informally existentialist exasperation conveyed by her earlier tone, though the answer itself seems true enough. "We're here to extend our family's hospitality, I saw that you were alone, sought out a common trait from which to begin a conversation; merely the basic principles of being a good host."

[EmBark]

Stage C: Afterparty

@moossabi

Pako looks attentively at Hekla as she speaks. Almost studiously, a fairly neutral but thoughtful expression on his face.

"Perhaps your hunch was correct," he surmises, nodding a little. "If I may speak plainly... we are but two people with wants and needs of our own. I am a flightmaster who today has represented the Imperial Cult. You are a lady who today has represented your family. The day is over, and as much as you have grown weary of the day's activities and I am tired, perhaps we can for but a moment shed those burdens?"

He extends a hand, palm facing upwards.

"To start with, allow me to informally introduce myself to you, as I have so shamefully neglected. I am Pako Simar Guzu. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."