In the Land of the Prince.

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell clenches his fists and unclenches them several time, no doubt part of some anger management protocol. After 5 or 6 of these, he takes a deep breath and exhales slowly then says, "Thank you for taking the time to explain it again." He pauses and continues, "Forgive me, I but I have little patience for these games. Our time here is limited and it seems a waste to spend it alternately obfuscating and revealing everyone's true intentions."

Tinkerbell takes another deep breath and upon exhale lowers his head down so he is looking at the floor away from everyone's probing eyes and says, "Very well, lets get down to business."

[Nuada]

"Ahh the Arrow is direct. Unfortunately we live in a world populated with Crowns, Masks, Books and Thrones. That you will have to live with. I am afraid that I shll now leave you to your deliberations and conversation. This room is yours for as long as you want it. Please tell the Sentinal on duty when you leave, it is Pericles I believe." Vox stands to go but turns on one exquisite heel as she reaches the door. "I'll see you at Florians tomorrow for lunch, two o'clock. And Good Luck." She bows and leaves.

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support


"As always, Lady Herald, it has been a pleasure. Thank you for your guidance." He bows to her as she leaves, and he quietly shuts the door behind her. Letting out a long breathe he turns around faces the others, "Sorry 'bout that, gotta keep the mask on when the big-wigs are flapping their mouths." He chuckles softly as he moves back over to the drink cart.

"Phos, you can get back to work. No more people to play niceties to. Make sure that coding is finished by 9:13. We have a deadline to meet." He clinks to fresh pieces of ice into his cup as he pours the alcohol over it.

Slowly he turns around, "Well... looks like we got a few things to hammer out, no? Might as well get started." He walks over and takes his seat again, "We have three things on our agenda. First, organizing our Cabal. This includes naming it, setting up our internal infrastructure, and handling all of our internal systems. Second, we must organize ourselves, our contacts, and what resources we bring into the Cabal. Third, we need to set our goals for the Cabal.

"Don't let the Herald, or anybody from the Senior Council fool you... everyone wants to either see this project go up in flames, or come out on top. Meeting the Consillium's goals in one things, but unless we strap our own goals onto that... it's worthless for us." He cracks his knuckles as he pulls out a tablet laptop exactly like Phosphorous's and sets it on the tablet, as he opens it, he adds a secondary projector component onto the side of it, and displays what is on the screen on the far wall.

"Let's begin with step 1. The Cabal. We need a name, and an internal structure. This includes leadership, and departmentalizing."

[Wraithkin]

White Phosphorus - Keeper of Secrets

Sighing in relief, he leans down grabbing his hardened computer case and sets it on the table with a bit of exasperation. "Finally" can be heard escaping his lips as he pulls out the tablet, inverts it to look like a regular computer, snags a roll-out keyboard and flops it on the table. An optical trackball is set up next to the keyboard, and with the push of a single button, the screen flares to life. Sighing, a few minor gestures are made, and his eyes gleam faintly for a moment and he smiles as he looks down at the keyboard.

In moments, the tapping of Phos' fingers on the polymer keyboard forms a sort of background thrumming, where individual keystrokes cannot be distinguished. Even as he pounds the remaining fire liquid in his snifter in a single gulp, his fingers continue to scream across the keyboard. His fingers are a blur as he works on code that he has a very short time to complete.

Spoiler

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Using One Mind, Two Thoughts. removed the roll because for whatever reason, it doesn't like 6d10. I'll be rolling on the OOC page.

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

"Well, I took a cue from you, Flash, and told about myself and my skills. Of course, I'm the only one to do so as of yet. So far I know that you're good at making nice to the politicians, Phosphorous is good at typing and making chairs bigger, and Tinkerbell's good at looking uncomfortable... Oh, and Death magic." He sighs, realizing he's coming off as annoyed. He takes a deep breath. "I just think we should expand on our introductions is all. We are going to be working together, or in all likelyhood, hanging together."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support


Flash blinks and looks towards Chaeron, and then smiles, "Sorry, I tend to follow a pretty straight format... by-the-book coding was always a specialty." he coughs into his fist and looks over, "I'll speak for Phosphorous... as he hates social niceties, more then Bell's apparent distaste for lycanthropes. Aside from what I've already told you, I'm a computer specialist. Whether it's coding, web design, building, or software... I know it. I can hack any system shy of a government supercomputer, and even then... give me a little time and I'll make a noticeable crack before I have badges marching on my door."

He smirks, "Born and bred in Vah, I've had a computer in my hand since I was old enough to be introduced to them in primary. I've been walking the magical-scene for about 7 years now, and I'm rather heavy into the Consillium. I've assisted the Consillium in modernizing a lot of their infrastructure, and upgrading from the old ways of things, to the new. I'm made sizeable donations in keeping the orders up to date of technological advancements... and I'm one of the main administrative support staff for the computerization of the Consillium's monitoring capabilities.

"You were right, I'm very political. I was going to address most of this come Step 2 of our discussion here... but I suppose making this Step 1 is best... as it allows for a more comforting feel. I plan to someday sit on the Senior Council as the representative of the Mysterium... it's my goal in life, and one I've been working very soundly towards. I'm well known in the Consillium, and rather well liked, I hope." With that, Flash pushes a button and you watch as the projector screen displays a file on Flash. There are several areas with black marks concealing the information... but aside from that, you see confirmation of anything he has already said displayed on the outline of the file.

"Phosphorous is from Russia, though he came over to Vah in his early childhood. He holds the same affinity for modern technology as me, and together we've made sizable gains in our tour of the cyber-realms together. Phosphorous is currently working towards his Mastery of Matter Magics, where as I am focused on Space Magics. I dabble in a bit of Prime, most trying to learn how to enchant and imbue objects... though that's a bit of a ways off for me, whereas he focus's his extra power towards the Mind powers." Flash hits another button and it displays a file on Phosphorous... with several more blacked out areas then Flash's file. Hitting another button, they both erase from the projector and it's left on the same screen as before.

"Aside from the basics... we own a chain of gaming stores in several different countries. Mostly retailing in Comic Books and Fantasy-genre collectibles... it has been a key part of our expanding of the Supernal World into the modern world. After all, it's easier to look for the next Sleeper turned Mage, when you are looking at those who already have a thin veil between reality and the sleeping realms. We are rather busy men, and have several key projects that require a lot of coding work, and constant updating... along with our own personal studies and fixated research."

He lets out a soft breathe, "Was there anything else you'd like to know about us?"

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

Chaeron listens intently, and shakes his head smiling when Flash finishes "More than sufficient."

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell relaxes a bit, sitting up a bit straighter. When Chaeron's marginalizes Tinkerbell, Tinkerbell doesn't take it sitting down. In fact he stands up and lunges forward till he is right in front of Chaeron, looking down upon the man. Realizing he must look a bit like a grim reaper brings a slight smirk to Tinkerbell's face and disrupts the rash action Tinkerbell was going to take.

Tinkerbell allows his anger to fade a bit as Flash goes into his abilities and Tinkerbell is somewhat surprised by all the technology these mages choose to employ. Sure Tinkerbell used some of it in school and when working in his clinic, he hasn't even turned on a television in over a year, much less checked his old email accounts.

Tinkerbell's upper lip twitches once or twice and finally he turns his back on Chaeron and tries a more detailed explanation of himself...

"I'm from a county northwest of here. I moved into Anaxenev and setup my Sanctum late last year. Before my awakening I went to college for Veterinary Medicine and ran a clinic for a short time. As you might deduce, I've got a firm grasp on the basics of science and academics as would be required to graduate."

Tinkerbell pauses to take several deep breaths and walks over and seems to examine something on the wall while he continues, "I am but a disciple of death with lesser control over matter and spirit. I too know a little of the occult, mostly what I've learned since my awakening."

Tinkerbell turns, throwing off his hood and says, "I am obviously tall, but due to my lack manual dexterity, I have consistently failed to make the basketball team."

Obviously coming up short trying to sell himself, Tinkerbell finally adds, "I know the dead tongue, commonly known as High Speech, the language of magic."

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

Chaeron is reasonably startled by Tinkerbell. His eyes widen and he scrunches up in the chair, putting his hands up. "Hey now, man, sorry... No offense intended." When Tinkerbell turns away from him to speak, Chaeron slowly readjusts himself in his chair, frowning. When Tinkerbell finishes speaking "Well, I'm glad to meet a fellow practitioner of Death magics. I apologise for my remarks earlier, I really didn't mean to upset you. I'm not used to working with strangers."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support


Flash watches Tinkerbell's reaction with a calculating gaze, and listens intently as they speak, "I will warn both of you now, as I often do anyone I first meet. I have both audio and video recorders on my person... multiple recorders. I record all actions in a field around me... as such, I review all recordings at a later time, and keep a set video log of my life. Because of that, if you ever wish to speak to me privately, without being recorded, it will be prompt of you to ask me to censor my recordings as I go over them. All Consillium business, is of course, censored information."

He cracks his knuckles, "Like Tinkerbell, I am schooled in both the High Speech of Atlantean, and versed in the art of Rune-drawing. If either of you have Sanctums, as Tinkerbell obviously does... I would be more then happy to setup a Ward across the premises so that no one may divine on the area. However, that is Step 2."

He smiles, "I think we have come back around to Step 1, of the Cabal. Let us start simply with a name. Do either of you have any suggestions?"

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell raises an eyebrow at Flash's offer and says, "I appreciate the offer, but I, as I suspect you understand, am not willing to let you into my sanctum and allow you to just setup wards that I don't fully understand."

Tinkerbell scratches his chin as he says, "As to a name for the cabal... I am a bit at a loss. What are the other cabal's named? Must the name have significance of special meaning? Rather than waste away our lives trying to think of something catchy, why not simply use something more utilitarian? Anaxenev Cabal #4, or whatever."

Tinkerbell smirks slightly and then offers, "Well, we don't want something grandiose which might provoke the Guardians, perhaps something subdued and defeatist? 'The Lost Boys'?"

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

Chaeron smiles lightly "A good suggestion. We are of numerous walks of life, so my suggestion is 'The Variorum Project,' Variorum meaning 'Of Various People.'"

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support



Flash nods slightly at each of them as they make their suggestions, as he casually types on the roll-up keyboard displaying the three suggestions on the wall. He does take a moment to look towards Tinkerbell, "I understand your reasonings well enough... it was merely an offer to help you with your defenses. I'm sure as you come to know me more, and my magics, you might trust with the task. It's something I offer openly to both of you... which will be address in Step 2." He smiles wide, a good-natured jest to his ability to always bring things right back around to his step-by-step programs.

"I had a little time to draft up my own recommendations for our name... however, I can assure you Tinkerbell, our name won't be of any concern to the Guardians. Unless we plan on giving our name out to Sleeper's, of course. Though, the Consillium might take offense if we give ourselves a mocking name to the traditions of the Orders.

"As to my suggestions, and Phos's by extension, I would like to build upon Chaeron's. Your suggestion is fine, and I approve highly of it. It sounds nice, and carries a solid ground of power with it. As well, it sounds rather modern... and anything I can do or say, to make these robe-wearing spell-slingers see the light of the modern era, I'm completely for." He smiles and chuckles softly, "My suggestion on top of Chaeron's, is a representing symbol of our Cabal. For that, I would like to represent the Atlantean Rune for the Number 4. As there are four of us, and together we form the base foundation for everything that our cabal will become."

He hits a button and the rune pops up on the screen*, "Simply my suggestion..." He casually tosses his gaze over to Phosphorous before looking back to the other two without saying a word to his partner-in-crime, "Phosphorous agrees that it would be a good combination."


-----------


*- This is my depiction of the rune. Side note to that, this is the Nordic Rune for Mannaz, which represents the association and deployment of many people to accomplish goals. Thought it would be a funny little thing to add.

Spoiler

Show

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

"I'm pleased you like it." He's smiling as if he didn't expect it go over well. "Your suggestion for a sigil is perfect, in my opinion. I approve."

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell nods at the sigil gesturing with at it says, "That I like. Simple and not very revealing. Vox mentioned something about setting it in concrete. Do you think we are expected to produce a physical instance of this rune?"

Tinkerbell leans back as much as possible without breaking the chair and says, "I'm not so sure about the name, I'd have preferred something less ..." TInkerbell struggles for the right word eventually adding, "... less um.. latin, and maybe a little more comprehensible."

Tinkerbell shrugs and then adds, "But as I said earlier, 'Cabal number 4' would be acceptable, and so I would like to spend no more time I this."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support


"Let us come back to the specific name, for now allow us to simply let the Sigil represent us. We may come back to the name at the end of our meeting and vote on it. As to 'concrete', I am sure Vox was simply saying we needed to settle all of our internal affairs. Such as the saying of putting everything into stone, so it doesn't change.

"Now, onto the real meat and potatoes of the Cabal. Structure. Since there are four us... the best way to handle these affairs is a setup like the Senior Council. With all four of us, the main four, being the Senior Council of the Cabal. From there, we vote on any issue that affects us, or the Consillium. Anytime we vote, there must be a majority rule, which means 3 to 1 votes, to have something happen.

"This means that when we vote on subjects, there is a large chance we will tie. Because of this, we need a tie-breaker. Obviously it can't be anyone outside of the Cabal, and must be one of us. In the event of ties, instead of squabbling, bickering, and otherwise causing serious internal issues, the matter shall be turned to this person to decide our course of action."

Flash pauses to allow the others to soak up what he has said, and say whatever they might desire to on the subject.

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Meat and potatoes ... mmmm

Tinkerbell raises and eyebrow and then shakes his head slowly in disagreement, "You seem to be advocating a 'leader' or someone who would, in essence, get a second vote. I not believe that particular step is needed at this time." Using his left hand, Tinkerbell traces a scar on his right hand and then says, "If three of the four of us can not be convinced of the wisdom of an action, that action may not be as wise as its advocates might think."

After taking another deep breath, Tinkerbell asks, "I am willing to accept 3 to 1 decisions, but I would consider a 'tie' to be a failed vote. I would like to know what sort of actions one would need cabal approval on. We obviously do not want to meet and vote before every action. We must be free to do some things under our own authority. I would hope we can prepare dinner without the Cabal's oversight."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support


"I agree with your latter point... and that's something on the agenda. What we need to vote on, and what we need not vote on. Peppered points... really, but still something we must be willing to look at. As to what I think we should be voting on... mostly it would voting on when we place the Cabal in a situation, or when someone wants to say that they having the backing of our Cabal. We can't simply allow any of us, or anyone we know, to say that we are fully backing them on an issue, without first discussing it.

"That is the type of thing I refer to when we would need to vote on things. It's not as if I can simply waltz up a vampire coven, and go on and on about how I have the Consillium's full support and backing, without first discussing it with them. We don't want anyone bringing shame on us, without first setting the agenda.

"Phosphorous actually had the same lines of thought as you on the representation of a Leader, Tinkerbell. I honestly felt that a simple dependence of tie separating a point, is a degree of auxiliary that was simply wrong, and was harmful to a situation. However, that is what this discussion is about. Working out the kinks, and all."

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell just sits and looks at Flash for a good 30 seconds trying to figure out what he just said. Did he agree? Wait, no Phosphorous agrees. Okay, that's good. Does he disagree? I guess thats the only option left.

Tinkerbell shakes his head to clear the confusion and agrees with the part he understood, "I concur, we should consult with and acquire the cabal's approval before telling anyone we have the cabal's approval. I would take it a step further and suggest that one should consult the cabal before entering a Vampire coven, regardless of what they intend to say. Provoking the other, .. um.. residents of Anaxenev is something that should be carefully considered."

Tinkerbell then looks to Phosphorous and says, "I'm glad to hear you agree, but..." He turns and looks back to Flash adding, "I'm unsure of what your exact concern was."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support


Flash smiles slightly, "Hell, I will completely agree with you on that point. We shouldn't even be talking to any supernatural groups without Consillium approval. There is a truce, like the Herald stated, and despite any of our personal goals... our first loyalties are the Consillium, and it's progression.

"As to my concern? I am simply concerned that if we come to a point that any of us fill is high-priority, and it's simply shunted, not due to majority rule, but to a technicality, like a tie... it will cause issues. I am more then happy to lay down any thoughts about a tie-breaker member, as I'm not married to the idea... I just want to make sure my thoughts to it are stated, and everyone is aware of the concern."

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

"I agree with the concept of a tie-breaker. We may have important decisions to render, as we will be leading what may become an influential cabal full of young mages. We can't just allow no choice to be made on what could be an important decision, all for the reason of split opinions. However, I do not know any of you well enough to recommend anyone for that position. It seems to me that we might cycle the position among we four, perhaps monthly, at least until such point that one of us stands out to the others as qualified to hold the position longer."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium Flash


Flash nods slightly towards Chaeron for the support on the issue, "I can agree to the concept of cycling us each in the position, as we get to know eachother, and to allow each person to understand the weights that sit on the persons shoulder that must hold the position fulltime. Since there are four of us, it would be wise the for the first four months of our standing, one of us will hold the position each month. Then at the end of the four months, we will vote on who we believe should hold the position.

"For purposes of unbiased slotting of who gets what months... we should simply go alphabetically. With Chaeron this month, then myself, then Tinkerbell, and then Phosphorous. What are your thoughts Tinkerbell? Phosphorous is willing to give this four months to see if it pans out or not."

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell looks down at the floor for a while during Flash and Chaeron's comments, but once they've had their say he looks up adding, "Having a tie breaker amongst us seems to invite an abuse of power. Any issue so urgent and critical should be the sort of thing it would be easy to get a unanimous vote on, not the sort of thing you would have to worry about having a tie'."

Tinkerbell straightens his legs, stretching them and then adds, "It would seem we have our first disagreement. The question is, how do we resolve it, seeing as the disagreement is regarding how to resolve disagreements."

Looking back to Chaeron, Tinkerbell adds, "I am not opposed to resolving ties, just to having a single representative of this body have that power, even if it rotates. I think consolidation of power like that results in repression of discussion and does not encourage distribution of knowledge."

Tinkerbell clenches his fist and relaxs before adding, "Anyone sponsoring an issue before this body would need only convince the Tie Breaker and one other member and would need not even bother discussing the issue with the remaining two members. Perhaps something which spreads the power instead of consolidating it?"

"Upon a tie, if the sponsor of an issue feels that the issue is critical and that this body made the wrong decision, I would suggest that this body then bring in an outside tie breaker. Perhaps bringing it to a full vote of all cabal members, including lesser members, apprentices, and such."

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

Chaeron nods as Tinkerbell speaks, spreading his hands "Your concerns echo my own, friend. Your idea is truly the most democratic approach. A cabal-wide vote may serve our purposes. However, I must disagree with bringing in outside assistance in our decision-making. We've been given this amount of power to make decisions, and to allow anyone else to do it for us would be, I feel, betraying the amount of trust placed in us by the Concillium." He sighs "If only there were 5 of us. Forgive me, but my next suggestion is a bit based on my secondary arcanum." He digs in his pocket and pulls out a coin "If we mortals can not decide then perhaps we shall allow for Fate to do it for us? Not so official as a tie-breaker or a large vote, but there can be no question as to the outcome. Just so long as we are all careful that no magical influence be placed upon the coin-toss." He frowns as if he's not a huge fan of the idea.

[Wraithkin]

White Phosphorus - Keeper of Secrets

As the conversation progresses, Phos looks up at his friend and his typing halts. Something has definitely drawn his attention. "A rotation of authority will only create moments of personal agenda accomplishment, even though it may only be on a subconscious level. Instead of authority rotation, we have exclusion rotation. This way there will always be three voting seats, only no imbalance of power will be present. The fourth member will be able to present arguments and data that will support their position, but no actual vote-bearing authority will be there. This is the only viable solution I see so at all times there is an equal balance of authority." He speaks quietly still, no emotion sitting within his voice. His lips barely move, and his hands never leave the keyboard.

Comments said, he stands as he grabs his snifter. Draining the last of the fire liquid in it, he walks to the cart and refreshes his drink. Walking back to his chair, he sits back down and resumes working on the computer. "I anticipate forty-three minutes until completion on the last matrix. Compilation is expected to run eighteen minutes and forty-five seconds." He mutters almost idly as background thrumming of his typing nearly drowns out his voice.

[Forgotten T.S.]

Cortex Flash - Consillium IT Support



Flash lifts his hand and rubs his jawline, contemplating all that was being said as he looked towards Phosphorous. Shaking his head he smirks, "Good timing. I finished the other two last night, you'll find them on the eighth redundancy drive, password is Matchstick. One word, capital m." He looks back to the others, "I am highly opposed to the thought of an outsider being used as a tiebreaker, as is Phosphorous. I do like the idea of using the subordinates of the Cabal to cast a popularity vote in with our own. As to only using three people, I don't believe that is feasible. It will of course allow for an odd-number vote, which is good for progression... but it is out of line, for peoples thoughts and feelings. We are all equal, and to exclude one of us our rightful vote... well, I don't need to say what happens to people when they allow their darker thoughts to take control.

"As of right now, it's moot considering that we are the only ones part of the group... however it warrants documenting for when we do have under-followers.

"How about this? In the event of a tie, if two or more members decide that issue must be given more consideration then it was before... then they may call for a secondary vote after supplying their own reasons behind it. If at the time, the other two members still feel that it is not good enough to sway their votes... then the issue is put to rest. Then, as we gain more people into our group... we will create a voting slot as an invisible fifth chair to the circle of four, that we represent. The fifth chair, will be a group vote from everyone in the cabal, with majority deciding the sway. That way we won't need a tie-breaker out of the cabal itself, and it will appease our subordinates, when we have them, that their opinions and thoughts hold representation to us. A literal proof, if you will.

"How does that sound? Bell's idea is rather sound in that regard."

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

Chaeron has taken to flipping and catching his coin, seemingly interested by the results, still paying attention however. "I am in concurrence with Flash on his latest proposal. It not only gives us time to re-evaluate an issue, but will also, as he said, make our subordinates feel as a part of the decision making process, from time to time. After all," he smiles, catching his coin. Heads. "If we are to take this conversation into account, then we may need the votes of our cabal as a whole more often than we might anticipate."

[Wraithkin]

White Phosphorus - Keeper of Secrets

Nodding, he continues working without a hiccup in movement. While typing, he glances at Flash and then looks back to his screen.

[lawful_evil]

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell nods and smiles when the idea of a rotating absence is proposed. Yes, excellent However, after the others speak, he agrees with them, "I concur that a rotating absent member would serve to marginalize them, even if it might allow for them to squeeze in some much needed research."

Eventually Tinkerbell comes to understand the convoluted speech of Flash and also agrees with his version of Tinkerbell's own idea. "Yes, a delayed vote, with the secondary vote allowing the for the fifth chair. Let us hope that when our cabal grows we will have an odd number of members." Either that or a number of odd member...

Tinkerbell sits up straight again and asks another question, to move the discussion along, "What will happen should one of us be absent due to injury, illness, or any of the other unexpected things that can happen? Will two of the three votes result in a tie or would that result in passage? Or perhaps we will fail decide that we don't have a quorum in that case?"

[Premsyl]

Chaeron

Chaeron contemplates this a moment. "Perhaps a representative from the general cabal, elected by the cabal." He pockets his coin, tapping his chin with a finger, absent-mindedly smelling the hand that held the coin. Metallic. "Though we should hold elections only in the case of absence. Were we to make a constant office of that position then we may find a 5th member on our council."