Consilium Meeting

Kai had been having trouble staying focused, seeing the new Guardian,
Snowball's chance he though to himself, and managed to stay off in a daze until his name was announced as Sentinel.
Excuse me what? Kai stood to be acknowledged. He would have to read up on what his new duties were, as soon as he found out how he had inherited them in the first place.

Undrichmann took his seat at the Arrows table, obviously not terribly happy about his new calling ,but not really upset either. He would be hunting for Cartright's killer, and the clues were already beginning to add up on who it could be.

Vex looked around and decided to introduce herself to the newest addition to the Sacramento Guardians. "My, Sacramento's Guardians are really getting a facelift. And it's about time to. I'm Vex, and you are?" Introducing herself to Ekko.

Fiddler sat and listened, while enjoying the champagne. wish I could have something stronger he thought, but he didn't want to break the protocol of the meeting.

He relinquished his spells reluctantly, and the absence of his shields made him uncomfortable. He replaced these feelings with more drink, and continued to sit in relative silence. interesting appointments he thought, and he focused on remembering names and faces that he hadn't already met.

Andrade spoke again. "The first formal act of this Consilium is the disposition of Niles Plotski, confirmed Cultist of the Doomsday Clock," she said turning to Zilker.

"Niles Plotski has been found guilty, and judgment has been passed: The Mage known as Niles Plotski is to rejoin the Fallen World as a Sleeper, and have all supernal ability excised. His link to Stygia will be severed, and his name stricken from the Watchtower of the Lead Coin. If anyone has any business with Niles," Zilker said, "please see me. After the excision, his memories will be altered and he will return to the Fallen Lie as a true Sleeper."

Many looked uncomfortable at the pronouncement, and some faces showed surprise that this was even possible. Niles Plotski would lose the ability to summon magic forever. Tyria Primoria looked as if she wanted to cry at the thought of such destruction. West shifted uncomfortably at an Awakened subjected to the Lie once more.

Nodding, Andrade continued. "The next order of business is cabals. This Consilium formally recognizes three: the 9 Link Chain, the Neidan, and the Whispers of Nyx. Do any wish to declare the formation of a new cabal to be recognized?

Theo was stunned by the sentence passed on Niles. He hadn't even known such a thing was possible and it chilled him to know the Consilium would condem someone like that. It seemed to him that with any crime worthy of such punishment (and he doubted any truely existed) it would be better if the criminal were killed. Indeed death seemed almost better. If not for preserving the sanctity of the soul, then for the pratical reason of making sure they would not be a threat. Perhaps most disturbing of all, it set a presedent.

Kai looks at Joshua.
"That was...unexpected, and judging by your face, seems you think so to." It was very unexpected, at least formally. All the stuff he had done was a shoot from the hip "OK go here, kill these people, go there, find out why these people died." Bah. Now he would be the enforcer of the Lex Magica. Kinda like being internal affairs strong arm. Kai figured he would just get used to a solo path.

Vex shook Ekko's hand. "It will be lovely working with proper Guardians again. Now maybe we can get back to our original missions. The new leadership is much better on the eyes as well."

Kai looked at Joshua and his voice lowered to a whisper "Maybe, but it I'm sure Undrichmann pulled some strings to help us get this. He's being pushed out you see, you can read it on his face. I think he pushed to keep a strong arrow presence here." What's she pointing over here for? Talking to Vex no less. Damn. There goes my 1 in a million.
"Keep your chin up. Hopefully mages will be on their best behavior and this will mean nothing more than a title of respect" Kai chuckled. Fat chance.



Vex

"Talk about all business. Those two are Arrows. I don't know much about Joshua, though I might make an effort" she says sizing him up, "the other is Kai, and I don't think he likes me much. He apparently has a distaste for Guardians. As for working with them, they are sentinels. If they show up, it means you've ignored the Lex Magica, and if you're working with them on something like that, then it means you are probably helping them enforce the law on someone close to you."

After a long silence, with a bemused look, Andrade continued. "Well, then, with that, I shall conclude the first Consilium of Sacramento. All Mages here are recognized by the Consilium; any not present will be assumed to be Banishers, Seers, or rogues. Please enjoy your meals, and rumor has it that Jammer is throwing a party later," she finished with a smile.

Leaning over, she whispered to Zilker, "With so many singles running around for the Banishers, I suppose nature will take it's course."

Standing, she walked over to John Dee and nodded. A Portal sliced open, and she stepped through.

John closed the Portal and sat down. Zilker nodded to Ekko, who opened the doors to let the waiters in.

The formal portion of the Consilium was over.

(( This thread will remain open for posting/socializing until Friday, which should allow other in-progress threads to wrap up. Reminder: Any *new* thread that starts assumes *this* thread has fully happened. ))

Zilker carried his plate over to sit with the other Whispers as Ekko returned to her seat.

Seeing this, West jumped up and did the same --joining the Neidan--, with look of relief.

Tyria, with a slight look of exasperation at the two men, followed suit but left her meal on the table. She sat with Ruby, Phrymides, and the other Mystagogues.

John Dee continued to sit at the long row with only Captain for company while he ate and watched the gathering.

Ollie is taken aback at the sentence passed on the mage cultist. He wonders if they could actually do that before he realizes that in a room full of mages that the question was more along the lines of what couldn't they do? Ollie couldn't imagine going back, and it had only been a little over a year since he'd awakened.

Ollie looks around when the cabals issue comes up. He hadn't given much thought to it before, it had never seemed that important. Maybe he'd keep hanging out with Rip and Doc, did that count?

After the talking ended he sat there nibbling at a piece of bread, wondering what will happen next.

Kai nods at Ankh "I guess everyone has their own reasons, but mine is for no other reason than I'm not terribly social. I don't think anyone will begrudge you introducing yourself, especially with your new title. Congratulations by the way. I think they chose well, though you may go through a few growing pains first."

Vex

"Oh no dear. Theres a whole world of mages waiting to meet you" you can't tell whether shes being facetious or not. "Besides, we have to be just as social as anyone of the Mysetrium if we are going to keep our fingers on the pulse of Sacramento"

Fiddler thought about mentioning his cabal, but at this point, it was really more of a partnership, what with the catastrophe they had suffered after only 2 days of existing.

He watched as the group started to mingle, thinking, maybe this won't be such a bad party after all... I could use some relaxing after all that bloodshed. He finished his glass.

Turning towards Animus, Fiddler said, "I guess we should try to shore up our cabal before trying to get recognized." He looked around the room before adding, "Shall we have a go at it now?"

Animus thinks for a moment. "Joshua and Zero are the only two others I really know at this point. Maybe we should start by asking them?"

Apotheosis order's a seafood paella. He eats methodically, first the clams, then the mussles, then scampi, cuttle fish, rice and finishing off with the shrimp. While he makes several comments on its spicyness, those who can smell the dish don't think it smells that hot. He doesn't talk too much while finishing off his meal, devoting his time to enjoying the meal, rather than to conversation.

Kai stands up and as Ekko introduces herself and bows then extends his hand out
"Welcome to Sacramento. I'm Kai."

Is that really the best you could come up with? Keep smiling. You certainly have nothing else going. Besides, if she was paying attention, she already knows your name dumbass

"We certainly have high hopes for what the new people of the Guardians bring to the table"

Kai looks at the newcomer to the table and talks to Ekko
"Well, this is Phrymides. West and Ankh are my Cabal mates, and Joshua is a fairly new Arrow here in town, and already making waves. If you would like, I could introduce you to the people I know or know of. I need to meet the others myself"
Kai looked at his food remaining. It was pretty good, but he could go for chinese takeout later anyway.

Vex

Vex watched over the room paying particular attention to what was happening at the Arrow table.
I guess its just me they don't like. Now that Niles is gone, this just certainly won't do
She stands up and heads over to Tyria. "So how have you been lately. You don't call, write, or text. Business is that busy these days?"

Animus notices Zero slip away, wondering if he had just given his answer. He walks over to Joshua, slightly nervous about the number of other people who seem to be gathering at that table.

"Congratulations on your new title, Joshua."

Ollie puts on a charming smile, nodding back at Gwen. "Yeah, crazy shit. All serious and that. I've never really been to a.. uhh.. meeting like this, I guess. Seems like it might be really important for some folks. Glad the official part's over, though. I'm Ollie."

Finishing his meal, Theo considers Tyria's question. After some thought he answers. "I can't speak of the politcal appointments. Not enough information for a proper understanding of why they were made. They did seem to cause some suprise, especially for those called.
"I can't say I agree with the punishment given but again I'm ignorant of the circumstances. Still it seems very heavy handed."
Pausing for a second he goes on. "The announcment itself could be political in nature. A thought to be put into the minds of local mages, while at them same time getting rid of an enemy to the Awakened community. If the Consilium is capable of carrying out such a sentence it would serve to deter the undermining of its power and be a motivation to be on its good side. Even if they don't use it at all after this case, the threat of such a punishment would still be in the back of minds.
"That along with the recognition of cabals seem to be working towards the goal of consolidating power and an effort towards getting a better organization of the community."
Taking a small sip from a glass of beer he continues. "But I don't feel I know enough to trust even vague speculations. More information is needed."

"Yea Ollie, cool. Call me Gwenny, everybody calls me that... everybody that doesn't use the B word anyway."

Seeing an opportunity Bourbon begins to tell the story of how Gwenivelle got picked up by the Guardians, much to her embarrassment.

"They weren't even decent shirts," she exclaims.

"I know!" Jimmy guffaws, "she thought her Jedi mind trick was so smooth too! Until they call security, and she tries to Vulgar her way out of there."

"Ugh... when the paradox hit I started hearing voices! Dolly Parton kept telling me to invest in aggregate steel for like two days."


"Oh, no I'm sorry about that! You just surprised me a little, that's all." Phrymides sees the hand... and doesn't skip a beat. "I'm sure the city will be much safer with you all on the job!" She turns to extend congratulations to Kai as smoothly as she can. "And you must be Kai. It's nice to meet our senior Sentinel. I'm Phrymides."

Fiddler nodded to Animus, but rather than follow him to the crowd of people congratulating Joshua, he decided to grab a drink first. He gave Animus a wave, and departed to find something with a little punch to it, always makes a gathering like this better... he thought.

Ollie listens to Gwen's story, a grin spreading across his face as the story goes on. At the end he laughs.

"Aw geez, that sucks! I think if I had a country singer giving me financial advice in my head I'd go batshit. You coming to Jammer's party later, Gwenny?"

Gwenny scoffs."Shit, young Padawan, I am the party. Heh, you'll be surprised, a lot of these people are more fun than they seem."
Jammer's question takes her by surprise a little. "I dunno really. After I got lifted they put my dumb ass under house arrest. I started asking questions, shit about paradox and where this stuff comes from, the shit no one told us at first. And the answers just made sense. Make no mistake, the Council rocks pretty hard most of the time, but their new age science stuff never made sense to me. Gimme a Cauldron and a broomstick bitches! That's how I roll." She rocks the shocker for emphasis, but down low just in case the big cheeses are watching.
"Almost forgot, Jammer you want me to grab some cups and drinks for later? And I could use an extra pair of hands Ollie, you game?"

Bourbon busts a broad-ass grin and starts getting into the beat of Jammer's music, most of the other Apostates start having some fun too and the table's volume starts to rise.
Only one seems not to be enjoying herself, she sits fuming as she throws disgusted looks at Gwenivelle.

The Apostates introduce themselves to Zero, and collectively try to deduce his music tastes.

Kai turns to Phrymides "Thank you. I should hope that the title will never mean anything. But we know how things like that seem to be going these days."

He turns back to Ekko and leads her to the table with Jammer.
"Ekko, this is Jammer. His club already is quickly becoming the apostate contact point and safehouse. He will be invaluable in helping us protect the Apostates from the banisher threat. This" he turns to Gwen " is Gwen. I just met her last night. Congrats on your new title Gwen." Kai turns to Zero "I don't think we've met before. I'm Kai of the Arrows, and this is Ekko of the Guardians."

Vex

She had suspected a quick dismissal from Tyria. It would take a while before she could even begin talking to the other established pentacle mages again. She made her way over to Captain. She had never even heard of him before and here he was already a councilor.
"Hello Captain. I don't think I've ever met you before, and yet here you are councilor of the Free Council. Apparently good looks are a prerequisite to obtain these positions."

Ruby makes pleasant small talk with the surprisingly quiet Dee. The arrival of Lucrecia Vex interrupts them though. Ruby doesn't know much about Vex beyond her reputation, which is admittedly not very flattering. "Miss Vex," she offers in respectful greeting.

The awful ruckus coming from the Apostate table grows increasingly maddening. The worst part is the music. "You wouldn't mind if I tuned out a little bit of this ruckus, would you?" She asks politely while she prepares a quick Control Sound spell to shield this side of the room from poor taste.



Phrymides feels a little put out at her reception by the Arrows. They're so disciplined, she decides in growing admiration. She's also a bit disappointed that she wasn't recognized as Herald. Tyria had seemed to be hinting she was the front running candidate. She returns to the Mystagogue table as the newer arrivals seem a bit lost and Tyria can be intimidating at first. "Hello Mr. Porter. What did you think of Sacramento so far?"



Kai's arrival precipitates a stunned silence among the Apostates. At first it's almost as if he did something wrong, but then they all break out in a chorus of excited voices.

"Holy shit! You're one of the Neidan, right?"
"The Addy A. guys!"
"Oh my God, I saw you guys at the Block Party, you straight dropped one of those Banisher fuckheads!"
"Stone COLD."
"It was the craziest thing I've seen since the last 'Die Hard'"

Kai can barely get a word in edgewise.

Gwenny grins with embarrassment at Ekko. "Hey, I'm sorry I didn't meet you earlier. I didn't realize you're with the Whispers. If you can pull this guy away from my friends, tell him thanks. Him and the others? They really saved our asses putting the Banishers in their place. Oh yea, you absolutely have to come to the party after this, I need someone cool in the Nyx to hang with or I'll go crazy."

Ollie's begun nodding his head, drumming his fingers to the music.

"Yeah, I'm game. Just let me know when you're ready to go so I can grab my ride from the front desk."

Kai looks a little uncomfortable that it's gotten around that he was in the Banisher fight at Sac U. He scratches the back of his head nervously and looks down.
At least the disguise got past the sleeper world

Vex

Vex looks at Ruby "Not at all dear. Certainly not my taste." She shot a glance over at the Apostate table. Jammer was certainly going to prove useful. "How have things been amongst the Mystagogues?"
I would tell you how things have been going amongst my little circle of friends, but thats just been made public knowledge

"I think you mean third and fourth generation but maybe there was a verse I had missed." Theo stopped short, he hadn't meant to blurt that out. He must seem like a little know it all. He had hoped to avoid that. More self control would be needed in the future but he might as well finish what he started. Addressing Tyria's question "The proper biblical reply would be "so long as they repent not, and hate, saith the Lord" and in a way I agree, in that the son's accountablility hinges on his own actions and desicions, not his father's. But it's the manner of wrath and punishment I'm concerned about, not who bears responsibility. To take away enlightment, even the enlightment of an evil person... to me it is nothing less than the destruction of a very essential part of who that person is. I see it as the death of a soul. Can any honestly say they can pass such a sentence with fairness? Can they say with absolute certainty it is the right thing to do? I don't think anyone could"
Theo pauses then he goes on "As I said before, I don't have a real grasp of the situation but I can't think of anything that would merit such a thing. Death, to me is preferable.
"Just what is the cult of the doomsday clock? Maybe if I knew more, it might help."