Family Circle log, 5/27

[leticia]

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay. In last week's episode, you were all hanging out in the council chamber, snacking and waiting for the meeting. Green Cove had an ...odd occurrence, and, we're going to pick up just before the meeting actually starts. Cool?"

The audience benches continue to fill. It doesn't fill evenly; the first three or so rows remain mostly empty as the middle section fills quickly; the back is slowly scattered. There's a definite gradient - people wearing better clothes sit closer to the front. Those standing - or sitting on the floor - in the very back, along the wall, look like little more than beggars - most of them crippled in some way. The front few rows finally fill up rapidly as Zahen's servants gather the remains of the refreshments back into the baskets, one taking them to sit in the benches, and the other taking up a position behind Zahen's chair.

Soon, the first of the other councillors arrives. "Buer, you idiot!" A man whose rich clothing marks him most likely as one of the oligarchs who serve on the council has stormed into the room, trailed by a servant. "What have you done?" His eyes flick between the Solars present at the end of the table and he hesitates, but draws himself up and continues. "Did you forget you are a junior member of this body? You have and had no authority to..." He splutters and points a finger at Zahen threateningly. "I am going to move for you to be censured. You have no idea what you have done, you fool." He stalks towards the other end of the table and takes a seat, shadowed by his servant, who stands behind him.

Once finished with his recital of the daring fight against the devious Ten Winds, which would have been more interesting if Yoru was skilled at such things, Yoru goes back to sipping wine and waiting for this shindig to get underway.

Shai takes her seat without protest, adjusting bow and quiver to hang comfortably, and watches the seats fill. At the councillor's appearance, she arches a pale eyebrow, and keeps a particular eye on that man.

Yasutora tilts the massive golden helmet of the Unyielding Bastion towards this newcomer, staring at him from behind the visor.

Yoru glances at the man who is angry with his host and then glances at Zahen to see how the man is taking this.

Green Cove scritches Floating Leaf behind the ears, nibbles at her rescued plate of snacks, and largely ignores the shouting people below. Talk, talk, talk. Not really her thing.

Allen leans back in his chair to make a better lap for his cat to settle on, and watches the angry councilman with a bland expression on his face. It's not a surprise that there's someone who isn't a fan of them, of course.

Zahen Buer looks unperturbed by the outburst. "I assure you, Malit, I have not and will not exceed my authority." He turns a cold smile on his apparent rival. "Mind, I expect that authority to be growing. But that's not a matter for the council." He glances over at the audience - now full, even though only two of the councillors, including Zahen, have arrived, and raises his voice. "Malit Dyn protests this," he says clearly, gesturing at the captured barbarian. "Remember that, friends." If anything, Zahen seems pleased by the opposition.

<<OOC>> Shai ponders, zonedly. "Will the ST kill Shai if she breaks out Mastery of Small Manners again? I'm not entirely sure if she wants to yet, but vaguely leaning toward it, 'cause scenelong yay." [laughs]

Yasutora places his helm's chin in the palm of one hand and looks over at Dyn. "Who is it that opposes a just and equitable peace?" he rumbles curiously.

The so-named councillor snorts, his mutter of, "Stupid puppy," as he glares at Zahen clearly audible . He, in turn, doesn't seem overly concerned by Zahen's appeal to the crowd - though Yasutora makes him notably more nervous. He leans back in his seat and carefully ignores the Circle and their host as the rest of the councillors arrive. None of them have the same kind of outburst, though there are some dirty looks thrown Zahen's way - not by everyone, but by some. Others are, frankly, grinning. The assembled council is about half male, half female. All of them are finely dressed, most of them a little plump, and almost all of them older than Zahen seems to be.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay. So activating Mastery, Shai?"

<<OOC>> Shai nods.

Yoru will smile at some of the female council members and offer one of them a silent toast as he sits idly waiting for this matter to proceed further. He doesn't seem too surprised at the status of their employer, or concerned really. He does hope they will be speaking in a tongue he understands for the trial however. Translation slows things down so.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Everyone's speaking Rivertongue so far."

<<OOC>> Yoru says "So far :)"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay. There's a lot of subtext in the relationships at the main table - trust, respect, disdain, distrust - some of it obvious, some of it badly hidden - and who knows what that is well enough hidden not to be picked up. It goes every which way, and given the fact that these all seem to be experienced politicians, the readings from Mastery of Small Manners may only be what they INTEND to be projecting."

<<OOC>> Shai says "Heeeeh. [nods] Is there anything interesting about councilor relationships to us? (I.e., "intends to throw at the Wyld Hunt ASAP", that sort of thing?)"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Nothing you can pick up, as such, though there's both apparently a fair amount of caution."

Yasutora watches the counselor make his way to his seat, remaining silent himself as he waits for the trial to begin.

<<OOC>> Shai nods.

Shai takes mental notes, and watches quietly, hands folded in her lap.

You paged Shai with 'Yeah, that's sort of what I was thinking.'.

From afar, Shai nods. "If you want to call the effect Instant rather than Scenelong for this session, I don't mind? Was scenelong last time, but we didn't catch it then, and I probably _will_ just swap if you're okay with it." [grins]

A woman sitting towards the center of the table says, "Very well. It seems we're all here. And... guests," she adds, with a polite, highly controlled nod towards the Solars, her expression pleasant but neutral. "Since you called the emergency session, Buer, procedure says we start with your business - though I suspect we've all heard it by now anyhow." She gestures towards your host, and more formally states, "The emergency meeting called this date by Zahen Buer begins; I call Zahen Buer to discuss the business he brings the council."

Zahen stands up, the servant behind him pulling back the chair as he does. "I have called this meeting for two reasons. The first is to judge a non-citizen who has committed crimes against our constituents. The second is to discuss the situation with the barbarian problem at large and reappraise our response." He gestures to Ten River Wind. "I accuse this barbarian of leading senseless attacks on citizens." He nods to the woman and takes his seat again.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay, I feel like skimming talking heads. :p"

<<OOC>> Leti says "You're going to be all asked to say what you know about Ten River Wind's crimes. Would you like to pose your various statements?"

Shai glances around at the rest of the Circle when they're called to speak; since nobody else jumps forward, she rises, clasping her hands behind her. Her voice is calm and matter-of-fact as she explains the situation: that the barbarian known as Ten River Wind persuaded members of his tribe to go rogue -- the emphasis on 'rogue' is subtle, but present -- and to commit unsanctioned kidnappings and other crimes; the tribe itself has given its claim on his judgment over to the Circle and the city.

<<OOC>> Shai glosses, because, er, she doesn't _remember_ all the specifics. >_>; "But basically covering the high points without implying that the _whole_ tribe is to be blamed. 'Zat work?"

After the Solars, represented by Shai, have spoken their bit (as the clearly most important witnesses, if not the most first-hand), some of the formerly-captured citizens come up and speak. They are much more... in depth, about Ten River Wind's crimes against them and others. Some of them are are still frightened of him, it is clear, and he does - though silent and not doing anything overt to annoy Yasutora (or worse, Green Cove and her tiger, or the Dawn who brought him low so quickly, or Yoru) - give them glares that make some of them stammer and give up the attempt. The testimony is nonetheless delivered.

<<OOC>> Yoru chuckles. Only one he isn't scared of is Shai.

<<OOC>> Shai laughs. I love how Shai's not on that list. (Yet! Memo to self, compose Archery combos someday when you don't need the XP for Essence.) --[nods!]

<<OOC>> Leti says "...She hasn't threatened him personally! : p"

The crowd mutters more and more as the testimonies are delivered, though the councillors ignore them. Finally, the woman leading the meeting sighs. "Very well. Does anyone have reason to question the verity of the witnesses?" She doesn't seem inclined to invite Ten River Winds to give his viewpoint. When no one speaks up, she asks, "Is there any other information the council should consider?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "And barring someone saying they have to, this'd be the time for Yasutora to interrupt. :p"

When it is appropriate, Yasutora will stand up and await being recognized. This will, more than likely, not take very long. Regardless of the accusations and grievances laid against Ten River Wind, and though he himself will confirm that the barbarian is responsible for the terror laid upon the village, the huge Zenith will implore them to mercy. "His choices have made him a cancer, spreading not only death, but his disease as well-- brutality." The huge youth turns slightly to regard the barbarian, then back to the council. "Yet, for all of that, he remains a human, though altered by the Essence within him. A cancer cannot think, only spread and destroy; a man can change. I beg of you, do not let the disease within him and the harm he has done spread to this counsel. I would request that you put him in my care and tutelage, so that I may work to bring him towards a state of being where he may make full recompense for his crimes; they would take more than a mortal lifetime to do so, but if it is possible, I will insure that he -does- spend more than a mortal lifetime so repenting." Yasutora's immense smashfist clenches. "And, should he prove intractable, I will pursue him to the Wyld and beyond to insure that he -pays- for his crimes, one way or another."

Allen blinks at Yasutora's words, then slowly lowers his face into one hand.

Shai's eyebrows twitch up at Yasutora's speech, and she leans forward slightly (having returned to her seat after giving her summary), gaze skimming from the rest of the Circle to Ten River Wind to the councillors.

The council seems taken aback by Yasutora's little speech. (If PCs want to argue with him, or offer a dissenting point of view now would be a good time.)

<<OOC>> Shai says "Shai's not going to; she thinks it'd be better saved for private. (She's also not going to interrupt any PCs who do argue, though. [grins])"

Yoru's barely keeps his jaw from dropping as he stares at the Zenith. Quietly in Flametongue he leans in towards the golden one and hisses, "Do you think that is wise? You heard his views? No doubt he will try to get us killed at the first opportunity and many after that!" From the sound of things, Yoru doesn't think he will succeed but it would be an annoyance.

<<OOC>> Yoru rebels and argues in public!

Yasutora turns to Yoru and quietly responds in the same language, "I can -- we can-- handle him, especially if he is bound by oaths from Shai." Softly, he continues, "Enough have died for him; death gains us nothing-- if he lives, he may save others. If he is false, he can be killed later."

Green Cove makes a small, sad face at her plate. It's empty. It's unlikely that anyone will come fill it so long as people are talking. Sad!

Yoru is silent for a moment and then nods. Continuing in the same language he agrees, "As long as you realize he may never repent and have to pay then I will not argue."

Shai glances sidelong at Yoru, then refocuses on the Council; she sits up straighter, crossing one leg over the other, and emoting calm serenity. While kicking her brain into running bilingually; it's been awhile since she last used Flametongue... She murmurs in Flametongue, lips not moving much, "Have to talk details later, if they go for it, Yasutora." Then repeats it in Old Realm, just as quietly -- though without his name mentioned that time, since it's just being translated for the other two.

Yasutora bows his head to Yoru and replies in Flametongue, "Should it be necessary..." He flexes his hand out, and then brings the Shield of the Righteous closed swiftly with a loud combination of CRUNCH and CLANG. "I will deal with the problem myself."

Yoru settles back down and waits to hear what the council will say on matters.

The council is still a bit taken aback - so's Zahen, who peers at Yasutora, baffled, then hides it and shrugs. A man near the other end of the table stands up, waits to be recognized by the leader, and then gives a little statement which basically comes out to - in political!speak, not directly - "Let's not piss off the Solars, please. I don't want my home razed." Very politely. Never, ever implying that these people would do such a thing. Just... you know. Some of the councillors - like Malit Dyn - give him a bit of a deathglare, but no one stands up to argue.

<<OOC>> Yasutora ;_; He doesn't want to hurt -anyone-. That's the POINT. ;_;

<<OOC>> Shai _snickers_. (Nono, if you're worried about razed homes, it's the _other_ parts of the party you have to not piss off--exactly!)

<<OOC>> Yasutora is a good giant! ;_;

Shai's lips twitch slightly as she translates, but she doesn't comment.

Yasutora returns to his seat to await the council's judgment.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Yes, but no one argued in Rivertongue, so for all they know, you're all of one mind on the matter. :p"

Green Cove idly wonders how hard it would be to raze a house. Really, there are all those stones to deal with, and heavy lumber, and nails... wouldn't it just be easier to kill all the people you didn't want having a house anymore?

<<OOC>> Shai _giggles_ at Cove.

<<OOC>> Yasutora -_-;;

<<OOC>> Green Cove is of a practical mindset.

<<OOC>> Leti says "To raze a house: Point Yasutora at it and get him to walk through... :p"

<<OOC>> Shai hee!

<<OOC>> Yasutora ;____;

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Naw, just tell him someone is trapped inside."

<<OOC>> Shai _laughs_.

<<OOC>> Leti snrrrrk.

When the council's head has determined that no one else has anything to say, she nods, and addresses her fellow councillors. "Very well. The verdict; speak now if you favor an innocent verdict." There is dead silence in the room, except for one hacking laugh out of turn from one of the former prisoners. She continues, "Under our law, a non-citizen guilty of the murder or kidnapping of a citizen is usually subject to execution, though exile is not an unheard of punishment in some cases. Given the importance of this trial, we will take a secret vote, so that each may vote their conscience." She doesn't glance at the Solars, though she does glance at the man who suggested just giving the Solars what they wanted please. "The options are death, exile, or - an unusual option we have been granted - remanding him into the custody of our noble visitors." She nods to a her servant; slips of paper are distributed, marked by the councillors, and, in a moment, collected and returned to the woman.

Yasutora bows his head in thanks to the councilor for considering his request.

Shai tilts her head slightly at 'secret vote', registering why that choice, and waits quietly for the verdict.

Green Cove returns her attention to the people in the room, on the off chance that they're going to be voting for the first option.

Yoru impassively sips what is left of his wine. He has said what he wanted to say.

Allen waits, scratching under Tim Campi's chin, waiting to see exactly how much nerve the secret voting permits the councilors to work up.

<<OOC>> Leti says "...okay. I think what I'm going to do here is making Brian roll Charisma+Presence for his speech; since there were no opposing speeches from the party, I'll just set a difficulty of... Mmm. 3. Two die stunt."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Okay. Expending a Willpower to add my Compassion (3) to the roll, if I may?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "...I suppose that's an appropriate use."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Yeah."

<<OOC>> Shai hee.

<<DICE>> Yasutora rolls 11 dice: <1 3 3 3 5 5 6 6 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Yasutora looks at the dice.

When the results are tabulated, there is not one vote for exile; death gets a significant portion of the votes, but doesn't quite keep up with "Give the Solars what they want and hope they don't break anything." I mean, 'hand him over to the Zenith', of course. The woman announces the results in a clear voice, and invites a recount if anyone questions.

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "During the deliberations, Yasutora would have quietly asked Shai if she minded binding Ten River Wind to multiple oaths."

<<OOC>> Green Cove heehee.

Yoru remains as he is and doesn't seem happy or upset at the outcome of the trial.

Yasutora smiles broadly and bows his head gratefully to the Councillors. "My thanks to you all, and may the blessings of the Unconquered Sun be upon your town."

Green Cove hopes for post-trial refreshments.

<<OOC>> Shai says "Shai won't protest; and would tell Yasutora that it's less that she minds and more that it'd take awhile between oaths, but suggest discussing in depth in private?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay, then. The second part of the meeting starts with acrimony; as soon as the issue of the situation with the barbarians as a whole is brought up, Malit Dyn makes his motion to censure Zahen for unilateral action regarding the barbarians and risking bringing down an attack. He also implies that the wrath of the Realm should be considered. There's quite a bit of arguing - meanwhile, the audience thins out somewhat. Zahen maintains that he took no action not permitted him as any private citizen."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Are any of you going to try to get involved in the discussion? Bringing up things like "Umm, the Realm was trying to get inside your pants anyhow," or "Don't worry about the barbarians?" or should I just gloss gloss gloss?"

Yoru looks to his circlemates and whispers, "Should we tell them about what Allen learned of the Realm's plans for this area?"

Yasutora nods to Yoru. "I believe it would be wise.

<<OOC>> Leti says "It's shaping up pretty clearly - to those that pay attention - that Malit Dyn and those who agree with him think Zahen is trying increase his political capital cheaply with the people (no one's mentioned quite clearly how council members are selected, but apparently popular support helps) without thought to the risk it puts the city at a whole in - and that Zahen is a crazy upstart. There are dark pronouncements of "...worse things than barbarians," too."

<<OOC>> Yasutora defers to Shai here. This is her house. :P

<<OOC>> Shai peers. Okay, unless I misread the log, Shai _doesn't_ know about the Realm thing; Allen showed the note _before_ the party joined up again, and just mentioned 'weakness' to Zahen before we got derailed by Cove's empathy-thingy. Okay.

<<OOC>> Allen says "Ah, I see."

Shai is attentive as the Council argues -- until she gets distracted by Yoru's whisper. She blinks, and whispers back, "Plans? --I'd imagine so?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove figures that so long as refreshments are provided, talking heads are fine!

<<OOC>> Leti says "If Green Cove wanted to, she could bug the servant standing with Zahen to get her some."

Allen clears his throat and stands, holding his cat in his arms. "Your pardon for interrupting, councillors, but I believe this is likely the best time to mention what I did not have time to tell the honourable Zahen earlier; the Realm already had plans to subsume your town, and through it, gain a vantage point from which to press down on Nexus. The work of myself and my sisters and brothers has derailed their plans - for now, at the least - but you are in no more danger from them now than you were before, and quite possibly less."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Oo, servant bugging! Is said servant close enough to be spoken too discretely? (Even she has enough sense to not go waltzing across the center of the room to make a snacks request.)"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Yes."

Shai blinks several times at the explanation, and takes mental notes.

Green Cove leans over to poke at the servant near Zahen. "Do you have anything more to eat during the trial?" she asks, in her best not-interrupting-court hushed voice. "Leaf is a bit hungry. Maybe something with meat. Or pastries. We like pastries."

There is a flurry of conversation from the council, with one elderly man standing to ask Allen, "...The Realm? What were their plans? They were using the barbarians?" He casts a wary eye at Ten River Wind.

The servant blinks at Green Cove, and then the large (hungry?) tiger, and nods quickly. "I can find something, lady," he says, and hurries quietly away from the table.

Green Cove settles back into her seat to listen to this Realm stuff again.

Yoru rolls his eyes at mention of the Realm using the barbarians, but he says nothing.

Yasutora clasps the his large left hand into the curl of his huge smashfist and listens to the interplay between Allen and the council.

"Not precisely. Their plan was to use the conflict between yourselves and the barbarians to bring you under their sway, by removing the barbarians and exploiting your gratitude. I do not think any of you would enjoy life under the Realm - particularly after your children were taken into their armies to make war against your neighbours, and even against Nexus." Allen speaks earnestly, one hand resting on the table while the other cradles Tim Campi to his chest. "The barbarians are actually your best defense against the Realm, if you two groups can come to an agreement now that the one who has been turning them rogue is removed. With their protection, the Realm will reconsider moving this far afield just for a foothold into the East."

Another speaker - one who was strongly supporting Zahen's actions earlier, asks, "You are suggesting that we make a deal with them /of our own free will/?" she asks, slightly incredulous. "They've been draining our coffers for years and we should ask them nicely to continue?"

Yasutora smiles beneath his helmet, unseen. Allen's steadiness here impresses the young Zenith.

The servant returns with the basket - and all the uneaten snacks, which does include certain meat-filled buns and other things a tiger might find tasty. He sets it on the table in front of Green Cove, and quietly says, "I hope that will be adequate, lady."

Green Cove remembers her manners, and gives the servant a toothy smile. "Just fine. Thank you." Then plucks out a meat-filled bun for sweet little Leaf, who's been so patient through all of this talking.

Leaf cheerfully eats the snacks offered her, though she comments that these humans have no respect for a carcass, the things they do to it.

Shai tilts her head at the explanation, nodding slowly; at the question, she clears her throat and inquires, "Draining or simply--taxing? They may be barbarians, but they _are_ willing to listen to reason, and they have honor, which Ten River Wind has tarnished. And they have no love for the Realm, either. There are places where a mutually beneficial arrangement could be negotiated, rather than the prior situation which was hardly ideal."

Yasutora nods his agreement to Shai's speech.

One of the men who was staying neutral in the argument earlier nods and chimes in agreeing with Shai. "I'll be honest. I was inclined to agree with Dyn about Zahen's recklessness. Because face it - a lot of cities spend far more on defense than we paid the barbarians... and soldiers are still rough men. Incidents still happen. Lookshy might have a well behaved military, but look at what they pay for it. Everyone else gets low quality mercenaries - or hires Lookshy's men. Something," he says dryly, "We were never willing to do, even in the face of the barbarians." He inclines his head towards Shai. "I must admit I'm none too eager to trust their word these days, but..." He shrugs. "Our honorable member Amida," (he nods to a woman at the table), "...pointed out that there's worse things than barbarians. Even if the barbarians will leave, I'm not sure having the only military force in the area gone would be better for us. Unless you want to start impressing farm hands and trying to build our own?" he finishes, pointedly.

Zahen speaks to that. "That's not going to go over well with the people." He gestures towards the now much smaller audience. "They want to be free of the barbarians. Do you want to stand in front of the small merchants who bought you your seat, and say 'Sorry, but we have to keep paying, but they promised not to kill us again?'"

"It's not that they'll promise not to kill you again," Allen says, placing his cat on the table and both palms flattened on the surface beside the feline, leaning forward a bit. "It's that they will promise to guard you. To guard your caravans. To be your military, in essence. And they have honour. Ten River Wind and those he beguiled stained the tribe's honour. They will be extremely careful to not repeat the same mistake."

Shai listens to the man's response, then pushes herself to her feet, standing even with Allen. She tugs off the sash around her forehead, letting it fall to her side and bare the disc-and-circle tattoo on her forehead, then spreads her hands, looking around the room. "I _am_ a Quill of Heaven," she says, mildly. "If an arrangement can be agreed to by both sides, I can sanctify it for the gods to enforce. I imagine any such arrangement would set limits on what--taxes--the barbarians can claim, and what the city can expect in return, and what would happen if another like Ten River Wind appeared -- in either their camps or the city." A half-beat, and then she adds, "And if no arrangement can be met, I could at least sanctify an agreement for you both to leave each other alone. Though I would be more inclined to do so if a true attempt was made; anything else leaves you vulnerable."

Between Allen and Shai, the council agrees to meet with the leaders of the barbarians, and discuss terms. Really, when put that way, it seems sensible.

<<OOC>> Leti says "...And unless people object, I am perfectly willing to gloss that meeting and what's decided (since PCs are only facilitating, probably not seriously influencing) and give everyone a chance for downtime and to discuss what they plan to do from here?"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Sounds good to me. Yasutora will probably work on the terms of the oaths he's going to have Ten River Wind take once Shai recovers from Oathing the barbarians' contract."

<<OOC>> Shai says "I'm good with gloss. Shai will volunteer to play translator, since she probably needs to be there anyway, and will make an effort to keep either side from being _reamed_ by the other, but she won't interfere much other than that and she will be willing to sanctify the bargain once made. (Unless they actually turn that offer down, in which case she'll also be okay with that; if they're going to take their chances, hey, not _her_ fault.)"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Really, since the meeting has to be arranged, one oath to Ten River Wind as a precautionary measure first might not be a bad idea."

Once the council has broken up for the moment, Yasutora turns to Shai. "If it is well with you, my sister. I believe we should begin the binding of Ten River Wind. To not escape is the first priority, but also he should be bound against harming those who do not first seek to harm him-- save where we, as a circle, permit or order. I ... feel that a third oath is necessary as well, but I am unsure of what it might be."

<<OOC>> Leti says "The barbarian leadership - that is, Pale Soul Shadow and Roar-of-Battle (who has been convinced to take the position of chieftain now that Ten River Wind and his murderous intentions are removed) - are in no great hurry to take advantage of the townsfolk - as Shai and Allen said, their honor was besmirched by the deeds of Ten River Wind, and they believe they owe a debt - appropriate to raid towns and demand tribute or not, one does not violate one's word. The deal works out... really, quite favorably for the town; the barbarians insist on a severance clause, stating they can leave the area if they want, but if they do, they will leave the area. Other than that, the town promises a certain supply of food and money - not as much as the tribute had been, shelter within the walls in the case of major conflict (with the assumption the barbarians will be helping man the walls), and favorable trade agreements. The barbarians agree that their members within the area of the city's fields will be bound to the city's laws, that they will defend against threats in the area within reason, and that if they have future Ten River Wind type problems, the money that they would be paid can instead be used to hire a force from Lookshy to deal with the problem."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Anything in there that Shai's going to protest?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Zahen - and several of his fellow councillors - suggest the oathbinding be done publically, so that the people of the city can see that the situation is different."

Yoru is listening in on Yasutora and Shai and hrms. "The second may need better wording. There may be times when the entire Circle can not give consent, but we may need to be wary of having only one person be able to order Ten River Wind."

Yasutora bows his head to Yoru. "That was my meaning," he says apologetically. "Thank you for clarifying."

Yasutora ers. "That is to say," he says with embarrassment, "I meant that the individual members of the circle should be able to give him the orders. We must trust each other, after all."

<<OOC>> Shai nods to Yasutora.

<<OOC>> Shai oooo. [reads] "Nah, I don't think so, unless someone else in the Circle points out something in which case she'll probably back them up -- although she might point out that it'd be fair to include a clause for the town not to attack the barbarians or hire attackers, unless they strike first or the bargain is rendered null and void (i.e., by the severance clause being invoked). That sort of thing. And she...will be willing to do the public oathbinding. I think she's likely to suggest that Pale Soul Shadow and Roar-of-Battle both stand for the barbarians, with Zahen and another person of the council's choice standing for the city? Unless the council and barbarians volunteer that on their own."

Yoru nods. "Of course, I merely point out that wording should be carefully chosen."

<<OOC>> Yoru nods to Shai. That is a good clause and public oathbinding is definitely a plus, even if it does sort of point you out as a Solar.

Shai purses her lips. "I can only bind so many oaths in a period of time," she reminds Yasutora gently. "But they'll take awhile to make arrangements, so I could at least seal the first one soon, if we can work out wording. Perhaps -- Yasutora or an acknowledged proxy, for the second oath? With, naturally, each of us as an acknowledged proxy. He _is_ your--protege--after all."

Yasutora bows his head. "That seems wise, my sister."

<<OOC>> Shai nods, wry. "But it's not like she's not identified _anyway_, so mostly all it'd be underlining is what her anima banner looks like." [laughs]

<<OOC>> Shai says "And if she doesn't spend more than 10 peri at a time -- unless I misread the rules and long-committed peripheral motes stack with just-spent peripheral motes for purposes of determining anima flare -- then at least she's not visible for miles! [snrks]"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay. Oaths so made. We are officially in 'down time'. A rare occurrence, that, so any side-RP or anything can happen. <_< Things to consider are: Where you people plan to go next? Gonna stay here and build up the city? Tamper with the barbarians? Go... someplace?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "No. Committed stuff only flares at the time of committing it. Once that flare has faded, it's gone."

<<OOC>> Green Cove is in favor of moving on to someplace else. The 'else' she's not too picky about, though things foretold in dreams get bonus points.

<<OOC>> Yoru will remind the Circle about GC's workshop.

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Well, Yasutora is going to spend some time preaching to TRW, but other than that, the workshop..."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Ooo, I'd forgotten about that..."

<<OOC>> Yoru says "The one Pale Soul Shadow mentioned."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Also, I don't think Oaths are committed, are they?"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "They're just sanctified and they happen."

<<OOC>> Shai whew. [nods] Thosso, but suddenly wasn't sure. --They aren't, Yasu, but I have huge artifacts.

<<OOC>> Shai says "Shai likes the idea of the workshop before they move on, yah."

<<OOC>> Leti says "I think she was more wondering about it adding to her artifact commitment."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Oh, yes. ^^"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay, next session we can pick up with everyone going to talk to the ghost and get more information about this 'key' and the location of the workshop. :)"

<<OOC>> Yoru admires Shai's huge artifacts.

<<OOC>> Shai says "Shai will also point out that she has a ship and people on it who need to stay employed, so travel is fun! But travel after the workshop, unless, say, Cove (as person with most right) or other people in the Circle veto investigating. [laughs]"

<<OOC>> Shai whee!