[OPEN TO MAGES]

[deflocked]

WHO: Mages, mages, more mages. I guess non-mages can sneak in or be dragged along by friends, but they will be glowered fiercely at by Daylen if he knows.
WHAT: Mage meeting
WHEN: 3 Firstfall
WHERE: What would be Solas' room if Solas were there.
NOTES: Feel free to mingle/threadjack/and anything else you might think of! A top level comment will be made for the meeting itself with no particular order for commenting. There will probably be discussions of mage rights and such. I will edit if any warnings come up.

It's not exactly the biggest room, but on the plus side it's not in a terrible state of disrepair either. In case anyone isn't sure this is the right room there is a sign on the door indicating it is for the mage meeting. If that isn't enough, it is full of chairs. Arguably too many chairs for a room of this size. Especially since they are arranged in a circle for convenience of being able to talk rather than making the most of the space.

Hello, mages. Hope you're all ready to argue.

Comments

[aceso]

[ Christine doesn't think this is the best place to meet, with two levels above them where anyone could observe them. But she can't really think of another place with the same privacy and amount of exits this place has, so it will have to do. (Christine likes multiple exits. They're necessary when all hell breaks loose.) ]

Christine Delacroix. I'm no enchanter, but I'd like us to have some system in place for looking after our own, and judging them if they require it. I'm guessing all of us here are willing to accept the judgment of our fellow mages?

[ They need to be united in this, and support one another. A mage who goes off and does their own thing can go down a dangerous path. ]

[lennethvalkyrie]

[Asking around about where the Mages were to be found had finally netted some information; apparently a meeting was being held. While not strictly a Mage, she did have magic, and it would be a chance to learn more about their society--or at least she hoped it would.

And perhaps someone there could teach her.

Thus, the Valkyrie entered the rotunda with her helmet under her arm, looking around curiously... and also fairly Out of Place.]

[ungovernable]

( benevenuta is possibly the least tense person in attendance - but that's nothing unusual. she usually is. seated with the rest, she is neat in grey with her hands folded in her lap and a thoughtful expression. her accent - and perhaps her choice of dress - mark her for nevarran when she says, )

I certainly think that we will all benefit from more cohesion. At very least, a clarity of purpose.

[vir_tasallan]

[When she peeked her head in there were already discussions going on so she felt as though she'd come in late. She tiptoed in and whispered a soft sorry to anyone willing to give a listen as she made her way toward the front. Mage discussions were important to her, a fundamental concept, in fact. She took a seat and gave a soft, nervous laugh with a faint wave, glancing around]

Sorry I'm late. I'm Merrill, don't mind me I'll just listen and catch up.

[el_tybs]

[A lot of faces. Several he knew, many he did not. For a time Sam simply leaned back in his chair, taking note of each person.]

Samouel Gareth.

[He gives no title. Not that he's against titles, but considering experiences in the Circles he doesn't feel using those titles is progressing.]

Setting up a system of order is a good step. Others need to know that someone is watching their back when things get tough and keeping things in line when they do something wrong.

[gatheringstorm]

[Korrin arrives just after Merrill, not meaning to be late but more than willing to catch up. She nods to those present, ready to get down to business.]

Korrin Ataash.

I don't usually care for much in the way of organization, but I admit it could have use in Skyhold. I'm willing to listen to what others have in mind, at least.

[But if this turns to echo Circle ways too much, she'll just slip out again.]

[fleurdesel]

So long as we are associated with the Inquisition? We will have need of some manner of leadership to offer both support and restraint for those that need help or need discipline. Having a single leader? Isn't at all fair or possible. We are too many from varied backgrounds and experiences, no one voice can speak for us all.

A council of a few, perhaps, might be in order. Those with experience or diplomacy enough to assume authority.

[ungovernable]

A measured approach, ( with a hint of approval, ) but this council will need a single voice prepared to speak for it when necessity dictates.

( she hasn't actually introduced herself, yet, but she's been floating about skyhold since her arrival - and easily located as she's been taking the inventory of the library in hand - so perhaps for now she doesn't urgently need to.

'that nevarran mage that's often in the company of dorian pavus or stannis baratheon' may be enough to create opinion before she puts a name to her face. )

[gatheringstorm]

[She nods in approval at Adelaide, pleased that she brought up the varied backgrounds issue. She couldn't be the only one wondering about that, not with the Dalish also here.]

I like the idea of a council, more than that of a single leader. A council with variety, so that all mages can be fairly represented.

i'm always too slow!

[aceso]

We're getting ahead of ourselves. First we need to agree to this being what we want, before we start volunteering or putting names forward. Those who want to be a part of the council will surely know it won't be easy, but I do think it's our best option.

[ There's a pause as she looks around. ]

So... is anyone against us forming a council, and would like to give their opinions? Or have another idea?

[salvatore_underfoot]

[He doesn't sit. He gets antsy, especially with so many people in one place. So he stands at the back where he won't be a bother if he has to move around some.]

Oh, are we doing introductions? Salvatore.

[That's all there is. No title, and no other name.]

I like the idea of a council. [He'll even raise his hand if that helps.]

>////<

[lennethvalkyrie]

[Before the discussion gets to any material that might be deemed sensitive, the Valkyrie clears her throat softly and speaks from where she stands near the wall.]

Lenneth Valkyrie. Forgive me if I intrude. I am a Rifter, but have some magical ability--as yet untrained in this world--and wished to know if this... if those of us who do not belong but may have similar concerns would be welcome at this meeting.

[deflocked]

[Daylen was about to open his mouth when the valkyrie clears her throat. The interruption is probably for the best since he was about to protest a council being any better than a circle.]

If you have magical ability then you're a mage whether you're trained or not. You belong here as much as the rest of us. If anything it gives us yet another reason to organise ourselves. It's dangerous to let the abilities we have go untrained.

[liberalum]

I have no objections to a council.

[ This, from Dorian, who had been standing and hanging back in the doorway at first. He moves in as if to take a seat-- and instead sweeps into the centre of attention without stopping. ]

Dorian, [ he adds, as an aside, casting a look back towards the rifter among them, then around at the rest. ] With the view that a council is only as good as the solitary voice that chairs it, or else it'll be a smaller, even less effectual version of the mages at large.

The pressing problem is the rebel mages without a rudder, yes? Giving them a proper outlet to vent their grievances than drunken punch ups in the yard, or worse, and someone to slap wrists should they do it anyway. The secondary aims should be to see them educated and combat ready, for the various needs of the Inquisition, or else they ought to stop drinking all our beer.

[ He turns a circle, hands at a hover, before he locates Daylen, identifying him as the instigator of this little act of diplomacy. ]

You! Daylen, was it? Why did you join the Inquisition?

[eolasemah]

[Sina has yet to introduce herself, but her throat has gone dry. She sits hunched with her elbows on her knees and her hands clasped in front of her mouth, the shard glinting obnoxiously from behind her thin arms.

This many mages being all in one place is a novelty in itself. Councils and insular governance? Mass education and political organization? The sensibilities are so human, and they intimidate her.]

[apostasia]

( as christine noted - there's two whole floors of space above the mages convening below where just anyone could be listening. and, indeed, someone frequently seen in the library is, although increasingly less discreetly as it becomes apparent that rifter practitioners are welcome in the conversation.

martel rests his arms on the parapet above them, leaning forward enough into the light to cast a shadow and purposefully alert those below to his presence.

(he catches adelaide's eye; smiles, blandly.) )

[deflocked]

[He'd sighted the Tevinter mage earlier, but had hoped he would have the decency not to get involved. He'd heard of him even if he hasn't spoken to him as of yet, and is decidedly unhappy when he swans in to treasure center stage.]

Where else could I find templars that aren't trying to kill us?

[Not that he expects him to understand that.]

[liberalum]

[ Ah ha. Dorian's smile skews crooked immediately, recognising the reserve in tone, the look in his eye, having gotten well versed in the art of running into people who don't like the look of him on sight. 'The Tevinter mage' offers his hands in open palmed surrender.

Just let him have a second, unmoving from his central position. ]

Under the rule of Magister Alexius, in the case of the rebels. Fortunately, we found a better alternative for them all.

[ Surrender hands turn palms skyward in posed shrug. ]

They came here under the agreement of a ceasefire, and even those of us not involved in the same civil slapfight must adhere to the same sentiment. We also must take care to avoid anything that resembles a Southern Circle, or we'll be compromising easily one third of the Inquisition's combative forces.

Most of us are here to save the world. Rebel mages at their most rebellious will require not only a committee designed to listen to their troubles and dole out punishment, but a leadership that is sharply voiced enough to remind them of why they're here.

[fleurdesel]

[ Peacocks one and two, sweeping in and lurking above. How quietly delightful. On the one hand it pulls attention from her which- honestly- is preferable. On another it may be polarizing when they need unity. The wisest course is to hold her tongue which is probably why she continues to be unwise in speaking- well. Sharply, but not unkindly. ]

Thank you, Dorian. I think your point has been made.

[ Is it not enough that she's here and said her piece? Must he prod at them? The reminder that he'd seen how the rebel mages became a part is something of a requirement- those she arrived with hadn't know much of it. But this is rolling along a bit too quickly for those not a part of that particular party, she's only reminded of it as a shadow looms. Adelaide sighs and tips her head back enough to catch Peacock number two roosting against the parapet above. ]

Have you any thoughts on the matter, Lenneth? Martel? [ A beat, and her eyes flick over to one side to the Dalish First. She has been terribly silent and while that is her right? What opinions she may have are of value and ought to be shared. Silence does no one favors here. As Dorian nudges, so too must she, it seems. ] Siuona? You all will be effected by what comes of this as much as the rest. How are such things handled in your clan- or in your world? An alternative perspective is required.

[liberalum]

[ Dorian sketches a mock bow to Adelaide, a twinge of a smile on his mouth, before he turns a retreat for the empty seat near Benevenuta.

A final glance back at Daylen, before he kicks back to watch the proceedings. ]

[apostasia]

( peacock number two is somewhat touched by amusement at being so explicitly drawn into this as he regards her, considering that inquiry. perhaps adelaide is genuinely interested in the girl's opinion, but he strongly suspects she'd give much less of a damn what he thinks if it weren't a convenient opportunity to drop him in what she's already been patently maneuvered into. he doesn't particularly imagine that there's anyone else here with a burning desire to hear his remarks, but nevertheless, having been so invited, he might as well contribute thoughtfully.

it's no difficult thing for his voice to carry down to them, clear and low, an experienced orator. his accent, for those who've not yet heard him speak, is nearest to adelaide's own, but not quite enough to be mistaken for a native. droll, he says, )

Knights answer to their King and their God, and rather more immediately their Lord Preceptor, who is left alone with the troublesome problem of which of those ought to take precedence. But sorcerers are taught, my lady, not born; the matter of an untrained mage is not an Elene problem. A group of sorcerers bitter about their treatment is called a knighthood and they swallow it, follow their orders, and die ingloriously for a King they'd gladly see stripped naked and whipped through the streets like a naughty strumpet.

( that sounds suspiciously specific. )

But in my experience of rebellions, strong leadership to keep a group of frightened, angry people guided toward a purpose does not come by appointing a polite committee of your least threatening members. I have never seen a people inspired to action or faith by a bureaucracy, but I have seen towns burn down around an argument over whose responsibility it is to fetch the water.

LATE - sorry for all the edits

[mythalenaste]

[One tiny Dalish turned up a minute ago, hovering on the outskirts and listening. What is being on time?]

I like the thought of a council, so long as the Dalish are represented in it. And if not represented, then not ruled by it. But we don't need templars. We can handle our own.

[gatheringstorm]

Agreed on that. I've never needed Templars, and I'm not about to start.

[Korrin crosses her arms, leaning against a wall rather than sitting down. She doesn't want to block anyone's view with her height.]

I don't need specific representation, since--well, I'm the only one of my kind around here. [Only Vashoth mage, at least.] But as long as non-Circle mages have their say, I'm content with that.

[aceso]

This can only work if we respect each other, at least enough to agree to abide by the decisions a council would make. We've all had different experiences in life and the only thing to tie us together is that we are all mages. Even so, not all of us have endured the same hardships. I think we are best served having representatives from different backgrounds.

[ She nods a head towards both Pel and Korrin. ]

I hesitate, however, to have one be the voice above all others. I would not want to force anyone into that position. Does the Inquisition not have three advisers in power? Perhaps we can do something similar. Maybe one in charge of drilling mages for battle, as the Commander does to his troops. A healer to train and lead the rest of the healer mages, and so on. Divide the responsibilities so no one has the most power, and so there is no main figurehead to be a target to others.

[deflocked]

I suppose that's a reasonable suggestion. It could work.

[It's not quite as circle-like as he envisioned, but given the attendees he supposes some compromises is a small price to pay to unite mages again. They are in dire need of it. Given the number of Dalish, the qunari, and that blighted Tevinter he knows the idea of a true circle doesn't stand a chance.]

We can't dismiss the templars entirely though. [He looks pointedly towards Pel and Korrin.] Their order has lasted so long for good reason. The fact you've managed without them so far doesn't change that.