Arcanus Liberus: Membership debate

[Shadoweaver]

WARNING

The following thread is a meeting of the Arcanus Liberus arcane organization. In order to attend you must be able to cast 2 cantrips and during the meeting divination magic will be used to insure privacy. If you wish to spy on the meeting, talk to a DM for guidance, otherwise do not read this thread as it will be metagaming.

Z'huul addresses the crowd. "The Red Wizard Sir Mako desires entry into Arcanus Liberus. We must debate his eligibility. For myself, I feel that his affiliation as a Red Wizard makes him unreliable. He must ultimately answer to his superiors, not to himself or the members of Arcanus Liberus. However I think this matter must be decided by the membership as a whole. What think you brethren?"

[Mako]

"In my own defense, I am part of an embassy and this is not Thay. Outside of the embassy itself, the rules of Thay do not apply. I have cleared as much with Sethmosis, my superior and so the general rules of Sundren apply to me as well. I am an arcane magic user and so therefore meet your membership requirements, despite any feelings of bigotry against my...background."

[Leaving Hope]

* Norian follows the Thayan with his eyes as the red wizard navigates the room to stand beside him. *

Interesting title, this Arcane Liberus. * Norian draws out the last word with seething sarcasm * What exactly is free about this organization if you presume to disqualify at your whim?

Is this what we have to look forward to with you as a leader? I'd rather Puck--at least his prejudices are limited to cupcakes and chipmunks.

You yourself said the condition for membership was simply the ability to demonstrate basic understanding of the arcane arts. The Thayan meets that criteria. Even the bard meets that criteria. Chances are, even your mother does with her magic thighs.

[Mako]

:smirks slightly at Norian in approval: "Of course I agree. If the insane muffin-elf and Sir Elric both qualify, then why not a Red Wizard? Despite the fact that most people are prejudiced against my heritage and culture, I meet the requirements. Plus, I do not think you could throw me out if you tried." *glares at everyone in the room* "So, I recommend that you add me to this motley band of casters, summoners, bards and jabbering idiots." *Kicks a nearby squirrel from Puck's shoe, grabs a muffin and bites into it greedily, while staring icily around the room.*

[Shadoweaver]

Z'huul is his normal expressionless self as he listens to Norian and Mako, However his empty eyes turn to Cadmus after they have finished waiting for the Dwarf to add his opinion.

[Mako]

*Taps his foot impatiently as the dwarf takes to the podium*

[sparkeh]

Peppington twists his beard as he speaks

"W-well hmm yes this is interesting, and erm..Red Wizards are most skilled in the Arcane s-so perhaps...we should..er..."

Looks around the room. Then sits down

[Cadmus Runesmith]

*Cadmus slowly rises and takes his place behind the podium, his eyes meeting those of Mako and Norian in turn*

"The Arcanus Liberus...what exactly can be gleaned from such a name?" "The order was formed to enable all arcane casters the oppurtunity to freely share information and knowledge amongst one another, in turn solidifying and fostering a community of scholars."

"I have spoken to Master Mako privately in regards to my concerns with the Red Wizards, so I shall not open this forum for debate in regards to their organization."

"It would seem that here, today, amidst those gathered together in the hopes of creating such a noble community that we have broached an issue that must be resolved."

"The Red Wizards of Thay seek membership amidst our consortium, but I ask you....for what purpose?" "Surely their combined knowledge of the Arcane far exceeds the majority of scattered orders that flourish about the realms....what information do they seek to gain from admittance into this order?"

"It is no secret that I admonish the activities of the Thayan's, but it is not prejudice or bias against their order, but simply the knowledge that their goals are not our own and their proposed admission into the Arcanus Liberus could prove to cause more harm than good."

*With these words Cadmus steps down from the podium and takes his seat*

[Mako]

*Casually walks up to the podium, glaring at everyone.*

"Master Cadmus speaks the truth - our arcane knowledge combined is quite vast, but I ask you, would you not benefit from such a connection? There is no secret Thayan agenda present here, despite what you all might be thinking. I am here to join a fellowship of other students of the arcane."

"Please do not think that Thay is directing my actions here. Yes, I am a red wizard, and yes an ambassador of the Thayan Enclave, but can a Thayan not be noble as well? Granted, I am looked down upon because of the color of my robes and the associations that I keep, but they grant me power - which is something every student of the arcane desires."

"I make a solemn vow that the Enclave will not attempt to take over this community of arcane students. You can take that for what it is worth, however. The purpose of my presence here is to have a fellowship to belong to, outside of my enclave...Despite the overwhelming size of the Enclave, there are very few Thayans to talk with inside of it."

*Steps down with the podium, giving the floor back to Z'huul.*

[Shadoweaver]

The warrior mage once again speaks, coming out of his usual state of immobility. "As I see it" Z'huul says "The problem is one of divided loyalties, we do not dare risk Arcanus Liberus becoming a puppet of Thay. I propose an alternative. Sir Mako could be allowed to join as an associate member with access to the shared knowledge and protection of the guild, but with no vote in matters before the membership and no eligibility for a position of leadership. If Sir Mako truly only wishes the benefits of association and not political power in Arcanus Liberus in this manner he would have those benefits and the guild would know it need not fear becoming a puppet of outsiders. What think you guildmates?"

[Leaving Hope]

* Norian looks to Cadmus *

This is a slippery slope. First you presume to ban one because of the color of his robes, and it will next be because someone is too short, worships to wrong god, or farts in your general direction. Make up your minds. The group is either Arcanus Liberus, or it's Arcanus Restrictus.

[Cadmus Runesmith]

*Cadmus rises once again, but does not walk to the podium to address those gathered.*

"It would seem then that the determination must be made in regards to whether or not the Red Wizards can be trusted to remain a neutral entity amongst the consortium, sharing there opinions, but not imposing the goals of their own organization upon those present."

*Looks directly into the eyes of Master Mako as he speaks*

"I have spoken with you master Sethmosis, and he also knows my feelings in regards to your order and their involvement in the daily affairs of the Sundren people."

"Although I disagree with your ideology and methods, I am sure many of those gathered here vary greatly in their own beliefs and opinions."

"I shall not stand against your admission into the Arcanus Liberus if simply for the reason it will enable me to monitor your activities and ensure that your intentions be true."

*sits down and awaits the response from Zhuul*

[Leaving Hope]

* Norian responds to Cadmus *

That's all well and good, but I will have you answer:

With a title like Arcanus Liberus, and with an established rule that members must only be able to demonstrate basic arcane ability, will you make this organization free for all join, or are you now saying that there are additional qualifications? By even questioning the Thayan's membership, you are saying otherwise.

It's either free, or it's not. I care little for which direction you take, but have the Dwergen stones to make up your mind, lest people here mistake you for a pixie, Cadmus.

[Cadmus Runesmith]

*Cadmus rises again to address Norian*

"I find the notion of freedom mentioned in the same sentence in regards to the Thayans an interesting turn of phrase, but perhaps that is simply my own humble opinion".

"It is as you say though, the Arcanus Liberus is open to all members of the arcane community, although I can only hope that such an invitation shall promote diversity amongst ourselves and not lead to strife."

[Leaving Hope]

* Norian gives a nod to Cadmus in response, though it is oddly long and drawn out. *

There. The matter is decided. Arcanus Liberus is open to all.

Let us move on to more pressing matters, such as whether we will bind Puck, or bind and gag Puck at future meetings.