Arcanus Liberus: Membership debate

[Shadoweaver]

Z'huul speaks "I find these arguments based on the name of our guild pointless. We made it clear at the outset we would not accept outlaws for example. That we have 'Liberus' in our name does not mean we must accept all who wish to enter. As to the matter of discrimination. I believe the issue has been framed by Sir Norian and Sir Mako to their advantage while avoiding the true issue. Mages guilds are exclusive groups, membership in two guilds at once means divided loyalties. I can only assume the Red Wizards agree to Sir Makos membership in Arcanus Liberus because they are sure his loyalty to them can be assured and his association with the guild will give them political power. This is the calculation any aggressive leadership would make, and I feel safe in assuming the Red Wizards are no different. If Sir Mako wants only the benefits of mutual association, shared knowledge, and protection of the guild he can have that with associate status I mentioned. Ask yourself why an ambassador of Thay must be allowed to vote on issues before the membership and why he must be allowed eligibility for leadership if he truly does not wish to make this guild a puppet of the Red Wizards. If Sir Mako wishes, he may renounce the Red Wizards, leave their order and attain full membership in Arcanus Liberus. Until that time, I will vote against him being given power within the guild." And with that he returns to silent immobility.

[Leaving Hope]

* Norian speaks, his voice dripping with disdain *

Here I thought you endeavored to make Arcanus Liberus something more that the typical guild. Here I thought you wanted to make this a free and open guild, one that promotes unity, encourages membership and diversity, and opens its doors to all in a show of good will. Here I thought you were above a petty power struggle, and actually put stock into what the assembled magi here thought best. Here I thought you wanted to be different.

It pains me to be wrong. But, I think, it will pain this sham of a guild more.

* Norian looks to the room, to the other mages present, away from the partnered Z'huul and Cadmus *

Speak, magi! Or do you want your fates to be ruled by this lot!

[ThePaganKing]

*Elric stands and looks at all those assembled, straightens his hair, smiles, then says:*

"I do not see a problem with a Red Wizard gaining entrance to our organization. We did center on Liberus as part of the title and I think we need to stick to that or change the name. I also do not have a problem with the Red Wizard gaining a leadership role, because there will at least, in the beginning, be two other members that will balance out his vote."

"Realistically, who will vote for the Red Wizard as a leader anyway."

*Elric shrugs and then sits down*

[Cadmus Runesmith]

*Cadmus quickly rises, his face glowing red with anger*

"You come to this meeting of your own free will Norian, and you have been allowed to speak your mind openly in regards to matters that concern the formation of this order."

"I have stood by and listened to your venomous words, your tirade of manipulation and deceipt, and though your words may sway some here...they do not sway me."

"Stand you besides the Red Wizards of Thay if you wish...perhaps they shall be more receptive to your own twisted ideology." "You speak of freedom, of equality, but your words merely strive to undermind the foundations that we stand upon."

"As I stand today, here before you all, my decision has been made." "The Thayan wizards shall have no part in the Arcanus Liberus, their manipulations will not be allowed to form the seeds of destruction which would ultimatley lead to the orders demise."

"Leave Norian, and do not return...... your presense is no longer required, nor welcome."

*looks to the other members of the order*

"If I stand alone this day then so be it, but the foul corruption of the Red Wizards of Thay shall gain no foothold here this day, nor any other................."

[Mako]

*Frowns at the motionless Z'huul*

"In case you didn't realize, Thayans are a large part of the arcane knowledge in Sundren. My devotion to the Red Wizards is my own commitment, and I will not sacrifice for it for a discriminatory guild. If I am not welcome here, I will leave and you will have to contend with me as an enemy."

"The petty power struggles and bitter enemies made here will not be forgotten, if I am denied a full membership. What is it that you all have to fear from the Enclave, anyway? I am not here to make slaves of the lot of you, or to destroy your guild. The associate status mentioned before is ridiculous -- I am by far the most qualified to lead this guild in matters concerning evocation."

"You assume I have an ulterior motive here, but you have not proven it - and according to Sundren law, I am innocent until proven guilty."

[Cadmus Runesmith]

*Cadmus turns his head to face Mako*

"My choice has been made...I would rather have you as an enemy than count you amongst my friends." "Go back to your enclave and tell your brethren their presense is not welcome amongst us, nor shall it ever be."

"The rest of you must now decide.....stand with the order, or remain subjugated by the Red Wizards......."

[Leaving Hope]

* Norian looks to Mako *

Nay, Thayan. The ulterior motive is not yours. It is theirs.

They lead us to this meeting under false pretenses, suggesting that the purpose of this organization is to freely discuss the arcane arts and share knowledge. Even their name suggests freedom. Yet, when someone they do not like enters, suggests ideas contrary to their own, or speaks their mind they throw them out.

In all of our discussions, there have been voices that do not agree with your leadership of three, or your refusal to admit the Thayan. Yet you two * glares at Cadmus and Z'huul * go on like this is a dictatorship.

No one has yet declared you leaders, yet you have the audacity to think you can throw our Thayan friend out? Who gave you that right? At the first sign of disagreement, you push people out of your ranks? Is this an example of how you will conduct business within Arcanus Restrictus?

Bah. I want nothing to do with this false democracy, this errant leadership. I will not associate my name with your false promises of free and open knowledge sharing. You've failed to make yourself different from any other mage guild. You criticize Thay and their wizards, but look: you've stooped and turned what should have been a benevolent and open group of diversity into a mob of prejudice with delusions of grandeur.

This is a waste of my time.

* Norian turns and leaves without another word *

[Mako]

*stands up*

"Let it be known that you have lost a powerful backing here today - and also made a powerful enemy."

*He mutters a word under his breath and teleports back to the Thayan Enclave.*

[sparkeh]

Peppington looks around the room quickly, then smiles

"Well thats that issue resolved."

[Shadoweaver]

Z'huul says "I find myself agreeing with Master Peppington. Perhaps now we can return to more important matters."