Arcanus Liberus: Long term strategy

[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.

The pallid warrior mage rises before the assembled guild. "To my fellow mages greetings. To those attending for the first time, allow me to introduce myself. I am Z'huul, apprentice of Dworkin, apprentice of Tzazlov, apprentice of Khirin Dragonsbane. My guildmates I wish to speak to you concerning the future direction of Arcanus Liberus and my own opinions as to what this direction should be."

Still unmoving except for his blank face scanning back and forth over the crowd he continues "My feeling is that during this initial period of growth after the founding of Arcanus Liberus the guild faces it's greatest challenges when at its youngest and weakest. Specifically at this time when we have not yet developed the sense of camaraderie and unity to bind the guild together we face pressure from outside groups such as the Red Wizards, Exigo and the local authorities who will always be suspicious of any group which gathers together powers such as we wield. We also face almost certain infiltration by some of these groups, to plant agents to provoke the guild into extreme actions, question the leadership and generally spread as much divisiveness as possible."

"As I see it there is only one course to minimize our risks and let Arcanus Liberus grow into a strong independent organization that fosters the knowledge and wellbeing of those who practice the arcane. The guild must pursue a stated policy of neutrality. We must make it clear to the other power groups in Sundren that we will take no sides in their political battles unless they directly effect mages. The only favorable prices the guild will offer on magical items will be to fellow guild members, thus we will not tread too heavily on the business of the Exigo and the temples which sell magic items. We should send our most charismatic members to the leaders of the various factions to make our case for neutrality most effectively.This includes even those I view as most dangerous, the Red Wizards. Most important of all, the guild must be biased strongly against action against other groups, until we have achieved a size and organization that can survive such conflicts." Here he pauses, his voice as always a monotone, his face still empty. "I feel the need to repeat myself to emphasize my point. We must be strongly biased against action against other groups. We must resist being provoked. There will be many deliberate provocations to come. It is the easiest method for our enemies to sap our strength and bring Arcanus Liberus under outside control."

"Having brought this matter before the membership and made my thoughts clear. I now ask that you question me about this idea, that you may understand my thoughts if I have failed to make the case for this policy. I also ask that all members of the guild contribute to this discussion, I feel this matter is of such importance that all members of the guild must express an opinion."

With this the blank faced man steps back and waits for the response of his guildmates.


Shad

[sparkeh]

"Hear hear!" cries Peppington

[ThePaganKing]

*Elric stands and smiles at the group*

I agree with Z'huul's stance. We should always remain neutral unless an evil is loosed upon this land that must be destroyed to save all.

However, I still maintain that we need to ensure we are prepared for any provocation that may occur. If we make ourselves strong within and without, then provocation will be something we can ignore.

If we remain weak and divided, we will fall easily.

I do have some skills at diplomacy, so I am willing to take on that particular project if the organization deems it is necessary.

[Shadoweaver]

"I feel you would be a good choice of diplomatic Envoy Sir Elric" Z'huul says "Who should we negotiate with? I feel the Red Wizards and the Exigo are obvious choices, we should also present ourselves humbly to the leaders of Sundren. Who else should we entreat with?"

Shad

[Kangleton]

Apocryphus begins to speak passively, as though the answer to his question is either already expected, or he plain doesn't care about it.

"To be true in your neutrality, this would entail that even the lawless are to be treated with ambiguity. So shall it be done?"

[Leaving Hope]

* A Dwarven mage with one arm and ale stains down his robe stands and hollers *

Ay, the lad's got'a point! Ye said we ain't be takin' the lawbreakin' sort. That be neutrality? I ain't care iff'n yer wunted fer lovin' goats, so long as ye can fling a fire spell.

[rustediron]

*Val clears his throat, and states*

Political neutrality, is what I believe he means.

And if you are sending an envoy to all, it might be wise to send one to the Hands, also.

[Mako]

*An invisible, feminine laughter can be heard coming from the far corner of the room.*

"You should all think about warding your meetings against my scrying, though I doubt any of you are capable."

*The voice seems to be coming for Lady Tao, the leader of the Enclave*

"Send your best emissary then...I make the promise to do him no harm, as long as he can negotiate successfully with me. If not...he will be come my newest statue."

*The voice laughs again and then is silent.*

[ThePaganKing]

*Elric's ears perk up a bit and he smiles*

*I think I might like that encounter* He thinks to himself.

[rustediron]

*Val asks the members gathered*

Is any here experienced in blocking out attempts of scrying, then?

[Force_of_Will_]

*Sin'dolin sits listening to the others.His ears perk up as he hears a familiar voice,Lady Tao*
Hello there M'lady *waves to nothing and chuckles.He then focuses on the meeting. Raising his hand and speaking* Yes ,I believe neutrality is the best course of action.