Watcherx/ST1st

The place is the Hearthstone chamber, deep inside the underworld fortress. The room is a perfect sphere, with a platform in its center. On that platform, there are several chairs, and a table. On that table is a cracked hearthstone, several laid out maps, and a thick tome detailing the security logs of two thousand years guard watch. Surrounding that table are five rune-engraved pedestals, each one holding a crystal atop it. Surrounding that table, are four solar exalted, and one lunar exalted.

Standing at one side of the table is Iron Soul, wearing the recently claimed suit of superheavy armor, made from black jade. His hands are clasped behind his back, at his waist.

Looking to each member of his circle in turn, Iron Soul speaks: "There is much we need to decide on. Many questions that require answers. Many threats that need to be seen to. Many needs that should be resolved. But there has been one problem that has plagued us for quite a long time: lack of organization. We don't have a clear chain of command. We tend to go rushing into whatever situation comes our way, and then end up going along with the first suggestion anyone brings up, good or bad. And it has gotten us into trouble. What we need are clearly defined responsibilities."

"However, it's also evident that it would be impossible, among this group, to have a single, undisputed leader. The only two among us that have true leadership qualities are Aimless Key and myself. . .and we do not often see eye to eye." Iron Soul looks to Key and gives her a slight nod of his head.

"Though our visit to Great Forks gave us a great deal of trouble, it also gave me an opportunity to see a working government in action. Though the three have several flaws in their method of governing, it still makes a solid model, in my view."

"Therefore, I have come up with a proposal that should settle our twisted and vague chain of command. I propose that Aimless Key, Wandering Platinum Storm, and myself, divide power three ways, to form a triumvirate. Each of us would be called on to lead and make swift decisions, when situations that are related to our specialties come into play. Aimless Key would be the leading authority concerning all things arcane, historical, and otherwise otherworldly, including the research, and possible uses of, arcane items and places. Wandering Platinum Storm would be the final word concerning our social and political dealings with others, as well as our budget and economy, should we erect one. I would be the unquestioned commander in all military operations and decisions. In this way, we follow whoever knows best, in the situation they are best suited for."

"However, not all issues are clear-cut, or will neatly fit into any single classification. And as solars, we are naturally strong-willed, yet we've been experiencing disruptive. . .influences, as of late. At times, it may be difficult to tell whose jurisdiction takes precedence, or who needs to take a step back. We might require a fresh set of eyes to settle things, from someone we can trust."

"Therefore, under this proposal, Ibis Scirocco will have the final say in deciding who is better suited to lead, should a conflict in interpretation arise. In other words, should the Walker in Darkness send an ambassador to us, just before a battle, and should Platinum Storm and myself both wish to take control of the situation, Ibis is the one who will decide which of us takes the lead."

"In times when we are faced with large-scale situations, the decisions of which will greatly affect all the circle and all who serve us, the Triumvirs would come together and decide upon a solution amongst ourselves. If we are unable to come to a unified agreement, then we would put it to a vote, majority rules. We would also do this should we decide to make any amendments to this arrangement."

"I believe that this is the best way for us to make swift, decisive actions when necessary, yet still co-operate as a team. However, we're not working under this system *yet*, so I'd like to hear what all of you think." And with that, Iron Soul takes his seat and listens.

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Standing across from Iron Soul on the opposite end of the table, dressed down in a collared shirt (with the collar popped, natch) and slacks, Ibis leans forward with both hands on the table. "Dunna' if I feel comf'table with the responserbility." she says, "But if everyone wantsit, I'll be doin' m'best. I reckon the rest of the idea's pretty good... y'guys are natch'ral born leaders after all, eh?" Folding her arms across her chest, Ibis takes a step back as if inviting someone else to step up and comment.

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Platinum for his part leans back in his own seat, still in his usual garb with green cloak draped over it. He blows out a ring of smoke from his pipe before lowering it, other hand holding a cup of tea. "Being not entirely comfortable with it might be a good thing, Ibis... and I do believe the natural born leader part is why Iron wants you making the call." He takes a sip of the hot tea, marshalling his thoughts before continuing. "I can't say I object to this, in light of recent developments."

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Volim looks off to the side, nodding intently as each speak in turn, looking to half fall asleep during iron's long speech, and reaching for a hip flask on too many occasions to count. He stares at ibis for a moment before adding his own piece. "I see you've decided to write me out of this, have you? Eh. Look, crazy anathema, we will make one thing clear, will we not? I am here with you -only- because I am taking hte service of your protection. By blindly following my last employer, I've been mixed up in too much trouble, made more enemies than I have have before, and that is saying something! Just so we are clear on what my stance on authority is now, huh? In any case. You know to talk things over with the group, you know to take other people's advice, most of you are not that stupid, huh? We agree on what we can and we command what we must. If you don't trust me enough to give me any sort of power, this will pass, but if you do not trust me enough to give any input, there will be problems, da?" He smiles and leans back. "I do not think any of us need more problems, least of all me."

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Key does not sit, but stands restlessly beside her chair, "I can agree to this system - as a method of making quick decisions in a crisis scenario. Of course, I won't obligate myself not to stop anyone from doing things that are... problematic." She struggles with the word choice, "Anathema-like, if you will - in all the worst senses of the word. I certainly agree that Ibis needs to hold that balancing authority - Unfortunately, Ibis, I think you may be the only one we can trust to be un... influenced, no matter what comes."

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Iron Soul rests his elbows on the table, hands pressed together below his head. "Sister, do not let your fear solely dictate your actions. You can't spend the rest of your life second-guessing yourself. All you can do, all any of us can do, is trust in both ourselves and the others in this room. If something strange happens with you, we'll see it, and I expect the same for myself."

"Having a clear command structure doesn't mean that one person just goes off and becomes a tyrant. Obviously, whoever has something to add or suggest should be listened to and considered. All this means is that in the end, the right person has the final say, and that we all follow the same plan. The majority of us split off and did our own things to prepare for Platinum Storm's duel, back in Great Forks, and we almost died in the aftermath because of it. If we had all been unified, or at least had known what the others were doing, I believe that battle's result would have been skewed much more in our favor than it was."

Iron Soul turns his head to look squarely at Key. "That is why this system places the responsibility of leadership to its Triumvirs in more than just split-decision scenarios. Because following a game plan will help us prevent a crisis. If we're entering an ancient manse filled with traps, I expect you to tell us precisely how to proceed, and what to avoid doing, before we even take a step inside."

The Dawn pauses for a moment. "So. . .are you willing to accept that as part and parcel with this system?"

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Aimless Key raises an eyebrow at the suggestion that she could tell the details of a trap-laden ruin without even stepping inside, but does not comment, "Mmm. While I'm not sure I agree with your assessment of the duel. I take your meaning. I can accept it, and agree to it. At least so far as anyone can agree to obey orders that have not yet reached them."

"However, I do think we need to have a out and open discussion about our past selves. If not now, then later. If for no other reason then to diagnose the extent of the problem, and to help devise a course of treatment." She pauses, "But, that's only tangentially relevent to this discussion, and so we can table that for the moment."

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Iron Soul nods his head. "In that case, I declare that the Solar Triumvirate is now in effect, and that this is the Triumvirate's first official meeting. . .retroactively, I suppose."

The Dawn rises up from his chair, gesturing to each in turn. "Triumvir Key. Triumvir Storm. Arbiter Ibis. Volim. As I originally said, there is much we need to decide upon. There's a lot we need to do, but deciding what priority to give each is dependent on us. Allow me to list what I consider to be this circle's possible objectives:

• As Key mentioned, there's been some serious disruption among some of us, apparently caused by our former selves. One thing to do is find out exactly what is going on with that, how it is happening, and how to stop it.

• The Falcon's weapon has been broken. A warrior as mighty as she should have a weapon that reflects that might, and so we should consider either repairing her lance, or finding a suitable replacement.

• Our original goal in going to the Great Forks was finding a way of sating the vice god, back in the refinery. We've gotten far in finding and securing that refinery, and so one way or another, we should make it operational, whether it be by that annoying booze god, or by the soulsteel cage.

• We are preparing for a war, and yet the very fortress we stand in is missing a wall, and is in disrepair. It needs to be restored, and fortified.

• For that matter, we should be expecting volunteers from Great Forks soon, for military training. We're going to need a fort on the Creation side of things, and perhaps should start claiming land for agriculture as well. Troops require shelter and food, and our jade supply isn't going to last forever.

• We need to speak with Nakia, to determine what the Kingdom of Aki has been up to during this time, as well as finding out who else they've allied with. If we want to make further alliances of our own, it's best to know who has already taken a side.

• From what I've heard, Ibis apparently had a vision during that wretched dream, about a castle inside the Wyld. Seeking that place out to uncover the mystery could turn out beneficial, but it'd also have the benefit of getting Aimless Key to a Wyld zone, where she can work her magicks, and possibly procure us with more resources and materials. Two birds with one stone."

With that, Iron Soul takes a deep, slow breath. "If anyone has anything else to add to that list, please do so. Otherwise, we should decide which objectives to concentrate on."