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After initial greetings Tahonikepsu and Amenopheus ignore you as they argue deeply on the true cause of the Jeweled Sages’ destruction, which evolves into a disagreement about the lost order’s hierarchy. Then they disagree on how to rebuild the organization. Both accept that they will need to recover additional sage jewels and recruit new prospective sages. Amenopheus believes that the next generation of sages must be chosen from among the most learned scholars.
"Amenopheus, we must reach an agreement on how to rebuild our organization. I'd prefer something new and innovative. To manage this, we should recruit a generation of active and innovative sages who could act as advisors to powerful leaders, read the current events to predict future decisions, and participate in making history rather than simply recording it. Tahonikepsu proposes
"The next generation of sages must be chosen from among the most learned scholars. Anything less than a well-trained mind would be unable to harness the millennia of memories within each sage jewel. I have served faithfully as the Osirion faction leader for years. You, on the other hand, are a complete stranger to me and the Pathfinders." Amenopheus answers
Tahonikepsu takes a step back and reverts to her natural, draconic form. “I present my credentials,” she retorts. “Now we are strangers no more.”
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The young aasimar listens to the pair bicker back and forth. She gets up and dusts herself off and takes a deep breath.
If I may be so bold, why not have both? A balance of the two. Have some that have the discipline Amenopheus is talking about, and then hae some that are more progressive as Tahonikepsu wants. Look at the Society as an example...we have scholars, warriors, scouts, priests and a myriad of others. A one dimensional organization might not be the wisest choice...in my humble opinion, that is...
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Willard pipes up, Friends, whilst we disagree on the next steps, remember that we are all friends here. And Carlin brings a point, should we not think of both the future and the past in forging ahead? There is merit to organization, but organizations without innovations often fall prey to similar fates - where either they reside in an echo chamber, only hearing what they wish, or they cleave so strongly to their past ideas that the world passes them by. On the other hand, innovation without understanding of the past will drive a group offline from their original mission quickly and unrelentingly.
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Mina thinks.
“As we stand at this crossroads, the future of the Jeweled Sages hangs in balance. Amenopheus, your reverence for tradition and learned scholars holds undeniable wisdom. Tahonikepsu, your vision of innovation and active involvement in shaping history is equally compelling. Both paths have merit, and both carry potential risks!“ she explains.
“I believe in the fusion of these ideals. We can honor the wisdom of the past while embracing the need for adaptability in the face of an ever-changing world. Our decision today is pivotal, shaping not only the future of the Jeweled Sages but also the direction of the Pathfinder Society!“ she says.
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Katswiri gasps when she sees Tahonikepsu's true form. "I think that my companions are correct. In my experience, innovation is more important than tradition. But innovation builds on knowledge gained from the past. No one starts innovating from nothing, they build on that which came before. I think you may find that in many cases, some of the most innovative and active individuals will be the most learned scholars."
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Willard frowns, Hear me out, if this will work since there can be only one leader. What if each equinox the leader changes and leads for only six months of the year? Legends of the fey say their world works that way - a summer king and a winter king. That would allow both tradition and innovation to trade the reigns of power, and would keep both lines of dialogue open. And knowing that in six months you would return to leadership, you would have to work closely with the current leader to ensure no one set of policy be advanced too far to the detriment of the other? If I can pick only one, I advocate for the future and adapting to change. But Tahonikepsu has much to learn about the world as it currently stands, so I would defer to Amenopheus to begin the blocks of building while Tahonikepsu learns and at the vernal equinox initiates his vision of the future. So say I.
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Carlin paces back and forth as she ponders her response, listening to the others weigh in as she does.
I hate this "one or the other" thing...not healthy. I respect the old ways, don't get me wrong. But sometimes there needs to be a change. Amenopheus, don't get me wrong. I respect you immensely and do not say this lightly. I feel that a change must happen...so I think Tahonikepsu should be in charge. Don't hate me guys... she says with a smile to the others.
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Sages vote for themselves and results are clear "That's three votes for Tahonikepsu and two for me. We declare Tahonikepsu to lead Scarab sages, congratulations my friend!" Amenopheus concedes
Both he and Tahonikepsu agree that the sages shall work with the Pathfinder Society toward their mutual benefit, and they aid you in returning to Eto without further conflict.The Ruby Sage’s power fades from them as they depart the Pillars of the Sun. Amenopheus is uncertain as to whether or not the ruby sage jewel can be restored, but he begins researching the possibility soon. Kafar and Nefti are able to give their new patrons ciphers and secrets known only to the Aspis Consortium, though the Society’s leadership are cautious about trusting the two turncoats too much. No doubt such a development will anger the Aspis Consortium and potentially invite special reprisals later. The loss of the emerald sage jewel to Grandmaster Torch weighs heavily on Amenopheus, and he sends his assurances to his Pathfinder allies that the Jeweled Sages will find Torch and recover their stolen property.