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After a long debate about the merits and demerits of democracy, and the leader-like position of the Expert Sage on duty, we finally managed to reduce the discussion to the following core question:
Should the Jeweled Sages be lead by a single person, or should the Sages each have equal standing?
On this, we voted that the Sages should not have a leader among them. In a sense, you could say we voted for Amenopheus, but it would be more true to say we voted *with* him. It should be noted that among the 'council of the Ruby Sage', the votes were not unanimous: after briefly considering voting for her own mortal enemy Torch, one out of six voted for Tahonikepsu's suggestion of appointing leadership.
Nevertheless, on the issue of tradition versus innovation, we felt that preserving the traditions of old should not overshadow the need for innovation. As such, we did feel that certain changes needed to be made.
Most importantly, we agreed with Tahonikepsu that the knowledge safeguarded by the Sages should be spread with the outside world. However, Tahonikepsu's suggestion to do so by advising the rulers of Golarion was quickly met with objections: the Jeweled Sages should not be seen to have any political influence or agenda, save for an overall desire for peace, and their council should not be reserved only for the rich and the powerful.
On the issue of what type of recruits to fill out the final places among the Jeweled Sages, a compromise was reached between Amenopheus' wish for highly schooled scholards and Tahonikepsu's want of practical and enterprising individuals, in that a wide variety of individuals should be represented among the Jeweled Sages. In practice, this means that Tahonikepsu and Amenopheus both nominate a candidate to join their ranks, at which point the final candidate can be selected by the larger council as a group effort.
When the Jeweled Sages' numbers have grown once more, another meeting shall be called to discuss the exact structure of this reforged organisation. We, the Council of the Ruby Sage, shall not be a part of this discussion.
Personally, I see merit in a Jeweled Academy, which should encourage people from all walks of life to study the wisdom of the Jeweled Sages under their personal guidance. One of our group suggested such a structure. Whenever the Jeweled Sages come to an impasse or lack a certain appropriate expertise, they could gather knowledge and insight from the present student body, which should help resolve matters of indecision.
The formation of a Jeweled Academy would also ensure that the Way of the Jeweled Sages is a far larger movement than could be quelled by simply secluding five individuals in a distant tomb, as has happened in the past.
If the government of Osirion opposes such an institution, despite their agents being just as welcome to learn as any other, I am sure that a number of other nations would be glad to play host to a peaceful community of scholars. I, for one, would be more than happy to lend a hammer to help erect a Jeweled Cathedral wherever it might be welcome.
Signed,
Bilwin Tosslefritz
Carpenter of Erastil
Paladin of the Grand Lodge of the Pathfinder Society
Commendated Defender of Nerosyan
and One-time Member of the Ruby Sage Council