Imix's page

That's a really good summary, GMBP.

I have to say I am most missing my face-to-face gaming groups. We've all gone online, but it just doesn't seem the same.

I suspect it is that there is a different skill set to running a game in person compared to running a game over zoom/hangouts/discord.

Sure. No problem. I've had two other games go into hibernation, and I definitely understand.

I wonder if a more responsive medium might be better for sandbox than PbP? I always worry I'm running roughshod over other people.

Oh, I hear you on that.

RE Library. I hadn't really considered that, but if the books are germane, it does make sense.

Does anyone else have an opinion on a amphitheatre vs a library? Maybe we build both?

Good point about the library. I hadn't considered that. How many linear meters of bookshelves are we going to need?

I am actually really interested to see what Chukix pushes for. His training may make him uniquely qualified, and he has an excellent understanding of magical theory.

No problem - stay safe.

Imix's plan.
1 Consult the Other Suriname, ensure they are on board. Offer them the opportunity to be treated as multiple entities.
2 Go amongst the people - ideally by sending the Other Suriname to do it with anyone younger. Ask who has knowledge they can share, and who wants to learn.
3 Ask the other races (we have three now!) if they have members with magical knowledge or aptitude.

From this he should get candidates. These need to be sorted into students (aptitude and desire), scholars (knowledge), and rejects (not taking it seriously).

Given we do not have a lot of books or paraphenalia, for now this will consist of finding a spot near the centre of the village to act as an ampitheatre. Ideally this would be natural but wooden stepped seating could be built.

One by one each person with knowledge will come forward to explain what they know, how they learned, and how they would teach (how many students at once, what it is likely to be like).

Imix feels that at that point it should be clear who has experience with teaching. It is best that those persons organise groups, but he expects those groups to be largely self-organising.

Maximising the time spent learning means organising food to be provided, and housing to be nearby. The need to have multiple small groups meeting means one ampitheatre is not likely to be as useful. As the college grows this will mean building a secondary venue. This is likely to be roofed (for warmth and to keep out rain) The best defence is likely to be having the ability to run, and being near the rest of the settlement.

I can see that the theatre is likely to see additional use from people wanting to address a lot of others - politicians and entertainers. I think he would be okay with that. Building a second ampihteatre seems a bit overkill.

He would seek someone good with organisation and not interested in learning magic to manage food, housing and organisation. Obviously a real scholar would be problematic, as they would constantly be distracted.

Question: is Imix engaged? Was this dropped with the new political structure?

Arodus 4
Imix looked bitter "Hadn't Nat promised to inform Ashkesh of our new location?"
Arodus 6
"It certainly seems logical" Imix admitted "Though I question whether the relative strength of guilds is reflected in the senate's negotiations."

I think 5 3 2 1 4 might work better. Ideally we can train people in crossbows, if we can get them.

Imix will (again) ask if anyone is interested in magic. He will approach people who might fit the bill (Helga and Issy, maybe) and see if they are interested in joining in a more senior role.

He will talk to the Other Suriname first, though, and see if they have comments. I am curious how they've been progressing since we crossed the Falls, but given it has not been long I am not expecting much.

He's very, very interested in duplicating the fountain plate.

"Agreed." Imix nods "For the sake of history we should hold off on formal assignments until posts are filled - rather than hold the elections have an assumed outcome. Once that is done, I suggest we assign each delegate - they are delegates of the gods, yes? - a job in keeping with their aptitudes and our requirements." Imix looks around "I intend to start on forming this... college."

"While we can work on multiple fronts simultaneously, our first priority should be knowledge." Imix elaborates "Training and building will take effort. With knowledge we can see the most effective way to use that effort."
"I think our second priority needs to be developing farming. At the moment my death would see us burn through our food stores and starve. Even an embryonic agricultural industry might provide the necessary margin of safety. Texikuk could work the numbers."
"The Beastling's new weapon is impressive. Powerful, easy to use - and they already have an industry to create it. We should see if they would be willing to teach us to make them or at least be prepared to trade. If we can acquire sufficient numbers training should be mandatory."

Congratulations!

"I believe our Cousins have their own method of rulership." Imix pointed out "Certainly should any of them wish to join us, I would have no issue. Should any of ours wish to join them, so be it."

"We here have no right to decide this for all. Every member of society has the right to be governed as they wish. We cannot simply tell people they are our subjects!" Imix is scathing of the idea.

I suggest we put this to everyone. Those who agree to be governed by it may do so, those who wish a full democracy may join our Cousins. If someone wishes to put forward another idea, so be it. I suggest we allow until sunset for people to choose what they will be part of."[/b]

"Once a proposal is chosen, then we choose people to fill the roles, using the mechanism put forth by a proposal."

"Should we end up with multiple proposals, the largest will keep this place - it is indivisible - and the smaller proposals may find another. I myself intend to stay with this proposal - so those who wish another choice should be given a share of the food, given I feed everyone." Imix looks out "I hope that people will choose to be part of the largest proposal, rather than fracture our people, but I will not force them to do so."

"I suggest Lady Bellet be asked to head up the 'no change' proposal , as otherwise doubtless someone else can do so. Should support be insufficient, she would then join ours."

i.e. voting with your feet.

Hope everyone is okay with what I posted. I had Imix have a bit of a breakdown, running through his thoughts out loud. I guess a bunch of this might have been muttered.

Every other damn society seems to have better spellcasters than ours! We need to work on that!

"Not so far apart, perhaps. There are a number of Monks, but very rarely even one Suriname. Simple rarity often manifests as mystery."

"The Suriname were, according to legend, created to cope with the situations where society broke down. Chosen by the Gods themselves." Imix looked away "We became less and less frequent. My attempt to take apprentices is an attempt to spread the Suriname knowledge, and attempt to create a new order of..."

He stops "Suriname is perhaps not correct. Not priests, exactly. Scholars comes close. Students of history, tasked to look to the wider view. Trained in Wisdom. Wise ones. Shadows, almost, but for external rather than internal..."

He trails off.

"Perhaps Makaya? Certainly Suriname magic is more powerful than any witch or sorceror. Unlike the granted power of priests, it is shaped by intention - the reason a rogue Suriname is so very dangerous. Should we be part of society, or outside it?"

"I am also unsure how to control Suriname. Historically once our Purpose is achieved we are taught the Final Secret - the magic that makes us one of the Divine Crocodiles. I have never learned that magic - obviously - and so I am unable to teach it. This means that once a Suriname has achieved their Purpose, they will..." he looks for a word and settles on simplicity "just go on. Gaining in power, but without a Purpose to shape it."

"Down the other branch, having seen more of the world I see now that the Peoples were lacking in magic. Suriname hoarded magic, and used it wisely, but when we were attacked by witches we needed power, not wisdom."

"Perhaps a voice on the council is as useful, now, as being outside the Law. I worry that in time it will lead to the Suriname being subverted for political power."

"An educational institute and brotherhood of scholars and spellcasters would be useful - it might even reacquire the transformation magic that used to reward the Suriname, but doing so might take a lifetime..." Once again he trails off, lost in thought.

"I think... I think this might be my Purpose." he holds up a hand for time "If my Purpose is to set up a College, and the College deduces the Final Secret, then once I have fulfilled my Purpose I can still undergo The Change. I would be the longest lived of any Suriname, but not rogue."

His speech speeds up, certainty re-establishing itself. "Yes. Those chosen as Suriname are as they were. Should another be born it too will be constrained as I am, subject to the same laws, tasked to find a Purpose. My Purpose is therefore to re-establish the order that will train them - but rather than hoard those secrets, it will give them to those scholars who have sworn to use them responsibly. Those scholars will be part of Society, able to apply for a position as any other person might do."

He hesitates, certainty evaporating "I must meditate upon this, and seek counsel. It seems that this must be my Purpose, if I am not the last Suriname. In which case I must take up the Mantle of my Purpose. But is it? Am I seduced by logic and convenience?" He hesitates again "Would it indeed make any difference to what lies before us?"

"I therefore propose that I work on the assumption that it is, but await further guidance. For now I will form this College, or School, or Monastery, or whatever it is. Should Oios' proposal go forward - and it seems likely that it will - I will take the mantle of Makaya - a single voice on a council is hardly 'ruling'."

"Should the Gods grant me a divine message to tell me I have misunderstood, I will bring it before you all."

"I see that the first priority of the College will be to gather Scholars. The second will be to study The Flame - starting with how it destroyed this place. Then..." He stops "No. No, I move ahead too fast. The priority of the College, the rules of the College - these are beyond my bailiwick. They should be established by the one - or ones - who Rule."

I feel like once we have a set of defined options, then we have people vote on them.
Given how outnumbered we are, I think our actual votes are meaningless. What probably matters is how well we can sway the crowd.

@Oios: don't forget Imix's gift ;P

I also like governance discussions :)

Hmmm. Imix is heavily indoctrinated, but the time since day zero has challenged a LOT of his assumptions. If there's a consensus that there is a better way I think he is likely to go with it.

I point out OOC that the "Suriname don't lead" was based on the fact that Imix has an overabundance of self-worth and a lack of empathy. i.e. he's LE and sees himself as the natural leader.

Putting him in a place where he has a clearly defined role regarding subordinates probably makes sense.

Imix looks thoughtful "The Suriname exist outside the law, and may not hold a position of leadership, except in the fulfilment of their purpose." He looks out the doors "I have made changes to the Suriame traditions, and the Flame has made more. There are now, if my predecessor who made this place is still alive, three Surinames - unprecedented since the early days of the empire. If Suriname is not now a title to be conferred only on those revealed..."

Imix, unusually, trails off.

"What is your plan for the Suriname, Oios? Will there even be such a thing?"

Hope it goes well.
This is what Imix is made for :)

Sorry, above had to be posted in a hurry, and didn't want people to wait
Imix pauses, and raises a hand "I should add that it is my belief those who successfully made the Journey are very likely the best of our people. My analysis largely excludes them." He shares a quick glance with Lady Bellet "The attributes one expects from nobility - attributes lacking recently - have been demonstrated by those fate has marked as commoners. Should we keep a noble class at all, I would suggest that today should mark the beginning of a number of new Houses."

Imix glances briefly at Bellet. 'Logical' he decides, blinking once, slowly, in quiet agreement.

"Very well. The Old Ways are ended? The new Ways to be decided? [b]"The new era has begun." Imix sighs "As it was predicted. '1516. Shadeholme, new era begins. 05-01-1767'."

"The Son of Waters was hardly isolated. Day to day ruling was largely carried out by bureaucracy. Those who surrounded him were not all corrupt - Castellan Tazzuk believed my warning, and risked his life to try to stop the Flame." Imix holds up a hand "However, I believe the decision not to send forces to Shadeholme was not punishment, but fear." Imix sighs "Had they acted as they should, sent troops to honour the pact between ruler and ruled, Cornucopia would still have fallen but Shadeholme may have survived."
Imix looks around "No guarantee a council will not fall to the same malaise."

"I support Texikuk's arguments. Many of the benefits derived from the Tribute are difficult to see. It should have paid to root out the corruption of the Flame, and had it done so we would never have known." He hesitates, diving into deeper waters "Further, Texikuk was an excellent auditor. Impartial. Understanding. Hard working. She did not take for herself." He looks to Fulton "What was needed was a counterpart in Cornucopia, tallying up what is spent, and what it is spent on, and taking it to the people."

"Even then, people are irrational. They act out of fear. Out of greed. They act without understanding. Without seeing the big picture. This is why we have a hierarchy, with those most competent to rule leading those less competent."

"What was wrong with the old ways? Competence was not rewarded. Dedication was not appreciated. Duty was not seen as a road to be travelled in both directions, but as a river that runs only one way. People were lazy, stupid, or afraid. Information was not shared. People cared more about themselves and their families than the community."

That would be my preference :)

I'm more than happy to do philosophical discussions. Is this a discussion people are interested in? I know people have been frustrated before, but not sure if IC or OOC.

Imix freezes at Oios' words. Upbringing and experience war within the Suriname. 'Easiest to address the first point first'.

"This is untrue, lady Bellet. I do not doubt the blood in your veins, but I also have noble blood. Of course, no Suriname can rule" he hesitates "under the old ways, at least. Further, while your bloodline is of the highest purity, my medical knowledge suggests you are unlikely to bear another child to continue that bloodline."
He hesitates again "Suriname are not forbidden to have children, but we require the highest permission to marry." he glances at Texikuk "Permission that is rarely" probably never " given. Meaning any children we engender are illegitimate."

Now caught on the intersection of theological theory, genealogical lore and inheritance law he continues. "If we are to carry on with the old ways, you would rule. Only if you ruled I could marry, and I married, and my spouse had children, would the lineage continue long term."

"Next: I take issue with the statement that the 'Old Ways have failed'. The Old Ways were given to us by Damballah, and have always worked. Logically we have deviated from the Old Ways into New Ways, and it is those New Ways that have failed." He sighs "In truth I have heard of issues among the nobility and done nothing. Sins performed in private. Heresy laws used for political rather than religious purpose. The contract between Lord and Vassal subsumed into simple servitude."

He bows to Bellet "As the sole noble to survive, I am inclined to believe you are in fact one of the few nobles who truly kept to the Old Ways. Certainly your behaviour during the Flight has shown the survivors what a Noble should be."

"We could, of course, take up the rule of..." he hesitates "Democracy, as shown to us by our new Cousins. There is no doubt their Senate is as useful an administrative tool as our Feudal Hierarchy. It has survived far less time, but is a brave experiment. I, personally, have been impressed by the meritocratic nature of their elections and the cunning of their Senators."

"A Theocracy is a possibility, but I believe it is the politicisation of the clergy that was ultimately responsible for the failure of the Empire. I would suggest some sort of..." he hesitates, grasping at concepts alien to his being "Separation? Independence? Religious institutions banned from power but given oversight? I had assumed I had been born for some great Purpose, but perhaps it was simply to ensure the Suriname institution - renowned for its independence and impartiality - existed to serve as a model."

"If we do abandon the Old Ways, how many of them do we abandon? Can Suriname rule? Marry? Can monks? Priests?"

"Animation of something like this..." Imix trails off "Suggests an enormous amount of power. If this was meant to be a warning, I am cautious estimating their full power."

Imix considers 'It may be better to keep Istiel in the fight than try to destroy the thing myself - but Keethero seems to have that in hand...'
Once again he calls upon the Powers to cleanse the tainted filth in front of him.

Imix grits his teeth, slowly steps froward, and turns his focus from the healing power of Damballah to the vengeance of Damballah. Water is the force of life; but water is also strong enough to wear away stone. The creature they face is the antithesis of life - and Damballah's power can dissolve that antithesis.

It is strange, channeling the power so close to another channeler. Almost Imix can hear... echoes. Ripples of power moving from one source to another. Like two streams fighting each other at a confluence, much of the energy turning against itself.

Imix freezes for a moment at Tex's words. Most of the leadership of the Flight are in this one place.
"You must stay safe." he answers "Take charge."

With that he lets his transformed body fall into the water, and a moment later speeds his way towards the creature.

Imix curses to himself that his magic is once again tied up in creating food, and looks around - only to see istiel bound from pole to pole.
'No. Not in armour. The water, for me.'
Growling a little, Imix lets his nature wash over him in preparation to dive into the water.

perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
'Why is meeting with Texikuk is so awkward? Does she still feel anger at me? Surely by now she has seen the logic of the situation?' Mind caught between thinking of Tex and aqueduct designs, Imix writes off the chaos at the end of the dock as hijinks or accident. Someone closer will throw him a rope.' he decides.

Hmmm. I think Imix will want to study the fountain, and see if the water that it creates have something opposite to the death-water of the Flame.

Not helpful, I know.

Perhaps that might mean a university?

=============
Imix & Istiel, Erastus 11 and 12
=============

"Can we guard it?" Imix asks "Perhaps. If we make a firebreak. Cleans the population. Encourage the Flame to burn hot, and fast."

"The decision is not mine. This is not my Purpose. We must tell Oios, and the Senate. But for now..." unusually, Imix trails off, then nods "Yes, for now we guard."

Sorry for the formatting - just missed the edit window.

Imix's mind stops for a moment in childlike wonder at the miracle that is the bowl.

At Istiel's words his focus snaps back. "Yes. We must keep it from the Flame." 'If the Flame is from another world, is this water? Does the magic here parallel that used to bring the monsters it uses here? Could it be used to summon a creature of Life, rather than of [b]Death?'[/i]

He does his best to take Latha and Istiel aside.
"Latha: this is more valuable than I had thought. This water can be drunk, and those who drink it will produce water that can in turn be used on crops. If it can be replicated, perhaps we can flood the death-water in your lands with the water of life, and restore these areas to what they once were."

"It must be guarded. Now. How will your Senate act?"

=============
Imix & Istiel, Sarenith 28 - Erastus 7
=============
"Likely you are correct, and my precautions paranoia. Still, this lake may be the saviour of our peoples - a little extra precaution seems no great hardship."

"'Give' seems the wrong term. The water herein is needed by all, were we to seek to take it for ourselves, your Senate would be right to deny it. I believe what Istiel is suggesting is that we guard it, for the good of all." he looks around "Did not some of your people know of this place, and keep it for themselves even as their brothers and sisters parched and suffered? Did not some of yours kill those who found it? Who knows what forces will be launched to take back control of such a place."

=============
Imix & Istiel, Sarenith 28 - Erastus 9 - 11
=============

"No need!" Imix assures the others, uncloaking his shield to let the magical light within shine forth. "That said, we should absolutely provide a written report, with at least a pair of messengers to provide escort. In it I would add that I have encountered a water-spirit nearby, one of the lesser immortals. Asking her to take residence here before she is corrupted seems wise - though this I would open to wider debate."

Imix turns to the sucker-headed, near-amphibious beastling who made the discovery "You are Ganton? Ganton - you have found us a clue with your competence and bravery. I would be delighted to accompany you further."

Senate
"I would be honoured." Imix nods his head politely. 'They seem willing to listen to good advice, as well as give it.'

"However you came by your skill and wisdom, it is good that you have done so. I confess I was surprised to find any bastion of civilisation here, in a land we thought full of barbarians. The more time I spend amongst your people, the more civilised I realise you are." Imix's praise is genuine.

"Of course, my first task will be to return to the site of the murder and secure it. Perhaps we can find answers there."
"You may question the other Suriname, if you wish, until I return."

=============
Imix, Sarenith 28 - Erastus 7
=============
Imix is no stranger to hard work, setting to moving the snake-corpse with a will.
That night around the fire he nods in response to Latha's question. "Our primary objective, however, should be to avoid fatalities. The relationship between our peoples is in enough turmoil already."
He indicates the cave with his fish kebab. "We must do our best to avoid polluting the water. I would like to discover what the source is. It may be that this is simply a rain-store, and it may be that this is fed from an aquifer. The best possible option is that there is a clue within to something to keep the water pure -this would explain why the snake creature has not impacted the quality."
"I can explain what the other Suriname and I have discovered about the difference between the two waters. Additionally Istiel and myself should discuss combat tactics with you and your people. my magic, especially, can intimidate the unfamiliar."

I can understand that! Stay Sane :)

Also, Imix may just have been seduced by the republican system. He'd started to wonder if monarchy was a bad idea, and this might have just sold it to him.

Gorgeous rebuttal, GMBP!

Imix considers "I would indeed have suggested this course of action for my people. Had I done so perhaps the coup that toppled my own empire might have never happened. Had I been a leader at such a time I would have assumed death was inevitable and sold my life as dearly as possible. Should I have succeeded in stopping the coup..." he considers for a moment "I see. An interesting dilemma. Once a coup is launched, logically the only two options available to the innocent are to either accept one's death and try to die fighting, or to abandon one's allies and join the enemy. I believe I know what my choice would be, but I had not considered the problem in this light; if the enemy believes enough of the senate will be swayed to choose to change sides, this action would not only be unlikely to prevent a coup, but instead actively makes it easier to succeed and therefore makes the action more likely - indeed may even precipitate the very coup it is intended to prevent."

Imix bows to the otterling, lower than he has before "I see your wisdom. I have ever had a weakness with politics - this is normally considered an asset in a Suriname, but now it has led me to advise incorrectly. I hypothesise this is one of the reasons the Suriname are forbidden to do anything but advise, except in very narrow circumstances."

"While I still believe that the enemy has infiltrated your ranks - especially given that your city is built on their old stronghold - I can see now that there is no easy solution at hand. The best I could reasonably promise is that if, after investigation, I truly believe that survivors of a coup were instigators I would seek to kill them - a threat so full of caveats it would be better not to make it."

"Bluntly, I had considered your Senate to be inferior to a hereditary monarchy. I see now I have judged it unfairly - I now see the benefit of your system over pure autocracy. It is yourselves; the senators."

"Your senators appear to have been schooled in intrigue and politics beyond anything I had ever expected to encounter outside the very highest level of the imperial courts. Your cunning and insight into exploiting human weakness make you more than just an asset in this fight against the Enemy. It makes you essential."

"Again and again the Enemy has misled us. Tricked us. Fooled us. Betrayed us. They have whittled away all but those whose own forthright, honest nature left them unable to anticipate such attacks. I had believed that this was the will of the Gods, saving those who put others above themselves, but perhaps not."

"Hamfatten was the worst of us. A scheming politician willing to do anything to survive. His death leaves us far poorer. All we truly have now is Oios; an investigator prepared to accept a death sentence in order to do his duty to his people. While his knowledge of the darker half of human nature is expansive, he himself is, unfortunately, a veritable beacon of honour and light."

"I am now convinced we must give to your Senate all the information, all the minutiae, that we have encountered - not simply our interpretation. Perhaps your experience will enable you to spot some pattern we do not, before that pattern comes to some terrible conclusion."

"I ask the Senate to consider our problems, and create a task force of those most gifted at intrigue, ensure such a task force is free from the Enemy, and set them to anticipate our Enemy's actions."

"Additionally: should our immediate problems be resolved, I would ask the Senate to consider a proposal that I be trained in politics and intrigue, in order to avoid giving such poor advice in the future."

Hmmm. So potentially a Working could be done?
I'm considering something to help with the drought. Makes sense to check the pool first, though.

"Our Enemy." Imix speaks calmly, stepping forwrd "Turned those we had thought loyal, and left them within our lands as a Poison. It seems the same may have happened to you. This foul deed is a blessing, if it provides you with advance warning of what you face and you use it to make yourself stronger."
"We believe we have purged the Poison from our own breast, by virtue of them taking advantage of our Trust and Vulnerability to strike. I strongly urge you to take advantage of our experience to move first."
"Experience tells me you should expect a coming coup. A night of knives and poison, where those of your Senate not corrupted are murdered, allowing the ones not killed to take power. Expect this when it becomes harder for them to corrupt the pure hearted who remain."
Imix bows slightly "I would suggest the Senate pass a motion that condemns any senators who survive such a trial to die. This will negate the benefit to the Enemy of doing it in the first place, and give you time to move. Certainly I personally would assume any such survivor is a traitor to your people, and a danger to ours."

Advice given, he steps back.

Tempted to make something - am I right that magic and magic items are more common here?

"We can return, when the threat is lifted from us." Imix concurs "Though I wonder if the Flame, the Seers, or simple xenophobia are behind this."

Almost as soon as he is sure the beast is dead, Imix calls upon his powers to heal himself and Istiel - only pausing to reiterate his demand, and drag Istiel and himself to the centre of the crystal clear pool.
"Get it out." growls Imix, unmoved by the dead "Before it contaminates the water. This much water, carefully used, could keep our peoples hydrated for some time."

Too sickened to cast again, Imix takes his courage and pick in hand and strikes wildly against the snake, desperately trying to hold it's attention so Istiel and the others can strike home.

fort + bonus con - sickened: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 8
Imix roars in pain as his rough skin reddens.

My bad - when I reset my stats for the day, I didn't reset my AC. Sorry :(
Should be 21.

Imix luxuriates in his warmth. Normally a night like this would have left him stiff, and cold - but his new vest radiates a gentle warmth that leaves him at his optimal temperature.

Brightly and sprightly he steps from the canoe, with a half-hump to make it to dryer ground.

"I will assist with tracking." he allows, then proceeds to theorise on every mark found by the others.