Dotting i's

[Faith Augustin]

Sent & Received: 10th Ashan, 722.

FAO: Lady Ilaren, Rharne Council, Thunder Priestesses and Lightning Knights.

I am writing to you in order to inform you of a project I am undertaking in my role as Head of the Order of the Adunih and to ask you for your support. I have sent this proposal to Lady Saoire and have received, in return, an agreement in principle for the setting up of the gateways. I am due to meet with Lady Saoire next Cycle.

The Proposal: As Sent To Saoire
I am setting up a large hospital outside Rharne, near to the town of Volta. My aim is to build the largest hospital currently on Idalos and - most importantly - which serves all of Idalos. This will be one complex which will have five distinct areas.

Four wings (each the size of a large hospital) with a central hub is what I envision. These will be:

- a hospital where currently incurable diseases and illnesses are treated and studied.
- a hospital where chronic and long term patients with complex and often terminal diagnosis and prognosis are cared for
- a children's hospital for the most complex and difficult children's cases
- a military and / or magic injury hospital for all those who have been injured in war or battle, those who have been harmed by magic or incapacitated by it

The hub will have research facilities and labs. There will be accommodation for the families of those who stay in the hospitals and therapy rooms for them. I have arranged for these buildings to be built and I will be donating them to the Order, so that they will not belong to me or any one person, but will be Order property.

My idea, Lady Saoire, is that I would ask you to provide a gateway between all Order buildings and this complex. It is my aim to ensure that no one is denied treatment because of their location and this is a first step towards that goal. If I can secure your assurance of the gateways, then I will contact the government and Immortal patrons of the relevant cities.

Current Actions
I have commissioned the buildings. I will be funding these myself and they will be immediately donated to the Order of the Adunih. These buildings are being created by Snodgrass, Pendleton & Snoot who have provided a substantial discount and will be the official builders for the Order of the Adunih, going forward.

I have met with Skydas mercenary company to discuss arranging security at the hospital site - and in each of the Order outposts, as and when this is agreed.

I am in the process of writing to the councils for Scalvoris, Desnind, Rharne, Viden and the Eternal Empire. These will be the "phase one" contacts. My aim is to get specialised glassware from Scalvoris, as this will be something which will significantly assist the running of the hospital.

Addition to this Proposal: Will Need To Be Discussed With Yourself & Saoire

I have been approached by Praetorum of the Skydas Mercenary Company. He is undertaking a journey to the Western Continent and has, there, an opportunity to take advantage of the fall out from the death of Faldrun in order to intercept slave traders and free those who would previously have been held by Sirothelle's forces.

I am proposing to ask Lady Saoire (with your permission, of course) if Praetorum may be given a means of sending them to an area adjacent to the hospital where we will set up a residential area, and a restaurant alongside the farms which are already planned. I intend to use the same structure and systems which worked so well in Beacon, Scalvoris - I enclose the details of that for you. It may be that we do not need to bother Lady Saoire with this, also, if there is a means open to you to bring them to us, but I would very much like to discuss it.

Proposal
I would like to ask that the Council discuss this proposal and that I then meet with yourself, including of course Lady Ilaren, with the aim of making sure that all are happy for this to happen. I also want to ensure that Rharne is getting a fair and appropriate deal from this.

The ability to be able to offer healing to those most in need should not be limited by geography. However, I am aware that the use of gateways poses a risk. I have the following mitigations either in place, or in process.

1. Members of a well-respected and morally appropriate Rharnian mercenary company to be stationed in each Order outpost with the specific remit of protecting the gateway.

2. I am able to designate an area a "safe hearth" - while so designated, no violence can be undertaken there and I will be aware of any who enter with violent intent. I am able to designate three such areas and I will designate the hospital as one.

3. Restrictions on who may use the gateway and - if it is Lady Saoire's pleasure that this is the case - a requirement that the person coming through must be "accepted" by the hospital. I will provide an Echo Scroll to each Order outpost and only when stringent security measures are met will the gateway be opened. Note that this requires discussion / confirmation from Lady Saoire.

I genuinely believe that this proposal will save lives. We will be able to provide care to those who most need it, no matter where they are. The hub of the hospital which will be research will work in close conjunction with the Institute for Innovation and will be able to offer on-hands training for all manner of roles - from Engineers to Medics, Administrative Roles and everything in between.

The same offer is true of the Order of the Adunih, Isonomia and the Thunder Priestesses. I would very much like to make this a joint venture between the Order and the Lightning Cathedral, if you were amenable to that.

I would not expect the Lightning Knights to be asked to provide security here, but if it is the council's wish that they do, then I would be very happy to discuss any recompense required.

In terms of the benefit to Rharne, this comes both from the prestige and the fact that this will be the largest center for medical innovation in the world (I believe - I certainly have heard of no other), but also in tangible ways.

1. There will be a residential area in Eureka for both those employed at the hospital and those who are relatives of the patients. This will bring economic possibilities in terms of requiring services in the area itself. I will also be arranging for regular travel between Eureka and Rharne proper but, due to the distance, we will need to have some shops, an Inn, and so on. Some of these are already in existence in Eureka but, as we grow, that will benefit Rharne as we are part of Rharne.

2. The Hospital will be directly and closely linked with the Institute of Innovation, Rharnian Mercenaries, Rharnian Business. It will be a global service, in Rharne and will be something which is a shining light.

I very much hope that you will consider and agree to this proposal. I am very happy to discuss it and look forward to doing so at your very earliest convenience.

I thank you for your time in reading this.

With best regards,

Faith Augustin

Included are copies of the other letters she has sent - the one for Yvithia is here as an example

Sent: 10th Ashan, 722.
Arriving 10th Ashan 722 via Eclipse Portal

To: Lady Yvithia, Lord Treid, the Viden Directorate, the Chancellor of Viden Academy

I am writing to you in order to inform you of a project I am undertaking in my role as Head of the Order of the Adunih and to seek your inclusion in this. I have sent the proposal below to Lady Saoire and have received, in return, an agreement in principle for the setting up of the gateways. I am due to meet with Lady Saoire next Cycle.

The Proposal: As Sent To Saoire
I am setting up a large hospital outside Rharne, near to the town of Volta. My aim is to build the largest hospital currently on Idalos and - most importantly - which serves all of Idalos. This will be one complex which will have five distinct areas.

Four wings (each the size of a large hospital) with a central hub is what I envision. These will be:

- a hospital where currently incurable diseases and illnesses are treated and studied.
- a hospital where chronic and long term patients with complex and often terminal diagnosis and prognosis are cared for
- a children's hospital for the most complex and difficult children's cases
- a military and / or magic injury hospital for all those who have been injured in war or battle, those who have been harmed by magic or incapacitated by it

The hub will have research facilities and labs. There will be accommodation for the families of those who stay in the hospitals and therapy rooms for them. I have arranged for these buildings to be built and I will be donating them to the Order, so that they will not belong to me or any one person, but will be Order property.

My idea, Lady Saoire, is that I would ask you to provide a gateway between all Order buildings and this complex. It is my aim to ensure that no one is denied treatment because of their location and this is a first step towards that goal. If I can secure your assurance of the gateways, then I will contact the government and Immortal patrons of the relevant cities.

Current Actions
I have commissioned the buildings. I will be funding these myself and they will be immediately donated to the Order of the Adunih. These buildings are being created to a very high standard from an organisation in Rharne. Snodgrass, Pendleton & Snoot have provided a substantial discount and will be the official builders for the Order of the Adunih, going forward.

I have met with a mercenary company to discuss arranging security at the hospital site - and in each of the Order outposts, as and when this is agreed and as needed.

I am in the process of writing to the councils for Scalvoris, Desnind, Rharne, Viden and the Eternal Empire. These will be the "phase one" contacts.

Proposal
I would respectfully request that you discuss this proposal and we then meet to discuss, if it is something you would be interested in. I would like to see a presence of the Order in Viden and would very much like to strengthen our links.

The ability to be able to offer healing to those most in need should not be limited by geography. However, I am aware that the use of gateways poses a risk. I have the following mitigations either in place, or in process.

1. Members of a well-respected and morally appropriate mercenary company to be stationed in each Order outpost with the specific remit of protecting the gateway. These would be as well as any security you wished to provide, should you allow this to occur

2. I am able to designate an area a "safe hearth" - while so designated, no violence can be undertaken there and I will be aware of any who enter with violent intent. I am able to designate three such areas and I will designate the hospital as one.

3. Restrictions on who may use the gateway and - if it is Lady Saoire's pleasure that this is the case - a requirement that the person coming through must be "accepted" by the hospital. I will provide an Echo Scroll to each Order outpost and only when stringent security measures are met will the gateway be opened. Note that this requires discussion / confirmation from Lady Saoire.

I genuinely believe that this proposal will save lives. It also strengthens ties between all those places with links to the hospital. We will be able to provide care to those who most need it, no matter where they are. I would very much appreciate you discussing and considering this, if you would do so. If you need to meet in person, I will be happy to attend.

Alongside the Fortress of Viden, I wonder if there is any possibilities for this to work in the Rangers Hall, perhaps in other places in the tundra of Viden. I would certainly be very keen to discuss, if possible.

I thank you for your time in reading this.

With best regards,

Faith Augustin

[Faith Augustin]

37th Ashan, 722

Faith was getting ready to meet the Council. Sitting there, she sat in the waiting area and she had her hands folded in her lap. On her lap sat a folder with everything she would need for this meeting - she hoped. She had planned and prepared all that she could and she hoped that this meant that she was able to put forward a strong and determined case. She had the notes with her, not for herself in many ways - but because not doing so would seem rather flippant. She had sent copies of these notes ahead on the 25th so that those who wished to could read them at their leisure.

Looking down, she checked them again, as much because it gave her something to do with her hands as for any other reason.

She had there the plans and diagrams which she had agreed with Mr Pendleton. They had met a number of times now and she had got the best deal from him she could , and had been very careful to make the notes as clear and precise as she could. She took the time to read them now.

Buildings

• The Hospitals

  • Central Building
    • Name: TBD
    • Purpose of Building:
      • Labs, medical research
      • All arrivals will arrive in the central room (as marked on the plan. This room is the green area. To those who arrive, each quarter of the wall will be a beautiful, soothing, glass mural that provides light and images. That glass will follow along in the corridors, providing a visual cue for those who can not read - each of the four hospitals will have its own colour.
      • The lavendar colour will be split into the four quarters as shown - these will be - 2 x sleeping areas for security, 1 x mess hall, 1 x recreation area for security. In the latter 2, the glass mural will be a transparent glass (so that security can see the arrivals at all times appropriate - but not while sleeping / resting). This has been commission from Egilrun.
      • The remaining off-white sections will be 2 x storage and 2 x training areas for security.
      • The remaining rooms will be labs, libraries, lecture rooms, etc.
    • Notes
      • Security here will be vital. I will, therefore, base my office there.
  • Top Left Hospital: (next to "A" retail area)
    • Name: The Pendleton Wing
    • Purpose of Building:
      • Treatment of Chronic, Long Term Conditions with Terminal / Long Term Life-Changing Prognosis.
    • Notes:
      • Placed here as both close to farms and temple, close to therapy and furthest away from the river.
  • Top Right Hospital (next to "C" retail area)
    • Name: TBD
    • Purpose of Building:
      • Treatment of Trauma (including long term abuse, magical mutations, etc).
      • This will be where former slaves will be brought
    • Notes:
      • Placed here as both close to farms and closest to where the new Beacon (name TBD) will be.
  • Bottom Left Hospital (next to "B" retail area)
    • Name: TBD
    • Purpose of Building:
      • Treatment of currently considered incurable diseases which are not terminal
      • Isolation area for those diseases which have high contagion
    • Notes:
      • Since the number of incurable diseases without terminal prognosis is relatively small, this hospital will also function as an isolation unit and spillover if needed
  • Bottom Right Hospital (next to "D" retail area)
    • Name: The Snootwing!
    • Purpose of Building:
      • Children's Hospital
    • Notes:
      • Nearest the river, this wing will be the most self-contained.
      • Theme here will be a "snootwing" which is a magical creature which heals children, helps them.
      • Need to discuss Need a school here - Institute trainee teachers - but not all patients are Rharnian - we'll need a curriculum.
• Residences

  • Residences - Staff
    • A place to live for all staff, if they wish it.
    • High quality - a variety of options available - single rooms in a shared building, double rooms in a shared building, houses, apartments etc.
  • Notes
    • Need to discuss: Could / should we ask if staff can use the portal and so have staff from all over Idalos? There will be a significant drain if we do not.
  • Residences - Relatives
    • A place to live for the families of those who are patients here.
    • High quality - a variety of options available - single rooms in a shared building, double rooms in a shared building, houses, apartments etc.
  • Notes
    • Need to discuss: Need a school here, too. But could link with school for Snootwing.
• Therapy

  • Physical and Emotional Therapy to be provided here.
  • 1 in north, 1 in south - each will provide therapy of both kinds to 2 hospitals.
  • Also, preofessionals from here will visit hospitals as needed

  [*] Notes

  • Need to discuss: Role of the Thunder Priestesses here.
• Farms

  • Growing produce
  • Raising livestock
  • Vineyard if possible

  [*] Notes

  • Will be used by BeaconII as part of the training provided.
  • Greenhouses with both warm and cold glass (ordered from Egilrun) in order to facilitate maximum variety
  • Gardens and cave-systems in Eureka can also be utilised here.
• Beacon II

  • A place for those slaves who have been freed (by Praetorum and via any other means)
  • A place for those who have been treated but do not yet wish to leave
  • Works on the same principles as Beacon - everyone contributes, etc.

  [*] Notes

  • Need community center.
  • Needs a new name!
• River

  • Central place for import / export
  • Have spoken to Woe Morandi (Representative of Egilrun) about commissioning luxury vessels with the aim of having the option of a floating restaurant (like Cally's, but floating), floating crafters etc
  • This could be opened up to anyone willing to do it - good business opportunities
  • Work closely with the Therapy areas - and will provide entertainment and support for our patients and their families.

  [*] Notes

  • Needs careful co-ordination - consideration of staff, too.
• Temple

  • Needs to be for all Immortals - as in Ne'haer, an all-temple
  • Also where the morgue will be housed (underneath) and the graveyard for those who wish to use it.

  [*] Notes

  • Needs careful co-ordination - would like to be respectful of all
• Mercantile Areas

  • To be offered to each of the cities / areas we are working with currently
  • Rharne to get first pick - or to determine if we'd be better having each section split up.

  [*] Notes

  • The size of this- we'll need both services and entertainment.
• Oasis

  • In farms and in residential areas, and near the hospitals - Oasis of Lovalus.

  [*] Notes

  • Will provide healing and emotional support

Meetings Held

• Mr Pendleton

  • Have met numerous times (minutes from each attached)
  • Have agreed significant discount (budget attached)

  [*] Notes

  • Will be the official builder for the Order of the Adunih
• Skydas Mercs

  • Will provide security inside the hospitals.
  • See notes on Central Hospital for specifics.

  [*] Notes

  • Will need to negotiate with each place what security they wish their side of the portal
  • Need to discuss our "bare minimum for this.
• TP

  • Support this endeavour
  • Wish to be involved - will choose how.

  [*] Notes

  • We want the TP to have a distinct and clear role here.
  • Need to discuss what that role will be
• LK

  • Outside the hospital, the LK will be responsible for security.
  • Support this endeavour.

  [*] Notes

  • Need to discuss - role in Beacon II (people there traumatised)
  • Need to discuss where to place their outpost
• Merchants Guild

  • Will have first pick of mercantile areas
  • Support this endeavour.
  • Support the idea of better transport between Rharne and Willow Tree

  [*] Notes

  • Need to discuss - movement of goods
  • Need to discuss - services on the river
• Institute for Innovation

  • Wishes to explore and map the caves under Eureka / Willow Tree
  • Support this endeavour.
  • Support the idea of better transport between Rharne and Willow Tree
  • Will work with us providing education for both patients and staff

  [*] Notes

  • Need to discuss - mapping of the tunnels beneath
  • Need to discuss - co-ordinating scholarships and so on.
• Scalvoris / Viden University

  • Support this endeavour.
  • Will provide scholarships and propose an "on hands" training scholarship programme

  [*] Notes

  • Need to discuss - collaboration between 3 institutions - shouldn't be a problem, they're all one thing and work together already
  • Need to discuss - merging curriculums
• Saoire's School

  • Support this endeavour.
  • I will teach there each season.

  [*] Notes

  • Need to discuss - movement of people

Looking down at it, she nodded her head. It was all there. The plan for the visit to the EE at the end of the season was there, too, of course. She hadn't heard anything back from Desnind, so she was going to go there, she thought, and get on - her plans for that were included.

Now, all she could do was hope that Ilaren and the council liked this as much as she hoped they would.

OOC Note All of this has been threaded out and is linked here

[Pig Boy]

The council, The head of the Lightning Knights, Urien, the Matriarch, Thalia Karvilius, Daphne Lightsong, the Trade Master, and the Voice Nathaniel Dubois filtered into the room. They were each announced by a man-at-arms in their turn upon entering.

Faith would notice a man out of the corner of her eye, who was also present at the meeting. Upon examining his face, she’d recognize him as none other than Markus Gaul, the proprietor of the Lightning Dome. He didn’t look very pleased to see her, or to be there, but then that was probably neither here nor there.

Finally their meeting was called to ‘order’ as Ilaren entered the room, walking through the threshold of the door. She took up a seat at the center of their table, facing Faith and Gaul with pleasure and pleasantness obvious on her face. She was followed into the room by a small terrier, Theo, and the larger Boozehound, Purple, who dutifully attended her every move.

She pet either of them under the table, letting Purple drink a bit of a sip from her own flask. Then and only then did she call the meeting into action.

“Now, Professor Augustin, we’ve had a chance to look over your proposal. And it is very well planned out and thorough. I’d like my council to weigh in before we get to business.

Urien’s concern was brief, and laconic, “I only worry about the external security of such a site as Eureka. Although Skydas company has kept the Zynyx relatively safe for the past few seasons, who’s to say they won’t decide to pick up and relocate elsewhere? Granted, they’ve made our job of catching up to the disorder in the countryside easier…”

Thalia’s concern was a reflection of the current events and transformational change going on in the Priesthood. “The Thunder Priesthood has gone through some turmoil of late, membership has been down, and we’re suffering a spot of an identity crisis, begging your Pardon Lady Ilaren. I believe we should be there to support the stated domains of yourself, of bringing revelry, enjoyment, and physical exercise to the masses. I think this proposal would be good toward that end, and bring much interest to Rharne itself. It would be good, in short, for the Thunder Priesthood to reform its mission, and give us more focus toward what we’re meant to do.”

Daphne Lightsong seemed to have no issue with the matter at hand, “I think this would be a lovely proposal, although I’m concerned that Eureka is rather remote for it to have the maximum impact. I’d prefer for it to have some presence within the city itself…”

The Voice, Dubois, seemed to seize upon that idea, and was quick to level his antipathy toward the Dust Quarter’s existence into his own concerns. “Then why not level the Dust Quarter, and build the hospital there? We can expand the city walls if necessary. Surely, if we’re to have a presence in the city, it should be in a place where we can improve the lot of those living under our protection…”

Markus Gaul coughed, and bowed his head before Ilaren, “Beggin’ yer pardon Lady Ilaren, and Augustin. I’d be remiss if I didn’t apologize to Professor Augustin for the… erm… unpleasantness that unfolded about my Lightning Dome. I should’ve known better than to hire on non Order healers for the Dome.”

“I was wondering… If I might make a petition regarding the Lightning Dome. I wanted to stage another event, grand brawls under the Brawling Tree. These would run right up until the middle of Ymiden, at which point, I’d be open to selling the place for a reasonable sum…”

He turned to the Council, and from the Council to Faith. It seemed an olive branch of sorts had been passed.

[Faith Augustin]

37th Ashan, 722

She was rather surprised to see the owner of the Lightning Dome there, she had to be honest. She smiled a slight, terse and rather business-like smile, and then turned her attention to the proceedings at hand.

Ilaren and her dogs came in and Faith waited quietly and patiently for the meeting to begin. Once it had, the first item of business was, it seemed, her proposal. One at a time, she reminded herself. Meet their questions one at a time and take them step by step. And so, she did there. "I understand your concerns," Faith said to Urien, the head of the Lightning Knights. "But that is as true of the suppliers of glassware as it is of mercenary protection - and the answer is the same. If and when Skydas are either performing to consistently below required standards or they tell us that they are leaving, then we get another company in. " She looked at him and smiled slightly. "A company which I would vet carefully and would keep all people informed of." She understood his point, entirely, but the reality was that groups and companies would come and go.

Faith nodded to Thalia. "As we spoke previously, I'm very happy for that to be something that we work together on." She'd put forward some proposals to Thalia at the time, but that was for her to raise now, not Faith. Faith wanted to support the Thunder Priesthood, and the best way to do that was, simply, to let them drive on things at the moment.

At Daphne's consideration, though, Faith turned her full attention. "It has to be outside of Rharne," she said. "Otherwise the Portals become a security issue for Rharne itself, and there is no ability for me to guarantee neutrality. This hospital will link to all Order of the Adunih outposts, and in that it has to be equal." Then, the Voice, Dubois, spoke and Faith turned her full attention to him. She listened to him carefully, her fingers steepling together as she pushed the pads one against the other. She listened to everything he said and then, Markus Gaul coughed and spoke. He offered the Lightning Dome to her to purchase and Faith's mind flashed as it worked, quickly. There was a lot to be said for that, a lot, but she had to keep focus here.

Faith was used to such fast moving situations and much more than that. Her experience as Famula's general had given her an excellent understanding of both politics and tactics and both were in play now. So, she breathed in and responded.

"First and most importantly," she said and she looked at Dubois. "Levelling the Dust Quarter would mean that literally thousands of people would be rendered homeless, hundreds of families torn apart and left with nothing. That area of Rharne needs more attention than any other, in terms of the needs of the people there. I will not be part of anything that has 'levelling the Dust Quarter' as a solution. Building it, putting money and resources into it," there it was. The idea she needed. Yes. "Those things, yes. Levelling it and building a hospital there? No." She shook her head, firmly.

"The hospital can not be inside any city. Consider how it would be if I was doing this in Scalvoris, for example. If I came here and told you of a hospital I was building and then told you that it was in the middle of Scalvoris Town, under the laws of Scalvoris and the protection of their military?" She shook her head. "It would be much more difficult for you to accept - for any city government to accept - that this is a hospital for all people, if it is flying a city flag."

She looked at Daphne and smiled. "It is remote. Yes. That is rather the point of it. However, it is possible that it could be placed in a more suitable location outside of the gates of Rharne?" Placing it in Eureka was not something she was sold on, not at all. She reached to her notes and pulled from there a map of Rharne. There, she circled three places

Spoiler

"It could, arguably, go in any of these places. I would certainly be happy to discuss that." She smiled, hoping that a compromise was reached. "In terms of Beacon II, it would be better for the residents if they were less isolated, certainly." That was something to consider, of course.

"As for your offer regarding the Lightning Dome, Mr Gaul, I think there are two things to bring forward here," she smiled, business like and spoke. "In terms of the group you did hire. They were, I believe, working with criminal gangs within Rharne. The sessfiend in the tunnels beneath the Dome. What has been discovered regarding that whole thing?" Was he selling this because it was a good time to sell, or was the situation with the criminals he had worked with (either knowingly or unknowingly) was untenable? That was important to know. "I would be interested in seeing the findings of that investigation?" She considered that, some trials, she was the Queen of Understatement. She'd missed the investigation itself, of course, because she'd been a tree at the time. Still. Focus.

"I believe, if I may, that we can take that offer - as long as the price is reasonable, of course" she smiled at him and considered that he'd better be prepared to be bartered down from wherever he was. "And use that as the central hub of collaboration for us. It would function as .... well, honestly, as a place for all of us to work together for Rharne. One of the things which I have found in working here is that there are many groups of people whose areas of responsibility overlap. The Thunder Priestehood, the Lightning Knights, the Order, Isonomia - all of us share collective goals. The Merchants who supply us, all of the people in this room. What if the Order buys the Lightning Dome and we turn it into a building like the one I commissioned in the Stormwastes during the Siege? That building was a place where the Knights, the Priesthood, the Order, the Wardens of Lovalus and the Institute of Innovation who, frankly, should be around this table," They should, Faith had no doubt of it. "A place for all of us to work together. Not to govern the city, that isn't the remit of the Order or the Institute, but a place for us to work together for the betterment of the citizens of Rharne. A place to share resources and ideas and to have some joined up services and delivery of those services? People could come and put forward suggestions, we could work together on projects." Looking around, she smiled slightly. "But if not, then I will take that offer up on behalf of the Order."

Faith looked at Ilaren and she smiled at the Immortal. She bowed her head before she spoke. "My lady Ilaren, I believe that this hospital will bring excellent opportunities to Rharne and I would be honoured if it could be placed on the lands outside your city. The setting up of a second Beacon-like village, all of that will require a lot of work, which I am happy to do, but it will bring great things to Rharne, I am sure of it. With a collaboration between those of us here - assuming I represent the Order of the Adunih, Isonomia and the Wardens of Lovalus - and the Institute also, we can work miracles. I truly believe it."

And, that all said, she fell silent and waited.

[Pig Boy]

The commander of the Lightning Knights was satisfied that there would be responsible members of Skydas company watching over the Hospital. "I know Skydas company, they've cleaned up our countryside of ruffians and outlaws considerably. I'm happy to defer security concerns for your hospital over to them, therefore. And it being a neutral non-political operation makes it important for the mercenaries to be neutral themselves in any political matters."

Here he held up a finger, "However, you may be interested to know that we have it on good intelligence that the leader of Skydas himself was a deserter to the Eternal Empire's army. Would this not present a concern as to his ultimate neutrality and suitability toward the hospital's security? For good or ill, he has pledged allegiance to a power that's stated goal is the subjugation and conquest of all Idalos. Whether those loyalties remain, or are, in fact, in tatters as he was a deserter, from my latest intelligence, is a matter worthy of investigation."

"I've heard that Praetorum is a straight-forward individual, not prone to deception. Perhaps you'd best ask him about his past, if you haven't already."

Daphne then nodded to Faith's insistence that the Hospital's operation be completely separated from Rharne proper. "I understand, that may be best. And in that case, perhaps we'd best consider a place that is closer to the city? Even if it lay outside our walls. I think someplace near Lovalus might present a more neutral and serene vista than the constant thunder and lightning cracks over Volta, and near Eureka."

Then it was Dubois' turn to respond to her admonition of his suggestion. "If you'd taken a look at the Dust Quarter in the wake of the collapse, and thereafter, they're as good as homeless anyway. That's not to downplay your past contributions toward the improvement of that Quarter, but the nature of it is that it will always slide into chaos and lawlessness."

"Enough!" Ilaren shouted, and her terrier, Theo, backed her up with a ear-shattering bark. "I've heard enough." She said, lowering her voice. "I think the best thing would be for the Hospital to be set up outside of Rharne, at any of the sites suggested by Professor Augustin. Daphne's suggestion is a good one. But I will not hear of shattering the trust of half of our population by leveling an entire Quarter! Understood Dubois?"

Dubois nodded, but could be heard to grumble.

"Now, about the purchase of the Lightning Dome... that is another matter entirely. Are you sure about this Gaul? The Dome has been in your family for generations."

Gaul wrung his hat in his hands, as he approached the council. "Aye, I do. We've other places in the city for the holding of exhibitions, ones that are better suited and more secure than my Dome. That said, I'm open to offers." He said the last bit, turning slightly toward Faith.

It seemed it was her turn to talk.

[Faith Augustin]

37th Ashan, 722

Urien "warned" her about Praetorum's past and Faith shook her head. "I am aware of Praetorum's past, it was the first thing he told me about when I spoke to him about taking on the security," she said. "I believe that it is a very nuanced situation which holds no influence over the fact that he is a trustworthy individual." She smiled at Urien, not wanting to sound argumentative. It was the last thing she was being, and she was grateful for his input. If she hadn't know, she would certainly have wanted to.

She nodded to Daphne at her words. "I see your point entirely. I'm sure we can reach a compromise there. Thank you," she said. She considered it a moment and then she tapped the map "Here," she said, "I think we could put it in between Rharne and the Spire, to the South-East of Rharne and on the shores of Lake Lovalus. Does that work for you?" Daphne had seemed happy with any of the three places, but this one fit Faith's criteria more clearly.

Dubois made a point and Faith was about to respond when her ears exploded. Or, that was how it seemed. She didn't think she'd ever heard an Immortal shout before, and for it to be the Immortal of Sound meant that she wouldn't be entirely surprised to feel blood dripping out of her ears, but it certainly silenced Dubois.

And finally, it was time to talk about the Dome. Faith considered it and then looked at Gaul, carefully. There was more to his sudden desire to sell, she was sure, but that was not the point. The point was the opportunity this provided. Her mind had worked quickly and, slowly, she nodded. "I would most certainly be interested in purchasing it, yes." She looked around at those present. "As much as I dislike the reality of it, Dubois is correct," she said. "The Dust Quarter needs money, time and attention. I propose the following."

She considered it just for another few trill and then, she spoke. "The Order of the Adunih buys the Lightning Dome. We turn it into a premier entertainment provider. We begin - with your permission Lady Ilaren - a tradition of Rharnian Games, maybe once an arc, once every two arcs. These games are tests of combat, of athletics, gymnastics - of singing and dancing, too - where cities and regions are competing against each other in a friendly manner. Crafters, athletes, fighters and entertainers from around the world are invited with prizes and medals for the winners. Hosting this would bring in a lot to Rharne in terms of markets and hospitality, yes?" She looked at Daphne as she said that.

"At all other times, it is used as that premier entertainment provider. Open air theatre, fighting tournaments, athletics competitions, horse competitions, massive markets. We organise them and we make them high-end, top quality." She looked at the people in the room. "But that is done on two conditions," she said. It was important to state things clearly here, she knew.

"First, the Dome is run by the head of the Order of the Adunih in equal partnership with the head of the Thunder Priesthood," Faith said. She looked at Thalia. "Providing entertainment and joy, bringing song and wonder to the people of Rharne. In Ilaren's name and with her blessing.". They had spoken of the need for the Priesthood to have an identity. This would give it one. "Since I would suggest that the Priesthood runs things, day to day." That was the first condition.

"The second condition is that all profits are split equally four ways," Faith said. "One quarter goes to the Order. We will provide all healing and medical services there, in all events." That seemed more than fair to her. "One quarter goes to the Priesthood," that was important, of course, to put money back into the Lightning Dome. "One quarter to the City of Rharne in a pot which is held by this Council and spent in a manner agreed by a majority vote and finally, one quarter is given to the rebuilding and renovation of the Dust Quarter." The poorest of the city, they would need it. "Isonomia can and will oversee that, if you allow it." She looked at them each, then and then she added. "And finally, a request. It is a request, and nothing will change if you should refuse. I would quite like to be involved in the Council, if that were possible. I have experience of being on the Council in Scalvoris and I believe that the Order of the Adunih and Isonomia should have a voice." That said, she sat back and looked at Gaul. "Keeping in mind that you are selling to the global charity which provides healing services, and considering that the tree of Moseke grows in that Dome because of what happened there," She smiled at him. "What sort of price were you thinking?"

[Pig Boy]

"I'm satisfied then, that you have a handle on Commander Praetorum's character and trustworthiness. Should this situation change or shift at all, I trust you'll bring it to our attention." Urien nodded, and then rested on that ending. "I'm satisfied with these conditions."

Daphne nodded thoughtfully at Faith. "Yes, I think perhaps this spot between the Spire and Mistral Village would work best, as the closest spot to a location that has an abundance of research and information, and also very close to Mistral Village and several other strategic population centers." Daphne tapped her chin, and then nodded, "I think we'd be best served to place it there. But any one of those locations would be suitable in my opinion. I'm satisfied with your conditions."

Dubois meanwhile was still having his ears ring from the shout of Ilaren, and properly mollified. He sulkily muttered, "Very well, I'm satisfied with these conditions." Then he went silent for most of the rest of the meeting.

Ilaren and Thalia seemed very surprised at the idea Faith had about the Lightning Dome. When the offer was made to sell it, Ilaren had been somewhat taken aback. The place had been run by Gaul's forefathers for generations, and the city had used it often as a place for people to celebrate what made Rharne great, and for various other exhibitions.

That Faith was willing and even actively suggesting that the place remain in that function had surprised Thalia and Ilaren, but pleasantly so. Thalia smiled, something she wasn't used to doing. "I'm satisfied with those conditions. Lady Ilaren?"

Ilaren drank some of her wine, as she considered the proposal on the table. But she only needed a few moments to see that this was a grand idea, and also an opportunity to preserve the Lightning Dome's legacy conditions in perpetuity. Even Gaul himself seemed positively moved by Faith's suggestion.

"These conditions meet with my approval. What else is there?"

Gaul cleared his throat, "Ah, that is a fair and good proposal. It'll do my heart good to know that the legacy of the Dome will long outlive me. That said, it's accrued quite a lot of equity in its standing as the greatest venue in Rharne." He cleared his throat, and went on to state the value of the Lightning Dome as he saw it. This done, the issue seemed to move into Faith's end of the court again.

!	Message from: Pig Boy
	The Lightning Dome will cost Faith 100 wp roughly, before any adjustments from capstones/discounts/etc.

[Pig Boy]

All Players

• Language: Gernevoir

Faith Augustin

• Renown: 10
• Knowledges:
  • Politics: x5
  • Psychology: x2
  • Intimidation: x1
  • Socialization: x 2
  • Logistics: Tier 2: Planning with a high ranking government council comes with its kinks.
  • Logistics: Tier 2: Pointing out the short-sightedness in another's input to put negotiation back on the rails.
• Adunih Faction Points: 4
• Wealth Points: -25

Skill Review: All Skills used appropriately to PC's level

Notes: This was a fun thread for me to mod, so thanks. Faith surprised me at several turns, particularly with her suggestions to change the Lightning Dome but really to keep it the same as it was. I love her idea to make it the site for a series of international games, for revelry and exhibitions of other sorts. Great idea.

She of course handled herself about as well as you'd expect in this meeting, and Dubois is suitably chastised for suggesting that the Dust Quarter be leveled so they can build a parking lot or something .

Anyway, great writing.

P.S.: Since you're going through with the purchase of the Lightning Dome, would you like to discuss redeveloping it with me? With the changes you set out to do in mind? I think it will definitely need an update not least of which for the giant Willow Tree growing inside of it. Thanks!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this review, feel free to PM. Enjoy your rewards!