[Mkguild] Rebuilding the Mage's Guild

[Kit]

While I don't think this is the reason behind it, somehow I can't help but
think this is a ploy to give new mages an excuse to join the guild post date
without it seeming like all the authors just realized such a guild exists.
Anyway, this story is certainly shaping up. Good luck filling in the missing
bits!

Kit

On Sat, Aug 28, 2010 at 7:05 AM, Kamau <jc2blion at taconic.net> wrote:

> Rebuilding the Mage's Guild
> By Kamau (and hopefully others)
>
> A smile crossed Master Jesse's face as he wound his way up to the gate at
> Metamor.  It had been far too long since he had attended to business here
> himself.  The business this day however precluded his sending Sib as he
> usually did.  To conceal his true intentions he had told her it was some
> business that he had with the guild that was forcing him to go himself.
>  Really that was only a half lie.  It was in fact business with the mage's
> guild that brought him to the Keep.  He intended to go to the hall and ask
> that both she and Rorlyn be granted letters from the guild certifying them
> as Journeyman.
>
> This however brought a darker thought that furrowed his brow.  If what Sib
> had told him was true there was trouble with the guild itself. Seeing it had
> been months since he had received any communications from the guild he was
> certain that something was amiss.  While mages were not known to be the
> chatty type there should have at least been a monthly report.
>
> Once inside the gate he made his way to an inn and stabled his horse. He
> expected it would take less than a week to complete his business and to
> catch up with some friends he had not seen in a long time.  Placing some of
> the items he had brought in a shoulder bag and taking up his staff he headed
> for the marketplace.  In a short time he stood before a shop whose sign was
> that of an owl, the shining guild mark displayed in the corner.  Smiling he
> opened the door and entered.
>
> "May I help you Master," a deer asked from behind the counter.
>
> "Yes, I am Master Jesse and I seek Master Nestor ," he replied in a firm
> but friendly tone.
>
> "Right away Master," the doe replied with a bow as she darted to the back
> of the shop.
>
> Moments later a tawny owl, the size of a child, appeared in the doorway.
>
> "Master Jesse," the avian cried launching himself over the counter with a
> flap of its wings. "It is so good to see you."
>
> "As it is to see you my friend," the blond bearded man replied as he
> stooped to embrace the owl. "How have you been doing?"
>
> "I'm well," Nestor exclaimed beaming with pride. "Business has been good
> and I now have two apprentices and a Journeyman.
>
> "You are off to an ambitious start," the human mage said.
>
> "Come, let me introduce my newest apprentice," the owl said extending a
> wing toward the deer. "Lucero , this is Master Jesse from Mycransburg. He is
> the Master I studied under."
>
> "A pleasure to meet you Master," the deer responded bowing again.
>
> "How long will you be with us?" Nestor asked looking up at his former
> Master.
>
> "I expect to be two or three days in the Keep," Jesse told him. "There are
> matters in Mycransburg that I need to keep an eye on."
>
> "Of course," the owl Master said with a nod. "Still I do hope that will
> leave you time to share a drink with a former student."
>
> "Indeed I would very much like to do that," Jesse answered with a smile.
> "But first I have a bit of business to conduct with you."
>
> "Oh," the owl said tilting his head. "Some of your handy work?  The wares
> that Sib has been bringing are always in demand."
>
> "That and more," the mage told him opening the bag he carried. "See what
> you think of these."
>
> The human mage laid several bracelets and medallions on the counter. Nestor
> hopped onto the countertop and began to examine them with his mage sight.
>  Tilting and twisting his head about for some time he probed the magic each
> item held.
>
> "Luc, tell me what you see," the owl mage said to his young apprentice.
>
> "I will try Master," she replied and stared at the items for a few moments.
>
> "They are wards of some kind," the doe stated, a bit of doubt tingeing her
> voice.
>
> "Is that all?" the owl pressed.
>
> Again the deer examined the items blinking repeatedly.  Finally she shook
> her head and faced her Master.
>
> "There is something else radiating from them," she told him. "but it is
> bound too tightly with the first for me to discern what it is."
>
> "Very good," the owl mage exclaimed. "I'm pleased that you saw it."
>
> "Indeed," Master Jesse added. "How long have you been an apprentice?"
>
> "About three months Master Jesse," she answered.
>
> "That was very good for someone so new to the trade," the blond bearded
> mage told her. "You were correct that those are wards but of a special type.
>  The second is similar to a ward but it does not protect directly.  There is
> also a third spell beneath them both however."
>
> "The one looks something like a gate ward," Master Nestor commented
> searching for the other spell. "Yet the first spell is clearly one of
> protection for the wearer.  So why would it reach out to the danger that
> triggered it?"
>
> "That is because it is meant to warn the attacker," Jesse said, his broad
> smile lighting up his face. "These are meant to be worn by our animal
> Keepers when they assume a full animal form."
>
> "But to what purpose?" Luc asked then covered her mouth realizing she had
> spoken out of turn. "Oh, pardon Master."
>
> "You are excused this time," Jesse said, his tone more of a teacher now.
> "As for their purpose; have you not seen or heard of Keepers attacking each
> other because they didn't know both were Keepers?"
>
> "Yes, I've heard of that," the doe replied.
>
> "Well if a Keeper is wearing one of these it prevents that," the Master
> mage said. "The spell that reaches out instills a feeling of uneasiness in
> any attacker dissuading them from attacking.  The protection spell will
> shield the wearer from any primal attack and the third embedded spell warns
> the wearer and the attacker that both are Keepers."
>
> "Interesting," the owl mage commented. "That is a nice little trinket to
> add to your line and one I'm sure I could sell to some of our patrons here."
>
> "It's not my work," Jesse told his old student.
>
> "Not yours?" he exclaimed. "Then whose is it?"
>
> "My apprentice, Sibylla Messitt," the human mage said beaming. "The clever
> girl came up with this all on her own."
>
> "This is more then the work of an apprentice," Nestor gasped. "I dare say I
> would not expect work like this from less than a Journeyman."
>
> "Exactly, and that is why I'm here," Master Jesse told the other Master.
> "While the spells are adaptations of my own work Sib has crafted them into
> these items in a way that makes a most useful device.  That is why I will be
> asking the guild to grant her letters to be a Journeyman."
>
> "Well that work is certainly worthy of that rank," Nestor said somewhat
> distracted by the conversation between the doe and a customer.
>
> "I can count on your recommendation then?" Master Jesse asked following the
> owls gaze at the counter.
>
> "Most certainly," the owl mage replied. "Follow me and we can do that this
> very minute."
>
> The shop's Master led the human mage through the back room and to another
> chamber.
>
> "Please have a seat," Nestor said gesturing to a chair. "Would you care for
> some wine?"
>
> "Yes, that would be rather pleasant right now," Jesse answered.
>
> The owl gestured to a cabinet that opened of its own accord.  From within a
> wine bottle and a glass gently floated to the table.  With a flick of his
> wing the avian mage drew the cork out and poured the wine into the waiting
> glass.
>
> "I see your skill with levitation is as good as ever," the bearded mage
> commented.
>
> "All thanks to you," Nestor replied. "You were the one that insisted I
> learn them."
>
> "For a mage who has no arms it is a very useful skill," Jesse told him as
> he picked up the glass.
>
> "Yes, it has served me very well," the owl replied taking his place on a
> perch near the table.
>
> "So what is this I've been told about difficulties in the guild?" Jesse
> asked Nestor as he took a sip of wine.
>
> "Where to begin," the avian mage said with a sigh. "In many ways the Guild
> exists only in name."
>
> "Will I have trouble getting the letters for Sib and Rorlyn?" Master Jesse
> asked his brow furrowing with concern.
>
> "You'll have no problem with that," the owl mage said ruffling his feathers
> and puffing up some. "So long as you've enough silver in your belt."
>
> "I've brought enough to cover the usual fees," Jesse replied noting the
> owl's tone and posture.
>
> "Hah, You'll need a good bit more than that." the owl Master cawed. "Grand
> Master Kuna will need his administrative fee as well.  Even after that who
> knows when the letters will be granted."
>
> "Grand Master?" Jesse questioned. "Who or what has made Kuna a Grand Master
> and why would he get a fee?"
>
> "He's not a Grand Master in the broadest sense of our trade," Master Nestor
> explained. "But he felt the title Head Master wasn't exalted enough for the
> head of the guild here at Metamor."
>
> "Kuna is Head Master?" the human mage gasped.
>
> The owl simply nodded.
>
> "Still he can't just single handedly change that title," Jesse exclaimed.
>
> "Somehow he got a quorum together one day and changed it," the owl said.
>
> "And he increased the fees at the same time?" the bearded mage asked.
>
> "No, he pulled that off by the compensation clause in the charter," the
> younger Master told Jesse. "He claims that since he is doing all the work
> and that it's distracting him from his business he deserves compensation."
>
> "Doing what work?" the human mage questioned. "All he does is sign as head
> of the guild.  Oh sure, there's a bit of review and paperwork but most of
> the work is shared among all the guild Masters."
>
> "Not anymore," Nestor informed him. "He single handedly reviews all
> applications and approves them.  He's also got his paws in just about every
> other part of the guild."
>
> "What of the other Masters?" Jesse asked. "Surely they are asked to review
> the progress of those likely to be raised in rank?"
>
> "We haven't had a guild meeting let alone any reviews for at least six
> months," Nestor told his former Master.
>
> "That's impossible," Jesse exclaimed. "The charter calls for meetings and
> review."
>
> "So many of the mages here in the Keep and out lying area have become fed
> up with Kuna's antics that they refuse to meet," the owl mage said. "He's
> all but destroyed the guild."
>
> "But how?" Jesse asked shaking his head. "We had a good guild here for
> years.  Certainly people wouldn't just cow under to this type of nonsense."
>
> "Jesse remember we've lost a lot of good people over the years," Nestor
> reminded him. "Especially after the Winter Assault the ranks of Masters grew
> very thin.  The last Head Master never recovered from his wounds and that's
> when Kuna got elected to the office."
>
> "We didn't even hear about that in Mycransburg," Jesse said. " Raughat was
> a good mage.  I'm sorry to hear we lost him.  But how was this election held
> without the Masters being present?"
>
> "Legal double talk and politics," Nestor answered. "Kuna convinced the
> guild that it had to act and somehow persuaded most of those not able to
> attend to give him their support."
>
> "We are talking about the same mage?" Jesse inquired. "Kuna, short, stocky,
> gets hyper at the drop of a hat or at least before the curse that was him."
>
> "That's the one," the owl said. "And being a meerkat hasn't done anything
> for the voice and arm flailing when he's having a fit."
>
> "Meerkat?" the blond bearded mage exclaimed. "Is that what he became?"
>
> "Yes," the younger Master confirmed. "He hid himself away for a couple of
> years after Three Gates.  Only started being an active mage again I'd say
> four years ago.  Even then he kept a low profile."
>
> "Then that's why I've lost track of him," Jesse said with a sigh.
>
> "No one seems to know what he did during the assault," Nestor continued.
> "But with our losses and so many others healing from their wounds he just
> stepped into the vacuum and took control."
>
> "Have you tried to get him removed?" Master Jesse asked.
>
> "Yes, though not recently," his former student answered. "He either comes
> up with a reason to cancel the vote or we don't have the quorum of Masters
> needed to do so.  There's been enough attempts that many have simply given
> up and went their own ways."
>
> "It sounds like someone needs to do some cat herding." Jesse commented
> stroking his beard. "Start pulling the Master mages together and get the
> guild to stand up to Kuna."
>
> "With the current feeling among the mages here that will take a bit of
> persuasion," the owl mage replied.
>
> "Well then I guess someone is just going to have to persuade them," Jesse
> said standing and turning toward the door. "I assume you would be interested
> in his removal."
>
> "Certainly," the owl replied.
>
> "Good that's two," the blond Master said. "Now all I need is about a dozen
> more."
>
> "Not even that," Nestor replied sadness in his voice. "As I said, we lost a
> lot of good mages in the assault."
>
> "We never heard the final count," Jesse explained as the full impact of
> that event became clear to him. "I just assumed most of the wounded had made
> it."
>
> "I'm afraid not," was the owl's short reply.
>
> "All the more reason for us to get a real Head Master," Jesse said firmly
> as he headed for the door. "I'll see what support I can come up with while
> I'm getting the signatures on the letters."
>
> "Wait," the avian mage called out. "I haven't signed yet."
>
> "I can do that when I come back to get you for our night out," the blond
> bearded mage replied. "I want to catch up on more pleasant things over a
> good meal and some drink."
>
> Jesse left the shop and headed to another part of the market.  He was
> certain he could find other Masters that would support Sib for Journeyman..
>  His greater concern was how many had seen Rorlyn's skill now that he had
> recovered his voice.  But with what Nestor had just told him he had the
> added task of feeling out who would join him and Nestor in getting Kuna
> removed from his position.
>
> <<Jesse gets the second signature for Sib.  Additional parts from others if
> desired.>>
>
> Having acquired the additional signature for Sib, Jesse now set out to find
> those who would have knowledge of Rorlyn's regained abilities. Leaving the
> marketplace he headed up the street that would lead him to the Mages' guild
> tower.  Though he did not visit it often, aside from the guild meetings, it
> was one of his favorite places in the Keep.  The tower was much more then a
> meeting place.  It had been built and equipped to be a focal point for the
> powerful magic that coursed through the city.  The size, shape and location
> had all been carefully chosen so it was in harmony with the magic of the
> Keep.
>
> This, of course, also made it a place of great power.  Anyone who could
> feel magic was immediately aware of that when they entered the place. The
> guild always made certain that protective wards were in place to prevent
> enemies and the least savory of mages from tapping into that power.
>
> Coming to the door of the tower the blond mage immediately knew something
> was wrong.  He had expected the usual probing by the lines of magic that
> were the first lines of defense but what he felt were weak and disordered..
>  Passing through the arch of the door he again noted that the wards, while
> still present, were very lacking in power.  It didn't take long for the
> Master mage of Mycransburg to see more than the magic of this place was ill
> maintained.
>
> The entrance chamber was disordered with benches pushed together in various
> places and the desks, usually manned by one of more junior mages, were not
> only out of place but vacant.  A boy of perhaps fourteen years was near a
> set of shelves attempting to put some books in order. As there was no one at
> the desk the Master mage decided to use an old greeting for occasions when
> there was not a standing watch.
>
> "Jesse Öresund, Guild Master and Master mage of Mycransburg seeks admission
> to the hall."
>
> The lad spun about, a book sliding from his hand, as he was taken by
> surprise at the formal greeting.  The child, whom Jesse was certain was age
> regressed, stood staring at him, his mouth moving like a fish in water.
>  After it became obvious the boy would not regain voice immediately the
> blond bearded mage spoke again.
>
> "Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find one of the duty mages?"
>
> "I, I guess that might be me Master," he stammered eyes wide in either fear
> or shock.
>
> "And whom am I speaking to then?" the Master questioned.
>
> "Evan," the boy replied. "Evan Rehfuss, apprentice to Master Vaughn. How
> may I help you Master?"
>
> "An apprentice?" Jesse asked, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. "There is no
> journeyman on duty?"
>
> "Not that I am aware of Master," the apprentice told him. "I'm not even
> sure if I'm the person you seek.  I was just putting some books back in
> their place as my Master had ordered."
>
> Jesse extended his arm and the fallen book rose from the floor and floated
> gently to his hand.  Briefly flipping through the pages he sent it back to
> the hands of the boy standing before him.
>
> "Not only an apprentice," the Master mage observed. "But also very new to
> the craft if that text was used by you."
>
> "Yes Master," Evan said. "I was taken by Master Vaughn only last month."
>
> "Are there any other mages here at all?" the blond mage asked, glancing
> about the empty hall. "Certainly there must be some in the library."
>
> "I've only seen three others," the age regressed Keeper told him. "I
> believe they are using some of the workshops."
>
> "One wouldn't happen to be a dragon would he?" inquired the Master mage.
>
> "Yes, Master Rugger is among them," the apprentice told him. "Shall I see
> if he is available?"
>
> "No," Jesse answered. "For what I need I can go to where he is working.
>  Just point me to the workshop he is in."
>
> "Through that door Master," the lad replied pointing. "The last room on the
> left."
>
> "Thank you lad," the Master said as he moved toward the door where he
> paused for a moment. "Oh and lad.  Suggest to your Master that you learn a
> levitate spell.  It will aid one like yourself greatly."
>
> Proceeding down the curved hall the blond mage noted that all the rooms
> were empty.  For Rugger to be the only one using a room was highly out of
> place.
>
> As he reached the room Evan had indicated Jesse noted that the occupant had
> not set the do not disturb sign.  After a moment of listening for anything
> that might indicate a casting was in progress he gave a gentle knock on the
> door.
>
> Moments later the door opened revealing the scaled form of a dragon Keeper.
>
> "Master Rugger," Jesse began. "I am Master Jesse Öresund, from Mycransburg.
>  I was wondering if I might speak to you for a moment."
>
> "Certainly," Rugger replied. "Please come in."
>
> Jesse stepped into the chamber being careful not to disturb anything that
> might be preparation for a casting.  Aside from what looked to be light
> armor he saw nothing to indicate what Rugger was working on.  Then his eyes
> fell to the floor where he noticed a series of runes inscribed.
>
> "Strengthening runes?" Jesse exclaimed in surprise. "What could you be
> working on that you need them here?"
>
> "The channeling spells for the workshops are in great need of work," the
> dragon replied with a shake of his head. "For me it is far simpler to use
> the runes then to do that work."
>
> "No one is assigned to maintain the spells?" the blond mage asked. "That
> was typically assigned to either an advanced apprentice or a Journeyman
> putting in his guild hours."
>
> "I can see it's been some time since you were last here Master Jesse,"
> Rugger replied. "Most apprentices now work only in their Master's shops.
>  And even if there were a schedule the Journeyman find no value in being
> here as they get no training or assistance for their labor."
>
> "No schedule," Jesse echoed with a slow shake of his head. "No maintenance,
> no one working it the rooms or at the entrance of the hall.  Yes, this place
> has fallen greatly."
>
> "So it has," the dragon replied. "But this is not why you have come. How
> can I help you Jesse?"
>
> "No it is not," the blond Master confirmed then added. "Or at least not
> when I first arrived.  I was wondering if you have any knowledge of my
> apprentice Rorlyn?"
>
> "The large gryphon mage?" Rugger asked.
>
> "Yes, the curse made him that early last year," Jesse answered.
>
> "I have seen him and had some conversation with him," the dragon mage
> acknowledged. "A rather interesting fellow in the way he crafts his magic."
>
> "Oh I agree.  His manner is not what I would expect," the human mage
> replied. "But just as I craft magic different from a rune caster like
> yourself so Rorlyn does with his methods."
>
> "Yes, I won't deny it works," the scaled mage agreed. "Lately I've seen him
> produce some impressive castings."
>
> "Ah, that brings me to the core of what I'm here for," Jesse said seeing a
> good opening to ask. "Would you say his skill is at a Journeyman's level?"
>
> The dragon seemed to think for a moment, running his clawed hand about his
> muzzle as he did so.
>
> "He can certainly channel power," the dragon began. "And what I've seen of
> his work he is well controlled in directing what he crafts.  I've not seen
> him do much fine work however."
>
> "For that I have a solution," Jesse told him reaching into his bag and
> drawing forth some objects. "These are some of his work."
>
> Rugger carefully examined each of the objects placed before him.  He
> handled some of them and tested another to its intended use.  With one final
> examination of the collection he turned back to Jesse.
>
> "If he has done these with those massive claws of his," the dragon said. "I
> have no doubt of his ability to do fine work."
>
> "Would you feel comfortable signing the letter of sponsorship for him?" the
> gryphon's Master asked.
>
> Once again the dragon paused to consider the request.  His scaled face hid
> whatever thought he had until he spoke.
>
> "Yes, I will sign for him," he replied. "As futile as it may be I will
> support him for the rank of Journeyman."
>
> "Futile," Jesse said. "Oh not entirely futile I assure you.  That has also
> become a part of my business as I have become aware of the illness infecting
> our guild."
>
> "And how would you propose to expel that illness?" Rugger responded.
> "Others have tried you know and been thwarted."
>
> "Perhaps, but I believe I have a means of preventing that," Jesse
> explained. "All I need is a clear majority of the Masters of the guild to
> sign a partition.  Once that is done there has to be a meeting called."
>
> "This has been done in the past," the dragon reminded the human mage. "But
> the meetings were always postponed until a quorum was no longer present."
>
> "Leave that to me," the blond mage replied. "The charter has a seldom used
> clause that should force him to meet in a timely fashion."
>
> "If you can do that," Rugger said with lightly veiled enthusiasm. "I assure
> you I would sign the partition for such a meeting."
>
> "Excellent," the blond bearded mage exclaimed. "But first if you would sign
> for Rorlyn I would be most grateful."
>
> The dragon took the letter and applied his name to its base.  With the one
> signature procured Jesse left the tower to seek out one other he hoped had
> seen his winged apprentice at work.
>
> <<Jesse will find Saroth and get the other signature for Rorlyn.  By then
> it will be near evening and time to return to get Nestor from his shop so
> the two can find a place to eat.>>
>
> Jesse entered the shop just as the deer apprentice was closing the last of
> the cases.
>
> "Good evening Luc," he called out. "Is Master Nestor still in the back?"
>
> "Yes Master Jesse," the deer answered as she set the ward over the case.
> "Shall I get him for you?"
>
> "Yes, but first I think you'd best examine that ward," the Master mage
> suggested.
>
> The deer looked at the small coin like item and blinked.  Raising a hoofed
> hand once again she lowly spoke the words.  Immediately her ears fell in
> disappointment.
>
> "Intonation," Jesse said softly. "Do not allow my presence to distract you
> as you did the first time.  Try it again but this time keep your pace steady
> and your intonation clear.  Be precise with the words."
>
> The doe nodded and taking her time once again tried to activate the ward.
>  This time a small glow that quickly faded assured her the ward was active.
>
> "Thank you Master Jesse," she said. "I will fetch the Master for you."
>
> Shortly Nestor hopped onto the counter and cast a glance about the shop.
>
> "Very good Luc," he called to the back room. "You got all the ward set."
>
> He then directed his gaze to the bearded mage before him.
>
> "So did you succeed in your business today?" he asked.
>
> "Yes and I've come to fetch the last signature I need to present the letter
> of request," Jesse said placing the paper before the owl. "And to carry a
> certain feathered friend off to a good supper."
>
> "Luc, quill and ink," the owl shouted to his apprentice then said to Jesse.
> "So where shall we go?"
>
> "We could do the Mule, the Hearth, Bricks is usually good," the human mage
> began. "We both like about the same fare"
>
> "Bricks was never rebuilt," the owl told Jesse with a shake of his head.
> "And the land it was on is now going to be part of the Ecclecia convent."
>
> "Convent?" the blond mage questioned as Nestor placed his name on Sib's
> Journeyman letter. "I do have a lot to catch up on here."
>
> "Well let's be on our way," Nestor suggested. "Both the Mule and the Hearth
> are in the same direction so we can talk and decide on the way."
>
> <<This could end here and pick up on the next day.  It could also be
> continued at the inn where the two mages would continue their discussion and
> maybe have other mages join in.>>
>
> Rising the next morning Jesse when straight to the guildhall where he
> intended to submit the letters for his two apprentices.  As he entered he
> made his way down the hall to where he knew the clerk's office use to be.
>
> As the Master mage entered the doorway he could see a beaver sitting behind
> a scribe table with piles of parchments and letters in stacks scattered
> throughout the room.  The beaver herself was paging through a book on the
> table before her.
>
> "Excuse me," the human mage said entering the chamber. "I would like to
> file letters requesting Journeyman status for two of my apprentices. They
> have been reviewed and signed as required by the charter of the guild."
>
> "Oh, your pardon Master," the beaver said, her tail slapping the floor as
> she slid from the stool. "I'm afraid I didn't hear you come in."
>
> "With no one to announce me that is not surprising," the blond Master said
> handing her the letters. "Here are the letters of sponsorship countersigned
> by two other Masters.  Could I have the letters sometime tomorrow?"
>
> "I'll check the register immediately, Master," she said but paused. "Your
> pardon again Master but I fear I don't know your name."
>
> "I am Master Jesse Öresund of Mycransburg," he replied. And who am I
> speaking to?"
>
> "I am Shakira Druke," the beaver replied moving to a large book on another
> desk. "Just a moment and I'll verify the names."
>
> Taking Sib's letter she quickly paged through the book confirming the
> names.  Next she took Rorlyn's letter but stopped when she opened to his
> name in the book.
>
> "Is there a problem?" Jesse inquired.
>
> "No," Shakira answered starting to page through the book again. "It's just
> that I didn't realize that gryphon was a mage."
>
> "Yes, and a very skilled one even before the curse took him," the bearded
> mage told her as she confirmed the names on his letter. "When will the
> letters be ready for me to pick up?"
>
> "I can't do the letters until Master Kuna approves them," Shakira explained
> taking the letters. "I'll add them to the others."
>
> She moved to a sizable stack of pages and added the letters to it.
>
> "Looks like he'll have a busy day today," Jesse commented seeing the number
> of pages his letters were added to.
>
> "That's more like a months worth of requests Master," the beaver told him
> then gestured to several other stacks. "Not to mention other communications.
>  They are all awaiting Master Kuna's review or signature."
>
> "Shakira, you don't mean to say he hasn't done any paperwork for a month?"
> the blond mage gasped in disbelief.
>
> "He's been very busy Master," Shakira explained with a sigh. "I keep trying
> to get him to review them but he always has some important casting or such
> to do."
>
> "But for a Journeyman all you need is the letter of sponsorship and the
> signature of two other Masters," Jesse objected. "You cross reference the
> Masters and signature to prove they are members of the guild and the Head
> Master simply signs the Journeymen letters.  Most of the work is yours, not
> his."
>
> "Not anymore," the beaver said. "Almost everything has to be double checked
> and approved by Master Kuna now."
>
> "Why?  That's not a part of the charter."
>
> "The charter was changed," Shakira told the Master.
>
> "When, How?" Jesse exclaimed. "That takes a meeting of the build and
> ratification by the Masters.  I don't recall seeing any request for a
> general meeting."
>
> "It was sent," the beaver said rifling through a pile of papers until she
> found what she wanted. "Here's a copy of it."
>
> "I never got this," Jesse told her looking at the letter. "Nor did any
> other Master I know of in Mycransburg."
>
> "I'm sorry Master," the clerk answered. "Master Kuna said all Masters had
> replied."
>
> "Do you have the documents from when the charter was changed?" the blond
> Master asked. "And for that matter the minutes for that meeting and the one
> where Kuna was elected Head Master."
>
> "Just a moment," she replied rummaging through more stacks.
>
> After a few moments she handed Jesse several more pages which he quickly
> reviewed, his face growing firmer with each line he read.
>
> "Where is Kuna?" Master Jesse asked his voice turning harsh.
>
> "He's in his office," Shakira replied.
>
> Jesse turned and stormed out of the chamber only to have the beaver run
> after him.
>
> "Master, you're going the wrong way."
>
> "What?" the Master of Mycransburg said spinning about. "The Head Master's
> office has always been near the main hall."
>
> "Grand Master Kuna moved it a few months ago," Shakira informed him.
>
> "And where might that be?" the mage asked, his voice tense with anger.
>
> "It's in the lower casting chamber Master Jesse," came the answer.
>
> "The lower chamber," the blond mage confirmed he had heard correctly. "You
> don't mean the protected chamber?  The very one Wessex used for that
> dangerous work he use to do?"
>
> "Yes Master," she replied. "That is the one."
>
> Master Jesse's expression went from one of shock to anger.
>
> "Give me those letters," he demanded, calling them out of the office and to
> his hand before the beaver could even move. "I'll take this up personally
> with him."
>
> "But Master," the beaver called out as the mage left. "He has asked not to
> be disturbed."
>
> "From what I've just seen and heard you say he's already disturbed," the
> mage said as he burst out the door and headed for the chamber.
>
> As Master Jesse approached the chamber he carefully searched for any wards
> or other dangers that might have been placed there.  As secure as this place
> was and with Kuna not wanting to be disturbed it was a prudent precaution..
>  Entering the hall that lead around the core of the room he was surprised to
> see one of the four doors open and a voice coming from within.  Seeing the
> nature of use this chamber was intended for Jesse carefully listened to the
> spell being cast.  Nothing he heard indicated an unknown or dangerous spell
> was being woven.  In fact if it were the type he believed it to be it wasn't
> even at a Master's level. Just then a small flash illuminated the doorway
> followed by a shower of words in a high-pitched voice that were worthy of
> the crudest caravan driver.  Stepping to the door Jesse looked in only to
> see a meerkat franticly flipping through a book on the table before him.
>
> "Having a bit of trouble with that spell Master Kuna?" Jesse said
> announcing his presence.
>
> The meerkat's head shot up, eyes wide and fur on end.  Then leaping over
> the table he began to scream.
>
> "What are you doing here?  I left strict orders that I was not to be
> disturbed.  How dare you disturb the research of the Grand Master?"
>
> "In the past the Head Master of the guild was always available to other
> Masters," Jesse said in slow measured tones. "Is that something else that
> has changed?"
>
> "Of course not," Kuna replied bringing up a wick light to illuminate the
> dim chamber. "What Master seeks audience with the Grand Master of the
> guild?"
>
> "Master Jesse Öresund of Mycransburg," he replied. "I have a matter of
> guild business I am told that you alone can handle."
>
> "Speak then," the meerkat said moving back to the table and his book.
>
> "I need journeyman's letters for two of my apprentices," Jesse told him.
>
> "See the clerk," the meerkat said fussing with one of the flasks on the
> table.
>
> "I have seen her," the blond mage replied. "She has reviewed and confirmed
> the names. However she said you had to review them before she could write
> the letters for you to sign."
>
> "Oh, yes, that," he stammered before regaining an even voice. "Yes, well if
> they are your apprentices I'm sure you've prepared them well.  Tell the
> clerk to write the letters and I'll do it all at once."
>
> "Just like that?" the blond bearded mage ask with eyebrows raised in
> surprise. "Don't you even want to know what their names are?"
>
> "I'll read them when I get the letters," he replied, head popping up from
> the page to speak then just as quickly dropping back to it.
>
> "So you would have the clerk do all that work then possibly reject them?"
> the man questioned clearly displeased with the response.
>
> "Fine," the furred Keeper shot back as he stood and cast his hands into the
> air. "Give me the names.  Who are they?"
>
> "Shellie Smith and Robby Jones," Jesse told him.
>
> "Yes, I believe I've heard of their work.  Good apprentices," the large
> headed mage replied dropping back to his work. "See the clerk and I'll issue
> the letters."
>
> "You bumbling bag of fur," Jesse called out now that the meerkat had
> clearly showed his disregard for the very procedures he himself had put in
> place. "Those people don't even exist.  You're just as much a fool as you
> ever were."
>
> "Who are you calling a fool?" the meerkat squeaked leaning forward on the
> table. "I am the head of the guild.  Show some proper respect."
>
> "Respect?  For what?" Jesse pressed. "A so called leader who doesn't even
> follow his own procedures?"
>
> "I was distracted by my work," Kuna responded.
>
> "Your work should be in maintaining the standards of the guild if you are
> truly its Head Master."
>
> "Grand Master," Kuna shouted. "The title is Grand Master."
>
> "Grand Master?  Hardly," Jesse replied a sneer in his voice. "I remember
> you when you were nothing more than a boisterous braggart of a journeyman
> who had trouble keeping his runes straight.  And from what I just saw that
> hasn't changed."
>
> "And I remember you when you were nothing but a busty overconfident blond,"
> the meerkat shot back. "Always tinkering with some new magic items of some
> sort.  Too bad you never made a love charm for yourself."
>
> "At least my work was productive," the blond bearded mage answered ignoring
> the meerkat's barb. "It is that work that has brought protection to
> Mycransburg and the Keep, a goodly reputation, and a modest amount of fame.
>  Can you say as much?"
>
> "I am still the Grand Master of the guild of Metamor!" he shouted having no
> other reply. "And I will not be made little of."
>
> "You are the Head Master of the guild by default more than election," Jesse
> countered. "Had we not suffered the losses we have in the recent battles you
> would be nothing."
>
> "But I was elected," he screamed, body and arms flailing about in
> aggravation. "I speak for the guild."
>
> "Elected!  I saw those letters and know about the responses," the blond
> mage barked back. "With a minimum quorum and the majority of the Masters
> absent recovering from the Winter Assault.  No one who was worthy and would
> accept the position was at that meeting."
>
> "That doesn't matter," he growled. "They still elected me."
>
> "And they can remove you as well," the human mage replied a growl somehow
> embedded in his voice.
>
> The meerkat leaned back so far from Jesse that if it had not been for his
> long tail he would have toppled over.
>
> "You can't," he said, an edge of fright in his voice. "We aren't due for an
> election."
>
> "With the abuse you've displayed we most certainly can," Jesse told him.
>
> "What abuse?" Kuna answered. "I haven't abused anyone."
>
> "You furred twit," the man retorted. "You've abused everyone.  You've
> abused the guild, you've abuse your office and you've ignored your duties to
> the point of danger."
>
> "Prove it," he demanded.
>
> "Simple, let me list them," Master Jesse said in a firm but calmer voice.
> "Failure to call meetings, failure to reply to communications, failure to
> follow guild procedures, failure to consult with other Masters of the guild,
> abuse of guild resources.  Do I need to go on?"
>
> "What are you talking about," the thin mongoose like Keeper squealed
> gesturing wildly. "I've done none of that."
>
> "When was the last meeting of the guild?" Jesse asked.
>
> "Well we've all been busy," Kuna answered. "We did meet back at the Winter
> solstice."
>
> "I said a meeting not a bloody party," Jesse retorted. "When was the last
> letter you actually replied to?"
>
> "The clerk has been slow lately," the meerkat replied. "You know she has to
> attend to her studies too."
>
> "She's waiting on your signature for a stack of letters as high as you
> are," Jesse said poking a finger at the furred mage. "And you'd just
> approved two journeyman who don't even exist while those letters are waiting
> review."
>
> "No I didn't," he said placing his hands on his hips. "You were trying to
> trick me with that."
>
> "And succeeded," Jesse added. "All I'd have needed to do was have the clerk
> write those up and bring them here for you to sign."
>
> "But, but," the meerkat stuttered.
>
> "You weren't even familiar with their names," the blond mage said
> continuing his assault. "Which means you should have consulted with other
> Masters of the guild."
>
> "I didn't have the time," rebuked the mage. "Look I'll get you those
> letters.  Just let me get back to my work."
>
> "And there's the last of it," Jesse said sweeping his arm about the
> chamber. "This room is reserved for the examination and practice of
> dangerous magic and items.  Yet you're turning it into an office and
> workshop."
>
> "I needed the space," Kuna replied.
>
> "Space?" the human mage shouted. "I could count on one hand the number of
> rooms here I've seen in use."
>
> "But none of them are suitable," the meerkat answered. "As Grand Master of
> the guild I can't use just any room."
>
> "Enough!" Jesse roared, slamming his staff down.
>
> The thunderous boom generated by the impact was far greater than simple
> wood meeting stone.  Kuna jumped clear over the table and only after several
> seconds poked his head above it's surface.
>
> "I'm calling a meeting of the guild," he told the cowering mage. "We are
> going to put this guild back to rights."
>
> "You can't do that," the meerkat shouted, his voice again shooting to the
> higher register. "Only the Head Master can do that."
>
> "Oh?" Jesse said with a sneer in his voice. "You'd best reread the charter.
>
> "But, no," Kuna stuttered and sputtered running from behind the table. "You
> wouldn't, you can't, I'm in charge.  I won't allow it."
>
> "Oh really?" the blond mage said, turning just before the door and casting
> a look at the squeaking figure. "Watch me."
>
> Jesse stepped to the door then paused one last time before leaving the
> room.
>
> "Oh, and by the way that symbol is inverted," he said dropping a small wick
> light over the incorrect mark. "Farewell Grand Master."
>
> <<Outline from here>>
> Jesse visits several Masters to obtain support.
> A partition for a meeting is signed forcing Kuna to call a meeting of the
> guild.
> The meeting becomes a rant against the lack of activity, the Head Master
> (Kuna) and the disorder within the guild (getting apprentices approved,
> Journeyman papers, potential Masters reviewed).
> At the last minute some of the Masters seem reluctant to attend the
> meeting.  (Unknown at that time is that Kuna has used a magic item to cause
> this.)  Jesse sends Rorlyn to fly Nestorius and some other mages to the Keep
> so the required number is there.
> Kuna attempts to use a magic item (a coin of persuasion) to convince the
> Masters there is no need for change.
> Kuna's trickery is discovered and the coin destroyed.  And Kuna confesses
> to having used the coin to get elected and run the guild.
> (We could develop other intrigue or connections to other forces later with
> regards to how Kuna got the coin and who was really backing him.)
> The Guild votes Kuna out and elects a new Head Master for the guild.
> Afterward the Head Master sends out a letter setting up a regular meeting
> schedule, a list of unanswered apprentice and journeyman requests he will be
> responding to and a schedule for duties in the guildhall.  To Master Jesse
> two journeyman letters are enclosed granting Sibylla and Rorlyn journeyman
> status.
>
>
>
>
>
> 
>
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>


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