Back to the Memorable Events(This page has multiple authors)
In the Spring of 1233, Marcus called an emergency meeting to discuss the Covenant's financial troubles. Here is what happened... (This can be considered a typical example of a Malinbois council meeting)
When all are settled, Marcus clears his throat, and speaks in his deep and sonorous voice, with the barest hint of a German accent. "In the absence of our esteemed disceptator (and praefectus, and legatus numina), I call this Council to order. I have summoned you here today because the council is facing a crisis, worse than anything we have faced before. The toothsome face of Pan Caudarax has nothing on this calamity. It would take a hundred Devourers to equal the magnitude of this disaster, Bishop Orris..."
The magus conditor is interrupted by his stoney-faced apprentice, Gemaric, who whispers in his ear. Marcus nods, muttering to himself, and then continues with a snort.
"Hhuurmph...Anyway, the crisis is this." He motions to Gemaric, who effortlessly hefts a massive chest onto the council chamber. Marcus swings open the lid, and withdraws from its depths a small pouch, the contents of which he carefully and lovingly empties into his pudgy hand. It is a small handful of coins, mainly gold, but a few silvers and coppers. "This, honoured colleagues, is all that your extravangant spending has left us. This small handful of sous" (he waves them around dramatically) "is all that we have. And the situation is graver still."
Gemaric, having removed the chest from the table, puts a sheaf of parchment into the old magus' waiting hand, then takes a few steps backwards, a worried look on his normally expressionless face.
"I have performed a projection as to where the current state of our finances will leave us in five years time. Taking into account the fiscal deficit and likely changes in the stannic market..." (flecks of saliva are starting to collect on his lips, and he takes a deep breath to steady himself) "...I'm sorry - I learnt my art from a Jew. I shall try to control myself. Suffice it to say that our expenditure is well above our income, and in 5 years time we will be 700 livres in debt. Seven Hundred Livres... That is Fourteen Hundred sous. We are in trouble, Honoured colleagues, and we need to do something soon, else by this time next year we will be starving."
He leans back on his chair, fingers arched, looking at all of the Magi. "Now as I promised, I have done a little bit of rationalization of our expenditure...
"Guido is currently in negotiations with Baron Thibaud, and I am hoping that he will be able to arrange a deal that involves us paying off the price of the land out of the yearly profit. This means that we don't need any initial outlay. That, along with Lady Odette's generous offer of a loan, means that we will only be 1100 sous in debt in five years time. Unfortunately, we can only afford to buy about 2 sq.mi. of land, out of the 50 or so sq.mi. available, but if we over-reach ourselves we will be perpetually in debt to the Baron.
"This in itself is obviously not good enough. I have looked at the cost of our servants next. If we cut the turb by two-fifths, get rid of some horses and sack the groundsmen and sous-chefs, we will get rid of some of the dead wood. This is still not enough, so I looked at the laboratories. If we allow only the magi praetores and conditores specialized labs on top of the aforementioned measures, this means that at our five year plan we are only five thousand sous in debt. Clearly not enough has been done to save money.
"So, for the ultimate cost cutting. Our food bill is huge - if we cut down rations as well as getting rid of covenfolk, then this will help. Get rid of half the staff - we can cope with only one servant for every two magi. Reduce the turb to a mere 20 men, (not including the custos) and hire the rest out as mercenaries. Get rid of all but six horses - all of these help. Winters will be harsh, but at least we will be turning a profit. Also, only magi conditores get a specialized laboratory - all others have to cope with standard equipment. Under these measures, our five year plan looks good - we are now only losing 2L per year, meaning that we will still have nearly 90L in the coffers after 5 years.
"Naturally it is this latter plan that I favour. The biggest advantage of it is that it gives us some ready cash with which we can invest into other money-making schemes." The fat magus stops for breath, allowing his message to sink into his comrades. Gemaric pours him a goblet of wine, which he drains before continuing.
"Now, there are a number of other ways of generating cash. The first is to apply spells to the cloth sold by Madame Bertise, to alter its colour. This would cause it to become more valuable, and thus we would turn a higher profit. Two problems ensue - the spells would need vis for the cloth to permanently retain its colour, and there is a lot of cloth. We may also bring down the wrath of the Dyer's Guild - and I'm sure that I don't need to tell you how dangerous this would be. My estimations of the profit gained from all this effort amounts to a mere 10L per year - good, but hardly worth the effort.
"There is also expanding the fishing fleet, as suggested by Imanitos. The harvest is projected to be as good this year as last, so this may be feasible. Additional ships cost about 15L, and the right to fish with them is about 5L per boat, but each additional ship will give us an extra 12L per year.
"There is also the possibility of buying more land. This can be very profitable, turning a profit of about 700s per square mile in an average year. However this, like the fishing problem both require one thing - ready cash. Of course this will be an investment, but we simply don't have the initial outlay now.
"This leads me to one inevitable conclusion. Not to prostitute Odette, as I believe someone suggested, but to sell vis." He pauses until the horrified gasps die away. "I have already made some enquiries by speculum to Moonfield, and Innocent says that Verdi currently buys vis from Ad Vis Per Veritas for as much as 200s per pawn. We have healthy vis stores, and so I suggest that we sell some of it off to generate money that we can invest to make more money; And that, after all, is what we need to do, make more money. Lots of it."
Marcus retakes his seat, and looks around the council chamber. All he sees are bored faces, and he shakes his head, dismayed that others don't find this subject so interesting. Rubeta leaps into his lap and burps happily as he snuggles down. Marcus absently strokes the warty hide of his familiar.
"Well? I need to know what you think? Firstly, do I make the cuts I suggested? Secondly, do we sell off some vis to make the money we need? Thirdly, does anyone have any other money-making schemes?"
Several of the Magi have raised sigils, requesting permission to speak, but Marcus allows Odette to speak first.
"I agree to the measures you have suggested Marcus. I can also offer the covenant a further 150s per year on top of the 1000s you have asked me for. As to the other money-making schemes, there is still the proposal of a gift to be made for the King of Aragon-Catalonia, hopefully prompting him to be generous in his dealings with us. If the problems still persist after that, then I may be able to work out a deal with my family to obtain extra money"
"I too may be able to obtain some funds from my family" says Francois, rather presumptuously. Marcus gives him a stern look for speaking without permission, but allows him to continue. "As to the measures you have suggested, I feel that I have no right to speak out against them as I am new to the covenant."
Of the magi gathered in the Council Chamber, one in particular seems interested in Marcus's speech. Maria constantly scribbles on a sheaf of paper she has brought with her.
Id raises his sigil and waits to be allowed to speak. "I have been talking with Severin about morale of the men. It seems that he is getting ignored more and more by the men, almost as if he wasn't there. Only his men he brought with him seem to listen to his commands. He is very loyal but if we sell off the horses which belong to his men I believe it will tip the balance and may cause him and his men to leave.
"He made a suggestion that the church seems to be very rich. Perhaps he could organise some raids against it. He does not want to go back to being a bandit but is willing to if it will help the covenant. He seems adamant that stopping the church hoarding its wealth may help the friar in his quest for a fairer church. I don't know whether what he says is true, however he is a great warrior and I don't think we want to lose him."
Madeleine goes tight-lipped at Id's comments, and raises her hand to speak, but it is Saeed who catches Marcus's eye first, holding his hand in the air in an inoffensive (and humble) manner.
"If I may speak?" He waits for Marcus' nod. "I must point out the obvious reasons against Severin's idea, that Id just mentioned. One, it is against the Code, as it is interference with Mundanes; Two, what with the plague and shifting of blame towards our covenant I believe that this would merely provoke Bishop Orris into finally pulling enough strings to openly move forces against us, if he found out; and finally, it is an abhorrent act in itself, even if certain members of the church are corrupt, many are innocent."
Madeleine lowers her hand, satisfied that for once she didn't have to correct the Council over matters of Hermetic Lore.
Throughout the course of the discussion so far, Imanitos has been leaning back in his seat, seemingly disinterested. After a pause around the Council Chamber, he leans forward and raises a questioning eyebrow. After being given permission to speak, he clears his throat and begins to speak, in his customary measured urbane manner.
"Firstly, I am sure the Council would like to commend you for your diligence, Marcus, and to thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. It seems we do indeed have a major problem on our hands."
"As I see it, there are two issues to be addressed. Over the short term, how do we avert our impending bankruptcy, and over the longer term, how do we restore a more... respectable level of income for our Covenant?"
"As to the first, we can either reduce expenditure, or liquidize some of our assets. Or both, possibly. We could make minor savings in expenditure on food and laboratory equipment, and maybe hire out some of our Turb, but in my opinion we should not be too stringent." Imanitos absently straightens the cuff on his immaculate (and expensive-looking) blue doublet.
"As a member of the Order, I for one am not willing to sacrifice my standard of living. Otherwise, we will be living no better than the lowliest of serfs. We should also think twice before sacking any of our Covenfolk. Working for us should be a matter of pride - think of the effect it will have on morale if we slash our workforce by a half! Besides, it seems that relations with Belabre and the nearby villages are somewhat... delicate at present. Think how it will look if we send our disgruntled workers back to their homes with nought but a few coppers to rub together."
Imanitos shakes his head (somewhat theatrically). "No my friends - we are Magi of Hermes and should live as such. To stem our crisis we should instead liquidize some of our ample stores of Vis. I note that our praefectus is yet again absent, but I recall that we have in excess of a Queen in the stores. We should consider the sale of several Rooks to generate the hundreds of livres that will be necessary for investment to ensure our future prosperity."
There is some dissension around the table, but it is quickly curbed by a stern glare from Marcus. Imanitos continues. "After all, I would rather take a slightly smaller cut of Vis for a couple of years, than live like a pauper in a run-down and poorly defended Covenant manned with little more than a skeleton crew!"
"Well, that is my opinion on the first matter, and I will mention it no more. Except to note that the coffers of Dankmar are reputedly huge. Although relations have been poor, they may be interested in the purchase of Vis?" Imanitos looks questioningly at the two magi conditores, who shrug, indicating a lack of knowledge on the subject.
"It seems to me that one of the major causes of this financial trouble was the depletion of our fishing fleet. We had almost a dozen boats and the healthy profit they generated formed the backbone of our income. Little wonder then, that we are in such trouble now that we have but a couple of sorry boats left! Marcus has mentioned that the cost of restoring our fleet will be approximately 20 livres per vessel. To put it crudely, that is but a couple of Pawns per boat. I therefore contend that the fishing fleet should be a priority. Also, the acquisition of some land sounds like an excellent idea."
Imanitos pauses as he motions for a servant to come forward and replenish his goblet. "I will not even pass comment on Id's absurd suggestion, or others like it, as we should at all times bear in mind the clause of the Code which prohibits overt interference with mundanes." Imanitos briefly smiles in the direction of Madeleine, somewhat ingratiatingly. "As for our deal with Madame Bertise, we should continue our efforts. We have only magicked one shipment of wool so far, and if we renege on our deal then she will surely cease payment of the 30% of her profit - a very good deal which should not be jeopardised, in my opinion."
"I have one or two other ideas for generating cash. I note that the property market in Perpignan is favourable at the moment. We could purchase an inn and enchant some items to ensure that it runs successfully. For instance, a magic barrel that transmutes water into the finest mead..." He shrugs. "A vague idea only. If the Council is interested I will elaborate some of my others."
Imanitos leans back in his seat again, a self-satisfied expression on his face after his well-spoken (and only slightly theatrical) speech.
After waiting for Imanitos to finish Id asks to speak. "My message from Severin has been passed on. It seems to me that his suggestion is not a good one. If he were to leave the covenant then it is probably what he would have to go back to. So if he were to leave the covenant for a bit and collect some money it would have nothing to do with us. As for the Code, are not our dealings in the textile industry breaking the Code anyway?"
"Imanitos would rather live in luxury and see others starve as his request for a new wardrobe at this time shows. However his ideas seem good. I am sure we can find a better place to sell our vis than Dankmar. What about the Rome Tribunal or Iberia?"
Madeleine raised her sigil as soon as Id mentioned the Code, and Marcus allows her to speak while accepting a refill of his goblet from Gemaric.
"Just to clear up a point brought up by Id, the `Non-interference with mundanes' clause is the one that is most misunderstood by members of this Order. The intent is to prevent raising the ire of the common folk, which would cause danger to our sodales in the Order. Thus we are prevented from entering into politics, aiding in times of war, serving as a court wizard, etcetera. However, it is realised by House Guernicus that magi need to live, and to do this in society, there must be interaction. We Traditionalists in the House seek to restrict this interaction to a minimum, but do not ban it altogether. The Quaesitor Almaric of the Rhine Tribunal laid down some guidelines last century, which are to be adhered to in dealing with mortals. In brief, we are forbidden from overt interaction in mundane business. Having a deal with Madame Bertise is within these restrictions, and using subtle magic to increase her profits is also allowed, as long as it is done permanently, else the reversion of the cloth to its natural colour would raise suspicions. Turning her entire stock to Cloth of Gold or silk would be against the Code, and constitute a High Crime. Similarly, if we interfere to such an extent that the Dyers Guild get involved (a contingency which our erstwhile diocetes has already warned against), then we would again be in breach of the Code."
Maria has been sitting patiently with her sigil up whilst Id, Imanitos and Madeleine have been speaking. Marcus finally gives her position to speak, saying "It is not customary to allow Probationary members of this Council to speak, but if you have something on your mind, Maria, please share it with us."
"Thank you Marcus. I have had some time to look at some of the covenant records and come up with a few ideas. First, we have many items in our stores which are unused and could be helpful in one way or another.
"The Oven of Freyja seems to be an item of great potential. If we can find some words in old Norse we could get much out of this oven. Who knows, we may be able to cook a 2' square block of gold. I suggest we send someone out to research this.
"The Vinculum whilst being a very powerful item has not been used for a long time. Since it is not much use sitting on a shelf why not sell it to another covenant or sell it to a very rich man. We would have to disenchant it first so as not to break the code. I am sure that this item alone would solve our money problems.
"The Chalice from King Valdine's tomb is another that has never been used and could be worth a lot of money disenchanted and sold."
Madeleine interrrupts the young Hedge-wizard, and is given permission to continue.
"Selling disenchanted magical artefacts is a difficult one to judge. If we make it obvious that we have a large amount of Gold, such as the Vinculum (or, as it happens, any produced by the Oven of Freyja), especially if it is in an unusual form, then again we could draw too much attention to ourselves. It would be necessary to break the items down into small quantities and let it trickle into the surrounding area - hardly a way of producing immediate cash." Madeleine pauses, and cocks her head to one side, as if listening to an invisible voice.
"As an aside, I think that it would be an extremely bad idea to disenchant the Vinculum. I am not sure of its origins, but it is evident from its function that it is an item of Mercurian Manufacture, maybe pre-dating the Order itself. I know of a fair few Seekers that would be extremely interested in getting their hands on that item."
Maria continues, a little unsurely, intimidated by Madeleine's brusque tone. "Perhaps we could also attempt to locate another source of income via mining in the mountains. A few Intellego spells to find a rich vein and then use the Faerie stone to help mine it.
"Finally a point I noticed in the books. I'm sure you are not aware of this Marcus but we are spending more on food than we need. You plan and buy food for 125 inhabitants. However each year magi and companions go out on expeditions perhaps for a whole season. During that time they also buy food to survive. It seems to me that we have twice as much food for that time. You also account for 125 people each year when in fact I think we only have 117 people excluding animals at the moment. Little things like this will save us a bit more money I'm sure."
After Maria has finished, Marcus puts on a pained expression and answers her points.
"My dear, from your little speech it is obvious that you are not fully conversant in the Art of accounting. As I have already stated, the books are wrong - I am working from an updated version that does not appear in the Covenant records - how else could I try to cut down on expenditure if I am not working with the correct figures. You must consider me to be very inept indeed if you think that I would make a glaring error like that. Fortunately, I now have aid, in the form of The Book. It keeps me from making lapses of memory as in that unfortunate incident last year... Hruumph... but my tutor Isaac ben Saul would return from Abraham's bosom and haunt me if I made errors such as the one you have just accused me of.
"To address your second point, it has always been the policy of this covenant to spend surplus food down to the village of Julliac, which has been under our protection since we first settled on this hill, a time before you were born. These charitable acts keep the village healthy, enabling them to provide us with most of the folk that you see working at this covenant.
"Whilst I am sure that you are very eager to be of assistance, you have commited an error unfortunately all to common in the young. I suggest that in future you ensure that you are in full possession of the facts before you again speak at this council from a position of assumed knowledge."
Both Id and Maria raise their hands to speak, Marcus gives a nod to Id. "I am aware that such a large amount of gold would give rise to suspicion. Perhaps going to Urania or somewhere after would be sufficient distance to lessen the effects. They have much in the way of gems that we could trade.
"We do have the facilities to melt down such large amounts of gold if need be. Even releasing it in small amounts must be worth investigating. After all we do need the money.
"These seekers you speak of, perhaps we could approach them about the Vinculum. If it is as old it is I'm sure they would be willing to pay greatly for it, whether in gold or vis."
Now that Id has finished Marcus lets Maria speak. "I did not mean to cause offence Marcus. I am only just beginning to master the arts of humanities. How else is one to find out answers if one does not ask questions. It is not possible to ascertain what is wrong in the accounts if you do not ask.
"I do applaud the policy of sending surplus food to Julliac. A most noble gesture. There is so much that one can gain by giving to others. Perhaps I can enquire as to the exact terms that we pay vassalage to Visount Von Orstadt. Is it 10% of our monetary income? If so perhaps we could get some of the income from Madame Bertise and the fishing fleet in other forms such as food so we do not have to pay vassalage on it."
Marcus deigns to reply to Maria's naive question. "I'm afraid that our tithe, like all tithing, is on the monetary worth of our income, not the coinage alone. Again, let me repeat that I am a skilled enough accountant to have taken all of these factors into consideration. I have squeezed every last quarternale out of our current income, and minimised our outgoings as far as I can. The task now is to generate more income, and I would appreciate comments to be directed towards this end alone, instead of questioning my abilities."
Mordaleus pipes up in his usual meddlesome tone. "I think you are both getting very silly. Marcus you seem to be getting very touchy about the subject. Worried that someone might find another of your mistakes. Maria, all these questions on the technicalities of accounting - can't you ask them later? I don't think anyone else at the meeting can be bothered to listen to them.
"Anyway this is all a mute point. In a few years time I will have perfected the Philosopher's stone and our money worries will be over."
Marcus speaks in an irritated tone, with eyes like daggers directed at the smelly alchemist. "Mordaleus, speak again without asking permission and you will be a `mute' point!"
"I suggest we put it to a vote" says Odette quickly, smoothing any ruffled feathers with her gentle voice.
"Very well. My proposal is this: We cast our votes in favour of one of three options: a) we maintain the status quo and be 11000s in debt in three years time; b) we cut back to an insignificant level that will leave us only 7000s in debt, or c) we cut back to a sensible level that means we will still have some money in the coffers. Now..."
"Please Marcus, I must object!" comes the suave voice of Imanitos.
"I agree," adds Odette "Marcus, please rephrase your proposal according less bias to the choices offered."
The Old Magus grumbles, but concedes. "Very well. a) We leave matters as they are; b) we cut down moderately or c) we cut down totally. Do I have someone to second me?"
There is a loud creaking sound from the disceptator's chair as it unfolds, changing as it does so into flesh and cloth to reveal the feather-cloaked form of Fionn mac Mathgen. "I will second the motion," he says, in his soft Irish brogue.
"Ah, Fionn! So good to see you. Hiding from your familiar again?" Marcus' comment is accompanied with a wry smile, which turns into a chuckle at the Chairman's grimace.
"So, on the matter of Covenant expenditure, we vote. Not present are Galian Sicarius and Salamandrus, Present but unable to vote are Vilmeid, Maria Medica and Francois."
Marcus reaches his hands into the wood of the table as he speaks, bringing forth four polished bowls, each inscribed with the motions to be voted upon. These are handed around the Council Chamber, for the Magi to place their votes (which take the form of black spheres inscribed with the magus's sigil) within. As the votes are being cast, Fionn turns to Marcus "Do you always feel a need to show off whenever I'm around?" The older Magus chuckles "I'll stop when you acknowledge I'm better at The Changing Art than you!" At this point the bowl reaches the Magi conditores, and they cast their votes. Fionn then tallies the votes, causing each bowl to sink back into the table.
"Votes for maintaining the Status Quo: One vote for Imanitos Mendax. Total: one vote." Imanitos rolls his eyes in disgust as the result is announced.
"Votes for moderate cutbacks: Two votes for Madeleine Torvus, one vote for Helena Vitalis. Total: three votes.
"Votes for serious cutbacks: Three votes for Marcus Rabinus, three votes for Odette Pudiciata, three votes for Fionn mac Mathgen, two votes for Id and two votes for Saeed al Mehalel. Total: thirteen votes.
"Abstentions: One vote for Laurent, one vote for Mordaleus. Total: two votes.
"The motion of cutting back on all unnecessary expenditure is passed." All of the balls in the appropriate piles suddenly leap up in the air and devour the other three piles. The remaining ones then fly over to Gemaric, who catches them as they fall, and hands them back to the appropriate Magi. While he does this, Marcus continues.
"I believe it is also worthwhile voting on whether the Council will entertain the notion of selling some of its vis supplies to generate some money. I therefore present that as a proposal before the Council."
"I will second that," says Odette.
This time, with a flourish of his feathered cloak, Fionn creates three rough-looking boxes out of thin air, each with a long handle attached. These are then offered to all of the Magi from where Fionn sits. When all votes are cast, the balls march out of the boxes and towards Fionn's hands along the handles, supported by tiny legs. Fionn shoots a sidewise glance at the grinning Marcus, and proceeds to count the votes. Madeleine shakes her head, and purses her lips in grim disapproval of the antics of the two magi.
"Accept the Proposal of selling Covenant vis:" (Fionn pauses and gulps at the thought of selling vis) "Three votes for Marcus Rabinus, three votes for Odette Pudiciata, two votes for Fionn mac Mathgen, two votes for Madeleine Torvus, two votes for Id, two votes for Saeed al Mehelal, one vote each for Imanitos Mendax, Mordaleus and Helena Vitalis. Total: Seventeen votes.
"Reject the aforementioned Proposal: One vote for Fionn mac Mathgen. Total: one vote.
"Abstentions: One vote for Laurent. Total: one vote.
"The motion of selling vis to generate incone is regrettably passed." Each of the votes finds its own way back to its owner - Id's sprouts wings and flies over, Laurent's now seems to be wearing a red pointy hat, where as Imanitos' vote is decked out in finery. Madeleine's, depite the fact that it is a small black wooden ball, still manages to look stern; and so on, until all of the votes are once again in their owner's possession.
"Not fair!" mutters Marcus. "That's faerie magic!" He then stands, dislodging a rather disgruntled familiar. "I will now hand over to the praefectus (as he has decided to join us) to conduct this matter, as he is the praetor, he has precedence here." Marcus eases his bulk back into his chair, and sits back, a light gleaming in his eye; already he is mentally counting all the money that will be coming in.
Imanitos scowls as the result of the first vote is announced. Mordaleus leans over to him and whispers in his ear. The two whisper agitatedly for a couple of moments - Imanitos nods and their brief conversation is interrupted by a stern look from Fionn.
Fionn clears his throat. "I must apologise for being a chair for most of the meeting but I was conducting serious investigation into the Mutatable properties of various herbacious structures, both ceased and deceased." He casts a sideways, warning glance at Marcus who immediately asks permission to speak. This given, he proceeds.
"The Council has decided in its Infinite Wisdom to restrict our expenditure to an absolute minimum. This will take effect immediately.
"The Council has also agreed that we should sell some vis to generate
income. The next logical matter to be brought to the Council's attention
therefore is how much vis should we sell. I have looked into this matter, and
the best prices can be obtained in the Roman Tribunal, at the Covenant of
Harco. Verdi needs the vis more, and it is part of the Venetian Agreement that
all vis sold should pass through the Domus Magna of Mercere. In Order of
Worth is:
After Marcus finishes talking, Imanitos looks questioningly towards Fionn and asks permission to speak, which is given.
"It concerns me that the results of the two votes seem to be rather in contradiction. Rather to my surprise, the Council has voted overwhelmingly in favour of selling off some of our Vis. This will greatly improve our forecast balance in subsequent years, and thus renders the rather... ah, dubious premises of the first vote inaccurate." He pauses, brow furrowed momentarily. "What I am saying is; if we generate a lot of money from the sale of Vis, we may not need to be so severe with our cuts in expenditure."
"I therefore propose that after the Council has decided how much of our Vis to sell, Marcus re-calculates our predicated finances. We should then vote again on spending cuts, in the light of this new information." He looks pointedly in the direction of Marcus. "It might also be helpful this time if we agree on the exact terms of this vote, and discuss without bias what the consequences of each option are."
After Imanitos' urbane speech Fionn looks around for another speaker, before finally realising that Mordaleus has his hand up to speak. He nods to the alchemist.
"My thoughts exactly, Mendax. I am sure we can generate sufficient income from the vis sales to offset our losses. I second Imanitos' proposal."
Fionn speaks again. "Does anyone have any other proposals after hearing this proposal, either for the proposal, or other ideas before we go to a vote on this?"
"Point of Order," states Madeleine. Fionn looks at her questioningly. "Mordaleus is an honorary member of this Council. He has a single vote, but as he is not a member of the Order of Hermes he can neither propose votes or second them."
Marcus (predictably) has his hand raised, and Fionn moves straight on to hear his point.
"There is one major problem with this suggestion. We are broke now, and any money-making ideas invested upon will not bear fruit for at least a year.The trip to Harco takes a Redcap at least a season, and there will be a delay until a `vis-market' is scheduled. The money may be a good 9 months in coming.
"Thanks to Guido's deal with Baron Thibaud, we now have land, and we are paying him off through some of the profits. We will own the land outright in 5 years time. However, the harvest will not be until next Autumn, and we need to eat NOW. Likewise, the fishing industry will not turn a profit until the fish return to the coastal waters in the summer. I laud the suggestion from our erstwhile Alchemist, and I fully concur with his objections - far be it from me to suggest a cut in rations - I have always been one for the epicurean delights," (he pats his stomach) "however, for the time being at least we need to cut down on our expenditure.
"I think that this whole issue boils down to how much vis the Council is prepared to sell. If it is enough to cover our living expenses as well as what we need for investment - all well and good. If we however only feel we can afford to liquidize enough to invest, then cuts will have to be made. The cuts I have suggested are a matter of streamlining - I can't really see the need for an army of 50 grogs anyway - that is more than the standing force of Viscount Ordstadt. Likewise, we can get by with less personal servants, although it may be worth keeping on the specialists.
"To sum up: I believe it is necessary to make the cuts I have suggested for at least one year, until we see the profits of what we are investing in. If at that time it seems that we are comfortable again, I will up our expenditure again to a comfortable level. I think we should proceed immediatly to the vote of how much vis to spend, and then immediatly look again at what this will do to our living expenses. How does that sound?"
Also predictably, Imanitos raises his arm as Marcus finishes his words. "Excellent. If all are in agreement that we shall re-examine our expenditure immediately after deciding on how much vis to sell, then I see no need to waste time with a vote on the matter." Imanitos glances around the table, finishing up with an enquiring glance towards the chairman.
Id buts in. "Marcus, your points are valid but if we lay off servants and grogs they might not want, or be able, to come back if we decide to try and rehire them later. How would they survive with no income for a year? Since we still have some money in the treasury can we not just cut back on the labs and not the people and make a loss which our reserves can take. Then when the money comes in from the vis we will be alright."
Marcus replies. "Id, that matter has already been voted upon. There is no need for further discussion, unless it is to overturn the decision already made by this Council."
Fionn makes strangling sounds as he feels all semblence of control of this meeting slipping out of his hands. He bangs his hand down hard on the table. "Let us have some order! Imanitos, I believe you wanted to finish what you were saying..."
"Thank you, Chairman. To comment briefly on the matter of expenditure, I agree with Id. Correct me if I am wrong, Marcus, but as I understand it we have sufficient funds in the treasury to tide us over for at least one year. Therefore if investment and sale of vis go according to plan, we should be running at a profit again before we run into debt - so that cuts should not be necessary. Although of course, if our investment turns sour we may need to reconsider." Marcus nods in agreement.
Fionn interjects. "I would like to point out that in our meagre stocks of vis, we have three stalagmites of, at the moment, unusable vis. These three Rooks are composed of one pawn of each form, and so are not usable in their current form. I would suggest that if any vis is sold," (Short coughing bout) "it should come from this. Let others spend their time working out how to divide it."
Id gets the nod from Fionn, or was it just a nervous twitch, thinking about all that vis... "I don't think the stalagtites would be worth that much at all. Who would want to buy such a thing if they had to do a lot of work to get to the vis? I would like to make two suggestions to go with the sale of vis. One, someone extracts Vim vis from each of the magical sites we know of, to add to our stores and sales. Two, no covenant work this year will be paid in vis so that are stores have a chance to get back to a good level after the sales. With these two things we should be able to sell lots of vis and get more than enough money so that Marcus could swim in it if he wanted."
Fionn replies. "My dear Id, you forget that extracting vis is not just a matter of `popping down' to each ambient magical amtospherical region and grabbing the vis. The amount taken has to be carefully regulated to avoid the imbalance of flux which could cause distortions in the fluid vis currents for many miles. Maybe this causes the extraordinarily high amount of accidents you appear to have (not meaning to belittle your talents, of course). Even if this is avoided, the `pruning' of the magical sites could destroy them as a previous Magus of Malinbois has theorised. I agree that the extraction of vis would be beneficial to the covenant's vis stores, but this must be tempered with caution - to be too greedy" (he looks at Marcus) "now could remove the vis forever! I do not wish to clamp down on your idea, I merely wish to point out that it is not that easy."
He looks around for the next person to speak, and sees that it is Id. Wearly, the old Druid nods, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I do not understand all that aura theory that Mandator worked on. But it is your job to know when vis was extracted last at these sites. So can we extract from them this year to aid our vis supplies?"
"Unfortunately the notes on vis extraction are slightly... muddled at the moment since I am still decyphering them. I will get back to you on that."
Imanitos requests and recieves permission to speak. "If I may, then, allow me to present a proposal for the next issue: the sale of vis. It is my opinion that we need to generate several hundred livres to adequately fund our investment - we should be aiming not only to avert bankruptcy, but also to generate a much greater profit in years to come. Over the long term, we should all benefit from this, living in greater luxury as our status befits, and with better laboratories to work in. At a rough estimate, I reckon that we shall need to liquidize two Rooks and five Pawns, and I therefore present that as a proposal. The bulk should be taken up with the lesser-valued vis - I am sure we could dispense with most of our Herbam and Aquam."
Marcus beams, eyes gleaming with the prospect of money. "An excellent proposal, dear boy. I will second you on that."
"Very well," says the Chairman. "Place your votes please Ladies and Gentlemen!" This time Gemaric simply carries around the two bowls - both Marcus and Fionn are too tired of the meeting to play any more games.
"On the Proposal to offer 25 pawns of vis for sale...
"Votes to accept the Proposal: Three votes for Marcus Rabinus, two votes for Id, one vote for Imanitos Mendax, one vote for Helena Vitalis, one vote for Mordaleus. Total: eight votes.
"Votes to reject the Proposal: Three votes for Fionn mac Mathgen, three votes for Odette Pudiciata, two votes for Madeleine Torvus. Total: eight votes.
"Abstentions: two votes for Saeed al Mehalel, one vote for Laurent. Total: three votes."
Fionn breathes a sigh of relief. "In my position as praefectus it is my onorous duty to lay the casting vote in the event of a tie. It is customary to use that vote to maintain the status quo, therefore the proposal is rejected."
Marcus signals to Fionn as the pitcher of wine in front of Madeleine (which she has been studiously ignoring since it was put there by Id) grows a pair of stubby legs and waddles over to where the obese magus sits. He refreshes his goblet before speaking.
"May I offer an alternate proposal to the Council? That we sell off, perhaps 3 knights of vis? Do I hear a seconder for 15 pawns?"
"That sounds like a suitable compromise," says Imanitos. "I'll second you Marcus."
Fionn looks hard at the pitcher. The wine within then starts crawling over the side of the jug and towards his goblet, in a manner reminiscent of the brollachan. Wetting his lips. he rubs his sore neck and declaims "If no-one has anything to say for, or against this new proposal we will proceed with the vote."
He then scans the room, and sees no sigils raised. The vote goes ahead, and Fionn tallies up the result.
"Very well, on the matter of selling 15 pawns of vis, the votes fall as follows...
"Votes for accepting the proposal: Three votes for Marcus Rabinus, three votes for Odette Pudiciata, three votes for Fionn mac Mathgen, two votes each for Madeleine Torvus and Saeed al Mehalel, and a vote each for Imanitos Mendax and Helena Vitalis. Total: fifteen votes.
"Votes for rejecting the proposal: One vote for Mordaleus. Total: one vote.
"Abstentions: two votes for Id, one vote for Laurent."
"The motion is passed. This Council has agreed to the sale of 2 knights of vis."
"Ah, Fionn?" says Imanitos, "wasn't that 3 knights?"
"Yes, yes, that's what I said isn't it? Now moving on; Marcus, you were going to give us a run down on possible savings..."
Marcus left satisfied, having achieved more than he thought that the covenant would allow. His dreams that night were filled with sacks of silver shillings jumping a fence of solid gold...