Late Aprilis, 263R
Once again the Council have gathered in the spacious Hall of the Towers. The Senex Princeps, Chief of the Centuria, The Highest Judge and Master of the Coin are all here, along with 41 Towers. The Senex Princeps begins to speak once everyone is seated on the low stone benches, which form a wide circle around the center of the hall. The Senex and the three other Crowns, as they are called together, are seated at the northern side.SENEX: "Council members, welcome. Today we have to discuss and decide on two topics. First of all: The Highest Judge informs me that a
sorcerer has been spotted in the outer districts, performing so-called miracles and healing of the sick. While we have in the past ejected soothsayers and sorcerers from the city, this man has not entered the city walls and stays purely to the outer districts."
The Highest Judge stands.JUDGE: "Let this charlatan be banished! He claims his powers come from the gods, but will not say if they are ours. I say he is a troublemaker and should be banished at once before he can cause any further disturbance."
The Master of Coin stands.MASTER: "Ah... unless he is a man of the gods, in which case we might incur their displeasure by ejecting him. Let the man stay for now, at least until we are sure. We can always banish him later."
Both men sit.SENEX: "Second, a 'philosopher' by the name of Stratos has come from Iona, professing of his great learning and study in the eastern cities. He wishes permission and funding to start an academy in Ragona, to teach his schools of thought and educate well-bred citizens."
The Master stands.MASTER: "He seeks funding to the tune of two and a half thousand denarii. We are running a deficit with this war as is, I can hardly condone more money being wasted on someone who could very well be a confidence trickster."
The Judge stands.JUDGE: "I say that sorcerer is a thousand times the cheat that this philosopher is. I have read of the schools of thought of Iona, and welcoming a philosopher to our city would be another jewel in our crowns. Learned men help us understand our place in the world and with the gods, and such innovation has determined more efficient industry in the past. I say we let it be."
SENEX: "If any Towers wish to speak on these proposals, you may begin."
The Senex lifts the iron staff that is his symbol of office and strikes the marble floor thrice - Clang, Clang, Clang! - The time of discussion is now.Morning Phase has begun.