[center][h1]The Conclave of the Five Thrones[/h1][/center][hr][center][h3]Pandes, Vardes 29, Dami-Zept 54, 2:00 HS - 1:25 HE[/h3][hr][b]Location:[/b] Campus & The Arboretum ~ [b]Potential Interactions:[/b] all students[/center][hr]The clouds that seemed to cling to the towers of Ersand'Enise by night usually disappeared during the early hours of Shune but, this time, they did not. The day dawned cool and cloudy. A slick, smothering wetness hung dank and limp in the the sky, somewhere between rain and a heavy mist. From multiple points within the city, liveried carriages and solemn processions - rendered more so by Ahn-Oraff's mourning - wound their way towards Arc en Ciel Hall. 

Of course, the students of this storied place did not live in a bubble. They knew very well what was to take place today and, despite their youth, had at least some idea of its importance. There was a nervous anticipation to the day's gossip as they attended their classes, and it was announced by their first period instructors that all and any were invited to attend the conclusion of the Conclave of the Five Thrones in the area of the gallery that had been reserved for students. Seats, however, were limited.

Perhaps it was unsurprising, then, that they had trouble focusing on their classes. Indeed, some of the more academically inclined among the faculty grumbled about the holding of the Conclave in the city every fifth cohort. There were other disturbances afoot, however. Rumours flew about that many students had woken up the previous morning to find aberrations on their nightstands. Even worse was the fact that some had almost certainly absorbed them. The rest had since been dealt with, by what means, the Academy was tight-lipped. They claimed that they were hard at work getting to the bottom of the matter and that the knowledge was kept privileged for the youths' safety.

[hider=First Period: Conversion with Sienna Afraval]When students entered the class, they found all desks cleared to the edges and five items on stands in the middle. Their instructor had an intricate watch and a platter full of candy apples. The five items were: a blast furnace, a giant, whirling boulder on an axle, a vat of bromine with strands of a silvery metal poised to drop into it, a cluster of tightly-coiled springs, and a lightning rod by the open window. It was clear that the maddest science was about to take place. Their instructor greeted them all. She shook all of their hands and asked them to rate their skills in conversion on a scale of one to ten. She advised any truecasters to come to her in private after class, as she'd be dismissing everybody ten minutes early. Then, they commenced drawing. She didn't ask them to convert yet. It was diagnostic, she explained. She wanted to find their most comfortable sources, so she asked them to draw as fast and hard as they could, just to the point where they started to feel the effects of drawing to capacity. They then received candy apples for their trouble.[/hider]
[hider=Second Period: Mathematics with Luria Colloy]They walked in, sat down, and were given a test. Their Zeno only said that is didn't matter at all how they came to their final answers, so long as those answers were correct. She then gave them what she described as an 'elementary' problem to take home: you have six feet of ribbon and you need to make bows. Each bow requires 5/6 of a foot of ribbon. How many bows can you make?[/hider]
[hider=Third Period: Cooking with Hamir Zemana]For those who had Cooking with Hamir Zemana, they were treated to a wonderful post-luncheon dessert. He asked them how they would describe cooking as a skill or discipline before providing his own philosophy: "It is easy to cook passably, but it is the most difficult skill in the world [i]master [/i]cooking, for the work of the chef is neither art nor science. It is both and much more." He outlined if for them thusly: "You are combining parts to make a whole, but it is not so simple as a puzzle. Each part interacts with and changes the others. The ingredients work on a chemical level both with each other and application of heat: where, when, how, and how much." He wasn't finished, however. "Then there is the subjectivity of it to consider, the psychology of taste and texture, and the aspect of visual appeal. You can have two dishes that taste the same, but the one with superior presentation will almost-universally be considered to taste better." He was a friendly man with a big, booming laugh, but he made one thing clear towards the end: "If you you came here hoping for an easy class, you still have time to transfer. This will be a space for rigorous learning... and not a bit of sampling the delectable fruits of our efforts. We will create our own rewards."[/hider]
[hider=Third Period: Athletics with Zander Mozaru]Jomurr was an arrogant little prat and asked why an athletics class was not gender-divided. He expressed dismay at being unable to engage in more physical sports without having to worry about 'hurting the women'. The Zeno acknowledged these concerns by agreeing that he would rethink the class if the boys were able to beat the girls in a challenge. He divided the class by gender and put them through a grueling obstacle course that prioritized flexibility and balance early on and then worked them to exhaustion and beyond. The boys fell behind early, caught up quickly, and [url=https://www.clearvuehealth.com/b/men-women-athletic-performance/]faltered in the end[/url]. No clarification was needed at the end of the class.[/hider]
[hider=Third Period: Painting & Drawing with Born-on-Solstice]Given the inclement weather, one would think that Zeno Solstice would be forced to retreat indoors for a painting and drawing class. Instead, had them gather in one of the Arboretum's shelters and create watercolours of their surroundings, noting how people's postures, behaviours, and paths changed due to the changed environment. "A good artist not only captures a moment in time, but also implies what has come before and teases what still might be."[/hider]
[hider=Third Period: Drama with Fades-in-Moonlight]In her usual almost-flippant manner, Zeno Moonlight divided her class into five groups and tossed five copies of a script at them. She said it had been written by a student from the previous cohort and that it was the worst one she had ever seen. Indeed, it was tragicomically awful. She gave them fifteen minutes to memorize it and make any changes that they wanted. Then they would have to perform and attempt to make something more of it. Leon, Marlijn, Linah, and Penny fund themselves together, along with a girl named Seriana, who wore a very revealing dress. Some groups did...better than others.[/hider]
[hider=Fourth Period: Natural Sciences with Randan Kedd]As his students walked into the class, Randan Kedd drew from the reactions causing lactic acid to build up in their muscles. He used this energy to enhance everyone's mood and energy. Their first unit was to be on the human body. Mastering magic involved understanding the body profoundly and intimately. He had five plaster skeletons. He made five groups. He broke the skeletons into 206 bones and mixed them up using Kinetic Magic. He told the groups to put them together. He said that they would do this task each week until every group was able to finish, without mistakes, in ten minutes. "Fundamentals," he exhorted, "fundamentals! If you don't know, find out! If you're not good, practice! If you need my guidance, ask!"[/hider]
[hider=Fourth Period: Statecraft & Leadership with Alcaster Serra]Zeno Serra promised to break them in easily and, after having everyone share their reasons for joining he class, conducted a case study. He broke them into groups of five and assigned them the roles of figures within the Joruban Revolution. They were to assess the performance of their assigned figure and discuss their findings with peers. Then they were to prepare to present, during next week's class on what their figure had done right or done wrong and come up with one significant change and the effects it may have had.[/hider]
[hider=Fourth Period: Astrology with Born-on-Solstice]Karim was fortunate enough to walk to the astrology room with his Zeno, since he'd been in her third period art class. She was, indeed, a sunny personality: bright, funny, and relentlessly, infectiously positive. Class itself consisted of learning about different sets of astrological beliefs and how each interpretation made different use of a common set of natural symbols. She spoke of how the light of the moons affected the moods of people, the patterns of the ocean, the places where fish congregated and ships moored, and the way that animals behaved, slept, and hunted. She had a certain knack for asking questions that allowed them to do more of the speaking and yet still learn.[/hider]
[hr][center][h3]Pandes, Vardes 29, Dami-Zept 54, 2:00 HE - 1:00 HD[/h3][hr][b]Location:[/b] Campus & The Arboretum ~ [b]Potential Interactions:[/b] all students[/center][hr]Those students who chose not to take the school up on its offer to attend the evening session of the conclave would've found the campus and, indeed, the city eerily quiet and empty. It was theirs to wander and do as they pleased, though what there was to do comprised a fairly short list.

For those who attended, however, they hurried to pack their dinners into half an hour. Some simply lived with the hunger, wary of not getting a seat. In any case, they thronged into the enormous theatre, clamouring for space just as the dinner entertainment came to an end. The chamber quartet bowed and the audience clapped as the students shuffled in. If some of the smaller girls shared seats and a couple perched awkwardly on armrests and steps, nobody scolded them for it today, a breach in the school's normally-rigid discipline temporarily permitted. The balconies positively bulged with human life.

The heads of state of the current holders of the Five Thrones sat on five large chairs onstage, each painted so as to denote what they were. Behind them sat the six Arch-Zenos of Ersand'Enise, the Paradigm, and the Zenith herself in a large semicircle. Other dignitaries and world leaders were gathered in front in what was usually the orchestra pit. The clouds had cleared somewhat and the sun's light filtered in through the massive stained glass windows, its beams reaching across the seats and one, in particular, striking the pipe organ at just the right angle to make its steel pipes gleam faintly. 

Zenith Upta rose and gave a brief recommencement address. Her bearing was as dignified and professional as ever, but one couldn't help but sense a hint of tiredness at this point in the daylong proceedings. The leaders' speeches had already been given, including those who did not hold one of the thrones. Those few students who'd had a fourth period spare had been able to catch some of what had been said as well as getting up to speed on what had taken place earlier. They now endeavoured to catch their fellow students up. While it was inconceivable that either Revidia or Perrence could lose its throne (indeed, the latter had never lost it), and highly unlikely that Torragon or Belzagg would be in any danger, Eskand appeared much as it had for the last couple hundred years: weak. 

It looked as if Rouis of Perrence had recognized this too. Indeed, he and Horik had been at it for most of the day: a powdered little man in gold-embroidered clothes and cape and a great grumpy bear who made, in turns, exasperated and threatening noises. Then, however, it was time to vote, and as the leaders and the Arch-Zenos walked up one by one to slip their ballots into the simple wooden box, a hum of conversation raced through the audience. Truly, there wasn't much to talk about. It was Perrence first. Eskand would come second to last and there were rumours that Queen Silke of Kerremand was in line to take Horik's place. That she could for once depend on the support of her longtime enemy, Rouis, was almost comically evident. 

Then, it was Roderick's moment. The crier's voice had recovered admirably from three days prior and was crisp and clean. "Our opening matter is that of the Crystal Throne," he announced, his voice kinetically enhanced and carrying an air of dignified disinterest. "The first vote confirms Perrence." He placed a paper in a small tray on the table marked with the Fleur de Lis of that country.

"The second vote proposes Kerremand." A titter worked its way through the audience. That would be Horik's spite vote. The mammoth of a man grinned, self-satisfied. The paper was duly dropped into a tray marked with the dragon that was a symbol of that country. "The third vote confirms Perrence." So did the fourth. People began speculating on whether Revidia, next, would receive any spite votes against it. "The fifth vote confirms Perrennce." Rouis certainly wouldn't be above spite voting.

Then, however, something happened. "The sixth vote proposes Kerremand." Surprised murmurs rippled through those gathered. Horik's smile grew large and toothy. He leaned over in his chair, the overburdened piece groaning, and looked right at Rouis, who appeared annoyed. Prospero Malatesta steepled his fingers, stonefaced. "The seventh vote proposes Kerremand." The murmurs became exclamations. There was a concerted effort to gain Kerremand the throne, at the expense of mighty Perrence!

"Votes for the Crystal Throne stand four in favour of Perrence, three in favour of Kerremand. There are six votes remaining." Perrench observers and students, in particular, began to speak in more than just whispers. Roderick unfolded the next ballot. "The eighth vote proposes Kerremand." Rouis leaned forward. His eyes darted about. There was a genuine play being made here. The danger was real! 

"The ninth vote confirms Perrence." The king sat back in his chair, stroking his goatee nervously. "The tenth vote confirms Perrence." The ship seemed to have been righted: one more vote. Yet, it came for Kerremand. Eyes turned to Queen Silke. She was calm, poised. "The twelfth vote proposes Kerremand." An electric silence prevailed. "Votes for the Crystal Throne stand six in favour of Perrence, six in favour of Kerremand. There is one vote remaining."

Roderick's face gave it away before he read it, but his voice remained measured and professional. "The thirteenth vote proposes Kerremand." He paused. "The motion for Kerremand to replace Perrence as holder of the Crystal Throne is carried."

What followed was chaos. There was no amount of kinetic amplification that Roderick could've done to prevent it. He must've known as much, because he didn't even try. Silke began her walk up the few steps. Stiffly, stunned, Rouis rose from his seat. He looked out across the audience, an unreadable look crossing his face. Was it fury? Apology? Determination? Regret? That this was a bald-faced ploy of politics and bribery was clear to all. The Five Thrones were supposed to belong to the five greatest nations of the twin continents and Perrence was arguably the greatest of them all. It was, quite frankly, ridiculous for them not to be there. The king paused for a moment, and then something happened. One Perrench girl stood up. Perhaps she had used Sound Enhancement, for her voice rang loud and clear: [color=F7976A][b]"I have heard of a place - have you? - it is written, it is said."[/b][/color] People craned their necks to look her way. She continued, and a handful of voices joined her. [b]"Where every woman has her wine and every man his daily bread."[/b] The Perrench began standing.

[b]"The streets are paved in stone,"[/b] they sung,
[b]"The fields green, the lords are good.
I would live in such place.
Yes I would. Yes I would."[/b] There were hundreds of them. They rose. They added their voices.

[b]"Green Perrence, motherland, you have raised me up from new.
Under Oraff's watchful gaze, you have shaped me strong and true.

Your forests filled with game,
Your shoppes are stocked with finest goods.
I would live in such a place.
Yes I would. Yes I would."[/b] Rouis' hand was over his heart. He sung the song of his people.

[b]"I see your fields stained with blood, shed to keep me safe and free,
Where the poppies grow up thick, but I would give my life for thee.

My children: they will live here.
They will prosper by your hand.
Green Perrence: my home forever.
Green Perrence: motherland."[/b] 

Over a thousand strong, their voices reverberated for a moment after they finished, filling the cavernous interior of Arc en Ciel. Solemnly, King Rouis removed the hat from his head and bowed before his subjects. They bowed in return and when he straightened, he seemed taller than he had moments before, more certain. With an almost sinuous grace, he bowed deeply and deferentially before Queen Silke and motioned her towards her new chair, yet she seemed marginally less inclined to gloat than she had mere moments before. That Rouis had glanced in the direction of the Doge of Revidia and nodded respectfully was noticed by many as well and they took it as a sign that l'Anguilla, true to his name, had been up to his slippery tricks once again. Rouis had saved some face here, but it was still a master stroke.

The next two series of votes almost didn't matter. Revidia was confirmed, as was Torragon. Sancho gazed out over the crowd, face unreadable, but he was uneasy. It wasn't a stretch to imagine. A few more Zenos had surreptitiously filtered into the hall, just in case they were needed, but Rouis XI seemed disinclined to make any sort of trouble. Briskly, he made his way out a side entrance, escorted by the dauphin, also Rouis, and his royal guard. Those of his people who wanted to follow him were judiciously held up at the doors and filtered through slowly enough that they would not be a problem. The second prince, however, who'd been in attendance, was not among them. He remained seated in the front row. Arcel, some may have remembered.

Now that Perrence had been felled and Kerremand had its seat, the anticipation for Eskand's reckoning had faded to a low ebb. There were no more monarchs present and Horik, traditionally the neutral vote among the five, had seemingly aligned himself solidly now with the Doge and Revidia. The first two votes went as expected, but then the attendees found themselves in for their second big shock of the day. A vote came in for... Joru, and then a second. Horik's fat face grew pink and his cheeks puffed out as he turned to glare at Silke, Sancho, and Prospero. The first did not give him the satisfaction of her attention and neither did the last, but the Torragonese ruler looked at him and nodded solemnly, almost as if in apology. It was nine to four - for Joru, and President Atundo Yibozo stood. So did Horik. A hulking mountain of man, he glowered at the rulers and the Zenos who had betrayed him. [b]"Eskand will have blood,"[/b] he warned, turning to face the incoming president. [b]"Enjoy your poisoned throne, king of the Joru."[/b] He leaned in and Yibozo was forced to take a step backward, but he did not flinch. He regarded Horik steadily. [b]"I have no desire to rule as a king. My power comes from my people, and the throne we make shall be there for all to sit on should they choose."[/b]

[b]"Hah!"[/b] laughed Horik, [b]"we'll see how long [i]that [/i]lasts."[/b] He stalked away. That the rulers were speaking amongst themselves, inaudible to the crowd, which had once again erupted in conversation, was clear to any who would care to look their way. Great Jobanzaggah, now alone without his allies, had clearly made a play to keep Belzagg's position on the council, and he managed it in a close vote, but what he'd had to suffer was unknown to all but the other people on that stage.

When the dust had settled and students filtered home into the warm, ripe night, the political order of their world was vastly different than it had been that morning. If they imagined, for even a single, naive moment, that they would remain untouched, then they were sorely mistaken.
[hr]
[hider=Summary]1. It was drizzling and overcast for most of the day.
2. The second day of classes happened. Everyone here shared the same first and second periods. Look under the hiders for what happened in your third and fourth periods and feel free to add whatever your character does.
3. The conclave finally happened. Despite some late-night scheming and clandestine stuff, it appears that Perrence was outsmarted and toppled from the council.
4. This didn't sit well with everyone and the Perrench people, along with their king, experienced a moment of solidarity. If your character is Perrench, this would probably effect them in some way. It is a direct attack on their home country and fundamentally unfair.
5. Eskand, as well, was booted from the council and betrayed by its erstwhile allies, Revidia, Kerremand, and Torragon. It was further humiliation for the proud nation, and Horik has promised blood.
6. Joru is now on the council and President Yibozo, despite his insistence that he has no desire to become a monarch, appears to have been part of politicking.
7. There is a strong chance of war and the strife between major nations leaves the door open for The Traveler to act...
8. For those who did not decide to attend the Conclave, the city is as empty, quiet, and unguarded as it'll ever get. If you really just want some peace and quiet or are looking to do something sneaky, now's the time![/hider]