Tutoring Request | VIDEO | OPEN

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Type: Video
Sender ID: forgeabettertomorrow | (Darin Altway)
To: Everyone
Subject: Darin needs some added perspective for his studies
Warnings: He's stupid

[Darin pulls back from the camera sitting at a drafting table in his home. However, instead of blueprints and sketches and diagrams, things you'd normally see on his drafting table and workstation, there's...an awful lot of textbooks. Darin reaches up and pulls the small pair of reading glasses from his face and pinches the bridge of his nose. No, he's not wearing them for show, he actually does wear reading glasses when he needs them.]

Okay, this is going to sound really really weird coming from me but...I guess I could use some help.

Does anyone understand how like...government works? Like, at all? Because it seems like a whole bunch of rules and guidelines that should be common sense until they aren't and the more I read, the more I feel like I've either understood this my entire life or I'm going crazy.

Plus? I never went to school so...anyone up for a spirited debate? Something? Anything? If I spend anymore time reading I think I might eat the next book.

Comments

[forgeabettertomorrow]

So the Seat of Azem just kinda...steps in one someone gets out of line? And then Elidibus is the judiciary body?

But again, how can you guarantee that no one in that role would go rogue? That's a lot of trust to put in the hands of a single individual. And how are they chosen for the role?

[weenwoon]

Oh, no, no. Azem is the one who is expected to step out of line. After all, their role is to explore, bring us new knowledge and broaden our horizons... And sometimes act when the situation calls for it. Most decisions are made by the Convocation together, but time is not always so kind as to allow a lengthy deliberation. And Elidibus's role is to be the peacemaker... sometimes, indeed, between Azem and the others.

[ Hythlodaeus explains it with his usual cheery smile. But then he actually looks serious, folding his hands together before the camera. ]

But since coming here I have been made aware that the ways of my people... are not the norm on many stars. Mortals, it seems, oft crave power above all... And the Fourteen are powerful, there is no denying that, but they serve their people not merely in name, but in deed. There is no meaning in joining the Convocation if one is uncertain that they can bring the most good onto the star in that position.

[ He smiles again, seemingly to himself, and goes back to his usual cheer. ]

Besides, the Convocation members have so many responsibilities and so much paperwork! A terrible chore, in my opinion. As for how the Fourteen are chosen - some are chosen directly by their predecessors, and some by common vote, out of a list of candidates known for their knowledge or skill suitable for each position. The candidates may agree or nominate someone else, if they know a more suitable person.

[ He is definitely not speaking from experience, nosir. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin is very clearly and very busily taking notes as Hythlodaeus speaks.]

So...you're telling me this 'Azem' is like a government sanctioned wildcard?

How the hell do I get that job?

[weenwoon]

... Well, we've never had a mortal Azem before, but...

[ It could be fun, couldn't it? ]

You could return with me and Emet-Selch to our star and we'll put in a good word for you!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

So you are friends with Emet-Selch. I kinda had a hunch when you started talking about 'mortals.'

I appreciate the offer, but there's a woman I already promised that I'd be going to her world. As nice as this Azem gig sounds, I think I'd much rather be with her.

[weenwoon]

[ Oh-ho, is this an opportunity for ~gossip~? Hythlodaeus props his chin on his hand, eyes sparkling with interest. ]

Oh?~ My congratulations, then! To find your love on another star - that sounds really romantic, doesn't it? How did you meet her?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Oh, it's nothing special. I just happened to catch a tree that was thrown at her by the hellish winds of a wind bird god. After that, I jumped into the sky and took the fight to her before she promptly dropped my broken ass in the ocean.

Astoundingly, she fished me out and the rest is history.

[That sounds fake but if Hythlodaeus can see souls the way Emet can, Darin happens to have two souls. One of which is practically overflowing with the power of what would be considered a Primal.]