Dreams unleashed

"Wisdom confers power, and power confers right."

Her cloack was covered with the dust of the road, hood concealing the tired visage. Mounting the tall stone steps leading to the front door of a mansion, she picked up and let fall a knob shaped as a serpent's head three times. For a minute nothing could be heard. Then shuffling footsteps approaching, very slowly, indicated that someone was coming, someone old. Fumbling with the lock could be heard, then whisper, and the door opened with a creek. A wrinkled face peered out.

'Yees?'

'Greetings my dear Em'

The old lady peered under the hood, her face wrinkling even more in disbelief.

'Lady.. my child is that you?' Her voice was faint and shaky, many years have passed.

...

The old house would seem unwelcoming to most, forsaken and not lived in for years as it was. But to Mandisa it was home. Probably the only, she thought, place where she could be in peace and not disturbed by any.

However it is not hiding that she had as a purpose, but something more. That day on the shore of Tortage, with Burlag, seemed to bring her just a bit too close to the crown. Its influence was tangible. In dreams it was as quiet singing, a call. And certain ideas started shaping up.

A wide circular room with carved chairs and cloacked figures in them, tall foreheads and auras of power slightly pulsing. The chamber disappeared and a city emerged, a tower in the center, the tallest one she hast ever seen, matched only by that of the one in Keshatta. And yet workers could be seen scurrying like ants at its base and wooden constructs on the very top - it was still being built.

The city gate was wide open with a few guards chatting merrily, letting anyone pass in or out, freely. The city streets were busy, signs of construction in every corner.

Zooming out even further the dream revealed a lush landscape, contrary to the people on it. Many were darkskinned, wearing clothes characteristic of Stygia, and ..yes a caravan approaching the city. What would a caravan do so far up north? Horses and wagons seemed much more..

A radiant shield flooded the vision, shimmering white and dark blue, tiny storms and swirlpools seemed to play on it's surface, and yet it was transparent enough to peer through. It stretched to the right, left and upwards and no end of it could be seen. Outside - blowing winds and the sands of the desert, inside - tall green grass, winding roads, a lake in the distance and just on the horizon a tiny spot indicated what may have been a wall.

This dream was disturbing. Yet the idea of that city, a council, and freedom of any to come and go, was edged clearly on her mind each time she woke. Are not the masters of the arcane those who did in fact represent Stygia? They have now became scattered, disorganized, choosing to lead a secluded life.  And it maybe their choice, but she was certain that there would be some willing to see a city rise. One with a presiding council, one that would be able, first, to take care of itself, and then have a say in affair's of its country. Once enough time is spent in dusty study rooms, one must decide what to do with the obtained knowledge. Do you want to rise? Or do you want to remain unknown. The choice is up to you.

Why it bothered her so much was because it didn't agree with the entire caste system. A city ruled by a council of mages, letting any into it who wished, be they warriors seeking fortune and allies among those able to manipulate invisible forces, or northerners seeking trade and enjoy the pleasantries of a rich city, everything would be acceptable.

Even allegiances would not be stated, no army duty required, unless one wishes to be enlisted into the ranks. The council's major concern then would be to govern the city, and with time, as more countrimen are drawn by the magnificence and power, and find this city their home, then they would be able to make a stand where Stygia is concerned. For to represent Stygia, you must have people who are loyal to Stygia, and allegiances of such. Merely stating your represent the country because of your ancestry is absurd, without the support of the people you are nothing.

Education. It lacked. That theme entered too. Apprenticeship was common and yet there was no common base. Bring them together in one place - the image of the city arose yet again in her mind.

But it was that - a vision. Would it be appealing? She remembered little examples in history. Next step was to confirm, to reassure herself. 

The library occupied the entire top floor. The curtains were thrown aside and the sun flooded in, but Mandisa preferred to studying during the night. Right under an opening in the ceiling, one could see the stars, and listen to the whisper of the night oasis. It will take a while to recall what she has once studied, and find new knowledge. The new possibilities and studies she was undertaking will take up much time as well. Her hands ached daily from the exercises with that huge sword the heralds swung about so easily, and a constant chill and sickness lingered after she probed the ancient tomes trying out the easiest of necromantic incantations.

And yet the vision was in front of her the entire time. She wondered at times if the crown drove her mad, without even touching her head. Or did it indeed open her mind to new possibilities? Things long forgotten, things the priests of Stygia would call blasphemous - so engrossed in their stagnant laws and practices.

The country needed a fresh breath, or it will rot from the inside and perish.

...

She smirked, putting a parchmet roll aside. This was a clear example (http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/House_Telvanni). With a stygian council, no doubt that most of the practices would be exactly that. And rules, the rules appealed to her. No rules.

Of course anything stated that way: everything or nothing, came with hidden additions. No rules doesn't mean the city would house scum that sees harassment and murder as its only purpose. She recalled Sanction at this point.

No rules meant, first and foremost, freedom. Cults, apprenticeships, plots, anything. The council of mages inherently meant that there is no unity.

But from outside it will still be seen as one entity - the city of mages. Ruled by them, and housing any, as one body they would unite to protect its walls. They would resist any one lunatic ascending to the top and trying to manipulate every living soul within its walls to achieve his or her ambitions, because each one of them desires a place in the council and thinks he is wise enough to make right choices. This is what mages are, their nature is that of freedom, it is what they want, and this is what this city will provide them with. Home, while free.

 ((I know there are many who see mixing ideas from other games books in is bad. I never thought that. Some of the best players on the server never read conan books. I myself started reading them, read couple stories, I plan to finish the hour of the dragon at least, but I don't find Howard's writing much good.

Anyway, please post your thoughts, I'd like to hear them :)

If I do this I would ask that whoever decides to ally themselves with me lets me be the head of the city etc. Simply because I encountered things I don't want to occure. I will never tread upon ooc freedom of any, and never tread upon ic freedom of any unless they themselves wish to do something for me and promise to get it done.

My wish is to see people enjoy the game and roleplay and create beautiful music together. Mandisa herself is a character that is evolving, so do not find the following surprising:

- although the council will consist initially of Stygians I will only require those on it to claim they are willing to protect the city against invasions. They don't have to protect Stygia. As such a mitra priest may one day end up on the council. They of course must be very powerful in arcane or a powerful priest, intelligent, and earn their place on the council by showing they are willing to discuss matters and handle matters that concern the city. You know what I'm talking about. Leaders.

- no alliances will be stated in the beginning and no alliances will ever be forced upon the members. If one member of the council will choose to say fight barbarians in Keshatta, noone has to support it unless they want to

- this means you deal with your problems yourself ultimately, as far as in character interaction goes. ooc if you are being griefed, the guild of course will help

again: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/House_Telvanni  has some ideas of what i'd like to see. The idea of  a city comes from a book I don't remember the author or the name, if I recall I'll post.))