The Concilium of Omaha

[mrukpyr]

I would ask to see a copy of the Lex Magica of Omaha, as I have heard somewhat varying comments about the political state of local mage society.

I have heard we are not a Concilium.
I have heard that we are.
I have heard we do not have a Hierarch.
I have heard that we will once someone is chosen.
We have councilors - we don't have them.

Perhaps a gathering to publicly define these details might be of value?

**Emerald Tablet 2**

Cwrw y Gwin Gar


(martin miller)
(US2002-023629)

[chris]

Lex Magica for the Tri-City Areas

Let it be known by the words and passing of the ideals here in that the Consilium that meets for Omaha, NE – Lincoln, NE – Louisville, NE. Do convene and accept these Laws and punishments as part of placement within the Mage Society of the area known as the Tri-Cities. We recognize this Lex Magica in effect, as of April 15th, 1890.

Seats upon the Council
- The Seats amongst the Council shall be done by order. This is to represent that all of the orders will have an equal voice in all matters brought before the Hierarch and the Council.
- Each Seat upon the council must have a second.
- No councilor will sit on the council for more than 1 year. At which point they may appoint a new councilor or their second may step up. Amended July 1st, 2006.
- In case of the death of a council seat member, the Second shall become the new seat on the council.
- In case of the death of both the Seat and the Second, the Order shall petition a new Seat to be place from one of their own.
- The Seats may carry weapons into the Council Chambers. Amended July 1st, 2006.

Seat of the Hierarch
- The Hierarch shall remain in the seat of the council, till death or until at least 3/5 of the council holds a vote of No Confidence.
- The Hierarch must name a Provost.
- The Hierarch shall sit in upon any court of the situations and shall run the meetings of the Consilium.
- In the case of the Death of the Hierarch the Council will convene to choose a new Hierarch.
- In the case of emergency in which the council can not convene, the Provost will step up to seat of Hierarch temporarily until such time as the Council can convene.
- The Council shall choose the Hierarch from among the populace of the magi.
- The Hierarch MAY NOT be chosen from one of the council.
- The Hierarch will act as mediator in all grievances brought to the council.
- May carry weapons into the Council Chambers. Amended July 1st, 2006

Seat of the Herald
- The Herald shall hold the position of Herald until the Council votes of 3/5 to remove or death.
- The Herald shall act as the Voice of the apostates.
- In cases of a Tie of the Vote of the council, the Herald shall hold the Swaying vote in the matter.
- The Herald is to take Minutes of the Meetings of the Consilium.
- The Hierarch shall choose the Herald. The Council May Veto this choice with a Unanimous vote.

Seat of the Sentinel
- The Sentinel shall hold the position until death or as been voted in a matter of 4/6 of the Council.
- The Sentinel shall act as the Arm of the Council and follow all laws place into effect by the council.
- The Sentinel shall be the only one to carry weapon into the Chambers of the Council.
- The Sentinel shall have right to remove any one from the meeting of the concisilium on the grounds of to great offense.
- The Sentinel shall over see all Mage Duels.

Laws of the Tri Cities Area

It is considered a minor offense to break the following rules that are in place. These are considered the Minor Lex Arcana.
- Assaulting another mage without proper Authorization
- Casting Vulgar magic witness by more then one Sleeper
- Speaking of the Mysteries within earshot of the sleepers.
- Speaking the mysteries to a unclaimed Sleepwalker


Punishment is suggest to range from aiding the Sentinel in patrols or even to minor servitude (6 months Max, 1 month Min)

It is considered a Major Offense to break the following Rules that are in place. These are considered the Major Lex Arcana
- Casting Vulgar Magic that is witnessed by one or more sleepers who then tell other sleepers about the incident.
- Teaching Uninitiated Sleepers about the mysteries
- Voluntarily letting a Sleepwalker move about unclaimed.
- Involuntarily killing a mage of the Consilium
- Involuntarily killing an Awakened being of the Cities. (sleep Walkers included)
- Teaching other awakened beings of the Cities of the Mysteries without proper authorization.


Punishment is suggested to range from Servitude to a mage for a Year and 1 day minimum, a Geas, or the probation of the Accused till further notice.

It is considered a Grave offense to break the following rules that are in place. These are considered the Grave Lex Arcana.
- Murder (premeditated or Serial Killing) of a Mage or another Awakened Being (sleep Walkers included) without going through proper procedure.
- Casting Vulgar magic that leaves behind enduring evidence of magic; even if the disbelief of a sleeper eventually destroys such evidence.
- Aiding of a Banisher, Seer of the Throne, or Tremere–Lich
- Practice of Living Sacrifices
- Removing a Soul from a Sleeper or Awakened Being without Permission of the Council.

Punishment is suggested to range from Servitude (Life), Soul being place in a Soul Stone, Exile from the Consilium,

Other Awakened of the Cities and the Shadow Glyph

Let it be known that we, the mages, share these cities with creatures of other Awaken kind. Trafficking with them without first receiving the Shadow Glyph is considered an infraction of the Major Lex Arcana.
Only the Council shall give the right of the Shadow Glyph, Until the council votes to remove the glyph the Mage shall be allowed to traffic with the other Awakened beings of the city unhindered, until such time as the trafficking can be shown to be detrimental to the cities.

Membership to the Consilium
It will be noted that a Minimum of one cabal shall be instigated and placed within each of the three cities. Once a cabal as joined into the consilium; it will gain the protection and benefits of being within the Consilium.

Cabals within the Consilium
Each cabal shall have a Minimum of three members and a maximum of no more then 6. Each cabal shall be registered with the Council so that the Herald shall over see.

Duels of the Mages
For grievances brought to the council that do not Break the minor, Major, or Grave Lex arcana, the two parties may be told to use the Dueling Stone within the Louisville Graveyard for closure of this grievance. The Duel shall be overseen by the Sentinel, Caster of the Circle, and at least one witness for either side.
Any attempts of cheating that are caught or later found out shall instantly NULL the Duel and place the other dueler as the winner. In the case of both duelers are caught cheating, the Hierarch shall decide the outcome of the duel.
The Sword and Shield of the duel shall comprise of knowledge of the Arcanum that both Mages know. Amending: No Limitation on Arcana used with a formal duel shall be imposed. (July 1st, 2006) The length of duel shall be set to First blood, 3 strikes, or Unconsciousness. NEVER will the duel be to the death. The Sentinel may at any time stop the duel if either Dueler is unfit to continue or if it will lead to the death of either one.
The Conditions of Victory shall be carried out within 7 days after the duel. Unless the hierarch states the decision is to be dealt with immediately.

Trial by Council

In case of Member of the Consilium is brought before the Council for trial, an Advocate of the Consilium may be appointed by the council, or chosen by the accused. All Evidence gained by Post Cognition, Pyschometry, Scrying by Rooting through the Accuser or the Accused Mind’s (‘) MUST be presented to the council. The Council may through out any Evidence that they believe to be tampered with or is found to not carry the ring of truth.
All Decisions are Final in the matter. In the case of a Council Seat, or Hierarch, they shall step down and let their Provost or Second sit into place until the conclusion of the trial. ALL Mages are considered Innocent until proven Guilty.
ONLY the punishment of Death and Soul Jarring shall be saved for the most Grievous offenses. It is the Duty of the advocate to gather and present evidence to the council. If so chosen in agreement by the advocate, the Council and the Prosecution, the deliberation shall take place in secret. Otherwise the Vote is done in public.
The Prosecution shall reside of the Sentinel or of one chosen by the offended party. This position will have the same rights and abilities of the Advocate.

Emergency status

It shall be noted that when a state of emergency, which is then recognized by the Sentinel is in effect that the Hierarch shall have Full power over the consilium. The Sentinel shall also declare when the state of Emergency is at end or in the case of a Unanimous vote to end it from the Council.

Limitations on the Powers of the Council

Bans on the Use of Arcana:
The Council does not have the authority to ban Outright the use of a particular type of magic or rote by all members of the Consilium. Exception in this case is the creation a Soulless. It does however have the authority to ban a specific Mage from performing a specific spell.

Fair Recompense for the Use of Arcana on the Council’s Behalf:
The Council does not have the authority to demand the casting of a particular spell by any Mage or Officer of the Court, except in the provisions already laid out in this document. If the Council desires such a spell to be cast, they must enter into negotiations for recompense with the caster. A caster may, if he chooses offer his services to the council with no expectation of recompense, but this must be made clear prior to the casting to prevent future claims of debt.

Soul stones:
The Council does not have the authority to compel an Awakened member of the Consilium to hand over a Soul stone or Demesne, either to the Council or to any other.

Thralls:
Neither is the Council required to intervene in matters where one member of the Awakened community has become enthralled to another via the possession of a Soul stone, unless the Possessor continues to hold the Thrall’s Soul stone beyond the traditional three tasks performed. At this point, the Thrall may petition a Councilor for redress under the Lex Magica.

Thralls and Vendettas:
A Thrall in the position is permitted to claim a vendetta against the Possessor of his Soul stone who has violated the three-task tradition, and may recruit others to his cause. This is acceptable to the Council and Court so long as no section of the Lex Magica is violated during the course of the vendetta. Such a vendetta is expected to end upon recovery of the Soul stone.

Limitations on the Punishment of Servitude:
If an offender is sentenced to the punishment of Servitude to another, the following limitations apply:
- Sentences Carried Out by Councilors: An Offender is not required to submit to any spell placed upon him by anyone other than a member of the Council specifically for the purpose of his sentencing;
- Offenders Retain Personal Property Rights: An Offender is not required to relinquish any personal property to the one whom he serves;
- Offenders Must Be Held to Lex Magica: An Offender is not required to perform any action or inaction which could be considered a crime against the Lex Magica;
- Offender Retains Ownership of Soul and Self: An Offender is not required to sacrifice any portion of his essence into the crafting of a permanent weaving of any sort, on behalf of the one whom he serves;
- Use of Arcana While under Servitude: An Offender must cast magic as directed by the one whom he serves, unless doing so would harm him or another.
- We recognize the need for each of the orders to function. Those forced into Servitude cannot be made to betray their order. Amended July 1st 2006

Addendums Procedure:
If the populace wishes to have an addendum placed upon this Lex Magica, they must present it to the Council, and the council must place a 4 of 6 votes for or against such an idea. With this in fact and Thought, each shall be greatly considered for these thoughts.


Done.

Mike Brown

[mrukpyr]

Thank you for posting that - I appreciate the information.

But I am confused - as a number of the local mages have said that we are now a "council" - and I do not see that mentioned anywhere in the Lex.

Cwrw

[Scott]

There have been a number of things said in regards to the structure (or lack thereof) that we have here. Last I heard, "something" had told those of us in the area that we needed to form a "proper" consillium, complete with Heirarch. You'll have to ask around, though, 'cause I wasn't present at the time that the declaration was made. "Normal" life has a habit of popping up from time to time.

I was also told that the previous (see posted) Lex was inert and no longer pertained. Discussion has come up on writing up a new Lex, and a few people were looking into what they could do in that area for us. Perhaps as a matter of our next gathering, we should attempt to iron out the details of both our consillium and the Lex. I know that there are other more pressing matters that need our attention, but at the very least maybe we can all hash out the overall direction (so far as leadership roles) that we want the cities here to go.

That's my 2 cents.

-Phoenix

[isaacwelch]

This old lex needs some serious overhauling.. we SO don't follow this at all... It needs to be more flexible to our needs, our way of doing things. I like some of the old stuff. I'm not huge on giving rights to anyone who thralls another Mage but that's just me... plus most of it is like 100 years out of date.

Also if we aren't a council now.. or if we desire to be one again I suggest we have some sort of contest or election to find a Hierarch or go by who is the most respected member of our area.

I know the person with whom I respect the most is Phoenix. He has my vote for such a leadership position.. but that's cause he talks to us like we aren't from one million years ago. Plus he seems to work more to getting thigns done to help rather than wave his power in somebody else's face.. he's also a Master of Spirits and that is no small feat in of itself.

I know contests of power have been used in the past some deadly some not so deadly.. I suggest something to the non-deadly route.

Perhaps the old Lex needs revision.

From,

Rown-Skuld

[chris]

Unfortunatly you can be born into contracts you did not make. You need to take the steps and venerate the old ways. In doing so you can make the change you so desperatly cling to. You may find yourself, when you have done so, floatsome upon a river that you have no idea where it is going. Using tradition to look downstream and see where the floods are going to be coming is not a bad thing our federal government could have done so with New Orleans and did not. Who suffered for it? The unprepared, the hospitalised, the elderly. Go ahead throw away tradition and see how much wisdom is left as silt for the next harvest. I am shure the mysterium would never be interested in finding out the how and why of this document that would just be silly tradition left in dusty tomes. The adamantine arrow also would not be interested in the way our ancestors fought in this area and how eventually they came to find the peace with each other to form a cohesive unit. Likewise The guardians would never enjoy the methods used to control the information from the sleepers and others hands. In fact I am eating a copy of it right now because that is all it is worth is the carbon it is printed on. Cwrw read it again the council is mentioned.


Mike Brown

[Scott]

Chill, "Mike". No one is talking about throwing away tradition. Times change, and we need to know how to be flexible enough to change with them. That doesn't mean "bucking tradition" in favor of some wacky new way. It just means that we need to look *back* at the Tradition, and re-evaluate how that applies to us in the here-and-now. Heck, even the Bible has been re-written to make it more readily relatable to today's society.

-Phoenix

[chris]

what needs changed 'Phoenix?' What would you leave out of that contract we have performed binding magic on?

[jason]

Umm I would hold the Binding magic that we oathed to is gone as she who had performed said magic cannot recast it and such oaths are not ever lasting.

From your resident man on Oaths, fates, and all things of such

Solaris Winter

P.S. This is in no way to conform I like or dislike the old Lex, but Im all for the will of the masses as no government can perform without them.

[isaacwelch]

To answer what I would change I would toss out any mention of Thralls. I personally find any sort of slavery to be an anachronism worth abolishing. The thing with Thralls is for those who offer us there Desmense do for the good of the whole of Mage society.

To go and either steal that, or gain a soul stone from another and force them into 3 acts of servititude is an abhorrent thing to myself. I Would change it to read:

" Council does not recognize any act of Thralldom. The council believes that such an act is an act of slavery over the Awakened Path of another will-worker and believes that any possesing a soul stone of another Mage is no better than a tyrant or a slaver, such acts are hereby abolished anyone owning the soulstone of another mage is hereby ordered by act of council to return that stone. To deny the council is to endure censure and possible banning of access to council halls."

We ended slavery years ago and in no way will I have naything to do with anyone who holds another Mage in Thrall. He is not my ally or my friend, but another mage to watch out for the Abyss may claim his very soul...

From,

Rown-Skuld

[chris]

Slavery has ended? Are you serious? I think I am done talking to you.


Mike Brown

[isaacwelch]

Well we ended legal slavery in the United States. I would hope that Awakened society would catch up to the modern times as well. To hold on to such an abomination in my opinion is outmoded and outdated. I should hope humanity as a whole has moved past servant and master concepts. It is demeaning and inhumane. I also personally believe that a free people are also an Enlightened people. Isn't master and slave or servant and master the ideals of the Seers of the Throne?? Aren't we supposed to oppse them in everyway possible?

If you want to be done talking to me fine. We have never met face to face yet, so its hard to guage a person by the post boards. To dismisss me this early in this conversation based on your opinions is your right, but I am not picking a fight nor am I suggesting revolutionary change, just minor ones.

No I'm not Free Council if you feel that questions is made.. I am Mysterium and even Mort and I don't always see eye to eye.

He was one of the first Mages I ever met and he showed me the path to the Mysterium. He is kind of my Mentor but my path in the Awakening has changed since he first inducted me years ago, and I went travelling to find my place in the gradn sceme of what it means to BE Awakened, so.. I haven't been around for a while.

Still we can disagree.. we're human. With cosmic powers, but we are still human. We do make errors and have disagreements.

Disagreement and debate is what enriches our society of Mages, stagnation and lockstep to old ideas that are long overdue for change should be changed. I do not believe the Lex should be thrown out all together, just reflect the workings and inner wills of all Awakened of Lincoln and Omaha.

Some things should be preserved i agree.. I am an archaeologist by trade I hate seeing the old cast away just cause its old, but we are talking about government. A fluid and ever evolving thing that should change with the times and the desires of its citizens.

Don't just dismiss me for one opinion I have. Cause you may find yourself lessened by prejudice and heresay. Cause we don't really know each other well enough to do that. Hi, my name is Rown-Skuld. There we have at least introduced ourselves at the very least.

From,

Rown-Skuld
Enchanter on the Path of Thistle
Acknowledged in the Nebraska Mage Society
Acknowledged in the Mysterium
Member of AC/DC cabal

[chris]

"Umm I would hold the Binding magic that we oathed to is gone as she who had performed said magic cannot recast it and such oaths are not ever lasting."---- Solaris

Sad , 1st that you would bother to type out umm. Are you trying to show us that you are unsure about your statement? Secondly that these oaths are indeed unlasting. Does anyone remember why sparkles died? What she protected and why? Sad. Did anyone tell the others? Pomp and circumstance are left to those undeserving of either.

There is a very large elephant standing in front of everyone here and no one will talk about it. Why?

"I should hope humanity as a whole has moved past servant and master concepts. It is demeaning and inhumane."

Wake the fuck up Rown-Skuld.

Only a very few countries do not commit significant human rights violations, according to Amnesty International. In their 2004 human rights report (covering 2003) the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Costa Rica are the only (mappable) countries that did not violate at least some human rights significantly.[22]--wikipedia.

I thought it would be faster to name those who did not commit atrocities of the spirit.

Look. There are some very bad things happening. I agree we need to be at the forefront of this. Those that attempt to enslave others need to know what being a slave means. You don't know how many times I have looked into the eyes of a young will worker and wanted to strip the ego from them and hand it to them in a jar. Marked don't open until x-mass. Just to make it easier on him. That is why I am not as wise as those before me who could have that thought never even enter their head.

I hope you enjoy your new ways and look forward to when you come around.

You will come around.

Mike Brown

[jason]

I did indeed type out umm because I am never 100% sure. There is always a chance of being wrong that is our nature.

The Oaths may be considered unlasting by the oath the magic is not. Magic upon a person cannot extend forever and the spells upon us from the Oaths is over.

Sol

[isaacwelch]

Mike Brown,

To quote Amnesty International is a good thing, but I'm talking about ideals and laws for Mages to reflect our desire for freedom from oppression like legalized slavery. Let's stay on topic just a little.

Besides you said "human rights violations" not legalized slavery We are both talking about evil acts but on different types of evil acts. Its apples and oranges, both are fruit but not the same thing.

I am not naive to believe evil acts don't happen everyday. Some are perpetrated in our own backyard. I personally beileve it is my duty as an Awakened to protect from the bad out there, Abyssal spirits demons, Seers of the Throne all that.

Nor am I arguing the fact against hubris in young mages. We are talking about two different subjects and you are saying I'm wrong.

Well we aren't even discussing the same topic, nor have you offered anything of good debate against my point. You dismissed it out of hand, and looked and said there is evil all over this country... but I know that. I wasn't arguing against that.

I am asking you to focus your debate a little more please. We can get real overblown with arguments. I was talking about legalized slavery. Not human rights violations. One problem at a time. We'll talk about the rest next.

Are you saying that we should keep Thralls because it is best to keep another Mages' Will leashed for there own good? To Protect them? I am not trying to pick a fight, nor am I disagreeing with you out of hand. I am trying to find some common ground. You know compromise or come to an understanding.

I know that some things are bad for Mages anything with the Abyss is bad. Yet Magic is some trial and error. Also if a good mentor watches over a new Mage less problems would occur. So why leash a Mages potential if they have a good mentor? I know some mentors are not as good as others, but why the Thralling as the only resort?

Mort taught me how covert is better than Vulgar, and he did a good job in that. I rarely deal with Paradox because of his teachings. He sometimes was kinda harsh to me, but some of that was necessary. I am a better Awakened for his teachings.

Ok, I'm also gonna post another topic to discuss our problem of no Hierach and no full council. We need some discussion openly and honestly about this and come to at least a majority opinion on this.

So Mike Brown, let's keep the conversation a little civil, I am attempting it and you are picking a fight with mewhere I am not picking a fight with you. Truce man. I'm not fighting you.

Explain yourself a little more clearly and we can have a better discourse. You can disagree with me, but offer point by point arguments, so I can better understand your point, and less veiled allusions to what you mean.

From,

Rown-Skuld