How to Apply a Daily Dose of Diplomacy

[Mariah]

Accepted Mariah takes advantage of Kitiara Sedai announcing an Open Office invitation. Originally intending to ask for a lesson on Eyes and Ears Networks, the conversation stayed on the discussion of a pet project of Accepted Mariah's. Talking out loud about the project helped to flush out some nuances and how it could be implemented in practice. Leaving with encouragement, Mariah still has work ahead of her.

Posted with the permission and encouragement of Kitiara Sedai.

Point of view: Mariah
Main character: Mariah
Main character: Kitiara

--------------------------------

Females
---------
Mariah the Tower Accepted [White Tower]
Aeyla of Tarabon
Lady Kitiara Sedai [Blue Ajah Sitter]
Lady Raeza Dovoros [White Ajah]
Cera Merimon, Accepted of the White Tower [White Tower]
Gretchen Dreadbane "The Crazy Old Cat Lady"
Alatherin of Shienar
Dalina of Illian
Lorrah of the Malkieri Diaspora
Kellie of Murandy

10 players displayed.

Kitiara narrates 'If any Accepted would like to speak I am in the conservatory.'

Mariah is already standing.

Players in your Zone
--------------------
Mariah - The Mistress of Novices' Study
Kitiara - Conservatory of the Blue Ajah
Raeza - A Spacious Sitting Room

open woodendoor east

In the Hallway
This gray stone hallway is plain looking, although its floor tiles of red
and green liven up the area. Two tapestries of flowered trees and
stout-beaked birds hang on the wall, so colorful they seem unlikely to be
real. An unmarked wooden door lies between the tapestries.

A roster hangs here.
[ obvious exits: N E W ] [ W: woodendoor ]

Branching Off the Ramp
The spiralling ramp levels out for a stretch where corridors from the west
and south meet. The colorful patterns of the floortiles of both the
corridors and the ramp merge seamlessly, speaking of the quality of the
Ogier stonemasons' work. The arched ceiling is at least fifteen feet high
and a masterfully carved frieze of leaves of bonsai, cedar, holly, juniper,
oak, olive and redwood runs along thetop of the impost, just below the
lowest part of the curvature of the arch.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
A young girl in a plain white dress stands here.

[Cut out the traveling to the Blue Conservatory

Continuing Down the Hallway
The vaulted corridor of pale white stone meets floor tiles in every shade
of blue, from a pale morning sky to the deep violet of twilight. The wavy
pattern of the tiles gives a hint of grandeur. Simple decorated gilded
stand lamps light the corridor and its wall hangings of spring gardens and
Two portraits of women with ageless faces feature prominently in this
section of the corridor. The portraits are labelled 'Ciel' and 'Adaire'.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ] [ E: door N: thickdoor S: woodendoor ]
A woman with an ageless face stands here.
A woman with an ageless face stands here.

knock door east

Kitiara calls for the carveddoor to be opened.

The carveddoor is opened from the other side.

Softly, through the door, you hear, 'You may enter.' It sounds like Kitiara's voice.

Conservatory of the Blue Ajah
During daytime, bright light floods in from tall, arched windows set in the
eastern wall, which offer a view of the many spires of Tar Valon as well as
the eastern bank of the Erinin. On clear days, the peaks of the Dragonwall
can be seen, far away to the east. Bookshelves, tables, maps and charts are
all present as the Blue sisters prepare for whatever tasks currently occupy
them or as they plan business away from the Tower. On one wall hang two
large portraits of Ciel Sedai and Adaire Sedai, with white ribbons of
mourning tied into the latticework of the frames.
[ obvious exits: W ] [ W: door ]
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
Lady Kitiara Sedai is sitting here on a stout oaken chair.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Blue Sister is here, planning her next journey.
Anaiya Sedai of the Blue Ajah stands here.

Mariah curtseys before her.

Kitiara gestures with her hand.

The door swings silently and shuts with a click.

Kitiara looks at Mariah.

Mariah says 'Good evening, Aes Sedai. Thank you for being willing to meet with me.'

Kitiara says 'I rarely do an open call, but had the time today, please sit.'

Kitiara gestures towards the other chair.

Mariah walks over to the group of chairs on the door side of the large desk.

Kitiara says 'What can I do for you Child.'

Mariah chooses the chair close to the desk that does not require scooting and takes a seat.

Mariah says 'I admit to asking Kali Sedai this question first, but she told me that she would be out of touch for a bit of time.'

Mariah says 'May I give some background, first?'

Mariah shifts slightly in her chair, but otherwise remains composed.

Kitiara says 'If you like.'

Mariah says 'I have dusted off a class I created 12 years ago entitled Strengthening Diplomatic Relations, and updated it to the current climate and processes.'

Mariah gestures with one hand absently as she talks.

Mariah says 'In fact, I will be teaching it this Saturday, the (23rd of July) at 4pm (server time).'

Mariah quickly moves on to the core of her conversation.

Kitiara says 'I am sure it will be... enlightening... '

Mariah says 'During the review, I identified a tool that I think has been newly given to the White Tower.'

Mariah says 'I believe that if we knew what each Nation's Daily Quests were, we could reach out to the clan members when we seek them awake and see if they with aid with them. There is a lot that the One Power can provide to such quests.'

Mariah says 'That is something any Accepted could accomplish on a daily basis that would help our relations with other organizations.'

Kitiara says 'You are suggesting using this as a negotiating tool?'

Mariah says 'More of a way to positively influence the view points of members from other clans. We don't ask for anything in return, yet are proactive in offering aid that they would remember.'

Mariah says 'Aid that they see value in on a daily basis, more so than equipment, I would posit.'

Kitiara nods slowly, listening.

Mariah says 'So far I've had only positive reaction to the project, with 10 out of the 19 Clans that I've identified being completed.'

Kitiara says 'That is quite good.'

Mariah says 'When I was considering this project, and how I could apply lessons of the White Tower, I got to thinking how Eyes and Ears might be able to assist me, which led to my letter to Kali Sedai.'

Kitiara looks at Mariah.

Mariah says 'Since I propose this project be used openly, I believe the use of Eyes and Ears to aquire the lists to not be a good option, since we should avoid the perception that we've used clandestine means.'

Mariah says 'However, we could use our Networks to verify what we receieved and see who was forthcoming and if any mic-characterized.'

Kitiara says 'Perhaps, though... I am unsure what we gain by revealing who is less forthcoming... '

Mariah says 'I know that was a long background, but I thought perhaps an Eyes and Ears lesson could apply to situations and projects like I've embarked on.'

Mariah asks the Aes Sedai if she could pour two glasses of water.

Kitiara says 'Mostly because I do not see much reason for these other entities to lie to us. We are offering assistance, and deception would only hinder that assistance. '

Kitiara looks at Mariah.

Mariah clears her throat then continues.

Mariah says 'Ah, yes. I agree, I was brainstorming on the usefulness. I wasn't sure if there were any other lessons I could apply on the subject.'

Kitiara nods in understanding

Mariah smoothes the sides of her dress down with the palm of her hands.

Kitiara says 'Overall I think it a valiant effort to better relations.'

Mariah says 'Perhaps you could give me guidance on how to present the project when I have gotten further along?'

Mariah checks a sheet of paper, looking down a numbered list.

Kitiara says 'After an amount of time I could see transitioning the idea to something we could use in negotiating treaties, though withholding assistance may be harder to enforce. '

Mariah leans a bit further in her seat.

Mariah says 'I can't help but notice that this is the second time you've brought up negotiations with the task.'

Kitiara smiles wryly.

Mariah says 'Just to talk through the idea out loud, if you don't mind, but you are saying we could use it as leverage, or at least incentive, for treaty arrangements.'

Kitiara says 'I find when talking about things I am not so passionate about, I focus instead how they may benefit the White Tower, and ultimately the Tower leading the fight in the Last Battle.'

Kitiara gestures for Mariah to continue

Mariah says 'You already mentioned the loss-of-face of with-holding aid to someone. As well as the administrative application of identifying who is in good graces or not. Meaning, who our Accepted should be doing Dailies for or not.'

Kitiara shakes her head.

Kitiara says 'I am not so concerned with losing face.'

Kitiara says 'If we end up using assistance as a tool, then i am not worried about other parties perception.. '

Kitiara says 'I am more concerned with Aes Sedai being willing to withhold assistance to their friends in the negotiating nation. '

Kitiara says 'I am more concerned with Aes Sedai being willing to withhold assistance to their friends in the negotiating nation. '

Mariah says 'One way of formalizing it would be to apply it to those we have Formal Treaties with. And having Accepted track on a thread when they've helped with a Daily, so that we can incentivize participation.'

Kitiara says 'And there is also the issue if the task is concerning channelers or shadowspawn... in that case we should not use assistance as a bargaining chip.'

Mariah moves her hand to her chin, rubbing it slightly.

Mariah says 'Very true. A good number of the Clans I know of have at least 1 that involves a patty of shadowspawn.'

Mariah continues on from rote.

Mariah says 'Both the Legion of Unity and the Saldaean Calvary both must find and put down smelly trollocs in the Borderlands as one of theirs.'

Kitiara says 'Perhaps less of a conflict with the southern nations?'

Mariah says 'Indeed. However, there is a difference between pro-actively reaching out to help them with a task they gain merit from, and declining when asked. There are many other shadowspawn to go after, after all.'

Kitiara says 'There are, but for it to used in bargaining it must be a fairly public proclamation of not aiding... and that may not be perceived in the White Towers interest.'

Mariah says 'I think the stronger tool in negotiation is a "we will encrourage our members to assist with your Dailies and track our involvement" as an incentive to getting something we want, rather than something to withold, if I am looking at it right.'

Kitiara says 'Perhaps, but that is simply a veiled way of saying... we will withhold assistance if we do not come to an agreement.'

Mariah says 'If they don't negotiate, then we don't rally our Initiates. We could even remove the nation from the Dailies list we publish.'

Mariah moves to stack her notes together, one on top of the other.

Kitiara says 'There is the other side of this... we would not want to compel an Initiates to assist.'

Kitiara says 'We would likely need to provide incentive to do so'

Mariah nods along with the Aes Sedai.

Mariah says 'Knowing that Aes Sedai values a certain type of interaction, and a method to annotate one's involvement in those efforts might be enough.'

Kitiara says 'Perhaps.'

Mariah says 'Not to mention that an Aes Sedai could notice an Initiate being particularly active in it, bring them in for a short debrief on her experiences, and earn her some merits.'

Kitiara says 'Likely making it known that assisting 3 or so times would warrant merits would help.'

Mariah says mostly jokingly 'It could even be an Accepted's Daily Quest.'

Kitiara says 'And I see no reason that Aes Sedai be left out of that'

Mariah chuckles slightly.

Mariah says 'Indeed, Aes Sedai. I do tend to think of projects like this in the arena that I can control or influence.'

Kitiara says 'The Accepted do often need things to do...'

Kitiara smiles wryly.

Mariah says 'May I ask, how would the proposed system work for Aes Sedai, would you imagine?'

Kitiara says 'Well Aes Sedai have more tools at our disposal to assist.'

Kitiara says 'For instance, If I know where Andor is often sent, I could learn gatecodes for those areas, and therefore be able to assist Andorians easier. '

Mariah says 'I know that when I was first a Novice that there were volunteer Aes Sedai who assigned themselves to certain nations, as Ambassadors, to influence relations. I was told during my Apprenticeship with Mareil Sedai at the time that it didn't get much participation, she thought due to incentives and that their involvement was publicly aware.'

Mariah nods at Kitiara.

Mariah says 'Indeed. I was thinking of it from the question you raised me, of getting involvement and particpation flowing.'

Kitiara says 'Well, Mother has altered how incentives can work for Aes Sedai as well as Accepted and Novice (rp rewards)'

Mariah nods slowly, clicking her tongue slightly as she takes note.

Kitiara grins evilly.

Kitiara says 'Perhaps even your approach is more effective than you thought...'

Mariah smiles widely with satisfaction.

Kitiara says 'If we begin by just openly encouraging assistance, then nations may become used to such assistance. Then during future negotiations we use the assistance to potentially take something they have become accustomed to. '

Mariah says 'Thus is the benefit in brainstorming aloud, Aes Sedai.'

Kitiara tilts her head curiously.

Kitiara says 'Indeed Mariah... '

Mariah says 'I have found this conversation very productive, Aes Sedai, but I want to be mindful of your time.'

Kitiara nods in agreement.

Kitiara says 'I am unsure how much more there is to discuss'

Kitiara says 'It is a well thought out idea. '

Kitiara says 'Nevirha is your mentor?'

Mariah says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai. I will continue to be vigilent in the 9 other Clans I need.'

Mariah says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. Nevirha Sedai is my mentor.'

Kitiara nods in agreement.

Kitiara clambers to her feet.

Kitiara says 'well I look forward to seeing your presentation, though likely I will be reading reports of it'

Mariah rises from her chair in a single smooth motion.

Kitiara gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Mariah says 'Of course, Aes Sedai. Is there anything else you wished to discuss before I went about my other duties?'

Kitiara says 'I do not believe so. Have a good day Accepted.'

Mariah says 'Of course. Thank you for your time, Kitiara Sedai.'

Mariah curtseys before her.

Continuing Down the Hallway
The vaulted corridor of pale white stone meets floor tiles in every shade
of blue, from a pale morning sky to the deep violet of twilight. The wavy
pattern of the tiles gives a hint of grandeur. Simple decorated gilded
stand lamps light the corridor and its wall hangings of spring gardens and
Two portraits of women with ageless faces feature prominently in this
section of the corridor. The portraits are labelled 'Ciel' and 'Adaire'.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ] [ E: door N: thickdoor S: woodendoor ]

Players
-------
Elder Zygoat the Ranger of the Woods [Forester]
Athroc Mal'jinn
Ackbar the Recruit [Civil Watch]
Deirdre a'Brawdrifynn, of Al'Conadryl line [Defender of the Stone Council] (Linkless)
Zraeyn of Two Rivers
Galin of Arafel
6 Haku of Tel'aran'rhiod
Harun of Tel'aran'rhiod
Mariah the Tower Accepted [White Tower]
Lady Kitiara Sedai [Blue Ajah Sitter]
Lunasol of Illian
Alatherin of Shienar
Rikkus of Illian
Lorrah of the Malkieri Diaspora
Lord Aldwyn the Lord Lieutenant [Winged Guard]
Kellie of Murandy
Kybrin of Andor

17 players displayed.

[Catisune]

3 rpqps to Mariah and 2 to Kitiara. See any silver-haired Aes Sedai to receive them.