Mage's Guild Meetings: July 1217

Well. This has certainly become an issue now, hasn't it? Thankfully I was sent notice of this discussion and copies of the postings. I am currently traveling across Kormyre on business, and messenger birds can only fly so fast. If there are issues which have arisen after the sending of this message, I will deal with them upon my return.

It is distasteful to me that my messengers, who have acted upon my direct instruction, have been met with such vitriol. To say I am disappointed in the discourse in the large majority of these postings is a gross understatement.

Regarding the comments on the times I have chosen for my meetings:
When I first implemented these times in May, they were posted twice. Once on the Guild boards and once in the Inn. They were duplicated during the extended feast. My Masters were instructed to hold the same meetings last moon and again this moon, both of which were also posted publicly. There has been ample notice and opportunity to discuss the scheduling with me. We will address this as an organization next moon when I return. If you have issue with my decisions or my charges, they are to be brought to me directly; not smeared across a public space in an unbecoming fit. We are better than this, and we must hold ourselves better than this.

In addition, no member of my guild will be responsible for, nor incur any penalty for the failures of a paid employee. This demand is unseemly at best, entirely unacceptable, and will not be repeated in the future. There will be no additional discussion on this matter.

Regarding the questions about my meetings:
I have no desire to continue the antiquated practices implemented when our barony was still a wild frontier. It is entirely unreasonable to expect all of us to be available at the same time. Our members cannot always attend a singular guild meeting due to prior commitments or their baronial service. This lack of attendance and accommodation has caused chronic problems within our organization, and has significantly contributed to where we are now. It has been past time for the old ways to die.

My first meeting is for existing members and is strictly for guild business. My goal is to make this meeting as brief as possible. Our Hall is not large. It becomes overheated and stuffy quickly; and it is in an inconvenient location. I am not the only one tired of being hidden away in long winded discourse that could be held elsewhere. As stated above, I am aware of the problematic issue of attendance. I have no desire to see those in my care excluded and/or otherwise penalized for their service to the barony or for aiding others when they are needed. It is for this express purpose that I have created a second meeting.

My second meeting is informal and held at the Inn in the hours before feast. It is extremely important that all of our members have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their guild. It is also important that we are visible and accessible. This meeting has been designed to accommodate our current members and to make ourselves available to potential members. The time and location makes it easier for those who are interested in, or have questions about joining the guild to approach us. This meeting can include but is not limited to: learning and teaching the arcane arts; becoming current with events and reconnaissance; developing and integrating efficient strategies for the coming battle; and engaging in cross discipline discussion and cooperation.

Should you have any questions or concerns you wish to address prior to my return, I encourage you to reach out to me directly. If you feel you cannot approach me directly, I will gladly treat with the agent of your choice. The messenger service over here is quite good. However, my mailbag has a habit of hiding my correspondence. If I have not responded back to you in what you feel is an acceptable time frame, please attempt to contact me through one of the other guild members. They have alternate ways of communicating with me, and it is sometimes the most efficient way.

Should you wish to speak in person, I will be back in the proper for the August feast.

Oh, and Argyle – great idea. Let’s talk about making this a reality.

Regards,

Mr. Elias Ashby,

I can accept Nalick's recommendation. I'm less abreast of the situation than I normally am due to conflicting duties at the last feast, but I can attempt to answer your questions and refer you to the proper Authorities should I be incapable.

I fear that I may not be able to make it to next Feast. Duties and personal needs require my attention to be away from Proper for the time being. You can missive me privately at the Guild, the letter will find its way to me.

--Mantel Warrane
Journeyman Mage