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Post by Diocles on Feb 24, 2021 23:23:58 GMT
"Anak-Sa'ir and I are of one mind on this. A dull plot but beautiful verse. Obviously the play was commissioned."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 25, 2021 0:13:25 GMT
"Interesting. But commissioned by whom? Can you ask around and help me find out?"
Musingly "If only there were a way to discredit these works . . ."
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Post by Diocles on Feb 25, 2021 0:23:49 GMT
"I don't know if I can help. Whom would I ask? I know nothing of Nirrion's politics except that isn't the city supposed to be run by a senate? Then why was the play in favor of a monarchy? Seems like that'd be an unpopular theme."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 25, 2021 0:28:39 GMT
"Likely the patron would be known to some in the theatre community. Don't go out of your way but if you hear anything I would be grateful."
"The city is run by the Senate. However, there is a plan in motion to remove one of the houses from the nobility. This sets a dangerous precedent and may point to a consolidation of power. Power may be coalescing around a faction or person and this is dangerous for the Empire. It seems too coincidental to find such things in the senate and simultaneously in the theatre. Although, in fairness, it could be coincidence. Regardless, it is concerning. Others are concerned as well. So much so that I may have . . . nevermind." I lapse into a sullen silence and take a long drink of wine.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 25, 2021 0:44:08 GMT
I scan the room feeling particularly ill-tempered and looking for anyone that looks like they might cause trouble.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 25, 2021 0:45:30 GMT
I really don't know what to say. "Well, if something is in vogue with politicians and then we start seeing that shit on the stage, it smells of propaganda."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 25, 2021 0:50:12 GMT
"Exactly. It's infuriating. Especially to hear you talk of the wonderful art that encapsulated that particular piece of shit story." I thump my fist on the table. "Theatre should be used for expression of the beauty and tragedy of life. Of the flourishing of those who follow virtue and the fall of those who don't." I grit my teeth. "This is why I need to know who funded that particular horse apple."
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Post by Diocles on Feb 25, 2021 0:54:06 GMT
I cock my head to one side. "Hmm. Well, I agree with the first part--that the theater is for the expression of art and not politics, but as for the second part, I cannot agree. The stage is not the place to beat people over the head with morality."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 25, 2021 0:56:35 GMT
"No, of course not to 'beat people over the head'. But do not most stories deal with the interaction of people and the virtues? Of course you leave the preaching to the priests but stories by their nature extol virtue and punish vice. It's just the definitions of 'virtue' and 'vice' that are fluid among the storytellers."
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Post by Diocles on Feb 25, 2021 0:59:11 GMT
I shake my head and chuckle, and then I raise my cup to Danal. "I'm trying to remember all those virtues you listed. Well, if I hang around good men like you long enough, I'm sure I'll naturally pick them up."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 25, 2021 1:00:55 GMT
"Perhaps I can make a virtuous man of you yet" I say raising my cup in return. Scanning the room again I say "I still haven't had an opportunity to test the virtue of Endurance."
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Post by Diocles on Feb 25, 2021 1:15:41 GMT
I sit back, astonished. I think the good lord Danal just implied that I am not virtuous. I simply must work such a gaffe into a play at some point.
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 25, 2021 1:36:31 GMT
"More honey-mead?" offers Kimon, pouring it into Caoimhghin's mug without waiting for an answer.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 25, 2021 1:38:33 GMT
I smile up at Kimon. "Thank you, landlord."
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 25, 2021 1:39:21 GMT
"Well, I am a landlord to be sure, even if I'm not yours anymore." He pours out more for the other guests and returns to the bar.
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