Scythe Chapter 13 - Vernal Conclave

Chapter 13: Vernal Conclave in Fulam City

Overview of Fulam City

• Fulam City is described as a post-mortal metropolis located at the end of Mid America, characterized by its grand architecture reminiscent of ancient Greece and Rome.

• The capital building, once a state capital, now serves as the administrative hub for the MidAmerican syum and hosts the conclave thrice yearly.

Citra's Journey to the Conclave

• Citra reflects on her journey to Fulam City, noting that Scythe Faraday prefers scenic travel over hypertrains, which he deems extravagant.

• During her train ride, Citra studies poisons and weapons instead of learning about the city’s history, including its lost giant silver arch destroyed by terrorism.

Arrival at the Conclave

• Upon arriving early in the morning for the conclave, Citra and her companions are greeted with umbrellas from passersby who prefer getting wet rather than seeing them without protection.

• A conversation reveals concerns about Scythe Faraday taking two apprentices instead of one; he believes it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission within the scythedom.

Atmosphere at the Capital Building

• As they approach the capital building, Citra notes how some scythes engage with crowds while others ignore them entirely; this creates an atmosphere akin to celebrity events.

• The crowd's presence is less intimidating due to rain but still highlights public fascination with scythes.

Inside the Conclave

• Inside, hundreds of scythes gather in a rotunda beneath a grand dome. Their colorful robes symbolize various facets of life rather than death.

• Citra feels overwhelmed by being surrounded by so many powerful figures and wonders what they discuss among themselves.

Notable Figures Encountered

• Scythe Faraday points out notable figures such as Scythe Archimedes and Scythe K. The latter is infamous for gleaning significant political figures before control was handed over to Thunderhead.

• They also encounter Scythe Godard, whose reputation precedes him; Faraday warns that his company should be avoided due to their controversial practices.

Introduction to the Scythe Conclave

The Setting and Characters

• Citra and Rowan discuss a scythe who gleaned an entire airplane, showcasing their initial impressions of the scythes' power and influence.

• They encounter High Blade Zres Faraday, described as a large man in a lavishly gilded robe, indicating his high status within the Mid-American scythe community.

The High Blade's Presence

• The High Blade greets Faraday with forced cordiality, highlighting the performative nature of interactions among powerful figures.

• Faraday introduces Citra and Rowan as his new apprentices, drawing attention to the rarity of double apprenticeships in this context.

Competition Among Apprentices

• The High Blade mentions that only one apprentice will receive his blessing for the ring, emphasizing competition among them.

• Rowan observes other apprentices discussing their upcoming ceremony, revealing their anxieties about approval from the selection committee for gleanings.

Interactions Among Apprentices

Social Dynamics

• A conversation ensues where older apprentices express disdain for being treated like children due to strict oversight during their first four years.

• Rowan attempts to join the conversation but is met with mockery; he learns that new apprentices are derogatorily referred to as "spats."

Conflict and Respect

• Citra defends Rowan against insults from older apprentices by cleverly retorting about their own titles.

• Faraday steps in to assert respect for Citra despite her lack of a ring yet, demonstrating mentorship dynamics.

Consequences of Denial

Insights on Selection Outcomes

• Faraday predicts that one apprentice will succeed while another will be denied based on temperament—an important insight into what qualities are valued in scythes.

• Discussion reveals that those denied return home after training, which can be psychologically damaging—a critical commentary on the harsh realities of scythe training.

Philosophical Reflections

• Rowan reflects on how understanding what it takes to be a scythe is valuable but also acknowledges the trauma involved in such training.

The Conclave Structure

Overview of Proceedings

• As more scythes arrive at the Rotunda, it becomes increasingly crowded; this sets up an atmosphere filled with tension and anticipation before proceedings begin.

• Faraday explains that conclaves used to last several days but have since been streamlined due to inefficiencies—indicating changes in governance practices over time.

Agenda and Power Dynamics

• The chamber setup includes various roles such as clerks and parliamentarians who manage records and rules during discussions—highlighting organizational structure within this powerful assembly.

Ceremonial Gleaning and Scythe Traditions

Recitation of Names

• Scythes recite names of individuals gleaned over the past four months, totaling over 26,000 names. Each scythe must choose 10 notable individuals to honor.

• The tolling of an iron bell accompanies the recitation, which lasts nearly two hours. Citra finds the lengthy process tedious despite its noble intent.

Ritualistic Practices

• After name recitations, a ceremonial washing of hands occurs. Citra questions the purpose of this ritual, feeling it is unnecessary.

• Scythe Faraday explains that these traditions bring solace and bind them as a community, urging Citra not to belittle their customs.

Insights into Scythe Operations

• A discussion arises regarding biases in gleanings; some scythes are reprimanded for not adhering to demographic ratios in their selections.

• One scythe faces discipline for gleaning too few wealthy individuals while another is criticized for racial imbalances in his gleanings.

Consequences and Humor Among Scythes

• Six out of sixteen scythes face disciplinary actions; one is humorously punished for only gleaning unattractive people, leading to laughter among peers.

• Citra comments on the absurdity of future years being named after reptiles as part of a punishment system.

Accusations and Political Maneuvering

• An anonymous note accuses Scythe Goddard of unnecessary cruelty during gleanings. Goddard demands accountability but receives no response from potential accusers.

• Faraday suggests that Goddard may have accused himself to deflect criticism. Rowan observes that significant dealings occur outside formal proceedings among scythes.

This structured summary captures key discussions and insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Political Maneuvering in the Scythe Community

The Influence of the Gun Lobby

• The proposal to ban remote detonators was influenced by a sizable contribution from the gun lobby, highlighting the intersection of ethics and political power within the Scythe community.

Power Dynamics Among Scythes

• Faraday remains above petty politics, indicating that not all scythes engage in scheming; he emphasizes that schemers only succeed when others allow it. This reflects a deeper commentary on collective decision-making.

Observations of Scythe Goddard

• Rowan observes Scythe Goddard's diverse entourage, noting how their appearances reflect ethnic traits, which suggests an ongoing relevance of ethnicity even in a post-genetic world. Goddard’s desire for visibility is evident through his actions and presentation.

Assembly Room Debates

• The assembly room debates reveal that decisions are made based on moral considerations rather than bribes; the ban on remote detonators was adopted due to its perceived cruelty rather than external influences. This underscores ethical governance among scythes.

Aspirations for Committee Membership

• Rowan expresses a desire to join the selection committee one day, prompting Citra's reminder about their current reality versus idealized scenarios, showcasing youthful ambition amidst serious discussions about governance.

Conclave Dynamics and Testing

Culinary Indulgence at Conclave

• Conclave allows scythes to indulge in food and drink as a reminder of their humanity, contrasting with their vows of austerity; this moment serves as both a break from routine and an opportunity for camaraderie among scythes.

Anticipation of Apprentice Testing

• Citra seeks information about apprentice testing timelines, revealing her anxiety over upcoming evaluations while also highlighting her competitive nature against Rowan’s more relaxed demeanor during conclave activities.

Sales Presentations During Conclave

• Salespeople present various weapons and poisons to scythes; one particularly gruesome pitch involves digital poison that devours victims from within—this illustrates the dark humor and absurdity often found in such presentations.

Successful Product Demonstration

• A product called "Touch of Quietude" impressively demonstrates its lethal capabilities when tested live; this event showcases how marketing can blend with deadly seriousness within the context of scythe operations.

Legislative Discussions and Future Agendas

Formation of an Immunity Committee

• Scythe Faraday advocates for oversight regarding immunity grants similar to gleaning oversight; his influence is noted as several initially opposing votes shift towards supporting this initiative during discussions at conclave.

Tabled Legislative Issues

• High Blade Inres announces time constraints leading to tabling significant legislative issues like immunity committees; reactions vary from applause to discontent among attendees, reflecting tensions within governance structures at conclave meetings.

Anticipation Builds Among Apprentices

• As discussions shift towards apprenticeships, Citra feels anxious yet excited about impending tests while observing Rowan's calm demeanor—a juxtaposition that highlights differing approaches toward challenges ahead.

Scythe Conclave: The Path to Ordination

The Candidates' Anxiety and Aspirations

• Rowan reflects on his anxiety, acknowledging that he has prepared as much as possible for the day ahead. He expresses hope for redemption if he fails, while Citra encourages him to make Scythe Faraday proud.

The Selection Process Begins

• Four candidates are called up for ordination after completing their apprenticeship. There is tension in the air due to rumors of a fifth candidate who failed the final test.

Tension Among Candidates

• As the candidates await their fate, they realize that one among them will not be ordained. Scythe Faraday comments on the unusual number of confirmations given recent population growth.

Confirmation Ceremony

• Scythe Mandela presides over the ceremony, calling each apprentice forward individually. Each candidate receives applause from the conclave upon being confirmed and announces their chosen patron from history.

Dismissal of Ransom Padini

• Ransom Padini is not ordained and is dismissed by Scythe Mandela. His reaction indicates disbelief, leading to an awkward silence as he exits through heavy doors.

Reflections on Worthiness and Dignity

• Citra expresses sympathy for Ransom's dismissal, while Faraday reminds her that there are no accolades for those deemed unworthy. Rowan resolves to exit with dignity should he face a similar fate.

Facing Uncertainty Ahead

• The remaining apprentices prepare themselves mentally for whatever challenges lie ahead in their journey toward becoming scythes.

Insights from Gleaning Journal of HS

Changing Perceptions of Death

• A journal entry reveals that fear of death has diminished significantly; current statistics suggest only a 1% chance of being gleaned within 100 years.

Age and Identity in Society

• With age no longer counted numerically beyond childhood, individuals often lose track of their actual age. The author shares personal reflections about being between 160 and 180 years old but prefers not to appear aged.

Speculations on Future Longevity

• Contemplating life a millennium from now raises questions about human development—whether people will become skilled Renaissance figures or succumb to boredom due to extended lifespans.

This structured summary captures key moments and insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.