Written By Orazio
May 9, 2018, 12:35 p.m.(9/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I will say that I disagree, in part, with Archlector Aureth's stance on the issue of payment.
I say in part, because it is that very important phrase "like a common merchant" which matters. Nobility should not be advertising their services, running shopfronts, promoting their own goods or creations openly, or the like. That is obviously tasteless, and beneath those who should not be competing with common merchants for their livelihoods.
That said, this does not mean that any member of the nobility is required to give away their expertise and time for free. If someone /chooses/ to make that sacrifice as an act of devotion, then it surely embodies the Virtue of Charity and Gild is pleased, as should be the recipient of that gift. But no one is /entitled/ to free teaching or service from a noble...or anyone else, for that matter. If someone approaches a noble and says, "I want you to teach me," and the noble sets a price on that teaching, then it is perfectly fine. And, generally, necessary to keep people from being drowned in requests for teaching which do not respect the time it took to garner that expertise and learn how to convey it. In fact, my general feeling is that those who are noble and do not otherwise live off of their earnings as teachers should charge higher prices, as there is a level of prestige from learning from such people, /and/ because it encourages people to seek out teachers who actually need the income, and thus charge more reasonable prices.
While Archlector Aureth is entitled to his opinion, understand that neither Duke Gabriel nor Princess Alarissa are out of favor with the Faith for requiring compensation for their time and expertise.
I say in part, because it is that very important phrase "like a common merchant" which matters. Nobility should not be advertising their services, running shopfronts, promoting their own goods or creations openly, or the like. That is obviously tasteless, and beneath those who should not be competing with common merchants for their livelihoods.
That said, this does not mean that any member of the nobility is required to give away their expertise and time for free. If someone /chooses/ to make that sacrifice as an act of devotion, then it surely embodies the Virtue of Charity and Gild is pleased, as should be the recipient of that gift. But no one is /entitled/ to free teaching or service from a noble...or anyone else, for that matter. If someone approaches a noble and says, "I want you to teach me," and the noble sets a price on that teaching, then it is perfectly fine. And, generally, necessary to keep people from being drowned in requests for teaching which do not respect the time it took to garner that expertise and learn how to convey it. In fact, my general feeling is that those who are noble and do not otherwise live off of their earnings as teachers should charge higher prices, as there is a level of prestige from learning from such people, /and/ because it encourages people to seek out teachers who actually need the income, and thus charge more reasonable prices.
While Archlector Aureth is entitled to his opinion, understand that neither Duke Gabriel nor Princess Alarissa are out of favor with the Faith for requiring compensation for their time and expertise.
Written By Karadoc
May 9, 2018, 12:27 p.m.(9/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
Oh, well then. I only attend Salon debates for the refreshments. Does this make me one of the ridic(ulous)? Probably. There's no shame in my game.
Written By Jordan
May 9, 2018, 12:20 p.m.(9/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
That village you describe reminds me of my own. And my village is gone.
I guess it is funny that things work the same way for both sides of this.
If you can show me the village's whereabouts in the map, maybe I can help them.
I'd be glad to.
I guess it is funny that things work the same way for both sides of this.
If you can show me the village's whereabouts in the map, maybe I can help them.
I'd be glad to.
Written By Mae
May 9, 2018, 12:16 p.m.(9/17/1008 AR)
There's a lot I have to write about. A lot on my mind. But through it all, one thing is continuing to annoy me. And so I'm going to try my best to start a fight in the white journals.
Why can The Salon not actually produce anything? Why are all their meetings held so randomly, with no one bothering to write anything down? I keep being told I can read the entire minutes of the meeting, but it's usually followed by some indication that no one was paying close enough attention to be able to say what happened at their latest debate. Or, more overtly, as one princess put it, everyone was too drunk to write anything down.
I've written to three (four?) members of The Salon about my grievances. I'll write them publicly, now.
Please, members of The Salon, write down what the debate was about, a summary of the various stances taken, and if there was any outcome. It's not that much work, and in doing so you might actually prove yourself useful! I'll even see that these write-ups get published and distributed!
Pretty please?
(And for anyone who wants to say "Why don't you do it, Mae?", I say to you, "Why don't you do it, you?" )
If this task truly is impossible, I'll be satisfied if The Salon formally renames itself to the "Rich, Idle, Drunk, Ineffective Club". Ridic, for short.
Why can The Salon not actually produce anything? Why are all their meetings held so randomly, with no one bothering to write anything down? I keep being told I can read the entire minutes of the meeting, but it's usually followed by some indication that no one was paying close enough attention to be able to say what happened at their latest debate. Or, more overtly, as one princess put it, everyone was too drunk to write anything down.
I've written to three (four?) members of The Salon about my grievances. I'll write them publicly, now.
Please, members of The Salon, write down what the debate was about, a summary of the various stances taken, and if there was any outcome. It's not that much work, and in doing so you might actually prove yourself useful! I'll even see that these write-ups get published and distributed!
Pretty please?
(And for anyone who wants to say "Why don't you do it, Mae?", I say to you, "Why don't you do it, you?" )
If this task truly is impossible, I'll be satisfied if The Salon formally renames itself to the "Rich, Idle, Drunk, Ineffective Club". Ridic, for short.
Written By Lumen
May 9, 2018, 12:14 p.m.(9/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
It pleases me so to hear that you are thus satisfied, Blessed. Be well.
Written By Aureth
May 9, 2018, 11:44 a.m.(9/17/1008 AR)
The question is certainly not whether the sum is "unfair" or "unwarranted". In terms of value alone, instruction in the art of war by a true master might fetch any price its wielder could possibly demand. The question was whether it is socially appropriate for the Peerage to charge in silver for services like a common merchant and the answer to that question has always been "obviously not".
However uncommon the merchant in this case.
Now, if the question is "why should Duke Gabriel Bisland, former Regent of the Compact, master of warcraft, and general of House Grayson, give two shits about what is socially appropriate if he has the skills and someone else is willing to pay him?" that is a very different question, and if some men are wholly beyond the ordinary rules of etiquette because they have surpassed it, I am the last man in Arx to deny them that credit.
And if the Whispers are going to support him in it because some men are beyond the rules, then that makes it official, for they are the true social arbiters of society, and any plaint I had is surely satisfied.
But if you aren't Duke Gabriel Bisland, you probably aren't going to get away with it -- and if you're reading this and you _are_ Duke Gabriel Bisland, dear gods, why?
However uncommon the merchant in this case.
Now, if the question is "why should Duke Gabriel Bisland, former Regent of the Compact, master of warcraft, and general of House Grayson, give two shits about what is socially appropriate if he has the skills and someone else is willing to pay him?" that is a very different question, and if some men are wholly beyond the ordinary rules of etiquette because they have surpassed it, I am the last man in Arx to deny them that credit.
And if the Whispers are going to support him in it because some men are beyond the rules, then that makes it official, for they are the true social arbiters of society, and any plaint I had is surely satisfied.
But if you aren't Duke Gabriel Bisland, you probably aren't going to get away with it -- and if you're reading this and you _are_ Duke Gabriel Bisland, dear gods, why?
Written By Venturo
May 9, 2018, 10:08 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jonathan
Fear not, Master Fieldstone. I know first hand that Violet shall have more of her whiskey (and cider!) filling her office within the next day or two. Of course, what she chooses to do with it? I cannot say. Congratulations, by the way. Even for a man such as myself who lives in the moment, a surprise marriage is more than I could manage. Best wishes to along, healthy and lucky life to you and your wife.
Written By Jonathan
May 9, 2018, 10:02 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Genevieve
My darling wife speaks for me in this too when it comes to Veronica, and to our happiness.
That being said, /do/ any of you have whiskey to spare?
That being said, /do/ any of you have whiskey to spare?
Written By Austen
May 9, 2018, 9:57 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
She would do the same for me, I have no doubt.
Written By Kaine
May 9, 2018, 9:52 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jonathan
I was drawing up designs for a wedding gown, minding my own business, when suddenly I hear that Jonathan is getting married?! Or has gotten married?! That's surprising! Good for him!
Although I guess that offer for his family's old wedding rings is off the table. That's fine! I'll have a new pair made when the time comes.
It must really be the season for marriage like Princess Sabella says.
Although I guess that offer for his family's old wedding rings is off the table. That's fine! I'll have a new pair made when the time comes.
It must really be the season for marriage like Princess Sabella says.
Written By Joscelin
May 9, 2018, 9:45 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
I would discuss that with your very-capable sister. But if you need references I can provide a list.
Written By Lou
May 9, 2018, 9 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Damn it. Damn it to hell. I might actually /have/ to purchase a new dress now. But, thinking on it, I don't think I can get away with wearing the murder, death kittens dress I love so adoringly to my sister Sabella's wedding and reception.
STOP SNICKERING!
I'm going hunting.
STOP SNICKERING!
I'm going hunting.
Written By Corban
May 9, 2018, 8:59 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Felicia
I have been a member of the Hundred for less than a month now. But even as the newest member of the Silver Swords, I was deeply touched by the memorial statute to the fallen King's Own that Dame Felicia unveiled last night. It is serves as a stark reminder of all those who have sacrificed in service to the King and Compact. It is also a reminder that we sworn knights to the Crown are but a link in a long chain of history that began long before us and will continue long after we are gone.
In addition, I now have a handsome first place trophy commemorating my success in the jousting competition held after the unveiling. The King almost bested me, but I prevailed by the narrowest of margins. It is perhaps unsporting to best His Royal Highness, but the King applauded my success nonetheless.
In addition, I now have a handsome first place trophy commemorating my success in the jousting competition held after the unveiling. The King almost bested me, but I prevailed by the narrowest of margins. It is perhaps unsporting to best His Royal Highness, but the King applauded my success nonetheless.
Written By Edain
May 9, 2018, 8:53 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
I am perhaps a bit late responding to this but I consider a man, who is quite literally a living legend, and who is to leadership and tactics what my uncle Lord Commander Dayne was to swordsmanship, asking 50,000 silver for his personal instruction and attention to not be unfair or unwarranted in the least.
Duke Gabriel Bisland has earned a quite retirement to raise and rear his family several times over and has given it up not once, but twice to hold the Compact together and be a leader we can rally behind. His time is limited and so rarely his own and he wished to use what he knows best to help his own Duchy rebuild its forces.
50,000 silver is no small amount of money, but it is a fair price for personal instruction from such an exemplar. If you are someone that Duke Gabriel deems worthy of his instruction but cannot afford it I encourage you to come to me. I cannot promise I will always be in a position to pay such a fee but I would be happy to see what I can do to help.
Duke Gabriel Bisland has earned a quite retirement to raise and rear his family several times over and has given it up not once, but twice to hold the Compact together and be a leader we can rally behind. His time is limited and so rarely his own and he wished to use what he knows best to help his own Duchy rebuild its forces.
50,000 silver is no small amount of money, but it is a fair price for personal instruction from such an exemplar. If you are someone that Duke Gabriel deems worthy of his instruction but cannot afford it I encourage you to come to me. I cannot promise I will always be in a position to pay such a fee but I would be happy to see what I can do to help.
Written By Austen
May 9, 2018, 8:46 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Ahem. Before you propose to my sister I ask that you present yourself to me for vetting.
Written By Karadoc
May 9, 2018, 6:21 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
You? Will be fine. Those sprogs that you're hauling around? Will be fine. Stop making me feel all responsible and protective-like, Baroness-Regent.
Written By Genevieve
May 9, 2018, 6:16 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
Thank you, Commandant Violent. That means a lot to me.
By the way, do you have any of that gift-whiskey going spare? I think I'm going to need it in the future.
(I'm actually very happy. Don't let my face fool you next time we see each other. That's just my face.)
By the way, do you have any of that gift-whiskey going spare? I think I'm going to need it in the future.
(I'm actually very happy. Don't let my face fool you next time we see each other. That's just my face.)
Written By Genevieve
May 9, 2018, 6:11 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Veronica
Thank you. I also consider you a dear friend; but you know that already, I hope.
Written By Monique
May 9, 2018, 1:52 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
I'm proud of my family. Unbroken and unconquered.
Cullen shone so brightly tonight as he received Niamh's sword. I think she would have been pleased. He is a fierce warrior, as she was, and he will honor Greenmarch. I know it.
Simone was the epitome of a perfect co-host. She filled the shoes I did not think could be filled, and she did so with poise and charm and grace.
Marius. Well, he was Marius. I love him dearly.
I wish to record these words, so that I may look back on them and remember:
Thank you.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the friends who attended, who shared with us this ceremony, and the games after; they shared their creativity, their passion, and their joy; they shared their company and their lives and I am indebted to them for giving me purpose, for catching me when I fall, and for simply being there.
(Yes, Prince Tyrval came. No, there was no blood magic and no one died. See, Simone? I told you it would be fine.)
Cullen shone so brightly tonight as he received Niamh's sword. I think she would have been pleased. He is a fierce warrior, as she was, and he will honor Greenmarch. I know it.
Simone was the epitome of a perfect co-host. She filled the shoes I did not think could be filled, and she did so with poise and charm and grace.
Marius. Well, he was Marius. I love him dearly.
I wish to record these words, so that I may look back on them and remember:
Thank you.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the friends who attended, who shared with us this ceremony, and the games after; they shared their creativity, their passion, and their joy; they shared their company and their lives and I am indebted to them for giving me purpose, for catching me when I fall, and for simply being there.
(Yes, Prince Tyrval came. No, there was no blood magic and no one died. See, Simone? I told you it would be fine.)
Written By Shard
May 9, 2018, 1:48 a.m.(9/16/1008 AR)
People often ask about 'what are Abandoned like', and then I talk about how that question can't be answered, because Abandoned are all different, every tribe is different, and the only possible answer is to point out how the question itself is wrong. But let me tell you about one tribe, one village I met that was very different from the tribe I grew up in. They had fields full of crops, with farmers to work them. They had a blacksmith that made tools just like yours, but little to no weapons, because the village didn't seem to have any warriors. Their village sat along a small river, and their children played in the shallows while their parents kept a watchful eye, talking and laughing with each other. They didn't have a liege lord, of course, but to look at them, to watch them, they were indistinguishable from a Compact village in every single way.
And they're probably all going to die.
And they're probably all going to die.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.