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Written By Aureth

Sept. 21, 2017, 12:19 p.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Ira

Arguing empathy versus economics with a man whose very profession requires him to lack the empathy that the gods gave a smithing hammer does strike me as a waste of time, generally speaking.

That said, I have a little time to waste with my pen and ink this morning:

Many of the poor have few choices. Sometimes they are ugly choices. When you have no choice at all, taken from you by another person, that is an affront to the Faith. This is not actually so complicated as one might make it out.

Nor is the institution practiced by the Thrax _identical_ to the practices of the Eurusi slavers. Just as these things are not so complicated as one might make it out, they are also not actually so simple as absolutes require.

My opinions on these matters are well known. All human souls are spun of the same stuff. From the lowest of the low to the highest of the high, you were placed here by the same hand, and She will embrace you again when your journey is done, however that end may come.

Even if you are a blithering prat, She will embrace you all the same. I hope you will take comfort from that, brother philosopher.

Written By Ira

Sept. 21, 2017, 12:18 p.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Thena

I might as well change my name to Greyhope, then.

Written By Freja

Sept. 21, 2017, 11:17 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

I find all of this lively debate on the Thraxian economic structure simply....enthralling.


*There is a scribe's note that the Redrain Princess erupted into a fit of giggles and a facepalm was heard a few desks down from where the scribe sat.*

Written By Eirene

Sept. 21, 2017, 11:03 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

I'm going to entirely tune out the argument on slavery and thralldome to focus on a lovely bit of ugly black goo so kindly brought back to study. My thanks to the brave men and women, freeborn or thrall alike, who went through the Abyss and back, literally, to do so.

On that note, black goo studies anyone? Usual suspects to apply.

Written By Samantha

Sept. 21, 2017, 10:52 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Oh, I suppose I should mention; I've decided to try my hand at writing a book. It's meant to be a primer for those wishing to engage in the craft and art of Diplomacy with particular emphasis on how to engage with those outside of the Compact's society. The process has been slow, but I find that I may be halfway through my first pass before I go over it once more and make some revisions.

A few folk out there may have some idea of its structure; I liken diplomatic efforts to the act of building a house.

Written By Samantha

Sept. 21, 2017, 10:49 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

I wrote an essay on thralldom back in 1005, which some like-minded people saw fit to publish. I've included a portion of it below:

It is a truth nigh-universal that the state of thralldom is only a scant step above the institution of slavery. The premise of this system is that of indentured servitude, with few if ever any earning their wage with the intent to release them from their eventual debt. More frequently thralls die in servitude, and it is not unknown for their debt to be further passed down to their offspring, who must in turn engage themselves into the system in order to pay it off, while acruing more debt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is also a truth night-universal that the institution of thralldom is regarded in disdain by almost all the regions of our great kingdom, save amongst the Thrax, from which it originates. In the past, thralls who have escaped have been welcomed into the service of other lords and masters in order to prevent their return to such a demeaning and inhumane circumstance. However, this was done as a quiet measure, with no one truly daring to openly challenge the convention. Until now, all objection has been subversive. But if the nobility ofour great land is to truly act in the name of the people they have by the grace of the Gods been granted to lead, this social construct must be confronted, and a solution must be sought.

Dear friends, it may seem on the surface that an immediate abolishment of thralldom is the natural conclusion to such thoughts, however that is the furthest from the case. It is important to remember that the House of Thrax and its banner Houses are strong, providing members of our great land, and to simply insist that they revert an entrenched element of their culture and economy would be to do them a disservice. We must not throw the lives of so many into chaos, not only those who gain directly from thralldom, but also those who live simpler lives that are dependent on a secure economy and would suffer as a result of too swift a change, and for thralls themselves, who would eventually need to realize a new way of thinking about their personal value and worth. Change and growth are painful processes, but with guidance and support, great change for the betterment of all men and women may happen.

I do not believe that all Thrax or all of their bannermen believe in maintenance of this institution, but are perhaps cautious of speaking out against it. They are a proud, strong people. If any were able to face such a significant alteration of their lives and culture, it would be them.

But what solutions may we offer, to ease the pains that would surely come from such a deconstruction? How can we buffer our fellows who, if they choose to commit to this course, will surely suffer from the loss of an established institution? Can solutions be found at the Crown level? Through the support of the other Great Houses? Perhaps, if House Thrax is so willing, a kind of council can be formed to discuss the topic of gradual abolishment in a way that minimizes the impact.

All men and women deserve the right to shape their destiny in as much as they are able, in the loyal and willing service to those responsible for their mutual care. To trap any in less is to reduce them to a state of chattel. If your great kingdom is to be a beacon of true greatness and utopia, we can no longer quietly avoid the inequality present within the realm. It must be faced head on, but respectfully and with consideration for those who will need to prepare for the brunt of this change. Anyone familiar with the natural world knows this to be true: the strongest creatures of the forest and sea survive by adapting to their circumstances. It is not easy, but for doing so, they become stronger, swifter, and more powerful than before. If we can succeed in this my friends, it makes not just the House of Thrax more powerful, but it will bring greater power to us all, throughout the realm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Today, things are very different. Progress has been slow - and I believe that this is a good and right pace for the progress necessary. As jusice begins to be tempered by compassion, as reform evolves the way crime and punishment are dealt with. And reform has come from some of the most unexpected parties involved. One of the reasons that despite our philosophical differences, Deepwood has such strong trade ties with Thrax and most of its vassals - because by aiding in providing a stable economy, I can reduce the financial burden that would come from the abolition of thralldom as it progresses.

We can spend our time condemning what has been done, or we can encourage better action for the future. I know that which I choose.

Written By Mason

Sept. 21, 2017, 10:40 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

I grew up in a culture built on the backs of others. Slavery in Eurus is exactly what a person thinks of when they hear the term. I lived there for over two decades. It's easy to grow defensive of what you've always known and were raised into. It's what gives us strong personal characteristics such as loyalty, determination, and conviction. But sometimes you have to press that loyalty and conviction against your own sense of identity. It's hard and it's raw. It makes you wonder if there's something at fault in yourself because everyone around you 'knows' a thing to be right and true.

It took me years to build up the courage to speak out against the enslavement of people. I understand how hard it is for someone to take that step, I truly do. I hope people are patient and accepting of those whose minds take longer to change. Sometimes sitting back and listening to how one defends their culture gives great insight into what their needs and feelings are, and then there is more room for discussion and diplomacy.

Written By Merek

Sept. 21, 2017, 9:48 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Alarissa

A faithful woman. I am not sure what to write besides that she shares a common experience, and I hope her and the High Lord of Thrax have a wonderful and blessed marriage under Mangata's light. Also quite intelligent!

Written By Denica

Sept. 21, 2017, 9:41 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Sidenote: If the comment stings so much, there might be hint of truth that's like salt in the wound.

Written By Merek

Sept. 21, 2017, 9:34 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Mangata's words, not my own, but the best of each of us, is love.

Written By Merek

Sept. 21, 2017, 9:33 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Recent journals have me disappointed. I won't say which because I don't want to argue, but suffice to say that now I'm just quite saddened by the state of affairs recently. Recently, I saw a beauty that the gods gave us that I can't comprehend. Now, the mortal world seems so full of things that make me realize how blessed we truly are to just exist. To just have a soul. Search it, and the gods will speak, my friends. You will be amazed what is said. Though few of our gods preach on forgiveness, but rather justice and redemption, I say that is a good mindset to follow. But remebmer to err is human, to forgive? It is divine. We all make our mistakes. But those who can rise above it, shall see more than just this world of man.

Written By Thena

Sept. 21, 2017, 9:28 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Melinda

And here we ago again. Silks with their knickers in a wad over a common merchant with opinions.

Go ahead and boycott. The rest of us will more than make up the difference.

Written By Melinda

Sept. 21, 2017, 9:21 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Petal

Thrax will never do business with you again, thanks for calling all of us slavers.

Thralls are just Serfs with another name.

Written By Thena

Sept. 21, 2017, 7:24 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Ira

If you keep howling nonsense, eventually no one's going to hear you any more.

Written By Driskell

Sept. 21, 2017, 4:30 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)

I've decided that it would be best to have a patron or patroness that will be more a symbiotic relationship which should last a very long time in the future. The next step of my growth will need someone in my corner, but who will be that person I wonder? I look forward to seeing who that might be, and how we can make the world better than how we've been given it. Good luck, Past Driskell.

Written By Shard

Sept. 21, 2017, 1:33 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Ira

Is it hard doing whatever it is you do with such poor reading comprehension? Or did you just skip over the bit where I referred to summary execution? Thanks for reiterating my point though, truly.

Written By Ira

Sept. 21, 2017, 1:21 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Petal

Poverty is never a choice. The fact that you think it so really shows how immoral you really are, for one proposing such morality.

Go, tell me more about your Gods and their fancies.

Written By Ira

Sept. 21, 2017, 1:19 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

I'm sorry, I didn't know that there was any choice aside from joining the Compact. What do you think, exactly, happens to those shavs who people war against when they don't bend the knee and declare for the King? They are killed.

Is it hard being so naive? I'm really wondering.

Written By Merek

Sept. 21, 2017, 1 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)

Second Campaign: First it was the mission in the Gray Forest. While a success in part it is still not finished. As for what is happening in Darkwater, this is the second time I've marched out well away from home to assist others. I am on a boat, assisting with the sailing. The rains seem to come and go. How many wars against arcane forces will we have? I'm beginning to think though, that it is all one war, blended into one. And one I think we fight against a common enemy even if between them all it doesn't seem related in full. That said, first was the Siege of Silence at home. Our last two campaigns have brought us to new territories to come against the enemy before they move on us first. Unlike the forest, the seas will be much much different. I'll start having Meeka use a carrier pigeon to send any mail or journal notes that I need to for the time being, so if anyone receives word from her, it is likely through that.

Written By Merek

Sept. 21, 2017, 12:50 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)

Two Spoke. And with it much was learned. Now, I sail out to Maelstorm with others. I am hopeful that I will be able to assist the people there.

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