Written By Aureth
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:19 p.m.(4/4/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ira
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
Written By Freja
Sept. 21, 2017, 11:17 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)
*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)
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)
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)
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)
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
Written By Denica
Sept. 21, 2017, 9:41 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)
Written By Merek
Sept. 21, 2017, 9:34 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)
Written By Merek
Sept. 21, 2017, 9:33 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)
Written By Thena
Sept. 21, 2017, 9:28 a.m.(4/4/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Melinda
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
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
Written By Driskell
Sept. 21, 2017, 4:30 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Written By Shard
Sept. 21, 2017, 1:33 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ira
Written By Ira
Sept. 21, 2017, 1:21 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Petal
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
Is it hard being so naive? I'm really wondering.
Written By Merek
Sept. 21, 2017, 1 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Written By Merek
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:50 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.