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.
Written By Petal
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:28 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Slavery is wrong. It is black and white. There is no excuse and never will be and never has been.
If someone would rather be homeless than take a job with a silk that is their choice to make.
Those who keep thralls are slavers and every slaver out there only increases the power of the Great Slaver.
To keep a slave is to aid the abyss. There is no excuse.
Petal
If someone would rather be homeless than take a job with a silk that is their choice to make.
Those who keep thralls are slavers and every slaver out there only increases the power of the Great Slaver.
To keep a slave is to aid the abyss. There is no excuse.
Petal
Written By Shard
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:24 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ira
My favorite version of this not-slavery debt is the kind where they go out to Abandoned villages and drag off everyone who doesn't manage to die in the process, then tie a price to them. The big reform that's getting pushed, of course, is that this price actually has to be one that can be paid off in a lifetime. It's very generous.
But then, of course, the crime there is not being born in the Compact, one that tends to warrant summary execution often enough.
But then, of course, the crime there is not being born in the Compact, one that tends to warrant summary execution often enough.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:18 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
Lord Ian Kennex, a new friend. I don't make friends as quickly as some and think it takes time for some friendships to grow. Lord Ian and I have shared companionable silences, varied conversations, spent time learning interests over the past month we've been at the same events and places. I've spoken with him often enough to gain a degree of trust, see different moods, different sides, and find myself liking him because of (or maybe in spite of) them. He's got courage and a persistence that I can respect.
Written By Ira
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:14 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Merek
I would insult the King himself if I thought it would do him good.
For now, I guess I'll have to stick to sending this scholar to insult you. Literally Geoff. I'm writing down a piece of paper now -- you go send this fucking scrap of parchment to this Merek idi-- are you writing? I'm not doing a white journal anymore -- go!
For now, I guess I'll have to stick to sending this scholar to insult you. Literally Geoff. I'm writing down a piece of paper now -- you go send this fucking scrap of parchment to this Merek idi-- are you writing? I'm not doing a white journal anymore -- go!
Written By Merek
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:08 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ira
You probably should not be insulting the Commander of the King's Own, Leona, and other people as well. I can't believe some of the words you have written in your journal. It's scary. Granted, it's your journal, you're free to do what you wish. But some of your commentary...
Written By Serafine
Sept. 21, 2017, 12:03 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Got hit by a tentacle.
It hurt.
I brought lots of rum, though.
It hurt.
I brought lots of rum, though.
Written By Ira
Sept. 21, 2017, midnight(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Sidenote: Homeless people in Maelstrom are also at an all-time low due to vast quantities of 'fish-demons' so people say, so there's that as well. Hope you're doing something about that, instead of ARGUING with a PHILOSOPHER about THINGS.
Written By Ira
Sept. 20, 2017, 11:57 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Merek
Who are you and why do you feel the need to be redundant? Please, don't have these poor scholars -- yes, Geoff, I'm talking about you -- go through the work of lumping your white journals into my pile unless you have something worthwhile to spew.
Written By Ira
Sept. 20, 2017, 11:55 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Slavery? Thralldom is not slavery. Thralldom is debt. Thralldom is a way to allow commoners into the grand halls of lords and ladies, provide them beds they would not otherwise have because of the enormous debt they might pay. Let me ask you this, do you see many homeless people in Maelstrom? Why do you think that is? Because the ones who are are usually cozied up somewhere nice, warm and safe, working off their debts -- not out in the street, begging for money or a job with which they might pay back those debts.
Leona Thrax, it reads here. Are you sure about that last part, Dame?
Leona Thrax, it reads here. Are you sure about that last part, Dame?
Written By Marius
Sept. 20, 2017, 11:51 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
I should have written this sooner, but it seemed too grand and important a thing for the mere white journals - no offense, scribe.
Simone and I have a son. Myrddin.
Everyone is well. Apparently babies cry a lot. Thank the gods old and new for nursemaids and nannies.
Simone and I have a son. Myrddin.
Everyone is well. Apparently babies cry a lot. Thank the gods old and new for nursemaids and nannies.
Written By Denica
Sept. 20, 2017, 8:05 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Sidenote to Journal: Does putting an advertisement in these actually work? I don't know if --
Shard it.
If you're tolerable, from a halfway decent family, can put up with tons of questions, don't mind tentacles in your soup, and the occasional paint-covered rom --
My aide, Stojan, is informing me that this a socially poor way to attract a partner, especially for a royal.
Stupid Stojan.
Shard it.
If you're tolerable, from a halfway decent family, can put up with tons of questions, don't mind tentacles in your soup, and the occasional paint-covered rom --
My aide, Stojan, is informing me that this a socially poor way to attract a partner, especially for a royal.
Stupid Stojan.
Written By Merek
Sept. 20, 2017, 7:59 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Well, I am one, so more like, I wrote it, and I don't unwrite journals. Whatever.
Written By Merek
Sept. 20, 2017, 7:59 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Driskell
We are all free, even those that are not, at least in spirit. Skald broke all the chains that bound us to a path. Now, I won't argue about the points of Thralldom or all that, I'm just making a statement that by faith doctrine, we have all been released into freedom by the Great Wolf. Destiny is now what we make it. Even the chains that we have put on ourselves can be broken because of his actions. That said, I completely understand your words. Sometimes we need to look at the Reflection and remember what chains we impose upon ourselves. I must sound silly, my apologies, but I've already had the scholar scribe this.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 20, 2017, 7:48 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
For the Faithful Reader:
First - I have previously shared my thoughts on the arguments defending thralldom. Those interested can pester the Scholars to bring them that volume, but otherwise, I feel no need to reiterate them. Needless to say, the arguments nor my thoughts have changed.
However, I did want to speak on a hobby of mine: diplomacy and negotiation. So, as these are my journals and no one is required to read them, I shall ramble on about my thoughts on this. You are warned.
Ruminations on Diplomatic Endeavors, Part the First.
Diplomacy begins long before you ever sit down at a table across from a bargaining partner. There are three questions you should know the answer to before you even initiate contact with others: what you want, what you will settle for, and what you are prepared to give up to gain either of those things.
What You Want: A goal is essential in diplomacy, and do not hesitate to think big. Have a firm idea of what would be your best case scenario; close your eyes and imagine it, imagine the sweet taste of victory, and the warm glow of accomplishment from achieving every one of your aims and leaving your partner sputtering and wondering how they agreed to such a terrible deal. Feels good, yes?
Now, put that aside, because you will never get /everything/ you want. But knowing what the victory scenario is will help shape your requests and negotiations. Be specific, be ambitious, and do not reveal your hand.
What You Will Settle For: Then, go through that wish list, and perform triage. What is /most/ important to you? What could you end the negotiation with that would still accomplish your goals, even if it isn't the ideal scenario? Here, be brutally honest with yourself - mark things which can easily go on the chopping block, but also make a note of the things which you would rather walk away from the table entirely than concede. As with your wish list, be specific and do not share this list with your bargaining partner. A diplomatic negotiation can usually be considered 'successful' if you can get everything you could settle for...and a little more besides. But if your partner knows what you /need/ to accomplish, then they have a tool that you'll find it difficult to counter.
What You Will Concede: Put simply, what will you give up to get what you want. Diplomacy is, at its heart, a negotiation. Barring your partner and their advisers being colossal imbeciles, you will never close a negotiation without having lost something. The trick is to ensure that you understand what you can lose, and still accomplish your goals. There are two very dangerous answers to the question, "What are you willing to give up to get what you desire?": "Everything" and "Nothing".
If you answer "Everything", then for the love of the gods, hire someone to do your negotiations who is not as desperate as you are. I recommend a Whisper. If you answer "Nothing", then diplomacy is not a method which will serve you well. Either walk away from your desire, or sharpen your blades and prepare to fight to take what you want. But we shall assume that you fall into neither of these extremes, in which case I offer the following advice: understand the specific things you might be required to concede, and which you are prepared to sacrifice first. A good negotiator should not be taken by surprise by a request for concessions (even if he or she pretends to be), but should have a list in their mind of things which could be lost in the service of the greater goal.
This entry has gone on for too long, I imagine. Next time, I will speak of my thoughts on researching your partner, and the first meeting.
First - I have previously shared my thoughts on the arguments defending thralldom. Those interested can pester the Scholars to bring them that volume, but otherwise, I feel no need to reiterate them. Needless to say, the arguments nor my thoughts have changed.
However, I did want to speak on a hobby of mine: diplomacy and negotiation. So, as these are my journals and no one is required to read them, I shall ramble on about my thoughts on this. You are warned.
Ruminations on Diplomatic Endeavors, Part the First.
Diplomacy begins long before you ever sit down at a table across from a bargaining partner. There are three questions you should know the answer to before you even initiate contact with others: what you want, what you will settle for, and what you are prepared to give up to gain either of those things.
What You Want: A goal is essential in diplomacy, and do not hesitate to think big. Have a firm idea of what would be your best case scenario; close your eyes and imagine it, imagine the sweet taste of victory, and the warm glow of accomplishment from achieving every one of your aims and leaving your partner sputtering and wondering how they agreed to such a terrible deal. Feels good, yes?
Now, put that aside, because you will never get /everything/ you want. But knowing what the victory scenario is will help shape your requests and negotiations. Be specific, be ambitious, and do not reveal your hand.
What You Will Settle For: Then, go through that wish list, and perform triage. What is /most/ important to you? What could you end the negotiation with that would still accomplish your goals, even if it isn't the ideal scenario? Here, be brutally honest with yourself - mark things which can easily go on the chopping block, but also make a note of the things which you would rather walk away from the table entirely than concede. As with your wish list, be specific and do not share this list with your bargaining partner. A diplomatic negotiation can usually be considered 'successful' if you can get everything you could settle for...and a little more besides. But if your partner knows what you /need/ to accomplish, then they have a tool that you'll find it difficult to counter.
What You Will Concede: Put simply, what will you give up to get what you want. Diplomacy is, at its heart, a negotiation. Barring your partner and their advisers being colossal imbeciles, you will never close a negotiation without having lost something. The trick is to ensure that you understand what you can lose, and still accomplish your goals. There are two very dangerous answers to the question, "What are you willing to give up to get what you desire?": "Everything" and "Nothing".
If you answer "Everything", then for the love of the gods, hire someone to do your negotiations who is not as desperate as you are. I recommend a Whisper. If you answer "Nothing", then diplomacy is not a method which will serve you well. Either walk away from your desire, or sharpen your blades and prepare to fight to take what you want. But we shall assume that you fall into neither of these extremes, in which case I offer the following advice: understand the specific things you might be required to concede, and which you are prepared to sacrifice first. A good negotiator should not be taken by surprise by a request for concessions (even if he or she pretends to be), but should have a list in their mind of things which could be lost in the service of the greater goal.
This entry has gone on for too long, I imagine. Next time, I will speak of my thoughts on researching your partner, and the first meeting.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:51 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
The truth is that none are free, we simply desire to dress our chains in ways that make it more palatable and argue about the merits of this chain or that one. True freedom from order is chaos, and chaos is the nightmare which the Abyss comes from to destroy and twist all creation.
As each man has good and bad within him and the body strives to maintain balance and order, may we embrace our diversity and gain understanding that all have a place within the song.
As each man has good and bad within him and the body strives to maintain balance and order, may we embrace our diversity and gain understanding that all have a place within the song.
Written By Melinda
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:41 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Regla
Thank you for the use of your hall the wedding was beautiful.
Written By Melinda
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:40 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
Lord Ian Kennex needs himself a wife, you may come my way if you are in need of a political matching and I shall introduce you to his voice Lord Ford Kennex.
Written By Melinda
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:37 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Artorius
My beloved, I am happy to be your wife, I hope we make an unstoppable pair. I will miss being at my fathers table but I hope you find me just as good at training our own armies.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.