Written By Rymarr
Dec. 8, 2016, 5:49 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Loss is something which many have felt, yet we all feel so differently. Some allow their grief to consume them, others press forward with hardened resolve, others are frozen in place, and many other reactions to death of one whom we care.
What I have never truly, in my core, felt in the past for those suffering loss has been sympathy. The Lyonesse have grown accustomed to loss or tragedy over the decades, it is our constant companion. Perhaps this has hardened me to the existence of loss that others may feel, but not today. Today I felt genuine sympathy for another in their grief. Even after so many days, weeks, and months it is still fresh upon their mind and heart.
I think back to my great-aunt Elene as a result of this awakened sensation. I recall a fond time of my life with her, when I was very young; young enough that I can not recall the precise time period. She would regularly sneak a delicious treat to me. She would hand me the honey and the slices of apple, press her fingers to her lips, and quietly shush me into conspiratorial silence. Eventually, like many things in our lives, she wasted away. She fought the good fight, but inevitably death claims us all. I did not weep for her. "Prevail Through Calamity", such were our words. So accustomed, so hardened to loss we had become, we engrained it in ourselves to feel nothing when loss reared its ugly head.
Perhaps my mind draws back to these memories because I understood the loss another felt, saw the hurt in their eyes. It has weighed heavily on my mind since our last encounter, because I have no family anymore. My family and title was placed aside in order to devote my loyalty to the crown as part of the Sovereign's Own. Is it the realization of my own mortality? Is it the pain of another coming to my attention? Is it my own feelings that have been essentially shut off for some years now suddenly awakening again? I do not know. I do not know why this weighs so heavily upon my mind.
It is easy to acknowledge our own pain. It is markedly more difficult to acknowledge and attempt to do something about the pain of another. Should we look the loss of another in the face or instead grant it the dignity of being ignored? This is my moral dilemna this day. Does one provide dignity in ignoring the vulnerability of another or do they look in the eye and offer themselves as a bastion?
Merely something which I must consider at a greater depth. Within the allowance of my duties, of course.
What I have never truly, in my core, felt in the past for those suffering loss has been sympathy. The Lyonesse have grown accustomed to loss or tragedy over the decades, it is our constant companion. Perhaps this has hardened me to the existence of loss that others may feel, but not today. Today I felt genuine sympathy for another in their grief. Even after so many days, weeks, and months it is still fresh upon their mind and heart.
I think back to my great-aunt Elene as a result of this awakened sensation. I recall a fond time of my life with her, when I was very young; young enough that I can not recall the precise time period. She would regularly sneak a delicious treat to me. She would hand me the honey and the slices of apple, press her fingers to her lips, and quietly shush me into conspiratorial silence. Eventually, like many things in our lives, she wasted away. She fought the good fight, but inevitably death claims us all. I did not weep for her. "Prevail Through Calamity", such were our words. So accustomed, so hardened to loss we had become, we engrained it in ourselves to feel nothing when loss reared its ugly head.
Perhaps my mind draws back to these memories because I understood the loss another felt, saw the hurt in their eyes. It has weighed heavily on my mind since our last encounter, because I have no family anymore. My family and title was placed aside in order to devote my loyalty to the crown as part of the Sovereign's Own. Is it the realization of my own mortality? Is it the pain of another coming to my attention? Is it my own feelings that have been essentially shut off for some years now suddenly awakening again? I do not know. I do not know why this weighs so heavily upon my mind.
It is easy to acknowledge our own pain. It is markedly more difficult to acknowledge and attempt to do something about the pain of another. Should we look the loss of another in the face or instead grant it the dignity of being ignored? This is my moral dilemna this day. Does one provide dignity in ignoring the vulnerability of another or do they look in the eye and offer themselves as a bastion?
Merely something which I must consider at a greater depth. Within the allowance of my duties, of course.
Written By Sebell
Dec. 8, 2016, 5:27 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
May our hope find harbour,
Our hearts your favour.
In your name we pray calm seas.
Our hearts your favour.
In your name we pray calm seas.
Written By Natalia
Dec. 8, 2016, 5:09 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Darling Readers,
I have been asked a few times my thoughts on thralldom, more so with the recent announcements of my future. I have to admit that I would rather say nothing and follow Dagon, but I am not without my own voice.
I hear the condemnation of thralldom. I know the rumors and speculation and the histories of the practice. I also know that we are not without our own stereotypes. In the same breath that one declares the sins of thralldom, they could condemn the poisons of Velenosa. It's the same sort of whispers that follow all the lores and all the things we do not understand because they are not our culture. Those of the north are painted as barbarians that shed their own blood. They are referred to as godless and demon worshipers for their 'second sight' merely because they do not follow our Gods. If we are to make blanket statements then we open the statements to be made against us. It is a burdened step to take.
So I will not lower my head to my strong Thraxian leaders in this matter. I will state with my voice and my pen my thoughts on thralldom as I have researched it. I would like to say though, it is not just picking up random commoners and making them bend to the noble rule. Thralls are not crafted from the average every day citizen. They are criminals. Let me repeat this and take a moment to let it sink in. Thralls are people that have committed crime. That crime could be theft, death, or a manner of things that are important at sea. The basic truth is they are criminals.
So now I pose a question, since the debate is offered. What do we do to criminals in our system? We banish them away from society. We lock them in towers and cells until their minds rot. We kill them. We allow our laws to dictate what action comes from it. So then is the laws of Thrax with thralls. They are people that have risen up against their liege and broken the laws of Limerace. They are prisoners that many of our brothers and cultures put to death.
Thralls are given a chance to fix that which they have done. Now you may not agree with the methods, but they are forced to pay off the debt to those that they have errored against. They steal and make it so another family cannot eat? They work until those profits are seen. They took a life in a way that did not honor Gloria? They give theirs in servitude. It is a way for them to learn to respect the lands and the people they chose to dishonor. It is a way for them to see the perspective of those that they wronged. We speak out against the conditions, but they are fed and given a place to sleep. Perhaps they do not have the softest bed or the most decadent food, but should a criminal serving their sentence have these things?
It should be noted that Thrax does not immediately just take a life or banish a person. Instead they call them a thrall and indenture them to serve a sentence. It is not normally a life sentence and when the sentence is complete and the offense has been paid - THEY ARE RELEASED. Everyone seems to ignore this part of the statement. They are released after serving their time in CRIMES they have CHOSEN to commit.
So I just ask each of us, before you cast a stone against a culture. Talk to them. Research them. Just because it is not identical to how we might see it, does not make it wrong. Do not make the people who constructed a way for a person to redeem themselves of their crimes, instead of death, vicious and vile. I know some would say that being in thralldom 'breaks' a person. But is it not already a person that is broken if they are committing the crime in the first place to land them into thralldom?
I have been asked a few times my thoughts on thralldom, more so with the recent announcements of my future. I have to admit that I would rather say nothing and follow Dagon, but I am not without my own voice.
I hear the condemnation of thralldom. I know the rumors and speculation and the histories of the practice. I also know that we are not without our own stereotypes. In the same breath that one declares the sins of thralldom, they could condemn the poisons of Velenosa. It's the same sort of whispers that follow all the lores and all the things we do not understand because they are not our culture. Those of the north are painted as barbarians that shed their own blood. They are referred to as godless and demon worshipers for their 'second sight' merely because they do not follow our Gods. If we are to make blanket statements then we open the statements to be made against us. It is a burdened step to take.
So I will not lower my head to my strong Thraxian leaders in this matter. I will state with my voice and my pen my thoughts on thralldom as I have researched it. I would like to say though, it is not just picking up random commoners and making them bend to the noble rule. Thralls are not crafted from the average every day citizen. They are criminals. Let me repeat this and take a moment to let it sink in. Thralls are people that have committed crime. That crime could be theft, death, or a manner of things that are important at sea. The basic truth is they are criminals.
So now I pose a question, since the debate is offered. What do we do to criminals in our system? We banish them away from society. We lock them in towers and cells until their minds rot. We kill them. We allow our laws to dictate what action comes from it. So then is the laws of Thrax with thralls. They are people that have risen up against their liege and broken the laws of Limerace. They are prisoners that many of our brothers and cultures put to death.
Thralls are given a chance to fix that which they have done. Now you may not agree with the methods, but they are forced to pay off the debt to those that they have errored against. They steal and make it so another family cannot eat? They work until those profits are seen. They took a life in a way that did not honor Gloria? They give theirs in servitude. It is a way for them to learn to respect the lands and the people they chose to dishonor. It is a way for them to see the perspective of those that they wronged. We speak out against the conditions, but they are fed and given a place to sleep. Perhaps they do not have the softest bed or the most decadent food, but should a criminal serving their sentence have these things?
It should be noted that Thrax does not immediately just take a life or banish a person. Instead they call them a thrall and indenture them to serve a sentence. It is not normally a life sentence and when the sentence is complete and the offense has been paid - THEY ARE RELEASED. Everyone seems to ignore this part of the statement. They are released after serving their time in CRIMES they have CHOSEN to commit.
So I just ask each of us, before you cast a stone against a culture. Talk to them. Research them. Just because it is not identical to how we might see it, does not make it wrong. Do not make the people who constructed a way for a person to redeem themselves of their crimes, instead of death, vicious and vile. I know some would say that being in thralldom 'breaks' a person. But is it not already a person that is broken if they are committing the crime in the first place to land them into thralldom?
Written By Samantha
Dec. 8, 2016, 4:21 p.m.(5/1/1005 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.
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.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 8, 2016, 2:45 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
It feels strange to have taken this week off from my own investigations and studies. But there's just... so much else to work on.
Trying to polish my language skills, getting things organized to formally recognize Explorer's Society membership, trying to get things squared away for the Society's first expedition (it's important to get permission and backing BEFORE sending folks out into the wilderness on something like I intend), and so on. It was time for a break, to ensure I could focus on everything else.
*Next* week, however, I have a few things I definitely want to look into...
Trying to polish my language skills, getting things organized to formally recognize Explorer's Society membership, trying to get things squared away for the Society's first expedition (it's important to get permission and backing BEFORE sending folks out into the wilderness on something like I intend), and so on. It was time for a break, to ensure I could focus on everything else.
*Next* week, however, I have a few things I definitely want to look into...
Written By Mydas
Dec. 8, 2016, 1:43 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassius
My younger cousin
Written By Mydas
Dec. 8, 2016, 1:43 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lydia
My younger cousin
Written By Leola
Dec. 8, 2016, 1:20 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
She sent me a dress. Spring. It were awful nice of her
Written By Natalia
Dec. 8, 2016, 12:59 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassius
A Nightgold cousin. Perhaps even a friend. I cannot say that we walk the same paths or have the same goals, but I do believe we have a fostering of mutual respect.
Written By Calypso
Dec. 8, 2016, 12:30 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Family dinner. Or as we like to call it in Southport - A Debriefing Dinner.
I really do cherish these moments together. These times when we can speak freely with one another and touch base. The ferocity with which each of these individuals lives and acts is a testament to the way we are raised in Southport I believe. Forge your own path. Let nothing stand in your way. Live fiercely!
The new training center facility has been an incredible help on my form as well. And I thank Baron Eos for the overseeing of it's construction.
I really do cherish these moments together. These times when we can speak freely with one another and touch base. The ferocity with which each of these individuals lives and acts is a testament to the way we are raised in Southport I believe. Forge your own path. Let nothing stand in your way. Live fiercely!
The new training center facility has been an incredible help on my form as well. And I thank Baron Eos for the overseeing of it's construction.
Written By Eirene
Dec. 8, 2016, 11:45 a.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
**As reported by Eirene's aide de camp Carissa**
Send 'Razio a note will you?
I was going to troll the Feast but Caly thinks it would be a really bad idea, and Kima's afraid I'll make Hadrian look like a moron. We should go get drinks sometime when you're not priesting it officially.
--
Message sent:
Esteemed Archlector - I had hoped to attend the Feast of Obligation and offer much needed levity but I fear I have been asked not to attend by the Voice of my house for fear my unrefined airs may insult yourself or my nephew the Duke of Southport. Accept my regrets and an invitation for a more personal gathering as your duties permit.
Send 'Razio a note will you?
I was going to troll the Feast but Caly thinks it would be a really bad idea, and Kima's afraid I'll make Hadrian look like a moron. We should go get drinks sometime when you're not priesting it officially.
--
Message sent:
Esteemed Archlector - I had hoped to attend the Feast of Obligation and offer much needed levity but I fear I have been asked not to attend by the Voice of my house for fear my unrefined airs may insult yourself or my nephew the Duke of Southport. Accept my regrets and an invitation for a more personal gathering as your duties permit.
Written By Eirene
Dec. 8, 2016, 11:17 a.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Things I learned at my family dinner...
Kima and Costas are closer than I expected them to be.
Eos has good taste in pretty young things.
Costas really likes his pork-chops.
I am not allowed to crash the Feast of Obligation and mock it for the dog and pony show it is.
Kima and Costas are closer than I expected them to be.
Eos has good taste in pretty young things.
Costas really likes his pork-chops.
I am not allowed to crash the Feast of Obligation and mock it for the dog and pony show it is.
Written By Aslaug
Dec. 8, 2016, 9:47 a.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Costas
Another sketch, this one of a beach, a small fire and a beached boat. Given the moon is in the sky it is probably night time.
Written By Leola
Dec. 8, 2016, 9:36 a.m.(4/28/1005 AR)
His Highness Dominic of Thrax asked me for my aid in training him to train dogs. My prices are too high for him, it seems; and after that disgusting request from His Highness Abbas of Thrax, or the repeated requests from Lord Max of Darkwater of Thrax to discuss political matters and insult his homeland; I really don't think I can do business with them.
They don't haggle. They bluster and shout like wild dogs amid a trained pack. I'm not their thrall and if they want my aid, they'll pay for it as well as any other can.
Speaking of that, the Archscholar paid me five thousand silver and the price of two horses to arrange a guard dog for him. I was more than pleased to do so. She's a lovely thing.
They don't haggle. They bluster and shout like wild dogs amid a trained pack. I'm not their thrall and if they want my aid, they'll pay for it as well as any other can.
Speaking of that, the Archscholar paid me five thousand silver and the price of two horses to arrange a guard dog for him. I was more than pleased to do so. She's a lovely thing.
Written By Julea
Dec. 8, 2016, 7:22 a.m.(4/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
The handful of times that I've been in his company, I've found the sell-sword to be particularly charming. I can see why he's so popular across Arx. I am still not convinced that 'Captain-General' is a real rank though.
Written By Mirari
Dec. 8, 2016, 6:41 a.m.(4/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Costas
Master Voducce, Costas, is a charming rogue. If a bit too intense on occasion. We could be friends, someday.
Written By Mirari
Dec. 8, 2016, 6:36 a.m.(4/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
My lady is the most charming duchess. She has my absolute loyalty and trust.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 8, 2016, 2:53 a.m.(4/28/1005 AR)
Since it seems to be a popular topic of white journals lately, allow me to share my own secret to avoiding marriage proposals: just to make a point to be out in the middle of the woods, or in some ancient catacomb or ruin, as often as possible. You see, I've found that it's remarkably hard for suitors to find you when you're four days ride from the nearest sign of civilization. Or, alternatively, on a ship off the coast of the Wastes.
(And if they somehow *do* track you that far just to ask, it's probably at least worth listening.)
(And if they somehow *do* track you that far just to ask, it's probably at least worth listening.)
Written By Bethany
Dec. 8, 2016, 1:19 a.m.(4/27/1005 AR)
( From the Rather Tidy Desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )
* Created teas. And a wine. Sent those out to a careful few to critique and tucked the rest away to show the others.
* Sat and took tea with Natalia who is - as always - infinitely pleasant to be around. She liked my mint blend, and I am worried for her. Nearly, very nearly, said too much in regard to personal matters.
* Met the Lord Mydas Nightgold. Potential patron. Potential investor. Potential supporter. Potential potential.
* She accepted the wine. Oh, yes. An orange rose. No, I mentioned that. I had to slip into Aurum Texts in order to check the meaning. Twice.
* Another evening ventured in the Lower Boroughs. Another fruitless afternoon that concludes with me taking space at the end of the bar with a cup of cider. Only adding in the new company of my dear companion, Molly.
*Met with a Prodigal, Crownsworn, by the name of Jeremiah. More potential. I addressed the matter to my elder brother, as he is supposed to be working with him. I think.
*Uncouth, unmannered, unnamed creature. I sent her one of the Guildmaster's chiming, shimmery bracelets.
(Kill it with kindness, yes?)
* Created teas. And a wine. Sent those out to a careful few to critique and tucked the rest away to show the others.
* Sat and took tea with Natalia who is - as always - infinitely pleasant to be around. She liked my mint blend, and I am worried for her. Nearly, very nearly, said too much in regard to personal matters.
* Met the Lord Mydas Nightgold. Potential patron. Potential investor. Potential supporter. Potential potential.
* She accepted the wine. Oh, yes. An orange rose. No, I mentioned that. I had to slip into Aurum Texts in order to check the meaning. Twice.
* Another evening ventured in the Lower Boroughs. Another fruitless afternoon that concludes with me taking space at the end of the bar with a cup of cider. Only adding in the new company of my dear companion, Molly.
*Met with a Prodigal, Crownsworn, by the name of Jeremiah. More potential. I addressed the matter to my elder brother, as he is supposed to be working with him. I think.
*Uncouth, unmannered, unnamed creature. I sent her one of the Guildmaster's chiming, shimmery bracelets.
(Kill it with kindness, yes?)
Written By Silas
Dec. 8, 2016, 1:02 a.m.(4/27/1005 AR)
It's going to be one of those weeks where there is so much to do and yet it feels as though I'm getting nothing done. I can feel it.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.