Written By Perronne
June 23, 2020, 9:20 a.m.(7/11/1013 AR)
Hmm.
It feels like people perhaps have some ambitious and enthusiastic ideas about what the Commoners' Council can, or is supposed to do. That's great! But I feel like I should note for history, and anyone who might be reading this, that its primary function - what it was created for - is as an advisory body, and it's mostly around to give the Crown information about the things the Crown asks for. If people are running for the Council thinking that they'll be able to make laws or anything, that's going to be a disappointment. The Crown has always been polite and responsive when they've asked for information, mind you - in my experience, it's been harder to get people to tell us what they're thinking than it has been to pass that along to the Crown. The Council certainly has absolutely no say in anything that isn't explicitly about the Crownsworn in Arx - the Crown itself has very little say in the lives of the average commoner throughout the Compact - that's not even the Great Houses, that's usually Barons and local magistrates and things. For that matter, most of the common people I knew back home wouldn't care about the things that the vocal in Arx are very, uh, vocal, about!
Most commoners throughout the Compact don't spend a single day thinking about thralldom, or Eurus, or even the next province over. They'd like lower tariffs on things they sell, and higher tariffs on things the guy from the other province is trying to sell to compete with them, and enough food to get through the winter, and if you could arrange for more traveling performers to come through town during the quiet times of they year, they'd probably be thrilled. On the other hand, the idea that some Prodigals or random folk from Arx are 'advocating' for them would bewilder - and then probably offend -them. Not because they're bad people, but just because most people throughout the Compact don't really care about Arx, or what anyone in Arx with the exceptions of the King and the Faith have to say about things.
My recommendation, if anyone's interested, as far as who to elect for the Council? Picture each of the candidates in the room, talking with nobles and Crown representatives. Maybe even the King! If you wince, or if you think, "Oh, that sounds hilarious," then that may not be who you want to vote for. Or maybe it would be! I don't know. It's a good way to make sure that the Crown isn't interested in asking anything from the Council - and the Council serves exclusively at the Crown's pleasure. But either way, remember that you're not electing someone to govern, but to advise. And that there's really no way for the Council to poll half a million Crownsworn in Arx on every issue that comes up, so whoever it is will rely on their own wits and thoughts a lot, so make sure they have at least a few of both!
It feels like people perhaps have some ambitious and enthusiastic ideas about what the Commoners' Council can, or is supposed to do. That's great! But I feel like I should note for history, and anyone who might be reading this, that its primary function - what it was created for - is as an advisory body, and it's mostly around to give the Crown information about the things the Crown asks for. If people are running for the Council thinking that they'll be able to make laws or anything, that's going to be a disappointment. The Crown has always been polite and responsive when they've asked for information, mind you - in my experience, it's been harder to get people to tell us what they're thinking than it has been to pass that along to the Crown. The Council certainly has absolutely no say in anything that isn't explicitly about the Crownsworn in Arx - the Crown itself has very little say in the lives of the average commoner throughout the Compact - that's not even the Great Houses, that's usually Barons and local magistrates and things. For that matter, most of the common people I knew back home wouldn't care about the things that the vocal in Arx are very, uh, vocal, about!
Most commoners throughout the Compact don't spend a single day thinking about thralldom, or Eurus, or even the next province over. They'd like lower tariffs on things they sell, and higher tariffs on things the guy from the other province is trying to sell to compete with them, and enough food to get through the winter, and if you could arrange for more traveling performers to come through town during the quiet times of they year, they'd probably be thrilled. On the other hand, the idea that some Prodigals or random folk from Arx are 'advocating' for them would bewilder - and then probably offend -them. Not because they're bad people, but just because most people throughout the Compact don't really care about Arx, or what anyone in Arx with the exceptions of the King and the Faith have to say about things.
My recommendation, if anyone's interested, as far as who to elect for the Council? Picture each of the candidates in the room, talking with nobles and Crown representatives. Maybe even the King! If you wince, or if you think, "Oh, that sounds hilarious," then that may not be who you want to vote for. Or maybe it would be! I don't know. It's a good way to make sure that the Crown isn't interested in asking anything from the Council - and the Council serves exclusively at the Crown's pleasure. But either way, remember that you're not electing someone to govern, but to advise. And that there's really no way for the Council to poll half a million Crownsworn in Arx on every issue that comes up, so whoever it is will rely on their own wits and thoughts a lot, so make sure they have at least a few of both!
Written By Ida
June 23, 2020, 8:41 a.m.(7/11/1013 AR)
I meant to write about this a few weeks ago, but y'know what they say about turning forty - the mind starts to forget things. Or so I've heard, it may just be bull. Either way, I was on my way to the market for a few things when I stepped into the shop and something was different. You just know these things, right? When you walk into your room, your mind (aged forty or no) somehow notices when there is something out of place or new. And so it was, which ended up being a book. Not just any book, mind you, but 'The Baroness and the Lascivious Pie Pt. 3' Oh. My.
Someone knows my embarrassing love of trashy romance books, it seems.
Someone knows my embarrassing love of trashy romance books, it seems.
Written By Thea
June 23, 2020, 6:24 a.m.(7/11/1013 AR)
So you're saying scratch that from our next discussion? Damnit Alessia! New topic.
Written By Mabelle
June 22, 2020, 11:22 p.m.(7/11/1013 AR)
Artshall Velvet is -not- made from bee fur!
Written By Raziel
June 22, 2020, 10:42 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
Some thoughts on the nature of injustice, Scholar.
Every place, every city, every kingdom, has injustices. A ruler may rule justly, wisely, truly, and still there will be injustices in his kingdom, in the shadowed corners beyond his sight, in the ones whom he placed his trust. For no ruler is omnipotent and omniscient, and injustice, by its very nature, is insidious and often a subtle thing in its beginnings.
That's not even getting into the injustices part of every system of rule. The hereditary rule common in the Compact has its failings, and that subject has been debated more thoroughly elsewhere. Yet even meritocracy has its failings, for not all are given the same opportunities, judged on the same merits. There are always flaws, no matter the good intentions, no matter the efforts deployed in the beginning to craft the perfect system.
Things change, after all.
So what is one to do with injustice? Is the knowledge that it will always be reason to give up? Of course not. Just because things will go wrong at some point is no reason to become lazy and accept it. The pursuit of justice is a constant and never ending battle. A struggle that will see no end in your lifetime. Yet it is a cause worth fighting for.
And like any other battle, dying for, if necessary.
Every place, every city, every kingdom, has injustices. A ruler may rule justly, wisely, truly, and still there will be injustices in his kingdom, in the shadowed corners beyond his sight, in the ones whom he placed his trust. For no ruler is omnipotent and omniscient, and injustice, by its very nature, is insidious and often a subtle thing in its beginnings.
That's not even getting into the injustices part of every system of rule. The hereditary rule common in the Compact has its failings, and that subject has been debated more thoroughly elsewhere. Yet even meritocracy has its failings, for not all are given the same opportunities, judged on the same merits. There are always flaws, no matter the good intentions, no matter the efforts deployed in the beginning to craft the perfect system.
Things change, after all.
So what is one to do with injustice? Is the knowledge that it will always be reason to give up? Of course not. Just because things will go wrong at some point is no reason to become lazy and accept it. The pursuit of justice is a constant and never ending battle. A struggle that will see no end in your lifetime. Yet it is a cause worth fighting for.
And like any other battle, dying for, if necessary.
Written By Svana
June 22, 2020, 10:22 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
In but a few short days, Asher and I will have a pair of twins that will be a month old. Time flies when you're recovering. They are precious. We named Rowan after our dear friend Wolfscout Rowenova, and Elanne after our mothers, Elke and Miranne. Rowan is darker than I am, like my mother was - but he's got my hair, and lots of it. Elanne is fair, with red hair, and chubbier than her brother. She rather looks like Jules. I wish he were here to see them, that perhaps he'd come around.
I heard some old biddies whispering around me today at the market. Njall asked around for a bit, and discovered that there are people looking into Jules' death. I am not upset about that - I just wish I had been told sooner. I will cooperate with them in any way possible of course, and I am willing to answer questions.
I have been blessed to make the acquaintance of Miss Cocine Arcuri and Dame Irisa Wainryte. I enjoyed the company of these two women immensely. I would love to know more about each of them and intend do so. I should make dates with each of them soon - and Softest Whisper Anisha. I believe that I owe her tea once more.
I heard some old biddies whispering around me today at the market. Njall asked around for a bit, and discovered that there are people looking into Jules' death. I am not upset about that - I just wish I had been told sooner. I will cooperate with them in any way possible of course, and I am willing to answer questions.
I have been blessed to make the acquaintance of Miss Cocine Arcuri and Dame Irisa Wainryte. I enjoyed the company of these two women immensely. I would love to know more about each of them and intend do so. I should make dates with each of them soon - and Softest Whisper Anisha. I believe that I owe her tea once more.
Written By Ravna
June 22, 2020, 7:21 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
Words mixed, word shifted, so listen up while the pages don't burn from beasts, man or folklore witches:
I, yes, Me, I, Ravna Culler was done treated like a Holy Man today.
"Philosopher." She called me.
Ravna Culler, the Drunken Sage, Luckchild, Philosopher Who Walks The Roads.
Mmm. Feels good. That's a fine title, yeah? Yeeeaaaah. She gets it. She knows. She can See! So is it a notch, a coin, a scar, a ribbon - that she has bestowed this title upon this one, I: Me.
Haaaa.
I, yes, Me, I, Ravna Culler was done treated like a Holy Man today.
"Philosopher." She called me.
Ravna Culler, the Drunken Sage, Luckchild, Philosopher Who Walks The Roads.
Mmm. Feels good. That's a fine title, yeah? Yeeeaaaah. She gets it. She knows. She can See! So is it a notch, a coin, a scar, a ribbon - that she has bestowed this title upon this one, I: Me.
Haaaa.
Written By Selene
June 22, 2020, 6:56 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
It has been forever since I felt this relaxed. Floating in a pool of cool, clear water and admiring the sunset is divine. Highly recommended.
Written By Gwenna
June 22, 2020, 2:43 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
I went by the Jayus Gallery earlier today. I did a lot of wandering around the city, truth be told, for no real reason that I can think of. I don't particularly care for summer, but the smell of the flowers at the various gardens was delightful. I ended up at the gallery eventually, which was a reminder that I keep meaning to get back to painting and maybe take a lesson or two to improve my skills. There just always seem to be other things that need doing first - going to Sungreet, to Farhaven, the ledgers, researching this or that... And wandering the city I guess. Ah well. One of these days, I suppose. I'm at least grateful for the freedom to wander the city for a day.
Written By Raziel
June 22, 2020, 2:34 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
There are days I enjoy remembering the past. The day when I took my vows and rose up a knight of the King's Own.
And then there are days the mere mention of such is cause enough for me to, admittedly undeservingly, snap at whoever had the misfortune of mentioning it.
Memory. Keener than any blade.
Something to work on. Oh no, Scholar. I doubt it'll make me any nicer. But losing one's temper for a memory triggered by a few words is not worthy behaviour of a knight.
Prayer in Gloria's shrine should be fitting.
And then there are days the mere mention of such is cause enough for me to, admittedly undeservingly, snap at whoever had the misfortune of mentioning it.
Memory. Keener than any blade.
Something to work on. Oh no, Scholar. I doubt it'll make me any nicer. But losing one's temper for a memory triggered by a few words is not worthy behaviour of a knight.
Prayer in Gloria's shrine should be fitting.
Written By Raziel
June 22, 2020, 2:25 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
There are worse things than relatives with an overabundance of titles and an affection to mention them.
For instance, the relative who lost all of said titles after making it quite clear they did not deserve any of them.
For instance, the relative who lost all of said titles after making it quite clear they did not deserve any of them.
Written By Avary
June 22, 2020, 2:25 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
Thank you for the beautiful tapestry, it now rests in the Sanctum of Justice where the words will help inspire others who seek Truth.
Written By Raziel
June 22, 2020, 2:23 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Korka
I look forward to the day when what I say is seen as so utterly commonly thought as to be unremarkable.
Preferably in this lifetime.
Preferably in this lifetime.
Written By Ravna
June 22, 2020, 5:04 a.m.(7/9/1013 AR)
La-Go-Maaaaa! 3! Three. That is, there, yes. Three. La. 1, Go, 2, Ma! 3! Three. That is: Fuel, Air, Spark! Flame. My flame.
Haaaa!
Why do you look so scared, eh? Uh? Hm? No, no. I'd never. Just lighting my pipe.
Heeee...so's I says I'mma fight a soul and I'll fight a soul, even when my breath is fire? So is it, that'll take a toll. She came right quick, left and right, we dance and dance, and I know we was a sight. So this woman, her head crowned by flame, did split my liver! But I have no shame.
Hips like an urn, and tits like fruit. She'll smash that face, and lick frosting off you.
Then, says I, the sun rises high! An Iron Lioness! With sad eyes. A blessing from the past, now in the present! She is the one, to be taught life never-ending. Beauty not of a diamond, a flower, a cat or a snake - but a real one, no analogies, no metaphor, no lies. From down in the earth, a goodness not even The Queen could let die.
Learned a lot I have, yes. These past few days, now don't mind me, I'mma swim in a grotto and sleep! In a cloudy haze.
Haaaa!
Why do you look so scared, eh? Uh? Hm? No, no. I'd never. Just lighting my pipe.
Heeee...so's I says I'mma fight a soul and I'll fight a soul, even when my breath is fire? So is it, that'll take a toll. She came right quick, left and right, we dance and dance, and I know we was a sight. So this woman, her head crowned by flame, did split my liver! But I have no shame.
Hips like an urn, and tits like fruit. She'll smash that face, and lick frosting off you.
Then, says I, the sun rises high! An Iron Lioness! With sad eyes. A blessing from the past, now in the present! She is the one, to be taught life never-ending. Beauty not of a diamond, a flower, a cat or a snake - but a real one, no analogies, no metaphor, no lies. From down in the earth, a goodness not even The Queen could let die.
Learned a lot I have, yes. These past few days, now don't mind me, I'mma swim in a grotto and sleep! In a cloudy haze.
Written By Esme
June 22, 2020, 12:34 a.m.(7/9/1013 AR)
I've taken to say 'prove it' to a few things.
So far, I have learned far more in one evening then I thought possible.
I have made an unexpected friend.
Someone who claims to get anything, has delivered nothing.
It's been rather interesting what those two words have inspired as of late.
So far, I have learned far more in one evening then I thought possible.
I have made an unexpected friend.
Someone who claims to get anything, has delivered nothing.
It's been rather interesting what those two words have inspired as of late.
Written By Bedivere
June 21, 2020, 11:08 p.m.(7/9/1013 AR)
Trying to teach these refugees a thing or two would be nearly impawssible without Cabbit the Cat on my right shoulder to keep everyone looking at me!
Written By Torian
June 21, 2020, 11 p.m.(7/9/1013 AR)
If this whirlpool is going to keep at it, I have half a mind to stitch together every pig's bladder I can find into the largest ball anyone has ever seen, just to see if it'll plug or otherwise disrupt that damn thing so that we might get back to regular business.
Written By Cadern
June 21, 2020, 10:34 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Uanna, a culture still so foreign for ours to understand. It was still pleasant to travel with some people out of the city. I don't know how much progress we'll make but it's fascinating to learn parts. I wonder if these things will all come together. So much of the past becomes relevant again. It does make you wonder just how active the Dreamer takes in these stories.
Written By Ysabel
June 21, 2020, 10:31 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
I entered into a contract some time ago that in retrospect, was not in the favor or Caith. Nor was it necessary. I was wary of trying to negotiate out of it, as it made no sense hind sight the why and I am not prone to assertiveness. A flaw, I know. It went well, though I had the Archduchess Consort with me to assist if needed. What once was letting a house I was not behold too, free reign in my waters, of my port and supplies, protect that should not have fallen to them and a percentage off when it comes to making ships at their harbor turned into a lesson in ruling, an interesting time of wine and permission to resupply at my focks, letters of Marque and assistance in building my own shipyard.
I have learned much. I learned something more about power. I am grateful to the other person for working with me and helping me to resolve what was clearly a grave error on my part. I have learned many lessons.
I have learned much. I learned something more about power. I am grateful to the other person for working with me and helping me to resolve what was clearly a grave error on my part. I have learned many lessons.
Written By Thea
June 21, 2020, 10:13 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
I had the pleasure of sparring with scout Rowenova this evening. I'm not sure how we've never done that before, but---my body will be sore for days. And I would certainly do this with her again. And again. And again. Each time, learning something new. It was fun, and I can't wait to do it again.
I wonder if Messere Tarik sleeps with one eye open when he's made her angry...questions...
I wonder if Messere Tarik sleeps with one eye open when he's made her angry...questions...
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.