Written By Bethany
Dec. 9, 2016, 1:29 a.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
( I hope that there was Mercier wine at this orgy.
- not tea - oh dear - the complications involved with hot beverages and -
It would have been a perfect time to advertise. )
- not tea - oh dear - the complications involved with hot beverages and -
It would have been a perfect time to advertise. )
Written By Eirene
Dec. 9, 2016, 1:18 a.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
All this city babble about thralls and all I can think of is what a shitstorm I am of a person.
I've seen trauma like this usually after a first battle or a huge one where someone is the only survivor of their unit. Out of control drinking, uncharacteristic behavior, a need to make personal intimate connections...
It also occurred when those traumatic situations are somehow relived or recounted in great detail.
Physician heal thy fucking self already. You're better than this.
I've seen trauma like this usually after a first battle or a huge one where someone is the only survivor of their unit. Out of control drinking, uncharacteristic behavior, a need to make personal intimate connections...
It also occurred when those traumatic situations are somehow relived or recounted in great detail.
Physician heal thy fucking self already. You're better than this.
Written By Damon
Dec. 9, 2016, 1:10 a.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Reading through some of the journal entries of my friends has brought me to see that there was an orgy. AN ORGY. Here in Arx, can you believe that?
I am wholly, and utterly, offended...
That I didn't even get invited. I would have declined obviously, but it's the principle of the thing.
I am wholly, and utterly, offended...
That I didn't even get invited. I would have declined obviously, but it's the principle of the thing.
Written By Serafine
Dec. 8, 2016, 11:35 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
There was a very complicate set of underwear that I do believe you were wearing at the 'event' the other night. You did favor pearls, as I recall?
Should you like it back, I told the hostess to put them in my keeping. You ran off with those red-haired triplets and I haven't seen you since.
NO, Scholar, they weren't really triplets but they did appear to be of a similar height, weight, shape, and class.
Should you like it back, I told the hostess to put them in my keeping. You ran off with those red-haired triplets and I haven't seen you since.
NO, Scholar, they weren't really triplets but they did appear to be of a similar height, weight, shape, and class.
Written By Silas
Dec. 8, 2016, 11:27 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Well since everyone is doing it, here's Silas's thoughts re: thralldom. Don't worry, it's not long and my opinion is not one which truly matters.
But it nevertheless exists.
Thralldom is deplorable. I do not believe them being criminals somehow makes another injustice right or permissible; it is merely an excuse. I'm doubtful that every person turned into a thrall is an irredeemable monster and I can so easily see how such a system can be abused for selfish gain than any genuine attempt to correct misbehavior. There are degrees and situations are complex: I do not believe a pickpocket deserves a life of abject poverty with no opportunity of ever pulling themselves out of it. And the truly monstrous? Better off hanging them than giving them the opportunity to harm again.
But the perpetuation of thralldom hasn't continued at the bidding of just a few highborn malefactors of great wealth, but the also at the behest of the callousness of those who observe it and do nothing. I believe the change must come from within for it to mean anything substantial.
But there is some merit in at least talking about it and for that Samantha deserves some credit for her small act of bravery.
But it nevertheless exists.
Thralldom is deplorable. I do not believe them being criminals somehow makes another injustice right or permissible; it is merely an excuse. I'm doubtful that every person turned into a thrall is an irredeemable monster and I can so easily see how such a system can be abused for selfish gain than any genuine attempt to correct misbehavior. There are degrees and situations are complex: I do not believe a pickpocket deserves a life of abject poverty with no opportunity of ever pulling themselves out of it. And the truly monstrous? Better off hanging them than giving them the opportunity to harm again.
But the perpetuation of thralldom hasn't continued at the bidding of just a few highborn malefactors of great wealth, but the also at the behest of the callousness of those who observe it and do nothing. I believe the change must come from within for it to mean anything substantial.
But there is some merit in at least talking about it and for that Samantha deserves some credit for her small act of bravery.
Written By Serafine
Dec. 8, 2016, 11:25 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
So I will warn you, the orgy I attended last night involved oil. A lot of oil. And it was everywhere. I almost slipped no less than five times and oil on marble floors is a sure way to hurt yourself.
Thankfully, I wasn't on my feet long enough to worry about it but a few creative, acrobatic nobles weren't so lucky.
That being said, I was quite tired afterwards. It was a long weekend. I figured if I'm going on this trip and might possibly die, I was going to cross a few things from the 'Book of Lycene' life-wish list I have.
(this is me -not- using the word 'twins')
Don't look at me like that, scholar. I am Lycene, after all. Why do you think the Shav'arvani took to me so well? I could do things with my tongue that-
[the rest of the page, the handwriting is wobbly, difficult to decipher]
Thankfully, I wasn't on my feet long enough to worry about it but a few creative, acrobatic nobles weren't so lucky.
That being said, I was quite tired afterwards. It was a long weekend. I figured if I'm going on this trip and might possibly die, I was going to cross a few things from the 'Book of Lycene' life-wish list I have.
(this is me -not- using the word 'twins')
Don't look at me like that, scholar. I am Lycene, after all. Why do you think the Shav'arvani took to me so well? I could do things with my tongue that-
[the rest of the page, the handwriting is wobbly, difficult to decipher]
Written By Juliet
Dec. 8, 2016, 10:54 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
"Sultry Rose".
I'm flattered.
I've enjoyed it alongside conversations of quiet and intimate sorts, where the nature of relationships and even society or the soul has been discussed.
I shall ensure that there is always a plentiful stock available in our house.
I do so adore the Merciers and their clever ways.
I'm flattered.
I've enjoyed it alongside conversations of quiet and intimate sorts, where the nature of relationships and even society or the soul has been discussed.
I shall ensure that there is always a plentiful stock available in our house.
I do so adore the Merciers and their clever ways.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 8, 2016, 10:24 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lazarus
I love my brother from the depths of my heart; I do.
I can even put myself in his position and understand his reaction for the slight that he feels like (a careful omission, here) caused.
However, I am now overly fretful.
I can even put myself in his position and understand his reaction for the slight that he feels like (a careful omission, here) caused.
However, I am now overly fretful.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 8, 2016, 10:20 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeremiah
A penpal, perhaps?
Written By Isolde
Dec. 8, 2016, 10:01 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Today is a -lovely- day. Utterly, wonderfully lovely.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 8, 2016, 9:40 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
( From the slightly untidy desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )
Thralldom is ... an atrocious debasement to the nature of a person. It is done because of power, of wealth, on inequality, as a punishment in a system that would be better stripped to the foundations and rebuilt on higher ideals.
Of one type and class that feel the need to strip the individualism away from a person (even a criminal) and force them to become abstract ... resource, property. Bought and sold on the block like livestock... it is frightening to consider.
We are all enslaved in various ways: to passion, to war, to duty, to coin, by kin. However, to be held in thrall by a noble ... no.
To dedicate one's self to the service of a noble House is a choice.
Thralldom is ... an atrocious debasement to the nature of a person. It is done because of power, of wealth, on inequality, as a punishment in a system that would be better stripped to the foundations and rebuilt on higher ideals.
Of one type and class that feel the need to strip the individualism away from a person (even a criminal) and force them to become abstract ... resource, property. Bought and sold on the block like livestock... it is frightening to consider.
We are all enslaved in various ways: to passion, to war, to duty, to coin, by kin. However, to be held in thrall by a noble ... no.
To dedicate one's self to the service of a noble House is a choice.
Written By Mirari
Dec. 8, 2016, 9:33 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
Lord Rubino does not approve of eager hands. A shame.
Written By Myrinda
Dec. 8, 2016, 9:09 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
My, my. Those who profit off the backs of those they've practically enslaved are speaking up in their defense.
Or those that are about to profit from it by marrying in.
Sit down, children, before you all embarrass yourselves.
Or those that are about to profit from it by marrying in.
Sit down, children, before you all embarrass yourselves.
Written By Jaenelle
Dec. 8, 2016, 8:58 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Each house has their own ways of life, some are understood while others seem to be completely confusing. Arx is a city of melting, of mending ties and strengthening bonds, of being united despite everything that is there to divide.
I was born to a Redrain father and a Thraxian mother. My childhood was different than other Thraxian girls, and would have been a great deal different if my parents had not died. The Redrain ideals that I had been shown were replaced with a full Thraxian upbringing. I am not complaining, of course, I love my family and had the most opportunities a woman was afforded. I learned, grew, and became the woman I am today because of my grandfather, and there is nothing I could say which would ever show just how grateful I am to him.
It is easy to push away the ideals that are not your own, it is easy to deny one's way of life if it does not mesh well with yours. It is so very easy to cry out that they are wrong and you are right without a second thought or hesitation to your actions. Choose the hard path, learn about others, study their culture and why they do what they do. You still may not agree, but you are more informed and educated to make a better decision.
As a Redrain-Thraxian who is now a Velenosa, we are much similar in values than you could possibly imagine.
I was born to a Redrain father and a Thraxian mother. My childhood was different than other Thraxian girls, and would have been a great deal different if my parents had not died. The Redrain ideals that I had been shown were replaced with a full Thraxian upbringing. I am not complaining, of course, I love my family and had the most opportunities a woman was afforded. I learned, grew, and became the woman I am today because of my grandfather, and there is nothing I could say which would ever show just how grateful I am to him.
It is easy to push away the ideals that are not your own, it is easy to deny one's way of life if it does not mesh well with yours. It is so very easy to cry out that they are wrong and you are right without a second thought or hesitation to your actions. Choose the hard path, learn about others, study their culture and why they do what they do. You still may not agree, but you are more informed and educated to make a better decision.
As a Redrain-Thraxian who is now a Velenosa, we are much similar in values than you could possibly imagine.
Written By Pietro
Dec. 8, 2016, 8:55 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Judge not the poor Thrax for enthralling their criminals. After all, plaguing generations under a yoke of debt is fine, since they're not our generations, so who cares? I'm pretty sure nobody can have an opinion on this that isn't Thrax, anyway, that's what's known as culturally insensitive. Besides, all crimes are equivalent and the children of criminals should probably have to pay off the debts of their parents forever anyways, why not? Debt is like crime, only mildly more dishonorable because it doesn't involve taking any action yourself.
I'm also completely shocked and amazed that a Princess about to marry into the House of Thrax would speak out defending their gross backwards social nightmare fodder.
Don't read this, Vincere, I was dared.
I'm also completely shocked and amazed that a Princess about to marry into the House of Thrax would speak out defending their gross backwards social nightmare fodder.
Don't read this, Vincere, I was dared.
Written By Serafine
Dec. 8, 2016, 8:27 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
I do adore my whiskey drinking, blade sharpening uncle.
No, I'm not endangering the lives of besotted young men with hero worship and an eye for power. It's not their fault.
Mostly.
No, I'm not endangering the lives of besotted young men with hero worship and an eye for power. It's not their fault.
Mostly.
Written By Niccolo
Dec. 8, 2016, 8:17 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
It's come to my attention that some are speaking of marrying members of House Velenosa.
As the Voice of Velenosa I say, by all means. Speak to me about it.
I'm often found reading, sparring, or sharpening my blade. I enjoy wine and whiskey.
As the Voice of Velenosa I say, by all means. Speak to me about it.
I'm often found reading, sparring, or sharpening my blade. I enjoy wine and whiskey.
Written By Dagon
Dec. 8, 2016, 8:08 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
It seems that once again the criminal justice system of House Thrax comes under question.
Let me make a few points clear regarding the business of thralls.
We do not simply enthrall people because we feel like it. Shav pirates that roam the seas and attack the merchant vessels of the Compact, we hunt them down, we put their ships out of commission and capture their crews. Should we summarily butcher them? Perhaps. Or maybe we can reform these very men by making them see the value of the Compact by hard work. We feed them, clothe them, and give them places to sleep. This costs coin. They work to pay us back for what we provide them, and for the crimes they have committed against House Thrax and the Compact.
Thralls are also criminals. What do you do with thieves? Cut their hands off? Throw them in prison? Prisons take space. People who are missing a hand aren't capable of being productive in other ways should the time come for them to be utilized for a higher purpose. Instead we put them to work, as we do with shav pirates. They work to be punished for their crimes against others, but prisoners also require their basic needs fulfilled and so their sentences are perhaps a little longer than if we simply threw them into iron cages.
Let us all remember that House Thrax keeps the seas safe for Compact ships to conduct trade, and let us not question the manner in which that protection is made, not unless others are willing to see to the care and housing of criminals or the disposal of them, whichever method they find preferable.
The Marquessa's concern for criminals and pirates is touching, and I agree with her that all men and women deserve to shape their destinies, but if you decide to knife someone, or steal from a merchant, punishment must come. We are a society of laws, and if the people cannot respect the laws, we become little more than anarchy.
We do not need some council instructing us on our future. Our future is for us to shape, and while I am perfectly happy working with members of other houses to increase trade and to conduct military operations in conjunction with others so that the Compact can become stronger, when it comes to how House Thrax runs things, that is for House Thrax to determine. Or would other Houses be open for us to make judgments about what they do and offer to give our advice for how they do things in such an open and public forum?
Prince Dagon Thrax
Heir to Maelstrom and the Mourning Isles
Let me make a few points clear regarding the business of thralls.
We do not simply enthrall people because we feel like it. Shav pirates that roam the seas and attack the merchant vessels of the Compact, we hunt them down, we put their ships out of commission and capture their crews. Should we summarily butcher them? Perhaps. Or maybe we can reform these very men by making them see the value of the Compact by hard work. We feed them, clothe them, and give them places to sleep. This costs coin. They work to pay us back for what we provide them, and for the crimes they have committed against House Thrax and the Compact.
Thralls are also criminals. What do you do with thieves? Cut their hands off? Throw them in prison? Prisons take space. People who are missing a hand aren't capable of being productive in other ways should the time come for them to be utilized for a higher purpose. Instead we put them to work, as we do with shav pirates. They work to be punished for their crimes against others, but prisoners also require their basic needs fulfilled and so their sentences are perhaps a little longer than if we simply threw them into iron cages.
Let us all remember that House Thrax keeps the seas safe for Compact ships to conduct trade, and let us not question the manner in which that protection is made, not unless others are willing to see to the care and housing of criminals or the disposal of them, whichever method they find preferable.
The Marquessa's concern for criminals and pirates is touching, and I agree with her that all men and women deserve to shape their destinies, but if you decide to knife someone, or steal from a merchant, punishment must come. We are a society of laws, and if the people cannot respect the laws, we become little more than anarchy.
We do not need some council instructing us on our future. Our future is for us to shape, and while I am perfectly happy working with members of other houses to increase trade and to conduct military operations in conjunction with others so that the Compact can become stronger, when it comes to how House Thrax runs things, that is for House Thrax to determine. Or would other Houses be open for us to make judgments about what they do and offer to give our advice for how they do things in such an open and public forum?
Prince Dagon Thrax
Heir to Maelstrom and the Mourning Isles
Written By Margot
Dec. 8, 2016, 7:55 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
I am just a woman, and I know that my thoughts do not bare much mention in the greater scheme of what will be, but they are still present.
In the wake of Marquessa Samantha's protests and now her leaflet campaign I am conflicted. I look over to Linette, who serves me so well now as a maid, and I remember the starving little girl who was convicted of stealing from Maelstrom's kitchens. Would they have preferred we sever her hand and send her out to starve on the streets? Is that the freedom proposed? Rather than allowing her to live in our house, not to have to worry over meals, to learn to dwell in polite society?
I wonder too, if the compact does not believe mercy can be traded for debt, if instead they would have preferred that Prince Donrai executed a 10 year old girl not so long ago, rather then raising her to serve him.
Freedom, we speak so much of freedom, and on its surface such seems charitable, but when I chase the chains of consequence I can clearly see that the the alternatives are not so perfect either.
I shall have to query those I know who whole different beliefs how they balance their ideas about freedom with their ideas about justice and perhaps come to understand them better for it.
In the wake of Marquessa Samantha's protests and now her leaflet campaign I am conflicted. I look over to Linette, who serves me so well now as a maid, and I remember the starving little girl who was convicted of stealing from Maelstrom's kitchens. Would they have preferred we sever her hand and send her out to starve on the streets? Is that the freedom proposed? Rather than allowing her to live in our house, not to have to worry over meals, to learn to dwell in polite society?
I wonder too, if the compact does not believe mercy can be traded for debt, if instead they would have preferred that Prince Donrai executed a 10 year old girl not so long ago, rather then raising her to serve him.
Freedom, we speak so much of freedom, and on its surface such seems charitable, but when I chase the chains of consequence I can clearly see that the the alternatives are not so perfect either.
I shall have to query those I know who whole different beliefs how they balance their ideas about freedom with their ideas about justice and perhaps come to understand them better for it.
Written By Dawn
Dec. 8, 2016, 7:12 p.m.(5/2/1005 AR)
I am only Dawn: a woman, flawed, imperfect, and often reckoned less for the circumstances of my birth. This I accept, and the disrespect that sometimes comes attendant with being one person interacting with others. When I am only Dawn, it is the other person's choice how they will approach me. I have tolerated much and accept that it will be so.
But when I am acting as his Majesty's regent, I am the face and voice of the Crown. The Crown is greater than any one man or woman, and that I cannot tolerate disrespect for.
This must be remembered.
But when I am acting as his Majesty's regent, I am the face and voice of the Crown. The Crown is greater than any one man or woman, and that I cannot tolerate disrespect for.
This must be remembered.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.