Written By Clara
June 25, 2018, 1:36 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I want to preface my response with saying thank you for journal, Legate. I appreciate that you have taken the time to write something so detailed for us all and I have nothing but the utmost respect for The Faith and those who serve within it. And that isn't lip service, I promise. It is what I sincerely and truly feel. So when I say "thank you" I hope that you will believe I mean it.
While I grew up with Mangata, Petrichor, and Lagoma being talked about around me fairly often I never really paid much attention. That was a failing of my own. However, I would never mock The Faith or its values nor would I make journal posts saying that The Faith needed to remember to be humble. Note that I said spiritual leaders not Archlectors or The Faith. This was intentional as Shamans are also considered to be spiritual leaders and I was attempting to engage everyone in discussion not attack anyone.
I do admit that I let myself react poorly to the Dominus' decree but I had a reason or an excuse if you prefer. You see, I was considering learning more about The Faith, specifically Tehom, Death, and Lagoma as they are closest to me personally. I was exploring the options I might have if I wanted to devote myself to a specific God or Goddess. So it was a bit of a personal reaction versus a logical reaction and if my reactions gave you, or anyone else, any offense I apologize. I was wrong to behave that way and I recognize that as a place where I have room to grow and I welcome feedback in messengers or private meetings since it is very much a private matter to me.
A private matter that Archlector Vayne has been kind enough to speak with me on at length. I owe him a great deal of respect for his support and assistance these past couple months but most especially because instead of chastising me he opened his arms and assisted me. He helped me realize that it wasn't personal even though I was unknowingly taking it as such. That The Faith was doing what it felt it must and for a good many reasons. Though I do not necessarily agree with those reasons on a personal level he helped me step outside of myself for a moment and look at things from The Faith's perspective the best such things can be done. And so, at this point, I hold no grudge and am left only with disappointment.
With saying that, I was not attempting to be offensive to The Faith, nor anyone else, by bringing up the topic of Humility. I do thank you for engaging in the conversation. I found your words insightful. I honestly did not even know that there was a list of Virtues that the Faith held in high esteem. This is good to know since I have recently decided, in spite of my initial outrage with the Dominus, that the Gods need to have a place in my life. While I cannot bring myself to leave The Spirits behind altogether I recognize that the Gods do exist and as such deserve my attention and respect.
I will take your words and meditate on them and perhaps seek you out another time so that I can learn more from you. In the meantime, I wish you well.
--
(OOC: Will note that in the help file for Shamanism it does say they are considered Spiritual Leaders.... though that doesn't mean its not vexing to the Faith. xD)
While I grew up with Mangata, Petrichor, and Lagoma being talked about around me fairly often I never really paid much attention. That was a failing of my own. However, I would never mock The Faith or its values nor would I make journal posts saying that The Faith needed to remember to be humble. Note that I said spiritual leaders not Archlectors or The Faith. This was intentional as Shamans are also considered to be spiritual leaders and I was attempting to engage everyone in discussion not attack anyone.
I do admit that I let myself react poorly to the Dominus' decree but I had a reason or an excuse if you prefer. You see, I was considering learning more about The Faith, specifically Tehom, Death, and Lagoma as they are closest to me personally. I was exploring the options I might have if I wanted to devote myself to a specific God or Goddess. So it was a bit of a personal reaction versus a logical reaction and if my reactions gave you, or anyone else, any offense I apologize. I was wrong to behave that way and I recognize that as a place where I have room to grow and I welcome feedback in messengers or private meetings since it is very much a private matter to me.
A private matter that Archlector Vayne has been kind enough to speak with me on at length. I owe him a great deal of respect for his support and assistance these past couple months but most especially because instead of chastising me he opened his arms and assisted me. He helped me realize that it wasn't personal even though I was unknowingly taking it as such. That The Faith was doing what it felt it must and for a good many reasons. Though I do not necessarily agree with those reasons on a personal level he helped me step outside of myself for a moment and look at things from The Faith's perspective the best such things can be done. And so, at this point, I hold no grudge and am left only with disappointment.
With saying that, I was not attempting to be offensive to The Faith, nor anyone else, by bringing up the topic of Humility. I do thank you for engaging in the conversation. I found your words insightful. I honestly did not even know that there was a list of Virtues that the Faith held in high esteem. This is good to know since I have recently decided, in spite of my initial outrage with the Dominus, that the Gods need to have a place in my life. While I cannot bring myself to leave The Spirits behind altogether I recognize that the Gods do exist and as such deserve my attention and respect.
I will take your words and meditate on them and perhaps seek you out another time so that I can learn more from you. In the meantime, I wish you well.
--
(OOC: Will note that in the help file for Shamanism it does say they are considered Spiritual Leaders.... though that doesn't mean its not vexing to the Faith. xD)
Written By Clara
June 25, 2018, 11:17 a.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fredrik
Thank you for your participation, Fredrik. I am thankful for your kindness and support in sharing my general opinions with people. I would love to discuss this topic further with you in person or through messengers. I am certain that my own beliefs are not perfect and could use some debate on them. I in no way think that what I said is what everyone should practice. It is merely food for thought and I think everyone should form their own opinions and live in accordance with their own hearts. And of course, in accordance with the beliefs of The Faith to many of us hold very dear.
Written By Clara
June 25, 2018, 11:12 a.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
I thank you for your wisdom. Your words will not be ignored. I hope you have a fantastic day and a peaceful life. ~ Clara
Written By Clara
June 25, 2018, 10:26 a.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
To: The Population of Arvum but especially our Spiritual Leaders to whom the populace looks to as an example of what we all should strive to be.
Subject: Humility
Theme: Ethics & Morals
Purpose: To engage the population in a ‘friendly’ philosophical conversation.
Journal Question: What behaviors might you need to meditate and reflect on in order to make yourself more humble?
Body: Humility is perhaps one of the more important practices that many seem to overlook. This is especially true to those that feel they are worth more than their neighbor because they are born noble or born into wealth. Even I fall short here sometimes and have to remind myself that I am no better than my neighbors and the people that I serve.
It is important to me as a noble woman that I remember that I was born to privilege but that privilege comes with the responsibility to be a proper example to my people. I don’t mean that everyone needs to have the best manners but it is important to remember that when one is in service to another they should not view themselves as any better than the person next to them. It doesn’t matter our position or our status. On the inside we are all made of the same thing. We all suffer through life and we all have passions and needs. Whether or not one has silver in their pockets or a title affixed to their name we are all the same in the end, our souls spun back into the world by the Queen of Endings as she wills.
Yes, there are those of us with more responsibility but it is those of us with more privilege that need most to remember to be humble. We are the creation of the Gods. We are not our own creation. It is not for us to decide whose life does or does not have more value than the next. That is arrogance and too much pride is its own sin. It is important to remember that without the foundation a building will fall. Society is no different in this regards. The King may rule us all but without nobles he has no one to help govern the people and without people there is no one for nobles to govern.
Without a House there is nothing for a Sword to protect. Without people there is no House. Likewise, the Gods and Spirits stand atop of humans (I will not debate order of importance and nor should you as it will only cause a painful argument for us all.) We depend on their existence to help bring meaning to our lives and without them there would not be Shamans and Archlectors and without believers there might not be any of the above. So true is it that without plants and herbivores… predators, like humans, would not have that which we need to sustain us. Argo, we are no better than any other life. Our lives and our souls are no more or less important than the next.
Now, a reminder here that this is all a personal stance. I am not saying anyone with a differing view is incorrect. But when you respond remain humble, remain respectful.
Thoughts on how to be more humble:
* Listen. Listen. Listen. You don’t need to hear the sound of your own voice. Let other people talk and actually HEAR what they have to say. Think about it and then once you’ve thought about how your response will impact the person, speak.
* Don’t take credit for your deeds. Charity for the sake of Charity is better, and truly charitable, when you are not hearing the praise of the people. Sometimes, it is good just to do the right thing because it is the right thing.
* When you are wrong… admit it and don’t forget to apologize.
* Remember that no way is the absolute way. No way is better than the next if it isn’t bringing suffering to another.
* Share the knowledge and opportunities given to you.
* Remember those who have given to you and give them credit for it.
* Don’t value yourself over anyone else.
* Help others as often as possible.
* Remember that winning isn’t everything. Sometimes there are lessons to be learned in failing.
* Recall that when you believe you have learned all that there is to learn you have already missed out on the next lesson.
* Acknowledge and own your faults. No one is perfect and we all have our shortcomings and sins of choice.
* Be positive when criticizing others. Encourage others to fulfil their own dreams and meet their own goals.
* Take the criticism of others with grace and find the lesson in their words. Don’t focus on the pain it may cause and if there is pain… why does it hurt? Is it true?
* Don’t boast about your successes.
* Accept praise given to you but don’t boast about it or go on and on about it. Just say thank you and move on unless you are asked for more details. Don’t assume people care and want you to share.
* Remember that everyone is different and many of us have differing views on the world. You don’t have to conform to everything you’re told but tolerance and coexistence are important to practice so that we can all live in peace.
* Serve others before yourself.
* When you need help… ask. Don’t be stubborn and do it on your own. These are my thoughts on the topic and I would love to hear your thoughts but once again please keep it civil and remain humble.
Subject: Humility
Theme: Ethics & Morals
Purpose: To engage the population in a ‘friendly’ philosophical conversation.
Journal Question: What behaviors might you need to meditate and reflect on in order to make yourself more humble?
Body: Humility is perhaps one of the more important practices that many seem to overlook. This is especially true to those that feel they are worth more than their neighbor because they are born noble or born into wealth. Even I fall short here sometimes and have to remind myself that I am no better than my neighbors and the people that I serve.
It is important to me as a noble woman that I remember that I was born to privilege but that privilege comes with the responsibility to be a proper example to my people. I don’t mean that everyone needs to have the best manners but it is important to remember that when one is in service to another they should not view themselves as any better than the person next to them. It doesn’t matter our position or our status. On the inside we are all made of the same thing. We all suffer through life and we all have passions and needs. Whether or not one has silver in their pockets or a title affixed to their name we are all the same in the end, our souls spun back into the world by the Queen of Endings as she wills.
Yes, there are those of us with more responsibility but it is those of us with more privilege that need most to remember to be humble. We are the creation of the Gods. We are not our own creation. It is not for us to decide whose life does or does not have more value than the next. That is arrogance and too much pride is its own sin. It is important to remember that without the foundation a building will fall. Society is no different in this regards. The King may rule us all but without nobles he has no one to help govern the people and without people there is no one for nobles to govern.
Without a House there is nothing for a Sword to protect. Without people there is no House. Likewise, the Gods and Spirits stand atop of humans (I will not debate order of importance and nor should you as it will only cause a painful argument for us all.) We depend on their existence to help bring meaning to our lives and without them there would not be Shamans and Archlectors and without believers there might not be any of the above. So true is it that without plants and herbivores… predators, like humans, would not have that which we need to sustain us. Argo, we are no better than any other life. Our lives and our souls are no more or less important than the next.
Now, a reminder here that this is all a personal stance. I am not saying anyone with a differing view is incorrect. But when you respond remain humble, remain respectful.
Thoughts on how to be more humble:
* Listen. Listen. Listen. You don’t need to hear the sound of your own voice. Let other people talk and actually HEAR what they have to say. Think about it and then once you’ve thought about how your response will impact the person, speak.
* Don’t take credit for your deeds. Charity for the sake of Charity is better, and truly charitable, when you are not hearing the praise of the people. Sometimes, it is good just to do the right thing because it is the right thing.
* When you are wrong… admit it and don’t forget to apologize.
* Remember that no way is the absolute way. No way is better than the next if it isn’t bringing suffering to another.
* Share the knowledge and opportunities given to you.
* Remember those who have given to you and give them credit for it.
* Don’t value yourself over anyone else.
* Help others as often as possible.
* Remember that winning isn’t everything. Sometimes there are lessons to be learned in failing.
* Recall that when you believe you have learned all that there is to learn you have already missed out on the next lesson.
* Acknowledge and own your faults. No one is perfect and we all have our shortcomings and sins of choice.
* Be positive when criticizing others. Encourage others to fulfil their own dreams and meet their own goals.
* Take the criticism of others with grace and find the lesson in their words. Don’t focus on the pain it may cause and if there is pain… why does it hurt? Is it true?
* Don’t boast about your successes.
* Accept praise given to you but don’t boast about it or go on and on about it. Just say thank you and move on unless you are asked for more details. Don’t assume people care and want you to share.
* Remember that everyone is different and many of us have differing views on the world. You don’t have to conform to everything you’re told but tolerance and coexistence are important to practice so that we can all live in peace.
* Serve others before yourself.
* When you need help… ask. Don’t be stubborn and do it on your own. These are my thoughts on the topic and I would love to hear your thoughts but once again please keep it civil and remain humble.
Written By Clara
June 24, 2018, 9:50 a.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
P.S. Ask Asger how he almost fainted.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 11:02 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I can understand where the Faith is coming from even if I am entirely in disagreement with the decision. However, I must ask then how the Faith intends to accommodate those who wish to serve the Gods in an official capacity without giving up their traditions. What does The Faith suggest for those who want to serve the Faith and keep their ancestral traditions? We have a lot of upset people here so there naturally should be some diplomatic efforts in place to establish peace around it. A compromise that can be struck to make people feel they are serving the Gods how they feel called to serve.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 10:42 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Speak for yourself. I speak to my plants and thank my herbs all the time.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 6:04 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
Likewise, I stand by Arik's observations on the topic of the Faith's Decree. It is true that this decision affects many who accept both Shamanism and the Pantheon as personal faith. Many have been barred from showing their devotion in a way of their choosing to their patron Gods due to the beliefs of an institution that is supposed to be working on integrating itself into the hearts and minds of people across The Compact.
Those that find themselves lost and betrayed have the option of letting this travesty poison their minds or we can take it as an opportunity to let our hearts grow by embracing that knowledge that all men are imperfect and subject to making grievous mistakes.
The Spirits and The Gods offer us wisdom but it is up to us whether or not we choose to listen and so I extend to people a thought... Will we embrace our fellow men and women in The Compact despite their faults or do we continue to hold a grudge against the Dominius for his apparent slight against an entire culture?
After my own knee jerk reactions, something I am not wholly proud of but will own, I feel that it is best for myself and others that we continue to work on bridging the gap between the acceptance of Gods and Spirits, Shamans and Archlectors, Shamanism and The Faith. Anyone event is welcome to come and speak with me on the topic if they need an ear.
Those that find themselves lost and betrayed have the option of letting this travesty poison their minds or we can take it as an opportunity to let our hearts grow by embracing that knowledge that all men are imperfect and subject to making grievous mistakes.
The Spirits and The Gods offer us wisdom but it is up to us whether or not we choose to listen and so I extend to people a thought... Will we embrace our fellow men and women in The Compact despite their faults or do we continue to hold a grudge against the Dominius for his apparent slight against an entire culture?
After my own knee jerk reactions, something I am not wholly proud of but will own, I feel that it is best for myself and others that we continue to work on bridging the gap between the acceptance of Gods and Spirits, Shamans and Archlectors, Shamanism and The Faith. Anyone event is welcome to come and speak with me on the topic if they need an ear.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 5:43 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I think that High Lord Darren has said this best and I thank him for putting my own feelings on the matter into smoother words than I was able during my initial frustration.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 5:36 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Subject: New Redrain Houses
I disagree with how this was done. I disagree with the ease at which anyone, commoners or otherwise, were able to simply come into a house and power with minimal effort in proving their loyalties and maturity. I look upon these new houses with a leery eye. I will openly state my distrust of this situation but I do hope my instincts are wrong.
I disagree with how this was done. I disagree with the ease at which anyone, commoners or otherwise, were able to simply come into a house and power with minimal effort in proving their loyalties and maturity. I look upon these new houses with a leery eye. I will openly state my distrust of this situation but I do hope my instincts are wrong.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 4:37 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
To which I direct you at Sina's repsonse to the Archlector Skald of which I was responding. I hold no grudge against The Gods and Goddesses of the Pantheon nor their followers. They are not the ones that made this decision.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 3:13 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
We have a Shaman who walks both paths in The Spirit Walkers and we have members who walk both paths.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 12:54 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
Is that not what the Faith is doing to us right now? I was just starting to get used to the idea of trying to embrace the Pantheon and accept that it could be part of my own faith. I went around to shrines, I've talked to disciples and an Archlector. Now I feel that I am being told to feel a self-loathing because I embrace something outside of what the Faith says is correct. It is religious and cultural prosecution endorsed by The Faith. I will rest here. I have made my distaste known.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 12:36 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
How does it help The Compact to further alienate its people and drive a divide between us? It sounds like the Faith is trying to start conflict not resolve it. To break up The Compact, not support it.
Written By Clara
June 17, 2018, 12:21 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
I am disgusted with the lack of tolerance The Faith is showing towards people of other faiths. Its a contradiction to what I thought the Faith was about. You push people that would go to the Gods away by rejecting your own humanity. Way to embrace your reflections.
Written By Clara
June 16, 2018, 10:37 a.m.(1/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Valarian
So dashing! Swoon worthy! His name is writen in the stars, the wind sings his name, and the falling snow dances only for him! ...Bard of the Baths. Silly man. Still, he's fun.
Written By Clara
June 14, 2018, 11 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
...oh rabbits!
Written By Clara
June 14, 2018, 9:49 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
Arik, you look so good in abstract rainbows with fluffy white clouds! That was fun. Let's do it again sometime.
Written By Clara
June 7, 2018, 8:35 a.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
Subject: Spirit of Stormwall Medicinary & The Black Axe Pub
For those of you that don't know me, I am Lady Clara Crovane, younger sister of Duke Asger Crovane. I am a member of The Physicians and in the past I have fought by some of your sides and tended your wounds. That is all I am inclined to say about myself at this time. If you'd like to know me better there are ways beyond reading what I think about myself as I am wholly biased.
Recently, I have opened up the Stormwall Medicinary and its adjacent pub, The Black Axe, and I wanted to take a minute and be open with the public of my intentions for the establishment.
The Medicinary is no different from any other in that I see people who need to be seen for various ailments, I give them medicine, wish them well, check up on them, and pray that they get well. What does make us different is that I am a noble woman running a business and though I do not understand the social bickering about nobles accepting money (if nobles aren't charging for their services they are more likely to get customers than commoners who are and so it makes no sense to me that there is such a problem around nobles charging because it seems like it would actually benefit commoners more if they did. But I digress as that is not the point of my journal today)?
Anyways, I am adhering to the practice of sending my profits off to organizations in need. I am NOT doing this because society says I MUST do so. I could honestly give a rats ass what any one of you think of me and what I do on that level because it's not important to me. I am donating profits because it is the right thing to do and I like helping people. I like people smiling and enjoying their lives and if they are not doing these things than we can expect disease of all sorts spreading around including non-body diseases like crime rate due to desperation being clung onto.
The way I run the business is like this? If a High Noble woman walks in and says she wants a piece of medicinal jewelry because it is pretty I ask her to make a donation at or above the base value of the item if she can and I notify her that profits will be donated. Likewise, if a commoner walks in and needs medicine for her ill son I simply ask that she give what she can. I accept more than coin from people. I accept silver, writs, food, crafts, time/work. If they have nothing they can give I have even asked them to sit by the door for a couple of hours and just greet my patrons for me. Whatever it is they can do, if anything, that is all I ask.
Meanwhile, any non-money donations I receive also are donated to charities and I do this anonymously because I don't care about receiving credit for my actions and charity. All I need to know is that someone didn't starve or die because I made the right choices.
~ Credit is NOT the point of Charity. Charity for Charity's sake is what matters. Anything else is just selfish and so I cannot bring myself to intentionally try to get credit for any charitable action. I am in it for the people, not for myself. This business is for the people, not for my profit whether it be coin or praise.
If someone shows up at the pub hungry. I will feed them and talk with them and help find a way for them to pay the pub back. No questions, end of story, don't care if you're a noble, soldier, or a starving commoner. If you want food and cannot afford coin? Sure, you can work it off. Whatever.
I hope that eases any concern about my business since its reputation is something I don't want to see sagging. Less because I don't want to deal with the politics and more because I don't want my patrons and patience to suffer because of it.
Lady Clara Crovane
For those of you that don't know me, I am Lady Clara Crovane, younger sister of Duke Asger Crovane. I am a member of The Physicians and in the past I have fought by some of your sides and tended your wounds. That is all I am inclined to say about myself at this time. If you'd like to know me better there are ways beyond reading what I think about myself as I am wholly biased.
Recently, I have opened up the Stormwall Medicinary and its adjacent pub, The Black Axe, and I wanted to take a minute and be open with the public of my intentions for the establishment.
The Medicinary is no different from any other in that I see people who need to be seen for various ailments, I give them medicine, wish them well, check up on them, and pray that they get well. What does make us different is that I am a noble woman running a business and though I do not understand the social bickering about nobles accepting money (if nobles aren't charging for their services they are more likely to get customers than commoners who are and so it makes no sense to me that there is such a problem around nobles charging because it seems like it would actually benefit commoners more if they did. But I digress as that is not the point of my journal today)?
Anyways, I am adhering to the practice of sending my profits off to organizations in need. I am NOT doing this because society says I MUST do so. I could honestly give a rats ass what any one of you think of me and what I do on that level because it's not important to me. I am donating profits because it is the right thing to do and I like helping people. I like people smiling and enjoying their lives and if they are not doing these things than we can expect disease of all sorts spreading around including non-body diseases like crime rate due to desperation being clung onto.
The way I run the business is like this? If a High Noble woman walks in and says she wants a piece of medicinal jewelry because it is pretty I ask her to make a donation at or above the base value of the item if she can and I notify her that profits will be donated. Likewise, if a commoner walks in and needs medicine for her ill son I simply ask that she give what she can. I accept more than coin from people. I accept silver, writs, food, crafts, time/work. If they have nothing they can give I have even asked them to sit by the door for a couple of hours and just greet my patrons for me. Whatever it is they can do, if anything, that is all I ask.
Meanwhile, any non-money donations I receive also are donated to charities and I do this anonymously because I don't care about receiving credit for my actions and charity. All I need to know is that someone didn't starve or die because I made the right choices.
~ Credit is NOT the point of Charity. Charity for Charity's sake is what matters. Anything else is just selfish and so I cannot bring myself to intentionally try to get credit for any charitable action. I am in it for the people, not for myself. This business is for the people, not for my profit whether it be coin or praise.
If someone shows up at the pub hungry. I will feed them and talk with them and help find a way for them to pay the pub back. No questions, end of story, don't care if you're a noble, soldier, or a starving commoner. If you want food and cannot afford coin? Sure, you can work it off. Whatever.
I hope that eases any concern about my business since its reputation is something I don't want to see sagging. Less because I don't want to deal with the politics and more because I don't want my patrons and patience to suffer because of it.
Lady Clara Crovane
Written By Clara
June 6, 2018, 4:22 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Subject: The Empyreans and Whispers
I think there are enough people in the world for both organizations to exist even if they were in slight competition. Unless I missed something and suddenly the population has decreased exponentially?
I think there are enough people in the world for both organizations to exist even if they were in slight competition. Unless I missed something and suddenly the population has decreased exponentially?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.