Written By Aureth
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:41 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
As Legate of the Lost and acting Archlector of the First Choice, I shall clarify for all:
Economic support to those families working towards the end of thralldom is excellent and necessary. It can take many forms. However, the practice known as "buying thrall debt" systemically accepts the idea that persons may be bought and sold, and is more or less tantamount to paying off slavers for the inconvenience of losing their slave labor. It is not supported by the Liberators, nor if you ask me is it supported by common sense.
Working towards the economic development of those properties that have been unviable without unpaid labor is something that a number of economic experts, including my personal friend Perronne Amboise and her very fine business partner whose name I'm sure you all know, have been focused on, and will continue to be focused on. However, "pay thrall owners to recoup their losses for the release of their slaves" does not solve this problem, will not solve this problem, and is a shortcut that may, in fact, diminish those efforts to actually assist those houses who would otherwise be working towards a solution from gaining traction.
If you choose to do this, I am not calling you evil, or a supporter of slavery, or anything other than either misguided or perhaps seduced by the lure of the "easy road". It does seem "easy" to simply purchase the freedom of an individual thrall. However, I would humbly suggest that you consider directing your efforts towards eradicating thralldom elsewhere.
For example:
(1) Rehoming and retraining families that might not wish to remain upon lands that they worked as thralls. The Liberators have developed a number of connections throughout the Mourning Isles and the rest of the Compact to assist with this project, but training opportunities, especially, can help almost anyone, especially those who have known only _simple_ labor for a long time. Child thralls have been illegal in more enlightened houses of the Mourning Isles for some time, but the aftereffects of a longstanding practice do not dissolve overnight.
(2) Agricultural improvements upon those properties that have been worked solely by unpaid labor to make them more viable without it. I believe Lady Olivia Ashford and several other disciples of Petrichor had spearheaded some initial explorations in this area, though I admit I'm not certain of the present status of their work.
(3) Simple charitable support for those houses that will need it because they have already resolved to release their thralls and suffer the impact of that. The Liberators and the Faith are ready, willing and able to provide this, but the more people get on board, the better.
(4) Aggressive protection of the lands and waters of those lands that no longer hold thralls. Pretending that no freed thralls will rise up to fight back against those who were once their oppressors is foolish. Military protection, especially naval protection, is simply a sane and necessary precaution and must, of course, be paid for.
Finally, as to the methods used to raise money, that is up to each individual who chooses to do so. I don't scruple particularly about what ways people make giving away their money more palatable to themselves. As a general rule, I will make this comment as to "auctions," since it has come up:
The Liberators do not approve of charitable events that ape the buying and selling of persons as presently take place in less enlightened civilizations across the world for reasons that appear obvious to me, but if anyone is genuinely confused about the subject, the Faith is here to educate. Perhaps, when real slave auctions no longer happen anywhere, and slavery has been abolished by all, we can revisit the question of whether pretending to do so is funny.
And yes-- I have made exorbitant "purchases" at charity auctions before, for very good causes (and honestly, for less good causes, probably-- they were quite in vogue once upon a time, and fashion does drive). As the Whispers once did, I came to understand why it was in bad taste, and I chose to stop. I regret that fashion appears to be swinging back in so distasteful a direction, but-- as it is -- I shall at least clarify for those who wish to understand, and answer questions for those who would ask.
Economic support to those families working towards the end of thralldom is excellent and necessary. It can take many forms. However, the practice known as "buying thrall debt" systemically accepts the idea that persons may be bought and sold, and is more or less tantamount to paying off slavers for the inconvenience of losing their slave labor. It is not supported by the Liberators, nor if you ask me is it supported by common sense.
Working towards the economic development of those properties that have been unviable without unpaid labor is something that a number of economic experts, including my personal friend Perronne Amboise and her very fine business partner whose name I'm sure you all know, have been focused on, and will continue to be focused on. However, "pay thrall owners to recoup their losses for the release of their slaves" does not solve this problem, will not solve this problem, and is a shortcut that may, in fact, diminish those efforts to actually assist those houses who would otherwise be working towards a solution from gaining traction.
If you choose to do this, I am not calling you evil, or a supporter of slavery, or anything other than either misguided or perhaps seduced by the lure of the "easy road". It does seem "easy" to simply purchase the freedom of an individual thrall. However, I would humbly suggest that you consider directing your efforts towards eradicating thralldom elsewhere.
For example:
(1) Rehoming and retraining families that might not wish to remain upon lands that they worked as thralls. The Liberators have developed a number of connections throughout the Mourning Isles and the rest of the Compact to assist with this project, but training opportunities, especially, can help almost anyone, especially those who have known only _simple_ labor for a long time. Child thralls have been illegal in more enlightened houses of the Mourning Isles for some time, but the aftereffects of a longstanding practice do not dissolve overnight.
(2) Agricultural improvements upon those properties that have been worked solely by unpaid labor to make them more viable without it. I believe Lady Olivia Ashford and several other disciples of Petrichor had spearheaded some initial explorations in this area, though I admit I'm not certain of the present status of their work.
(3) Simple charitable support for those houses that will need it because they have already resolved to release their thralls and suffer the impact of that. The Liberators and the Faith are ready, willing and able to provide this, but the more people get on board, the better.
(4) Aggressive protection of the lands and waters of those lands that no longer hold thralls. Pretending that no freed thralls will rise up to fight back against those who were once their oppressors is foolish. Military protection, especially naval protection, is simply a sane and necessary precaution and must, of course, be paid for.
Finally, as to the methods used to raise money, that is up to each individual who chooses to do so. I don't scruple particularly about what ways people make giving away their money more palatable to themselves. As a general rule, I will make this comment as to "auctions," since it has come up:
The Liberators do not approve of charitable events that ape the buying and selling of persons as presently take place in less enlightened civilizations across the world for reasons that appear obvious to me, but if anyone is genuinely confused about the subject, the Faith is here to educate. Perhaps, when real slave auctions no longer happen anywhere, and slavery has been abolished by all, we can revisit the question of whether pretending to do so is funny.
And yes-- I have made exorbitant "purchases" at charity auctions before, for very good causes (and honestly, for less good causes, probably-- they were quite in vogue once upon a time, and fashion does drive). As the Whispers once did, I came to understand why it was in bad taste, and I chose to stop. I regret that fashion appears to be swinging back in so distasteful a direction, but-- as it is -- I shall at least clarify for those who wish to understand, and answer questions for those who would ask.
Written By Willow
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:28 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
The Dream is beautiful madness, little given to unfold her deeper mysteries to those without a touch of madness themselves. The trick, then, is to balance the line one walks between Dream and Waking.
Written By Willow
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:27 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Helle
Do you remember,
Wintry withe,
The way the Crystal Lanterns
Once lit the path
To the Sacred Grove
Before the Dragonlords
Stole the life from the land
And the light from the way?
Wintry withe,
The way the Crystal Lanterns
Once lit the path
To the Sacred Grove
Before the Dragonlords
Stole the life from the land
And the light from the way?
Written By Willow
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:25 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
From Dreamer to Dreamer,
Inside the Dream we weave.
No steelsilk, no pyreweave,
But instead: stories
A song for the displaced
An ode to the downtrodden
A minuet for the forgotten
Effervescent songbird
You give wings to dreams
Inside the Dream we weave.
No steelsilk, no pyreweave,
But instead: stories
A song for the displaced
An ode to the downtrodden
A minuet for the forgotten
Effervescent songbird
You give wings to dreams
Written By Caspian
Oct. 3, 2019, 10:15 a.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
People are silly. Auctioning off a limited time with willing people to other people to perform an activity they both agree too is not selling humans. And what's with "buying thrall debt". Do you expect me to embezzle the money or something? Luckily for every hack with an opinion there are a dozen of people who are willing to give up an evening of their time for a good cause.
To everyone who volunteered, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Now a more interesting criticism is I am rewarding those who have enslaved others with money. And know what? That might be a fair criticism. But I am a bit of a pragmatist at times. I am willing to give the houses money to free people now so that they enjoy their freedom rather them having to wait for the houses to give up their thralls, which may not happen if there is no incentive. I willing to try many different things to give Thralls their well deserved freedom.
To everyone who volunteered, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Now a more interesting criticism is I am rewarding those who have enslaved others with money. And know what? That might be a fair criticism. But I am a bit of a pragmatist at times. I am willing to give the houses money to free people now so that they enjoy their freedom rather them having to wait for the houses to give up their thralls, which may not happen if there is no incentive. I willing to try many different things to give Thralls their well deserved freedom.
Written By Korka
Oct. 3, 2019, 10:08 a.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
It is disappointing to see the Whispers step back from what was a wonderful act of contrition for proposing the very same thing we see now. I'm told that in Eurus slaves are sold in the very same fashion, put up on the block and paraded about so that their owners can choose the best of them for themselves and the sellers can wring out every silver they can by turning them this way and that. While I am sure there will be arguments that this is making a mockery of the practice and using the funds for good by buying up thrall debt, I have to wonder if people putting forward these arguments actually have any faith in them themselves.
What is being done is normalizing a ghastly process. It is saying that good can come of putting a person up and having someone bid on them. You can splice hairs all you want by saying it's not them it's their time, but what else is being bought from a thrall except their life's time?
One would think a place so established and esteemed as Whisper House, whose entire outward goal is diplomatic in nature and who advertises their mediation services, would not think for a moment to contribute to so shadowy and controversial a thing. Perhaps only to smooth over the ripples this terrible idea will cause.
Should Whisper House want to contribute to charity, I am sure there are faster, less controversial ways to do so and one would think they have the means available without further "renting" out the time of a former Radiant to the highest bidder.
What is being done is normalizing a ghastly process. It is saying that good can come of putting a person up and having someone bid on them. You can splice hairs all you want by saying it's not them it's their time, but what else is being bought from a thrall except their life's time?
One would think a place so established and esteemed as Whisper House, whose entire outward goal is diplomatic in nature and who advertises their mediation services, would not think for a moment to contribute to so shadowy and controversial a thing. Perhaps only to smooth over the ripples this terrible idea will cause.
Should Whisper House want to contribute to charity, I am sure there are faster, less controversial ways to do so and one would think they have the means available without further "renting" out the time of a former Radiant to the highest bidder.
Written By Gaspar
Oct. 3, 2019, 8:57 a.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Perhaps I am ignorant to the sensitivities leading up to this decry of the date auction that is upon us soon.
Perhaps there are things deep-rooted and embedded that I've little exposure to.
But.
Perhaps those are involved as simply seeing this as a good cause. Those involved are /volunteering/ their time for a cause they deem worthy: the end of thralldom, even if it is one date at a time.
No one is being forced to participant. No one is being forced to do anything they don't want to do. It is an auction of time. Time that is willingly being offered by those volunteers to whomever wins for the evening.
Is this the greatest means of raising funds? Likely not. Is it a bit on the nose? Perhaps.
But its spirit is what matters. I, for one, commend almost any means to end thralldom. But there is much to be done past the finish line.
Perhaps there are things deep-rooted and embedded that I've little exposure to.
But.
Perhaps those are involved as simply seeing this as a good cause. Those involved are /volunteering/ their time for a cause they deem worthy: the end of thralldom, even if it is one date at a time.
No one is being forced to participant. No one is being forced to do anything they don't want to do. It is an auction of time. Time that is willingly being offered by those volunteers to whomever wins for the evening.
Is this the greatest means of raising funds? Likely not. Is it a bit on the nose? Perhaps.
But its spirit is what matters. I, for one, commend almost any means to end thralldom. But there is much to be done past the finish line.
Written By Miranda
Oct. 3, 2019, 8:04 a.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
Baroness Lucita Saik
If I were a poetess, I would write such a tale...
If I were a bard, I would express your beauty, generosity, and wisdom with keen words that would leave no one in doubt of the amazing woman you are. People would take up their own quills to write songs in your honor. The world would weep at the knowledge of your existence. Children would be named after you for generations.
You are a blessing.
If I were a poetess, I would write such a tale...
If I were a bard, I would express your beauty, generosity, and wisdom with keen words that would leave no one in doubt of the amazing woman you are. People would take up their own quills to write songs in your honor. The world would weep at the knowledge of your existence. Children would be named after you for generations.
You are a blessing.
Written By Mabelle
Oct. 3, 2019, 4:56 a.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Often soul searching, quite literally, can be overwhelming.
I found myself washed with an array of mixed feelings this week: joy, sadness, frustration, loss, anger.
While seeking is encouraged, make sure you have a friend who is aware of your process and is there to balance you.
Remember some stones may remain unturned.
I found myself washed with an array of mixed feelings this week: joy, sadness, frustration, loss, anger.
While seeking is encouraged, make sure you have a friend who is aware of your process and is there to balance you.
Remember some stones may remain unturned.
Written By Juniper
Oct. 3, 2019, 12:34 a.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
Every well has its bottom and even the deepest natural spring can become dry, in the right conditions. I'm tired. I am more than the good I do for others but it's hard to remember that, sometimes, when one is seen only in that light. I think I've realized why healers aren't held up as heroes, the way our greatest legends are. Why there are no healers, not one, in any hall in the Hall of Heroes. I understand now. And I am very, very tired.
Written By Mirari
Oct. 2, 2019, 9:44 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
To say I am disappointed in House Whisper would be putting it mildly. I am affirmed that my choice to step away from a courtier life with House Whisper and focus upon my patronage with Baroness Kima, and then my eventual Merchantile endeavors was the right choice.
These "date" auctions are tawdry and gross. I am surprised that a former thrall would happily engage in a mockery of selling humans upon an auction block to "buy thrall debt".
That would be like hiring a known assassin to bring a war criminal to justice.
You may be doing something good, but your methods in doing so make a mockery of the suffering of others.
These "date" auctions are tawdry and gross. I am surprised that a former thrall would happily engage in a mockery of selling humans upon an auction block to "buy thrall debt".
That would be like hiring a known assassin to bring a war criminal to justice.
You may be doing something good, but your methods in doing so make a mockery of the suffering of others.
Written By Malcolm
Oct. 2, 2019, 9:04 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Last, never least, I'll need to send another donation to the Faith in the name of a certain protege.
Written By Malcolm
Oct. 2, 2019, 9:04 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
Wondering how Simon's settling back in and if Bonnie's back. Think I'll send a message and have him be the second of the Valiant Effort in my stead, he's got more freedom to roam. Hoping Jennyva and Kaiden are doing all right. Nights, when the stars come out, and trust me if the sky isn't the most pretty thing ever when the view's from Graypeak's Aerie and I know all's right with the world -- I wonder how Delilah's holding up. Nothing bad's come up by messenger yet, so, that's a good thing. Keep it up, my lady-wife, you're doing fine.
Written By Malcolm
Oct. 2, 2019, 9:04 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
Notes from Graypeak:
Autumn's got to be the best time of year because that's when the entire mountain turns to fire from whatever trees are down in the Valley - the Fine river cutting through it like a like a pair of shears through some kind of fancy cloth. Gives me ideas. But not many. I'm no poet and I'm barely of a crafting mind. Just stealing sips of whiskey to keep me sane through all these meetings and greetings. Makes me wordy. Been up here mostly to meet with my people at Graypeak and review how we're looking after harvest, how well our stores will feed us during the winter, asking about the upkeep of our crops and flocks. Gods above -- so many damnable numbers and reports that I have piled up. All this nonsense will go straight to Wyatt once I'm back.
Autumn's got to be the best time of year because that's when the entire mountain turns to fire from whatever trees are down in the Valley - the Fine river cutting through it like a like a pair of shears through some kind of fancy cloth. Gives me ideas. But not many. I'm no poet and I'm barely of a crafting mind. Just stealing sips of whiskey to keep me sane through all these meetings and greetings. Makes me wordy. Been up here mostly to meet with my people at Graypeak and review how we're looking after harvest, how well our stores will feed us during the winter, asking about the upkeep of our crops and flocks. Gods above -- so many damnable numbers and reports that I have piled up. All this nonsense will go straight to Wyatt once I'm back.
Written By Catalana
Oct. 2, 2019, 8:43 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
The wonderful quiet of the Kay is broken. Porter is home.
I have already alerted the docks that my husband will be sleeping off multiple hangovers on his boat this week.
I have already alerted the docks that my husband will be sleeping off multiple hangovers on his boat this week.
Written By Juniper
Oct. 2, 2019, 8:06 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
Some weeks ago I wrote to the High Lords of the Compact, and their Voices, proposing to establish hospices like Elysium in each of the large capital cities. The goal is not that each does exactly what I do, for there's only one of me. But in my time with Whisper House, and running the hospice, I have treated very many veterans, the hopeless and harmed and addicted, who've wrestled with their darkness and emerged victorious (they credit me but it's their own tenacity which has seen them through). I proposed to the High Lords that these veterans, after being trained by me, be allowed to open a hospice of their own in each of these great cities, where they can continue on the path of dignity and self-worth by treating their brethren as they were treated.
As of this writing, Thrax and Velenosa have agreed, and I offer all of my gratitude to them for their embrace of this project. Thank you. We've seen so many changes these past years and this will be one of the better ones, to continue that trend. Thank for your foresight, and your generosity. Thank you for your willingness to help.
As of this writing, Thrax and Velenosa have agreed, and I offer all of my gratitude to them for their embrace of this project. Thank you. We've seen so many changes these past years and this will be one of the better ones, to continue that trend. Thank for your foresight, and your generosity. Thank you for your willingness to help.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 2, 2019, 7:27 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Zoey
While some might think it a silly idea, perhaps, I think a mock office would be both adorable as well as educational. Lord Darion has so many fine examples to learn from as well, between the Voices of your House, all of whom I have greatly enjoyed working alongside for some years now, to Lord Ian and, of course, the Marquessa Regent Octavia. While I was not raised to lead a House, as Lord Darion will be, I often accompanied my mother along on her more formal duties, as well as my father while he was still alive. I didn't always understand exactly what was going on, but I think it made the going-through-the-motions a little easier as I grew up; desks and offices and meetings weren't wholly unfamiliar. Maybe it is never too early to start.
Written By Elisha
Oct. 2, 2019, 6:41 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
For Grigori
1) --interbred dragons and elves to create the Drac'alfar, who shift from humanoid forms into serpentine creatures capable of flight.
2) The Metallic Order meets in Uanna, nation of light, to suppress the Basepyre Heresy, which claims that the Great Many are superior to the Chosen Few.
3) The Cardian Betrayal: the sky dark with dragons: the Sutterlynds blasted into lifeless glass.
4) A woman cursed to immortality wakes on a beach, surrounded by charred bones and molten steel--and a wounded scout, whom she nurses to health, whom she loves.
5) Thirteen times, the woman bears a child with the scout, and thirteen times she cannot remember her labor.
6) She wakes to an unnatural quiet and discovers, tucked beside her, a skeleton with closely folded wings.
7) She fashions a lute from her lover's charred bones and plays a memorial of such joyful celebration that fields of dahlias unfurl through cracks in the glass-sheathed earth.
8) Some say she wanders the Wastes to this day, remembering her lover, singing to her children; some say her tears heal the tormented soil.
1) --interbred dragons and elves to create the Drac'alfar, who shift from humanoid forms into serpentine creatures capable of flight.
2) The Metallic Order meets in Uanna, nation of light, to suppress the Basepyre Heresy, which claims that the Great Many are superior to the Chosen Few.
3) The Cardian Betrayal: the sky dark with dragons: the Sutterlynds blasted into lifeless glass.
4) A woman cursed to immortality wakes on a beach, surrounded by charred bones and molten steel--and a wounded scout, whom she nurses to health, whom she loves.
5) Thirteen times, the woman bears a child with the scout, and thirteen times she cannot remember her labor.
6) She wakes to an unnatural quiet and discovers, tucked beside her, a skeleton with closely folded wings.
7) She fashions a lute from her lover's charred bones and plays a memorial of such joyful celebration that fields of dahlias unfurl through cracks in the glass-sheathed earth.
8) Some say she wanders the Wastes to this day, remembering her lover, singing to her children; some say her tears heal the tormented soil.
Written By Esme
Oct. 2, 2019, 6:07 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
All those that happen upon this,
You are enough. You are wonderful and you are loved. I know that sometimes life just doesn't happen how you want it to or how you thought it would, but that doesn't mean it's not how it's meant to. It will get better and pain does go away. Hearts do mend. You will find that all out there if you just remember to breathe. We are more than our steps on the path, we are the journey and the life we live. We are everything we touch, for we leave just a little of ourselves and we are given that from others.
I want you all to know that Limerance is love. That love we are inspired to have, but that love is not just romantic. It's the love of a parent or a child. It's the love of friends. There are so many definitions of love and you are loved. There is someone out there that loves you right now. For who you are. Without question. Imagine how wonderful things would be if we could let go of the dark and live in the light. The beauty and transformation that comes with truly loving without need or greed. The ability to give fully and to be fully receptive.
I want you all to know that in Limerance you are loved and as his Devotion; I care.
You are enough. You are wonderful and you are loved. I know that sometimes life just doesn't happen how you want it to or how you thought it would, but that doesn't mean it's not how it's meant to. It will get better and pain does go away. Hearts do mend. You will find that all out there if you just remember to breathe. We are more than our steps on the path, we are the journey and the life we live. We are everything we touch, for we leave just a little of ourselves and we are given that from others.
I want you all to know that Limerance is love. That love we are inspired to have, but that love is not just romantic. It's the love of a parent or a child. It's the love of friends. There are so many definitions of love and you are loved. There is someone out there that loves you right now. For who you are. Without question. Imagine how wonderful things would be if we could let go of the dark and live in the light. The beauty and transformation that comes with truly loving without need or greed. The ability to give fully and to be fully receptive.
I want you all to know that in Limerance you are loved and as his Devotion; I care.
Written By Thea
Oct. 2, 2019, 3:16 p.m.(12/10/1011 AR)
The more I seem to dig, the more questions I have rather than answers. It's a bit frustrating.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.