Written By Tomwell
Oct. 10, 2019, 3:19 p.m.(12/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
Without arguing in favor of the embassy, I do offer a slight correction: we do not have a friendly relationship with the Nefer'khat. We don't have any relationship with them. As far as I know, no one in Arvani has had contact with them since Prince Cerdic the Sunset Wanderer. Although Prima Shard has my greatest respect, she herself has no contact with the Nefer'khat.
Of course, that also means that we certainly have no adversarial relationship with them, either. In fact I believe that the Primasen of Nefer'khat have largely vowed to avoid interference in our affairs entirely. This does make them far different than Cardia and Jadairal.
Again, this doesn't signify my support for the embassies in any way, but we should go forth with correct information - something that is notably hard to come by, when it comes to the Nefer'khat, so I also emphasize that the Archscholar has my fullest respect.
Of course, that also means that we certainly have no adversarial relationship with them, either. In fact I believe that the Primasen of Nefer'khat have largely vowed to avoid interference in our affairs entirely. This does make them far different than Cardia and Jadairal.
Again, this doesn't signify my support for the embassies in any way, but we should go forth with correct information - something that is notably hard to come by, when it comes to the Nefer'khat, so I also emphasize that the Archscholar has my fullest respect.
Written By Tomwell
Aug. 25, 2018, 12:09 p.m.(6/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Last night, I had the privilege and joy of seeing the man I admire most in this world be recognized for his gifts. He truly is a Shepherd of the Faith, whom I'm honored to follow.
Written By Tomwell
July 5, 2018, 9:14 p.m.(2/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
No poem has ever moved me as deeply as your paean.
You touch my heart. Thank you for being you.
You touch my heart. Thank you for being you.
Written By Tomwell
May 7, 2018, 3:41 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
If you believe that 15 writs, which I will generously value at 4500 silver, is a "small hurdle" for most residents of Arx, I suggest that perhaps our Minister of Coin should take some time to look into the average citizen's wages. That is several weeks of work, more once you account for the everyday costs of living. Not having weeks worth of silver ready to hand does not mean these people value the lesson or the instructor any less than those who can spend it without a second thought.
I understand very well that nobility of high rank have many responsibilities that take up their days. If they do not have time for instruction, I wouldn't fault them. Where it seems we differ is in what we believe is the responsibility of the highly ranked towards others. I say this merely as myself, not a representative of the Faith, but I view my oaths of fealty and my nobility as one that requires of me to make certain sacrifices towards those lower ranked than me. Others, of course, must reach their own understanding of their oaths.
I understand very well that nobility of high rank have many responsibilities that take up their days. If they do not have time for instruction, I wouldn't fault them. Where it seems we differ is in what we believe is the responsibility of the highly ranked towards others. I say this merely as myself, not a representative of the Faith, but I view my oaths of fealty and my nobility as one that requires of me to make certain sacrifices towards those lower ranked than me. Others, of course, must reach their own understanding of their oaths.
Written By Tomwell
May 7, 2018, 3:01 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
If the question is one of limited time, then I'm uncertain how asking for payment solves the problem. Furthermore, it unavoidably leaves those of lower rank without access. I have absolutely no objections to nobility donating to valuable charities, and support it wholeheartedly, but it's unclear to me why the two should be linked.
If the question is one of time, ask the prospective student to help the prospective teacher with the sorts of time-taking tasks that they might be able to assist with. No matter our rank, we all have things that must be done but do not necessarily require doing by someone with our level of knowledge or expertise. If the student manages a few hours worth of work, the instructor has freed up the time to do the teaching.
If the question is one of valuing the lesson, though I am not personally convinced there needs to be a transaction to prove so, perhaps the instructor can ask the student to perform some act of charity on their own. A way to pay it forward. The student can do that in the manner that best suits them - someone poor in silver but rich in other skills could pass on knowledge of their trade to another student in turn. Or donate the amount of silver they deem affordable to a charity of their choice. Or do work in service for one of the Shrines. And so on.
I simply fail to see how making those lower ranked than oneself pay for lessons will solve a problem of having too little time for instruction. Unless the intent is to weed out the less fortunate, and thus have fewer (and only wealthy) requests for teaching to begin with.
If the question is one of time, ask the prospective student to help the prospective teacher with the sorts of time-taking tasks that they might be able to assist with. No matter our rank, we all have things that must be done but do not necessarily require doing by someone with our level of knowledge or expertise. If the student manages a few hours worth of work, the instructor has freed up the time to do the teaching.
If the question is one of valuing the lesson, though I am not personally convinced there needs to be a transaction to prove so, perhaps the instructor can ask the student to perform some act of charity on their own. A way to pay it forward. The student can do that in the manner that best suits them - someone poor in silver but rich in other skills could pass on knowledge of their trade to another student in turn. Or donate the amount of silver they deem affordable to a charity of their choice. Or do work in service for one of the Shrines. And so on.
I simply fail to see how making those lower ranked than oneself pay for lessons will solve a problem of having too little time for instruction. Unless the intent is to weed out the less fortunate, and thus have fewer (and only wealthy) requests for teaching to begin with.
Written By Tomwell
May 7, 2018, 1:40 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Many of us know the satisfaction of spreading knowledge for the good of the Compact. Stewardship of knowledge, after all, is a sacred duty and I commend and respect all of those who take time from their lives to offer instruction. It can be quite labor intensive, to be sure. Nothing worth knowing can be easily taught in a brief meeting. And so many of us have so many other pressing demands on our time.
Still, I must admit to being taken aback to see lessons offered in exchange for a significant number of writs. With rank comes responsibilities to our vassals and those less fortunate. Further, at such a steep rate, those to whom we should be most concerned with helping may be shut out entirely. Lack of funds shouldn't equal lack of access to knowledge. If the issue is truly one of too few hours in a day, perhaps the instructor could ask for help with a few tasks done in exchange for the lesson - assigned to fit the skills of the student.
That being said, while I can't say I'm a particularly skilled teacher, I do know a bit here and there in social matters. I will happily offer instruction for free to anyone interested. Or do my best to direct you to someone better skilled or more knowledgeable on the subject at hand.
Still, I must admit to being taken aback to see lessons offered in exchange for a significant number of writs. With rank comes responsibilities to our vassals and those less fortunate. Further, at such a steep rate, those to whom we should be most concerned with helping may be shut out entirely. Lack of funds shouldn't equal lack of access to knowledge. If the issue is truly one of too few hours in a day, perhaps the instructor could ask for help with a few tasks done in exchange for the lesson - assigned to fit the skills of the student.
That being said, while I can't say I'm a particularly skilled teacher, I do know a bit here and there in social matters. I will happily offer instruction for free to anyone interested. Or do my best to direct you to someone better skilled or more knowledgeable on the subject at hand.
Written By Tomwell
March 28, 2018, 5:53 p.m.(6/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
Thank you, darling.
Written By Tomwell
Feb. 14, 2018, 5:15 p.m.(3/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Itzal
I just got a kitten. She's gorgeous, I highly recommend it.
Written By Tomwell
Feb. 10, 2018, 10:25 p.m.(2/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianna
Congratulations! They're lucky to have you.
Written By Tomwell
Feb. 7, 2018, 1:59 p.m.(2/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
Happy birthday, darling! Next year we'll have to plan a joint party.
Written By Tomwell
Feb. 2, 2018, 4:15 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
Maybe you don't have to give them up entirely. I'm feeling rather optimistic about the world, just at present, so I can't help but have a positive outlook. Maybe there are parts of your dreams you can keep alive, or elements you can channel into more achievable goals. The world is open to you, darling! Don't give up just yet.
Written By Tomwell
Jan. 24, 2018, 11:13 p.m.(1/12/1008 AR)
One orange rose.
Utter devotion; desire, enthusiasm, or fascination.
Utter devotion; desire, enthusiasm, or fascination.
Written By Tomwell
Jan. 18, 2018, 5:49 p.m.(12/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
I'll wait until Iliana's out of town.
To the rest of you, who I've inspired or otherwise, I must offer this defense: When your wayward younger sibling finally makes themself useful by organizing a major task, just say, "Thank you, Tomwell!"
To the rest of you, who I've inspired or otherwise, I must offer this defense: When your wayward younger sibling finally makes themself useful by organizing a major task, just say, "Thank you, Tomwell!"
Written By Tomwell
Jan. 18, 2018, 10:31 a.m.(12/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Gwenna
You make a compelling point. But on the other hand, he deserves it.
Written By Tomwell
Jan. 18, 2018, 1:26 a.m.(12/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
"Helping me get some work done." That's it, I'm putting frogs in his bed.
Written By Tomwell
Jan. 17, 2018, 6:06 p.m.(12/26/1007 AR)
The results of my experiment are in: the little nagging feeling does, in fact, go away when I devote myself to my heir-ish duties. Plus, as it happens, it hasn't been so bad. Thus far it's mostly involved talking to people, which is practically my favorite pastime. Maybe I can find a way to serve my House and myself, afterall.
Written By Tomwell
Jan. 10, 2018, 11:38 p.m.(12/10/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aerandir
The beginning of my song was so promising, it would be a shame to let it get lost.
There once was a knight with a quill
and gardening oft was his will...
I think it has promise as a drinking song. I'll have to sort out the rest.
There once was a knight with a quill
and gardening oft was his will...
I think it has promise as a drinking song. I'll have to sort out the rest.
Written By Tomwell
Jan. 10, 2018, 7:11 p.m.(12/10/1007 AR)
I like to think I'm a man of many talents. I have my skills, I know. But of late, it's difficult to feel as though any of them matter much at all. I'm not going to compose a poem to keep the looming threats at bay, or sing a ballad so beautiful that Leaholdt's earnings double in size.
It's time I put wishful fantasies aside and focused on practical duties. Perhaps this nagging feeling will go away, once I do.
It's time I put wishful fantasies aside and focused on practical duties. Perhaps this nagging feeling will go away, once I do.
Written By Tomwell
Feb. 12, 2017, 8:47 p.m.(11/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
A most gracious host and one who I would happily see again, with or without my violin.
Written By Tomwell
Feb. 12, 2017, 8:46 p.m.(11/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
My dear brother. Do not get any clever ideas. I know where you sleep. I am absolutely not going to dust your bed with powdered peppers or anything of the sort.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.