Written By Thena
March 9, 2018, 1:38 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
You had better be kidding.
Written By Tessa
March 9, 2018, 1:37 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Oh! My parents are negligent undeserving of respect by anyone can I get adopted by Pravus too??? #iwontstartwars
Written By Cara
March 9, 2018, 1:33 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
As for Count Tibault and his adoption of children born outside of oaths --
Clearly, the man has a remarkable eye for those whose innate capability marks them as the very finest of souls among us. I expect his gift is the exception, not the rule.
Clearly, the man has a remarkable eye for those whose innate capability marks them as the very finest of souls among us. I expect his gift is the exception, not the rule.
Written By Cara
March 9, 2018, 1:31 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Either the establishment of the nobility has meaning beyond simply wealth and power, or it does not.
If it does not, then say so, and act boldly in pursuit of this new truth so that we may live openly and freely in whatever world arises from it.
If it does, then it should be respected as the order pursuant to the gods' wishes, and protected as such.
Children, obviously, should be treated kindly and with care. They should be raised fairly and educated, sheltered and given opportunity to pursue trades and callings, be that the church or the call of arms, the way of the crafter or trader or the path of service. Should their own valor raise them to a height which proclaims the gods' favor, then perhaps, _perhaps_, nobility should be theirs.
If it's to be anarchy, though, my advice would be to ensure your home is properly provisioned for emergencies, to invest in strong locks, and make friends with someone beefy and well-armed. Perhaps a Valardin. They are magnificent when things of arms and armor are involved.
If it does not, then say so, and act boldly in pursuit of this new truth so that we may live openly and freely in whatever world arises from it.
If it does, then it should be respected as the order pursuant to the gods' wishes, and protected as such.
Children, obviously, should be treated kindly and with care. They should be raised fairly and educated, sheltered and given opportunity to pursue trades and callings, be that the church or the call of arms, the way of the crafter or trader or the path of service. Should their own valor raise them to a height which proclaims the gods' favor, then perhaps, _perhaps_, nobility should be theirs.
If it's to be anarchy, though, my advice would be to ensure your home is properly provisioned for emergencies, to invest in strong locks, and make friends with someone beefy and well-armed. Perhaps a Valardin. They are magnificent when things of arms and armor are involved.
Written By Khanne
March 9, 2018, 1:30 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
To echo Laric and Rei and Tikva and anyone else: I do not believe anyone has wished harm to the children, or said that they should suffer consequence of any sort. However, ennoblement in the Compact is a 'big deal'. People have thrown fits over some people earning titles of nobility... People who have -saved lives- of many others. Those who have ennobled them suffer hits to their reputation. Many of the nobility in the Compact rather frown upon the process, regardless of reason.
How is it so surprising when a House is questioned when they ennobled Crwonsworn children, without explanation, without mention of the mother, without anything other than, these babies are now Lord and Lady Pravus? I am not saying it was wrong or right of them, as I do not know the details, but, I do believe that is what has so many in a fervor, there were none given in regards to the ennoblement, taken in as orphans might be, when they are not such. I am most caught off kilter by the fact the children's parents are both well and able-bodied people, even if one has been handed a punishment for his crimes. That people are so surprised at the reaction of many baffles me.
I know that when I thought to give nobility to one sworn but commoner, I suffered consequences of the peanut gallery, and the process never even finished.
That's all I am saying, whether we wish the Compact to understand and not raise a brow at all, society is what it is, and does not tend to change over night. It shouldn't come as a surprise that it is questioned.
No one who has spoken out in the whites has called for harm to the children, that I have seen thus far. If any had actually, I would have expected a rather volatile cascade of responses from many across all of the houses. What sense would it make to punish a man for things he has done, in part to children, then wish ill upon his children? None. That would be hypocritical.
I, for one, wish the children the best in their futures, may they be bright and full of all the things children need to flourish.
How is it so surprising when a House is questioned when they ennobled Crwonsworn children, without explanation, without mention of the mother, without anything other than, these babies are now Lord and Lady Pravus? I am not saying it was wrong or right of them, as I do not know the details, but, I do believe that is what has so many in a fervor, there were none given in regards to the ennoblement, taken in as orphans might be, when they are not such. I am most caught off kilter by the fact the children's parents are both well and able-bodied people, even if one has been handed a punishment for his crimes. That people are so surprised at the reaction of many baffles me.
I know that when I thought to give nobility to one sworn but commoner, I suffered consequences of the peanut gallery, and the process never even finished.
That's all I am saying, whether we wish the Compact to understand and not raise a brow at all, society is what it is, and does not tend to change over night. It shouldn't come as a surprise that it is questioned.
No one who has spoken out in the whites has called for harm to the children, that I have seen thus far. If any had actually, I would have expected a rather volatile cascade of responses from many across all of the houses. What sense would it make to punish a man for things he has done, in part to children, then wish ill upon his children? None. That would be hypocritical.
I, for one, wish the children the best in their futures, may they be bright and full of all the things children need to flourish.
Written By Corban
March 9, 2018, 1:28 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Countess Reigna sums my views on the matter well. To take a child into one's home and raise and care for them is a show of Gild's charity. But the peerage is a limited group for good and sufficient reasons and to expand it to those who are not born to the honor without exceptional cause uncalled for.
Duchess Belladonna ensures that these children will not be raised by a monster who has forsaken not just Gloria's honor but also the love of the entire Pantheon. For that, she is to be applauded.
But for weakening the peerage, I cannot concur. Countess Reigna no doubt speaks for many, and I find the vigor of the dissent to be perplexing.
Duchess Belladonna ensures that these children will not be raised by a monster who has forsaken not just Gloria's honor but also the love of the entire Pantheon. For that, she is to be applauded.
But for weakening the peerage, I cannot concur. Countess Reigna no doubt speaks for many, and I find the vigor of the dissent to be perplexing.
Written By Cassima
March 9, 2018, 1:23 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I find it hard to understand how one can wish the children well, and in the same stroke of the pen call for consequences against the House that took them in. Those two courses contradict each other.
Written By Tikva
March 9, 2018, 1:22 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
My word. I cannot say it is shocking that when one writes in feeling, one is wildly misinterpreted, for it happens often, yet here I am taking pen to paper to clarify, lest my own sister decide I am a monster of ingratitude.
It's nice to see so many voices raised in support of the ennoblement of bastard children. Count Tibault would have had much less to shield us from if these voices had been raised mightily when I was a girl. I would have had to fight less hard for Tiber's title when I married Lord Kelleth. I won't speak to a thousand sneers and sideglances. If you haven't been there, I suppose you might not notice.
These are bastard children with two living commoner parents who are being adopted by a titled duchess with issue of her own. For some reason. I hope someone consulted their living, breathing commoner mother.
But sure, let us by all means that this is all about the grace and innocence of children. That everyone always ennobles bastards. Out of simple loving kindness. Without respect for what their parents have done to their own oaths.
That is obviously how this has always worked. Think of the children.
It's nice to see so many voices raised in support of the ennoblement of bastard children. Count Tibault would have had much less to shield us from if these voices had been raised mightily when I was a girl. I would have had to fight less hard for Tiber's title when I married Lord Kelleth. I won't speak to a thousand sneers and sideglances. If you haven't been there, I suppose you might not notice.
These are bastard children with two living commoner parents who are being adopted by a titled duchess with issue of her own. For some reason. I hope someone consulted their living, breathing commoner mother.
But sure, let us by all means that this is all about the grace and innocence of children. That everyone always ennobles bastards. Out of simple loving kindness. Without respect for what their parents have done to their own oaths.
That is obviously how this has always worked. Think of the children.
Written By Reigna
March 9, 2018, 1:21 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Thank you for that. It sheds light onto the situation, but still fails to explain why they were adopted. Being made wards of House Pravus would have afforded them those same luxuries. That they are kin... I see that. To an extent. Blood is important. But in this case I, personally, find the justification weak. Clearly the Duchess Belladonna did not. That is her choice. It is mine to think poorly of it, and to feel affronted.
Again, this is *not* about the children or begrudging them a rich and prosperous future. It is about the message that Pravus sends about the worth and value of the titles they so freely give away.
Again, this is *not* about the children or begrudging them a rich and prosperous future. It is about the message that Pravus sends about the worth and value of the titles they so freely give away.
Written By Orazio
March 9, 2018, 1:20 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
A few musings on a matter which seems to have consumed several journals I read - the adoption and ennoblement of two children to House Pravus. It is in the spirit of charity and generosity, beloved of Gild, to provide shelter and love to children who may be orphaned or whose parents can no longer take care of them. These children, however, are not. They have both living mother and living father, however in disgrace the latter might be. I confess I am curious as to why father and mother abandoned their own responsibilities to the children and instead gave them into the care of strangers of no blood relation.
Further, it is worth noting that it is possible to give children shelter and love and a place to belong without also raising them to the nobility for no good reason and even outside their own fealty. Of course, it is an interesting move politically - now, when these children reach adulthood, they may bring war and strife to not one, but two fealties: a Great House and one of the most powerful Duchies of the Lyceum, by virtue of both blood and adoption. But, by all means, teach them to desire the finer things in life, raise them to feel entitled to power, train them to lead and persuade people to their causes, and then - one supposes - attempt to trade them off as marriage fodder to the minor vassals who will be satisfied and not insulted with being bound to common-born adoptees instead of blooded members of the House. Or perhaps they will simply marry for 'love', maybe even to commoners, themselves. It's the popular thing, these days.
Of course, this is the Lyceum we're talking about. If they're very good students of their teachings, one of them may take an interest in the apothecary arts and we shall have a most unusual Duke or Duchess fifteen years down the line, owing to the rest of the family having some unfortunate accidents at mealtimes. It wouldn't be the choice I would make for the well-being of my House and family, but it should at least prove exciting.
A few musings on a matter which seems to have consumed several journals I read - the adoption and ennoblement of two children to House Pravus. It is in the spirit of charity and generosity, beloved of Gild, to provide shelter and love to children who may be orphaned or whose parents can no longer take care of them. These children, however, are not. They have both living mother and living father, however in disgrace the latter might be. I confess I am curious as to why father and mother abandoned their own responsibilities to the children and instead gave them into the care of strangers of no blood relation.
Further, it is worth noting that it is possible to give children shelter and love and a place to belong without also raising them to the nobility for no good reason and even outside their own fealty. Of course, it is an interesting move politically - now, when these children reach adulthood, they may bring war and strife to not one, but two fealties: a Great House and one of the most powerful Duchies of the Lyceum, by virtue of both blood and adoption. But, by all means, teach them to desire the finer things in life, raise them to feel entitled to power, train them to lead and persuade people to their causes, and then - one supposes - attempt to trade them off as marriage fodder to the minor vassals who will be satisfied and not insulted with being bound to common-born adoptees instead of blooded members of the House. Or perhaps they will simply marry for 'love', maybe even to commoners, themselves. It's the popular thing, these days.
Of course, this is the Lyceum we're talking about. If they're very good students of their teachings, one of them may take an interest in the apothecary arts and we shall have a most unusual Duke or Duchess fifteen years down the line, owing to the rest of the family having some unfortunate accidents at mealtimes. It wouldn't be the choice I would make for the well-being of my House and family, but it should at least prove exciting.
Written By Calaudrin
March 9, 2018, 1:20 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
If I was going to scream into my whites, I'd use a lot more exclamation points and capital letters. For example:
I FINALLY GOT RID OF THAT BANJOOOOO!!!
I FINALLY GOT RID OF THAT BANJOOOOO!!!
Written By Reigna
March 9, 2018, 1:19 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rey
I have never wished ill to the children. Never. And I am glad for you, that House Laveer has such an interesting method of adoption. I am sure that has been good for you, but you have to understand that is not the norm within the Peerage of the Compact. Society is based on rules. Without them we descend to chaos. The ways we have, the traditions we uphold give us stability. A society in which rules are bent or blurred makes men uncertain of where they stand and chaos reigns. The justifications for ennoblement are few. It is supposed to be a rare thing. Because the privileges granted *must* come at a price. There must be a cost to keep us honest and righteous. Does any of this make sense?
Written By Thena
March 9, 2018, 1:13 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Well I haven't read a post yet saying those children should suffer so I'm not sure why people are acting like it.
Written By Thena
March 9, 2018, 1:08 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassima
Yeah, your journals made it sound like you thought Countess Reigna was plotting something. Guess I was wrong. Sorry!
Written By Rey
March 9, 2018, 1:07 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
I came here today to record a dream. But it was a very nice dream, and I feel like maybe it doesn't belong right now. Or maybe my dream does, but I don't. Nothing makes sense right now. I don't want anything to make sense right now.
I don't want this to make sense.
I don't know who my parents were. I can just barely remember my mother singing to me, and how strong my father was. My mother and I were washed overboard from a ship during a storm, and I was found at the shores of Brighthold, very sick, and very alone, with my mother dead beside me. I was taken in, and taken care of, adopted into the family, encouraged in everything I tried to do. When the storms used to scare me at night, our nanny comforted me. I was loved, and never once made to think I was someone less than anyone else because of how I came into the family or anything else about me.
I've always been very proud of House Laveer's tradition of taking in "flotsam". In fact, it's the thing about my family that I'm most proud of. I thought it was a capacity for love and generosity that really made us special, that when a child in need came to us, we took them in, no questions asked, and made them one of the family in every way. I thought that was something about House Laveer that should be admired. I certainly admired it, and still do.
Was it really only me who felt this way? Am I really the only one who admires this about Count Tibualt, about House Laveer? Does the rest of Grayson really sneer at us -- at me -- for taking in, and being 'flotsam'? If House Pravus is being looked down on for taking in the children of a dishonored man who was once a Prince and embracing them as part of the family, what must people think of my family? Of me? The odds are pretty small that even one of my parents were noble.
They're just children.
The world just feels really wrong right now.
I'm glad that I'm going north soon. There's an awful smell in Arx lately, and I think it's going to start giving me nightmares again.
I don't want this to make sense.
I don't know who my parents were. I can just barely remember my mother singing to me, and how strong my father was. My mother and I were washed overboard from a ship during a storm, and I was found at the shores of Brighthold, very sick, and very alone, with my mother dead beside me. I was taken in, and taken care of, adopted into the family, encouraged in everything I tried to do. When the storms used to scare me at night, our nanny comforted me. I was loved, and never once made to think I was someone less than anyone else because of how I came into the family or anything else about me.
I've always been very proud of House Laveer's tradition of taking in "flotsam". In fact, it's the thing about my family that I'm most proud of. I thought it was a capacity for love and generosity that really made us special, that when a child in need came to us, we took them in, no questions asked, and made them one of the family in every way. I thought that was something about House Laveer that should be admired. I certainly admired it, and still do.
Was it really only me who felt this way? Am I really the only one who admires this about Count Tibualt, about House Laveer? Does the rest of Grayson really sneer at us -- at me -- for taking in, and being 'flotsam'? If House Pravus is being looked down on for taking in the children of a dishonored man who was once a Prince and embracing them as part of the family, what must people think of my family? Of me? The odds are pretty small that even one of my parents were noble.
They're just children.
The world just feels really wrong right now.
I'm glad that I'm going north soon. There's an awful smell in Arx lately, and I think it's going to start giving me nightmares again.
Written By Alarissa
March 9, 2018, 1:06 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Since it would seem this is hotly debated and people scream into their whites, perhaps we shall set some things straight. With facts. We do so all love facts yes?
Fact. These children are acknowledged by Abbas Crownsworn. They were before his exile. Abbas Crownsworn is related to Pravus through a half sister. This would make the little Lord and Little Lady Pravus, viable members of their household, in as such as I know it.
In words so recently written to me by a member of the faith to me, those in the family of one, are not automatically castigated and thrown away because of the sins of the one. These are innocents. These are two year old children who do fathom, know, or even care for the attitude, opinions or desires of others in the city. They are children, plain and simple.
So I state as voice of House Thrax. Our thanks to Pravus for taking in their kin. For giving them a home. For ensuring that they will never want for anything, receive a stellar education and grow up to be productive members of our society.
And to those who would castigate, winge and wail. They're children. We're at war.
Pick a better thing to get offended at, than over innocent children.
Fact. These children are acknowledged by Abbas Crownsworn. They were before his exile. Abbas Crownsworn is related to Pravus through a half sister. This would make the little Lord and Little Lady Pravus, viable members of their household, in as such as I know it.
In words so recently written to me by a member of the faith to me, those in the family of one, are not automatically castigated and thrown away because of the sins of the one. These are innocents. These are two year old children who do fathom, know, or even care for the attitude, opinions or desires of others in the city. They are children, plain and simple.
So I state as voice of House Thrax. Our thanks to Pravus for taking in their kin. For giving them a home. For ensuring that they will never want for anything, receive a stellar education and grow up to be productive members of our society.
And to those who would castigate, winge and wail. They're children. We're at war.
Pick a better thing to get offended at, than over innocent children.
Written By Reigna
March 9, 2018, 1:04 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassima
I did not single you out, your highness, when it came to taking the worst interpretations of words. Dame Thena was coming to my defense, for which I thank her most sincerely, but I did not think you meant that you thought I sought to wish ill upon the children with my 'ominous' and 'veiled references'. Nor was I attempting to make inflammatory accusations. Just to be clear.
Written By Reigna
March 9, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
No. There *should* be political and social responses to this move by House Pravus. It baffles me how or why this was thought to be a good idea. As I outlined in my journal, there is, from an outside perspective (i.e. the rest of the Peerage's perspective), no reason to do this. None. There is no political rationale for doing this outside of showing affection for a murderous, traitorous exile and excommunicate. What boon do these children bring to Pravus? What other than the circumstance of their parentage, qualifies them to be elevated to the nobility? Explain that. Give a solid, justifiable reason about what makes these children any different or special than any of the other orphans of the Lowers. When we grant nobility to a Crownsworn baby who has done nothing more than be born, are we not cheapening what it means to hold title? I take my responsibilities incredibly seriously. It is an affront to me, to the rest of the Peerage to see such a thing given with no explanation. Who can say what their future holds? They may grow up to be exemplary citizens of the Crown and their deeds may very well earn them ennoblement. But why now? Why with no explanation?
So yes. Pravus should be held both politically and socially accountable for their actions. The babies are blameless, and I hope their futures are happy and bright.
So yes. Pravus should be held both politically and socially accountable for their actions. The babies are blameless, and I hope their futures are happy and bright.
Written By Laric
March 9, 2018, 12:47 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Countess Reigna has written wisely -- her concern mirrors Princess Tikva's, albeit from another perspective. We would all be interested to read why House Pravus decided to adopt the children, I think; most ennobled bastards or wards earn their title well into adulthood and Gods know there has been a good deal of unrest surrounding ennoblement in the past few months. Simply put, the circumstances make the decision seem sudden and surprising. Duchess Belladonna's announcement said little else on the matter.
That is the House's decision and of course doesn't change what has been done. I wish Lady Aisha and Lord Amir happiness. If their father cannot join them, I hope they are at least never too far from their mother.
That is the House's decision and of course doesn't change what has been done. I wish Lady Aisha and Lord Amir happiness. If their father cannot join them, I hope they are at least never too far from their mother.
Written By Cassima
March 9, 2018, 12:38 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
If we are to assume the best of each other, I daresay you would not assume that I in any way meant to imply that anyone wished to physically harm anyone else. Either you are guilty of not following your own advice, or you use inflammatory accusations to distract from the matter at hand and my own message.
My own message is this: I hope that others would seek to support House Pravus and the children at this delicate time, rather than seek to imply that there might be negative /social/ or /political/ consequences, either brought on by their own hand or that of another. I hope the nobility of the Compact to be capable of rising above such pettiness to support a House's acquisition of a young Lord and Lady in an already strained environment.
What? No scholar, I did not wish to use Princess Agatha's big letters. What is that supposed to mean, my tone implied otherwise?
My own message is this: I hope that others would seek to support House Pravus and the children at this delicate time, rather than seek to imply that there might be negative /social/ or /political/ consequences, either brought on by their own hand or that of another. I hope the nobility of the Compact to be capable of rising above such pettiness to support a House's acquisition of a young Lord and Lady in an already strained environment.
What? No scholar, I did not wish to use Princess Agatha's big letters. What is that supposed to mean, my tone implied otherwise?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.