Written By Archeron
June 21, 2019, 6:11 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
If I may gently say, my lady, if you wish to promote discord and civil war, then force an islander to beg. They don't. If there is to be no help without begging, the Islands will deal with matters on their own. There will be suffering, but a new balance will be found. Thankfully i know this isn't the case - I have no belief that the mainland can help fully. We cannot do for all of Thrax what we all did for Kennex, Islanders and Mainlanders. But, I know our allies and friends will help us as they can, in the same way we help them with what ways we can.
If the compact makes one another beg for the support we owe one another? Then we fall and die on in our own castles. The Mourning Isles cannot stand without trade from the mainland. The mainland cannot command its coast without the navies of the Mourning Isles and the Lyceum. We share far more than we differ on - as Princess Sorrel says, it is just one tradition, this Thralldom.
So please, whatever your anger, do not speak of making the Isles beg for aide - because it is not the reality of how we treat one another, but hardliners - earnest but mistaken - will use such words to stir dissent.
If the compact makes one another beg for the support we owe one another? Then we fall and die on in our own castles. The Mourning Isles cannot stand without trade from the mainland. The mainland cannot command its coast without the navies of the Mourning Isles and the Lyceum. We share far more than we differ on - as Princess Sorrel says, it is just one tradition, this Thralldom.
So please, whatever your anger, do not speak of making the Isles beg for aide - because it is not the reality of how we treat one another, but hardliners - earnest but mistaken - will use such words to stir dissent.
Written By Archeron
June 21, 2019, 10:51 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
I do not think the end of Thralldom will cause suffering and chaos - and many of the prince of Thrax makes now, I made at the time. We must accept that death comes with the abolition. Those who found life in Thralldom rather than loss of their life will have to be dealt with.
It is pragmatic however, we deal with it. Certainly going forward there will be more executions in the Isles for crimes. Though, of course glibly I might point out by the end of Thrall's winding down there will be no executions of Thralls who try to escape punishment. I am less sold on the idea that the only choices for the Abandoned is death or Thralldom. We have accepted others who bend the knee, who accept our ways.
Tyde is a house of tradition. The past has important lessons. But we will adapt and we will thrive, and we will give people a chance if it will better our people. Our duty is always to our vassals and those of our lands, and that duty is now discharged by following Prince Victus and embracing this change. The alternative is to hold to old ways and complain loudly, even as the world changes around us. Tell me, who is the better leader? The man who screams at the waves that undercut the cliff on which his favourite fruit tree grows or the man who - no matter how much he loves staring at the waves from that cliff - accepts the change and moves his tree to a place where it may thrive and continue to feed his family?
It is pragmatic however, we deal with it. Certainly going forward there will be more executions in the Isles for crimes. Though, of course glibly I might point out by the end of Thrall's winding down there will be no executions of Thralls who try to escape punishment. I am less sold on the idea that the only choices for the Abandoned is death or Thralldom. We have accepted others who bend the knee, who accept our ways.
Tyde is a house of tradition. The past has important lessons. But we will adapt and we will thrive, and we will give people a chance if it will better our people. Our duty is always to our vassals and those of our lands, and that duty is now discharged by following Prince Victus and embracing this change. The alternative is to hold to old ways and complain loudly, even as the world changes around us. Tell me, who is the better leader? The man who screams at the waves that undercut the cliff on which his favourite fruit tree grows or the man who - no matter how much he loves staring at the waves from that cliff - accepts the change and moves his tree to a place where it may thrive and continue to feed his family?
Written By Archeron
June 16, 2019, 11:30 a.m.(4/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Radhilde
I hope now that things are settled, Radhilde will enjoy getting to know Tyde. It is so nice to have the family grow - especially with one so lovely and skilled.
Written By Archeron
June 5, 2019, 6:49 a.m.(3/23/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Marisol
Radhilde's most gracious patron hosted a fantastic engagement party. I am not sure I have seen cousin Margot have such fun. It was truly a kind thing to arrange, and a beautiful event - with song, poem and of course spiced mead. Radhilde is clearly lucky in her patronage.
Written By Archeron
June 5, 2019, 6:48 a.m.(3/23/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Lottie
A beautiful song - I am truly grateful!
Written By Archeron
June 5, 2019, 6:47 a.m.(3/23/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Radhilde
It was a truly enjoyable party - and soon the next section of my life begins with the Lady Radhilde. In my life I have been a few things. I have been a child of Tyde, a refugee family adopted back into Ashford, a ranger, a noble Tyde, a voice of Tyde, a lone woodsman of the Isles. I shall hope that Husband is one title I can live up to.
Written By Archeron
May 8, 2019, 6:03 p.m.(1/24/1011 AR)
Well, I guess the betrothal is announced - so people can know why I have been smiling these few days. As well as being to a graceful and sharp lady who will strengthen Tyde greatly, and one who is most kind and sweet, it is also good to strengthen the old bonds between Tyde and the people of Redrain. They have been steadfast friends in our past, and it is great to be able to renew those ties and hopefully show how highly we think of them.
Now I just have to think what food suitably merges northlands and the Isles for the reception. Ah, a fun challenge.
Now I just have to think what food suitably merges northlands and the Isles for the reception. Ah, a fun challenge.
Written By Archeron
May 1, 2019, 5:34 p.m.(1/10/1011 AR)
Winter is always a pleasant time - it removes the harsh lines of the city. You can forget you are in the stone, pretend you are in nature once more, with the forests and the trees. It was a secret love of mine, when it would snow when we were out on patrol in the Gray Forest, up in trees. Pulling your furs tight, listening to the fire crackling as the snow tried to cover it and failed.
It is easy to say I miss those days, but the freedom to be that person was given to me by tragedy. These days I may have more responsibility, I may be kept from the woods, but I would not go back and give up what we are now.
It is easy to say I miss those days, but the freedom to be that person was given to me by tragedy. These days I may have more responsibility, I may be kept from the woods, but I would not go back and give up what we are now.
Written By Archeron
April 14, 2019, 9:15 a.m.(12/3/1010 AR)
It is hard not to be cautious - life tells us to be cautious. We learn when we see others falter and they have all they are snatched from them. But. We also see people run headlong into danger with no awareness and live.
Written By Archeron
March 17, 2019, 7:57 a.m.(10/3/1010 AR)
I had a very enjoyable time at the Taste of Thrax event - I got to watch people enjoy themselves, I got to spend time with my twin, with my cousin, with the Lady Amari, my High Lord and his far more lovely consort, and with a Grayson princess. It was actually good to be out and with people - and not to be trapped inside with my paperwork.
My sister did accuse me of being trouble though - which is a terrible slur. I am nothing but sweetness and light.
My sister did accuse me of being trouble though - which is a terrible slur. I am nothing but sweetness and light.
Written By Archeron
March 14, 2019, 7:14 a.m.(9/25/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
These men and women, those who committed the most serious acts, were already weighed and judged by our systems. Perhaps there are alternatives, perhaps there are options that allow still for restitution, for the paying of a Thrallprice to the victims in place of or to soften punishment. But that might simply allow the wealthy to escape consequences, even if the intent is to help the victims.
There is much to consider, but Tyde knows death very well and never takes it lightly. There are 6 adults who were born to the name Tyde left on Arvum. And one of them is lost to us.
There is much to consider, but Tyde knows death very well and never takes it lightly. There are 6 adults who were born to the name Tyde left on Arvum. And one of them is lost to us.
Written By Archeron
March 14, 2019, 7:03 a.m.(9/25/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
It's interesting how different the young Duke is to what came before - his father and his grandfather both never had a problem with violence to achieve their ends, to find something better for Grimhall.
Written By Archeron
March 12, 2019, 6:12 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
It is a hard thing isn't it? That it means freedom for so many, but for a minority it means death.
As I've said, traditions are important - but they can also change for good reason over time. But, I hope that though Thralldom dies the death it deserves we salvage some small good from it. I hope that we understand the importance of restitution as well as punishment. I hope we understand slaughter is not the only way, that each man has a worth.
But for now, if you need it Cousin, I have an axe as well as a bow. And if there is to be more death at Tyde Hall, better the hand is a Tyde one. Enough other hands have spilled the blood of our people. At least to start.
As I've said, traditions are important - but they can also change for good reason over time. But, I hope that though Thralldom dies the death it deserves we salvage some small good from it. I hope that we understand the importance of restitution as well as punishment. I hope we understand slaughter is not the only way, that each man has a worth.
But for now, if you need it Cousin, I have an axe as well as a bow. And if there is to be more death at Tyde Hall, better the hand is a Tyde one. Enough other hands have spilled the blood of our people. At least to start.
Written By Archeron
March 10, 2019, 9:01 a.m.(9/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Olivia
It was good to see cousin Olivia at the Lycean wedding celebrations - as it is good to see any of my cousins. It can feel like there are precious few - most on the Tyde side were killed in the fall of Tyde Hall, and the Ashfords have suffered tragic losses in the past few years. Still. It was a happy affair. And there was wine. And I spoke a little too loudly. But cousin Olivia seemed to have fun bustling around the dance floor.
Written By Archeron
Feb. 4, 2019, 5:03 a.m.(7/5/1010 AR)
As I write an entry into the Whites in reply to Aleksei Morgan, my mind got me thinking back to comments made that Thralldom debts are fictitious. Some of them represent costs other fealties absorb - those Shav Thralls taken as war prize pay down the cost of bringing that land back to the Compact. Some represent actual debt - failed merchants, traders gone wrong, swindlers, hustlers. Some more represent violent criminality - the debt there is for what they took, the life of a man perhaps, the use of a limb, the sight of an eye, the strength of a hand.
It got me thinking about two things, the first is that in any other fealty many of the final group would be killed - if we liberate Thralls, their sentence then incomplete and no longer valid, shouldn't we then execute them? They still committed the murder or mutilation of the other, justice still must be done for the victim and his family, no? Of course, this group is not the largest group of Thralls, so we should not exaggerate this, but it is an interesting question.
The other is that the Isles is a place where a life has a value. I don't mean to say that other fealties are different. But I mean in this case a quite literal value. People are weighed in silver, and dispensed with in the same fashion. It is hard and cruel. I could tell you of the horrors of the Rebellion, of how we treat one another at war, but I'll spare boring everyone who reads this. Just look up Sir Darrow's history, and know that is a story retold a thousand times, each time with a new cast. But, Thralls were killed alongside the families and house guards of those places that fell. We are told we do not love Thralls. And that's probably true in most cases, some though do become trusted and get access to a better life through it. Some look after our children, I have no doubt some were with my cousins when they were killed. I can remember their faces from my youth as vividly as my father's. It is more complex than Thralls being uncaring and separate.
It would be simple if Thrax were cold unfeeling monsters determined to preserve the suffering of others, and the Mainlanders were arrogant fools who wished to impose their ways with no care, and would take glee in our suffering. The truth is we are all people, seeking to deal with things that are most personal to our lives, most important to our shared community of the compact. We are people who are, in part, the deeds of our forebears. And in this, the traditions collide. And traditions sometimes can be set aside willingly when the prize is worthy enough - one only needs to look at the differing paths chosen by myself and Cousin Reveka when it comes to how we treat Prince Victus to see what a difference it can make. There just needs to be a way to balance the harm and the prize in such a way that the prize outweighs all the harm - I do not see that being possible in the time scale offered. But I'm a simple ranger and much smarter people may be able to make it work.
It got me thinking about two things, the first is that in any other fealty many of the final group would be killed - if we liberate Thralls, their sentence then incomplete and no longer valid, shouldn't we then execute them? They still committed the murder or mutilation of the other, justice still must be done for the victim and his family, no? Of course, this group is not the largest group of Thralls, so we should not exaggerate this, but it is an interesting question.
The other is that the Isles is a place where a life has a value. I don't mean to say that other fealties are different. But I mean in this case a quite literal value. People are weighed in silver, and dispensed with in the same fashion. It is hard and cruel. I could tell you of the horrors of the Rebellion, of how we treat one another at war, but I'll spare boring everyone who reads this. Just look up Sir Darrow's history, and know that is a story retold a thousand times, each time with a new cast. But, Thralls were killed alongside the families and house guards of those places that fell. We are told we do not love Thralls. And that's probably true in most cases, some though do become trusted and get access to a better life through it. Some look after our children, I have no doubt some were with my cousins when they were killed. I can remember their faces from my youth as vividly as my father's. It is more complex than Thralls being uncaring and separate.
It would be simple if Thrax were cold unfeeling monsters determined to preserve the suffering of others, and the Mainlanders were arrogant fools who wished to impose their ways with no care, and would take glee in our suffering. The truth is we are all people, seeking to deal with things that are most personal to our lives, most important to our shared community of the compact. We are people who are, in part, the deeds of our forebears. And in this, the traditions collide. And traditions sometimes can be set aside willingly when the prize is worthy enough - one only needs to look at the differing paths chosen by myself and Cousin Reveka when it comes to how we treat Prince Victus to see what a difference it can make. There just needs to be a way to balance the harm and the prize in such a way that the prize outweighs all the harm - I do not see that being possible in the time scale offered. But I'm a simple ranger and much smarter people may be able to make it work.
Written By Archeron
Feb. 4, 2019, 4:28 a.m.(7/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I don't doubt your sincerity. I don't doubt your conviction. I don't doubt your wisdom in much that you say. I think you would try. I think the Compact would try, because despite our darker demons we are a people that do seem to help one another. Not always for good reasons, and not always together - many of the Isles saw the Kennex failing as an Isles issue, and sailed there under their own flags rather than subsume into a larger effort that might be seen as endorsement of Liberator views - but we do have a remarkable capacity to help.
But I do doubt that even within planning, even with the year that Brass was willing to allow us, you could mitigate this and provide that shipping in the same way. As you say, you led a large navy to deal with the issue last time, and yet you'll need easily over a hundred times that number. A thousand perhaps. Kennex was not even a large population of Thralls for a holding of their size. Some ships will of course suffer to attrition, careless captains, storms, being taken by the remnants of the Gyre's fleets. And that won't help, but the main issue I see is that no amount of planning, in the year or such that you will have, will allow you to mitigate this. It's too large.
And all that might be fine, that might be worth it. I'm certainly not going to defend the morals of Thralldom - but what we are arguing about here is timescale. Steps are underway in the Isles to reform Thralldom - and have been ongoing for a while. Slowly the scope reduces, the worst excesses are ended. In a generation or two, perhaps 50 years from now, I wonder if there will be Thralldom in the Isles even without an overt attempt to end it? But let us be honest, that if we proceed on this, the Compact will - for various reasons - try to help but it will not be enough. If this choice is to be made, let it be made knowing what it is we are choosing.
But I do doubt that even within planning, even with the year that Brass was willing to allow us, you could mitigate this and provide that shipping in the same way. As you say, you led a large navy to deal with the issue last time, and yet you'll need easily over a hundred times that number. A thousand perhaps. Kennex was not even a large population of Thralls for a holding of their size. Some ships will of course suffer to attrition, careless captains, storms, being taken by the remnants of the Gyre's fleets. And that won't help, but the main issue I see is that no amount of planning, in the year or such that you will have, will allow you to mitigate this. It's too large.
And all that might be fine, that might be worth it. I'm certainly not going to defend the morals of Thralldom - but what we are arguing about here is timescale. Steps are underway in the Isles to reform Thralldom - and have been ongoing for a while. Slowly the scope reduces, the worst excesses are ended. In a generation or two, perhaps 50 years from now, I wonder if there will be Thralldom in the Isles even without an overt attempt to end it? But let us be honest, that if we proceed on this, the Compact will - for various reasons - try to help but it will not be enough. If this choice is to be made, let it be made knowing what it is we are choosing.
Written By Archeron
Feb. 3, 2019, 10:44 a.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
I am not a great idealist, I'm practical. People say abolishing Thralldom will hurt and that this is fine. And they may be right. I grew up for the most part in Grayson, I grew up in a place where such practices were banned. It is possible that somehow everything would work out. They suggest from Kennex's rashness and the response that it can be handled. That was 1 house, 1 march. We have 3 duchies. We have over half a dozen marches. We have close to 30 counties, over 80 baronies. Thralldom exists in all but a handful. And then there are the holdings of Maelstrom itself. The total figure I have seen is over 3 billion silver to mitigate the economic damage alone. Ignoring any social issues. 3 billion silver. To put that in perspective, that could outfit over a million men at arms and pay their way for a year. Even at a tenth that cost, it would be significant.
Let's also remember that part of the response to Kennex's issues came from the other houses of the Isles. The immediate relief on the pressure came from former Thralls being welcomed into places like Tyde Isle, with ships being provided to move them from the other houses too. This would not be an option in this event. So with less, you will be asked to do something many times more difficult.
If that is the choice the Compact wants to make, that's fine. It will leave us devastated because, let us be realistic, the mainland cannot stem that economic hole even in a year. It will cause social upheaval on the scale of Kennex in every holding, so our forces will be busy with that. Perhaps some houses will fall. But, these things happen. But it does mean we will not be able to be there when you need us. Our fleets will not be able to sail to oppose any action by Eurus. Our soldiers will not be able to march alongside against our enemy. This will mean more death overall, and all of it borne by the mainland houses. But, thralldom will be gone. As I say, perhaps that is worth it to some. To me it seems a little careless, to think that because the world should be one way we should burn our civilisation to make it so, that we should not recognise we live in a real world and things may take time, and if Brass will not allow us those decades then he is perhaps the unreasonable one. But, others can take a different view. Just remember, you need to provide steel and men and silver to the Compact to equal the loss, or we will be so much weaker. Or perhaps Brass has promised us power equal to that, them maybe it is a good deal, a few thousand dead in the isles and its economy gone for final victory?
The one final thought I would share though is that the forces of the Gyre were defeated, but not destroyed. If you do not think that should we fall to chaos that the Gyre's successor will not seek to bring her final revenge on Thrax, you are mistaken. I've tasted that hate, I've known it.
Let's also remember that part of the response to Kennex's issues came from the other houses of the Isles. The immediate relief on the pressure came from former Thralls being welcomed into places like Tyde Isle, with ships being provided to move them from the other houses too. This would not be an option in this event. So with less, you will be asked to do something many times more difficult.
If that is the choice the Compact wants to make, that's fine. It will leave us devastated because, let us be realistic, the mainland cannot stem that economic hole even in a year. It will cause social upheaval on the scale of Kennex in every holding, so our forces will be busy with that. Perhaps some houses will fall. But, these things happen. But it does mean we will not be able to be there when you need us. Our fleets will not be able to sail to oppose any action by Eurus. Our soldiers will not be able to march alongside against our enemy. This will mean more death overall, and all of it borne by the mainland houses. But, thralldom will be gone. As I say, perhaps that is worth it to some. To me it seems a little careless, to think that because the world should be one way we should burn our civilisation to make it so, that we should not recognise we live in a real world and things may take time, and if Brass will not allow us those decades then he is perhaps the unreasonable one. But, others can take a different view. Just remember, you need to provide steel and men and silver to the Compact to equal the loss, or we will be so much weaker. Or perhaps Brass has promised us power equal to that, them maybe it is a good deal, a few thousand dead in the isles and its economy gone for final victory?
The one final thought I would share though is that the forces of the Gyre were defeated, but not destroyed. If you do not think that should we fall to chaos that the Gyre's successor will not seek to bring her final revenge on Thrax, you are mistaken. I've tasted that hate, I've known it.
Written By Archeron
Jan. 21, 2019, 9:51 a.m.(6/6/1010 AR)
All these choices have draw backs. All have advantages. We just need to fully understand them.
Written By Archeron
Jan. 21, 2019, 8:55 a.m.(6/5/1010 AR)
It is a hard choice placed before the Assembly - on such an important matter it is clear that the Duchess alone speaks for Tyde, she will make our position clear.
What I will say though is that people quite rightly talk of some of the choices in front of us being unacceptable because it sacrifices customs and practices that are long established, and they do not wish to do that. To accept the end of Thralldom, to the Isles, is to accept that same thing. To surrender an old custom, an old practice, at the request of those not known to us. I say this not advocating either way, but it must be considered that to the Isles, this is the same as some of those routes the Mainlanders say are unacceptable.
We must also consider the cost. Remember the horror when Kennex did as it did? There are only a handful of houses in Thrax that do not practice Thralldom in any form. It took the resources of the Compact, including the others of Thrax, to control that situation. And it was not just a cost in silver, but in people as people felt worried at such rapid change, as people who society had removed, where Thralldom had provided an option other than summary execution, were returned to society they had already proven they could not live within. Deaths occured. More were avoided by the spreading of that pressure, by former Thralls being taken in. We were glad to help.
Thrax has its own holdings. It has three duchies. It has marches under those. Over 25 counties under that. Over 80 baronies. Imagine over 100 Kennexs. All at once. And with the support Thrax gave removed, as it would be dealing with its own issues. Essentially 1/5th of the Compact is removed, likely struggling to muster forces for more than enforcing order in their own lands. The cost of avoiding major unrest, the resources put in to stabilise - because we cannot have the resources to mitigate the damage as we did with Kennex when so many occur at once - would likely take a great deal away from the other 4/5ths of the Compact's ability to muster new companies of men to fight.
It is complex. It is serious. It is hard.
I am glad this is a choice for the High Lords, for it will take broad shoulders and strong backs to bear the weight of these choices.
What I will say though is that people quite rightly talk of some of the choices in front of us being unacceptable because it sacrifices customs and practices that are long established, and they do not wish to do that. To accept the end of Thralldom, to the Isles, is to accept that same thing. To surrender an old custom, an old practice, at the request of those not known to us. I say this not advocating either way, but it must be considered that to the Isles, this is the same as some of those routes the Mainlanders say are unacceptable.
We must also consider the cost. Remember the horror when Kennex did as it did? There are only a handful of houses in Thrax that do not practice Thralldom in any form. It took the resources of the Compact, including the others of Thrax, to control that situation. And it was not just a cost in silver, but in people as people felt worried at such rapid change, as people who society had removed, where Thralldom had provided an option other than summary execution, were returned to society they had already proven they could not live within. Deaths occured. More were avoided by the spreading of that pressure, by former Thralls being taken in. We were glad to help.
Thrax has its own holdings. It has three duchies. It has marches under those. Over 25 counties under that. Over 80 baronies. Imagine over 100 Kennexs. All at once. And with the support Thrax gave removed, as it would be dealing with its own issues. Essentially 1/5th of the Compact is removed, likely struggling to muster forces for more than enforcing order in their own lands. The cost of avoiding major unrest, the resources put in to stabilise - because we cannot have the resources to mitigate the damage as we did with Kennex when so many occur at once - would likely take a great deal away from the other 4/5ths of the Compact's ability to muster new companies of men to fight.
It is complex. It is serious. It is hard.
I am glad this is a choice for the High Lords, for it will take broad shoulders and strong backs to bear the weight of these choices.
Written By Archeron
Jan. 17, 2019, 4:55 a.m.(5/17/1010 AR)
I might be old fashioned, it might be that tradition runs deep in Tyde. But importing customs from others may seem cute or fashionable, but it dilutes our own. We do not raid, we reave. We care for our families always, rather than ourselves. Our children have Salt Parents, and the Survivor's Games teach our children that the world is hard, that society has rules, and life at times is not fair. Even those ideas that fade now as they must still have meaning, the duty of the man to provide strength in rule, for the women the wisdom - can anyone look at Prince Victus and Princess Alarissa and say this isn't so?
Thrax should always be Thrax. Grayson should be Grayson. We should not, in calls for unity or in fads of fashion, forget who our families are. And the burden we shoulder. Especially in the Great and Ducal houses, where we must act as models for all below.
Thrax should always be Thrax. Grayson should be Grayson. We should not, in calls for unity or in fads of fashion, forget who our families are. And the burden we shoulder. Especially in the Great and Ducal houses, where we must act as models for all below.
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